open The Town That Friendship Forgot

[Dynamo Pad 11,321]

@Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @C. Thunder Dash @GeneralDirection 

Dynamo slowly nodded as he heard Thundy's remark. "I mean, that's true. I knew that video game magic was possible and all, but I still don't get how it was possible. I don't even know what that power up was all about. The game whispered to me and told me to accept my destiny. I always wondered if the video game world could exist, but it was always a sort of rumor. My old teacher gave me a book that was based on Haycart's method, but he gave it to me as a gift. So, I guess the game world does exist, but it does make me wonder if others know about it now." He shrugged, not sure if that thought could go further, but decided to drop the subject. "I'll keep the idea of learning about the whole transferring abilities, but that sounds pretty confusing." He would say, before Thundy pointed towards his head and heart.

The blue unicorn looked over towards Pencil, before giving her a nod and friendly smile. "Thanks, Pencil. You're a really good friend, you know that?" He asks, before nodding at Trilby's words as he made his exit with Mayor White. Looking at the magical quartz stones, he also noticed that there was a chest to place the stones in. He did recall that Final Premonition had asked for these quartz stones from Astral. So, he felt it was best to hold onto them for safe keeping. Just until Final would receive the chest, of course. Even thought it looked like nobody was interested in the quartz, he felt it would be better to put it away somewhere for safe keeping. He looked to Pastel, who was still clinging to him. Not that he was complaining or anything. He wanted to ask her to let go so he could walk and get circulation back into his arm, but found he didn't want to. He didn't want to seem rude and she seemed happy and content with where she was. 

Blinking at her words, Dynamo looked down to see that the belt he was using was still attached to his waist. However, it looked as if the belt had changed form upon re-entering the real world. "Huh? H-How did I get this?" He asks, hoping to gain the attention of those in the group that was still with him. He had remembered turning into the Build form during his fight with Kronos, but it wasn't the same driver. "This isn't Build, but...wait. I recognize this belt. This is Ex-Aid. This is a Gamer Drive belt. Did the game itself grant me this as a sort of parting gift?" He wondered, curious as to what the belt was capable of. He looked to see that some of the crowd had dispersed. It kind of put a damper on the whole video game tournament. However, Dynamo knew that he didn't want this all to be for nothing. "Hey, everyone!" He called out, in hopes of gaining the crowd's attention. "I know a lot of things had happened, but we got to stay positive. So, we'll still have video game tournaments going on! Sign ups are available at the front desk. For those not participating, then there's plenty of games available to play!" He gave a kind grin as he wanted everyone to enjoy themselves. He saw Elusive Facts give the group a wave, before returning the farewell wave.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @ExplosionMare @Pastel Heart

"That is actually a pretty cool belt you got there Dynamo. Say, why not take tomorrow for more magic lessons. Who knows when you're gonna need it, but for now...would you like to watch Chelsea and I play some DanceDanceRevolution? I was gonna play it even before all of this happen anyway." Thundy said. Chelsea was waiting patiently back at the DDR Supernova arcade game. 

[Silly Druid 6,990]

@Windy Breeze

"Actually I'm his only student" Tree Song explains. "Or an apprentice as he likes to call it. He's a druid and he wants me to fulfill his role after he retires, but I still have a lot to learn before it happens."

"So, did he say anything else?" she asks, curious what Nopony has gotten himself into this time.

[Ragland Tiger 3,398]

On 11/27/2020 at 12:20 AM, Samurai Equine said:

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

They were back, and the game was over!
Trilby give a sigh of relief and hugs Shadow back. "We're free! We're finally free!" He's so happy that he turns to Shadow, and moves in for a victory kiss.
Tempest shakes off any lingering feelings of being in that game. "Not exactly how I wanted to spend my first day in Friendshire, but it's not one I will forget any time soon... I wonder Bluebell went." Tempest says before looking around.
Elusive blinks, looks around, goes wide-eyed, GRABS her real microphone and news crew, and starts reporting. "Great galloping stampedes, audience! This is Elusive Facts, star reporter of Friendshire News! IJustGotBackFromAHARROWINGExperienceAndIHaveTheInsideScoop--" She goes off at a million words a minute, almost sounding unintelligible. Guess she must have been holding her reporter instincts back for too long...

