Cutiemark Coltfriends

Silence. That was the only word that could describe the atmosphere of the dark, empty void Twilight stood in. The air was eerie and uneasy the ground Twilight stood in was covered by a blanket of thick, pure black smoke making it impossible to see anything underneath. It was cold and lonely enough send shivers down the spine of Discord himself. Twilight couldn't see anything but blackness. She began to walk around hoping to find something, anything.

"Hello! Is anypony here?" Twilight called out into the nothingness hoping to to get some kind of a response.

Nothing. Nothing but the echo of her voice. Twilight lit her horn hoping to the light would reveal something to her. The dark smoke seemed to have retreated from the light revealing a continuation of nothingness underneath her hoofs.

"Where in Equestria am I?" Twilight questioned. "I've never read or heard of anyplace like this before."

As if on cue all the dark smoke that was being repelled by her horn suddenly lashed at he like whips, wrapping and tightening around her hooves, body, tale and face. Twilight struggled to get loose but the smokes grip was too much for the alicorn, covering her nose and mouth stopping any and chances of her gaining oxygen. Her struggle lessened as her eyelids grew heavier causing to black out. Once Twilight was incapacitated the smoke began to to mover over her body pulling her down deeper into the empty void.

The air swam through Rumbles fur allowing him to feel a sensation that only a pegasus could feel. The feeling relaxed rumble so much and allowed his mind to wander and think more deeply as he flew toward his house. Wow what a day. i never would have expected to not only get to put Diamond Tiara in her place but I also became the most popular pony in school. I also got to get closer to Scootaloo. Just thinking of the orange fillies name put Rumble in a smitten state nearly causing him stop flying. But I really didn't expect to put in detention of all things. It was worth it though but I really would have loved to Diamond Tiaras mouth in. As Rumble flew over ponyville he couldn't help but spot the pony of his eye pulling her scooter with through town.

"Well I guess I could swoop down and talk to her she does look a little angry." Rumble thought aloud. "Plus it will put time between me having to explain everything to Thunderlane... Sure! Why not?"

Rumble swooped down trying his hardest not make a fool of himself and crash land... again. Rumble slowed down as he got closer to the ground. He would flap and stop repeatedly until he made a somewhat bumpy landing right behind Scootaloo.

"Hey Scootaloo!" Rumble called out to greet her. Scootaloo stopped dead in her tracks and her ears shot up at the sound of Rumble's voice. No! this can't be happening of all the times for Rumble to show up out of nowhere it had to be now... Okay just act cool, stay calm and don't say anything stupid. Scootalo exhaled a calming breath and began to speak as she kept walking.

"Oh, hey Rumble. What's up?" Scootaloo said in a flat tone.

"Um nothing much. I...Was just wondering if...Um..If you need help carrying your Scooter." Rumble replied tripping over his words. as he trotted up to Scootaloo.

"No need. I can handle this myself." Scootaloo answered in a calm but still flat tone.

"Oh. Okay" Rumble responded sound disappointed. All the while Rumble was nervous trying to start up a conversation as an awkward silence grew between them.

The silence was tense and was really for Scootaloo to bear.

"Hey Rumble." Scootaloo started.

"Yes Scootaloo?" Rumble replied.

"I just wanted to say thanks again for, ya know, standing up for me back at the school. It was cool of you."

"N-No problem Scootaloo." Rumble replied, a smile growing on his face.

"Maybe we can hang out sometime, for fun ya know." Scootaloo suggested. A slight blush began to rise in her cheeks.

"Yeah. Sounds Cool!" Rumble replied failing to hide any hint of excitement in his voice.

"Well I'll see you tomorrow Rumble. Thanks again."

"Okay. See ya tomorrow Scootaloo!" Rumble replied finishing the conversation. Rumble buzzed his wings and  took off into the sky to head home. Yes I'mm gonna get to hang out with Scootaloo. How great is that, just me and Scoo-. "Ugh! Hey wath ou-"

"We'll if it isn't mister detention."

"Th-Thunderlanne! H-How did you know!" Rumble asked fearfully.

"I just so happened to get off work early today. When you never came I went out to the school to see if you you were still. I ran into Miss Cheerilee on my way there and she explained how you practically attacked a filly when you better than to." Thunderlane explained to Rumble.

