open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@ExplosionMare

"I think last time I heard that they were battling the final boss. Wish there was a way that I could go help Thundy...it seems he's feeling a little upset right now. I hope that everything's okay..." Chelsea said worriedly. 

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Samurai Equine @PawelS @C. Thunder Dash @ExplosionMare

As if her soul left her body, Shadow remained silent throughout their adventures, even when they leave the city with her, riding the Zebrasus. She climb off the zebra-pegasus hybrid and smiled when she heard what Tree said about loving nature. She stood behind Pencil as the latter spoke to Chelsea.

“Do we have a device that could find the others?” She asked. It would be hard to know where the battle team's current location, but if they have a device that could help them; it would be not hard to find the other said team.

(Note: I had been inactive for several days, which is not surprise if my reply is so short, that is also because I had no knowledge of what mostly happen when I was gone)

Edited November 6, 2020 by Windy Breeze

[Samurai Equine 51,463]

@Dynamo Pad, @Pastel Heart, @C. Thunder Dash, @CameoShadowness

In Level 2,
Dynamo's shield was mad effective, especially with Thundy giving it a power boost! It would take nearly half of the entire volley of arrows before the barrier showed any signs of weakening.

Still, victory was nearly in their grasps. Trilby stayed close to Dynamo for as long as he could, but there were only so many ways he could contribute. He could add his own shield spell to the mix and make the barrier that much stronger, but how would that inflict damage? Meanwhile, Pastel is out there, fighting the good fight, swinging her daggers around at any target she should possibly hit. She was out there getting all kinds of chip damage from falling arrows, and all to win this fight. A valiant effort, but all four of them NEED to do some kind of offensive attack.

"Dynamo... If you've got an attack, then don't hold back for our sake. Just give this battle everything you've got!" Trilby then leaves the protection of the barrier.
Like Pastel, he gladly takes some chip damage from various arrows, but he keeps going.
"Hey, Black Knight! Your furniture is third rate at best." Trilby aims his bladed staff and fires a few laser beams. Together, he and Pastel chip the Black Knight down to 73% total damage. They just need a grand attack from their power house characters to win! 

@ExplosionMare. @Windy Breeze, @C. Thunder Dash, @GeneralDirection, @PawelS

Outside at the crossroads,
Elusive really appreciates Chelsea's support. She gives her a smile and a nod.

She also stands before the group to help give them clarity. "We just finished a bonus game. The battle team is in Level 2, no doubt battling the boss by now. There's Level 3 just up ahead. If I remember correctly, Tempest and Bluebell teamed up, so that will be one set of bosses. There's Ms. Shadow Trail's friend, that's another boss. And finally, Kronos. Defeat all those, and it'll be too easy to beat the game."

Thinking about it, Elusive turns to Shadow Trail. "What was your friends name again? Keen? She's some kind of adventurer. I wouldn't be surprised if she's the boss of Level 3, the level in the Desert Biome. But if we skip that level, what happens to the boss? Do they stay stuck where they are, or do we still get the option to recruit or dismiss them? That's what happened to me when I was a boss. The battle team had the option to decide my fate. I was enlisted to the hero side." Elusive explains.

Edited November 6, 2020 by Samurai Equine

[Pastel Heart 6,466]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @C. Thunder Dash@CameoShadowness

The backup Pastel was expecting didn't come. Looks like she acted hastily. For her efforts she got a lot of damage and arrows sticking out of her Skyrim style.

"Eehhh!? I thought we were doing it now! Nya, screw it!"

Pastel had taken this much damage, so it's no big deal if she lost one of her lives.

In a kamikaze style move, she leaped over the black knight and pulled out a poison dagger. With whatever HP she had left she zigzagged towards Beryl and tossed her poison dagger towards her

[Dynamo Pad 11,312]

9 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

In Level 2,
Dynamo's shield was mad effective, especially with Thundy giving it a power boost! It would take nearly half of the entire volley of arrows before the barrier showed any signs of weakening.

Still, victory was nearly in their grasps. Trilby stayed close to Dynamo for as long as he could, but there were only so many ways he could contribute. He could add his own shield spell to the mix and make the barrier that much stronger, but how would that inflict damage? Meanwhile, Pastel is out there, fighting the good fight, swinging her daggers around at any target she should possibly hit. She was out there getting all kinds of chip damage from falling arrows, and all to win this fight. A valiant effort, but all four of them NEED to do some kind of offensive attack.

