//------------------------------//
// So Much Larger Than TOME 
// Story: The Ponies of TOME 
// by Scarlett Haze 
//------------------------------//

	The sun had come back up as the seven avatars moved out of the canyon.

"I do need to get back," Jackedin said as she sunk lower into the ground apologetically. "When you have a farm to look after, there ain't usually any breaks."

"Same here," Aflutter whispered. "The mail should be coming in and I don't want to break away from the care schedule that I've already made."

DiamondsForever gave a nod of her own, "It's time to open shop for me, so I must be going that way as well."

SparkleLight gave a soft smile to her departing friends, "As long as we stay in touch either here or in Equestria, I don't mind. When are any of you planning on coming back in?"

"I'm thinkin' just before sunset," Jackedin pondered. "Maybe get in another hour of this game before heading for bed."

"Shop closes around six, but I do need to spend some time in my idea room," DiamondsForever put a finger to her lips and tapped it. "I can't say when I could get back on."

"I'll be on and off throughout the day," Aflutter announced, "But it won't be for longer than maybe thirty minutes at a time."

SparkleLight had in the meantime pulled out a parchment piece in-game and was writing information down on it. "Well, if all goes well, we could do another big event like this again, but I'll need to put in the times you come in after a few days, that way I can get an average time for when you may be on or off."

FasterThanRainbows began moving from the group, "I'm sticking around a little longer, I've yet to get a good fight happening in this game." It was then her head turned to SparkleLight and brought up a battle grid. "I challenge you, SparkleLight!"

SparkleLight put up her hands and waved them back and forth, "Wait a minute, I don't want-!"

SparkleLight's plea came to late as the battle grid fully activated and the battle was on.

FasterThanRainbows activated her thrusters and charged with her shoulder out, executing her Thrust Tackle.

SparkleLight took the brunt of the attack and slid backward, now aware of the fight going on. What she wasn't aware of was the fact that all seven of them remained on the grid, despite thinking it was a one-on-one match.

"Rainbows!" DiamondsForever scolded, "How unladylike for you to just attack somepony without consent!"

FasterThanRainbows waved away the upset reaction and activated her Wire Whip by snapping her head toward SparkleLight, her hair flinging forward with sparks of electricity running from them.

SparkleLight saw this and put up a hand to get hit by the electric attack, only to redirect it with her other hand, pointing a finger at FasterThanRainbows' chest.

Rainbows remained momentarily shocked and paralyzed as SparkleLight activated Rock Wave, making the ground in front of her raise up and forward like a wave and towards Rainbows. The wave was ineffectual as FasterThanRainbows rode above it and over, remaining upright.

"It's on!" FasterThanRainbows cried out, now moving so fast around SparkleLight that it seemed multiple versions of her surrounded her opponent.

"SparkleLight!" DragonAlong yelled out, "I'm coming!" He rushed towards SparkleLight and held out a fist in the circle of afterimages. FasterThanRainbows was not quick enough to dodge the sudden obstacle and got clotheslined by the arm of the dragon, causing her momentum to continue on its forward path and making her tumble for a moment before stopping, a LOSE! graphic over her.

"You can't do that!" An angry FasterThanRainbows yelled out, trying to get back up, but finding herself unable to. "What does this stupid message mean that I can't move until the match ends?!" A brief pause from FasterThanRainbows and a surprised gasp came, "It says that you're all in the match! How'd that happen?!"

"A thing just came up about the match and I just pressed accept," DragonAlong plainly explained.

The other avatars agreed, causing FasterThanRainbows to groan, "Great, now I'm last in this battle royal you've all decided to join."

"You mean we're fightin'?" Jackedin said, her eyes going wide.

"I'm winning this for the motherland!" PartyPrincess screamed out, her tank turret aimed directly at Jackedin. Jackedin barely had a chance to react as PartyPrincess unleashed her Streamer Cannon, making the slime spread out across the battlefield.

Aflutter put her arms up defensively and inadvertently faded from sight, having activated her Chameleon Camo. DiamondsForever put her sword up to the sky and let out a bright light trying to blind her opponents with a Solar Flare.

SparkleLight and DragonAlong tried to blink away the sudden brightness, and had done so as DiamondsForever had leaped up on PartyPrincess' tank and was approaching the top.