But what really seems to impress the crowd is the re-appearance of not one, but BOTH mayors. A vocal murmur stirs among the crowd, you can hear citizens excited to see them both and wondering if this means they'll start ruling over the town again.

The murmur is enough to break the heart-felt moment they were having. The two mayors look around before Mayor White starts coughing.
Violently coughing.
Oh, that's right. In the real world, Mayor White is extremely anorexic and riddled with health problems. And since he is frail once more, the very opposite of how he was in the game, he falls to ground from his failing health. Mayor Black is beside himself. "This? This is what you've become since we split up?! You IDIOT!!! Have you learned nothing from what I've tried to tell you?! If you had just been a little more greedy like me, you wouldn't be on the ground suffering from poor health!! Why is it so hard for you to just harden your heart a little?!" Mayor Black berates his brother.

Though he is sick and not getting better, Mayor White looks up at his once-more overweight and grotesque brother. "And yet... For all your talk about not caring about me anymore... You seem to be showing a great deal of worry over my well being." Mayor White has to break every few words to cough and wheeze. "Well, brother? Am I wrong? Have you really stopped caring about me and this town we built? ... Please, return to my side. Let's rule together. Open your-- Open your--" Mayor White pleads, only to be cut off from too much coughing. He was probably going to tell Mayor Black to open his heart. For a second, Mayor Black considers it. The audience seems to want it.

But his memories come crashing back. "...No. Reuniting won't fix this town. It didn't work back then, and it won't work again. The only way I'll ever return to your side is if this town is saved, and not before. Til then, I refuse to work with a failure." Mayor Black declares. The crowd, who was desperately hoping for the return of the two mayors, gives audible sounds of sadness, disapproval, and a little bit of anger. Mayor Black looks around, hesitating a moment. He looks like a pony who is second guessing himself. Instead, he turns around and runs over to his most trusted subordinate. "KRONOS! You're still on the clock. I'll pay double you're usual free, TRIPLE if you need it. Just get me out of here, immediately. Make me vanish. I'll show you the location to my new office." Mayor Black says and opts to leave with Kronos.

Was this really it? After such a sweet ending to the game, this is how it ends in real life?
Sadly, Mayor White turns to his confidant as well. "Trilby! Please... Help me get back to my medical tent... My health is fading fast." So much for his moment with his marefriend. With a heavy heart, Trilby goes over and helps Mayor White up, letting him lean on him. "Shadow, when I see you tomorrow, let's have that second date like we talked about. Sorry it didn't happen today. And Dynamo, you were amazing in the game. I don't care what anyone else says, you were the hero today. ... Oh, and please don't tell Samurai about what I did in the games. I just want to go back to being a humble haberdasher."

" S-s-so that's it, is it?," Bluebell's voice thundered form the back of the crowd. She continued, even though the two mayors were already gone.  "Y-y-you're going to go back-back into your isolated l-l-l-little corners and ignore the re-rest of us! Is that it!?  A lot of ponies and other creatures came here looking for a home, and you're willing to let it die? For what? H-how do you s-s-sleep?  Okay, go-go-go on th-then,  you-you just keep doing wh-what you're do-doing, and we will save this place, beca-because, if you haven't heard the news y-yet, this isn't just your town anymore!"

Bluebell then hobbled her way through the crowd. When she faced Tempest, tears welled up in her eyes.  "I'm so sorry," she sobbed, "I didn't mean to abandon you."

 

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@PawelS

“He did told me about something. Mmm, let me think” Sundae begin thinking to herself, trying to recall what Tree's teacher told her. It was hard to remember, and Sundae grimaced in frustration, looking up at Shadow and Tree. The problem here is Sundae actually is very forgetful.

