My Little Pony: Legends of Equestria

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Enter Shining Hazel
Chapter 3 - Trapped
Chapter 4 - Ancient Story
Chapter 5 - Magic Training
Chapter 6 - Baking Apprenticeship
Chapter 7 - The First Dungeon
Chapter 2 - Meeting the Mane 7

Chapter 1 - Enter Shining Hazel

'Gather together everyone! For this is a game that you all been waiting for! The Legends of Equestria is now complete the Beta stage and now available! Now you can enter the magical land of Equestria and play with your friends and even our own virtual ponies based on My Little Pony Friendship is Magic! Each Software Disc comes with your own Virtual Reality GEAR system, the first state of the art virtual reality system!'

I read the news from Equestria Daily from my iPhone 6 in the break room in the grocery market. Today is the day; the day that I'm going to get that game. I checked my wallet and smile at my monthly allowance at about $150.

Good thing I saved this amount before the release date come. I thought to myself as I looked at the time, it was time for my break to be over and I put my stuff back into my pocket, resume my shift.

After a few hours, I packed my stuff, and getting ready to go now as I said my goodbye to my friends and co-workers, and walking towards the mall which is a few blocks from the community college. As I glance around, the sun setting down as I knew I need to get the game and get to the bus to go home.

Once I reached to a local video game store, I enter inside and saw a lot of people getting the bundle pack of Legends of Equestria from the shelves. I manage to get one quickly and waiting at the line. I pay the game and headed out to the bus stop.

Once the bus stop at the cross street, I headed back home as I unlock the front door, got the mail, enter in, and lock back in.

"Hello? I'm back from my work."

From upstairs, a door was open as a girl with a long black hair came in front. "Hey, Roland."

"Hey, CJ, how are you?" I took off my shoes and put them under the stairs.

"Good." she said in a bored tone which I sighed.

"Where's Papa and Mom?" I asked walking up down the stairs.

"They just getting gas for their cars." she said as I nodded.

"Oh CJ, check what I got." I showed my bundle of the game as she examined it.

"So this is what you been saving up for?"

"Yeah, every brony came to GameStop to get their hands on that game. I'm lucky I got one before they sold out." I said as she gave it back to me and close the door. I sighed and headed to my room. Inside, a queen sized bed was in the middle and on the right, a 'working table' with various papers stuff, binders, and supplies was seen along with my black laptop. On the other side, my collections of MLP Funko Vinyl Figures was seen with my Bionicle 2015 Toa Masters on the side. On the bottom are shelves of manga books, Gunplas, and a Lego Star Wars Z-95 Headhunter dusty yet still in good condition.

I can't help it if I got so many toys even though I'm 21 years old. Besides, I have seen collectors from Youtube collecting stuff and boy I got so much. But so far, I'm keeping a check on my monthly allowance along with my wages I get paid from my part time job.

As I set my stuff on the bed, I got my house clothes, headed to the bathroom for a much-needed shower. Once I'm dry myself and dressed, I did some of the house chores and with spare time, I got to my room and open the bundle. Inside was the Software disc of the game and the first ever Virtual Reality GEAR. It was surprising that a company, Hardware Games inc, able to recreate the FullDive technology that was thought only existed in the Sword Art Online series and create the VR GEAR since this is the succession of the famous Oclus Rift. Looking at the helmet, the design of it is a modern form of the NerveGear that I seen on pictures and anime. The only difference is that it has a visor that shaped of a Z solider picture I saw in the Deviantart. With that, I turned on the laptop and login in my account on Legends of Equestria. I put on the disc as the laptop reading it, I plug the helmet as the computer still reading it. I taken a look at a hazelnut colored alicorn with a black colored spiked mane and tail along with a cutie mark of a crown symbol. I do wish I can at least get Sora's crown emblem from Kingdom Hearts but that's okay; this is good enough as it is. On the bottom read of my OC pony, Shining Hazel.

I got this OC alicorn ever since I created my account on Legends of Equestria and after my time in the beta stage. In the beta stage, my OC pony was a pegasus but on my 21st birthday, a anomalous developer 'rewritten' my pony into an alicorn stallion as a gift. In the game, alicorns are nearly impossible for players to create their own nor of any quest for players to ascend their own OC ponies. As much as I want to have it, I ask the developers of who rewritten my OC. Turns out, none of them did and they even checked the system before the release date but so far, mine was the only one rewritten and no one else.

Shaking the thoughts, my laptop down downloading the game as I laid on my bed, place the VR GEAR on my head, and close my eyes.

"Link On!"

With that, my visions went black as I was diving into the datascape to the game. Data from my OC profile was seen along with my OC pony as a 'Login In' section appeared then a click was heard as a screen was shown.

'Welcome to Legends of Equestria.'

With that, a bright flash envelops me as the light died down, my vision shown me at familiar castle town square as I look up and saw a majestic castle shining down. Then I look to myself as I become my OC pony, Shining Hazel.

"All right." I smile as more players appeared in the town square of Canterlot Castle, having the same reaction as mine was: living the dream of being in a virtual reality online game.

I checked my status of my OC pony as a status screen appeared with the listing of strength, magic, flight, speed, stamina, and defense. So far each of them was in the same status. Next I check the abilities as like the usual when I did beta testing, only three of the starter abilities : Magic Damage, Defense Up, and Flight Up.

As I look around at the town square of Canterlot, all of the players begin doing their gaming life as I checked my 'Friends' scroll as it shows me the list of my friends. So far the only one is my best friend that I met in Fimfiction, Golden Flare. His status shown as 'online' as I press him for location. A map of Equestria shows me the location as it was a pinpoint of him at Ponyville.

With that, I unfurled my wings and begin flying towards Ponyville.

As I soared to Ponyville, I was amazed at how the developer able to capture the feel and the ascetic of the NPC ponies like those in the My Little Pony Friendship is Magic show. I don't know how but they able to capture it and the best part: you can even add NPC as your friends or going on a quest with them. Normally, from what I read about MMORPG, NPC (Non-Player-Characters) were existed only to make the game more interactive and only they have limited answers and actions. So how did they able to make the NPC interact with players differently from the other MMORPG? Guess I would find out later about it.

As I land softly on the ground, I walk around the town as I search for my friend, a red pegasus pony name Golden Flare. Golden and I been best friends since we met at Fimfiction. Ever since I got into MLP and seeing all of the good fan stories, I decide to make a profile on Fimfiction to make my own stories. At some point, I come across him working on a story that I never thought I ever was seen, Kingdom Hearts Equestria Girls. His story really captures the essence of Kingdom Hearts but also the balance of MLP Equestria Girls. I was a huge fan of his work and doing drawings of covers for his future stories.

Huh? I wonder where he is? I thought while keep looking around for him as my eyes spotted in the middle a red pegasus looking for somepony. Could that be him?

Out of instance, I trotted to the pegasus and he matches to the one I'm been searching for.

"Golden!" I called for him as he turned, he gave me a confused look.

"Who are you?"

I was shocked (and a little hurt) at first but I chuckled and I decide a way to surprise him "Well just a pony who's looking for Golden Flare, the famous fan author of Kingdom Hearts The Heart of Friendship."

"That's me."

"Well, I got a message from your best friend GundamBrony," I said.

"What is it?" he cocked his head in confusion.

Then I said something that only Golden knows "No matter what happens, for days and years, as long as our hearts connected....."

His eyes widened in surprise as he said simultaneously with him "Our friendship will remain infinity and beyond."

I gave a toothy grin as Golden gave an involuntary smile then tackle me in sheer happiness "GundamBrony!"

"Whoa!" I fell down as Golden gave a hug.

"I can't believe it's you! You got me by surprise!" he said.

"Yeah, I did" As I got up, Golden was examining my OC avatar.

"So this is what you look like in Legends of Equestria?"

"Yep, in this world, I'm Shining Hazel," I replied.

"An alicorn? Since when you got that?" Golden asked. I explained to him about the mysterious gift from an anonymous developer while we walk around the town.

After finishing explaining to him, he said in confusion "But if the developers of the game didn't send you that gift then who did?"

"I don't know, I tried asking them about it but they never made plans to create an alicorn in the game consider how alicorns are rare in the MLP universe."

"Huh, that's strange....." Golden said.

Decide to change the subject, I said: "Anyway, how about we go find a job to earn some bits then we can earn enough for a new house?"

Golden nodded as we trotted to find a place to work.

"Man, it seems that every player got the job site filled," I grumbled as we found a bulletin board with the job listings as all of them were crossed as I slump my head in shame. Golden was reading the list until he widened his eyes and snapped out of my depression.

"Actually, I think there's one more for both of us." Golden point to a listing of the last job:

Sweet Apples Acres - (2)

"There's a job at the Sweet Apple Acres? The one that Applejack working there? " I wondered.

"Yeah, and if you look closely, it said that anypony can work there," Golden said as I nodded.

"Then we better get there!" I press my hoof on it as a white screen appeared in front of us.

Do you want to work at Sweet Apple Acres? Yes No

We both tap Yes as the white screen disappeared. Then we unfurled our wings and take off to Sweet Apple Acres.

After a few minutes, we landed on the dirt road leading us to Sweet Apple Acres. We both amazed at the place. Just like Ponyville, the apple farm is very beautiful and accurate to the tv series. The bright red apples on the natural trees, the soil of the ground, and the red farm is amazing to see.

As we walk to the barn, I gave a knock on the door as the door open, revealing a red stallion with a horse collar. His cutie mark is a green apple. By our guess, that stallion is Big Macintosh or Big Mac for short.

"Hello, there." I greeted him as Golden gave a wave to him. "We came here for the job at the Sweet Apple Acres."

Before Big Mac can speak, a southern accent voice was called from inside "Big Mac, who's that?"

"Two ponies who're looking for a job." Big Mac said as coming from downstairs is the orange mare with a cutie mark of three apples and wearing a stetson hat on her golden blond mane tied in a pony tail, Applejack.

"Well, howdy, you two. It's nice to meet you both." she held her hoof "I'm Applejack, by the way."

"I'm Shining Hazel." I grasp her hoof and shake it "This is my friend Golden Flare."

"It's nice to meet you two. Y'all came here looking for a job?" Applejack asked as we both nodded.

"Great, we could get some help around the farm." she said as we follow her to the Apple orchards but not when Applejack glance at me as she widened her eyes in surprise.

"Golly, an alicorn stallion?! I never saw a prince before!" the farm pony exclaimed.

"Huh?" I cocked my head in confusion.

"I thought that alicorns only born as a princess......" Applejack muttered.

"Are you okay, Ms. Applejack?" I asked her.

"No, I'm fine. Just wondering, are you born into royalty?" Applejack asked as I thought about it. I never asked a question about it. I could try to tell her about my OC avatar but that makes it complicated. So what about making up being born in Canterlot? No, I would never lie to anyone and especially her since she's the Element of Honesty.

After a few ponder thoughts I said "Well, I can't say for sure. I was born like that."

"I see." Applejack said "Sorry for making you surprise."

"It's all right, Ms. Applejack," I replied as she giggled.

"Please, just call me Applejack." We both nodded as we continue following her to the orchards.

Author's Note

So this my first person story and setting three months after season 5 and Friendship Games. The story will have similar elements to Sword Art Online and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Explores of the Sky.

Chapter 3 - Trapped

Okay, my part time job shift is done as I rushed to the bus stop and waiting for the public bus. After a few hours, I manage to get back home and do all of the chores in the house along with cleaning the house. Once I checked everything, I headed back to my room and turned on my laptop.

"Okay, just need to login in......" I muttered as I typed a few things on my laptop as once everything is set, I grabbed my VR GEAR and placed on my head.

I checked the time as on the visor, it read: 6:00 pm. Good, just need to login in so I can meet up with Golden.

"Link On!"

My mind once again traveled to the datascape as in shone light, my eyes begin to stir as my visions were blurry before it regained 20/20 vision, I was backed into Applejack's farm. I got up and saw that Golden begin to stir his eyes.

"Aw man, this is getting used to," Golden complained.

"It's not that bad. This is the second time and I felt fine.......well, sort of." I reassured which he smirked at me.

"Well, if you putting that way......."

We both got out of the bed and making the bedsheet nice as we headed downstairs and to the kitchen to find that only Granny Smith is there.

"Hello, Granny" I caught her attention as she turned to us.

"Well, howdy, young fellers'. Looks like you're in nick of time!" we both nodded at her.

"Is Applejack at the orchards?" Golden asked.

"She's going to take her sister to school, but she'll be back." the elderly mare replied. "Why don't you help with Big Mac? He could use some help with the fields."

We both nodded as we headed to the barn shack where Big Mac came out with a carriage of tools.

"Big Mac!" I called him as the stallion turned to our direction and smile.

"Well, somepony is up very early." we headed to him as we nodded.

"Well, what kind of employees would miss out work?" I said as Golden nodded.

"Granny said that we can help with plowing the fields and other things you're working on," Golden said as Big Mac nodded as he shown us the fields.

"So have you two ever pull a plow before?" Big Mac asked.

"No can't say that we have," I answered.

"Well, it should be easy. All ya have to do is take the plow and pull it across the acre of land from one side to the other. Who want to give it a shot?"

Both of us look at each other before I decide to give a shot. With Big Mac's help, I strapped in the plow around my torso. I begin plowing the field but the only difference is that I struggled to pushed only a inch of it despite of my strength I pulling through. Now I wish I was a earth pony or better yet, having Mr. Incredible's strength.

"Hmmmm......" Big Mac tapping his muzzle before got an idea "I think I got an idea of giving you a push."

"Huh? What do you mean-?"

Before I can finish, a hard cracking whip smacking on my flank thanks to Big Mac's hind kick. With a loud neighing sound, an unexpected momentum helps me pushing the plow properly.

Big Mac smile as he turned to Golden "Well, better go plant some seeds. Come on, Golden."

Golden nodded as he watches me speeding up plow the fields.

After a few hours, I pant a bit and laid on the ground, trying to catch my breath. Big Mac and Golden came back with bags of seeds on the carriage as they help me remove the straps from the plow.

"You okay?" Golden asked

"Yeah.......*pant*........that.......*pant*..........was........*pant*..........interesting........*pant*......." I said with each breath I tried to take. This is getting used to on farm lands.

"Here." Big Mac came with a glass of Apple cider as I grabbed it.

"Thanks, Big Mac," I said as I took some sip of the drink as my eyes widened like dinner plates. Oh wow! I heard about their ciders is so good, but this is amazing! My taste buds begin devouring the sweet flavors of fresh nectar.

"So good-! And refreshing!" I sighed happily.

"Eeyup, that's all of the ponies in Equestria said when they tried our ciders. Best thing in the world." Big Mac said.

After a few minute, I got back to my shift and begin helping with Golden and Big Mac planting the seeds. From the carriage, only potatoes, pumpkin, and squash seeds were seen as I work on planting the potatoes while Golden planting some squash and Big Mac doing the pumpkins.