"Dynamo... If you've got an attack, then don't hold back for our sake. Just give this battle everything you've got!" Trilby then leaves the protection of the barrier.
Like Pastel, he gladly takes some chip damage from various arrows, but he keeps going.
"Hey, Black Knight! Your furniture is third rate at best." Trilby aims his bladed staff and fires a few laser beams. Together, he and Pastel chip the Black Knight down to 73% total damage. They just need a grand attack from their power house characters to win! 

Dynamo grinned as as nearly half of the arrows were stopped and/or blasted back towards the enemy team. "Perfect! That's just what I was hoping would happen!" While the defensive attack did its job, Dynamo knew that it wasn't the end of the fight. They still need to get back onto the offensive and take down The Black Knight. Dynamo glanced slightly to his left towards Trilby, who had mentioned about an attack. Thinking back towards his magic repertoire, Dynamo nodded as he looked back towards the battlefield. "I do, but I have to make sure of something." He says, using his monocle to extend his vision. He strained his eyes heavily in hopes of finding a certain weak point on Daring and/or Beryl. He soon stopped with a short gasp as he got what he was looking for. It seemed that while Thundy's earlier strike had hit Daring. The armor still seemed to be drenched. He prepared his magic attack, before looking back towards the cleric. "I was going to ask if we should make that duo heavier or just attack, but I think this next attack will be over in an instant. Just stay behind me and prepare some backup shields for everyone. Just make sure that Thundy is kept on guard. It looks like he isn't going to get up for a while, but I'm going to take a page from his book."

31 minutes ago, Pastel Heart said:

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @C. Thunder Dash@CameoShadowness

The backup Pastel was expecting didn't come. Looks like she acted hastily. For her efforts she got a lot of damage and arrows sticking out of her Skyrim style.

"Eehhh!? I thought we were doing it now! Nya, screw it!"

Pastel had taken this much damage, so it's no big deal if she lost one of her lives.

In a kamikaze style move, she leaped over the black knight and pulled out a poison dagger. With whatever HP she had left she zigzagged towards Beryl and tossed her poison dagger towards her

@Pastel Heart @Samurai Equine @CameoShadowness 

As he prepared some magic, Dynamo looked over to see Pastel, who seemed to be looking worse for wear. "Pastel-chan!" He called out to her, while feeling bad that he wasn't able to protect her. Hopefully, he'll be able to talk to her too, while hoping she could forgive him. Seeing her take out another dagger, Dynamo knew that this was their chance. "Hey, Pastel! When I give the signal, I need you to get out of the way as soon as possible! Trust me!" He called out to her, while pointing his keyblade towards the sky. "Hey, Trilby. There's been a change in plans. I need you to try and heal Pastel-chan if it's possible. I want to make sure that she's okay. That, and I don't want to lose her, you know?" He asks, before turning his attention back towards the sky above him. The sky itself soon began to turn dark as if night time had soon made it's presence. However, there was no moon or stars, but a sky that was filled with dark clouds. If his suspicion was correct, then this might result in some heavy damage. 'Only one way to find out.' He thought, before he looked towards Pastel. He looked into her eyes as he hoped she would return the gaze. All the while, nodding as he took a deep breath. "Pastel! NOW!" The moment he saw her throw her dagger was the time for him to strike. "THUNDER!"

The sky soon crackled and roared in anger. As if someone had disturbed it's slumbering peace. Soon enough, lightning bolts soon raced and crashed down into the ground. Almost as if the strikes were encircling the duo pair of enemies. The time soon came as the final lightning bolt came crashing down upon Beryl and Daring. Dynamo took the time to roll his dice to determine the amount of damage he can deal. One landed on a 5, while the other landed on a 1. The unicorn's eyes soon shrank with worry as this attack might not be enough. Dynamo soon remembered that he still had an ability to play. "I almost forgot. Dice re-roll!" Taking back the dice that landed on a one, he tossed said dice out once again. Dynamo hoped and prayed that he could get a higher numbered roll this time around. He waited with baited breath as the dice roll began to finish its movement. Dynamo gasped, before grinning. "Alright! It landed on a 6! That means a near critical hit!" He would say, before watching for the results. If the attack landed, then Daring and Beryl will take some serious damage. It helped that the two were possibly still drenched from his earlier water magic attack. If they dodged, then Dynamo would make sure to keep up on the offensive. 

Edited November 6, 2020 by Dynamo Pad

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine @Pastel Heart @CameoShadowness

Thundy commanded the mortar men to fire. They all launched the mortars up into the air. Thundy rolled a dice for each of the mortar men. Two landed on 3, one on 2 and the other on 6. Thundy gave a quick thumbs up to Dynamo seeing that he landed a critical hit. His twin swords were still charged up with electricity. The mortars all together did about 20% damage. The 6 granted concussive effects, but they were at the lowest percent due to there only being one 6. 

