Hey, Shadowflame here. So yeah, in my last entry, my group had finally made it to the Crystal Empire. Heh, never thought we’d reach this point in the game. Seems like the start of the game had been centuries ago, never mind collecting eight elements after that.
Oh, yeah, I knew there was something I was forgetting in my last entry. Sorry about that, whoever happens to be reading this, but I accidentally left out a detail from our adventure beneath the ice.
You see, after my little pep talk with Violet, where I convinced him that I needed him to raise everyone’s spirits, I had opened up my Player’s Menu to prepare for the trek through the rest of the blizzard. But when I did, an achievement notice had popped up:
Achievement Get: Spirit (Activate the Element of Spirit)
Down there under the ice, I had apparently activated Violet’s element. I wasn’t aware of it before, and I don’t think Violet was either, but what I’d said must’ve changed his resolve so that his Personality File deemed him worthy to use the Element of Spirit.
I kept silent about it though, because this was the task Jupiter had assigned me and Sky, back before we left Canterlot for the Crystal Empire. We were supposed to find a way to activate the others’ elements, just like Sky’s Element of Willpower had. And from the looks of things, it looks like I just found a way.
Of course, now you’re probably wondering how I could leave out something as important as that. Well, even if I’m an alicorn or not, I still make mistakes. But hey, I’m making up for it now! Besides, I was distracted by how amazing the Crystal Empire looked.
______________________
The Crystal Empire was just as amazing as everyone had said it was. The roads looked like they were made of one, completely solid gemstone, and there were just as equally shiny, crystal ponies trotting up and down the streets, just like regular NPC’s do. The houses, the ones that weren’t made of wood, were made of crystals that glittered in the early twilight. At the center of the city stood the Crystal Palace, which shone turquoise blue in the radiant light.
All of these beautiful buildings, yet not one of them was an inn.
Everyone in our group had assembled underneath the base of the Crystal Palace, right in the center of the city. We had previously sent everyone in smaller teams to look around the city for any signs of an inn. But after regrouping, all of us had failed to find one.
“Well, this sucks.” Sky flatly stated, “It doesn’t look like there’s an inn in this whole city.”
“And given a city as big as Canterlot, that’s saying something.” Soul added, before chuckling, “Oh, well. At least I found a few taverns with some smoking hot NPC’s. I’ll have to stop by them later.”
While the members of Team Calvary merely rolled their eyes at Soul, and Cinn looked like he was about to vomit, Sharky spoke, “Well, being one of the developers of the game, I know there were at least two inns in the Crystal Empire.” He scratched his chin with a hoof, “Although, if neither of them are here anymore, then I assume this is Discord’s doing.”
Cinn nodded slowly, “It makes sense. If you don’t have an actual home, then the only way to completely regen your health and magic overnight is by staying at an inn. I’d say Discord took out the inns here because we need to enter a dungeon to fight King Sombra, and if we needed to heal up, then the closest place to stay would be back on the other side of the blizzard.”
Catching on, Eclipse added, “We do have some healing spells, so health shouldn’t be a problem, but magic is our main concern. Without an inn, we could probably only regenerate half our magic in a day, if we don’t use it.”
I visibly cringed, “And without our full magic power, we might not be able to make it all the way through the fight with King Sombra. A few of us would most likely die, if not come close to it.” I sighed, “It seems like Discord’s actually set up a death trap for all of us.”
“A death trap?” Neon frowned, “This is probably the neatest looking death trap I’ve seen.” She giggled as she looked at a distorted reflection of herself on a crystal wall.
Lexus gently tapped her on the side, “Neon, focus please.”
She giggled again, sheepishly, “Whoops, right, sorry.”
Swift spoke up, “Well, if there isn’t an inn here, then why don’t we buy a house for all of us? It won’t be a permanent home, but just someplace where we can heal up if we need to.” He shrugged, “I think we have enough bits to buy a good house, as well as supplies for the dungeon. Plus, we could always sell the house after we’re done here and we’ve defeated Sombra.”
“Hm, sounds good.” I replied, while everyone else voiced their individual agreement.
Sharky pulled up his player menu, “Well, if we’re going to buy a house, we better look at the options we hav-“ He abruptly stopped when he came to a certain page on his screen. He simply stared at it for a few seconds, before his jaw dropped open.
Dylan raised an eyebrow, “What is it?”
Sharky quickly reigned in his composure, “Well, it seems like there’s only one place available to buy, and I don’t think you’re going to like the price.”
“Only one?” Sky asked, “What is it?”
“The Crystal Palace, and it’s selling for five-million bits.”
Everyone fell silent, so much that you could hear a bit drop to the ground.
“Eh… How much do we have?” Violet asked.
Everyone quickly opened up their player menus and we added our bits together. The total came up to 3,856,521 bits. We were over a million bits short.
