The next day after Brian returned he received a text from Octavia asking if he wanted to go to the arcade and he quickly sent an answer of ‘yes.’ Once they met up and walked to the arcade upon walking inside they were stopped by a young teenager.
“Stop! I’m Button Mash, the [self proclaimed] King of Games, here at this arcade. No one plays anything unless I say so,” Button said stepping in front of them
“How’s about this. See that roulette wheel in the corner,” Brian asked motioning to the wheel “Let’s get a list of every game here that’s two players and number them. We spin the wheel and play the game listed. Say, best of five?”
Button looked over at a woman in the back that appeared to be his mom before answering, “Fine, but we’ll let the owner handle the list.”
Button's mom, Cream Heart walked over and set a list of the games in front of the boys as Button and Brian agreed on the rules.
“Best of five games based on chance. The winner becomes the store's King of Games,” Cream said
“Perhaps I should introduce you. This is my mom, Cream Heart. The owner of this shop,” Button offered
“It’s nice to meet you ma’am,” Brian said bowing his head
“I’ll stay here while you boys have your competition,” Octavia decided
Octavia decided to sit with Gloria as the boys started their challenge.
“First up,” Gloria started, before spinning the wheel, “Skeet ball.”
They walked over to the game as mom withdrew a key and stuck it just above the coin slot to start the games for free. The score started at 50-25 in Brian’s favor before Button scored his second ball on the 100 while Brian scored a second 50 to make the score 100-125.
“Take that! I’m beating you,” Button cheered
Button seemed to meet Murphy's Law as the next two were in the 25 while Brian hit both corners; 75 in the left and 100 in the right to make it 275-175. The last three balls for Button hit the 50 while Brian scored his in the 10, 25 and 50 for the final total of 360-325.
“Good game,” Button said holding out a hand
“Thanks, you too,” Brian replied shaking his hand
“Your second game will be air hockey,” Cream chimed in
The two of them walked to the table and shook hands.
“To make things interesting, let’s give each other one free shot,” Brian suggested
“Sounds fair to me.”
Each took their shot and the game truly began. They frantically hit the puck and defended their goals for minutes without scoring a single point. When the first official point was scored by Button, he was surprised that it happened.
“Wow, I scored? That’s 2-1 in my favor,” Button said cheerfully
They continued the game and it became a frantic chase as Brian scored two points in the chaos. As the rally continued, Button ended the game at 7-5 in his favor, making their challenge one win each.
“The shooting gallery is next.”
“Before we start; Octavia, do you happen to have a mirror I can borrow,” Brian asked
“Yeah, but why do you need it,” she asked handing the mirror to him
“You’ll see.”
Brian took his rifle and placed it on his shoulder before turning around.
“The targets are the other way, you know,” Button said sarcastically
“Yeah, I know,” Brian stated
Using the mirror, Brian shot every target while Button missed half of his. Brian decided to shoot the missing targets just for fun, as well.
“The racing cabinets are next,” Cream called
“Perhaps we take a break before continuing,” Button suggested
“Agreed,” Brian said
Cream Heart headed to the back and returned with three root beer cans which they grabbed eagerly.
“Thank you, for the soda ma’am” Brian said
“You’re welcome,” came the reply
After finishing their sodas, the boys walked to the racing cabinets and climbed inside. Brian selected a manual driving style, while Button chose automatic. As the race started, Brian kept one hand on the stick shift and sped past the computer drivers. He drifted around the corner and managed to hold the lead until the last straightaway where Button used his nitrous to catch up and pass Brian by the slimmest of margins.
“That was close. I didn't think I’d catch you,” Button said panting
“Same. That’s the closest race I’ve had in a while,” Brian added
“The final game will be Mortal Kombat,” Cream decided
“To settle this, we'll play best of five,” Brian said
“Agreed,” Button added
Brian chose his character and the stage randomly to make things interesting. Brian won the first three games easily as Button wasn’t allowed to play due to the violence.
“You win. I concede the game to you,” Button said holding out a hand “On second though; I've got a better idea.”
Button raced out of the room and returned a few minutes later wheeling a small suitcase. After unzipping it; two small plastic boxes were removed with one being tossed to Brian.
“I'm not done. I challenge you to card games,” Button stated proudly “I'm going to beat you easily.”
“You're challenging me to a children's card game,” Brian mused
“Yugioh and Magic the Gathering; Commander EDH format. Three games each,” Button decided
The case was set by a table as they started their Yugioh match first. Having no time to familiarize himself with the cards; Brian had to fight through the disadvantage and hope for the best. Cream had a sheet of paper to keep track of their life points throughout the game.
Button easily won the first game; having given his opponent his randomly thrown together deck against a solidly-built archetype deck. After learning more about the deck; Brian charged back and won the next two games.
“Not fair,” Button pouted “I'm supposed to always win.”