[Silly Druid 6,982]

19 hours ago, ExplosionMare said:

Pencil gasps to herself as Tree Song stumbles upon the ground. Pencil trots over to her to see if she is okay. Cautiously, she asks,

“Are you okay there? You, uh, need any help?”

"I'm OK, I think." Tree Song moves her legs to check if they work properly. "Nothing seems to be broken. Thanks for caring though. I'm not used to flying, so such things can happen sometimes."

[Sphinx-Ara 3,569]

@Samurai Equine

The clairvoyance was a bit more than an annoyance to Seir, but it was very rarely wrong, so he allowed it to lead him to where this little black box was. He would look at it, using his magic to open it and look at what was inside. 

[Samurai Equine 51,463]

@Dynamo Pad, @Pastel Heart, @C. Thunder Dash, @CameoShadowness

In Level 2,
Trilby does his best to give Pastel some back-up, but he hears Dynamo's request as well. He doesn't remember friendly-fire being a thing that can happen in this game. But just in case, he nods with a smirk.

Getting the timing just right, Trilby runs over, grabs Pastel in a protective hug, pulls her out of the way, and heals her. This gives Dynamo and Thundy's attacks a chance to hit. All at once, there is a monumental blast that not only knocks Daring Decor's helmet off, but momentarily fills the cave with a blinding light...

LEVEL 2: CLEARED!

As visibility returns, we see a defeated Daring Decor and Beryl. And just like the first boss, a pop-up screen appears before our heroes with three-options:

• Mercy: They won't be a bosses anymore; they'll just be converted into basic NPCs until the game is over.
• Punish: Finish them! They'll be sent back to the real world, and their characters won't return in-game.
• Recruit: Convert them from villainous Dark characters to heroic Justice characters, making them part of your team.

Daring Decor lets our heroes celebrate before speaking up. "Hey, you four. I hope there isn't any hard feelings just because we were playing our roles in this game... Look, I don't know what Beryl wants, but I do have one request. Could you please send me back home to the real world? I'm an old stallion, and I'm not quite cut out for this video game stuff. This is more for a younger crowd. I was unhappy as soon as I put on that full suit of armor. I only picked Black Knight because I thought it looked cool, but all this fantasy combat is really doing a number on my back..."

It's up to the heroes. Beryl and Daring don't have to share the same fate. You can give a different fate to each of them.
Trilby votes first. "If Daring wants out, I say give we give it to him. Trust me, I know how he feels... When I first came here, I doubted myself. I'm just a simple hat-maker, after all. The only reason I've gotten this far is because I care about my team, and because I wanted to prove myself wrong."

@Cinnamon Coffee. @PawelS

Outside Friendshire,
As soon as Seir finds the electricity box, he seems some wires have been cut. Feels like a mischievous spirit has been haunting this place. Fixing the box should be easy; all the wires are color-coded. However, his vision tells him that as soon as he fixes it, he'll need to stand back. Something big and powerful will happen.

[Dynamo Pad 11,312]

2 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

@Dynamo Pad, @Pastel Heart, @C. Thunder Dash, @CameoShadowness

In Level 2,
Trilby does his best to give Pastel some back-up, but he hears Dynamo's request as well. He doesn't remember friendly-fire being a thing that can happen in this game. But just in case, he nods with a smirk.

Getting the timing just right, Trilby runs over, grabs Pastel in a protective hug, pulls her out of the way, and heals her. This gives Dynamo and Thundy's attacks a chance to hit. All at once, there is a monumental blast that not only knocks Daring Decor's helmet off, but momentarily fills the cave with a blinding light...

LEVEL 2: CLEARED!

As visibility returns, we see a defeated Daring Decor and Beryl. And just like the first boss, a pop-up screen appears before our heroes with three-options:

• Mercy: They won't be a bosses anymore; they'll just be converted into basic NPCs until the game is over.
• Punish: Finish them! They'll be sent back to the real world, and their characters won't return in-game.
• Recruit: Convert them from villainous Dark characters to heroic Justice characters, making them part of your team.

Daring Decor lets our heroes celebrate before speaking up. "Hey, you four. I hope there isn't any hard feelings just because we were playing our roles in this game... Look, I don't know what Beryl wants, but I do have one request. Could you please send me back home to the real world? I'm an old stallion, and I'm not quite cut out for this video game stuff. This is more for a younger crowd. I was unhappy as soon as I put on that full suit of armor. I only picked Black Knight because I thought it looked cool, but all this fantasy combat is really doing a number on my back..."