Cinn was the first to groan, “Is that really the only place we can buy?!”
Sharky showed him his player menu, and upon seeing the single place up on the realty screen, Cinn was quickly silenced.
I groaned as well, “One million bits? That’s just as much as we got from selling the old base back in Canterlot.” I looked to the rest of the group, “Well, unless we want to be sleeping out on the streets our entire time here, anyone got any ideas of how to make some more quick bits?”
“I wouldn’t advise grinding mobs.” Sharky replied, “The only monsters around here are inside the dungeon or back in the blizzard, both of which are hard places to train with little reward.”
“What about side quests, then?” Siren asked, “Since nobody’s been here, then all of the good side quests should be waiting for us to take them.”
“Good idea, Siren.” Sky smiled, making a tint of red go into Siren’s cheeks, “Side quests would get us more bits than level grinding, plus they could get us some items we need for the dungeon too.” He glanced towards Sharky, “You think we’ll be able to make a million bits by doing side quests?”
Sharky paused, “Well, it is doable. If the side quests are done quickly, then we should be able to get enough money; although, it’d probably take a whole day at least.”
“Then it’s settled.” I pumped a hoof to the air, “We’re going side quest grinding, everypony!”
“We should split into groups,” Violet commented, “Just so we get this done quicker.”
I nodded, “Yeah, everyone grab a buddy to go on quests with. There’s fourteen of us, so we should go in pairs. It’d be better that everyone not go alone, just in case something unexpected happens, but with seven groups, we’ll get more bits in less time.”
Sharky held up a hoof, “How about we wait first. Everyone can get in pairs tonight, but I think we should all get a quick rest, even if it’s out on the streets. We all just made a long trip through the middle of an eternal blizzard, and most of us are down on health. We should rest for the night, just so we can get most of our health back, and even a tiny bit of magic for the unicorns.”
“So… what? Camp out here?” Soul asked.
Sharky shrugged, “Well, here at the center of the city. I don’t think any NPC guards would like us sleeping right underneath the palace. We can’t sleep in any buildings, because I doubt we want any NPC’s buck-kicking us out of their buildings for falling asleep there.”
I raised an eyebrow, “Wait, does that actually happen?”
Cinn nodded, “Yeah, it’s happened to me twice. Whenever I was low on bits and couldn’t afford an inn room, I’d usually fall asleep in some tavern instead.” He quickly added, “Of course, that hasn’t happened to me for about two months now.”
Sharky continued, “Anyways, I think the best bet would be the grassy areas at the edge of the city.”
I shrugged, “Whatever. For now, let’s get into pairs for side questing tomorrow and then let’s set up some sort of camp.” I grabbed my choice of partner, “I call Sky!”
Sky gave me a bemused look. I guess he had been planning on pairing up with Siren. However, I had a good reason for taking him away from a chance to be alone with his team-mate crush.
As everyone else began pairing up, I quickly whispered to Sky, “Sorry, but I need you for tomorrow.”
He paused, before asking, “Is it about what Jupiter asked us to do? Activate the Elements?”
I nodded. So far, I had gotten Violet’s Element of Spirit to activate by talking him out of his doubt. I figured the same could work for the others. “I’ll explain how we’ll do it tomorrow morning.”
I walked away from him, seeing who had paired with whom. But when I did, I was met by a bit of a surprise for some of the pair choices.
Violet and Soul had paired up with each other for tomorrow. Those two had been best friends since they started in Manehatten, so it made sense. Dylan had gone with Eclipse, though I wasn’t sure why.
I was expecting to see Neon and Lexus paired up, but to my surprise, Neon had paired up with Siren.
“Aw, babe! I thought we were going to pair up for this.” Lexus whined to his girlfriend.
Neon simply giggled in response, “Oh, come on, Lexus. We do almost everything together. Don’t you know every girl needs a bit of day off with the rest of her friends?”
Siren laughed as well, “Don’t worry, Lexus. I’ll make sure no stallions start staring at her flank besides you.”
Lexus rolled his eyes, “Whatever.” He turned his head, “Hey, Cross? You want to pair up?”
Cross, having been silent the entire time we’d come into the empire, simply nodded. Honestly, that guy never said a word now… which was exactly what I was hoping to change. If I was going to activate his Element of Laughter, I was going to have to break through that hard skull of his and help him get over Cloud’s death, no disrespect to the dragon’s memory intended.
Swift and Comet had paired up, which was probably a good choice. With two pegasi in a group, they could handle side quests that happened to be skyward. That was good thinking on their part… actually, now that I think about it, the two of them seemed to be paired up ever since we left Westfalia before the blizzard… oh well, it must’ve been a coincidence.