"But-" Rumble tried to explain .

"But then I I heard how you did to stand for another filly that was being bullied. and how you had gotten detention. By the time I got there she said you left about ten minutes ago. So I flew up here to find you but you conveniently found me." Thunderlane said with a grin on his face.

"alright what's my punishment. Just spit it out." Rumble said awaiting his impending doom. What could it possibly be. No friends for a week, no videogames, more homework or maybe something even worse.

Thunderlane put his hoof under his chin as he thought of an appropriate punishment." Well you did have the right intentions and I'm pretty sure the filly deserved it, Hay! I got more detention than you when I was your age so I would let you off the hook but mom and dad wouldn't be to happy about that. So I'll let you go only if you introduce me this filly you stood up for."

"And what if I don't" Rumble asked cautiously.

"Then I'll write to dad and let think up a punishment for you." Thunderlane answered with a sly grin." So what's your choice."

Rumble was not happy with Thunderlane at all. He had to make a choice, he could either risk total embarrassment and hope his brother would do anything embarrassing in front of Scootaloo or Let his dad, who was very strict about school, come up with a punishment for his actions. He may even come from Cloudsdale and give it to him himself. Rumble didn't like but he knew what was the safer choice.

Despairingly, Rumble gave his answer to Thunderlane."(sigh) I'll introduce you to her tommorow afternoon."

"Sweet, don't worry little bro' I won't embarrass you, too bad." Thunderlane reassured only to let a couple laughs escape his mouth.

Rumble let out a loud gulp thinking about what could possibly happen tommorrow.

"C'mon bro' let's head home, it's starting to get late anyway. Besides you've got a big day tomorrow. Hahahaha!!" Thunderlane said in a kind of, This is gonna be good, tone of voice.

Rumble and Thunderlane flew towards their home as they got ready for the impending horor and doom that was set for Rumble. He knew he had to stop it, anything to stop it.

"Ugh..." An arousing and weary Twilight had opened her eyes. "Where am I now? What's going on?" Twilight tried to move only to find all her hooves, wings and neck strapped down to a wall made of dark wall of solid nothingness by the smoke that had suffocated her."W-why am I strapped down?" asked twilight into the still empty nothingness. A deep maniacal laugh began to slowly travel through the empty darkness. "Who's there? Show yourself!" Twilight yelled at the laughter in warning. "Or else I'll..." Twilight tried to ignite her horn only to have no avail."What? Why can't i summon my magic!" The deep laughter continued, followed by a deep voice.

"Poor poor Twilight." The darkness said in a mocking tone. "Poor naive Twilight Sparkle. Oh wait, my bad Princess Twilight Sparkle now that I see you not only have wings but I can also sense the alicorn magic inside of you." The darkness continued, beginning to sound a bit annoyed near the end.

"Who are you! And why am I here!" Twilight questioned sternly.

"You don't recognize my voice?" The darkness asked pretending to sound sad, "I'm offended! Then again I didn't really talk much when we first met." It continued.

"I've never met anything like you before and that still doesn't answer my question!"Twilight shot back at the darkness.

"Are you sure?" It asked in a inquiring tone. "How about now?"

At once all the smoke, except  for the smoke restricting Twilight, came together to form a tall cloud of pure black smoke forming two green eye shapes with two crimson dots in the center of each.

"Do you recognize me now?" The darkness asked.

"No. You can't be. King Sombra!" Twilight exasperated.

Back at the house of Button Mash an intense battle was going down between two powerful combatants. Button Mash! The overpowered, asteroid crushing master of the galaxy being taken on who he had least expected. Spike! The underdog. The young drake who, with a slow start, would squeak by each round just making it until the end. He is the only one that can save the galaxy from the crushing, ruling hoof of Overlord Button Mash.

"I didn't think you would make it all the way to the final round with me." Button Mash was taken aback by Spike but did his best to sound as serious as possible.

"Well you should learn not to underestimate me.' Spike answered just as seriously.

The tension between the two was strong and tense. Each player was on an adrenaline rush, their hearts pounding, studying each other, preparing for an event that could change the rest of their lives. Pipsqueak and Featherweight couldn't do anything but watch in silence as the tension arose.