"Get off! GET OFF! GET OFF!!!" PartyPrincess yelled out, each time more frantic as her turret began spinning in an attempt to make the fashionista sword fighter fling off. Her efforts were of no use as DiamondsForever made quick work of PartyPrincess with a few swings of her blade.

SparkleLight looked to DragonAlong and summoned Crystal Water, firing it into the open mouth of DragonAlong and stopping the attempt of Dragonfire from billowing out at her.

DragonAlong gave a few coughs and stumbled for a moment before falling over the invisible Aflutter, nearly crushing the hidden avatar. Aflutter reappeared, curled in a ball as she shook in fear.

DiamondsForever began firing off as many Light Beams as possible at SparkleLight, who was desperately attempting everything to not get hit by deflecting the shots with her Rock Wave.

DiamondsForever kept her attack going before being rolled over by a retreating Aflutter and chasing DragonAlong. DragonAlong momentarily stopped and looked back to DiamondsForever and back to Aflutter before continuing his chase.

Taking advantage of the distraction caused, SparkleLight lit up her hands with Burning Hand and began striking DiamondsForever with punches as she kept attempting to get up and defend herself.

Aflutter kept dodging away from the various attacks DragonAlong attempted to hit her with, each time increasing his frustrations. "I! WANT!" DragonAlong screamed, his body increasing in muscle mass and his eyes going reptilian. The change caused by DragonAlong's ability, Burnout, served to terrify Aflutter as DragonAlong moved even faster and eventually brought his large hand and claw crashing down on Aflutter and prompting a LOSE! graphic over her body.

With a final roar of satisfaction, Burnout ended and DragonAlong returned to his regular size and got down on a knee, breathing heavily, remaining prone and defenseless as a cooldown effect took over him.

SparkleLight finally let up on DiamondsForever and turned up towards DragonAlong. "This is a lot more fun than I thought it would be."

DragonAlong stood back up and rolled his shoulders, "Definitely a lot different than what happens in Equestria."

The two of them squared up as above them two other avatars teleported to an unsanctioned part of TOME.


***


Rockoon and MentalMusic landed in a dark and largely unfinished level, only known as ;Hellscape.

"I hate coming here for meeting the big man," Rockoon shivered. "I know he's paying us and everything, but I don't like this place."

MentalMusic remained humming a tune as a rumble sounded and a dark fog moved to them.

"You took your time," a deep male voice came out of the fog.

MentalMusic crossed his legs and gave a curtsy. "Forgiveness in the highest regards," MentalMusic cheerily laughed. "We would arrive sooner, but Rockoon felt the need to run wild in the terrain."

Rockoon pointed a claw at MentalMusic, "Don't saddle this as my fault!"

"Enough, the both of you!" the loud voice exclaimed. "What news do you have after finding the last owner of the Drain Edge?"

Rockoon straightened up and gave his grin, "Turns out that the dragon drama queen threw the sucker across the plains of TOME."

"If his strength was how I saw it," MentalMusic added, "It means that the object landed either in ;Lavendera or in ;Sanctuary."

The fog burbled for a moment in thought, "And that means in any of that time, the object could have been picked up. However, if the virus was true to itself, at the moment the object would be picked up, the virus would merge itself with a new host."

The dark fog began to clear as a figure resembling Webmaster could barely be made. "The Drain Edge was not found. It remains hidden. I will send message to the rest of the... hunters."

Four PMs flew from the fog and out in multiple directions as the fog grew thicker yet again. "Your payment will arrive once the Drain Edge is found and brought to me."

Rockoon became upset, "Hang on, you said that you'd pay up if we gave you the information about the Drain Edge! Don't try to skimp out on the check that's on the table, head honcho!"

MentalMusic tilted his head as he continued to stare into the fog. "A simple fifty dollars should be enough, a small amount, but perhaps you could consider it as... a forward to us to continue business without complication."

The fog remained quiet again.

"Fifty?!" Rockoon nearly screeched, "Nah, nah, that's waaaaay too low for my expertise. I'll accept the standard two hundred that was promised."