The last pair was Sharky and Cinn… though, judging by what Cinn had said back under the ice, about Jupiter having sent him to find Sharky, I guessed he just wanted to keep his eye on the former admin.
I quickly took note of each of the groups, before nodding once I had it memorized. I called out to everyone, “Alright, let’s get a camp set up. We’ll be waking up bright and early in order to do as many side quests as possible in a day.” I said the last part with a hint of disdain. I hated waking up early.
___________________________
Yup, I still hate waking up early. Actually, the world shouldn’t be allowed to exist before 6 AM.
After everyone grudgingly got up off the grassy field we were sleeping on, as well as eating a quick breakfast, we geared up for action.
Once everyone was ready, everybody got in their groups of two. I was finalizing our plans for the day,
“Okay, here’s how we’ll do things today. Everybody search for any side quests, do any that you think will pay well, and after you complete each one, send a message to me saying how many bits you’ve earned on that quest. I’ll count our total bits up, and once we reach enough bits to buy the palace, I’ll message everyone that we can stop the side quest grind. Got it?”
Everyone voiced their agreement.
“Alright, ponies! Roll out!”
_________________________
Sky and I walked into the city on our own, everyone else having dispersed in their own groups.
Sky glanced towards me, “So how are we going to activate the others’ elements?”
“We’re going to talk to them.” I answered.
The darker cyan unicorn raised an eyebrow, “And how is talking to them going to help them be more like their element?”
I shrugged, frowning, “Well, back down under the ice, I had a talk with Violet. He said he was having troubles believing that we’d actually get through this game alive. After a little pep talk, I was able to convince him that we needed him to raise everyone’s spirits, and I think that change in mind he had is what activated his element.”
“So basically we go around to the other elements, find why they aren’t acting like their element, and reverse it with a little pep talk?”
I shrugged, “More or less, as far as I know.”
“Hm, figures. I was never good at pep talks.” Sky grumbled under his breath, “Although, I think everyone else is going to get suspicious of what we’re doing if they notice we haven’t earned a single bit from side quests.”
I chuckled sheepishly, “Well, uh, about that… I sort of bought some gold bars to save my bits in my inventory. I didn’t count those when we were totaling up the group’s money, so I have about 250,000 bits in gold bars I could sell.”
Sky blinked in surprise, “Hm, cool.”
I nodded, “Well, let’s get started, then.” We broke into a gallop down the street, “Let’s go find Soul. Might as well go in order of how we got the elements.”
_______________________
It took us a little while of searching, and asking the other groups we passed for directions, to find Soul and Violet. But we soon found them just at the outskirts of the city, though it looked like they were in the middle of a side quest.
“Violet, cut them off!” Soul shouted, wildly swinging his dual blades in the air, as he chased three, little animals.
Violet galloped right in front of the animals’ path, hooves outstretched in anticipation to grab them, “Gotcha’ now, you fuzzy, litt- *Oof*!”
Violet winced as one of the animals had leapt up on top of his head, bounced off down to his back, and landed on the ground behind the tan unicorn, all the while its companions ran past either side of him.
The three, tiny, crystal ewes regrouped far behind Violet and bounced away without a care in the world.
Violet grumbled to himself as he glanced back at the little sheep, “Gah! How do they keep doing that?!”
That’s when Sky and I arrived, laughing our heads off at the display the ewes had made.
I snickered as we approached them, “Having some trouble, guys?”
“You could say that.” Violet replied, bemused, “It’s bad enough that you can’t catch those little beasts directly with magic.”
Sky managed to get his chuckling under control, “Here, why don’t I help? Shadow needs to talk to Soul about something anyways.” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sky give me a slight nod, as if to say, ‘I’ll leave him to you’. Hm, very subtle. Nice job, Sky.
Confused, Soul hesitantly agreed, “Okay…?” Shrugging, he put away his swords as Sky took his place in the side quest.
I motioned for Soul to come with me over to the side, so we were out of earshot of anyone else.
Once there, Soul looked at me confusedly, “You have something to talk to me about?”
For a moment, blanked out. I hadn’t exactly thought of how I was going to bring about the subject. What else was I supposed to say? ‘Hey, Soul. Your element never activated, so I don’t think you’re as loyal to us as you let on. Are you a spy?!’
I mentally winced as I tried to carefully piece out the question, “Um, Soul? Is there anything… er, troubling you right now? Something… I don’t know, related to loyalty perhaps?”
Soul’s features went visibly rigid, as if something had put him on edge. But just like the poker player he was, his face stayed emotionless in a mask, “What do you mean?”
I frowned. Sure, he didn’t sound like he knew anything, but his body language said otherwise. I didn’t know what it was he went rigid about, but I was going to have to play along if I was going to get anything out of him.
