open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

@Toshigami Equine

Kronos chuckled at the little colt’s enthusiasm and explained, “Hold on there, squirt, my title may be recognized as ‘Prince’ here in Equestria, but in my ‘kingdom’, I’m actually a Lieutenant Colonel, Head of the Biomechanical Research and Development Division. I basically design and create weapons and armor to outfit the kingdom’s soldiers. Im merely subjugated to the same rank as an elite bodyguard in my kingdom. The true ‘king and queen’ are my parents.” He then hears his enthusiasm for growing up, “It’s great that you’re excited to grow up and all, but growing up comes with responsibilities, mostly to yourself but sometimes, depending on what happens to you, you may also end up responsible for other ponies as well. You’ll learn as you get older kid.” He then chortled and said, “Also, i agree, robotic royalty is the future.”

[Samurai Equine 51,783]

@Kronos the Revenant

The little colt nods, doing his best to take this all in, even though it's a little confusing. Prince, not really a prince, it's a lot to process for someone so young. "Hmm... The future is confusing. But still cool!" He looks around for a second. "I really should get going. I need to figure out why I'm here. I'm sure there's a reason." He waves and trots off. "Goodbye Mr. Kronos, the cyborg! Thank you for being nice to me!"

@Dynamo Pad, @ExplosionMare, @Windy Breeze, @C. Thunder Dash

"Pancakes, huh? That's right, I forgot McDaffodil's has those now, don't they? Probably not as good as the ones you can get at the Equestrain House of Pancakes, or EHOP. But I don't really know if we have that restaurant here. I just remember seeing it once in Las Pegasus." Trilby shrugs. "But I'm not hearing any objections, so off we go!" Trilby magically gathers his wallet and puts a sign on the door before leaving and escorting everyone to the nearest McDaffodil's. "I hope they still serve Hay McMuffin's. I mean, why wouldn't they? It's a major staple of their menu..."

Edited December 13, 2020 by Toshigami Equine

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Toshigami Equine @C. Thunder Dash @ExplosionMare @Dynamo Pad 

“Let's also invite Tree Song too, Trilby” Shadow told Trilby as she and others are escorted to a diner called McMuffin's. She did not want Tree to feel betrayed for not only eating with everyone without her and her teacher but also did not kept her promise to buy for their breakfast. Before Trilby or anyone could reply, Shadow unfolded her wings and dashed away.

@PawelS

Shadow immediately went to her apartment room and knocks on the door “Tree are you still in there? I got something to tell you!”

 

[Dynamo Pad 11,356]

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

“Did they not used to have pancakes at McDonafodil’s? I know they have their hay sandwiches and all, but not sure on pancakes.” He says with a shrug, before hearing about EHOP. “Is it bad that I’ve never been there before? Granted. I’ve heard of that place,  it never been to it. Might have to make that a place to go to in the future.” He says, while being escorted with the group by Trilby out of the shop. “I hope they have Hay McMuffins. I get pancakes from time to time, but McMuffins are so good!” He would say, almost drooling at the thought of the food. He looked over and slowed his walk as Shadow went to get Tree Song. “Okay and sounds like a plan! We’ll try and wait for you,Shadow!” He called out to her, while trying to not leave anyone behind.

 

[Silly Druid 7,025]

@Windy Breeze

Nopony and Tree Song are still in Shadow Trail's apartment. The druid uses the time before the owner returns to teach his apprentice.

"So, the artifacts have a large amount of concentrated magical power in them, which can be really harmful if wielded by somepony irresponsible. Take the Alicorn Amulet for example..."

"But it's kept in a safe place now, isn't it?"

"Yes, but there are many items that are just as dangerous, and we don't know where they are. So you need to..."

Knocking on the door interrupts the lesson. Tree opens it and sees Shadow. "Nice to see you again, Shadow! Where have you been?"

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@PawelS

“I went to Trilby's place” she said, “Trilby and the others are going to eat at Mcdaffodil's. Wanna join them with me? Oh, and do you want to go to, Mr. No...pony?’ she did not really want to call Tree's teacher nopony. To her, it sounds insulting, as if you are calling someone a ghost. It doesn't help the fact Nopony is an eldery pony.

[Silly Druid 7,025]

"Nice to meet you, miss Shadow Trail." Noticing that Shadow isn't comfortable with calling him Nopony, the druid suggests an alternative. "You can call me Nameless Lunatic if you prefer, somepony called me that lately and I really like it."

"You're going to McDaffodil's? I'm in!" Tree says happily, feeling hunger in her stomach. "I'll go too, I could use a good meal" Nopony added.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Windy Breeze @ExplosionMare @Toshigami Equine

“Sorry guys but McDoffles has the worst pancakes in the universe.” Thundy said as he and Chelsea hung back. Thundy felt upset that he couldn’t serve up his delicious pancakes from his home planet. “I have to agree with Thundy. Even with syrup on them they just taste so cheap.” Chelsea added. 

