open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

Thundy glared at Cosmic. "Look, I don't know what game you're playing, but if you're trying to disguise whatever you're trying to do as "being a friend," then I'll have none of it." Thundy said to Cosmic. He went to Dynamo and slowly picked him up, placing him back on all four of his hooves. 

 

[Dynamo Pad 10,783]

@Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

Cosmic blinked once, while tilting his head at Thundy's remark. Noticing the glare, but not flinching from it. "Okay? I mean, I don't really get what you're trying to say, but I don't have a disguise. If I did, then I'd be preparing for the spectacle that is my fights, of course." He wiggled his eyebrows, chuckling to himself. "I was just trying to show Kyubiki that I care obviously. What you say 'being a friend,' I say just having fun, right? You didn't even ask how he and I met each other." He frowned, feeling bothered that Thundy was insinuating the neon green unicorn. As Dynamo was helped to his feet, he gave the griffon a thankful look for the help in standing. "T-Thanks, Thundy. A-Also, it's okay. C-Cosmic is just trying to be nice, you know?" He hoped that the griffon would understand as he knew that Cosmic was the type you didn't want to get on his bad side. He simply tried to play things off as he didn't want trouble. He just only hoped that Thundy would do the same.

[Thundy]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

Thundy sighed. "Sorry I got so defensive..." He said as he looked at Cosmic. "How did you two meet anyway?" Thundy asked as he relaxed even more, still keeping a bit of a watch on Cosmic, hoping that he was being fully honest. 

[Dynamo Pad 10,783]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare  @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash

Cosmic heaved a sigh of relief as Thundy presented him an apology. "It's fine. Everyone just seems so hostile nowadays that you sometimes get used to it. Just not healthy for the environment, you know?" He chuckled with a shake of his head. "At any rate, Kyubiki and I go way back. We actually knew each other when we were colts. You could say we were childhood colts. Isn't that right, bud?" He turned to look at Dynamo, who seemed a bit skeptic. However, he still gave a nod to confirm that it was true. "Y-Yeah. We knew each other when we started around elementary school." He responded, Cosmic smiled as he was happy with what he had heard. "I remember he was going around trying to hang out with everyone and trying to make friends. Kyubiki was always one of those social butterflies. A bit weird, if you ask me, but still." He explained with a shrug of his shoulders. As the trio were talking, Frozen and Cheap had managed to find each other in their designated meetup spot. "How did it go? Did you manage to complete the job I told you about?" Frozen asked, Cheap nodding as he gave a salute. "I sure did! Had to cover some ground and it wasn't easy. It was worth it as its seems that word is being spread around like wildfire." He chuckled, while the crowd was chatting amongst themselves. Spreading more and more rumors and gossip as they went.

"Oh, that reminds me!" Cheap's eyes widened as he got closer to Frozen. Their foreheads nearly touching as he was getting into the ebony Pegasi's personal space. "I saw Drool Pad near tournament staff bowing at them. It looked strange, at first, but then I didn't care. The fact that he was begging was hilarious to me. That wasn't the weird thing as when they moved I saw a mare in the hallway. When they allowed him to see that mare, she literally pulled him into a hug. I think our little punching bag got himself a girlfriend. Either that, or he lost her. Sounds so sad, so pathetic and so incredible." He snickered, Frozen pushing the burgundy earth pony away. "First of all, personal space!" He exclaimed, before smirking at what he had learned. "Second, that is some interesting news. I do believe Cosmic will find that news to be most intriguing. We need to regroup up with him to give the news." He would say, looking around to try and find their leader. Since they were in the corner of the building in A Block, they were away from prying eyes and ears. Adjusting his glasses, Frozen had taken a bit of time as he was able to locate the neon green unicorn. It was convenient for both him and Cheap as their leader was already talking to their intended target. "Well, what do you know? Seems like Cosmic has beaten us to it. He's already talking to Pad. Come on, let's go." He began to head on over, while Cheap followed suit. 

Back with the trio, Cosmic's eyes trailed away from both Dynamo and Thundy. As he soon saw that his teammates were just about over to their location. "Hey, you guys!" He called out to both Frozen and Cheap, while giving a quick wave. "Yo, boss! Glad to see that you won your fight, but there was no doubt. Nobody can stand up to you. Also, Dynamo! Hey, my man! Come here!" Cheap grinned, repeating the same action that Cosmic had done previously. The only difference was that he didn't do the hug that Cosmic had given. Instead, he ran a hoof through Dynamo's mane as he was giving him a noogie. Dynamo felt a chill up his spine as he turned to see Cheap and Frozen, but didn't have time as he Cheap ran his hoof and knuckles on the top of his skull. Tears were slightly welling up from the pain, but tried to hold it in. "Enough, Cheap. Don't you see that you're being as obnoxious as ever?" Frozen sighed, reaching over and yanking Cheap's mane to pull him off of Dynamo. The former of the two frowning in disappointment. "Aw, phooey. I was just about to joke about the whole splitting headache, but you just had to ruin the fun." Cheap responded, sticking his tongue out at Frozen as he blew a raspberry. "The things I go through with these two. Thanks for at least reeling him in, Frozen. Sorry about Cheap. He tends to act a little out of line at times." Cosmic would say, Frozen nodding in acknowledgment as he turned to face Dynamo. "It's what I do best. Yo, Dynamo Pad. Been a while." Dynamo was thankful that Cheap was off of him, before massaging the back of his head. Quickly wiping any tears away to not alert any trouble. 