I cleared my throat, “You know what I mean, Soul Cards. You might as well spill it before I bring it up for everyone to hear. After all, it’s only a matter of time before everyone else notices.” Wow, I’m actually quite good at making fake accusations… not too sure if that’s good or not.
But to my satisfaction, it worked to a degree. Soul’s poker face slipped for just a second, and he knew it. Whatever this cat was, it was now out of the bag from his perspective.
Soul sighed, “Alright, alright, fine. It’s true. I’ve been selling some of Violet’s stuff he makes in the forge for extra money to gamble.”
“WAIT, WHAT?!” I shouted. If that was the case, no wonder his Element of Loyalty wasn’t activated.
Soul blinked in confusion, “… Oh, wait, you weren’t talking about that?”
“No, I was totally ‘BS’-ing my accusation.” Before Soul could protest, I added, “But I knew something was up! Why didn’t you tell anyone? How long has this gone on?”
Soul seemed a bit conflicted, partially because I had weaseled the truth out of him. But sighing, he replied, “It started last month, when the poker NPC’s actually began beating me in the taverns. I was losing money to them, but I needed more if my reputation was going to keep up with my player poker buddies.”
But to my surprise, Soul’s expression drooped, into one of sorrow, “I didn’t think of it much back then, since I was just doing it to keep doing what I love. But when you and Violet went under the ice back in the blizzard, I was worried about my best friend.”
He sighed, “I’d been stealing behind Violet’s back, and while we waited for you guys, I was worried that he’d died. I knew I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if the last thing I did to him was steal from him. You can’t imagine how relieved I was when you guys returned.
“That whole ordeal, it made me stop and think for a bit. I’ve been thinking and I’ve realized that I’d been betraying my friends, and I’m the Element of Loyalty for pete’s sake! How could I live with myself now when I know-“ He sighed again, cutting himself short, “Forget it. This is my problem to fix, so I’d appreciate it if you don’t tell anyone about this.”
Well, he made a convincing point. He was no doubt chewing himself out with his own guilt, but who knows how long it’d be before he apologized for what he’d done? I couldn’t risk it going too long if we were going to be ready to fight Discord… I needed to do something now.
I shrugged, “Sure, why not? After all, I was planning on telling Violet about this if you didn’t.”
Soul’s eyes widened, “Don’t you dare! I told you, this is my problem, not yours!”
I gave him a flat look, “No, a team mate’s problem is my problem too. I can’t let you prolong an apology, ‘cause who knows when that could hinder you guys when you’re needed the most.”
He still didn’t look like he was going to listen to me. Sighing, I countered, “Besides, Violet’s your best friend. You said it yourself! If anything, I know Violet can forgive a friend, even if he’ll be stormy about it for a while. So why don’t you go tell him now, before he finds out on his own in some other way and gets the wrong idea.”
Soul paused, his poker face masking any trait besides stubborn refusal. But after a moment of silence, the unicorn let go of his façade and sighed, “You know, as much as I really hate to admit it… you’re right. I need to tell Violet, though I doubt you’re going to let me take some time before I tell him, right?”
I shook my head, “Not a chance, I want this settled between you two before we regroup tonight.”
Sighing wearily, Soul chuckled weakly, “Figured you’d say that. Don’t worry, I’ll tell him the truth… though I’ll probably hold off on telling the rest of the team for a while.” He looked at me in the eyes, a stone expression on his face, “After putting up with all this guilt, I don’t want to relive it again. I know I’ll never do something like this again.”
“FINALLY! I GOT YOU LITTLE MOTHER-BUCKERS!” Both Soul and I glanced over to see a scruffy looking Violet squeezing a tiny ewe between his forelegs in a sort of a head lock, the unicorn’s expression one of manic fury. Behind him, Sky carried the other two ewes, which had been hogtied.
In an instant, Violet’s expression turned from one of a sadistic pony to a cheerful blacksmith again, as if his comical fury had never been there in the first place, “Hey, Soul! Let’s get going and return these ewes back to that shepherd filly!”
I gave Soul an amused glance, “Now I seriously doubt he’s going to hold a grudge against you for very long.”
Soul simply nodded as he began trotting over to Violet. But as he did, he glanced back over his shoulder, smirking back at me, “I won’t betray my friends’ trust again, Shadow. After all, every one of you guys are my friends; probably the best I’ve ever had.”
I smiled back, “Thanks.”
It wasn’t long until Soul and Violet rejoined each other and headed deeper into the city to deposit the ewes. Sky trotted back up to me, looking a bit disheveled from chasing the crystal ewes.
He gave me a questioning look, “So, how’d it go?”
“Better than I thought.” I replied, tapping into my player menu:
Achievement Get: Loyalty (Activate the Element of Loyalty)
I grinned, “Much better than I thought.”