[ExplosionMare 18,065]

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

Pencil mock-gasped as Thundy told everyone that the McDaffodil’s pancakes were the worst in the world- at least, in this world. Honestly, she couldn’t blame him. She remembered one of her friends back home eating some on a business trip and saying he really only ate them because he had to. Even with that information in mind, the pancakes probably weren’t horrible. Pencil was hungry so she didn’t care how good or bad the food was.

“Everyone seems to have different opinions about the place, but as for me, I honestly don’t care what I eat this morning. I just want something!” she exhaled to the group as they made their way towards the diner.

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@PawelS

Shadow smiled when Nopony spoke, even maintaining that smile without any trace of it being fake when he decided to give himself a brand new colorful name.

26 minutes ago, PawelS said:

Nice to meet you, miss Shadow Trail." Noticing that Shadow isn't comfortable with calling him Nopony, the druid suggests an alternative. "You can call me Nameless Lunatic if you prefer, somepony called me that lately and I really like it."

No. It would be silly if the whole sentence is his name.

26 minutes ago, PawelS said:

"You can call me Nameless Lunatic if you prefer, somepony called me that lately and I really like it."

Almost there...

26 minutes ago, PawelS said:

Shadow Trail

I'm not silly, you know.

26 minutes ago, PawelS said:

Nameless Lunatic

Yes, that. ...Anyway, back to the story.

Shadow gave Nameless Lunatic (That is Nopony) and Tree the best cheerful look just to hide her confusion, though a part of her smile is genuine “That's great. Now, Tree and Nameless Lunatic, follow me. I'll lead you guys to the others. Why does Nopony wants to be called Nameless Lunatic? That's very odd and disrespectful to be a name, and he even mentioned somepony called him that. I wonder who they are”

By now, in Shadow's opinion, Nameless Lunatic could be the worst name she ever heard in her whole life, far more worst than being called a ghost. She also wonders how Tree reacted to the name.

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

It took Shadow, Tree Song, and... Nameless Lunatic (Pfft!) some minutes to reach the others. Shadow declared their arrival by yelling at the group.

“We're here, Trilby!”

Edited December 13, 2020 by Windy Breeze

[Silly Druid 7,025]

@Windy Breeze

1 hour ago, Windy Breeze said:

She also wonders how Tree reacted to the name.

Tree didn't react strongly to it, because she is used to her teacher's shenanigans. Also she thinks it makes an interesting logical paradox, because it's a name that declares its bearer to be nameless.

[Samurai Equine 51,783]

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

"Sure thing. See ya soon!" Trilby waves as Shadow flies off.

"Oh, really? Sorry, Thundy. I promise I'll make it up to you next time. And maybe you could help me around the shop some time. You know, I'm always looking for new ways to attract customers. It's not just hats and clothes I am selling, I am trying to sell a new lease on life, something that gives ponies and creatures a new sense of self or a new beginning." Trilby clarifies.

@Windy Breeze, @PawelS

Soon, the gang reaches McDaffodil's. However, before they can open the door, Shadow comes back with her new friends. "Shadow, just in time! We were just about to go in and start ordering. Oh, and it's Tree Song, right? You look different in the real world, but I recognize you from the game. ...!" Trilby leans over and sees the male traveling with her. "Oh, excuse me, sir. Don't think I've seen you before. May I ask your name?"

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Toshigami Equine @Dynamo Pad @ExplosionMare @Windy Breeze @PawelS

"Promise me you'll let me treat next time." Thundy said with a sad sigh as he approached the McDoffles with the group. Chelsea was a little sad as well that she was going to eat those cheaply made pancakes from a fast food place than ones made from Thundy himself. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,356]

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

"Wait, really? I mean, I've had them before and they are pretty good, in my opinion. I guess it's an acquired taste, or maybe it's just one opinion on the subject." Dynamo would say, his ears fell in worry as he heard Pencil's response. He didn't blame her as it seemed that everyone was feeling hungry. "Hopefully, there isn't a line. I'm with Pencil as it doesn't matter to me what we have. I just want to be able to get something to eat as soon as we can." He says, his ears suddenly perked as he heard Shadow's voice. He looked over to see the mare in question, who had brought along Tree Song and what appeared to be Tree's teacher. "Welcome back, Shadow. Also, hey, Tree Song. It's nice to finally meet you and your teacher outside of the game." He smiled with a friendly wave.