It's up to the heroes. Beryl and Daring don't have to share the same fate. You can give a different fate to each of them.
Trilby votes first. "If Daring wants out, I say give we give it to him. Trust me, I know how he feels... When I first came here, I doubted myself. I'm just a simple hat-maker, after all. The only reason I've gotten this far is because I care about my team, and because I wanted to prove myself wrong."

@Pastel Heart @Samurai Equine @CameoShadowness @C. Thunder Dash

As Dynamo watched Trilby, who had given Pastel some back-up. He had to shield his eyes slightly as the thunder magic caused a bright flash of light. It took a moment for the blinding light to cease. The blue unicorn slowly opened his eyes as he took a look around at the results. "What happened? Did we do it?" He asks, before looking over towards The Black Knight. It seemed as if the attack had caused Daring's helmet to be knocked off. Dynamo was given his answer as the announcement that Level 2 was officially cleared. "Alright! We managed to do it." Dynamo smiled, before looking back over towards the griffon. "Do you need a hoof to stand, Thundy?" He asks, extending a hoof for Thundy to take. Listening to the conversation between both Darin and Trilby, Dynamo looked towards Pastel and Thundy. "What do you think, you guys? I'm all for having more support of a team. However, if it's what Daring wants, then maybe we should send him back home. We should still ask Beryl to see if they still want to join up with us." He says, wanting to get the opinion of the others, before making the final call.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @Samurai Equine

Thundy sighed. "I just wish we could send him back without dealing anymore blows...no one deserves to suffer like that...especially a stallion like him..." Thundy said feeling very empathetic. He wished he could summon a portal that sent Daring back to the real world, but he knew he didn't have those kinds of abilities. 

[Pastel Heart 6,466]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @C. Thunder Dash

Pastel blinked rapidly. She legit didn't expect to survive. Alls well that ends well though. She's reckless even if this is just a game.

"Well, thanks for the save, buddy! I'd give you a kiss, but I'm saving that for the right pony~ instead, take this and buy yourself something nice, eh?"

Pastel winked at Trilby and passed him  few bits that she took off the battlefield. She approached Dynamo with an apologetic expression.

"Uhh... Sorry for scaring you. I got like, nine lives right? So don't worry! No way I'm leaving the game without my conspirator."

She smiled affectionately. Seems that unlike the other characters Pastel is still in there somewhat.

Turning towards Beryl and Daring... Beryl had done nothing to her really, so she didnt mind sparing her and having an extra ally. Pastel still had some bitterness towards Daring Decor for the race, so upon hearing his death wish, Pastel could only smile. Despite Thundys objection, something uncharacteristically dark in Pastel was eager to get out as she stepped up to Daring with her dagger, an evil smile stretching her face like the Joker. Her CE alignment was showing.

"Well, if the old stallion wishes for death... Why not grant it to him? Don't worry. I'll make it quick. Whatever gods he prays to will meet him in paradise soon enough~"

...Kuwai.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Pastel Heart @Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

"Death in the game...I just hope it isn't the same amount of pain as reality..." Thundy said still a little uneasy about this whole situation. Yes, Daring was old, and Pastel, with her rogue character was known for quick and fast blows. Still, Thundy had a worried look on his face.  

[Dynamo Pad 11,312]

6 hours ago, C. Thunder Dash said:

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @Samurai Equine

Thundy sighed. "I just wish we could send him back without dealing anymore blows...no one deserves to suffer like that...especially a stallion like him..." Thundy said feeling very empathetic. He wished he could summon a portal that sent Daring back to the real world, but he knew he didn't have those kinds of abilities. 

3 hours ago, Pastel Heart said:

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @C. Thunder Dash

Pastel blinked rapidly. She legit didn't expect to survive. Alls well that ends well though. She's reckless even if this is just a game.

"Well, thanks for the save, buddy! I'd give you a kiss, but I'm saving that for the right pony~ instead, take this and buy yourself something nice, eh?"

Pastel winked at Trilby and passed him  few bits that she took off the battlefield. She approached Dynamo with an apologetic expression.

"Uhh... Sorry for scaring you. I got like, nine lives right? So don't worry! No way I'm leaving the game without my conspirator."

She smiled affectionately. Seems that unlike the other characters Pastel is still in there somewhat.

Turning towards Beryl and Daring... Beryl had done nothing to her really, so she didnt mind sparing her and having an extra ally. Pastel still had some bitterness towards Daring Decor for the race, so upon hearing his death wish, Pastel could only smile. Despite Thundys objection, something uncharacteristically dark in Pastel was eager to get out as she stepped up to Daring with her dagger, an evil smile stretching her face like the Joker. Her CE alignment was showing.