"Y-Yo Frozen, Cheap. I didn't think you guys would be here, either." He admitted, but it seemed his suspicions were correct. For wherever Cosmic would be, then more likely than not his other teammates would follow. "Well, there was a tournament and I wanted to stretch my legs and dust off my fighting capabilities! So, why not?" Cheap grinned, giving a stretch for emphasis. "I think you remember Cheap Shot and Frozen Abyss. We all met earlier this morning when signing up for the tournament, right?" Cosmic turned to Thundy as he directed his attention at the griffon. "These two are also friends of mine and Kyubiki, as well. We're basically a tight knit group when meeting up in elementary school." The neon green unicorn explained, Frozen stepping up to add to the conversation. "Pretty much what Cosmic said is the truth. We all met each other at different times throughout elementary school, but we all were a group of friends." Frozen described as he adjusted his glasses with his front left hoof. "Yeah! It was mostly fun and games, before we got to messing with Drool Pad." He grinned without a care in the world. Cosmic's eyes shrinking slightly in disbelief, while Frozen pinched the bridge of his nose. "You seriously had one job? You went and ruined it that easily?" Frozen shook his head, Cosmic giving Cheap a small glare. "Remind me to slap you upside the head later for this." Cheap looking over at the two, before looking over at both Dynamo and Thundy. This went on for a moment, before realization kicked in. "Oh, oops."

[Thundy]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Kronos the Revenant @ExplosionMare @Ragland Tiger @PawelS

"Yea, I had a feeling that these guys are complete trouble." Thundy thought to himself. He turned to Dynamo. "I still don't trust those three." He commented. "Now I can't wait for my next match..." Thundy said sitting down. He gathered some electricity and made his New 3DS XL appear, which had Pokemon Sun in his. His party comprised of his Primarina, Guzzlord, Magnezone, Solgaleo, Toucannon and Pelipper.  

[Dynamo Pad 10,783]

@Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash

"Oh, well. It was going to be revealed sooner or later. Glad it was sooner as I could barely stand being all goody horseshoes any longer." Cosmic sighed, rolling his eyes as he gave the duo a sly smirk. "It's also highly unlikely that we and Pad could ever be friends. Let alone acquaintances as we find his presence around us as putrid." Frozen adjusted his glasses, while his expression turned from neutral to that of stone cold. As Thundy held out a talon, he watched as the griffon sat and summoned a handheld device in his grasp. "On, a 3DS XL. What are you going to do, bird brain? Play us in a game to leave us alone? Oh, I'm so terrified. What? You going to challenge us? What game are you playing, then? Do you think you can stop me, or should you see what the boss and Frozen are all about?" The earth pony asked, Dynamo wondering what Thundy had in mind. He looked down to see what the griffon had in store.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,809]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

"Hey you better watch yourself or you will regret it." Thundy warned as he continued to play his game and mind his own business. Part of him wanted to put these jerks in their place. The hypocrisy was already showing, and Thundy was having none of it. 

@ExplosionMare @PawelS @Samurai Equine

Meanwhile, Chelsea got a feeling and started to pant again. "Th-Thundy..." She said to herself. 

 

[Samurai Equine 46,137]

@Courageous Thunder Dash, @ExplosionMare, @PawelS, @Ragland Tiger

It was good that everyone was helping. Starlight thinks a moment. "Dynamo? Huh. That also sounds familiar... No, no! Don't tell me. Better for me to figure it out myself. I've run classrooms full of students without forgetting a single name. If I can do that for them, then I can remember who Dynamo is." Starlight insists.

However, just as she is beginning to think, Starlight sees Chelsea starting to relapse. "Uh oh... Chelsea, are you okay? I thought bringing you here would help! Is there a doctor in this place?!" Starlight begins to look around frantically.

At the same time, Final reemerges. "...Hey, all. I was just getting some snacks. Got some candy and other such treats. What did I miss?"

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@Kronos the Revenant, @Dynamo Pad, @Courageous Thunder Dash, @Ragland Tiger

As three preliminary fights are going on, Samurai is doing his best to control the crowd, but it's not working. Townsfolk are beginning to ask how well they know they truly know Dynamo. Samurai does his best to convince them otherwise, but something catches his eyes.

He sees Cosmic and the rest beginning to gather around Dynamo, but Samurai is a bit too far away to make out any of their conversations right now. "Does Thundy need my help?" Samurai thinks to himself, remembering what he asked Thundy to do. He begins to walk over in that direction, waving. "Hey, Dyna--" But before Samurai can even get two steps in that direction, a few fighters in the crowd approach Samurai and block him off, wanting more answers. And apparently, there is a name being spread around. "...Who's Kyubiki?" Samurai would ask the fighters wanting to talk to him. Of course, he is so far away right now, there is no way Dynamo or anyone else heard him, nor is it likely they saw him waving.

[Thundy]

@Samurai Equine @Kronos the Revenant @Dynamo Pad

Thundy's ear twitched and he was able to make a swift getaway from the trio silently. "Oh thank Celestia you're here Sam. Let's go to someplace where I could tell you some valuable info..." Thundy said still trying his best hide leftover anger he still had. 

[Dynamo Pad 10,783]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @PawelS @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash

"What!!? I was just asking what game you were playing, or are you afraid you'll lose against me?" Cheap scoffed with a shake of his head. "What a buzzkill." He muttered under his breath, Dynamo frowning as it seemed those three haven't changed a bit. "Come on, you guys. Can you please leave him alone?" He asks, Cosmic tilting his head to the side as if trying to crack his neck. "Oh? Who are you to tell me what to do? Get off that high horse of yours and back off, Kyubiki. We can do whatever we want and say whatever we want. If that bird boy can't handle a few harsh words, then apparently he's just like all griffons. Greedy, harsh and too egotistical to have thick skin to deal with insults." He smirked, Dynamo gritting his teeth slightly at the trio's choice of words. "Can you just get to the point, then? Why are you even here?" Just as Cheap and Cosmic were about to speak up, Frozen stepped up for the both of them. "It's like Cheap had stated before. We heard that there was a tournament, so we decided to enter. To be more specific, we saw you all on the news back in Fillydelphia and we decided to go pay you all a visit. Although, we heard a few things that weren't too pleasant."