After planting all of the seeds, a familiar voice was heard from the hill "Well looks like you guys got this done already!"

We turned and saw Applejack came back after dropping Applebloom to school. She walking towards us to the fields.

"Hey, Applejack. Just helping Big Mac with the acres field."

"Well thanks, you two. Usually, I mostly help Big Mac with this job but now you got it cover, there's plenty of time for me to get the apples to Ponyville. Since you two working hard, why not you two go with me to Ponyville at least taking some time to explore around the town?"

"Are you sure?" I asked, "Don't you need any help on selling the apples?" Normally, I like taking leisure but I always want to put helping others before that.

"Nah, sugarcube. I can handle this m'ahself on this." Applejack reassured.

"Still-" then I felt a touch on my shoulder as Golden just nodded at me. I sighed and nodded then turned to her "Okay."

"All right, we better get going then," Applejack said as we follow her to the barn.

From underground of Equestria, even to the Diamond Dog's home, there was a black cave that blackens everything, leaving only a small crack of light illuminated. Nothing appeared as only rocks and silence were heard. No trace of sentinel creatures nor magic appeared. Just nothing. On the wall, a jet-black orb was sitting on a pillar of obelisk with ancient Equestrian languages, sleeping for thousands of years with no sounds, no magic, nothing-

Wobble.......... The jet-black orb moved slowly. Wobble........ Again, it moves only at a normal pace. Wobble......Wobble......Wobble...... The orb begins to move fast as a sound of cracking noise was begin to hear.

Crack......crack.....crack.......

Webs of cracks begin to form around the orb as jet black energies pushing out as everything begin to shake and crumble as the orb split open.

In an unknown place, a clear orb was shone brightly on an unknown temple as pair hoof steps were heard and a white muzzle glance at the orb with a frown.

"So it has begun......." she muttered sadly. "The dark entity is free from it's thousand of years' sleep..........."

After helping Applejack setting up the apple cart, we decide to look around of Ponyville. More and more players log in and starting exploring around. We walk around the town hall then to the marketplace as we see players buying or browsing not only foods but also from each tent, a weapon and armor blacksmith, a potion store, and a bookstore. Yep, it's just like all of MMO-RPG games.

We decide to check out the blacksmith as in the tent, it's like all other blacksmith workshops you seen in medieval times. A gray unicorn pony stallion picks up an heating iron from the furnace using a metal tong as he place on the anvil then grabbed a hammer and striking it. He then glances at us through the metal face protection mask.

"I'll be there in a second." he said.

After a few minute, he finished forging an armor and put it on the side. He removes his mask and from his face, he has black eyes and a red mane with the dark purple streak on it. From his expression, he always having a stoned look into it. From his flank, he has twin swords crossing together as a cutie mark.

"So what can I do for you?" he asked.

"Well, we we're wondering what kind of weapons you got?" I asked.

"Well, just, as usual, swords, crossbows, spears, lance, you name it." he replied as he glances at me, he didn't seem fazed by my appearance of an alicorn prince.

"Huh, so we got alicorn prince now? That's cool."

"You don't seem to be surprised by this," Golden replied.

"Well, when you're a blacksmith, you tend not to have many friends." he replied "I'm Chrono. Chrono Age, Equestria's best blacksmith pony."

"I'm Shining Hazel and this is my best friend, Golden Flare." I introduced to him as he glanced at us for a bit.

"You two must be new, right?"

We both nodded as he continued "That's figure. Every time, new ponies just show up and business for my weapons and armors are in high demand."

"How good your creations are?" I asked.

"The best of all of it. However, to create the best, you'll need to find the best quality of metals along with crystals."

"So where do you usually get them?" Golden asked.

"Well, that's the thing, you'll need to find them around in Equestria for the best qualities. Many ponies have that kind of metal and crystals and asked me to forge something out of them." Chrono replied while holding a sword.

"However, from my precision, I tend to check the quality of them to see if they're good to forge."

"What happen if they aren't?" I asked.

"Well, I can't forge weapons but I can use them to make armors out of them," he replied. "Also I can also fix them and weapons too."

Just as we about to ask more, a familiar voice was heard.

"Shining Hazel! Golden Flare!"

We turned and saw Princess Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer walking towards us.

"Hello, Princess Twilight Sparkle," I said as Twilight giggled.

"Shining Hazel, you don't have to call me that. Just Twilight is fine."

"Okay," I replied.

"So what are you two doing?" Starlight asked.

"Just exploring around the town and seeing some weapons and armors from Chrono Age," Golden replied as they turned to him which still have his stoned expression then turned and checking his creations.

"So you must be Chrono Age. My brother usual get them from your store." Twilight said.

"That's fine," he said not turning his eyes towards her leaving her confused at his attitude. Guess royalty doesn't matter to him or anything.

After a few silence, Starlight turned to us "Well, in any case, how about we give you the tour around Ponyville?"

We both nodded as we about to leave, we heard Chrono called us "Here."

We turned as he threw two new swords on the scabbards with straps to us as we caught it on our hooves. We pull it as we widened our eyes at Chrono's masterpiece. My sword has gray blade design in the middle and on the edges silver with a triangular design on them as for the hilts, it's longer and stops with a muzzle guard on the end. For Golden's sword, his has two edge blades with nothing in the middle along with the hilt being longer like mine and also a muzzle guard.

"Consider this a gift for both of you. You may need it if you're going somewhere." Chrono said as he headed back into his tent.

We gazing admirably as we playfully wave around our swords in our hoof. For us, swords are our all time favorite weapons of all video games and MMO-RPG. Each swords have a unique design in both fantasy and sometimes in Sci-Fi entertainments. But in the MLP universe, we rarely know of pony wielding swords through their mouth thanks to the unique special design to fit into their muzzle and also consider it's a kids tv show, only spears were shown for Royal Guards, but we never get the chance to see it in action.

While we continue to be amazed by it, a cough was heard as we turned to Twilight "Um, guys, a tour around Ponyville?"

"Oh sorry!" we put our swords back in the scabbard, strapped it to our backs and follow them for the tour.

SHINING HAZEL

Weapon got: Pony Sword A - A sword that will serve as your main weapon throughout your journey.

GOLDEN FLARE

Weapon got: Pony Sword B - A sword that will serve as your main weapon throughout your journey.

An hour went on the tour around Ponyville as we walk around in Ponyville. From the schoolhouse, hospital, train station, clock tower, Ponyville Theater, and Day Spa, we were amazed by it. Those game developers really did capture the essence of Ponyville's peaceful and friendly life like in the tv series.

We stopped at Sugarcube Corner as a thought came into my mind.

"Twilight?"

"Yes?"

"Does this place look edible to eat?" I wonder about that. Seeing the Sugarcube Corner's gingerbread design had made me wondering about if this was made with real gingerbread or not.

"To be honest, I don't know. But you can ask Pinkie about that."

I nodded as we enter inside as we saw Pinkie put final touches on a HUGE cake that even rivaled of that of a wedding cake. She notice us as she waved at us.

"Hey, guys!"

She slides down on the ladder as we're amazed at it.

"Pinkie, what is this?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, that's my special creation that I'm preparing for all of the new ponies to come for a grand party! It comes with every flavor that I asked all of the new ponies from chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, raspberry, and all kinds with the addition of ice cream in it!"

"Wow....." Our mouths drool at the huge sugar-load of cake that Pinkie made.

"Yep, and trust me, it takes a lot of time and a recipe I need to get to create this masterpiece!" Pinkie said.

"But Pinkie, would you need to find a way to carried that into the party?" Golden asked as Pinkie rubbing her muzzle.

"Don't worry, I know a way to get this baby into the party without any trouble!" Pinkie said.

"Still if you need any help, just ask us, okay?" Golden said as Pinkie nodded.

"Okay, dookie, Goldie!"

After saying goodbye to Pinkie, we exit out of Sugarcube Corner as Twilight glance at us.

"You two really have good hearts to help ponies."

"Thanks," I said as we heading to the next stop at Carousel Boutique. Like Sweet Apple Acres, the gamer developer really captures the aesthetic of the Carousel Boutique.

Inside of the Boutique, Rarity finishing the last touch on a new dress design as she sighed in relief.

"Phew! At long last, my new design on this dress is complete!" she turned to the love struck drake "What do you think, Spikey-Wikey?"

"It looked amazing!" Spike said as Rarity hugged and kissed him on the cheek, making the love-struck drake fainted in his happiness which she giggled. It won't be long as a bell rang as Spike quickly got up and seeing Twilight, Starlight, Shining Hazel, and Golden Flare.

"Oh, Twilight, Starlight. It's good to see you two again, darling."

"It's great to see you again, Rarity," Twilight said as Starlight nodded.

"Hey, Twilight! Hey, Starlight!" Spike called.

"Hello, Spike. I see that Rarity needs help in special needs hmmm?" Twilight said.

"Yup! And Rarity already finished her new creation."

Rarity glanced at us and smile happily.

"And I see that you brought with Shining Hazel and Golden Flare."

"Good to see you again, Miss Rarity," I said as Rarity giggled.

"Oh, darling, just call me Rarity." I nodded at her as I rubbed my head in embarrassment. Guess I have been too formal to everypony.

"So what are you making?" Starlight asked.

"Oh, just some new ideas for a new dress for Sapphire Shores." She points to her new dress as we're amazed at it.

"Wow, that's amazing, Rarity. I bet that Sapphire Shores going to love it." I said.

"Oh thank you, darling. You're too sweet." Rarity blushing while Spike glared at me but consider that we're new, he let it slide.

"Well, I better get back to work, darling. I got some new ideas to make."

"For what?" Golden asked.

"Right, for the Grand Galloping Gala." Twilight said then turned to them "Rarity's working on a new dress for the Grand Galloping Gala coming for the next month."

"Oh." Golden and I nodded in understanding. For me, I have never been to any Proms in any high school and I did remember attending one in my parent's wedding a long time ago.

"Come to think of it, darling, have you two been to the Grand Galloping Gala?" Rarity asked as we shook our head.

"Sorry, we have never been to one. We just live far away in Equestria remember?"

"Oh right. In that case, how about you two come to the Gala?" Twilight asked as we looked at her surprised by her offer. "I can ask Princess Celestia for tickets for you two."

"R-Really?" I asked as she nodded.

"T-Thank you, Twilight and Rarity," I said with a grin. I have never been to any proms in my entire life but that's when I was reserved and quiet. I hope to give the gala a chance to experience what I missed.

As we waved goodbye to Rarity, we exit out of the Boutique as we spotted Fluttershy carrying lots of grocery bags which she grunted a bit from the weight.

"Fluttershy," I called her as she turned to us while hovering.

"Oh, Twilight, Golden, and Shining, good to see you." she said.

"Fluttershy, what's that all that food?" Golden asked.

"Oh, just some ingredients and pet foods I got from the market. I'm going to make something special for my animal friends."

"Here let us help you," I said as the timid pony about to replied, we carried the bags for her as we follow her to her cottage.

"Thanks, Golden and Shining. Usually, I carried the stuff all by myself and sometimes Discord offer me to help, but I appreciate what you two did." she gave a warming smile.

"It's no problem. We just did what's right." Golden said as she headed back in.

As we walk back to Ponyville, Twilight decide to give them the last tour as we follow her to her castle, the Castle of Friendship. Our eyes were memorized by the beauty of the castle. Sure we've seen in the show, but to actually to see it up close, this is something that even a master artist would need lots of time to capture the shining crystallizing of the tree roots.

Twilight and Starlight glanced at us and giggled at our starstruck.

"C'mon, you two, you're going to love it more on the inside." She open the door as we enter inside. When she said that we're going to love it even more, she wasn't kidding. Inside of the interior, the design of the crystallizing pillars were clean and smooth along with other crystals dangling from the ceiling. Flag pillars were placed each with each of Twilight's and her friends' cutie marks on them. Some other design were seeing as tree roots along with a waterfalls from a mountains.

"Whoa......." all of us were amazed at this.

"This is unbelievable." I continue gazing around the area of the interior. To be honest, I have never been inside of a real castle in my world but despite this being a VR game, I felt this is an amazing opportunity. As for Golden, his expression is the same as me so I can guess that he felt the same way.

"I've seen a castle in books but to actually be inside one is amazing."

"You mean you never been inside of a castle before?" Starlight asked as we shook our head.

"Remember we've been traveling together so Shining Hazel been home in a regular house with his parents," Golden said as they understood what he meant.

"Well, I'm glad that you're enjoying it but I got more place to show you," Twilight said as she headed to the stairs to the exterior of the castle as we follow her.

Upon seeing the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, closet, and library, I asked: "Twilight, how would you know which room you need to go, consider the place is bigger inside than on the outside?"

"Oh, it's not that hard once you get used to knowing which way to go," Twilight said.

"Not that easy, though......" Starlight mumbled. "Getting lost plenty times before."

As we continue walking to the throne room, Twilight open it as it was pitch black dark.

"Huh? Twilight, is this the part of the tour?" Golden asked.

"No, not that I know of unless.........." we enter inside as the door closed, the lights flicker on as a large group of ponies shouted in unison which all of us startled by surprise:

"SURPRISE!"

In front of us, ponies from Ponyville along with Twilight's friends (and surprising, Chrono Age too) as well as the players too, all which have the party-enthusiastic feeling. Confetti and streamers were flying around with big cheers from them.

"Whoa, what we're celebrating?" I asked as Pinkie, the one who setting up the party came to us.

"The new ponies who came out of nowhere! It's the Welcome to Ponyville Super Duper Mega Bash Party!" Pinkie said.

"Wow, all just for us?" we're surprised at how far Pinkie would set up for this party.

"Eeyuporine!"

With a chuckle, we gave a warm smile to her.

"Thanks, Pinkie. Though at least you can ask us to help you setting up." Golden said.

"Don't worry, Applejack, Spike, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow already helped me setting up. But," Pinkie gave a soft smile at Golden, noticing that she was blushing which was surprising "it was sweet of you two to ask me for help."

Golden's cheek was red as he scratching his mane embarrassment.

"Thanks."

Starlight, Twilight, and I chuckled at this cute scene but sadly the moment is interrupted by a cough from a cyan pegasus was heard in annoyance.

"Can we please save the mushy stuff for later and get this party started?"

"Oh. right!" Pinkie said as got her party cannon and fire another streamer.

With that party started as ponies begin to dancing around the music courtesy of a DJ Pony that we known as Vinyl Scratch or PON-3. Some enjoying the games while some having the cake and refreshments as others chat with each other. Even Chrono Age sighed in annoyance then dancing with the music despite having the stoned face.