"Well, if the old stallion wishes for death... Why not grant it to him? Don't worry. I'll make it quick. Whatever gods he prays to will meet him in paradise soon enough~"

...Kuwai.

 

1 hour ago, C. Thunder Dash said:

@Pastel Heart @Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

"Death in the game...I just hope it isn't the same amount of pain as reality..." Thundy said still a little uneasy about this whole situation. Yes, Daring was old, and Pastel, with her rogue character was known for quick and fast blows. Still, Thundy had a worried look on his face.  

 

@Pastel Heart @Samurai Equine @C. Thunder Dash

"I have to agree with you on that. I don't think I can have the heart to do such a thing. I guess I'd feel guilty if I did something like take someone down and then it would send them back to the real world." He would say, before looking over to Pastel, who had approached him. Seeing her smile and listening to her apology took it's toll on the gaming unicorn. Without a second thought or warning, he gently wrapped his hooves around the young mare. All the while, pulling her into a hug, but being mindful that she was possibly still injured. "You don't have to apologize for anything, Pastel-chan. If anything, then I should be sorry. I wish I was there for you more so I could keep you safe." He shook slightly as he was afraid that she would disappear if he were to let go. He knew she was capable in her abilities as a rogue, but he still wanted to make sure she'd be safe from harm.

He soon let go of the young, pink mare as she made her way over towards Daring. Dynamo couldn't help in shivering slightly in fear of Pastel's choice in words. He wasn't sure if the game was starting to affect her too, or if something else was afoot. "The way she mentioned paradise reminded me of something Travis Touchdown had once said." He hoped that he could talk about this with Pastel once they got out of there. He still accepted her for who she was, but he still wanted to be a good role model for his rogue teammate. He looked to the side and nodded at Thundy's remark. "You and me both, Thundy. Every time I either got a game over or lost a life in a game, I never really thought much of it. Other than to get a little upset if the boss was playing a bit unfair. I guess it's much different here. Considering that it feels like one can't tell what's reality and fantasy anymore. I know we're stuck in a game, but it still feels almost real." He still wanted to talk to the griffon about their earlier exchange in words, but he felt it would be better to talk after they regrouped with the others.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @Samurai Equine

"I don't know...I...I just...I just don't feel right. Yes this is a game, yet this does feel so real." Thundy stated. Pastel's last statement was quite the curveball. Was she excited that she would get to "kill" someone? Thundy certainly didn't want to upset Pastel after what he did that morning, but he felt very uneasy about this whole thing, especially the fact that Pastel treated this as a true mercy killing. "I just...feel that...ugh...I don't wanna upset Pastel again but...I...feel as if she's...excited to make the final blow...I don't know how else to say it." Thundy stated. 

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @C. Thunder Dash @PawelS

Shadow listened intently to Elusive, careful not to let any words pass through her ears. Her friend, who is one of the boss is now the center of their topic.

“Her name is Keen Fan” Shadow said, confirming Elusive's guess “I think she's just a gamer in real life, though I think she's a type of pony to go on an adventure”

Level 3 Desert biome

As Keen stare with satisfaction at her lions, chasing unsentient zebras (both summoned her) used as the big cat's target practice, she suddenly sneezed.

“Ugh, I swear I already throw away the bees earlier” she sniffed. The lions, zebras, iron golems, vultures, undead skeletons, hyenas, and a race of crocodiles which can change colors stopped to look at their master, worry in their eyes. Keen waved at them as she wipe her nose with one of her hooves “I'm okay, everycreature, continue the training!”

Edited November 8, 2020 by Windy Breeze

[Sphinx-Ara 3,569]

@Samurai Equine

Seir nodded to himself, this was like one of those times he had to solve a puzzle to help a..well that was in the past, and the fact that the wires were all color coded, made it even easier for him. He'd use his magic to match up the wires to their corrosponding nodes and then dashed back, as he had a feeling something big was about to happen.

[Samurai Equine 51,463]

@Dynamo Pad, @Pastel Heart, @C. Thunder Dash

(YO! HEADS UP, EVERYONE!!! I just talked with CameoShadowness. Due to life circumstances, Cameo will not be able to continue the RP with us, therefore Beryl is not part of this story anymore. Cameo will always be welcomed back anytime, but for now, they're out.)