Dynamo glanced over to Trilby, while tilting his head in confusion and curiosity. "Sell a new lease on life? Do you mean selling advice, or something else along those lines? I think helping others to find a sense of self or beginning sounds interesting. Although, I'm not sure how one would go about that for someone else. Do you have a sort of example, Trilby?" He asks, taking notice of Thundy's sigh. He looked over towards the two griffons with dejected expressions upon their faces. "I'm sorry, you guys. Just remember there's always next time to try your home cooked pancakes. I'm still up to trying them sometime." He would say, trying to be hopeful for the others.

[ExplosionMare 18,065]

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

At last, the group arrived at McDaffodil’s. Pencil was about to go ahead and order, but first there were a couple of new ponies to the group everyone was saying hi too. Out of courtesy, Pencil introduced herself as well although she had seen at least one of the new members before.

“Hi guys! Oh, Tree Song, I remember you! First time I actually remember a name, heh,” she said. She then pointed at the stallion next to Tree Song since his name was unfamiliar. “Uh, sorry, what’s your name? I hope I just haven’t met you before and not that I just forgot. If I did forget, I’m sorry,” Pencil dipped her head down and tapped her hoof on the ground. Already, this was a lot of socialization for her to handle, even despite knowing one of the new group members.

[Silly Druid 7,025]

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

Upon arriving in front of the fast food place, they meet a group of Tree's friends from the game. The druid recognizes one of them. It's the one he saw before, the one with the brown eyes from his vision. But he says nothing about it.

"Nice to meet you all, you can call me Nopony or Nameless Lunatic" he introduces himself politely, which sounds a little odd combined with the strange names he's using. "Don't mind me, I'm just an old druid trying to track down some evil magic."

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@PawelS @ExplosionMare @Dynamo Pad @Toshigami Equine

Thundy entered the McDaffodils. All he would order is a sausage biscuit and a side of two hash browns. He saw some familiar faces. Thundy turned to Dynamo. "Well when you know how to make good pancakes, you can tell what is good and what is just plain bad." Thundy stated. 

[ExplosionMare 18,065]

@C. Thunder Dash @Dynamo Pad @Windy Breeze

Pencil thought of ordering the pancakes, but was afraid of starting a debate with Chelsea and Thundy. She hadn’t thought much about what to order else wise, so she had to stare at the menu for a while. Her indecisiveness caused a few impatient customers to take her place in line, but she didn’t mind too much. After she had completely read through the menu, she stepped up in line to take her order.

“Hi, uh, I’ll have a McGriddle and some hash browns...please,” she muttered to the cashier as she dug around her saddlebag for some change.

[Samurai Equine 51,783]

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

"Ah, nice to meet you, Mr. Lunatic." Trilby shakes his hoof, thinking absolutely nothing about his odd name. But will Shadow be okay with that?

"I all ready have." Trilby responds to Thundy, before turning to Dynamo. He smirks and shakes his head. "Oh, my dear poor lad... You clearly don't understand the power of a good hat. I'll need to show you what you're missing. Now you don't seem like the fancy type, so fedoras and such are out. And I'm guessing a ball cap would have no effect on you. If you want to stick to something similar, you might like a bucket cap, a stormy kromer, or even a newsboy hat! But if you're feeling really bold... You'd look positively dapper in a flat cap! You might even have the head to pull off a scally. Do you have a material preference? Long brim or short brim?" Oh boy, Dynamo has really got him going now.

Trilby goes inside with them. At the front desk, the workers there seem confused at Thundy's order; especially at the mention of Sausage. This is a vegetarian/vegan world, after all. He's lucky they offer eggs. The manager eventually comes out and asks if Thundy has a certified permit allowing him to eat meat.

However, before Thundy, Pencil, or anyone can pay for their food; Trilby intervenes. "No, no! Please, my treat, just this once. It's the least I can do. Just no freeloading, if you don't mind." Trilby says, gladly paying for everyone's breakfast today, including his own.

What Trilby doesn't see is a little colt with no cutie mark entering the restauraunt. "They still have a McDaffodil's?!" The little kid trots over to the front desk, but despite reaching and jumping, he isn't tall enough for the staff to see him. "Escuse me~! Escuse me~!"

[Dynamo Pad 11,356]

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

Upon entering the McDaffodil's, Dynamo turned to Thundy as he nodded at his remark. "That's fair when you put it that way. I'm not the best with cooking, but I'm learning. I've been able to make one or two different dishes. When I try that same thing from someone else, then I guess it isn't really the same. I'm not really sure as I can't tell the difference at times." He explained with a sheepish expression. He looked over towards the stallion that had accompanied Tree Song. He tilted his head in confusion due to the stallion's unique choice in name. Even so, he still didn't want to be rude. "It's nice to meet you, Nameless. Tree Song had told me a bit about you when I met her in the game. I've heard of the term druid, but I've never met an actual druid before." He would say, before turning towards Trilby, who had smirked and shook his head. Dynamo imagined himself in the array of hats that he had mentioned, before nodding at the idea. "I can see what you mean. Whenever it comes to cosplay, I wear a hat if the outfit goes with it. Maybe we can check to see how a hat goes when we head back to your shop. I'm not a big fan of caps and such, but I can always give it a chance."