“I don't remember most of the event, but I DO remember he gave me a warning which has something to do with Shadow” the mare who was mentioned blinked.

“Something to do with me?”

Sundae nodded “Yeah, but I didn't really remember the details of the warning”

Edited November 28, 2020 by Windy Breeze

[Samurai Equine 51,580]

@Dynamo Pad

It seems appealing to crowd worked. At least somewhat. Some ponies cannot be swayed and go back home, but some return to the arcade and decide to give it a chance. If the owner says it's safe, then why not?

Granted, some citizens are going to be naturally weary of the new VR machine since it did trap a lot of them inside the game for a while, but the rest of the arcade seems fine!

@Ragland Tiger

Tempest, after searching through the crowd, finally finds Bluebell. She hesitates at first, surprised to see her in such a sad state. But then she feels bad as well, and she gives Bluebell a hug. "You didn't abandon me. I pushed you out of the game because I wanted to save you from that world. I don't mind what happens to me, but I could never go back to Twilight if somepony got hurt because of me. I can't let that happen; not again..." After the hug, she makes Bluebell face her. "Besides, you still have so much of the town to tell me about. I want to bring back a full report to Twilight after all, remember?" Tempest says with a reassuring smile.

[Pastel Heart 6,466]

@Dynamo Pad

"Well, considering I'm an experienced vet now, I'll do super well in a certain bloody fighting game~ I'm gonna go do that right now!"

Pastel trotted off to sign up. Seems she was gonna do her own thing for now.

[Silly Druid 6,990]

@Windy Breeze

"Well, that's bad, because his words are usually important." Tree Song says with a serious look on her face. "So, if anything strange happens to any of you, please contact us, we'll be..." Then she realizes that she has no idea where they are going to stay.

"Actually I don't know where we'll be... We need a place to stay for the night before getting a more permanent accommodation. Is there a hotel or something like that in this town?"

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@PawelS

Sundae smiled “Don't worry, Tree. There's no need to worry about that. I had a house to live in, and I think Shadow has managed to find a place to stay too”

“I live in an apartment” Shadow told her “but I only have one bed, so we have to share” it is up to Tree Song whether she choose Sundae's house or Shadow's apartment, or get an apartment room for herself.

Edited November 29, 2020 by Windy Breeze

[Dynamo Pad 11,321]

@Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @Windy Breeze @C. Thunder Dash

"Thanks for the compliment, Thundy. I think I might actually try and see what this belt is all about. It might be helpful in regards to my magic training." He responded, nodding at the mention of DDR. "I might be up to watching, but I'll see what I can do. I have to supervise the tournaments to make sure all is running smoothly. Got to make sure that there aren't many problems." He would say, giving Pencil a quick glance. "Hey, Pencil. I hope you don't mind, but I hope I can ask you the question I was mentioning tomorrow. I needed to bring Shadow and Trilby into the conversation, as well. Nothing is wrong, but I just needed one's opinion on something. If that's okay, that is."

Dynamo was grateful that gaining the crowd's attention worked out. He saw some weary expressions, before following the glances over towards the VR machine. Gaining a look of understanding, he looked over towards the crowd. "There's no need to worry about the VR machine. After all that happened, I might put it away for the time being. Once I figure out how it all works out, then I'll make sure to let everyone know. I don't want what happened before to happen again out of nowhere. If anyone does want to try, then I'll make sure to supervise everyone to let you know when to take the VR helmet off." He advised, before he turned to Pastel, who was making her way over toward the sign-up sheets. "I wouldn't recommend playing very violent video games, but I might be able to fix the graphics on the game. I know it might not be fair, but I do want to be a good influence for those that like these kinds of games. Just be careful, okay, Pastel-chan? Don't wander off too far. If you need help or are in trouble, then don't be afraid to come back to me." He would say, before turning back to Pencil. "O...kay. That's a change in plans. I hope you don't mind me asking for your opinion now, if that's okay."