In Level 2,
The aftermath of the battle was quite amazing. There were no more archers. Daring Decor's armor was in tatters. All the previous threats were defeated. Trilby even took a moment to cheer before realizing he was still holding Pastel. But she made some kind of flirtatious comment before joining Dynamo again. "!! I... I all ready have a marefriend..." Trilby mumbles, embaressed.

Still, Daring Decor made his wish known, and Trilby voted to honor his request. That is until Thundy and Dynamo bring up a good point. "Would it really be so dangerous? I wonder..." Trilby thinks it over. About that time, Dynamo hears the whispers again. The same whispers that only he's been hearing...
Don't be afraid~ He won't be harmed. Punish is just a fancy title. He'll be returned safely with no harm~ You've trusted us this far, trust us again.
It's true. These whispers have not failed him before. But what could they be?

However, in a second, it's not going to matter....

@Cinnamon Coffee. @PawelS

Outside at the crossroads,
Seir was right to back away when he did. For as soon as he completed the task and backed away, a chain reaction occurred. This circuit box helps powers part of the town, including the local arcade. With a disruption in the power supply, the magic is also disrupted, causing a massive implosion!

...

@Dynamo Pad, @Pastel Heart, @C. Thunder Dash, @PawelS, @Windy Breeze, @ExplosionMare, @Ragland Tiger, @Kronos the Revenant, @GeneralDirection

Before all of the players both Dark and Heroic, the entire game around them begins to glitch until the backgrounds all fade away.

They soon find themselves in a digital fissure. An angry, swirling portal of sorts. At one end of the portal; they can all see Friendshire. On the other, they can see the video game world. And all the players are now stuck in limbo between the two destinations. They can feel the game trying to pull them back, but they can resist if they fight hard enough.

"Wha--Wha--What's going on here?!" Trilby says, freaking out as his clothes glitch between his video game outfit and his real-life outfit. Everyone else seems to be the same way. A voice speaks out.

SoMe MuSt Go, SoMe MuSt StAy!

It's the video game's announcer voice, though glitching out. Some must go, some must stay? The game is expelling unnecessary inhabitants?!

It's all ready working... Many of the every day towns folks were trapped in the game, stuck as mindless NPCs. Now they are being set free and getting out of there as soon as possible. Even Tempest Shadow seems to understand. She grabs Bluebell and floats toward the end of the portal, trying to set herself and Bluebell free. "I'd prefer not to be part of this anymore! But if one of us has to stay, I elect to set Bluebell free. The game doesn't need both of us. Just one should be enough."

Seems anyone who has had a change of heart can now leave. But some of players must stay and complete the game.
So the question remains...

Who goes, and who stays?

Edited November 9, 2020 by Samurai Equine

[Dynamo Pad 11,312]

12 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

In Level 2,
The aftermath of the battle was quite amazing. There were no more archers. Daring Decor's armor was in tatters. All the previous threats were defeated. Trilby even took a moment to cheer before realizing he was still holding Pastel. But she made some kind of flirtatious comment before joining Dynamo again. "!! I... I all ready have a marefriend..." Trilby mumbles, embaressed.

Still, Daring Decor made his wish known, and Trilby voted to honor his request. That is until Thundy and Dynamo bring up a good point. "Would it really be so dangerous? I wonder..." Trilby thinks it over. About that time, Dynamo hears the whispers again. The same whispers that only he's been hearing...
Don't be afraid~ He won't be harmed. Punish is just a fancy title. He'll be returned safely with no harm~ You've trusted us this far, trust us again.
It's true. These whispers have not failed him before. But what could they be?

However, in a second, it's not going to matter....

Before all of the players both Dark and Heroic, the entire game around them begins to glitch until the backgrounds all fade away.

They soon find themselves in a digital fissure. An angry, swirling portal of sorts. At one end of the portal; they can all see Friendshire. On the other, they can see the video game world. And all the players are now stuck in limbo between the two destinations. They can feel the game trying to pull them back, but they can resist if they fight hard enough.

"Wha--Wha--What's going on here?!" Trilby says, freaking out as his clothes glitch between his video game outfit and his real-life outfit. Everyone else seems to be the same way. A voice speaks out.

SoMe MuSt Go, SoMe MuSt StAy!

It's the video game's announcer voice, though glitching out. Some must go, some must stay? The game is expelling unnecessary inhabitants?!

It's all ready working... Many of the every day towns folks were trapped in the game, stuck as mindless NPCs. Now they are being set free and getting out of there as soon as possible. Even Tempest Shadow seems to understand. She grabs Bluebell and floats toward the end of the portal, trying to set herself and Bluebell free. "I'd prefer not to be part of this anymore! But if one of us has to stay, I elect to set Bluebell free. The game doesn't need both of us. Just one should be enough."