As the Magic decks were removed; Brian was handed a goblin deck against Button's dragons. Having played frequently at home; this felt much easier to play. Despite the change in game; Button was letting his emotions get the best of him and lost the first game.
“No! You're cheating,” Button declared “You can't play fair, so you cheat!”
Despite the yelling; Brian ignored all the distractions and focused on the game. This was supposed to be a casual game for fun; not for any other reason. The second game ended the same way with Button losing.
“Good game,” Brian offered, sticking out a hand
“No it wasn't,” Button retorted, slapping the hand away “Get out of my shop.”
“Button Mash,” Cream chastised “That is no way to talk to a guest.”
“I don't care,” Button stated “He cheated to beat me.”
“I didn't cheat. You were the one cheating yourself. I play for fun; regardless of whether or not I win. Your emotions allowed you to make mistakes in the game.”
“I pronounce you the new King of Games,” Cream said cheerfully
“Button can keep the title under one condition. You allow anyone to play who wants to, no questions asked,” Brian said shaking his hand
“Deal. Sorry if I seemed like a jerk. Mom runs the shop and I set the high scores on every game that no one is able to beat. I’ve played games since I was about eight years old,” Button explained
“The two of you can play whatever games you’d like, free of charge,” Cream decided
“Good; because you boys had all the fun,” Octavia added
“So how’d you get so good at the shooting gallery,” Button asked
“My father was in the military and taught me marksmanship. I entered multiple pistol and rifle competitions and won every time.”
“What happened to him, dear? You’re wearing black like someone died,” Cream asked
“Firstly, I’m not from around here. I’d rather not explain it as it’s rather complicated. And, as for my parents; they’re dead,” Brian answered pointing to his temple with his index and middle fingers and bent his thumb
“Oh, sorry they died in such a horrible way,” she said reassuringly
“How’d they die,” Button asked dumbfounded
“Best you’d not know and I’d rather not say,” Brian said patting Button on the shoulder
“Don’t treat me like a child,” Button spat angrily
“I’d rather spare you the exact details as to what happened.”
Octavia played a few games on her own for a while before Brian and Button joined in. After their series of games, this was casual and Octavia won a couple prizes.
“Go ahead and choose what you’d like, dear,” Cream offered
Like her pony counterpart, she chose three musical notes, causing him to chuckle.
“What was so funny,” she asked as they left
“On my first date in Equestria with your counterpart, I chose those same three plushies,” Brian answered
“Which do you want?”
“I’ll take the quarter note, while Vinyl can have the eighth notes,” he said as Octavia took the musical heart
Once they agreed on that, Brian stored them in his backpack until after they got lunch.
“McDonald's sound good,” he asked
“Sure. All that playing made me hungry.”
The two of them agreed on burgers and fries and Brian pulled out the money to pay. After they ate, he walked his date home and pulled out the two plushies for Octavia and Vinyl.
“That’s so cool. Thank you both,” Vinyl said squeezing her plush
“You’re welcome,” they said together
Once he got home, Brian stuck the plush on the dresser behind the miniature plush of his wife and headed to sleep. Later that day; and wanting to relax, Brian decided to jump on his Xbox One and play Gears of War. At home he played so frequently that he reached the max level twice in every game before restarting a third time.
Logging in to his gamer tag of IgNite Darkness, he wanted to have some fun and chose multiplayer. Six people quickly joined the games with the gamer tags of DarknessRisin666, Lightning Dash#1, #1Fashionista, Apple bucker, Bunnyluv and Partycannon. One final person joined under the name SolLuna, and he immediately recognized the owner as his high school’s Principal and Vice Principal. Choosing to play free-for-all, they agreed on using shotguns and selected a map at random.
“Ready,” he asked through the mic
“Bring it on,” everyone answered
Having memorized the layouts of the levels, he ducked behind a barricade and crept towards his first unsuspecting victim, Applejack. He jumped over and proceeded to shoot her scoring the first point.
“What the hay just happened,” AJ exclaimed
Luna took out both Dash and Rarity and yelled, “The fun has just been doubled!”
“Dammit. I’ve never been good at this,” Dash complained
“Cheer up, darling. There's always next round,” Rarity offered
Sunset snuck up and shot Fluttershy as she said, “How dare you? Next time, I’ll kill you all.”
“Wow, Flutters. Didn’t expect you to get into the game,” Pinkie said as her character was executed, “Eh, oh well.”
Brian, Sunset and Luna were the final three and Brian snuck up behind Sunset and shot her enough to wound her before picking her up as a meat shield. He quickly slapped a grenade to her as he threw Sunset’s character into Luna before exploding killing them both.
“Nike,” he cheered
“What about the shoe company,” Rarity asked
“Not the company; it’s from history. Means ‘victory’,” Brian replied
“Oh,” a surprised Rarity answered “You learn something new every day.”