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @ExplosionMare

"Oh yea, after we do some DDR, I'll look to see if they have Super Smash Bros. I've certainly got some skills with that, even as far as claiming the SSBU Champ title at EVO back in my world." Thundy said trying not to sound braggy. 

"Maybe I'll try my hand at that Mario Kart thing if there's still room..." Chelsea stated. 

[Silly Druid 6,990]

@Windy Breeze

Tree Song tries to recall what the druid taught her about such situations. I need to pick an option that is best for keeping everypony safe and solving the mystery. The warning was about Shadow Trail, so I think I should sleep at her place, in case something bad is going to happen to her. But it's better not to tell her the true reason. And of course I need to tell Nopony about that...

"It's very nice of you both to offer me a place to sleep. I think I prefer to stay at your apartment", she tells Shadow, "because I know you from the game. Of course it's only for one night, tomorrow we will find a place for ourselves. But I need to contact my teacher first, so I'll go there a bit later, just give me the address, OK?"

[Dynamo Pad 11,321]

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

"There are some big named tournaments around Equestria, but I'm not sure what EVO is. I can imagine it's a video game tournament, but it's probably more than that, right?" He asks, before raising an eyebrow. "A champion title, huh? I haven't played much on Super Smash Brothers, but I do know of it. You did see how I played at DOA the other day, so I wouldn't count me out. It's a shame I'm running/supervising tournaments. I could probably give you a proper challenge." Dynamo responded, before turning to Chelsea as he placed a hoof upon his chin. "I think Mario Kart might be on the list. I'd still check to see what's available and what's not. Better to check if there's any tournaments or not. If you're looking for free play, then there should be room to play those games." He explained to the duo griffons. 

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@ExplosionMare @Dynamo Pad

"Well, we'll stick to DDR for now. Come on! Let's get it started. I've been itching to do Xepher with Thundy." Chelsea said stepping on to the right side mat on the DDR SuperNova game. Thundy stepped on the left side and pushed the start button on his side. Chelsea pressed the start button on her side. 

[Samurai Equine 51,580]

@Dynamo Pad, @Pastel Heart, @C. Thunder Dash, @ExplosionMare, @GeneralDirection, @Kronos the Revenant

It would take Trilby a while. It's a matter of getting Mayor White to his office where his medical tent awaits. With the help of the mayor's co-workers, they get him stable with medication and an oxygen tank. Eventually, the mayor takes a nap, worn out from the day's events.

Once Trilby is sure the mayor is okay, he begins the walk back. Somewhere outside the arcade, he finds his cart. That's right! He was going to profit off the events. He brought arcade tournament-exclusive merch such as t-shirts, mugs, little action figures, hats, commemorative lanyards, and more. Thankfully, no one stole his stuff while he stepped away. Granted, some of this stuff he had to buy himself, customize, and up-sell it at a higher price. Typical convention strategy. After all, he makes hats and clothes; none of the other stuff. And yet... After all he just went through with Dynamo and the rest, something just didn't feel right...

Trilby steps away from the crowd for a moment to make some last minute modifications. He's still selling the same stuff, but now there's one last thing to do.

When he sneaks back into the crowd, he has gifts. Sure, regular customers can order regular-colored t-shirts and merch. However, for Dynamo, Pencil, Silver, Pastel, Thundy, and Chelsea; he has some very special merch he isn't going to be selling. He gives them neon-colored t-shirts saying "1st Annual Two Castles Champion", complete with the game logo. They also get a lanyard that says they are Arcade Tournament Staff (Dynamo's saying that he is Arcade Owner). They also get neon rubber wristbands that say "I beat Two Castles in record time." Although Trilby has to see if Kronos wants anything different considering his cybernetic nature. Would he just tear a t-shirt up? Would he prefer an exclusive cap instead? Maybe just a few lanyards?