We decide to play one of the games, one of which is a Pin the tail on the Pony, a pony version of Pin the tail on the donkey. I decide to give it a shot as I was blindfolded while holding a pin tail on my hoof. While the music was loud, I can hear my friends shouting at which direction at the target as I push it in. After that, I open the blindfold as I got in the flank as all of us cheered. Next is a pinata which Golden was blindfolded as he hold a bat as he tried to whack it only to miss as another swing, he broke the pinata as candies dropping down as we got much of the candies. Another is Apple bobbing as we both dunk our head into the water, got the apples in our teeth. Pinkie told us there's a special surprise as we knew what she meant, given the fact we seen Party of One, we decide to get the surprise as like before, Golden got an apple attach to the spring as for me, well Gummy latch on my face despite I didn't notice as ponies laughed even though I was confused. After got Gummy out of my face, we decide to try of Pinkie's pastries.

"Man this is good!" I said with a mouth full of cake. "I wonder how Pinkie able to made this good?"

"Don't know, but she must put some time and love in making these," Golden replied while eating some eclairs.

"Not just time and love, but also the joy she places in making them." a voice was heard as we saw Spike coming with a plate of sweets.

"Hey, Spike," I said as he waves at us.

"You see, being a baker for Pinkie is difficult at first, but she faces those hardship by giving joy and smile to ponies around her while working in the bakery secondary floor in Sugarcube Corner."

I glanced at Pinkie dancing as my mind begin to pound on the thoughts. In my life, I was doubt about what career I want to do in my life. I was consider of becoming a baker, chef, food preperation worker, barista, carpenter, or retail store worker. I never think of those because I was unsure what I meant to do. My parents tried to help me but it wasn't enough as I thought of being a baker because of my passion for food but my heart felt even something still missing like I don't know what I meant to do in my life.

"Shining Hazel, you okay?" Golden's voice snapped out of my deep thoughts as I glance at him.

"Oh, I'm fine." I gave a small smile "Just got lots of things in my mind."

"You want to talk about it?"

I shook my head "No, it's okay. It's not that important."

"Okay." Golden nodded at me but I never notice he still having his concerning look to me.

Spike, seeing this, cough lightly getting our attention "How about a dance party will cheer you guys up?"

We glance at the dance floor as we gave a nodded. As we head there, we saw most of the Mane 7 dancing in different style : Pinkie dancing in party master style, Rainbow Dash showing her awesome moves, Applejack and Fluttershy doing the chacha dance with other ponies, Rarity grace the dance floor with her radiant beauty, and Starlight dancing normally yet she learned quickly and surprised everypony at her moves.

As for Twilight........well, she showing her same strange dance moves like she did in Sweet and Elite. Most of the ponies were look at her weirdly despite her being a princess.

"So, have you dance before?" I asked.

"Not say that I have," Golden replied.

"You?"

"Nope, always been stayed away from the dance floor."

"Well you want to give a shot?" he asked.

To be honest, I never like dancing cause of my 'strange' moves since I was little as I'd been on the sidelines so far on almost all parties. Just as I was in a deep thought, Pinkie called on us.

"What are you two waiting for, c'mon!" she grabbed Golden's hoof as he blushes a bit and pulled her to the dance floor, leaving me alone.

Twilight notice me, came to my side "Something wrong, Shining Hazel?"

"Well, it's that I don't know if I can dance." I replied looking down "I guess that I'm little shy because of how I dance.......'differently'."

"Shining Hazel, it's okay, nopony is going to laugh at you." Twilight tried to console me.

"I guess but still......." my sentence was interrupted as she grabbed my hoof. My face become red upon the contact as she pulled me to the dance floor.

"Just give it a chance." she said as while she dance her 'original moves', I was glancing around the dance floor as I felt scared in my heart. However, the music from the DJ music blown away my worries as my body and my mind begin to dance the rhythm. I don't how and why though, but I guess that from Twilight's console and the music, I felt calmed and let my fun self go all out. Most of the ponies looking at me surprising at my dance moves even Golden and the Mane 7 and Spike too. After finishing with a spin jump, all of the ponies clap their hooves as I was back to my sense.

"Whoo-whee, Shining Hazel, that's some crazy moves you did!" Applejack praise me as I rubbed my mane in embarrassment. Guess I let my wild side go all out.

"I must say, I never knew you can party that hard, darling." Rarity said.

"That was AWESOME!" Rainbow said. "When did you dance like that?!"

"I guess it just came to me." I sheeply said.

"Wow, you're amazing!" Pinkie hopping happily.

"Thanks, girls," I said as other ponies praised at me.

"See, nopony laughed at you," Twilight said as I smiled at her.

"Thanks, Twilight, for helping me get over my fear." I gave a kind smile as Twilight blushed embarrassment. My face also became the same as hers as we both looked away shyly.

As we about to continue enjoying the party, something came in front of me that only players can see : a pop up screen as it said : 'Warning! An abnormal anomaly appeared in the game. Please log out immediately to ensure safety of your consciousness.'

An collection of murmurs from players wonder about that strange message, halting the party for a while the virtual ponies looked at them concern at this.

Twilight came to us and asked, "What's going on, Shining Hazel?"

Decide to let her in the dark due to not the virtual ponies know of our origin, I said "It's nothing, we need to get ready to go soon."

"What?" Pinkie was shocked at this "But why?! You guys haven't got the chance to try out my masterpiece!"

At the same time, a large earthquake tremor, shaken the castle, dropping every refreshments, party decorations, and even DJ PON-3's speaker.

"What the hay?!" Golden tried to hold his hoof but fall down on the floor.

"What is going on?!" Starlight yelled.

"Twilight, look!" Spike pointed to the window as we glanced at it, outside, dark clouds begin to swirled up around in Ponyville as ponies screaming in fear as the tremor continue to be high.

"A huge storm clouds?! There's no mention of this from Cloudsdale!" Rainbow said.

"What in Equestria is going on?!" Applejack asked.

"I don't know, but we need to check it out!" Twilight said as once the tremor stopped for now, we all headed to Ponyville.

"I got a bad feeling about this......" I said as Golden nodded, knowing something is bad going to happened. And it's going to get worst.

All of the ponies gathered out from their shelter as they glanced up at the unannounced storm. Royal Guards were dispatched from Canterlot Castle to help ponies caught by the tremor along with the Wonderbolt tried to clear the skies but only for the clouds to remain as it is.

We all got here as fast as we could as Twilight saw a unicorn stallion donned a purple armor.

"Shining Armor!" she called as the captain turned to that voice.

"Twilight!" he rushed to her as both siblings hugged each other.

"I'm glad that you and your friends are all right." he said.

She nodded as she asked "Shining Armor, what's going on?"

"Beats me, we don't know what cause those tremors nor what's with the clouds." he replied.

He noticed me and Golden as he widened his eyes while we wave our hooves.

"Uh, Twilight, when did we have an alicorn prince?"

"Oh, right. Shining Armor this is Shining Hazel and his friend Golden Flare. Shining Hazel and Golden Flare, this is my BBBF, Shining Armor." Twilight introduced to us.

"Uh, nice to meet to you." I said shyly. If anything I know, it's not because we have the same 'Shining' on our first name, but being a big brother to our sisters despite our otherworldly difference, we know that if anyone or anypony hitting on our sisters, then our 'big brother' instinct comes into play.

"Nice to meet you, though I'm not surprised that there's another pony with the same first name."

I scratched my mane in embarrassment though I don't know whenever he's complementing me or being sarcastic.

I coughed a bit, trying to focus on the situation. "So any idea what's going on?"

"We don't know. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sensed something anomalous as we're dispatched to find the strange magical readings but no luck."

"Strange magic readings? What kind?" Golden asked.

"That's the thing, we don't know what's causing it nor where it's coming from." Shining Armor said. "Then the magical readings begin to getting stronger causing these tremors."

We both looked at each other, worriedly at this situation. Could this be a new quest or event? Can't be, the developers mostly posted events or quest to all players who purchased this game. Then my mind realization at the message. Could it be a bug in the game?

Then, the tremors begin to rise as we all fall down on the floor while the ground begin to cracked along with webs of it spreading around. All of the ponies got away quickly as an dark sinister purple energies burst out.

We ducked quickly from the debris as the smoke were away, a pure jet black energy shot up into the sky as it begin to take shaped into a silhouette of an demon with red blood eyes.

"AT LAST........." it hissed "FOR A MILLENNIUM YEARS, I'M FREE FROM MY PRISON!"

The strange dark being glanced down at the ponies, terrified at it.

"SO HAS THESE SPECIES CONTINUE TO EVOLVED AFTER MY BETRAYAL. YOU BEASTS CONTINUE TO BLINDED BY YOUR NOBILITY AND THIS SOFT HEARTED WORD CALLED 'FRIENDSHIP'. DO SHE THINK SHE CAN SEAL ME AWAY IN A TOMB WHILE SHE LEFT HER OWN CHILDRENS ROAM ACROSS THIS WORLD? BUT WHAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PROTECT HER PETS AGAINST ME FOREVER? GIVEN THE FACT HER OWN KNIGHTS FADED FROM EXISTENCE, THERE IS NONE."

All of the ponies continue to be terrified including all of us players.

"TIME WAS THE ALLY OF ALL OF YOU BEASTS, BUT NOW HAS ABANDONED YOU ALL. THE VOID HAS RETURN."

With that, the demon shot up a dark lighting bolt in the sky as on contact, all of us players screamed in pain. Something is stripping our minds from our brain. Despite trying to log out, my mind begin to blacken as we all fallen into unconscious state.

Twilight's POV

"Shining Hazel! Golden Flare!" I shouted as all of us rushed towards them as we caught them on the ground. More of the 'new' ponies caught by other residence of Ponyville.

"Are you two all right?" Pinkie asked worriedly as we tried to wake them up but to no avail.

"AND NOW, THIS WORLD WILL BECOME YOUR TOMB."

Then the demon turned into dark magic energies and disappeared, turning the clouds back to normal.

All of us were shocked at this. What is that demon? Where did it came from? And why it was sealed into Equestria?

Whatever it is, this day is turning the worst for everypony. And everyone in Equestria.

Author's Note

So an faceless dark entity have been freed from thousand of years of prison and corrupted the game along with disconnecting the connection of all players' mind as Roland/Shining Hazel and Golden Flare along with the players were trapped in the game with no way out.

In addition, we got to introduce to a OC blacksmith pony, Chrono Age.

Chapter 4 - Ancient Story

Ugghhh........my mind is still having a massive headache from a massive shocked to my brain. I felt something soft on the back of my head as I guessed already that I'm in my bed, home-

"How is he, doctor?" Twilight's voice was heard as I thought I just imagined that, consider it might be a headache.

"Well, the good news is that he's physical fine as for his mental, normal yet just have a mild concussion grade 1 so a few rest should help it probably 2 days or so." a doctor's voice was heard as I heard beeping noise from the right.

Wait, this isn't my bed, so does that means I'm at a hospital? Or......

"Thank you, doctor."

As if my mind starting to piece up the event, my eyelids begin to open a bit as my vision was blurry yet I see a familiar pony as my vision reached 20/20, I see Twilight standing along with the others.

"Shining Hazel! You okay!" Twilight smiled at me, feeling relief.

"Twilight, what- aggh!" I tried to sit up but Applejack came to me and push me down to rest.

"Easy, sugarcube, you got a mild concussion."

I sighed and laid back on the bed. I look around as my guess, I'm at Ponyville's hospital the one that Rainbow was at Read It and Weep It.

"Sorry, but what happened?" I asked.

"You and Golden were unconscious after that black thing just shot a lighting in the sky along with the other new ponies." Rarity said as she points as on the left, Golden was unconscious too.

"Is he going to be okay?"

Rainbow nodded "He got the same thing as you but not that serious."

Just then Golden stirred as his eyes opened.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, felt like my head got hammered by a train." he turned to me. "You?"

"I've been worst."

I sighed as we glanced at the girls.

"What was that thing?" Golden asked.

"We don't know, " Twilight replied "We'd never seen a dark entity before nor of any origins in Equestria history. I checked every book in the library but so far nothing not even the ones from Canterlot Library and the Crystal Empire."

That really confused me then again, consider that there are lots of things we don't know about Equestria and the tv series, books, and comics helped to expand the mythology. But this dark entity is something that we never saw.

Just then a door was opened, and a pony with a nurse hat and a cutie mark of a red plus walk in.

"Okay, girls. You better give them some time to rest." Nurse Redheart said as the girls nodded and walked out of the door.

"So how long we're going to be here?" I asked her as she checked the billboard.

"Well, from examining a mild concussion, I'll say two days until then. But just in case, I'll need to check to see if your memories are stable along with your thoughts."

We both nodded as she did a neurological examination from cognitive test to imaging tests on us. After a few hours, she examines the x-ray of our brain and nodded.

"Well, I don't see any blows from your brains, so I think you two are good. All you need is a rest and your brain should be healed."'

"Thank you, doctor," Golden said as she exited out and closed the door. We both laid down on the bed and stare at the ceiling.

"We better log out, Golden." I said, "My family is making my favorite shepherd's pie for dinner."

"Yeah, we have been out for too long."

We both nodded as we swiped our hooves and our pop out screen appeared but not what we're expected: a blank screen.

"Huh? That's wired." I said, "I don't see the logout screen."

"Maybe your computer takes the time to load up," Golden said.

"But I already made enough space for this game." I turned to him. "What about you?"

"The same too." Golden turned the screen as like mine, no logout button only a blank screen.

"Could it be a bug in the game?"

"Could be, I mean the game complete the alpha stage. Maybe the game developers were freaking out that they tried to get it fixed soon as possible. Try checked the Log out Back Up Option."

We both checked the Settings as we press our hooves at the Log out Back UP section. When the Virtual Reality GEARs were developed, the Hardware Games Inc put in a Log out setting it to prevent a live version of the incident from Sword Art Online. When we pressed it, it was the same as the regular logout button.

"What?! That can't be right." Golden tried to exit and pressed it again to only have the same result "How can the backup Log Out screen disappeared?"

I begin to think about as, despite my mind groaning in pain, I begin to piece the events that transpired.

"Golden do you remember that Warning screen at the party?"

"Yeah, what about-" his eyes widened as if he knew what I was thinking.

"If that dark entity did something to the sky, then-"

"-it disconnect our brains from the real world along with the log out backup options-"

"-and now, we're stuck in the game with no way out."

Everything around us become cold at this news. This is unreal. All of us, players are trapped. Trapped in an MMORPG with no way out.

As if things can't get any worst, from the ceiling on top, we heard screaming and panic as the doctors tried to calm the new ponies but to no avail. We even see Twilight and her friends rushing in to help the doctors and tried to calm them.

Our mind is screaming despite the pain of the concussion.

This is the day we called this, the LOE incident.

I was scared. Scared at this. So as many players were too as my mind still in panic upon the news despite the screaming of the players and even the virtual ponies tried to calm them. I even heard spells were used to put them to sleep.

My mind kept repeating over and over at this. We're trapped. Trapped in the game. Just like all the players and Kirito himself were in Sword Art Online. This is a nightmare. Nightmare for players to be trapped like this. If this is one of sick addition from a game developer's trick to make us do the same thing as the series did, then I'm not laughing nor doing it. No one is or will do.