_________________________
With Soul’s and Violet’s elements activated, that only left Eclipse, Siren, Lexus, and Cross. (As well as mine, but I figured we’d get to that later. After all, I’m being as courageous as I possibly can at the moment.)
So, four ponies left to convince to be better people. Sounds doable.
Since Sky and I didn’t know who was closer to us at the moment, or how we’d activate the other’s elements, we decided we’d just improvise by wandering around until we found somepony we were looking for. So, with me using my wings, and Sky evaporating into smoke, we flew through the empire.
It didn’t take long before we found Dylan and Eclipse… or rather, the thieves they were chasing after.
“Outta our way!” A generic, burly stallion screamed, swinging a knife at any NPC’s in his fleeing path. Right behind the thief, another one followed.
Eclipse and Dylan galloped as hard they could after the thieves, though it seemed like they had been at this for a while.
“Can’t you make it so that they’re in zero gravity or something?” Dylan asked, a bit frustrated that they couldn’t catch up to their targets.
“I’m trying, but it’s hard to do a spell like that while running this hard.” Eclipse bitterly grumbled.
I swooped down to the ground from the air, landing straight into a gallop alongside them, “Then why don’t we help?”
Sky followed suit as he reformed into a unicorn, chuckling at his brother, “Gosh, Dylan. Having trouble much with catching a pony? I thought you were the parkour expert here.”
Dylan rolled his eyes, “Easy for you to say.”
Eclipse quickly cut in, “We’d appreciate the help. I’m not sure if I can run for much longer. Man, why does it seem like side quests here are so much harder?”
“No idea.” I glanced towards Sky, “Fly ahead and cut the thieves off with a barrier. Dylan,” I looked towards the colt, “Make sure you keep up with them, so you can beat the snot out of them when Sky stops them. Eclipse and I will catch up after he catches his breath.”
The two brothers nodded and raced ahead, while Eclipse and I slowed our pace to a trot, until we finally came to a stop.
Eclipse took a deep breath as he stretched out his legs, “Huh, good thing Dylan has that earth pony endurance, because I’m not sure if you or Sky could complete this side quest for us, since you weren’t there when it started.”
“Huh, good thinking.” I replied.
We stood there for a moment, but I was at least glad that I got him and Dylan separated, just like how I did it with Soul… although, now I was facing the similar problem of how to get the info I needed out of Eclipse. Could I just B.S. it out of him? Nah, I doubted it’d work with the Element of Generosity, since it’s a slightly different case than Loyalty.
Well, Generosity is the opposite of greed… maybe Eclipse has been getting greedy with his bits? Maybe his items? No, wait, I don’t think that’s it either. He doesn’t seem like the greedy type of person… Well, maybe-
“You know, I don’t understand how you do it.” Eclipse spoke, gazing off towards the way Sky and Dylan had run.
“Huh? Do what?” I asked.
He shrugged, “You know, leading.” He gestured down in the direction of Sky and Dylan, “You gave those two orders as if they were breathing to you. You seemed like you knew just what to do in a situation like this, and you didn’t even hesitate to send Sky and Dylan off to fix it.”
I nodded slowly, though a bit unsurely, “Um, thanks, I guess. I’ve been the leader of my team ever since the start of the game, so I guess it’s just become second nature to lead.”
Eclipse gave a tiny smile, before it drooped into a sad frown, “You know, I’ve been the leader of Team Vortex ever since Cordon left the guild and left me in charge… but I’m not good at leading. I can’t give out orders, I sometimes don’t know what to do when a situation arises… sometimes, I think my team isn’t the best they could be because I’m not a good leader.”
“What makes you say that?” I asked, though slightly wondering, Does this have something to do with his element?
Eclipse shrugged, but looked downcast, “I’m… not sure. It’s just that, whenever I compare myself to you and Violet, you guys seem way better than I am as a leader. Both of you know what to do almost immediately, but me… I think I might be holding back a bit. I think it’s because I doubt myself in some ways, but…” He sighed, “I really don’t know.”
I frowned in response. I wasn’t frowning at Eclipse, but more at my mind as a thought came to it. He says he’s ‘holding back’, as opposed to giving his ideas to his team, or maybe even his group… If he’s holding back his ideas, wouldn’t that count as a form of greed, the opposite of Generosity?... Maybe, but it might be the only lead I have at the moment. If this doesn’t work, I’ll have to try again later.
I put a hoof on Eclipse’s shoulder, reassuringly, “Eclipse? It’s alright if you think your ideas as a leader are bad. But you should at least try to say them to your team. I know I’ve made some pretty bad plans in the past, but my team was always there to fix them before we dove head first into a fight.”
I gave a smile, “We’re all here for each other, and that includes helping each other by giving our own ideas. Who knows? Maybe one of these days, you’ll have an idea that none of us had and it ends up saving our hides!”
Eclipse paused, “You think so?”