The second game started and was completely dominated by Fluttershy killing everyone without anyone getting a chance.
“Told you, I’d kill you,” Fluttershy said
They played five more games with everyone but Pinkie winning a round. She said it was just about having fun and didn't care about winning. Afterwards they agreed to end the game and Brian switched to playing his Xbox 360. He decided on playing Guitar Hero and received a text from his girlfriend:
Mind if I bring a couple friends over? Just Vinyl, Bonbon, Lyra and myself
Sure. Sounds good
The four of them came over and they set up to play. The five agreed to share with two of them playing at a time and rotating after each song.
“Is this easier or harder for you to play, since you play guitar,” Octavia asked her boyfriend
“It’s easy for me to play as I play both Rock Band and Guitar Hero,” he answered
“Which do you like more,” Vinyl asked
“Both, but I guess I prefer Rock Band just slightly. Mainly because of the Pro guitar."
“I agree,” Lyra chimed in “More variety in music.”
After a few hours of playing both games the girls decided to head home as it was getting late and Brian received a text.
Tomorrow can the girls and I come over- S
Of course the 6 of you can. Let me know when
Around noon Sunset and the others arrived and they wanted to play a game together.
“No way! You have Rock Band? We have got to play,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed
“I have the regular controller and the Pro, if you want to give that a shot,” he said
“Anything in particular you want to play,” Sunset asked
“Let's see. Ah, under ‘d’,” he muttered making a selection
“Pinkie, take the drums. Dash, mind if I play bass for this one? It’s one of my favorites,” Sunset asked seeing the chosen song
“Go ahead, I’m next though,” Dash answered
“Need the mic,” Applejack asked
“For this one, no. But afterwards we will,” Brian answered “That is; if anyone wants to officially sing.”
As the song started, Pinkie started playing what sounded like tribal drums before the guitar track started.
As the lyrics started, Brian sang, “Can you feel that? Ah, shit. Oh, ah, ah, ah, ah. Oh, ah, ah, ah, ah. oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.”
“That’s why you didn’t want the mic,” Rarity asked “Swearing in the lyrics?”
“For this song alone, I just prefer to sing along without a mic,” he answered
“Anyways, I’m next,” Dash decided, taking the guitar from Brian
The group played a couple songs using the regular guitar controller before they switched to the Pro guitar.
“Want to show us how it’s done,” Dash asked handing Brian the guitar
“Sure. I’ll play Crazy Train to start,” he decided
Having played the song so often, he didn’t have to look at the screen and still managed to score 100%.
“Damn, I knew you were good but not that good,” Dash stated, slapping him on the back
“Well, I’ve played it more than enough to memorize it. So, who’s next,” he offered
After a while of playing, they decided in one final song before they left. Scrolling down the list they stopped at Free Bird and he was surprised at their choice.
“Either of you really want to try? One; it’s a long song to play and two; there are a few difficult solos in there,” he asked
“I’m good but not as good as you,” Dash decided handing him the guitar
“Same here. I doubt I could play the solos,” Sunset said
He set the song up for the full band as all instruments were set for Pro mode. The others had no problem playing their sections as Sunset and Dash watched Brian performed the guitar part flawlessly.
“Glad we didn’t play. You weren’t kidding about those being difficult solos,” Dash said
“Well, I had to end things with a bang,” he said
“And a helluva bang at that,” Sunset added
“Perhaps tomorrow you could spend some time at my dojo. It teaches karate and taekwondo and you’ll fit in,” Dash offered
“Sure. Besides you did mention wanting to spar against me after we fought the Dazzlings. I’ll bring my uniform and a few other things in my duffle bag,” he answered
Later on after making dinner, Brian decided to have some fun with Celestia.
Princess Celestia, I have to ask; do you have big balls?
A few minutes went by before he received an answer.
You should know that females do not have testicles or ‘balls’ as you so called them. We have ovaries instead.
Not what I meant when I asked about big balls.
Balls; as in dances. He’s asking if you have big dances- Princess Twilight
“Damn. I guess some things don’t translate well. I can’t make the ‘muffin man’ joke then,” he said out loud
Looking at the clock and realizing it was near midnight, he had to get to sleep if he was going to Rainbow Dash’s dojo in the morning. In the morning, Brian had a simple breakfast before he started getting ready to head to the dojo. He grabbed his duffel bag and stuck his uniform in there along with a white crew-neck t-shirt and decided to throw his Escrima sticks in as well. As he got dressed, Brian decided to dress light and wore khaki pants and black t-shirt with his jacket. Although it wasn’t needed, the butterfly knives were strapped on his forearms as he wasn’t going to wear his katana.
“Hey, ready to go,” Rainbow Dash asked standing at the front door
“When did you get here,” he asked locking the door
“Just now. I thought we’d walk together as friends,” she said “You're not cold?”