Seems anyone who has had a change of heart can now leave. But some of players must stay and complete the game.
So the question remains...

Who goes, and who stays?

@Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @Cinnamon Coffee @GeneralDirection @Windy Breeze @PawelS @Kronos the Revenant @Ragland Tiger @C. Thunder Dash @Astral Vision

As everyone was voicing their opinions on the concerns of Daring, Dynamo blinked as he heard the whispers once more. He continued to wonder who, or what this voice was, but he felt he could trust them after all they've gone through. Nodding, he looked towards the group to voice his thoughts. "I guess it everyone is in agreement, then we can select punish. If either Daring or Beryl don't want to be in this game, then it's okay for them to head back. However, the whispers of the game told me that they'll be okay. I know it sounds crazy, but please, trust me. All we have to do is select punish and then they'll just be transported out of the game with no harm. So, everything will be okay." He would say, before he felt himself in a dark fissure. Across from him and the others was a swirling portal that seemed angry. At one side of the portal, there was Friendshire, while at the other portal was the video game world. 

The gaming unicorn could feel his body being pulled back towards the video game world. Almost as if the game itself was trying to keep it's hold over him. He tried to fight back as he wasn't sure what was going on. It didn't help him that he was feeling scared as everything happened so quickly. He gasped as he looked up to hear a voice from above them. It seemed to be the video game announcer, but their voice seemed to be glitching out. The unicorn even looked down to see his outfit glitching back and forth between his regular outfit and his video game outfit. "What in the name of Equestria is going on?" He asks out loud, before seeing Tempest and Bluebell were heading towards the Friendshire portal. At first, he was surprised, but soon he began to understand. It seemed as if some of the players didn't want to stay in the game world and wanted to go back home. Looking between the two portals, Dynamo took a deep breath, before sighing. Steeling his resolve, he looked back towards the group. "Hey, guys. I'm choosing to stay in the game world. As much as I'd like to go back home, I know that there's still a quest that needs to be completed. I mean, if we get to go back home, then what will happen to the town, or the mayors, or to the rest of the town. I know Daring and Beryl will be going back as they wanted to go back home. I think the game needs to be completed in order for the box to be solved. So, if it's okay with you guys, then I'm going to stay and complete this game." He says, allowing the game to take hold to bring him back into the game willingly. As he was being pulled back towards the game world, his outfit changed back to his Force Gamlbler outfit. He wasn't sure who was coming back with him, but he hoped that he wouldn't be along in finishing this game.

Edited November 8, 2020 by Dynamo Pad

[Kronos the Revenant 1,971]

@Samurai Equine

As the world shook around him, Kronos grunted in bewilderment. It gave him the choice to either go back to the real world or stay in the video game world. Being in the video game world was too much fun for him to just up and leave. Besides, he’s already dedicated a lot of assets into his role to just abandon altogether. He decided to stay and got welcomed back by his mechanical beasts. 

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @C. Thunder Dash @ExplosionMare @GeneralDirection @Kronos the Revenant @Ragland Tiger @PawelS @Pastel Heart @Cinnamon Coffee

As Shadow is waiting for Elusive's reply, she suddenly saw the world around her changing rapidly, she gasped and fell on her rump as she stared at the sudden change in horror. This fear is slightly cooled down when she floated in the digital fissure, the game behind her and the town of Friendshire in front of her. She beamed with joy and relief, she's finally going to get out of here. She did not even care the fact her uniforms keeps disappearing and appearing.

As she was just mere inches away from Friendship, realization struck her.

Would Keen do the same choice, how about the others, will they leave? Her smile vanished into a frown, what if Keen decided to stay?

Sighing, she turned her back at Friendship and faced the game and began walking towards it. If Keen and Trilby decides not to leave, then so is she, even if it humiliates her for not knowing most of her skills.

...

When Keen had her back turned at her servants, the world around her suddenly flickered. She gaped in gorror as the world around her vanishes, her costume also began to flicker as well. So does her eye.

Keen, or whoever is controlling the body of the owner smirked, this was chance. If that Trilby guy decides to stay and the hero of Friendshire has still not arrived, she can finally set up traps in the town without being noticed. Without hesitation, she went back to Friendshire along with Keen.

...

As for Sundae, she did not hesitate to go back to Friendshire as well.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @Samurai Equine @CameoShadowness

Thundy saw the two portals. "Ugh...I really like this game but this whole thing was just so unexpected. I...I'll have to stay. If my friends are staying, then so will I. Besides, Chelsea's still in here and she'll most likely stay if the others agree..." Thundy stated, looking towards Daring. He hoped to save Beryl, for her abilities may be of good use. "Hey Dynamo, what do you think if we recruit Beryl?" He asked.