“Eh… maybe.” I replied sheepishly, “But all I’m saying is you should voice your own ideas, because with your own input in play, I’m sure it’ll help you become a better leader. From now on, don’t keep your ideas to yourself… unless they’re downright gruesome.” I winced at that last part.
Eclipse got a chuckle out of that one, “Okay… alright, I’ll try.” His expression drooped a bit though, “Although, I think I might need a bit more time before I do anything like that all of the time.”
I smiled, “Don’t worry about it. Just take your time, and I’m sure you’ll be just fine.”
He nodded, before his eyes caught somebody walking down the street towards us. It was Dylan and Sky, returning with triumphant looks on their faces.
Eclipse called out to them, “How’d it go?”
“Got ‘em.” Sky answered, nonchalantly.
“And the item?” Eclipse asked.
Dylan raised his arm, a small, brown bag resting on his hoof, “Got it! Let’s head back and get our bits.”
“Alright.” Eclipse glanced back towards me, “See you later, guys. And thanks for the talk, Shadow. I think I needed it.”
I nodded, “Anytime.”
Eclipse and Dylan then set off to collect their reward, Sky checked back with me.
“Did you get Eclipse’s element activated?”
I pulled up my Player Menu, but no achievement notice had appeared. I sighed a bit in disappointment, “Looks like he’s going to need a bit more time. I think I might have gotten the ball rolling for him, but if not, we’re just going to have to try again later.”
Sky quietly groaned, as the two of us began trotting back down the city’s streets, “Hm, who knows how long this is going to take us at this rate.”
I shrugged, “From what I’ve seen so far, I think it’s going to be different for everyone. They all have their own problems, and I don’t think all of them can be solved at once.”
“Speaking of which,” Sky frowned, “I’ve been thinking about that. Jupiter said that the elements could only be activated when their bearers have them. That could mean the others might already be ready to activate them, but they just need to do something to prove it again.”
“Hm…” I mulled it over a bit, “I guess that could be true as well. We know that Siren’s the Element of Kindness, and we both can agree that she’s the kindest person we know, but her element isn’t activated… so, you think it will activate if she does something especially kind to someone else?”
Sky shrugged, “Maybe. I don’t know.”
We were nearing the end of the street, so we rounded a corner, while I suggested, “Maybe we should look for Siren next, then. If we’re right, then it should be easy to-“
I stopped abruptly, as did Sky, when the other side of the corner we turned on gave us a sight neither one of us could have expected.
Swift and Comet were making out on a bench, off to the side of the road. The two pegasi were almost on top of each other, just chewing off each other’s lips.
“Um…”
“Uh…”
Sky and I shared a quick glance, before slowly backing away from the scene, deciding then and there, that we’d either never talk about that again.
__________________________
Swift Vapor and Comet
Swift and Comet’s lips broke away from each other’s.
Comet gave the other pegasus a questioning look, “Did you get that piece of hay sandwich I had stuck in my teeth?”
Swift, grinning like a goober, nodded, “Yup! Told ya it’d work.”
Comet smiled back, “Thank you, then.” But she frowned, rather confused, “Though it is certainly an odd replacement for a toothpick.”
Swift paused, “Well…” He waggled his eyebrows, “Would you like to try it again?”
Comet frowned, “But I don’t have food between my teeth. Wouldn’t it be unnecessary?”
“Yup, but who cares?” Swift pulled her back into another kiss, to which Comet didn’t resist.
*overly dramatic clapping* This was great!
The ships, so many ships. Why won't they stop?
well ... talking who knew that was the answer alright shadow time for an act of courage time to break out that prom dress and walk around town bonus points for dyeing your mane pink
I watched the first few episodes of the show and let me tell you, it got bad fast. You barely got to see any character development, and any character that did wound up dead, before moving onto a different game in the next season.
Hope this one is better then the tv show. Although I haven't read it yet, but i got to ask, is the player's only choice is to become a pony? Or can they become any other race? I prefer the Diamond Dogs, for some reason, don't know why just do.
4993316 They can only be Unicorns,Pegasi and Earth ponies
These are the only option
4993980 I hope they put in a patch or upgraded addition that allows you access to the other races than. Cause I wouldn't play the game as a pony.