Because once trapped in the game, your life is on the line. One mistake can cost it and there's no turning back from it. No restart and no revives. Nothing. Game over and it's goodbye for real. Even with the safety procedures within the Virtual Reality GEARs, the dark entity destroyed it upon disconnecting our brains from the real world.

Upon after two days, the doctor said that now we are released to go as we walked out of the hospital as we glanced all of the new ponies heading out too as each of one of them have the same expression that we have: scared, worried, and afraid.

"I can't believe it, Golden." I said "We're trapped in a game. No way to log out of here and our mind is disconnect from our bodies."

Golden having the same expression as I do as I continued "And what's worst, we have no way of reporting the developers about this. The dark entity really disconnects our minds from our bodies."

I sat down and clutch my head, begin to teared up as the thought of never seeing my family. My mom, stepdad, CJ, Marc, Lana, my aunties and uncles, and even my friends back at home. I'll never see them again.

Golden saw this as he lowers down and gave a tissue which I sniffed at first but taken it and wiped all of it way.

"Better?" Golden asked as I nodded.

"Thanks, buddy," I said as I got back up to my hooves.

"Anytime, you helped me before, now I'll do the same for you."

We both chuckled upon remembering something from our fond memories. Whenever Golden is feeling upset or sad in FIMfiction, I do the best I can to help my friend. As a kid, I never thinking about my friends only my studies, but over time when I watched MLP Friendship is Magic series, it changed me as I treasured friendship so much, it became an important life to me.

"So any ideas what to do now?" Golden asked as I placed my hoof on my muzzle, thinking. To be honest, I always follow orders not making them yet I sometimes do only to keep anyone in line when doing stuff. My parents want me to be more independent and to make my own decisions when I became an adult.

But back to the topic, if we want to get out, we need to figure out how. My mind thinking of the dark entity and one of the possibility: defeating the dark entity to free our minds so we can log out. Only one problem is what is that dark entity? Why was it sealed beneath Equestria? And how we supposed to find it and defeat it?

"Shining Hazel, Golden Flare!" Spike's voice was heard as we turned to the young drake, he holds a scroll on his claw.

"What is it, Spike?" I asked.

"I got a message from Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, saying that you two should come with Twilight and the others!" He showed the scroll with a stamp of both Princess Celestia's and Princess Luna's cutie marks as Golden snatched it and we both read it, earning surprised as we kept skim through it. Why would Princess Celestia and Princess Luna wants us to come to Canterlot Castle with Twilight and her friends? We didn't meet the Royal Sisters.

"But why?" Golden asked.

"I don't know why Golden." Spike replied, "All I know is that you two were called for a reason by them so it's got to be important."

We both glanced at each other. If the princesses called us for a reason, maybe they may know something about the dark entity and how we can defeat it. Or even find a way to return our minds and other players back to our real bodies. It might worth a shot to go.

We turned to him as we nodded "All right, we better go now."

With that Spike headed back in, probably telling the others as a pop-up screen appeared:

New Quest - Head to the Canterlot Castle, meet with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna

Do you want to start the quest? Yes/No

We tapped Yes as the screen disappeared then we headed back in to wait for Twilight and the others prepared to go.

As we followed them to the train station, Twilight and the others paid their train tickets while we did the same with our bits (when you sign into Legends of Equestria and pre-order or buy it from retail stores, you start with 2,000 bits as a grand opening of the alpha stage), we headed inside the train as all of the ponies are in, we heard a whistle noise, meaning the train begin to leave in 5 minutes. As the door closed, the train begins to move towards Canterlot.

I've taken a seat next to the window glancing at the scenery while the train moves while Golden took to the other side of the seat while the girls took their own seats on the train. As much as I love to watch the view, it didn't help me calm my worries, still occupied by my thoughts. As for Golden, he saw me felt uneasy as he came to my side.

"You're still thinking about it?" he asked as I nodded.

"It's just that while our minds are in the game, our bodies are disconnected from it. My parents probably worried about me so much that they called the ambulance and my body is in the hospital."

"I know what you mean, my body probably be at a hospital too." Golden replied "But what I'm worried is what would happen if they tried to remove the Virtual Reality GEARs from our head while our mind is in the game? Would we die too just like how the NerveGear were designed too if the helmet is removed while we're playing the game?"

I shook my head "No, unlike the NerveGear, the Virtual Reality GEARs don't have the powerful electromagnet which the Hardware Game Inc forbid to do so we won't have an issue of our brains be fried by high microwave density which they able to limit using safety protocols. But as the beta test proceed, they replace it with something that they do have a way of accessing the user's brain but they won't tell it what it is, probably because they don't want it to fall it into wrong hands nor want anyone to replicate it. So if they remove the helmet, it won't be a big issue but they do recommend for all people not to remove it to ensure that our consciousness will return to our body."

Golden sighed in relief as I return my gaze at the scenery as I guessed that we're getting closer to Canterlot soon, by the mountain ranges. Twilight notice us as she came to my side too.

"Shining Hazel, Golden Flare, is everything all right?"

I turned to her as I sighed "We're fine. Just lots of things in our thought."

"Is there something you want to talk about?" she sat down next to me as I lower my head. I don't want her to know what actually happened to us but seeing her concern look from her I might as well as just tell half of it.

"Well, I'm just worried about the new ponies. We heard them screaming and scared up top the hospital and I guess........we're scared about the dark entity too." As on the last words, my mind kept recording the last event as a hoof touch my shoulder and glanced at her.

"All of us too. We don't know why it was sealed up here, but we hope that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna might know what we're facing it, so don't worry, we are here for you two."

I gave a small smile at her. Despite her coded in data, at least, I felt a small relief from her. Hopefully, if we get out, I better thank the developers for creating such amazing NPCs.

"Thanks, Twilight."

She gave the same smile as we see the train stopped at the train station at Canterlot. We got out of the train and as we walking through to the Canterlot Plaza, most of the virtual wealthy or high society ponies giving surprised look at me along with other virtual ponies too. Guess that they never saw an alicorn stallion before.

"Say does this happened when you guys came here?" I asked.

"Not really, but then again, you're the first alicorn stallion to come here," Rainbow replied.

"I guess....."

"But it's not just you, Shining Hazel," Golden said, having an annoyed expression as I turned to him.

"What do you mean?" I asked as he points to his flank which my mind smack itself for forgetting about it when I came here before the incident: his lack of cutie mark.

"Oh." Then I turned to the high society ponies and glared at them, sharp as daggers of a dragon. If anyone of them tried to insult my best friend, I won't hesitated to stomp my hooves on their fancy stuff. All of them cringed a bit, got my message as they return to their daily basis though some insulting of my best friend in whispered.

I sighed when Rarity came to me. "Don't let them get to you and Golden. They're some good fancy ponies that I met when I came here. Surely after this, I can introduce to them and also a quick trip to the Canterlot Boutique." "

I nodded at her as we continue trek towards the castle.

Our eyes bulged big upon seeing the castle close up along with our jaws dropped down to the ground. Of all the castle, THIS. IS. THE. MOST. BEAUTIFUL. DESIGN. OF. GAMING. DESIGN. EVER! The texture, the elegant shapes, the essence based on the tv series, it was incredible. Words cannot explain to this amazing castle (which I said both Twilight's Castle and Canterlot's Castle were incredible).

Our jaws still dropped on the ground still intact as the girls giggled at our antic as Spike sighed then walked to us, snapping us back to normal.

"C'mon you two, we better get inside before your jaw dislodges that long."

With Twilight's magic closing our jaws back in, we shook our heads getting to the focus on the important matter as we followed them inside the castle's interior. As I said before in Twilight's Castle, it looks incredible like the one from both The Best Night Ever and Make Friends But Keep Discord. While we continue walking the corridor towards the throne room, we glanced at the stained glass windows of Twilight and her friends faced against previous foes a year ago. From defeating Nightmare Moon, Discord (which everyone knows that he's reformed from Keep Calm and Flutter on), King Sombra, Twilight's accession into an alicorn, and defeating Lord Tierk, all of them were in a correct chronological order. As we made to the throne room, the guards open the door as we enter inside, both of our eyes widened with our mouth agape: from the throne room, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were waiting for us along with guards talking to Shining Armor.

We saw majestic feel in the tv series but to actually get the chance to meet them in person- I mean ponies- is incredible. From their respective manes, glowing with pure energies of the day and night along with their regal looks that hold compassion, kindness, regalness, and wisdom, I don't have to say this again about the castle and the ponies that the game developer did.

"Princess Twilight and her pleasant friends." Princess Celestia greeted them "I'm so happy to see all of you safe."

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight happily called her as the sun princess and the night princess descends from their throne and gave her former student a hug. Golden and I smiled at this tender moment. "It's so good to see you again."

"The same for you as well."

After broke their hugs, Twilight came to Luna side and gave her a hug too. "Princess Luna, good to see you again."

"The pleasure is all mine, Twilight. It's good to see you again too." Luna said.

After their tender moment, she glanced at us along with Princess Celestia too.

"Oh right, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, this is Shining Hazel and Golden Flare, our new friends." Twilight introduced to us as the two princesses walking towards us.

"So you must be Shining Hazel and Golden Flare?" Princess Celestia asked as we nodded.

"Uh, it's an honor to meet you, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna." I quickly bowed down upon realization as well as my friend too as both giggled at this.

"No need to bow down, you two." Princess Luna said, "Though I'm surprised that there's an alicorn prince, even though there's no record of it in the Canterlot Library."

I scratched my mane in embarrassment. Guess that surprise thing happens when things are least expected even to things that we know of reality.

Golden then tried to get to the topic at hand- I mean hoof. "So you two said that you want us to see us?" both of them nodded "But why do you need us? Does it has to do with that dark entity?"

Both nodded as they turned to Twilight and her friends who're walking towards them. "I was wonder about that too. What is that dark entity? Why it was sealed in Equestria?"

"That answer lies in the Ancient Story, Twilight." Princess Celestia said as the virtual ponies widened their eyes while we were confused at this.

"Wait you mean, the one about the 'Goddess of Creation'?" all of us (except the princesses) glanced at her "But you told me everything about the ancient story when I was a filly."

Princess Celestia nodded "Yes but this is something that was forgotten when I told you before because whenever it was true or not that it was such thing existed."

"Um, Twilight, what's the Ancient Story you mention?" I asked.

"It's a story about a first alicorn, known to all ponies as the Ancient Creation, The First, or the Goddess of Creation. She's the one who created Equestria and we came in the image of her and how Chaos is born and Harmony too." Twilight explained as we widened our eyes. A first alicorn created Equestria and Chaos and Harmony was born from it? That's something came out of a bible book that I read.

Rarity nodded"My parents told me about it when I was a little filly."

"The same when I was filly too," Fluttershy said.

"Me too!" Pinkie said.

"Same here!" Applejack said.

"Yeah, I couldn't forget that," Rainbow said.

"Me too." Starlight said as Spike nodded too.

"Everypony knows about the Ancient Story. It's part of Equestria history that's been around for generations. Don't your parents told you about it?"

We both looked at each other as we shook our head.

"To be honest, we might not know about it cause our parents didn't tell the story about it when we're foals."

Princess Luna nodded "It's best that we told you the story to you two."

All of us nodded as Princess Celestia begin to speak "Long ago when there is nothing but darkness, a being of light was born. It was the Ancient Creator to be born out of non-existence. With her magic, she created our world, Equus and filled it with life. Upon creation of it, it was filled with chaotic so she created laws to passed down to us. Laws that would reign and help us to live in Equus. These truths that we hold our hearts are her marks, created fundamental of principles and time, space, physics, all her work begin a new world, laws of science and magic that govern our being. She called it Honesty.
While the planet possessed the laws, it was still in the path of destruction. On the next day, The Ancient Creator gifted the world her loving spirit as her compassion and empathy filtered it and reformed it. All the natural disasters were subsided and calmed itself after turbulent birth and filled the life with warmth. She called it Kindness.
With that, the First Beasts were born in the world, mindless and directionless, only living the primal instinct. The third day, The Ancient Creator found the greatest of them and touched their hearts, seeking to give them the greater life. She grants art, music, dance, and taught them happiness and joy as the first beasts intend to create instead of destroying. She called it Laughter.
While the First Beasts have the smiles and warmth around the planet, they were still struggling to live.On the fourth day, The Ancient Creator created two great orbs in forms of fire and stone while parted the clouds, in hope to pacify the First Beasts so they may live in peace. She gave them the power of light, that all shadows retreat and known to ponies and beings alike no fear of them. The beasts came together and basking the light and exchange tokens of goodwill. She called it Generosity.
On the fifth day, The Ancient Creator descends into the planet for the first time. Upon her touch on the highest point of the mountains, a grand fortress of white and gold spread around, spires and towers rising into the air. All of the gathered beasts saw the fortress as The Ancient Creator looked at them and said that it was her that created all they saw today. All of the beasts bowed down and thankful for the gifts that she gave. She called it Loyalty.
While the First beasts live in peace, The Ancient Creator felt lonely and sought children in the image of herself. So on the sixth day, she cast her feathers, horn, and life and use her magic to create us, children, from her hoof shavings Earth Pony with powers that preserve land and nature, horns created unicorns, studious, noble, and intelligent user of magic, and from the feathers, the pegasus that are masters of the skies. With the ponies created, friendship and love spread across the planet.
While the three ponies tribe live in peace, the First Beasts were relentless, griffons share the skies with pegasus, zebras were outdone by unicorns, and dragons losing migration to earth ponies. As a result, the First Beasts believe that The Ancient Creator was favored more of her own children and shunned them. Even when she tried to reason and pleaded to return, the First Beasts didn't and departed from her.
Anger and sadness hurt The Ancient Creator as a result of her tears came to the planet, chaos is born. The chaos ravaged the three ponies homelands, maelstrom and thunderstorm clash across the skies, volcanoes, and mountains erupted, and tsunamis crashed into the land. Realize what the First Beasts had done, they formed an alliance with the three pony tribes to stem the chaos. Yet, their effort was in vain as the chaos begin to create its own being in the form of the first only draconequus."

Our eyes widened as she mentions one draconequus that we are too familiar with it.

Discord........

"With chaos spread, disharmony is formed as it caused anger and hatred towards every pony tribes. It continues to spread endlessly until it gave birth to another being that brings endless winter. Realize the cause of her mistake, The Ancient Creator shut herself away from everypony. Without her, the ponies begin to struggle to survive from the endless chaos.
And yet, The Ancient Creator sought to correct her mistake so she created from the shards of sun and moon and filled them with life. Thus, she created the first two alicorns in hope to bring harmony back."

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna........my mind realizes at this story.

"And yet, they did. With her magic, she crafted the essence of her gift into six crystals to allow the first two alicorns to subsided the chaos. But they also need the ponies to united once more as the voice of the ponies untied, ending the chaos. With the chaos subsided, The Ancient Creator uses her last magic to hid herself into the essence of the stars, promising the ponies to bring harmony to all creatures she created."