Raising an eyebrow, Dynamo knew that he didn't have a choice, but to ask. Considering that Cosmic was sitting down and preoccupying himself with a game. "What did you hear?" Adjusting his glasses, Frozen let off a small smirk as the gaming unicorn had taken the bait. "We heard that a town had a gaming event and we were annoyed that we missed it. In retrospect, the fact that something had happened to this town was a clear indication that it wasn't wise to visit, until now. What happened? Did you do something to destroy the town again? You always weren't so careful." Dynamo's eyes traveled towards the ground as he tried to ignore any and all insults directed at him. He knew that he was the one that had trapped everyone in the game world, but what could he have done? He didn't know touching the helmet would set the game off. 'Destroy the town? What is he talking about?' He thought, before coming to conclusion about the war for Friendshire. Did these three not know that they went through a war with Snow Leopard? He wasn't going to ask as it would only set them off all the more. It was then that Cheap decided to speak up as he wanted Cosmic to know. "Oh, that's right! Hey boss!" He jumped happily in place as he drew their leader's attention towards the earth pony. "While Frozen and I were walking around, I noticed something very interesting. See, our good buddy, Drool Pad, was bowing at a few tournament staff. Again, I thought it was funny as it was just him bowing as if begging, but that wasn't the strange part. What I noticed was that when the staff moved, there was a mare waiting for him. After meeting up, they were hugging each other. It seems our favorite punching bag has found himself a girlfriend."

At first, Cosmic didn't say a word, while Dynamo's jaw dropped slightly in shock. Dynamo didn't realize that the others were watching, but to Cosmic, it was what he needed to hear. Very slowly, the neutral expression evolved into a smirk, before turning into a wide grin. "Oh? So, he has a girlfriend, does he? What happened? Didn't you say that you were done with relationships? What? Did you beg her to go out with you? Did you pay her to be your girlfriend? My, oh my. How you can be so desperate, Kyubiki." He chuckled, Dynamo shaking as he gritted his teeth harder. "I don't care what you have to say about me, but you leave her alone. She has nothing to do with this, so leave her out of this!" He shouted, possibly getting the crowd's attention of the small group. "Woah! Well, look at you! When did you suddenly decide to go and grow a spine!?" Dynamo decided not to answer as he got his belt ready. As his horn glowed with charged magic, he tried to summon a gashat to try and make the trio to back down. However, nothing was working. "What? What's going on?" He asks, a look of alarm was present in his expression. He removed the belt from around his waist as he gave the driver a look around. Making sure nothing was different or damaged. He tried to think of the powers he was using before. Even the powers he used during the war for Friendshire or even during training. It was all for naught as not a single cartridge had appeared. Seeing this, Cosmic merely took a few steps forward, before raising his front right hoof to the side. Just before he swinging his hoof to knock the driver out to Dynamo's hoof. "Was using that belt a means to threaten me!? I could go up now and get security to throw you out! You don't dare threaten anyone in this tournament, you've got that!?" He was just about to get tournament staff over to their location, but stopped.

If he wanted to get rid of Dynamo so badly, then Cosmic had a few ideas in mind. "On second thought, never mind. That's too much of a big deal. Besides, there is one thing I do wish to know. Tell me, how's that old fossil doing nowadays?" Dynamo blinked as he felt the driver fall out of his hooves. Just as he was about to pick it up, he gave a look of confusion towards Cosmic. "Huh? D-Do you mean Pinball Wizard? I think he's been doing okay. The last time I saw him, he said he was heading to Las Pegasus. Something along the lines of retiring there to open up an arcade casino of sorts." He explained, Cosmic shaking his head as his smirk never left his facc. "That's not who I'm referring to. You know exactly who I mean." It took Dynamo a moment to realize, before his eyes shrank slowly in shock. Like an elevator, his eyebrows raise in shock, before coming back down looking scrunched up. "What do you know?" Just that question alone was enough of an indication that Cosmic was going to have some fun. Using the gift, he used a spell on his throat so that it would act like a megaphone. Just enough to get the crowd's attention. With a camera crew, it would be easy to get the spectator's attention, as well. All according to plan with getting two birds with one stone. "Oh, you know how word spreads. As to what I know, let's just say that it's all your fault!" Dynamo could only shake his head as he couldn't believe what he had heard. "N-No...no! That's not true! It was out of my hooves!" He tried to rebuttal, but Cosmic wouldn't allow it. "LIAR!" Cosmic's voice echoing throughout the entire crowd. "You went and got rid of your dad and you didn't even care! You wanted him gone and you got what you wanted! Now he's gone forever from this world and he's never coming back! It's all your fault, you criminal!" The smirk he had vanished in a blink of an eye, while a frown had made its presence known. Cheap and Frozen both sported looks of both disapproval and shame to help back up Cosmic's claims. Seeing Dynamo was a bit stunned from the outburst, Cosmic used that as an opportunity to strike. 

Using his magic, the neon green unicorn grabbed the driver in a magical grasp. Pulling the belt over to him as Dynamo came back to reality. "Hey! Give that belt back!" He rushed over to Cosmic, who merely threw it over to Cheap as he caught it. Dynamo rushed over towards Cheap, but the latter threw it over to Frozen. "KEEP AWAY!" He chuckled, Dynamo growling in frustration as he rushed over to Frozen. "The probability of you getting this back are slim to none. So, just give it up." Frozen stated, throwing it back to Cosmic, before Frozen pulled the saddlebag off of Dynamo's back. "Hey!" Cosmic quickly rushed over as he held something in his mouth. The item in question being a collar as he quickly threw it around Dynamo's neck. Using his magic, the neon green unicorn had made a magical leash. Pulling at the leash, the collar tightened as it constricted his windpipe. Dynamo could get air, but it was restricted with how tight Cosmic made it. "G-Get this...me..." He struggled to say as he couldn't get his words out. "Sorry? You'll have to speak up as I'm afraid I can't hear you. Criminals, or dogs in your case, need to learn to behave. So keep your mouth shut, you mongrel!" He exclaimed, throwing the belt away into the crowd. He couldn't care less what happened to it as it looked ridiculous, in his opinion. "Now, then. Let's see what you've got in that bag this time. Frozen, you may begin." Nodding in compliance, the pegasus had opened up the bag as he began to search through Dynamo's belongings. The gaming unicorn's breaths were haggard as he tried to get air into his lungs, while also panicking over what they were doing.

