//------------------------------// // Story - [Silver Lining] // Story: MLP: Actualization Online // by Slendy //------------------------------// Music was definity a big help for my moral, since music is what makes a fight more fluent, and memorable, and I couldn't have felt a better feeling in my chest at the background music, as I awaiting the Silverwolf to finally strike me, its other half moving for Purplrain, who stood beside me, her back to me. The Silverwolf growled in response, thrusting itself at my body, it reflective teeth widening with each meter closed between us. That's when I used what little skill I had with wings to thrust my body up, almost like a double jump, my hooves landing atop its back, before I landed behind it. Purplrain seemed to catch my idea, as she moved to her left, the two wolves striking each other, chipping a piece off their health bars. My wolf quickly turned back, swiping at my neck, but I had moved my back to a tree trunk, as I waited for it to charge. Taking advantage of its blunt movements, I skimmed to the side, its head striking the tree with a violent shake, its health decreasing into the yellow. That meant its HP was 100, just like a normal player, mine however, was 150 due to the hack. I decided to press for an attack, as I raised my right hoof, before I struck the jaw of the Silverwolf, causing it to yelp, before I spun around, pressing my front hooves down into the dirt, before I lifted my back legs with a shaky heave, before I thrusted out, my hooves connecting with a resonating crunch. I tuened my head to look at the damage, before I fist-pumped, seeing the Silverwolf tumble into the grass, its body beginning to shimmer, whist its HP bar finally vanished, the body going limp at the end result. *Shatter* The body burst into a small burst of colours, as the lines all faded into the air around me, as I watched a small tab appear beside my face. [Items] 15 Bits 1 Chipped Fang "Not bad...." I murmured, before I turned at the loud war cry. When I did, I watched Purplrain roll to her right, avoiding the snap of the Silverwolf's bite, then she rose her wings, before she leapt into the air, using the momentum to steady herself above the wolf's head, before I blinked in surprise when she spun clockwise, her back hoof roundhouse kicking the Silverwolf flying into a nearby tree, shaking the leaves off some of the branches. "Damn." Then, we observed the same defeat as my wolf, as its body went limp, before it errupted into a streamline of colours, another tab opening for Purplrain, who smiled widely in amazement, and I was going to praise her for a well-thought-out move, but she already had the same idea, latching my neck around her hooves as she hugged me. I mean, I wasn't going to stop her. "I'm guessing this is the first Digital World fight you've had?" I pondered, as she smiled, letting my neck go, as she pressed the button to close the tab, her smile still present "Mmmhmm! And I was awesome!" She cheered, before I heard the familiar sound ring across the open space of forest for us both, as I noticed the glowing aura around Purplrain, as her own baffled face viewed me with the same amount of confusion [Level Up!] [1 - 2] We were no longer new to the game's world of play, now we had achieved the first new level, and I was pleased to see my status board appear before me. As Purplrain stared at her with a satisfied smile. [New Passive Added] -Rookie No More- You have achieved a new level, with each level-up you shall receive a skill point, of course, once you find your talent for magic ;) [Stats Increased] Agility +1 Strength +1 "My Agility was increased by two points, is that good?" Purplrain asked me, as I nodded, before I decided to give her a little explanation, that is, before something popped up before us both, a small box with the image of a '2' [Achievement Unlocked] Rookie No More - Achieve level 2 "Right....as I was going to say. Think of your attributes like Borderlands 2's Badass ranks, now, how they work is where you complete a tiny objective like kill 100 bandits or use fire weapons 1000 times, you gain badass rank for it, thereby allowing you to increase your attributes my a small margin. This system is like a simplified version of that, where we complete certain things, and gain upgrades to our stats." I explained, whist Purplrain slowly nodded, obviously piecing it all together "Its ok, I know it can be alot to take it, but good thing you crashed into me, the biggest nerd on the planet." I mused, nudging her to follow me. "Besides, eventually you'll get tired of my rambling, everyone does at some point, just depends on their ability to endure." "Not really." I heard her say, as she trotted? Im'ma say trotted, up beside me, looking at me with a reassuring smile. "I think you being this informed makes you smarter than anyone else, atleast in this world, that takes alot of remembering." "Hehehe, yeah, I guess, I don't exactly do much in the way of productivity, but I guess my knowledge of games can be helpful, though, I can guarantee