With the story ended, we were surprised yet amazed. This is much like the bible book that all humans know when they're young. The Ancient Creator, Equus, Chaos, Harmony, everything. It's too much to take it all in.

But there's one thing that's still missing.

"But what it have to do with the dark entity?" I asked as Twilight and her friends nodded.

Princess Luna replied "This dark entity is you can say the darkness of Equestria. The Ancient Creator is the light but in order to have balance, a shadow in the form of chaos and disharmony far beyond than the first draconequus. Nopony knows what it is only that it doesn't have a form. So they called it The Void. The Void spread darkness in the planet, bring destruction upon the planet and deprived all life in the planet. Even with the six crystals, The Void remained unstoppable and continue to wake its destruction. The Ancient Creator notices the planet's dying moments, use her magic to crafted six new crystals in the form of Valor, Hope, Wisdom, Sincerity, Charity, and Light. These new crystals combine with the first crystals created Knights, ponies that are the essence of the respective crystals. A war raged across Equestria as facing The Void, the Knights fought in a dangerous battle between light and darkness. However, so as long as The Void was filled with the darkness of chaos and disharmony, it cannot be destroyed. In the last act, the Knights use their powers to sealed it away, encasing it in a harmonic prison where it would sleep for a thousand years and hidden on the planet, never to be seen again."

All of us were shocked at this. I heard of The Void from Cardfight Vanguard series but this Void is created from the essence of chaos and disharmony. And those Knights, we know that the first crystals were the gifts in the form of the Elements of Harmony but we didn't know that there were six other ones.

"What happened to the Knights?" Golden asked.

"Nopony knows for sure. After sealing The Void away, they disappeared with only the first six crystals left. As for the other six, we don't know what happened to them."

"And now, for the thousand years, it was free from its eternal slumber." Princess Luna said.

All of us were worried at this. It's bad enough that we're stuck in the game but an ancient enemy from an Equestria past is free. Who knows what The Void would do if Equestria is in danger. Then again, it could be a bug or a virus in the game so it makes sense that we need to find it and destroy so we can get the hay out of here.

"So what do we do now?" Rainbow asked.

"Until we can figure out what we can do, we wait." Princess Celestia said as the girls sighed while we looked down and nodded.

"In the meanwhile, would you girls please excuse us? We would like to speak with Shining Hazel and Golden Flare alone." Princess Celestia said as the girls nodded as all of them left the throne room along with the Royal Guards too, leaving us with the Royal Sisters.

"So is there you want to speak with us, your majesty?" I asked as Princess Luna giggled.

"You don't to speak in formality Shining Hazel, or rather, Roland Cabral?" My eyes widened in shocked upon hearing my real name. Princess Luna, the Princess of the Moon, and NPC program and a fictional cartoon character, knows my real name?! How can that be?! This is an MMORPG Virtual Reality Game!

"Uh, Roland Cabral? Who's that?" I asked nervously.

"You don't have to worried about it, Roland. Especially your friend, Devin." Even Golden was shocked upon hearing his real name.

"Wait, how in the hay do you know about our real names?!" Golden asked exclaimed.

"Why, I told them about it, you two." a voice was heard as we look around as a bright flash, a familiar draconequess appeared with a vacation shirt and oddly, a Goofy hat. This is the Spirit of Chaos, Discord, a reformed villain and now Fluttershy's best friend.

"You must be, Discord, the Spirit of Chaos!" I said. "The one that causes mayhem in Ponyville and now reformed."

"Yep, somepony's being doing his homework upon seeing the stained glass window." he said as he appeared behind us "So an A+ for you two!" he gave a Discord sticker and place on our forehead. And that what's hit us which we did not see that coming, whatever if it's canon or not, he might have knowledge about everything. But we don't know if that's intention because the game developer trying to make sure not to make an NPC of Discord too much like his tv counterpart.

"So then how did you know our real name?" Golden asked.

"Well, while I at home just snuggle with my bed, I detect some strange anomalies coming at Ponyville as I came here, new ponies came out of nowhere and begin filling up the town. As that wasn't enough, an ancient evil entity known as The Void appeared and causing unbalance of chaos and harmony."

"Wait, there's a balance of it?" I asked.

"Well yeah, like a two side of the coin along with light and darkness, there is chaos and harmony. You can't have one without the other and if the balance is shifted to favor the other well you get the idea."

We both glanced at each other worried. If The Void is somehow shifting the balance, then we don't want to know what happen.

"But you didn't give us an answer of how the hay you know our real name? An NPC like you can't know that." I said, trying to surpass my annoyance.

"Tsk, tsk, you two. There's something that you two along with other new ponies don't even realize the truth. But why spoiled it, it's better if you two figure out yourselves. But in order to that, you need to figure out a riddle."

"A riddle?" Golden asked.

"'In order to face the truth, the one that binds you will unbound you upon understanding.'"

As my emotion begin to rise, I take a deep sighed and let my anger flood my mind for while before disappeared.

"So you want us to figure out ourselves upon figuring out our riddle?" I asked as he nodded "All right, fine."

Golden sighed as Discord clapping his paws.

"Discord told us about and it would be wise if you two figure out yourselves. As much as we want to, he states that every truth can either lead to an understanding or destruction upon which you choose." Princess Celestia said as we nodded in understanding.

"In the meanwhile, it's best if you two go to your friends. They should be waiting for you in the courtyard. If anything that the girls will ask you, tell them that I'll be assigned for you two to stay with your friends. Golden you'll be staying with Pinkie Pie while working at the Sugarcube Corner and Shining Hazel, judging by how Twilight told me about your magical difficulties, it would be wise for you to stay at her castle so she and Starlight can help you. But don't mention your real names until you figure out Discord's riddle."

We both nodded as we walked out of the throne room.

"So any idea what Princess Celestia and Princess Luna want with Shining Hazel and Golden Flare?" Rainbow asked as Twilight shook her head.

"I don't know but it's got to be important for them." she replied.

"Consider that this Void thing came out of the ground of Equestria, she must think of them to assist us in stopping it." Rarity said as the girls nodded.

"But I don't get it," Applejack said, "we all know there are only six Elements of Harmony so why there's no record of those other Elements?"

"Like Princess Celestia said, it was lost when the Knights disappeared after sealing The Void so it makes sense that nopony found it in ancient history," Twilight said.

"But one thing, how are we going to stop it?" Spike said as the girls thinking about it.

While walking to the courtyard, our minds still occupied upon the information in our head. The Ancient Creator, Equus, The Void, The Knights, the Lost Elements, and now Discord's riddle upon knowing our real name including Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Just what's going on with this game?

Golden turned to me and shook out of my deep thought "You're still thinking about it?"

"Yeah, it's a lot to take it all in," I said.

"I know what you mean, but just take it slowly." Golden console me "You don't want to fried your brain upon doing that."

I gave a chuckled as my thoughts of worries subsided for now.

"So your real name is Roland?" Golden asked as I nodded "Pretty interesting name."

"Thanks, I got after my grandfather......." I looked down sadly as he senses my sadness.

"I'm sorry about it."

"It's fine. I got over it." he nodded at me.

"So your real name is Devin?" I asked as he nodded too.

"Yep."

"Sweet name."

"Thanks."

"But I still don't get how Discord knows our real name? No NPC can program like that." I wondered.

"I was wondering about it too, but unless we figure out the truth, then I doubt he'll tell us sooner." Golden replied "In the meanwhile, we should at least say in our pony names for now on? We don't want to let anypony knows about it."

I nodded as we made to the courtyard, our friends are talking to each other.

"Hey, guys!" I called as the girls walking towards us.

"Hey, so any idea what Princess Celestia and Princess Luna want to talk you about?" Twilight asked.

"Well, she said that until we can figure out what to do now, we were assigned to stayed with you two," Golden replied.

"For me, I'll be staying with Pinkie at the Sugarcube Corner so I can work with you. As for Shining Hazel, he'll be staying in your castle so you two can help with his magical difficulties."

The girls were surprised at this but nodded in understanding as we headed to the train station.

"Are you sure it's wise for them to let them find the truth, Discord?" Princess Celestia asked.

"I'm certain so, besides unless they can figure out my riddle, then their true powers won't be awakened. And besides, it'll be up to them to find the other four to do the same." Discord said.

"But how we know that they'll find them and unlock their true powers?" Princess Luna said.

"Time will tell, dear Lulu. Time will tell."

QUEST COMPETE!

HEAD TO CANTERLOT TO MEET WITH PRINCESS CELESTIA AND PRINCESS LUNA

EXP - 400
BITS - 1,000

LEVEL UP!

SHINING HAZEL :

LV: 15

ATK - 650 + 5
DEF - 650 + 5
SPEED - 500 + 5
AGILITY - 600 + 5
MAGIC - 750 + 5

GOLDEN FLARE :

Lv: 15

ATK - 650 + 5
DEF - 500 + 5
SPEED - 600 + 5
AGILITY - 650 +5
MAGIC - 300 + 5

NEW SKILLS -

SHINING HAZEL - PROTECTOR: ABLE TO INCREASE ALL ALLIES' DEFENSE BY +100 FOR SIX TURNS

GOLDEN FLARE - HELPING HOOF: INCREASE ALL ALLIES' STATUS BY + 100 UNTIL THE END OF BATTLE

Opening - Cynthia no Hikari (Air Eoi) (From Sword Art Online - Lost Song)

Opening

Author's Note

So with the horrible news came to all players, Shining Hazel and Golden Flare decide to find out more about the dark entity with the Mane 7 as they head to the Canterlot Castle where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were waited for them along with a secret that's been guarded for thousands years.

In addition, the Ancient Story will be inspired by The Dawn of Equus by DrakeyC with some addition conflict inspired by Primus and Unicron from Transformers Prime and The First Spinjustu Master and The Overlord from Ninjago Master of Spinjustu.

All credits of the Dawn of Equus will go to DrakeyC

Also, I'll be putting the status of main players only since they appeared as data in Equestria.

Chapter 5 - Magic Training

"Before we head back to Ponyville, I want a quick stop to Canterlot Carousel Boutique." Rarity said, "I want to see how Sassy Saddles is doing."

All of us nodded as we follow her behind with the others, a pop screen appeared in front of our face.

NEW QUEST

HEAD TO CANTERLOT CAROUSEL

DO YOU WANT TO ACCEPT THE QUEST YES/NO?

We pressed yes on the screen as the screen disappeared as Spike glanced at us curiously.

"What?" I asked.

"Uh, what are you guys doing?" Spike asked as I scratched his head trying to come up with an answer.

"Just imagine something in our mind," I said with a nervous smile as the young drake gave a weird look but shrugged.

As we continue walking towards the street of Canterlot, more attention from other ponies glance at me being the first alicorn prince and Golden's lack of cutie mark. Normally being attention is one thing but for ponies or people comment something is another. We continue ignoring them until we stop at the building with a sign said 'Canterlot Carousel Boutique'. From our view, the elegant designs with a feel of high class yet friendly vibe in it. From the windows, ponyquins dress with unique designs was displayed as Rarity opened the door to the others follow behind her along with us too, a familiar voice was heard.

"Welcome to the Canterlot Carousel Boutique!" a pony called out as we turned to the cashier, a tall and thin light blue pony with orange mane walk up to them. By our guess, this is Sassy Saddles, the manager of the couture Boutique of Canterlot Carousel.

"Hello, Sassy." Rarity greeted before giving a brief, friendly hug "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"A few months if I had to say." Sassy said, "And welcome, Princess Twilight Sparkle."

"Hello, Miss Saddles." Twilight gave a friendly hug too as Sassy turned and widened her eyes upon seeing me with a pink blush.

"Oh, my, who is this handsome stallion?" she walks up towards me as I looked at her surprised.

"This is Shining Hazel, an alicorn prince and the red pegasus is his friend Golden Flare." Rarity introduced.

"Shining Hazel, my what a lovely name." Sassy twirled her mane embarrassment as I glanced at my friends before return my attention to her.

"Thank you, Miss Saddles." I politely said as she giggled at my proper manner.

"And very well mannered!" Sassy turned to Rarity "How is that you able to pick up a stallion prince like that Rarity?"

Rarity's faced turned beet red upon what she meant while Golden and I were clueless while the Mane 7 giggled at this, unknown that Twilight hold a furrowed expression "Sassy, that's no way to say something like that! Besides, we only just met a few days!"

"She's right, we're just good friends," I speak up.

"Oh, that's a shame." Sassy said before turned to me "Well, it's nice to meet you, Shining Hazel."

We both gave a welcoming hoofshake "It's nice to meet you too."

"And the same to your friend too." she also gave Golden a hoofshake too which both accepted.

"Now we got the introduction out of the way, I see that you got some new ideas for some new clothes?" Rarity asked as Sassy nodded.

"I took the time to find some new ideas along with some inspiration." she showed some of her new clothes, each was designed based on the Crystal Empire. "However, I do encounter some 'inspiration block' on the other few. I was wondering if......"

"Say no more, I dealt with this problem, and I surely going to help you since I got free time on the weekend." Rarity said.

"Oh thank you, Rarity."

"Let us help you on it." I said as she turned to us "We don't know much of clothing but we do want to help you in any way we can to get your creativeness flowing."

"Oh you two thanks, but tomorrow is your magic training with Twilight and Starlight, Shining Hazel." Rarity said "And for Golden, I'm certain that Pinkie would need some help too. But when you get a chance, I'll let you know."

We both nodded as we checked the clock and outside from the window, the sun setting down, we exited out of the Canterlot Boutique and headed to the train station. After a few hours from Canterlot to Ponyville, all of us headed to their respective homes with Golden following Pinkie but not when Applejack told us that she'll let us know when we can get back to work since she wants to check her farm to see there's no damage from The Void.

As I followed Twilight, Spike, and Starlight to their castle, my mind still can't get over of one thing: my parents and my friends. I wish I can tell them that I'm all right and that I'm trapped in the game, but with no such communication from the real world, it would be impossible. And I know that most of the players missed their families and friends too. I just hope that Golden and I find a way to stop The Void and free all of the players. And Yet, Discord's riddles bother me so much since he actually know us.

'In order to face the truth, the one that binds you will unbound you upon understanding.'

Just what that riddle means? What did he mean by that? Is there something is binding me? Is he meant something is holding me back or what?

"Shining Hazel?" Starlight's voice snapped out of my deep thought as I glance at her, Twilight and Spike.

"Is there something in your mind?" Twilight asked as I shook my head.

"It's nothing, just tired from all this," I said as both nodded as I continue to follow the interior of the castle until we stop at the guest room.

"Well, here's where you'll be sleeping." Twilight open the door as it was like other guest rooms you see in houses only with more decorated majesty design on it.

"It's not much but it'll do so we can start doing magic training."

"Thanks, Twilight, Starlight, and Spike." I thanked them as I bow my head which both mares giggled while Spike rolled his eyes.