Trilby clears his throat as he hands out these ultra-rare clothing items. "No charge. Just this once... If you're the official heads of the tournament and everything, you should at least dress the part, right?" Trilby keeps a spare set around for Shadow, in case he runs into her again.

[Pastel Heart 6,466]

@Dynamo Pad @ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @C. Thunder Dash @GeneralDirection @Kronos the Revenant

Participating would be fun, but organizing the tournament sounded just as fun! She always fancied herself a booker. Proudly wearing the shirt, she smiles at Trilby

"Thanks a bunch, Trilbeans! You've come a long way from selling toilet paper! We'll all make this the most exciting thing since, uh... The last exciting thing!"

Pastel strutted up as if she were Canterlot royalty wearing the shirt.

"Look, look! Trilbeans gave us free stuff! If we're gonna book this thing, should I do another live performance? I think it would get everypony super hyped!"

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @Dynamo Pad @Pastel Heart

"Awww sweet! Thanks Trilby!" Thundy said with a smile. "Thank you Trilby." Chelsea stated as she waited for Thundy to setup the DDR game so they both could play with each other. 

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@PawelS

Shadow nodded “My residence is located at a row of apartment complex. You just have to take the main street from here (Arcade), up to the town square, then go east. When you see Trilby's house and shop, the apartment complex is just right behind them one block away. I live in the fifth complex and on the fourth floor” she told Tree.

“And if you guys need some cold beverage” Sundae piped in, her horn glowing to perform a transport spell. Poof! Three box of ice cream appear in thin air; one cookies and cream, one cheese, and one honey flavor. She offered them to Shadow and Tree “Here is some ice cream for you two and for Sir Nopony”

[Dynamo Pad 11,321]

@Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @C. Thunder Dash @GeneralDirection

As Dynamo made sure to keep the tournaments organized, he looked around to see if anyone had needed his assistance. Upon scanning through the crowed, the blue unicorn had taken notice of Trilby, who had returned from helping Mayor White back to his office. Making his way over towards the stallion, it seemed that Trilby was carrying in a cart of merchandise. It seemed that he was selling gifts and such to the gamer's around the arcade. However, upon reaching the group, Dynamo took notice that some merchandise was not from the usual he was selling. He had received a neon-colored t-shirt with the Two Castle's Logo on the front. He had even been given a lanyard to indicate that he was the owner of the arcade and wristbands. He was about to pay, but stopped as he was told it was no charge. He wanted to argue as he wanted to, but it seemed that Trilby was adamant in his decision. With a sigh and shake of his head, Dynamo smiled as he placed the shirt on. "Thank you, Trilby. This is really kind of you to do that. Also, you're right. If I'm being the owner of the arcade and running this event, then I got to look the part." 

"I'm not sure if anything can top the last exciting thing. Going through that game was crazy in it's own right, but it was pretty fun. Without the whole future of the town at stake part, of course. Although, I guess the other events that we had were pretty exciting too." He would say, chuckling as Pastel began to strut around, while wearing her shirt. "I think the shirt looks nice on you, Pastel-chan. A live performance does sound interesting, but I don't think we have ourselves a karaoke machine. Unless you're talking about the Prance Prance Revolution machine." He says, while Thundy and Chelsea began to set up their song from the game machine. Speaking of Pastel from before, Dynamo remembered he wanted to ask Trilby, as well. "Actually, I'm glad you were able to come back, Trilby. I needed to ask you, Shadow and Pencil something. Don't worry as it's nothing bad or anything. It's more like I needed your opinion on something. I think Shadow had left earlier, so I might ask her another time. I still hope I can ask for your's and Pencil's opinion." 

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @Samurai Equine @ExplosionMare @Pastel Heart

"Dance Dance Revolution. Prance Prance revolution is much easier than this one." Thundy said. "Plus, look at my form. I'm bipedal and so is Chelsea." Thundy stated as he set the playlist to display all of the songs in the game.