someone knows more of this game than me." I retorted, before I noticed that the diamond on my minimap was beginning to grow larger, and so was my amusement. "I think we're finally here." "Really!?" Purplrain exclaimed, running up to the edge of the forest, and I kind-of found her fascination with this world fun to watch, it was like I was looking back at when I first played a game, the suspense of not knowing what lies ahead, the breathtaking sight of the next zone, all of it was what she was experiencing, so I guess it made my time here more fun in a way. "White, hurry up~!" "Almost there, calm yourself!" I called back, my vision clearing at the forest's edge, whist seemed to peer over a small hill, and down to the valley below us. "So, how's the....view....woah...." A sight was worthy of being a whole new world of its own. The town of Ponyville was large, with golden thatch roofs, and medieval-style streets of cobblestone. The afternoon was even beginning to cast the town in an afterglow of orange, and gold. With many ponies, both A.I and player ran about the streets, whist Pegasi flew high above the Green Zone. To sum up quickly, 'Green Zones' were this game's version of passive zones, where mobs don't attack or spawn, and our anti Player Killing, the most you could do would be accepting a challenge from another player, that's it. This being said, the creators left no detail unchecked, with the rays of sun casting shadows across parts of town, as the green valley seemed to glow an emerald hue. [Ponyville] "I have to admit, it never gets old discovering new locations, just this awe-inspiring scene is breathtaking." I praised, as Purplrain nodded in agreement to my left, before I pointed a hoof towards one of the main roads poking out from the town. "We should probably head that way, taking backstreets never works out in the end." "Aye." With that, we wandered across the hills, and towards the entrance of the large town, and as we grew closer, my ears had flicked to the mellow music beginning to play around us. "Even this place has music?" "I like it, adds flare, not to mention the atmosphere." I added, noting the massive crowds of ponies wandering the streets, it was amazing how so many players, and A.I made this world feel truly alive. We both had the taste of combat, how deadly, and fluent you had to be, but now, we could truly experience the colorful side of this world Many open stalls for vendors sat on sides of the roads, with players entering stores with signs symbolizing their offers and content. In a small lit alley, I could see some players betting in a gambling match, as a mysterious dragon in a hood played the game. From what I knew, whatever species you chose, you would have a random chance of being spawned in that species home, it definity explains the lack of any Diamond Dogs, or griffons. "Hey! Look at your Quest Log!" I was finally snapped out of my daydreaming, as I saw Purplrain with her menu out, as she pointed to her screen, even if I didn't see it, but I decided to listen to the hyperactive nocturnal, and I swiped my hoof, bringing the holographic menu up, before I pressed 'Quests' Quests Complete! -The First Step- You have arrived in Equestria though your own means, try to find the nearest town to your location. [ ] Locate Ponyville You have made your way to safety, since you're alive, here's a little pick-me-up! [Rewards] 100 Bits Minor Health Potion x2 100 EXP -Hardly a Noob- If you wish, you could track down a beast of this forest and slay it, it might get you familiar with the world's dangers [ ] Slay a Silverwolf Optional [ ] Slay 3 Silverwolves You encountered a beast of Silver Grove, I hope you learned something valuable, so here, take something valuable! [Rewards] 15 Bits Silver Fang x2 150 EXP [Level Up!] [2 - 3] Once more, I was casted in a golden aura of a few seconds, as my health ticked up beyond 200, making me feel alot more pleased with my goal, sadly, we didn't find another Silverwolf for the bonus, but hey, atleast I completed the quest. When I was done confirming my rewards, I smirked, pointing above Purplrain, as she turned to whiteness the achievement appear for us both. I think I was beginning to like that pop-up, along with the level-up effect. [Achievement Unlocked] First Step Taken - You made it to your nearest town/city "Another bites the dust." Purplrain cheered, as I smiled at how fun the beginning of this game was becoming, I wasn't one to play with others expect for my best friend, my brother, and a guy who lives in England, but it was nice playing with Purpl, she had some sort of aura to her that made this alot more entertaining, but hey, I ain't complaining. "What should we do next?" "Hmm....well we made it to town, so I guess a little exploration of what Ponyville has wouldn't do any harm, and if this game has more violent monsters at night, I doubt we'd be strong enough to punch, and kick our way to victory." I suggested with a side of caution, since most games would bring nocturnal entities into the playing field, and I for