"I wish I can repay you three back for this."

"No need, Shining Hazel, we just did because you're our friend," Twilight said as my mouth was frozen, preventing from speaking. I nodded as I thank them again before they head back to their respective rooms.

I laid on the bed as I place my hooves on my chest while staring at the ceiling. As my train of thoughts continues coursing, my memories brought up something, that even I fear if I don't return back home. Mom. Papa. Charmaine. Auntie Angie. Uncle Darius. Marc. Lana. My families, waiting in the hospital with my soulless body, waiting for me to wake up. If anything, I want to see them. I want to return to them, to return home.

As my eyes fell into a slumber, fresh tears dripping on my face.

I heard a rooster's noise yet that didn't wake me as I turned on the left, only for the morning's sun to rise up. The warmth glare continues to beg me to wake up as I slowly open my eyes. I glance at the window as I fixed up the bed then glancing at the view of Ponyville. Seeing the calm yet peaceful village made my worries blown away for now. Even from far out view, I can see ponies begin to come out of their homes and begin to do their daily life, from finding a place to work to earn bits, buying a new house, or getting food from the market, regardless of what happened before. Yet, some wants to complete this game so badly that they form Parties, Guilds, or Army to train hard in order to face the Void.

In Legends of Equestria, you form your own 'Parties' or 'Guilds' to advance to the next quest across Equestria. The only difference is that in Parties, you only need few people around 5 or 10 while for Guilds, you require having 20 or more. There's also a third form of multiplayer called 'Army' in which 50 people is the requirement but only when you reach level 50. The same for the Guilds for level 30, so the Parties are free, a beginning multiplayer. Each of the quests requires a certain type of multiplayer to advance through along with a level too. So far, there was the Blitz Wanders, a level 30 Guild
also known for their 'lone wolves' personality, meaning that they mostly do it without any alliance , the Phantoms, a mysterious Parties that scouting across Equestria, and Divergent Knights, an Army with the highest players with the goal of finding The Void and destroy it. There's also a feature that if either two Parties, Guilds, or Army met, you can create an Alliance. An Alliance is a joined group with one objective they shared on the quest. Like all multiplayer, when joined, your items will be shared by other players so as long as they agree on using wisely.

A knock was heard as I turned and saw Starlight Glimmer coming in.

"Good morning, Shining Hazel."

"Morning Starlight."

"Glad to see you awake early." Starlight said.

"I know to wake up very early. Consider that my parents taught me as a foal."

She nodded "Anyway, Spike is making breakfast so he asked me to come to wake up you up."

"Seems like I making your job easier." I chuckled "All right, we should get going."

We both headed out of the guest bedroom and walk towards the hallway to the kitchen.

At first, while we're walking down the hallways, we did get lost a bit, mostly ended up with one room over another. Even at one room, cleaning supplies topple down on me which I frown while Starlight giggled. Eventually, we made to the kitchen as I dusted off the dirt.

"Seriously, when we get a map around this place?" I asked. 'It's like a maze in here."

"I asking Twilight for that too, which she promise she'll make one when she gets the chance but with all the things happen, she didn't get the time for it."

I sighed as I open the door, Spike is cooking up some pancakes as he placed another plate on the table.

He turned around and smile "Good morning, Starlight and Shining Hazel."

"Morning Spike."

"Good morning."

"I got the breakfast all set, consider that we're going to be very busy for today. " Spike untied his apron and set it on the side before sitting down on his table. I look around and notice somepony is missing.

"Where's Twilight?"

"She's getting herself ready." Spike replied, "She should be there in a few minute."

I nodded as I took my seat next to him and Starlight to her's. The door open as Twilight came in with some scrolls on her saddlebags.

"Good morning Twilight."

"Morning Spike, Starlight, and Shining Hazel."

She set her saddlebags down and sat down with Starlight and me.

"Sorry I'm late, I just need to gather some of the spells so I can get ready for Shining Hazel's magic training." she said.

"Consider that amount of scrolls in your bag," I pointed to the piles of scrolls filled in the saddlebag "I'd say that you've been busy."

Twilight scratched her mane as we start eating our meals. While Twilight and Starlight able to use magic to grip the fork and Spike using his claw to hold it, I tried to use my magic to grab it. A light bluish magic aura surrounding it but as I tried to focus on holding on to it, it drops down on the table. I tried again but failed. And again. And again. And again. But all my attempts were the same as I groaned in frustration of my failed attempts as I place my head on the table.

Twilight notice this and asked, "Shining Hazel, you okay?"

"Well, besides that my magic sucks at grabbing things and can't do other things that most unicorns can, I don't know....." I sighed. I just don't get it. Most unicorn players able to master their magic at ease so how come I can't do the same?

"Using magic isn't easy, Shining Hazel. It requires lots of focus from the horn. Most unicorns have trouble with it at their foal age, but they able to do it with lots of practice."

"I guess......." I muttered.

"Look don't stress about it. We're going to help you and see what went wrong it so we can help you." Twilight said as I look up to her and her gentle eyes ease up my worries as I sighed but hold a small smile.

"All right." I raise my head up "Thanks."

She gave a cute grin which I chuckled at it. Once she got to her seat, I decide to eat the same way that Twilight's friends did in Castle Sweet Castle. After finish our meals, we go outside as Twilight pulled one of the scrolls while placing a rock on the ground.

"Okay, first of, to use telekinesis, the user need to focus on the object that they want to hold and concentrate. See if you can lift the rock to the other side." Twilight reading it and I gave a nod and point my horn to it. A light bluish aura took hold of the rock as I focus on grasping it like my hand grasp on it. At first, it works, but the aura dissipate and the rock falls down.

"Okay it's getting good but I see that you're focusing too soft on it." Twilight writing notes on a scroll "Try to give it a push."

I nodded as I tried again, my telekinesis begins lifting the rock again but as I grunted hard, it shot up into the sky and fall to the ground with a big 'Thud'.

"Okay, that's a bit too much."

Every tries I did, my telekinesis failed one by one as I was discouraged by this. Yet Twilight, Spike, and Starlight didn't give up on me. I don't know why my magic isn't working but Twilight guessed that my minds are troubled with things that disconnect my magic. At first, I thought it was the LOE event but as I dig deeper, it could be something personal.

On the tenth try, Twilight and Starlight told me to connect my mind with my magic, I close my eyes, empty my troubled mind as I open my eyes I lower my horn and my magic levitates the rock. I took a deep breath as my mind linked with my magic as I able to levitate to the other side.

Twilight, Starlight, and Spike clap their hooves/claws as I widened my eyes upon my accomplishment.

"Great, Shining Hazel!"

"There you go!"

"Nice job!"

I gave a small smile at them as I felt a spark of joy in my heart. I did it. I able to use magic now! But as while I cheered, my magic still hold the rock, shot up into the sky as land on the ground. All of us glanced at it as I rubbed my head sheepishly. Guess I forgot to let go.

"Oops...."

As I continue to practice my magic, it has been greatly improved well as Twilight taught me other spells. From teleportation spell (which Twilight state that using it the first time cause the user to get dizzy and I learned it the hard way upon using it), a magical shield, magic bolt spell, and magical blind flash spells, I able to passed them like flying colors with ease even though the others were difficult on the first try. As I finished with the last spell, a freeze spell, I able to passed it in quick succession upon freezing a couple of moving targets spells that Twilight and Starlight conjured.

Once the targets dissipate, Twilight came to my side "Well, I think that's should be enough for today."

"I still can't believe you able to master those spells in quick succession." Starlight said, "Nopony can do that fast not even me and Twilight since it will take years to do it."

"To be honest, me either. " I agreed with her "I ain't how I able to do it so fast."

"Well, whatever the case, you able to relearn them and that's good enough," Spike said as we all nodded then we notice the sun is going down.

"We better head back to the castle. I better go make dinner for all of us."

All of us nodded as we headed back inside the castle. Upon inside, my mind was thinking about this. How I able to learn magic so quickly? Magic isn't a walk in the park thing, it requires months or even years of studied of it. Could it because of the VR GEAR's memory storage?

My mind returns to the reality upon entering the kitchen while Twilight wants to put her stuff away in the library as Spike got his robe on.

"Spike, any idea what we're making for dinner?"

"Let's see....." Spike open the fridge and see what's inside then glance at me "I can try make spaghetti and carrot balls."

"In that case, I'll handle the spaghetti." I said, "You make the carrot balls."

"You sure?" he asked and I nodded.

"I know how to cook." I gather the ingredients in the fridge "I often cook with my family so I know a few things around the kitchen."

The young drake smiled as he gathers the ingredients for it as I placed a pot on it and begin turning on the stove.

Twilight's POV

I placed my saddlebags down as I look at my notes on Shining Hazel's progress. From every spell I taught him, he able to master it in quick succession, something that no ordinary unicorns or alicorns able to do.

"Hey, Twilight, you okay?" Starlight asked as I glanced at her.

"Yeah, just review of Shining Hazel's progress." I said, "I just don't know what do think."

"What do you mean?"

"For him to master the spells so fast, I just can't help that there's something about him that I can't put my hoof into it."

"You do realize that he relearn the spells so maybe a jog in his memory helped him master it." Starlight said.

I sighed and glance at her "You're right, I guess I was overthinking."

"C'mon, we better head to the kitchen." Starlight said as I place my scroll on the table and headed out. Upon walking, my mind occupied upon everything happening. First new ponies 'appeared' in Ponyville and maybe other places in Equestria, then an ancient darkness was freed from its thousand years of slumber and done something terrible to the new ponies, and now, Shining Hazel's quick succession of learning magic even Starlight think he's relearning them.

Starlight glanced at her, knowing her teacher is thinking about asked.

"By the way, how did you slept?" she asked

"It was great, I never knew how I felt better last night," I replied.

Starlight gave a sly smirk "Is it because of Shining Hazel staying with you under your roof even though you met him two days ago?"

"No, it's not that. I mean, it was nice for Princess Celestia to appoint him living with me, even though I want him to stay with me-" my eyes widened upon what my student meant as I have blushed madly to that of Applejack's cutie mark "Starlight! Wh-what, why would you-?! No, it's not like that! What I mean is I was happy to have him- no, I mean-!"

"C'mon, even from Rarity's intuition, I can see that you like him." Starlight teased.

"Of course I do, he's my friend!"

"Suuuuuurre." my student teased as I glared with a mad blush.

"Look, Shining Hazel is my friend! Nothing more!" I huffed while Starlight chuckled.

"If you say soo......."

As we made to the kitchen, I see Spike making the carrot balls while Shining Hazel cooking the tomatoes sauce and boiling the pasta. Upon glancing at him, I felt something fluttering in my stomach. The childlike yet cute smile, the black yet silky mane, the hazelnut scent that I starting to be fond of it, and the black eyes, lively and gentleness yet firm and spirited that whenever I glance at it, I felt warmth around him and even his muscle is nowhere near to the stallions I was seen, it was enough for me to see them flex when moving around.

I snapped out upon seeing my student gave a sly smirk as I look away while hiding my blush.

"Don't even think about it." I growled.

Upon looking back, Shining Hazel gave a smile at us "Hey girls, dinner is almost ready."

"We got the plates already set up. We'll meet you at the kitchen table" Spike got the carrot balls out of the oven

After 2 minutes, Shining Hazel and Spike got the meals ready as Shining Hazel placed the meal on the table. Upon all of us took our seating, we all got our plates and starting eating.

"Wow, Spike! This is a great pasta!" Starlight said while taking another bite.

"Thanks, but it was Shining Hazel who helped me cook the pasta," Spike said as we looked at him.

"Aw, it was nothing. I just know how to cook." he said, "I often help my parents cook the meals."

"Whatever the case, it's very good!" I said as I wiped my face on a napkin.

Shining Hazel wiped his face on a napkin "So Twilight, I meaning to ask you. Is there any books about an alicorn prince?"

"No, for what I read, the only mare were depicted as princess when ascend yet there's no history record about a stallion ascending into princehood."

"Yeah, I meaning to ask you, how did you become an alicorn?" Spike asked.

"To be honest I don't know." Shining Hazel replied, "But it's possible that I was born with it."

"But isn't alicorn's wings supposed to be earned from some great princess' or princes' task?" Starlight asked as he nodded.

"It should be, but I don't know why not even my parents knew."

Strange. It doesn't make sense. Why would Shining Hazel's parents be the only one who gave birth to him as an alicorn? From his eyes, I saw some thought that's trying to figure out. Maybe there's something about him that he's not telling yet he might not understand too.

"It's okay, maybe there are some things that we don't understand ourselves." I gave a reassuring smile as he smiles back.

"Thanks, Twilight."

Once again I was caught upon gazing his eyes as another funny feeling flutter my stomach until Spike coughed getting us attention as we look away, feeling my face heating up.

After finished dinner, Shining Hazel and Spike got the dishes all washed up and place in the dishwasher. We all took a clean shower as got my sleeping hat and went to bed with Spike laid on his. As I glance at the window ceiling, Starlight's words kept echoing my mind.

"I think that you like him."

No, no, no! We just only met two days ago and now I'm starting to have those feelings with him?! Isn't it longer for those feelings to even starting up? I thought on it as I sighed. Guess some good night rest will help clear my mind for today as I pulled my blanket and laid my head on my pillow to rest.

QUEST COMPLETE!

HEAD TO CANTERLOT CAROUSEL

EXP - 4,000
BITS - 1,000

LEVEL UP!

SHINING HAZEL :

LV: 20

ATK - 655+10
DEF- 655+10
SPEED - 505+10
AGILITY - 605+10
MAGIC - 755+10

SKILLS UNLOCKED - TELEPORTATION, TELEKINESIS, MAGIC BOLT, MAGIC SHIELD, BLIND FLASH, FREEZAGA

GOLDEN FLARE :

LV: 18

ATK - 655+10
DEF- 505 +10
SPEED - 605+10
AGILITY - 755+10
MAGIC - 305+10

Ending- Unfinished (From Accel World)

Author's Note

So Shining Hazel stayed with Twilight, Starlight Glimmer, and Spike on the Castle of Friendship , new information about multiplayer mode and types of teams, as well as Shining Hazel's unexpected progress of magic began to improve in quick succession as well as Twilight begin to harbor feelings for him. It's going to focus on Shining Hazel's side and the next chapter going to focus on Golden Flare's side.

Chapter 6 - Baking Apprenticeship

Golden Flare POV

Ugggh.......I flopped around the bed while covering my face with the pillow, trying to cover the noise from a rooster. Yet the sun's warmth glare caught my eyes as I open them slowly. I stretch my body and hooves as I got out of the bed and head to the bathroom to wash them. I sighed while I wiped my eyes with a towel. I open the window and glanced at the town of Ponyville. Most of the virtual ponies begin getting out and setting up their stores normally while many players left Ponyville to live in other place from Las Pegasus to Manehatten to find jobs and rent a apartment or house they can find using their bits they got from monster drops. Guess things are setting after the Void event for now.