As he searched, Frozen had pulled out the first item being a mini game console. "Now what do we have here. Take a look at this, Cosmic." He held out the mini game console for all to see. "Now that's something I haven't seen before. It doesn't look like a console that's out for others to get. Now where did a pony like you get his grubby hooves on it?" He asked, only receiving grunts and snarls in response. "Seems like there's a bunch of games on here too. Something that others could play if compatible. Very interesting." Frozen noted, flipping through the games that were available, while Cosmic looked down at his newfound pet. "Well, what do you say, Kyubiki? Mind if we take that off of your hooves?" Cosmic wondered, while Dynamo violently shook his head. "N-No, s-s-stop. T-That's...S-Samurai's." He could only get out, while Cosmic expression turned into a glare. "Samurai? You mean that freak with the horn? What? Did you infect him too with your cursed horn, or is he just like you? Aw, what's wrong. Is big bwother not here to help you?" He mocked, before continuing. "You also dare disrespect your master's orders? You know the consequences of your actions, then. Cheap? Be a dear and do the honors." As Frozen tossed the console over to the earth pony, Dynamo's eyes shrank as he knew what was about to happen. "D-D-D-Don't!" He tried to get out as Cheap caught and dropped the console onto the floor. Lifting his left foreleg up, he quickly brought it down as it connected with the console. Smashing it on impact into tiny pieces. Dynamo's jaw dropped slightly as he couldn't look away from what he had witnessed. "Aw, man. Why did you have to ruin the fun, Drool Pad? Now you gone and broke the game. Thanks a lot!" Cheap scoffed, Dynamo looking on in disbelief. 

He wanted to make a retort, but the others wouldn't let him. "Knowing you, then you'd make a speech as to why it wasn't you. However, if you had asked nicely, then we could have let it slide." Cheap adjusted his glasses, before digging into his saddlebag once again. "Those two are right, you know. You brought this upon yourself. Anything else of importance, Frozen?" Upon being asked, Frozen had pulled what appeared to be a trinket in the form of a star.

Spoiler

"Is this what I really think it is?" Frozen asked, Cosmic looking on in confusion as Cheap and Dynamo had a look of shock. Both for different reasons as the former was in anger, while the latter was in alarm. "Do you happen to know what that thing is, Brains?" Being called by his nickname, Frozen knew he had to explain. "You're not a fan of RPG's, but this is right up my alley. It's from the Kingdom Hearts series known as a wayfinder." He started, before receiving a groan from the unicorn leader. "Can you just get to the point of this already!?" He snapped, prompting Frozen to roll his eyes. "Very well, then. In short, it's a special trinket that acts like a connection. If two individuals share that star, then their lives are intertwined. Becoming a part of each other's lives no matter what. It looks like Pad has his own, but who's the other I wonder." He looked around at the crowd to see if he could pinpoint the other one who had that same star.

This only prompted Cheap to growl in annoyance. Something that both unicorn and pegasus had taken notice of. "Something on your mind, Cheap? Care to share with the rest of the class?" Cheap could only grit his teeth as he felt himself shake with anger. "Gladly." He started, before pointing at the blue unicorn on the ground. "I know who the other recipient of that stupid star belongs to! I remember it was during that stinking tournament in Baltimare. He was with that troublesome mare. Starshine Glimwood or something. At any rate, it was because of her that Drool Pad had beat me in that tournament." Cosmic didn't understand the name, but hearing Dynamo's muffled words was enough to put things together. "S-Star...l-light." As he put two and two together, Cosmic grinned with glee. "Oh, so you meant Starlight Glimmer, huh? One of Princess Twilight's pupils, or I guess one of her pets? What's a powerful mare like her associating herself with the likes of you, Kyubiki? Is she some friend to you, or wait. Is she your girlfriend, as well? Now it's no wonder you were bowing at that mare Cheap had mentioned. Maybe you were begging for forgiveness to be with two mares. That's just pathetic and disgusting to go and play with the hearts and emotions of others. Do you have no shame!?" He called out, the shout making Dynamo wince that there was a jingling noise coming from his neck. Perking his ears at the noise, Cosmic decided to investigate as he saw something stick out of Dynamo's jacket. "What is this?" Ripping the object away from his neck, Cosmic had held Dynamo's pendant in a levitation spell. 

Dynamo could feel his heart drop as his pendant was snatched away from him. "Is this from that mare, then? So, I'm to assume that the star and pendant are important to you, then? If so, then it's time for you to realize what you get for playing with two mare's hearts." Cosmic and Frozen tossed both the star trinket and heart pendant respectively over towards Cheap, who had caught both items with some effort. Just as he was about to drop them, Dynamo tried to yell out a response, but was unable to. "Wait a minute." Cosmic stopped Cheap's attempt, before loosening the collar slightly. Allowing Dynamo to breathe a bit easier, but the collar was still painful to wear. "P-Please...just leave them alone. T-The trinket and pendant are both really important to me. I'm begging you to please stop." He shook slightly as he couldn't handle it anymore. Cosmic, hearing the gamer's plea, adopted a look of concern. "Well, you did ask politely and you said please. Plus, it seems these two things matter a lot to you. Therefore..." He paused momentarily, before the look of concern evaporated into a look of uncaring. "...the answer is no." Cosmic simply stated, retightening the collar. Nodding to Cheap, the earth pony had lifted his foreleg once more to repeat what he had done to the console. Dynamo tried to stand and move, but the magic leash proved too tough to break. Seeing how he was struggling, Cosmic had an epiphany. If Dynamo wanted those trinkets so badly, then he could have them. If he was willing to pay a price.