[Samurai Equine 51,580]

@Dynamo Pad, @Pastel Heart, @C. Thunder Dash, @ExplosionMare, @GeneralDirection, @Kronos the Revenant

The nickname was nice, but there was still a raw nerve Pastel was hitting. "I have NOT, nor have I EVER, sold toilet pap--!" Trilby cuts himself off with a heavy sigh. "Oh forget it." Trilby waves it off. No one was going to take his side on this anyways.

Still, he was glad everyone liked the merch. He smiles and blushes a little, looking away as he rubs the back of his neck and gently kicks away a non-existent pebble. "I'm glad you all like them. Don't mention it." Trilby says, totally casually. He's definitely trying to downplay the fact that they bonded in the game. In his mind, he'd love to offer them a big group hug or something, but he holds himself back. Very tsundere of him.

But then Dynamo says something about wanting his opinion on something. "Well... I really need to get back to selling merch to the crowd. I've got some time on my hooves right now, so you can go ahead and ask me whatever you want. Unless it's important we're all gathered together as a group. Not sure when that will be, but if Shadow joins us before the day is over, I won't be too far away."

[Dynamo Pad 11,321]

@Pastel Heart @ExplosionMare @Samurai Equine @GeneralDirection @C. Thunder Dash

Dynamo felt bad as he didn’t want to pull Trilby away from his work. However, he did understand that he could always ask him later. Making sure to look around to see that nobody was listening. He then leaned over towards the stallion so he was close to his ear “It’s kind of a private chat that I need to discuss with you, Pencil and Shadow. That, and I need to be away from Pastel as it’s something that had happened when we were in the game. I can understand if you’re busy as I’m being busy with organizing and supervising the tournaments. Maybe we can chat once the event is over. If not, then we can chat first thing tomorrow.” He was nervous as he felt he was putting out his off, be he needed the perfect opportunity to have this discussion.

[Silly Druid 6,990]

@Windy Breeze

8 hours ago, Windy Breeze said:

Shadow nodded “My residence is located at a row of apartment complex. You just have to take the main street from here (Arcade), up to the town square, then go east. When you see Trilby's house and shop, the apartment complex is just right behind them one block away. I live in the fifth complex and on the fourth floor” she told Tree.

“And if you guys need some cold beverage” Sundae piped in, her horn glowing to perform a transport spell. Poof! Three box of ice cream appear in thin air; one cookies and cream, one cheese, and one honey flavor. She offered them to Shadow and Tree “Here is some ice cream for you two and for Sir Nopony”

"Thank you, you're so kind and generous!" Tree Song says happily and adds "I'm sure we'll stop by your shop and buy some more when we don't have a magical mystery to solve."

Tree allows Shadow to pick her favorite flavor and takes the two remaining boxes. She says goodbye to Sundae and proceeds to find her teacher. They have a special magical connection between them that allows them to find each other, so she is able to sense where the druid is located. Unsurprisingly, it seems to be roughly the same direction as Shadow's apartment...

Edited November 29, 2020 by PawelS

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@PawelS

“Oh, it's nothing. I'm just doing what a true good neighbor does” saying her own goodbyes to Tree and Shadow, she went back to her house.

As for Shadow, she hummed a song as she carried the cheese flavored ice cream on her back, ignoring the fact she had no idea what song she is singing. It was soft and gentle in tone, as walk beside Tree, having no idea the latter's companion has already arrived.

Meanwhile at the apartment, the diary went back, but every time somepony would walk pass by the door of Shadow's apartment, it would quickly vanish into nothingness.

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Dynamo Pad @ExplosionMare 

Thundy was going through the playlist, until he had found Xepher. He set the difficulty all the way up to "Challenge". Chelsea said the same. Thundy made sure of spacing between the two metal dance mats, for this was considered an extreme routine. "Hey Dynamo, Pencil, we're ready to go." Chelsea said.