I glanced at the Castle of Friendship and thinking about my buddy and best friend. It's been 3 weeks since all of us are trapped here as I see players were doing their daily life here in Ponyville while some are forming Parties, Guilds, or Army. As much as we want to get out, we just had to wait for now. We don't know what we'll do until we got information from the Princesses. Just rushing in without knowing will be suicidal and reckless.

A knock was heard as I turned and saw Pinkie Pie doing her trademark hopping enter in.

"Good morning, Golden!" Pinkie said, "How did you sleep?"

"I slept well" I stretched myself, waking my body while also stretching my wings. "Although I got to admit it, I never slept this well even when I share a bed with Shining Hazel at Sweet Apple Acres."

"Well I'm glad that you got some rest," Pinkie said as she turned to the door "I'll meet you downstairs so I can introduce to Mr. and Mrs. Cake!"

With that, she hopped down into the stairs as I fixed up the bed and headed downstairs.

Upon coming down, the inside of the Sugarcube Corner is filled with so many treats. Cupcakes, Large Cakes, Muffins, Pastries, all the baking goodness is filled at the front glass window like those you seen in Marie's Calendar and Starbucks.

A cerulean mare with a light crimson mane swirled up like a frozen yogurt was holding a batch of cupcakes decorated with white frosting topping with rainbow sprinkles and placed them on the glass window.

She turned and gave a warm smile "Oh, good morning! You must be Pinkie's friend, Golden Flare."

She came to me and hold her hoof "I'm Cup Cake, the owner of the Sugarcube Corner, but you can call me Mrs. Cake."

I grasp it and shook it "It's nice to meet you."

Another pony came to this time light brilliant amber stallion with a light brilliant orange mane appeared with another batch of muffins.

"Oh and this is my husband, Carrot Cake."

He turned and gave a warm smile "Nice to meet you, Mr. Flare. But you can also call me Mr. Cake."

"Likewise."

I look around and noticed that one pony is missing.

"Say, where's Pinkie Pie? " I asked.

"She's watching over the twins while we're getting ready to open our store." Carrot Cake point to the twin's room as I nodded and head in that direction.

"She's a lucky mare is she?" Mr. Cake whispered to his wife. "To have a stallion sleeping here."

"Now now, dear, let's not rushed into things." Mrs. Cake gave a sly smile "Besides, we need to give them some time so they can get to know each other more."

"Like you been spying on me since the Equestria Baking Academy?" he asked as she blushed red.

"That was one time ago!"

As I enter inside, I see Pinkie Pie playing with the twins as she playing the game of peek a boo which she covered her face then open them with a silly face which the twin baby foals laughing.

I gave a kind smile after seeing Pinkie making the twins happy. If I remember correctly, one of the episode, Baby Cakes, Pinkie tried to be responsible by watching over the twin toddlers, thinking it would be a piece of cake. Sadly, it wasn't but she now knows that she's taking it seriously.

Decided to break the ice, I spoke: "I see that you're having fun with the twins."

Pinkie turned and gave her usual smile "Yep, the twins love to have fun when I'm around."

I walked towards her as she carried them and holding them in her arms "Goldie, I would like to meet Mr. and Mrs. Cake's twins, Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake."

The twins cooed as they tried to reach towards me.

"Hello, Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake." I cooed as they laughed as they latched onto me as they starting to playing my face.

"Awww, they like you!!" Pinkie said as I gave a small smile even with Pound's little hoof playing with my mouth.

Pumpkin crawled on my back as she's playing with my blond like mane then placing her face into it like a pillow.

"Ohhh that's adorable!" Pinkie quietly squealed on that cute moment.

I gave a chuckled as things begin to warm up -

'CRASH!'

"Oooh!" a loud voice was heard as we turned to the source as Pinkie got the twins back into their cribs, we headed out and saw Mrs. Cake on the floor with a swollen hoof along with the spilled baking treats.

"Mrs. Cake, are you all right?!" Pinkie asked as I helped her get up with Mr. Cake helping me.

"Oh, yes, I'm fine- ow!" she grunted as I looked and saw her hoof being swollen ."I just slipped from the crooked wood floors."

"I'm no doctor but it looks like you got a swollen in your hoof."

"Have you been working overnight again?" Mr. Cake as his wife nodded slowly then sighed "I told you can't do that, dear. You know that we can't work overnight."

"Yes I know, but I'm been busy with setting up the cakes." then she looked at the clock and gasped.

"Oh dear, this can't be good," Mrs. Cake caught her on his arm "The store is almost about to be opened! I got to-!"

Mr. Cake holds her as he replied "Dear, you can't do with the swollen hoof. You need to see the doctor!"

Mrs. Cake looked at him as she sighed "Well, we may need to close down for now and-"

She got an idea as she turned to Pinkie "Pinkie, dear, do you think you can work here until today?"

"I don't know, should I watch over the twins?" Pinkie asked.

"Oh you're right, and since Twilight, Starlight, and Spike is busy helping Shining Hazel with magic problems, we should find an additional babysitter."

Pinkie thought for a moment "Well, Rainbow's busy with her job as the full fledgling member of the Wonderbolt, Rarity got a huge order for Sassy Saddles, Applejack is away with delivering the apples to Appleloosa, so Fluttershy is the only one who can watch them. She's got time to watch over the twins."

"In that case, we better go see her," Golden said as both headed out of the front door but not when a couple of wailing from the twins annoyed the Cakes.

"All right, I supposed I got some time to watch over the twins." Fluttershy said, "They can stay with me at my cottage."

We nodded upon arriving at Fluttershy's cottage and explained the situation as we all walked back to Sugarcube Corner

"I hope that Mrs. Cake will be all right," Fluttershy said

"I'm certain she will." I said, "Mr. Cake is going to bring her to the hospital."

We arrive at the bakery place as Fluttershy explained to the Cakes as they sighed. At least, we don't have to worried about baking and watching over the twins.

"One question, Golden," Pinkie asked, "have you ever baked before?"

Upon thinking about it, my eyes widened like dinner plates after one single realization: I have no experience in baking! Aw for Pete sake, why didn't I think about that?! I was so focused on getting used to this place that I didn't even think about that! My parents never taught me how to bake mainly because they never did try it as they mostly buy from a bakery place. I have seen videos or tv shows like Food Network of baking chef baked some baked goods but to actually try it I never got the chance.

"Helloooo? Golden?" Pinkie's voice snapped out as I glanced at her with Fluttershy looking at me.

"You okay?" she asked, "You just spaced out a bit."

"Well, the truth is......." I rubbed my mane and looked away before gave a sighed. "I never baked before."

After a few silence, Pinkie gasped loudly as she places her hoof on my cheek.

"YOU NEVER BAKED BEFORE?!"

I slowly nodded as she let go of my face.

"Oh my gosh, that means that I need to teach you how to bake a cake, cupcakes, muffins, and other baking goods but we won't have enough time to do it!" Pinkie tapped her muzzle then got an idea "I know, how about you work for me as my baking apprentice?"

"Really?" I asked as she nodded

"Sure, you can help me gather the ingredients and once in our break time, I'll teach you!" Pinkie said. "What do you say?"

I was surprised how Pinkie offer me a position of a baking assistance, consider that you need baking experience from technical school or college but still, from what my friend, Shining Hazel told me, he said that back at earth, his parents talked about some people taken apprenticeship on certain job entry as they learned a few skills which helped them on the career they picked as once they master it and grew from it, they offer a position of that job. It's worth a shot, after all, me and Shining Hazel are struggling to find jobs and careers that we want to find.

"Thank you Pinkie, I appreciate your offer." I gave a smile as she smiles back.

"Pinkie are you sure you can handle it?" Mrs. Cake asked, "It would take a few days maybe even weeks or month to get this young stallion to learn about it."

"Don't worry about it, you guys helped me when I was your apprentice when I came here." Pinkie said.

"Well yes, but...."

"So can't I do the same for him?" she asked "Besides, I know he'll learn in a jiffy just as I learned how I able to learn. Sure it will take time, but I know one thing is that I have faith in him."

I was surprised at Pinkie's words. Sure Pinkie is very hyperactive, party loving, and bubbly, yet she believed in me even though I have no baking experience or any job experience.

After a few minute, the Cakes sighed.

"All right, I trust you Pinkie." Mr. Cake said then turned to me "Golden, I hope you do your best on it. Hopefully, on the closing time, can you and Pinkie pick up our kids please?"

We nodded as the Cakes headed out to the hospital while Fluttershy got the twins.

"You sure you know how to babysit foals?" I asked

"Don't worry, I already have some experience with the Crusaders, so I know I can handle two lovely foals," Fluttershy said as the twins nuzzle her which she giggled as she exited out the door.

"Well, we better open the store, it's almost time." Pinkie said as I nodded and she flipped the sign from 'closed' to 'open' as we enter the kitchen to begin my apprenticeship.

"Okay, the first we're going to make is some cupcakes!" Pinkie turned the pages of the cookbook "Let's see......nope......nope......aha! Red Velvet Cupcakes!"

"Okay, to start, we need to gather the ingredients for the cake. I'll handle on doing the cream cheese frosting." I nodded as she continued "Okay, 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour......"

Pinkie showed me where the flour are the cabinets as I got the measuring cup and scooped some. Pinkie also showed me how to use a spatula to remove the extra on top and I placed on the bowl.

"1 1/2 cups of sugar....."

I got the sugar from the cabinet and measured it, then pour on another bowl.

"1 teaspoon of baking soda......."

Got it into another bowl.

"1 teaspoon of salt......"

Salt, check.

"1 teaspoon of cocoa powder......."

Found a huge bin of it on the cabin and scoop some.

"1 1/2 cups of vegetable oil......."

Check.

"1 cup of buttermilk at room temperature."

Room temperature? I stopped upon gotten the milk and glance at her.

"Uh, Pinkie, what do you mean room temperature?" I asked.

"Oh, right." she rubbed her head in embarrassment "Forgot to tell you about it."

"Sometimes, the ingredients need to be in between of hot and cold, so that the eggs, milk, and other dairy ingredients can form an emulsion or a sweet shield to trap the air so when you baked in the oven, it would expand it and produces a fluffy texture goodness!"

Pinkie gave an example when she microwaves the buttermilk for 15 seconds as she got it out, it was bit warm yet not cold.

"Okay, next is 2 large eggs also at room temperature." she turned to me "Just leave the eggs out on the counter for now for at least 2 minutes and it should be good."

I got the eggs and placed on the counter.

"2 tablespoons of red food coloring...."

Using a tablespoon and pour it into another bowl.

"1 teaspoon of white distilled vinegar......."

Another one, check.

"And finally, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract."

I got the last bowl and pour the vanilla extract into it with precision cautions. Looks like we got everything we need to make the cake.

Pinkie checked with her eyes squinted on each ingredient as she gave a nod.

"Looks like we're on the roll!"

I smiled as she continued "Okay, I turned the oven on to 350 degrees F" she turned on the oven "Then lined it up with some cupcake wrappers on the muffin pans."

"Okay, let's get baking!"

If there's one thing I learned when it comes to baking, it's taking your time to fully complete the steps. While ponies gathered into the shop and Pinkie working on the counter, she made her time to see my progress. There are some hiccups a bit on the steps I did like I don't know how to sift the dry ingredients powders which I created dust clouds as she taught me how to use the sift correctly using a sifter tool. Another is I was beating the wet ingredients roughly which she show me how to beat it gently like I was 'massaging' a pony's back. One point, her hoof accidentally touched mine while helping me with beating the ingredients as we blushed a bit but got back to work.

As I placed the finished cake batter into the oven, I began working on the cream cheese frosting as I used a magical beater to beat the respective ingredients. The confectioner sugar mixed with the soften butter and pound of softened cream cheese along with another teaspoon of vanilla extract blended well turning it into a delicious white creamy frosty sugar goodness.

Upon hearing the timer, I got my oven mittens and pulled out the baked cupcakes. Pinkie told me that baking often take more or less time than the one written on the recipe and she told me to use a toothpick to check each of the cakes to see if the cake stick or not. If they stick, give it more time approximately 5 or 10 minutes and if they aren't, they're good to go.

Using one of the toothpicks, I checked each of them and none of the cake batters stick so I got them out of the oven and placed on a cooling rack.

"Okay, frosting is done and the cupcakes are set to go," I said.

"Awesome, Goldie, you're really on the roll!" Pinkie said, "Now we just need to put the frosting and filled the cupcakes!"

She got a large plastic bag and a set of pastry tip with different designs on the end as she scooped up the frosting using a spatula onto the large bag, closed it, snip the very tip of the bag, and put one of the pastry tips into it.

"Okay final lesson, we want to fill in the frosting onto the cupcake but we want to have a clean design to it." she explained, "Here let me show you with a curve tip."

I came to her as she points the pastry bag and points the pastry tip above the cupcake.

"First you need to point the tip above the cupcake with one of your hoof pointing down like you're writing, then squeeze a bit so you can see a dollop of frosting down, then make a curve motion, not too fast or slow, just in the middle."

I nodded in understanding upon seeing her frosted the cupcake into a curved shaped cone like.

"Give it a shot." she gave me the bag to me as I tried another cupcake. Remember what she said, I point my right hoof and squeeze slowly as a dap of frosting squeezed out as I gently curved it around. Unfortunately, I didn't get the one that Pinkie did. I sighed in disappointment.

Pinkie came up and looked at my frosting technique "You did your best on it, Golden. Don't get discouraged by it."

"But I-"

"Listen, for me, baking takes lots of practice, even I had trouble upon working at Mr. and Mrs. Cake's Sugarcube Corner. Practice always make it perfect, just do your best and I'm certain you'll be a master baker!!"

My mouth opened a bit upon understanding her words then gave a smile.

"Okay, thank you Pinkie."

Upon Pinkie selling the baking goods pastries, I kept practicing on new pastry recipe as I able to get used to it. Upon night time, after selling the last one, Pinkie came to me while I was cleaning out the kitchen.

"Welp, it's closing time, so we should head to Fluttershy's cabin to get the twins."

I nodded as we head to head to her cabin as we knock on the door as Fluttershy opened it.

"Hello, Pinkie and Golden, I assume that you come to pick up the twins right?"

We both nodded as we enter in upon Fluttershy told us to come in.

"The twins are very nice to the animals even Angel is having fun with them," Fluttershy explained as we saw Angel hiding behind the couch, scared. Then the twins found him as Angel backed away and running towards her and hid behind her.

"Oh Pumpkin and Pound, Aunty Pinkie is here to pick you girls up." she told them as the twins crawled up towards the party pony and hugging her.

"Awww, I miss you two!!" she cooed while she hugging them.

After saying goodbye to Fluttershy, we headed back to the Sugarcube Corner and got the twins to their cribs and Pinkie sang a lullaby different from the one I heard from Fluttershy's in Stare Master.