Letting the magic leash disappear, Dynamo was sent tumbling over on himself. He managed to extend his forelegs out as he covered the items just in time. However, he felt his front hooves become slammed by the earth pony's strength. His eyes shrank as he felt the pain shoot up his arms, while trying to hold back in releasing a scream of pain. "Oh, whoops. I tried to hit the pendant, but you tripped and got in my way. Sorry about that." Cheap tried to apologize, but he was happy he got to accidentally inflict pain upon Dynamo. Normally, he would keep attacking the gaming unicorn to try and break his hooves. However, he was at a tournament, so he knew it would result in disqualification. He just decided to apply a little bit of pressure, so as to not get into any trouble. Moving towards the duo, Cosmic could only chuckle in amusement. "You really are so predictable, Kyubiki. You're so desperate to protect something that you willingly go and get yourself hurt over something so meaningless. That's just sad to me. Now let's get on with it, shall we?" Cheap merely pushed Dynamo off with his enhanced strength. Raising his hooves again, he thought to start with the pendant first. However, as he dropped his hooves to slam into the pendant. Said pendant began to glow with a bright light. Before Cheap had a chance to raise his eyebrows in confusion, the pendant crackled with electricity. Shocking the earth pony as he was launched backwards from the group. Cheap had landed upon the ground with a thud as he felt his world spinning. "What was that? Did he do something to his necklace?" Cosmic's eyes widened in surprise, but he decided not to question it. Besides, it was Cheap's fault for letting his guard down that allowed him to be shocked. Glancing back, he could see that Thundy was still putting his attention towards that game. He smirked as it seemed like they either got under the griffon's skin, or that the griffon just didn't care what happened to Dynamo. "You know what's strange that I just noticed? It's what the griffon had done earlier in that fight. He did something along the lines of sending that panda monstrosity into a frenzy. I didn't realize it at first, but then it reminded me of what Supermare would do." 

Hearing this had managed to catch Frozen's attention once again. "I seem to recall that happening, as well when I came to watch that fight. I think I know which game you're talking about. Isn't it that Injustice series game?" Cosmic grinned as he pointed a hoof towards the pegasus pony. "Exactly! So, it seems that bird boy is able to do game abilities too. The only difference is that he doesn't need an item like that silly belt to do anything. Maybe he's what you should have been, but you were just the factory recall. It's like I always said that you were just a failure, or maybe a mistake is more like it." Dynamo tried to shut any and all words out, but the pressure was getting to him. "Not only that, but I think Pad and that griffon aren't telling us everything." Frozen spoke up, taking his turn up to bat. "I can see it in the way the griffon is sitting. Almost cutting himself off from the world around him. The posture, the look in his eyes, the expression? Even the look of worry in Pad's eyes and posture, as well? I can tell there's some doubt or lack of trust." He adjusted his glasses with his front right hoof as Cosmic decided to hammer the final nail into the coffin. "Well, there you have it. Don't you see, loser? You never had friends. You never had a girlfriend, or you're basically a cheater. Not to mention that you're a wanted criminal from my standards and you've basically lost everything. Who would ever want to be friends with someone like you? Who could ever love a failure? A loser? A monster? A freak? A mistake?" Each word hammered at Dynamo's heart as he felt the damn beginning to break. As he lied upon the ground, he felt gravity pull his face down into his outstretched forelegs. Trembling as he felt hot tears welling up in his eyes. He didn't dare look at anyone as he let out haggard whimpers. "Oh, please don't tell me you're actually..." Cosmic commented, yanking at the gamer pony's mane to see that he was crying.

"Oh, Celestia, you mare! Or, I guess it would be a foal at this point. Let's just put you back down." He released Dynamo's clumped mane as he allowed himself to bask in his victory. He had effectively broken the stallion and assumed his rightful place in the world. As he continued to cry, Dynamo's eyes opened widely in fear as he felt a hoof/claw being placed upon his shoulder. "NOOOOOO!!!" He hadn't realized his magic activating as he created a shield that pushed anyone around him away. Effectively pushing whoever touched his shoulder and Cheap away and off of his hooves. Dynamo had looked up to see everyone staring at him. Those that noticed could see dried tear stains going down his face, his eyes red from crying as more tears were welling up. In Dynamo's mind it was looks of worry, others with doubt and hate, while others had a look of disdain. His mind flashed back to the nightmare that he had was becoming a reality. He could see all of his friends leaving him, hating him. He could see Bluebell leaving him for someone else, while telling him that she never loved him. His haggard breathing turned into a fit of panicked hyperventilating. He thought he could see the walls of the building getting smaller as everything became claustrophobic. Closing his eyes, he shook as his magic came to life. Thinking that he needed a place to escape, he unknowingly used a teleportation spell. Causing a big bang of magic as the spot he sat was burnt to soot.

Edited August 27, 2021 by Dynamo Pad

[Samurai Equine 46,137]

@Kronos the Revenant, @Dynamo Pad, @Courageous Thunder Dash, @Ragland Tiger, @ExplosionMare, @PawelS

As Cosmic and his goons move in to put Dynamo on display and humiliate him, tournament staff watch from the corners as best they can. The crowd begins to gather closer, watching what is happening. Some even point and start talking about Dynamo, wondering if Cosmic has a point about all the things he is saying. The crowd is too thick, and the tournament staff aren't sure if they should interfere or not.

By the time Samurai is able to clear the crowd, he is too late. He sees the latter end of the incident between Dynamo and Cosmic. "Dynamo--!" He reaches out, even tried to put a hoof on his shoulder, but the crowd gathering around Cosmic as he gives a speech and berates Dynamo is really thick, hard for Samurai to get past.

However, none of that matters when Dynamo teleports out of there. Samurai backs up, leaps over the heads of various fighters, and lands near Cosmic. "You! I was mistaken about you. Consider this unfinished business between us." Samurai tells before running off, using his magic to levitate and collect any of Dynamo's things that he may have left behind.. "DYNAMO!! WAIT!!" Samurai leaves the fighter's areas, in fact he leaves the entire tournament grounds and runs outside into the town. He has no idea where Dynamo went, so now he's using gut instinct.

Chances are Bluebell, Chelsea, Pencil, Tree, and Sparkly all saw it on the monitors in the spectator's area.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,809]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine @Kronos the Revenant

Thundy thought he heard something, and witnessed part of the scene. He was as petrified as Goku was, watching Krillin suffer and die at the hands of Frieza. He wanted to teach those pieces of trash not to mess with his friend. He growled and snarled...before letting out a tremendous roar in rage causing the whole area to tremble. A crimson red aura surrounded Thundy who was engulfed in near pure rage. Only a cleansing from Chelsea would clear him of this state.

@ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @PawelS

Chelsea felt the evilness inside Thundy's heart. When Thundy unleashed the tremendous roar, she braced. "N-no! Thundy!" She called out with a sniffle. She hated the feeling of Thundy. "I have to get to him before he goes on a rampage!" Chelsea said sprinting towards the fighter's area, panting.

[Dynamo Pad 10,783]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @PawelS @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash

"That's right! Run, coward! RUN!" Cosmic bellowed out as he saw the gamer pony had teleported away. He couldn't hale in chuckling to himself as he felt he had won. "I swear I'm surrounded by morons." Frozen muttered, rolling his eyes in annoyance of the other two's antics. "Oh, who am I kidding? The execution of everything was absolutely flawless. Although, I must admit. I didn't expect Pad to use those kind of spells. A shield burst and a teleportation? That's difficult even for a fully trained wizard to learn." He explained, Cosmic having to agree upon that. He was about to make a remark, but stopped as he saw Samurai had leaped over everyone to land near the neon green unicorn. "Oh, really? You were wrong about me? Get in line, freak. You're not the first one to make that mistake and you won't be the last. Also, why do you care? Are you that worried about your baby brother? If so, then there's no need. I got rid of the problem." He smirked, before lowering his ears as a loud roar erupted in the building. 

Both Cosmic and Frozen had looked over to see the griffon was the one that released a roar of anger. Cheap, on the other hoof, was slowly awakened by the loud roar. "Ugh...what hit me? Felt like I got hit by a joy buzzer." He shook his head to shake away any cobwebs, before looking over at the griffon. "What was that? Some kind of battle cry? Unless of course, you think that roar is meant to intimidate us, then think again, Godzilla. How about Ghidora, but maybe that's too good for you." Cheap listed off monster after monster, until he smacked one front hoof upon the other. "Oh, wait! I've got it now! King Kong as you seem to fit the whole angry, rampaging, mindless beast." 

Back with the gaming unicorn, Dynamo had teleported towards the front entrance to Friendshire. The doors were currently open as he landed on the ground. Gasping and wincing as he fell to the ground in a heap. All the while, landing his front hooves on concrete as they were still sore from Cheap slamming his hooves upon them. He tried to uses his hooves and magic to take the collar off of his neck, but it was no use. Cosmic tied it too tight and it was tight around his windpipe. Not as tight as it was when it was placed around his neck, but it was still bothersome, nonetheless. 'I-I got to get out of here. I-I'm not safe here now. If they find me now, then I-I'll just be imprisoned or b-banished. I-I just k-know it.' He wiggled his body to try and move as he couldn't walk. He could have dug into the ground with his chin, but the collar proved to be an issue. He wasn't making any ground as he knew the only option was to escape. If he could figure out a way to get to the train station, then maybe he could avoid getting into trouble.

Edited August 22, 2021 by Dynamo Pad

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,809]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @ExplosionMare @PawelS @Kronos the Revenant

“Aqua Jet!” Chelsea cried out as she instantly transformed into a quick moving stream of water, whizzing by everyone. The stream of water created a vortex of cleansing water around Thundy quenching the rage inside. Slowly the red aura faded and Chelsea reformed back into her anthro form cuddled around Thundy, who was panting and looked as if he could cry. “I’m so so sorry…” He said to Chelsea. “I know it’s so hard Thundy. I’m really glad I was able to get you…” Chelsea said with a sniffle. “But Dynamo needs our help. Those 3 cowardly monsters bullied…no, they broke him….” Thundy said sniffling. Chelsea let out a loud gasp and looked up at the 3. “So you 3 caused all this. The only place that you belong is tartarus…no, not even that…” She said to the trio. “Sam, I’m with Thundy now. I was able to free him from the rage that built up in his heart…” Chelsea said telepathically. 

[Pencil Pouch]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Courageous Thunder Dash @PawelS @Kronos the Revenant

Pencil looked over at Chelsea while Starlight took care of her. She seemed to be panting on and off, meaning the dark forces surrounding this place were most likely coming in waves. She looked at Sparkly in concern, who returned a look of reassurance. Pencil felt a bit better, but was still concerned about the events the group was called here for.

“Something’s happening with Dynamo? Who’re the ponies trying to hurt him and you?” she asked Bluebell with worry.

“If anypony tries to hurt anypony here, they’ll soon regret their actions once they face me!” Sparkly replied defensively.

Before the group had the chance to do anything, a large projector showcased a group of three unfamiliar ponies surrounding Dynamo Pad. From the looks of things, they weren’t nice ponies in the slightest. Pencil’s heart rate increased, panic setting in as poor Dynamo was beaten and taunted. She desperately wanted to go over and help, but she had no idea where he was. Perhaps, though, Bluebell had an idea since her pendant always revealed exactly where he was.

“Bluebell, can you use that pendant thing to find Dynamo? We gotta get him before—“ she tried to say before she heard a loud crackling noise was heard on the projector.

Pencil looked up and realized that Dynamo disappeared! She suddenly felt very helpless and panicked. Was Dynamo okay? Was he going to come back? She wasn’t sure. All she knew is that those bullies were still here. They needed to be stopped before they could hurt anypony else.

“When I see those brutes they’ll wish they never stepped a hoof into this town! They will pay for this, actions of cruelty will not go unnoticed! They need to learn that you don’t treat ponies, or anyone else, in such a manner!” Sparkly practically yelled, enraged by the bullies’ unkind actions.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,809]

@ExplosionMare @Dynamo Pad @Kronos the Revenant @PawelS @Samurai Equine

Chelsea's ear twitched hearing a familiar voice that seemed to be shouting. "Sparkly." Chelsea said as she stood up, letting go of Thundy, who was still recovering from his rage. "I know Sparkly. Those brutes must pay for their misdeeds." Chelsea said telepathically to Sparkly. "I gotta go meet Sparkly and the others. We must find Dynamo at once." Chelsea said trying to sense Dynamo's energy. She was able to ping him. "I know where he is. Thundy, think you can come along?" Chelsea asked. "Perhaps, I just need to make sure I'm back in time for the next round." Thundy stated.  