The fog spoke up again, "I've sent the payment to you Mental, I trust that you will be of great use to me in finding the Forbidden Power." A rumble came up and the voice expressed anger, "Rockoon, your own lack of trust only says to me that continuing business with you is not best for me. You'll have your money, but I expect your silence."

Rockoon gave a light chuckle, "Please, little 'ol me? I'd never rat out guys that pay me."

"Good," the fog spoke up. "But, I can't risk anything."

A program shot out and attached to Rockoon. "Any mention of what is happening, then your character is going to light up every red flag the moderators have and you'll be gone from the game."

"Y-You can't do that!" Rockoon nervously yelled. An attempt at cracking the new program sent shockwaves throughout Rockoon's body. "I- I- I- I felt that!"

"As I've stated," the fog continued, "I can't risk anything. Goodbye, Rockoon."

"Waitaminute! How'd you-?!" Rockoon was about to object before being forcibly teleported away.

MentalMusic cracked his neck, "Awww, I was just beginning to tolerate his company."


***


"Thanks anyway," Flamegirl said to another player.

"Anytime," the checkerboarded suit spellcaster lolled out. "Have my card, just in case you're interested in buying, selling, or trading your items for any reason."

Flamegirl grunted and moved away from the shilling salesman toward Alpha. "There's so many people here, even if the Drain Edge is here, someone could just as easily pick it up and have it sent from person to person without us knowing."

Alpha remained quiet, still in deep contemplation over the potential devastation the virus could do if it was released.

Flamegirl put her hands on both of Alpha's shoulders and looked at him, "Alpha, if you need to log off and take a breather, its fine."

Alpha shook his head and gave a weak smile, "No, I can handle this. It's..."

Alpha reached into his inventory and brought out a necklace with an orange stone at its center, giving a pulsing light. "Here."

Flamegirl clasped the necklace in her hand and looked at it carefully. "A Crystalline Flame Gem necklace? These things are so expensive, how did you get one?!"

Alpha gave a nervous chuckle, "I had to fight a lot and sell some of my old stuff." His look went soft as he stared into Flamegirl's own eyes. "I wanted to get you something for our anniversary since I lost the chance to finally meet you in California."

"Alpha..." Flamegirl went quiet and placed the necklace on, knowing her fire spells would become much more powerful with this jewel. "You didn't need to do this for me."

The moment of quiet love was soon interrupted by loud music from nearby.

Username: Mouthofthesouth
Class: Fighter
Power: Soundwaves

"LLLLLLadies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, the man on top of the ranking charts is issuing his daily challenge in ;Mechcity!" Mouthofthesouth bellowed out, causing players to try and cover their ears. "He is the undefeated, unprecedented, and unparalleled man of TOME and is your current NUMBER SIXTH RANKING IN THE WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORLD! He is... BigTime!"

Rounds of sparks and fireworks went off as a plume of smoke came from behind Mouthofthesouth. A figure walked from the smoke, a shining smile on his face and a metal hand readjusting his star sunglasses.

Username: Bigtime
Class: Mechanical
Power: Special Effects

The cyborg threw his arms wide, making the coat that hung on him jingle as swords and staffs clanked together, reminders of his former opponents that challenged him. Not only was his coat a reminder of every player he had beaten, but his chest was layered with multiple coats of armor, ranging from simple clothing to high-end steel, only adding further to his outlandish look.

"That's right, losers!" Bigtime began, "Those of you that haven't already been aware of who I am or what I do, let me make it clear!"

Irritated players already began moving away or logged off at the presence of this rather bombastic individual and his little cheerleader.

"One battle, one arena, and for all of this," Bigtime continued, unnerved by the comments and reaction he was getting. Spinning in place, he let the blades and armor shine all around, presenting his 'prize'. "That is, if any of you lackluster players have the guts to do it!"

Flamegirl began moving away from the loud character, "Let's get away from this guy."

As she said this, another loud set of fireworks went off near the statues of Webmaster and his fellow administrators. Alpha's eyes followed the trail of the sparks when he saw a Drain Edge, hanging dangerously at the tip of Webmaster's own head. "Flamegirl, th-!"

"Are you calling my buddy a girl, pal?!" Mouthofthesouth yelled out. "Hey, Bigtime, this sap thinks you aren't as great as you say you are!"