Pipsqueak stood between the two warriors, ready to sound off the start of this epic battle of awesometude.

"Okay. So you both know the rules?" Pipsqueak began reciting the rules of the final round.

"Yes." Button and Spike answered in unison

Pipsqueak continued. "But to be safe there is no hacking, no cheating, no physical contact of any kind, no swearing and no quitting the game. Understood."

"Yes." Both once again repeated in unison.

"Alright then." Pipsqueak started. "On your marks." Button and Spike tightened their grips on their controllers. "Get set." Both players put their minds an hooves and... uh.. claws into ready mode ready mode to annihilate the other. Their locked on the screen in front of them, completely focused. "Go!" Pipsqueak yelled signalling the start of the battle. Spike and Button were completely focused. claws and hooves seemed be moving faster than Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie combined. The battle was fierce, asteroids exploding left and right with lasers and fists flying all over the screen. Button Mash was starting off strong, it seemed every time Spike had an opportunity to turn the tables button would stop it before he could with some kind of special attack. Nevertheless Spike kept hanging on and would not quit, not when he's made it this far. Button began strategizing, trying to find a way to end Spike.

This doesn't make any sense! every time it seems he's done for he somehow finds a way to save himself, get more health and stay in the game. What's his secret? He's got to be hacking, but he wouldn't he said he wouldn't. I've got to put an end this, my reputation is at stake.

Spike to was trying to figure out a way to put the odds in his favor and beat Button. Celestia is he good! I'd be dead now if I didn't figure out my characters special ability. I know that if I a certain combination of buttons my character is able to make swift, powerful dodges that allow me to get away from Button's supper attacks.  The downside is that's an extra asteroid for him to destroy. Yet whenever I have the opportunity to stop Button's flow and put the game in my favor he finds a way to turn it around. I hot it! If I save up my energy by only dodging and not attacking, I can attack button right after his Supper attack which causes him to stand still for a few seconds but it will take a while, I'm gonna have to hang in there.

The game play continued with Pipsqueak and Featherweight watching in full amazement. The two colts bet thirty  bits on the winner. Featherweight bet Spike would win and Pipsqueak bet Button would win, putting something on the line for each of the colts. Buttons reputation versus Spikes amazing onset and Pipsqueak versus featherweight for thirty bits. Everything was on the line.

Meanwhile. Sweetie Belle was heading to Button's house to spend time with the object of her affection. On her way there she contemplated about the drama that had recently unfolded  between her and her fellow crusaders.Stupid Apple Bloom, stupid Scootaloo. All I wanted to do was go crusading with my friends but all those two could do was argue and bicker. Yet Scootaloo had to be so stubborn, she just had to ride her bike and risk injuring herself even further. It's just so stupid. Sweetie sighed. " Well, at least spending time with Button will help take things off my mind," Sweetie began talking to herself as she walked to Button's house. "I hope we can play minecraft again, his reaction is so funny when I leave right before we die and he ends up losing all his stuff." Meow." a cat stopped right in front of Sweetie Belle, stopping her in her tracks. "Aww. Hello there little kitty, what's your name?" She lowered her head to read the name tag on the kittens collar. " Hi there uh... Jan! What a cute name." She pet the top of the kittens head, causing it to purr as she rubbed it. Sweetie Belle continued along the path to Button's house, humming and singing small songs as she trotted.

Sweetie Belle closed in on Button's house. She trotted up to the door and gave it a firm three knocks. The sounds of hoofsteps grew louder. The door opened revealing Button's mom at the door.

"Oh! Well hello there Sweetie Belle." Button's mom greeted. "I take it you're here to see Button?"

"Sure am!" Sweetie answered eagerly.

"Well he's with his friends in his room. Come to think of it they've been awfully quiet for a while..."

"Oh. Okay, thanks." Sweetie was a little disappointed to hear that Button's friends were over.Darn! I was really hoping to have Button all to my self, but it should still be fun either way.

Sweetie trotted up the stairs entering the main upstairs hallway, it was quiet, especially for Button. The Door to Button's room was at the end of the hall, slightly cracked open. She drew closer and closer with each second passing by. Little did she know that the scene taking place behind that door could determine somepony's life. She trotted up to the door and raised up her slowly pushing up the door. The door didn't make a single sound. She could see Pipsqueak and Featherweight standing behind Button. Featherweight was behind Spike thus blocking him from Sweetie's view.