 

@ExplosionMare @GeneralDirection @PawelS

Chelsea saw the two portals. As much as she wanted to go back and practice on DDR like she had wanted to, she just couldn't abandon her friends, even though this whole videogame experience threw her for a loop. She decided to stay in the videogame world with her friends and hoped that the others stayed as well, at least Pencil. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,312]

4 hours ago, C. Thunder Dash said:

@Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart @Samurai Equine @CameoShadowness

Thundy saw the two portals. "Ugh...I really like this game but this whole thing was just so unexpected. I...I'll have to stay. If my friends are staying, then so will I. Besides, Chelsea's still in here and she'll most likely stay if the others agree..." Thundy stated, looking towards Daring. He hoped to save Beryl, for her abilities may be of good use. "Hey Dynamo, what do you think if we recruit Beryl?" He asked.

@Pastel Heart @Samurai Equine @C. Thunder Dash

Dynamo looked to see Thundy, who had chosen to stay in the video game world, as well. The blue unicorn nodded as he heard the griffon's statement, while understanding just how dangerous this game was really going to be. "I know how you feel. I didn't really think that things would get out of hoof. That, or how severe each level is going to be. I guess it's sort of like an actual video game. It's simple in the beginning, but then it begins to take its toll as you progress through the level. We just got to hold onto hope and do what we can. Maybe completing this game will give everyone some sort of answer." He says, remembering that whichever side had won would affect Friendshire. He looked over towards Beryl as he thought of Thundy's request. "I'm not too sure, to be honest. I do get what you're trying to say and we'll need all the help we can, Thundy. However, I think it's up to Beryl on what she wants to do at this point. Since everyone has a chance to go home or to stay and complete the game, then the choice lies in everyone's hooves or talons in your case." He would say, before recalling their earlier argument/conversation.

"H-Hey, Thundy? I know I said it before, but I wanted to say that I'm sorry for how I acted. I wasn't sure if you wanted to still talk about it now, or wait until we get back to the gaming world." He suggested, while waiting to see what the griffon thought. The gaming unicorn still felt awful, but he still wanted to explain himself in hopes that Thundy could forgive him.

[ExplosionMare 18,062]

@Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Windy Breeze @C. Thunder Dash @GeneralDirection @Kronos the Revenant @Ragland Tiger @PawelS @Pastel Heart @Cinnamon Coffee
Before Pencil even had time to process what was happening, the game began to glitch unexpectedly. Every creature she had made, even from past levels, were phasing in and out of existence. Pencil’s brush and smock disappeared and reappeared, sending small shock waves through her veins. The rapidness of the situation caused Pencil to whimper in a panicked frenzy. She shut her eyes, hoping to block out all of the chaos. It wasn’t until a distorted voice was heard that she was able to come back to her senses.

They want to make some ponies leave the game? Pencil thought, slightly confused at the notion. It was then that she saw hundreds of NPCs and a few ponies she knew get sucked back into Friendshire through a glitchy portal. Pencil gasped at how easily everyone who went through was able to leave. They were no longer confound to the game world and could go about their daily lives once again. Pencil had to admit to herself that the idea did sound a little appealing. However, before she made her own decision, she glanced around the void to see what both teams were doing.

Many of the team members opted to stay but others such as Shadow and Trilby found it better to leave. Makes sense, Pencil reasoned, seeing as neither of the two were too happy about dangerous adventures. Pencil was happy that some of the more courageous team members like Dynamo had stayed, however, because this game would be rather pathetic without some good fighters.

Pencil’s mind began to drift for a moment as she thought of her own set of skills. Her creatures were definitely helpful and she had been able to win many competitions to her surprise. Though a few doubts about her skills began to creep in her mind, she felt that overall she was capable of winning the game or at least assisting with the win. The only thing left to think about was if anyone else found her contributions useful. If Pencil’s skills really were helping the others, then she would be happy to continue using them. The hopeful look Chelsea was giving her was all the reason she needed to finally make her decision.

“I can stay. If I can still help the others in some way, then I’ll do so,” Pencil announced to both teams.

[Pastel Heart 6,466]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine

Obviously, it was a no brainer for Pastel. She smiled and shrugged.

"How in the world can I pass up something like this!? Dream world over real world!"

She bounced up and skipped over to Dynamo, regaining her dashing rogue outfit and prior swagger.

"All the worlds treasures will be mine! Nyahaha~"