Bigtime reacted to hearing this with a roll of his shoulders and snapping of his neck, "That a fact?"

Alpha's stammering couldn't help him as he was lifted up by the large cyborg. "You think I'm not good enough? You believe I'm a girl? A wimp? A guy that can't back up his words?"

"I- I never said-" Alpha tried to explain.

"You listen here, Gemini hot shot," Bigtime growled, "Just because you think that being in the finals of a tournament that had you rely on your partner for the entire time, doesn't mean you are as good or better than me." He pulled Alpha closer, "I may not be able to fight here, but I can make you regret making me upset."

With that Bigtime set Alpha down and shoved him into the Webmaster statue, rocking it slightly. Alpha rubbed a sore spot on his head as Bigtime raised his hands.

"Sorry, man," Bigtime faked his sincerity, "I didn't see you there. I hope you don't get upset at me and find me in ;Mechcity to settle things."

With that, a sign post was put up in his spot as he teleported away. Alpha shot a glance up at the Webmaster statue, noticing the Drain Edge he saw was gone. He quickly began scuttling around the statue, trying to see where the weapon add-on landed.

Flamegirl noticed Alpha's rushed actions and ran up to him. "What happened? You okay, Alpha?"

Alpha tried desperately to not scream in frustration as he made more passes around the statue. "It was there, I saw it, it was up there!"

As Alpha continued to scuttle around, five avatars walked away from the area, one unaware of the Drain Edge that hung on the statue now rested on her jetpack.

Username: BellesRinging
Class: Spellcaster
Power: Healing

BellesRinging hopped along, her eyes shut as her ornate white robe denoting her white mage status moved with her as she went up and down.

Username: Scootandloot
Class: Mechanical
Power: Flight

Scootandloot continued walking, but kept her jetpack warmed up and ready for flight. Her body seemed half-organic, half-robotic, giving a Terminator vibe.

Username: Bloomdoom
Class: Fighter
Power: Karate

Bloomdoom pulled out a long strip of blue from her martial arts uniform and wrapped it around her head, wanting to look as intimidating as possible.

Username: BadSeed
Class: Fighter
Power: Brawler

BadSeed already looked intimidating, resembling a 1980s road warrior. Faded jeans for her legs, leather jacket zipped up on her chest, makeshift football shoulder pads made from steel plates and hubcaps on her shoulders.

Username: MashMaster
Class: Swordsman
Power: Energy Blast

"This game is WAY better than anything else I've played," MashMaster happily bounced along; his green hat and green outfit resembling closely to another iconic video game character. "Mom told me that this game is too violent for me, but I don't see it."

Bloomdoom gave a quick readjustment to her blue martial arts headband, "Ya'll think we could take that BigTime fella?"

BadSeed scoffed, "If we's all jump 'em, sure; but I don't think that'll happen." She paused to wipe at her faded jeans and give a pull on her leather jacket.

BellesRinging gripped the Drain Edge from Scootandloot's pack and brought it to her face, "What is this thing, Scootaloo?"

Scootandloot turned to BellesRinging and noticed the item she was holding. "Whoa, where'd you get that?"

"It was hanging off your back," BellesRinging answered, tilting and observing the object.

MashMaster looked at it carefully and held his sword up to it, "Looks like something that can fit on my blade, try and put it on."

BellesRinging held up the Drain Edge and brought it closer and closer to MashMaster's blade before it snapped on. MashMaster went quiet and his body became limp as the virus went through its new host. The virus found no use of this avatar as it couldn't hold and returned to the Drain Edge. The object unattached itself and hit the ground as BellesRinging picked it back up.

"Guess it didn't fit your blade, Mash," BellesRinging said with a little disappointment. "It must be just a worthless piece of junk."

"It does look neat though," BadSeed mentioned, "It has to be worth something. How's about we check the shops and see what we can get for it."

"I don't mind that," Bloomdoom said.

"Eh, if it gets us some extra credits for some awesome weapons or something, I guess we can do it." Scootandloot added.

MashMaster grabbed his head after exiting the daze he went through. "I think I'll get off, my head hurts."

The friends made their farewells with MashMaster and looked to each other with smiles on their faces. "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS GAMERS, YAY!"