4992918 The ships shall always be sailin'!
4994015 well let me put one thing to rest the characters here do get developed and don't die right after the do. As for the show given what they had to work with they did ok. the novels weren't that developed either i think the only reason the show got so popular is because so many people liked the idea. it was built around a video game where the only way out was to win and you didn't just play you where actually there and to top it off the stakes couldn't be higher if you die in the game you die in real life. now that sounds like something to watch and to a lot of gamers that is the ultimate wet dream. but that was where the creativity ended they had so many missed opportunity's. the fact that they didn't explore the psychological aspect of the world more. top that off with the whole thing following way to close to an uninteresting hero and having a final confrontation come right out of left field with no build up no actual resolution hell even the main villain... no hes not even a villain the antagonist didn't even get any interesting motivation just think if we had an episode were we got to follow him around for a day and we figured out at the end that he was kiaba and we knew why he did it then its followed up by watching him lie to everyone face about who he is and what his goals are. they also could have broken the mold a bit and had him win the fight for real then the rest of the characters fight their way to the top for a real final battle. have a few more die in the battle get some feels going and finish up with the players waking up all in one giant room housing many of the surviving players. people around them waking up to see many of the people who they had fought and struggled with over the past year embracing each other in tears as the reality sinks in. they had survived they made it home a huge emotional moment then follow up a year later with a memorial service to all the players who died. then have some players at the memorial notice that people they knew are missing people who by all rights should be alive that could lead into the fairy ark.
4994353 Yes you understand, I liked the idea, but they did it horribly. The fact is to do it right they should have taken the first game to last several seasons, with a level or several levels to act as a story arc. They rushed into it, and the story never developed properly.
4994379 lo and behold a kindred spirit i hate to say it but the squeal seems to be headed in the same direction visually impressive but holy shit does it fall flat when its not trying to distract you with pretty pictures and flashing lights i do like that there trying to tackle a psych issue though then again the reluctant killer trope has been done to death and yet here they are kicking the dead horse again
4994411 I stopped watching the show after the 4th episode, it just wasn't what the first episode promised.
4994419 like i said it is still visually impressive and iv found myself waiting each week to see the next fight scene and i'm hoping to have some lingering questions answered i see it as a guilty pleasure i know its bad for me but i cant help myself
4994419
Eh, true enough, but I think in the second season, the current one where they go into a game called GGO (Gun Gale Online), it does have some interesting development, some that I think actually meet the characters' personal development to a minimal degree.
Although, everyone has their own opinions, so I can't really force you to watch it. But I'd still recommend SAO, even with its flaws.
hey shadow do you play pokemon
i just remembered your last authors notes
http://cheezburger.com/215557
i think you like this
4994657
GAH!
THE FEELS!
THEY HURT!!
4994663 what do you get when you use a french stone on eevee
4995234 ugh, a Coco Pommel that kind of looks like an ever?
i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o752/Raybony/DSC07370_zps558ff16f.jpg
She's so cute! >.<
4995267 no but you are correct she does look cute
the answer that follows will either make you laugh or groan and either way i do not apologize
you get a napoleon
4995234
A Napoleon
5000933
Just read next chapter. You'll see that Ezekiel isn't someone you'd call 'completely sane'.
i don't know why but this feels about right
http://cheezburger.com/8317914368
Lol I would totally do that.
So here's some of what I sent to Shadow when I pre-read this chapter. I wrote these as I experienced them, so everything is legitimate.
Inspired by Tales of Symphonia and the first town, by chance?
Pairs, huh? I call Siren!
...Never mind.
Uh-huh. Totally coincidence, and not a sign of the ship to come. Yeah.
Whoa. That was, uh... abrupt. I mean, I knew it was coming, but I didn't know it was coming coming. You did a brilliant job of making that scene really freaking awkward for me and you.
Still though, hell yeah! I wonder how Swift will react when he reads that.
Wait, what the frick?!
What the fudgesickle...
Funnily enough, I can totally see Swift doing that.
And that. Gee, almost as if Swift is (Swift's real name)'s character or something... wait, nah, that's too meta.
(wingboner) (squish squish squish) ...Swag.
Is that even a question?
That is all.
Hey Shadowflame, let me know when the, "Equestria's Races Expanded" Expansion of this game comes out!
"Equestria's Races Expanded allows players a more interesting gaming experience, by allowing them to become creatures outside of the three pony races.The expansion includes Bat-pony's, Diamond Dogs, Gryphons, Dragons (baby-teenage), Zebra, and Buffalo! Enjoy new areas, new quests, (which might differ depending on the race chosen), and so much more!"
Because I'll totally play this game if it does.
5028667
Haha, you'll be the first to know.
5030595
Awesome! Just read the first chapter, great start, hope it doesn't fall apart like with the Swordarconline.
It sounds like a cool game, but I rather be a Diamond Dog.
5030649
Yeah, I wasn't thinking about all of the other 'non-equestrian' species that I knew of the time that I first started this, bat-ponies excluded. In all honesty, nowadays I'm thinking I would have liked to be a batpony, because they look so flippin' awesome!