one, ain't ready to be mauled by a werewolf again, only to be shoved off a cliff "Ok....how about Twilight's Library? Maybe we'll find a quest there too?" Purplrain suggested, and it was very good offer, that is, until my heart sunk like a stone in the ocean. It-it can't be.....not her! "Uhh, White? You ok?" "We need to run....like right now." I breathlessly whispered to her, as my hooves backed away slowly from the approaching gunshot of mass. I was fast, but this outran any normality in this world, no normal entity had the strength nor speed of this creature. Hell, I'd rather complete Dark Souls 3 on a dance-mat than this! "The embodiment of Deadpool is coming for us..." "embodiment....?" I heard Purplrain mutter with a hoof to her chin, before I tried to grab her by her tail, sadly, I had watched as my screen flashed red again, my HP dropping slightly at the sudden shockwave that threw me to the road, pain striking my back once more, whist my ribs threatened to snap like twigs at the velocity of this pink mare. "White!?" "Why....the [BEEP] is it always me....?" I cried in pain, seeing the eyes of A.I and players glancing at me, all with looking of sorrow, knowing that they too had suffered at this hyperactive, fourth-wall-breaking, party planning, element of laughter. "Pinkie....Pie...." "No silly, its not always you, sometimes its someone else, oh, maybe even me sometimes, or even your friend, but I don't know!?" Wow, the point where even Pinkie doesn't know what she's saying. "Still, I came to say 'Hi', but you already know me!" She was directly in my face, still pinning me to the ground as Purplrain watched if bafflement at the scene, and all other ponies continued with their own objectives, leaving me feel the blood rushing to my face. It wasn't my fault, I just get flustered easily at such close proximity to girls, I hate it honestly. "Oh, sorry, you dropped these! I can be kind-of jumpy as Twilight always told me, but I just can't help but get super excited at new ponies!" Pinkie exasperated, as she used her tail to push my blue glasses back onto my muzzle, their glass completely spotless. "Hey, are you ok? You look reaaaally red?" "Pinkie....can't breathe." I wheezed, for the second time today, as she bounced off my stomach, allowing me to move to my hooves again, as I flapped my wings to dust them off. "Thank you, and, if you didn't notice, a guy getting pinned by a girl isn't exactly a normal situation." "I'm Pinkie Pie, strange is how I roll." She waved off bluntly, before she hopped around to look at Purplrain with a wide smile. "Hiya, I'm Pinkie Pie!" "Purplrain, and....its really cool getting to meet you." Purplrain seemed to be fangirling a little, seeing her nervous state, meanwhile I was busy dusting myself off. "But maybe tackling my teammate wasn't a good way to greet us." "Aww, but I like giving hugs, maybe launching myself from my party cannon wasn't the best plan, but it was fun!" Pinkie explained, before she looked at me apologetically. "I'm sorry for crashing into you." "No harm done, I know you enough to tell you just wanted to greet pe-er-poines, just....maybe not from the broadside of a cannon?" I warily stated, making her head nod rapidly in agreement, whist Purplrain giggled at the mare's antics, but then I realized something, with all the crazy events that have transpired, I nearly forgot the critical point Purplrain had made over an hour ago "Every player must start near a town, gaining a better understanding of the world, then when they arrive, maybe you talk to an NPC about it, and they might give you the quest....maybe that's the answer?" "Hey, Pinkie?" I spoke up again, her head turning my way. "Can....well have ponies recently been able to conjure magic like unicorns? And if so, how?" "Umm....well I don't know stuff like that, Twilight is really-really smart, but I 'do' know how you do it!" Pinkie exclaimed, as me, and Purplrain gave each other a look, before I smiled, allowing her to continue. "I can make sprinkles explode, heheheh!" ". . . ." ". . . ." "O.....K? Well, that's certainly something." I slowly broke the blank state me, and Purplrain had entered, her face still white as a ghost. "You see, we knew about this ability, but....how do we gain the power to do so?" "Yeah, we were fighting some Silverwolves, and we couldn't access any sort of magic." Purplrain had responded in tangent with my question. At first, Pinkie didn't respond, as she rubbed her forehead with her tail, a bead of sweat dripping down her highly concentrated face, then, I heard a the 'ding' of a timer, and her expression was bright again "Twilight told me about this! I think....well she said that some creepy, dark mist was causing magic to go all wonky, and weird, I heard other ponies that came here talk about it, and they went to investigate it too!" Pinkie gave us the clear answer we required "So, if we find the source of this mist, we find our magic?" I nutshelled, making her happily bounce on the spot, before I smiled with confidence. "Let me take a gander at where