I should surprise him, he'd love it! Sweetie thought.

She silently drew between Pipsqueak and Featherweight, but staying behind enough for neither of them to notice her. She was low to the ground like a cheetah stalking a gazelle for dinner. Each colt was entranced by the screen before them. Button's hooves were pressing button after button on his controller with perfect hand-eye coordination. Sweetie lifted her flank in the air, ready to pounce. As if all time had slowed, Sweetie pounced towards Button. Pipsqueak and Featherweight screamed as Sweetie flew passed them. Spike and button were to focused to pay attention to the two colts. Sweetie's front forelegs  began to wrap around Button's neck, pushing him forward causing his hooves to slip, forcing Button to make a mistake.

This my chance! Spike stood up and pressed just the right combination of buttons allowing him to use his character right behind Button's character. Spike sprang up to his back claws. "Got you!"

"No!" Button yelled at the top of his lungs. Trying everything he could to counter Spike's attack but it was just too late.

"Spike?" Sweetie questioned.

Spike had defeated Button Mash. For the first time in Button's career he had been defeated and by an amateur at that. Buttons eyes were wide and his jaw dropped. Spike cheered and danced at his victory.

"Sweetie Belle!" Button was infuriated by Sweetie.

Sweetie drew back instantly from Button, looking confused as to why he was so angry. "What's wrong Button, why are you so angry and why is Spike here."

Button was growing irritated by Sweetie very quickly. "I'm angry because, thanks to you, I just lost Spike,who has never played video games before, in final one on one match!"

"thus making me the top game player in all of Ponyville because I defeated the invincible Button Mash!" Spike gloated with joy heard clearly in his voice.

"I'm sorry Button. I had no idea." Sweetie apologized

"Well next time don't surprise me like that in the middle of a game." Button said sternly

"Hey, her surprising you isn't too bad. Well, at leat not for me." Spike snickered. Basking in his victory.

"I demand a rematch! Just you and me, Spike!" Button demanded. Desperate to take back his title.

"I would but I have to get back to the library I'm sure Twilight needs me." Spike said apologetically.

"Wait!" Pipsqueak protested. "Does this mean nopony one?"

"Actually  I think I won this round. I'd love to play again but I'm sure if I don't get home soon Twilight will be very upset, it's starting to get late." Said Spike, sounding disappointed.

"Okay, fine. I'll see you tomorrow Spike." Button said

"Well actually..." Spike began disappointingly. "I have to assist Twilight tomorrow. Sorry guys."

"Aw, okay. Well I guess we'll see you in town." said Button sympathetically.

Spike left Buttons room and Pipsqueak and Featherweight said their goodbyes and left soon after leaving just Button and Sweetie together.

"So." Sweetie began. "Now that your friends are gone do you want to play Minecraft?"

Button sighed. "Not today Sweetie Belle. I'm not in a good mood right now."

"Why? What's wrong Button?"

"My perfect video game reputation, destroyed by an amateur."

"Is it really that bad Button?"

"YES! Yes it is Sweetie Belle!"

"Calm Down Button, It's just a video game."

Button stood silent, and still for a moment.

"Just a video game. Just a bucking video game! Maybe to you it's just a game but to me, it's everything like magic to Twilight or fashion to Rarity! It's basically my life."

"Well I'm not a stupid boy who spends all his time only playing games instead of doing anything else!" Sweetie began to raise her voice back at Button.

"At least I have an idea of what my special talent is instead of wasting life away doing pointless shenanigans that get me absolutely nowhere in life!" Button yelled at the top of his lungs.

Tears began to swell up in Sweetie's eyes. She ran out the door and went home without a word, leaving button alone in hos room.

"Twilight! I'm home!" Spike yelled into the library to aware Twilight of his arrival.

There was no response. Spike turned to see Twilight on the floor with a slight hint of dark smoke exiting Twilight's eyes. Spike began to panic. He poured water on her, shook her and even slapped her getting the same result each time. Spike got on his knees, begging her to get up. The Spike got an idea. He pulled out a quill and scroll, he began to write.

Dear Princess Celestia...