5030968 They do look cool.
5030968 5031046 And let's not forget adorably cute!
mlpforums.com/uploads/post_images/img-2703927-2-521797__safe_solo_oc_animated_oc%20only_cute_smile_mlp_bat%20pony_adorable.gif
img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20131228071827/twitterponies/images/a/a6/Echo_the_bat_pony_7_filly_edition_by_zee66-d6cq6fl.png
fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/238/a/0/bat_pony_by_aymint-d6jsx8s.png
fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2013/190/9/2/echo_the_bat_pony_4_by_zee66-d6cpqjl.png
If I have to pick between a pony and a bat pony, I choose bat pony any day. I just love the way they look! Look at their ears! So cute!
Talk about fangirling.
Shut up Cinn.
Alright, I just started chapter 17, and well I have several issues.
First off, for all the haters know, although the outside can't interfere, they can spectate. Hell, who's ever controlling Discord is probably getting a kick out of it. I mean seriously don't they realize they'll go to jail for this? Besides Ezikel who's a serial killer, he don't care.
As for controlling Discord thing, well honestly if Discord was really the head honcho I rather doubt he'd go to murder. If Discord as a A.I., was really that self aware, he'd be all about self-preservation. If everyone dies, he's dead they'll bloody delete him along with ELO. After all this, I don't think Hasbro would want to keep it running, not with all the deaths and law suits. Hell, if the players win he's dead anyway!
.....I beat its Sharky.
Now, I've been thinking about the game and I've got some suggestions.
1) Monster Nests, basically its a monster den, it's highly populated by monsters and their young. You have several minutes before the young become fully grown monsters. But if you clear it, you'll get some moderature-spectacular goods from their dens.
If the monster's are more civilized, then it'll be like a brigand's camp site. You'll get better drops from the leader's chest.
2) New mini-dungeon: Sugarcube Sweet & Sour Dungeon
Oh, know! Do to all the chaos in the game, Sugarcube Corner's basement has been transformed into a food based dungeon! Fight Sugary fiends for treat based loot. But wait! You can't bring anything with you! Every party starts in a common room filled with the essentials (except raw materials) to create and build potions, armor, weapons, etc. Luckily to help you out theirs a Blackmarket Vendor to help you out. You'll need chocolate bits, which are found throughout this dungeon wither in chests or by killing the monster roaming each room. The dungeon layout will change every time you enter, but you'll always start in the common room, and the vendor will hold your stuff while your not their. Now the dungeon is split into several floors, to go further into the dungeon, you'll have to beat the floor boss found on each level. The floor boss, is a weakened food-based ripoff of the bosses found on the surface. The Gingerbreadwolf, Pots&Pans Giant, and the Thunderbread Eagle are just some examples. Whoever beats the boss will receive a food based copy of the elements, and the best part is any player can have one. Also since all the floor bosses can be repeatedly faced you could gather all 10 for each player! The Elements of sweetness provide combat bonuses which stack with each element in your inventory, You complete floors for points which can be traded in for goodys to be used on the surface.
5042618
Just wait for the end, and you'll understand Discord's and the Haters' reasonings. Trust me when I say I know what I'm doing.
And as for that last part, I'm on the floor laughing right now. XD
5042782 I'm glad you enjoyed the last part
5044600
Wait for it... Wait for it... :D
5046051
Again, keep reading!!!
Honestly, every comment you make just happens to be justified in the very next chapter. Wait until you're caught up to the current chapter before you comment again because this is just getting ridiculous.
Cinnamon needs a lady friend, he's so grumpy
5051854 Pretty sure he is trying to avoid any after what happened before.
I will not experience those feelings of lose and depression again. Not ever...
If it makes you feel better, you wanted for them to survive, and I'm sure you would have protected Cross the same like your brother.
.....maybe....
And just why did you start liking her? The idea of others falling for ponies seemed to sicken you, so why not with her?
You shut the f**k up, or I rip your mind apart!!!!
OK! OK! I shut up!
5056029 If it happened once it can happen again, every stone has its crack
5056069 Then I rather have it happen in the real world, where at least I know there would have been nearly to no chance of me affecting it.
Uhhh, what?
We are trapped in a game, where you are limited to where you can go. If I had followed my instincts, then I would have tried to accompany Cross, maybe then Boulder would be alive and just captured! I would have been able to save my brother if I had just made him leave! I don't care if I got killed there! I rather have given any of them a chance at living! Even if two of them may have killed other people, they deserved better!
Maybe, but even so, you are here, and they aren't, you can't change that even if you want.
I know....but those moments are the worst in my life now. Because I played a part in them even if I didn't want to, and look what happened.
That is still no reason to isolate yourself, or stop trying to be in a relationship. You need to let things go.
Just shut up and leave me alone.....
5056557 This would be better going on in story, I mean Shadow and the gang are going to find out about him being an ex-hater eventually. It might help Cross as well, since they've both lost people they've personally cared about.
Great! Only 4,999,999 more bits to go! Things are lookin' up!