it is....the Everfree Forest?" The pink mare instantly deflated at the mention, as she shivered slightly. "I-Its scary in there, the mist made more dangerous things appear from the Everfree too, but....I-I know where the source is, I heard those ponies mentioned it before too, how something big, and scary was causing it." Pinkie elaborated on her point, before she grabbed an army helmet from nowhere, before she saluted at us. "Pinkie Pie will help you with your dangerous mission, Mr....." "Just call me, White." I answered for her, as I saw the quest appear before us all again, as a yellow question mark appeared above Pinkie Pie's head, making her tilt her head in confusion "Why do they keep appearing?" She muttered, as I couldn't help but laugh, patting the mare's shoulder, whist me, and Purplrain read the quest in our menus [New Quest!] -Awaken The Light- Pinkie knows of the source of the mist which has mysteriously locked you, and other ponies' power, find the source, and claim your power [ ] Find the source of the mist [ ] Dispel the corruption "You'll get used to it." I chuckled, before I noticed the clock at the top-right of my vision, so I made a plan. "Pinkie, could you meet us at the edge of town tomorrow?" "Okey dokey loki!" Well that was surprisingly simple, ah well, with that sorted, we were left to watch as the bubbly mare hopped away, leaving us to shake our heads "You know in person, she can truly be exhausting." I commented, as Purplrain yawned "Good call on the time though, and figuring she could help us with our magic quest, see? I told you, you are really smart when it comes to games!" Purplrain praised, making me rub my neck with a mused smile "W-Well I honestly only remembered because you told me about the NPC thing in the Silver Grove, so thanks for that." I thanked too, as she happily bowed "Thank you, thank you." She repeated what she said before, that's when I noticed that the street we stood in was a little less crowded, even if it was still the weekend, it was September, so priorities were necessary. "Still, its gotten pretty late, seems time here moves similar to ours....we both started around....9 pm, right?" "Aye, with all the data that needed to be downloaded, I knew I could only get a few hours of testing beforehand, you just happened to make it more entertaining." I mentioned, seeing her face look to me with a strange look in her eyes, it wasn't bad, but I couldn't place my finger, or hoof in this case, on what she was feeling "Really? What did I do, last I checked, I crashed into you?" She reminded my spine again, as I rubbed my back, chuckling as I looked towards the moon above us, amongst the star-covered sky "You did, and I plan to get back at you for it." She winced at that, brushing a hoof against her other. "But....I honestly have a hard time playing with other, new people, I tend to stick to my usual friends, and the only person I knew who was going to be playing this is currently somewhere, so I was solo, which is fine, I prefer playing alone." "But I guess you literally crushing that expectation changed how I viewed my first time playing this, seeing how inexperienced you were made me feel like I was also clueless to this world's mechanics, and....I really enjoyed my time here, so thank you, for everything Purplrain." I calmly thanked her, as I saw myself staring off at the nightlight of the town, the lanterns and lights from houses bringing a new orange hue to the streets, as distant talks and singing could be heard resonating across the town "Rain." At the soft answer, I turned back to face Purplrain, a warm smile on her face, as she stared at me with soft, azure eyes. "Since I've kept this username for years, my friends call me Rain. But hey, tomorrow, I'll be online, so seeya then!" I wasn't given a moment to truly process what she just told me, as her body vanished in soft, blue light, her body vanishing like dust to the wind, leaving me to stare off in the direction she stood, whist my hoof swiped my menu out, going down to notifications. [Friend Request Received From Purplrain] [Accept? Y / N] "Her friends call her, Rain...." I hummed, finding the concept of her considering me a friend after only several hours, I never got to ask her why, I guess I will tomorrow. I couldn't help but feel a little excited at that prospect, the fact that I was lucky enough to even find someone who can tolerate my being was one of the Digiverse's greatest gifts, even if its a virtual world, its still.....alive [Accept? Y / N] [New Friend: Purplrain] [Achievement Unlocked] Reality or Not - You became friends with another player "Friends....ok....seeya next time, Rain." To Be Continued.... Update Party: Purplrain - lvl 2 [Stealth class] (You) White Hat - lvl 3 [Offensive class] Current Level: 3 Magic: None Items: Minor Healing potion x2 - Silver Fang x2 - Chipped Fang x1 New Attribute Added: -Strength of the pack- You aren't alone in this world, your chance for better loot in increased with more party members. (What's mine is yours, and what's yours is mine)