“I'm alright I've had worse.”
“Did you bring your toys,” Dash asked curiously
“Whatever do you mean,” he asked innocently
“Your knives or those sticks?”
“Yeah, I brought both of them,” he said
Ten minutes later; they arrived at the dojo and he was surprised at the size of the building. Inside, the floor was split into two sections, one that had contained padding to train on while the other consisted of various exercise machines.
“Good morning sensei. Do you mind if my friend Brian joined us,” Dash asked bowing
“Of course he is permitted. Young man, what forms of martial arts have you taken,” Dash’s sensei answered “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Herbert Smith; the owner of the dojo.”
“I’ve taken karate and taekwondo and hold black belts in both. I’m currently a 2nd Dan in the latter,” Brian said with a bow
“I look forward to seeing how good you are,” Master Smith stated
Once they walked in, Brian removed his jacket and folded it over the back of the chair as Master Smith saw the knives.
“Nice knives. I’m going to ask you to remove them.”
“Of course; sensei.”
Brian complied without question as he unstrapped then and threw them in his bag. He walked into the changing room and switched to the white shirt to wear under the uniform. As he stepped out he tied his belt and bowed before stepping on the floor. Once there he started stretching as Dash came over to him.
“Thanks for coming. I thought you’d enjoy being in a dojo,” Dash said
“Class assemble,” Master Smith called
Brian joined the group and was the only person with a 2nd Dan so he ended up first in line. After everyone was stretched, they were separated by belt color with the black belts overseeing practice. The white belts were first and Brian was nominated to assist.
“Alright form up. Two rows with three each, please. For distance please stick your left arm out and adjust yourself,” Brian directed “Form one. Does anyone have any problems with it?”
“I do. The whole thing is confusing to me,” one of the students answered
“Anyone else have problems? Let's get started.”
Brian led the group through the form slowly so they could correct any problems they had.
“That was great instruction you give, Mr.,” Master Smith started
“Dragnov, sir. Brian, if you’d prefer,” Brian answered
Brian was asked to assist with teaching the red belts that included Rainbow Dash. Although he figured she knew a lot, it never hurt to have assistance.
“Alright class form up,” Master Smith called, “Dismissed.”
Although class ended, Brian stayed behind as he was going to teach Dash a few things and spar with her.
“Master Smith, do you mind if I used the floor to teach Rainbow Dash some things,” Brian asked
“Such as?”
“Different grappling techniques I learned,” Brian said
He showed her various techniques including leg and arm locks along with the rear naked choke which she also promised not to use except as a last resort.
“Brian, do you mind if I sparred against you? I’d like to see for myself just how good you are,” Master Smith asked
“Weapons or not,” Brian asked
“Just hand-to-hand combat. I’m guessing you brought something other than the butterfly knives?”
“My custom Escrima sticks.”
“Like I said, no weapons,” Master Smith reiterated
The two of them took their positions as Dash started the fight as referee. Each of them threw light kicks to test one another and they were promptly blocked. Faints were added and neither seemed to give in. Brian threw a kick to Herb’s midsection that stunned him as Brian followed up by sweeping behind the legs and holding one hand positioned at Master Smith’s larynx.
“Surrender,” Brian ordered
“You cheated,” Master Smith said
“Technically, no. In combat there are no rules and all I did was take you down. I could have hit you in the groin or put you in a submission hold, but I didn't,” Brian retorted
“You still used an illegal tactic of sweeping the leg,” Master Smith tried arguing
“To borrow a quote from Muhammad Ali, ‘everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face’. Martial arts teaches reaction to events because every situation is different. I consider myself a military tactician. Look at a situation and see possible outcomes. You watched me teach Dash and chose to test my skills, even after what you saw. I ordered you to surrender due to where I chose to attack. If a man can’t breathe, he can’t fight. The last fight I was in was three on one. Two of them pulled knives and I did what I had to in order to defeat them. I follow one rule; no killing. Broken bones are fine as they’ll heal. Necks however, are different,” Brian continued
He left the floor to get changed. A few minutes later he emerged wearing his original clothes, despite being winter. Dash went into the room and changed as well before they left.
“That was fun. Thanks for teaching me those grappling techniques,” Dash said, with a hug
“Sorry about kicking your sensei’s ass. The only time there are rules in a fight is in martial arts, otherwise you do what you must,” Brian replied
“It’s hard to believe that this is the last day of our winter break,” she said sadly
“Well, hopefully spring semester will be fun,” he said
Being a gentleman, he decided on walking Dash home before he made a pit stop to see his parents.
“Sorry I haven't visited in a while. Things are hectic here but I do my best. My wife is great and I got to see my daughters when I went through the portal. I’ll try to visit again soon. Merry Christmas,” he said kissing the tombstones
He headed home and set about getting ready for Monday when class resumed.