[Ragland Tiger 3,297]

 

@ExplosionMare @Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine @Courageous Thunder Dash @PawelS @Kronos the Revenant

"Oh my g-g-gosh! Wh-where's d-d-Dynamo!?"  Bluebell grasped the pendant with her hoof.  She closed her eyes and her horn began to glow.  "Wherever you-you are," she said, I know you're sc-scared.  We're st-still here for you. C-c-come back and be-be here f-f-for yourself.  I b-b-believe in you, n-n-n-no matter what.  N-no regrets."

[Pencil Pouch]

@Ragland Tiger @Courageous Thunder Dash @Samurai Equine @PawelS@Kronos the Revenant

Sparkly startled, not knowing where the voice in her head was coming from. She looked around to make sure no one was pulling a prank on her. Pencil noticed her frantic behavior and trotted up to her.

“What’s wrong, Sparkly?” she asked.

“Some weird voice managed to get into my head. It sounded like Chelsea’s. I don’t know how it happened, and I do not appreciate my head being invaded like that.” she responded sternly.

“Oh, that’s Chelsea’s telepathic communication! She’s able to do that with everyone in case she needs to tell us something and isn’t nearby. If you aren’t comfortable with it though, I can tell her not to do it with you.”

Sparkly simply nodded. Pencil assumed the conversation was finished so she turned away from Sparkly to pay attention to Bluebell. Bluebell was desperately trying to contact Dynamo. She hoped Dynamo could be contacted soon before he travelled too far away.

“Is there anything I can help with?” Pencil offered.

[Dynamo Pad 10,783]

@Ragland Tiger @Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @PawelS @Kronos the Revenant @Courageous Thunder Dash

Upon being called upon, Cosmic and the others had looked over to Chelsea. "Who, us? Nah, it couldn't be. I think you've mistaken the wrong ponies." Cheap remarked, giving a sly grin to show that he was messing around. "Tartarus is technically a place where only bad individuals go. We do not need to go to such a place. We only speak the truth and deliver true justice." Frozen added, before Cosmic nodded. "Did I hear that right? Cowardly? How dare you act so high and mighty. You don't know anything!" Cosmic exclaimed, before a sudden though occurred to the neon green unicorn. Causing a smile to form upon his expression as if he didn't care now.  "Although, I guess it really doesn't matter now, does it? We got what we want and we won, in the end." He would say, watching as both griffons had made their exit of the building. 'Good luck in trying to fix that mess you call a friend. With what we did to him, he's as good as broken once more.' He chuckled to himself as he opted to walk away. Waiting until the time was right until they moved on with the next part of the plan.

Meanwhile, with Dynamo, the gaming unicorn was continuing to wiggle his body towards the front entrance of the town. After a couple of minutes, he decided to stop as he wasn't making any progress. With his hooves slightly bruised and numb, he wasn't able to walk or move. As he lied upon the ground, he looked up towards the sky as he wasn't sure what would happen now. He wondered if his friends had abandoned him or wanted to bring him in for questioning. With what Cosmic and the others had said, it was only a matter of time before trouble would come and find him. Suddenly, his eyes widened slightly as he thought he heard a voice in his head. It sounded familiar, in a way, but he wasn't sure if it was the gamer code, or if it was something else. With the collar wrapped tightly around his neck and lack of air, he felt himself becoming delirious. 'I-I can't go back...Cosmic and the others have won. They took everything away just like before. I lost my friends, I lost my girlfriend and I have nothing now.' He thought to himself as the lights in his eyes had begun to dim. 

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,809]

@ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Ragland Tiger @PawelS

"Guys...I have Dynamo's energy, but...his soul...is broken beyond broken...he's...oh no...deliria..." Chelsea said starting to pant. Thundy let out another snarl of anger. "Those pieces of trash will pay." He said. "We all can't go to him at once. It's between Bluebell, Thundy and Pencil. You three are the keys to bring back Dynamo. Again, we have to tread with caution." Chelsea said as she slowly walked ahead towards Dynamo. 

[Ragland Tiger 3,297]

@Courageous Thunder Dash @ExplosionMare @Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine @PawelS

36 minutes ago, Courageous Thunder Dash said:

"Guys...I have Dynamo's energy, but...his soul...is broken beyond broken...he's...oh no...deliria..." Chelsea said starting to pant. Thundy let out another snarl of anger. "Those pieces of trash will pay." He said. "We all can't go to him at once. It's between Bluebell, Thundy and Pencil. You three are the keys to bring back Dynamo. Again, we have to tread with caution." Chelsea said as she slowly walked ahead towards Dynamo. 

"I'm r-r-ready to go," said Bluebell, following behind.

[Samurai Equine 46,137]

@Courageous Thunder Dash, @Kronos the Revenant

As Samurai hears Chelsea's telepathic message, he responds while searching. "That's great, Chelsea, but I really need some help out here. As many hooves as possible!" Samurai busts open the door to Dynamo's house, but finds Dynamo isn't there. "Remember, I'm not good at following magical trails unless they are super strong and overwhelming. Besides, if you're with Thundy right now, the both of you might want to leave before the tournament staff get mad." Samurai says.

He has a point. The staff begin to notice the magical arrival of someone without a fighter's pass. They begin to make their way towards Chelsea, though they are having to get past the other fighters in the area to do so.

@ExplosionMare, @PawelS, @Ragland Tiger

"Hi, I'm Starlight Glimmer." Starlight introduces herself. "Wow! Never thought I'd get to meet the legend herself." Final shakes her hoof. "Well, I wouldn't call myself a--." Starlight is interrupted. Reaching into her bag of various belongings, she pulls out a trinket that is having some kind of magical reaction. "All the way out here?! Of all the bad timing... Sorry, everyone. I would love to stay and talk about friends, but I've got to go. There is someone important that needs help right now. Just wish I could remember his name." Starlight says before running off in her own, random direction. She doesn't even wait for any input.