When there was an open spot, Dynamo went up to the front desk to place his order. "I'll have the Hay McMuffin with egg and a hash brown, please." He would say, before a little colt with not cutie mark had trotted over to the front desk. It looked like he was trying to place an order, but it looked as if the staff couldn't see him due to his height. "Is everything okay? Do you need some help?" He asks, hoping to gain their attention to help.

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

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

Shadow prefer to pretend not finding Trilby's greeting insulting. How he's not going to call Tree's teacher a lunatic when he introduced himself as Nameless Lunatic? Shadow swore to the night she will open every piece of Nopony's brain just to find his name.

Shadow is quick to pick pancakes, having not eating in McDoffil's in the past, she also ordered a big whopper and orange cider “I want the pancakes, a big whopper burger (no meat, of course), and an orange cider, please” she gave the workers a polite and sweet smile, In an attempt to remove the confusion from their minds when Thundy mentioned meat despite the restaurant obviously serving only vegetables.

1 hour ago, Toshigami Equine said:

What Trilby doesn't see is a little colt with no cutie mark entering the restauraunt. "They still have a McDaffodil's?!" The little kid trots over to the front desk, but despite reaching and jumping, he isn't tall enough for the staff to see him. "Escuse me~! Escuse me~!"

She felt something brush her the soft fluffy feathers of her right wing. Looking down, she saw a foal trying to gain the attention of the staff, though he is too small to even reach the front desk. Deciding to help this foal, she asks him.

“Do you need any help, foal?”

Edited December 15, 2020 by Windy Breeze

[ExplosionMare 18,065]

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

“Oh, really? Thanks, Trilby! That’s really nice of you!” Pencil said as Trilby offered to buy everyone’s breakfast.

She scooted over from her place in line as Trilby set his money on the counter. When she moved, she could just make out a small figure standing near the counter bouncing up and down. Pencil craned her neck to get a better look and realized a small colt was attempting to place his order but was unable to reach the counter. Pencil felt sympathetic for the colt, so she offered to help him.

“Hey, um, I can place your order for you if you want,” she said, smiling patiently.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@ExplosionMare @Dynamo Pad @Windy Breeze @Toshigami Equine

Hearing that Trilby was going to pay for everyone’s food made Thundy a little happier than he was despite him not being able to fix his premier pancakes and hash browns. 

[Silly Druid 7,025]

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

Both Tree Song and her teacher express their gratitude to Trilby for paying for their breakfast. Tree orders pancakes, as she doesn't believe they are as bad as some of her friends suggest, and wants to find it out for herself.

What Nopony chooses is just some simple hayburgers. When the little colt enters the restaurant, the druid starts watching him closely, but without drawing too much attention to himself. There is something odd about this foal, which can be important for the mystery he is currently solving, or maybe it's the beginning of another one...

[Samurai Equine 51,783]

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

Trilby finishes his order, but before he can sit down, he notices others parading around some little kid.

Upon closer inspection, the child in question is a unicorn colt with powder blue coat, a waistcoat, floofy hair, average mane, and no cutie mark. He's trying to order, but he's having technical difficulties. However, he stops reaching and looks a little nervous at all the ponies who suddenly want to help him. He sits on the floor and nudges the ground with his hoof. "Mommy says I'm not suppose'ta talk to strangers..." He admits.

"Well, if we introduce ourselves, we won't be strangers anymore, will we?" Trilby says. The kid looks up, more attentive. "My name is Trilby Hatter, owner of the best hat and clothing store in town. This is my marefriend Shadow Trail, that's Thundy and his sister Chelsea, that's Pencil, Tree Song, a droid named Nopony, and our leader of course... Mr. Dynamo Pad! Heh. Just kidding. No one is a leader here. And what about you?" Trilby points everyone out before making a set of magic stairs appear.

The kid smiles and walks up the magic stairs so he can be almost eye-level with everyone else. "Nice to meet you! I'm..." He turns away a second to think. "Oh, it might not be safe to say..." He says quietly to himself, but then faces the group again with a smile. "Call me Finn!"
After introducing himself, he orders a Happy Meal and pays for it. He steps down from the magical stairs, and Trilby ends the spell.

Edited December 16, 2020 by Toshigami Equine