Perhaps it's for the best. Pencil, Sparkly, Tree, and Bluebell should really start looking for Dynamo. They might not know where to find him exactly, but they should be able to figure SOMETHING out!

@Dynamo Pad

As Dynamo lays there, he hears a different voice. One that is internal. "You're not lost. Not yet... Not if you give up. You can break the shackles the bind you." That voice is familiar. It's the same one that Dynamo heard when he beat Two Castles and received his Gamer Driver.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,809]

@Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @PawelS @Ragland Tiger @Kronos the Revenant @Dynamo Pad

”Uh-oh…let’s hurry up. Staff are seeing us…” Chelsea said worriedly as staff started to walk towards them. She sped up her pace, still keeping a sense on Dynamo. Thundy was not too close behind. 

[Ragland Tiger 3,297]

@Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @Courageous Thunder Dash @PawelS @Dynamo Pad @Kronos the Revenant

 

10 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

Perhaps it's for the best. Pencil, Sparkly, Tree, and Bluebell should really start looking for Dynamo. They might not know where to find him exactly, but they should be able to figure SOMETHING out!

"Sparkly," said Bluebell, "Can you ask Chelsea to tell us where to look for Dynamo?"

[Dynamo Pad 10,783]

@Samurai Equine @Kronos the Revenant @PawelS

As the trio watched all the chaos unfold, Frozen had looked to the two with curiosity in his eyes. "So, what do you think? Should it be time to show what friendship is truly like?" Cosmic gained a thoughtful look, before giving his teammates a smirk. "It'll pretty much blow our cover, but it doesn't really matter at this point, now does it?" Cheap, who had been growing impatient, decided to tap his left hind leg. "Who cares!? I'm just tired of playing nice, so let's get this show on the road!" He exclaimed in a hushed whisper. Cosmic's smirk turned into a full blown, wicked grin as his horn began to glow with magic. Just like before, he allowed himself to summon the Ursa Minor he had brought to defeat Stonewall. Turning towards the sky, the bear constellation had roared loudly towards the heavens. The bullies watched as the most of the crowd had held their ears, while the gossip, whispers and mutterings had ceased. "Ah. Works every time." Cosmic sighed, before taking a deep breath in order to gain the crowd's attention. The Ursa Minor disappearing without a trace left.

"Alright, you peons! Listen up!" He didn't care if he gained a few dirty looks or angered expressions or not. To him, it made no difference as he had won and got mostly everything he wanted. "Now, then. I think you all know about Kyubiki Tenchu, right? Oh, sorry. I meant to say Dynamo Pad...ugh." He shuddered, gagging as he said Dynamo's name. "If you all remember what happened, then that brat was put in his place. You must have all heard the rumors that were being said amongst yourselves. Let's just say there were some little birdies that started up the trouble. Allowing chaos to run rampant and doubt to take place. Every word being said and every heart being doubtful of one, singular pony." He explained, making sure that everyone was on track with where he was going with this. "That being said, let's just say that everything we said to you was nothing, but lies!" Cosmic chuckled as he decided to add his two cents. "Yeah! Frozen and I went around to each block and started spreading different rumors for everyone to hear about Drool Pad. We wanted to see how you would react if you really thought of that blue punching bag. I can't believe it was so easy to fool you losers. You all fell for it hook, line and sinker. Unless you want to say hook, line and sucker! Since that's what you all are! A bunch of suckers and gullible fools. If that's really how you take one's word over another's, then you're even dumber than you look!"

Cheap had tapped Frozen's shoulder to indicate who he was talking about to the crowd. Frozen merely adjusted his glasses as he took a step forward. "While it is true that we did lie. The only thing that wasn't a lie was the lack of trust between Pad and that yellow griffon. I don't know what may have happened between the two, but none of us really care. I only speak the truth as no matter how much you try to deny it. I can see everything there is to know. Every twitch, every movement, the expressions. Anything at all and I'll have a good suspicion of it. In short, you can't fool my eyes." He explained, the light flashing over him which caused a glare in his glasses. "The reason we started all of this is because we wanted to remind that foolish pony a lesson. To know that he doesn't deserve any friendship, any love or anything special that comes his way. It's his fate to forever be a failure and we hammered it home today. The fact of the matter remains is that friendship doesn't exist and neither does love. Friendships fade away in time and never last. Same goes for love as the heart goes from one to the next, then the next and so on. Why waste your time with both when those kind of feelings are better left forgotten. Face it, you bunch of fools. Friendship and love are a sin beyond recognition! The sooner you begin to believe that, then the better off you'll all will be. You pretty much proved that to Kyubiki the moment you started gossiping about our lies." He felt he could see a bunch of shocked expressions as realization was starting to kick in. 

"While it's true that we did indeed start the trouble within this building. It was mostly all of you that brought it all to the surface. We made sure to finish the job, but you also played your parts perfectly! You may not have given him looks, but that didn't diminish the impact the failure felt when he saw each expression. Looks of shame, disbelief, hatred and utter disgust. Sort of like driving him out of town or to capture him and lock him away for all eternity. Face the facts that the one you call "Champion" or "Hero" is now gone forever and it's all your fault! You didn't have to believe what was said. You could have even asked him, but nope! You went and believed what was said and you broke him piece by pathetic piece. Even if he were to come back, then he won't be the same ever again. Do you really think he'd trust any of you all again? I wouldn't put it past him if he believed you or whoever else you call a hero here.We made sure of it the last time and now we broke him apart once more. That's what you get when you stand for friendship and love. All that awaits you was a world of hurt and despair!" He exclaimed, beginning to laugh maniacally as their plan came to fruition. Cheap had joined in the laughter, while Frozen chuckled to himself as they felt they had hit the lottery with what they had accomplished. After a moment, the three had calmed down as they began making their way towards a different part of the building. "And with that, I must wish all of you losers good luck. If you think you're brave enough when facing against me, then go ahead. Just know that you'd be better off forfeiting than to suffer the same fate as that failure."