The soft yet gentle tone of Pinkie is totally different from her usual bubbly self yet it was something that you can hear from her songs. Not too cheesy or corny, only a heart like the others music of MLP. Ever music from MLP isn't like the others songs you heard from other tv, movies, or the music company since it grew to be very.......upsetting, it had a heart of warmth, gentleness yet spirited that motivated the characters. But most of all, Pinkie's songs were the best cause of how uplifting and positive she sang.

Upon the twins fast asleep, Pinkie gave them a kiss on the forehead and whispered "Good night, my little twins."

The twins gave a small cute smile while cooed as we walked quietly and Pinkie softly closed the door. Then we heard the front door open and we saw Mr. and Mrs. Cake with Mrs. Cake having a bandaged on her sprain hoof.

"Mr. and Mrs. Cake." Pinkie quietly cheered as we walked towards them.

"Well, I see that you guys are pretty busy." Mr. Cake said.

I nodded as I asked, "Mrs. Cake how's your hoof?"

"It's fine now, dear. The doctor said that I need to not excess it too much so I won't able to bake for a while until 3 months." Mrs. Cake explained, "But that means that Pinkie will have to take my place while I'll watch the twins."

We both nodded as I yawn, seeing how late it is.

"Well, I better get some rest, if that's okay with you?" I asked as they nodded.

"Okay, good night, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, good night Pinkie."

"Good night, Goldie!"

I chucked at that nickname as I headed back upstairs to the bedroom to sleep.

Pinkie Pie's POV

After seeing went upstairs, I yawned too feeling my energy drained after working at the cashier and helping Golden baking.

"Well, I better get some rest too. All that work really tired me out."

Mrs. Cake gave a smug look as I looked at her confused.

"What?"

"Nothing dear, but to tell me, how it was having Golden trained under your baking apprenticeship?"

"Oh it was amazing, Goldie was having trouble at first, but I able to help him and despite his mistake, he able to bake in a jiffy!!" I pulled a tray of Red Velvet cupcakes "Look, he able to cook the Red Velvet cupcakes and boy, it was awesome!!"

"Tell me, dear, do you really enjoying having Golden around?" Mrs. Cake asked as I thought of it.

"Well, yeah, seeing his smile always brighten me up. Sure I got smiles from other ponies, but seeing his is something I never felt it. Not to mention his gentle eyes, his blond mane...." I stopped upon what she meant as I have a red blushed on my cheek."Mrs. Cake, wh-what?! No, it just I've like having him around and......."

"If my mane institution is correct, I believe you have a crush on him." Mrs. Cake teased.

"Crush? I don't want to crush him, he's my friend." Pinkie said.

"Not that crush, I mean romance crush."

My face was beet red as I felt my heart beating like crazy upon thinking about Golden. But I shook those off and gave sighed.

"Look, I know you want to tease me but I'm very tired, so I need some rest please," I said as they nodded and I dashed quickly to my room and closed softly on the door.

"She isn't denying it." Mrs. Cake giggled.

Upon resting my bed, I stare at the top ceiling as my mind is thinking about Golden. The warm smile, his mistakes that we both laughed, the way he taking care of the twins.......Oh, I don't know what to think, what's wrong with me?! Maybe a good night rest will help me to forget that and it will be like it was used to be.

I turned off the lights and went to sleep. Maybe I can ask Twilight or Rarity about this when I get the chance.

LIFESTYLE SKILLS UNLOCKED:

BAKING APPRENTICESHIP

WHEN YOU UNLOCKED A LIFESTYLE SKILLS, THE SKILLS WILL BE USED ON EVERYDAY LIFETIME IN LEGEND OF EQUESTRIA. COMPLETE IT AND MOVE TO THE MASTER RANK.

BAKING SKILLS RANKED UP!

GOLDEN FLARE:

BAKING TRAINER

NEXT RANK UP: BAKING TRAINER 2

Ending- Unfinished (Accel World)

Author's Note

So this is Golden Flare's side within Chapter 5 Magic Training as Pinkie decided to take Golden under her wing as her baking apprenticeship to work in the Sugarcube Corner while Mrs. Cake is taken to the hospital after she swollen her hind hoof with Mr. Cake and Fluttershy taking care of the twins. Like Twilight, she begin develop attraction to Golden yet uncertain of her feelings are.

Chapter 7 - The First Dungeon

It has been 3 months of the incident, many of players are still adjusting their life here in the game, finding jobs around the virtual world in making money for homes to rent and food too. We haven't got a word from Princess Celestia and Princess Luna in what we should do so we did what we can do for now, Golden continue his Baking Internship with Pinkie Pie and for me, I became Twilight's second student with Starlight, however, some of the players are not the patience type. Many of players created Teams, Guilds, or Army in hoping that to find the Void and destroy it but so far no luck in finding it. However, that's the not the only concern. Some of the players were giving in to madness and sadness as a result, the virtual Royal Guards and the Wonderbolts stopped them from commencing suicide. So far half of the players were sent to the Pony Asylum (which I found the design to be like Arkham Asylum from Batman) in hoping to heal them from their broken state. So far most of them were healed for the most part but some......I don't know what to know what happen nor to think about it.

After my training, I decided to walk around of Ponyville when a 'game message' appeared. I read through and see that there's going to be a meeting at the town square in Ponyville. Decide to see this, I headed there as I see lots of players gather around the town square, each holding weapons and wearing armors around them.

"Shining Hazel!" I heard a voice and saw Golden coming towards me.

"Hey Golden, you got the message too?" I asked as he nodded.

"Any idea what's going on?"

"You tell me, I just got here."

While all of the players were chatting, a silence came upon seeing an armored stallion. Armed with a chrome metal that reflects around it yet hint of rust upon it. Blue eyes that shimmer on an ocean view and contrast to his sand like the colored mane on his peach coat. There's a long sword attached to the left side of his body, hanging out.

"I'm glad that you all are here, my name is Gold Sands, the leader of the Rogue One Guilds. I'm the one who sends you the message to all of you."

All of us listened silently, wanting to know what this player what us to know, not even question to know why his guilds are based on a Star Wars movie. But what given fact is that these guilds are known to scout around in Equestria for any sign of The Void.

"I have come to report that there's a way that we can find The Void."

All of us murmur of this news as we glanced at each curiously before he continues speaking.

"You see, The Void has created these 'Dungeons' in which created these monsters born out of chaos and darkness. There were planning something bigger upon in this world. We have located one of the Dungeons close by to this location." he showed a map of Equestria as the location circled is the White Tail Woods. "If we go there, we will capture the Dungeon. That would decrease the numbers of The Void's armies for a while."

More murmurs from other players were heard but for us, we weren't sure about this.

"Now if you check on the inventory, you'll see a map of Equestria. We will meet at this location tomorrow morning at 9:00. To make it easier on the situation in case of boss monsters, each of you partner up with a pony."

All of the players nodded as each of them chose a partner as for us, we glanced at each other.

"I don't know if we should go to this, Shining Hazel."

"I know too, but if those players need our help, then we should at least give our service to help them with their quest," I said as he sighed then nodded as we scroll on the screen as I press a button on a screen appeared.

'You are now partner with Golden Flare.'

"But to make sure of this, we need to tell Princess Twilight and the others about this. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna too." Golden said as I nodded. Knowing that we need to sit still until further notice by the Princesses, we need to report of this to them and see if they can allow us to come with them to help the players capture a Dungeon.

"Now if everyone has a partner, we should-"

"Hold it right there!"

We all turned and saw a grunt like a pony with a scowling expression on the crimson coat and a black mane that matches his goatee. He also has a Viking-like armor around it.

"If we all going then it's clear that all beta testers need to pay a compensation upon bits, weapons, armors, and crystals! The last time that these players did, they only care about is their greedy nature of having the strongest weapons and armors not to mention the bits they collect through each quest."

"Mavern, this is no time to-"

"It is a perfect time! Besides, when I saw one of the rookie players went on a mission in the Dungeons, they just left him to died and only came back to steal the items that this rookie left!"

Most of the players were murmured of this as glared at this player.

"If any beta tester doesn't have the gut to pay them, then they should leave this meeting and never come to this quest."

As if my anger boiled in my veins and being controlled, I swoop down to his level and glared at him.

"If you have any problems about beta testers, then it should be clear that you should get out of this meeting."

"What you say, punk?" Mavern growled.

"Not all Beta Testers are like that and they should not be blamed for the tragedies. Some helped us by sharing information and quest because they knew that we all want to get out from the book that all of us have when we played."

"Like you? How do we know that you're not a beta tester? You got yourself an alicorn avatar that no one ever accesses. Heck, you might even get it through hack!!" Mavern said as more murmured of this. Some even question of me being the only player to have an alicorn avatar.

However, another player stood up got into Mavern's face. He has a lance armors donned in gunmetal and carried a lance spear on the right. He has a long blue mane run through his gunmetal helmet on his green eyes.

"The kid's right. If you have any problems with beta testers, then it's clear that you only carried hatred towards them. Even if this kid a beta tester or not, he's still a player that we all need to treat with equal respect."

Mavern grunted and head back to his seat but not glared at him and me.

Gold Sands cough a bit catching attention as we turned to him "In any case, I was going to say that we're going to close the meeting. Please make sure you got everything set for tomorrow. We will plan a battle tactics before entering."

With that, all of the players left the meeting leaving only me, Golden, and the other player.

"Thanks for helping me."

"It's no problem, I understand what you're going at. Mavern is being a dumbass as usual."

We both nodded as he continues "Speaking of which, I forgot to introduce myself." he raised his hoof "I'm Lance. Lance Edge."

I grasped it firmly "Shining Hazel. And this is my friend Golden Flare."

"Nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you." He turned to me "So I was curious, how you got an avatar of an alicorn?"

After a few minute of explaining to him, he has a surprised expression. "That is mysterious. To think an anomalies developer sent an avatar as a prize that no one heard about, you must be lucky."

"Yeah, but it still raises the question of why me only?" I said.

"You can answer that later. " Lance replied "Any case, we need to get ourselves ready. Hope you got your weapons set and spells too."

We both nodded and he headed out of Ponyville to an open hill with no ponies around to get caught so we can at least train our new swords should we are going to a dungeon. We never got any training ever since we got here but we know how to fight before the closing of the Beta stage. In every combat of MMRPG, you'll need the best weapon with a good amount of strength and durability but that's not the only one. The strategy is another part of Legends of Equestria in which you'll need to work as a team and magic is part of it too. Unicorn user can use their combat magic but the problem is that it'll drain part of their MP (Magic Points) and once it runs out, you need to wait for it to recharged or find an MP gems which every enemy have when defeated. The same for the Pegasus user in which their flight ability have an FP (Flight Points) and the Earth Pony user have an EP (Earth Points) on hard attacks.

As we drew our swords, we begin sparring with each other, testing our new swords Chrono Age gave us on our start of our journey. Sparks of blades clash upon each hit. From using our abilities and blocking every attack, we are much even as well as upon using our final move, our Burst Strike, a feature when having enough magic around you, you can unleash your special attack.

Just as we about to continue, a voice spoke: "Looks like you guys are going somewhere."

We turn and saw Chrono Age walking towards us with gunmetal armors around him including his helmet. On his back, he has a sword on an elaborate scabbard.

"Chrono Age", I said, "What are you doing here?"

"Well from the noise I can hear from a distance, I decide to check it out" he glances at us "It seems that you're training."

"Well, um......" I rubbed the back of my mane/hair then another voice called:

"Guys!!"

We turned and saw Twilight and her friends coming towards us. By our guess of their faces, they have concern planted on them.

"Girls, what are you-?"

"Well, you guys taking so long to get back home and Twilight starting to get worried about you two, including Pinkie." Rainbow explained, "That's when we saw a couple of explosions next to the far part of the town."

The girls nodded and Twilight asked, "Guys, what was taking you so long to get back home?"

We sighed, knowing that they need to know, and we explained what happened. Upon that information, the Mane 7 have widened eyes expression. And from some of the expression, they don't like this information. Not one bit.

"Are these new ponies insane?!!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"I'm afraid not." Golden explained, "They believe that if they can find those Dungeons and stop the Void's monsters' then it might give a chance to find it too."

"But they don't know if that's true or not!" Twilight argued, "They shouldn't go without any confirmed information!"

"They believe they do from their scouts," I said. "So we need to go and help the new ponies so they won't risk their lives."

The girls were stunned at first, but consider that we have accepted the quest, we can't ignore the fact many players are going to risk their life on the first dungeon.

"But do have any training in combat?" Chrono asked and we shook our head.

"Figures, consider that you have no combat training." he muttered, "In that case, I'll train you guys."

All of us glanced at the stone blacksmith pony.

"Chrono......"

"Look, I've been travel across Equestria and I have known to fight. So if you need some swordsmanship, I will provide the training for it."

"But why?"

He shrugged "I just felt like doing this."

"In that case, we'll go with you two." Applejack said, "Just because you guys are going, doesn't mean that we can't just sit back and do nothing."

"Girls....but this is......"

"'Dangerous' we know," Rainbow interrupted, "But you forgot that we face danger before, so you can't talk this out of this!"

As much as we want to, they have their defiant eyes on us. Rainbow's right, they have been through tough times and even dangerous adventures so we can't argue that. Plus, the more ponies, the better even if they are virtual ones.

"All right, then."

The girls cheered and Chrono turned to us.

"All right, we better go start training." he looks around the area "To start, we need to find a better training ground. This area would attract more attention."

"I see," Golden said "any ideas?"

We all in our thinking caps and Twilight got an idea.

"You guys can train near to my castle." we turned to her as she explained, "There's plenty of space so you guys can train."

We nodded and Twilight uses her teleportation spell and we're back at the castle. However, while Chrono and Golden hold their stomach, feeling their lunches about to toss out, I hold my head in dizziness. Surely I already got used to it but I guess not to other ponies' teleportation spell.

"Oh, my stomach........" Golden groaned then glared at Twilight "Please do not do that again."

"Sorry" Twilight said and she came to my side.

"You okay?"

I nodded feeling the headache subsided.

"Yeah, guess I can handle only mine spell, I guess I still need to get used to other's."

After we got our self back to normal, we now begin our training. We drew our sword from teeth/levitate and Chrono pulled his own from his mouth. With everything stand still, the silence was heard with the noise of the crickets and the wind. Then as our eyes met from the standstill, we dash, swing our swords with the bright sparks.

Morning came and all the players were walking at the far east part of the Everfree Forest. After we report the mission to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, we all came in time with the Mane 7, upon the order of the Royal Sister to protect them. Some of the players have mixed reactions of the virtual Mane 7 to join with the mission, but we told them that it was order from the Royal Sister. In addition, Twilight told them that as soon as they finish this Dungeon, they will be confined until then by the order of the Princess of Friendship and the Royal Sister. Some were a bit upset, while some nodded in agreement with her including us even we just want to make sure we trying to protect them from risking their necks.

As we continue trekking across the forest, I begin to wonder if enter a virtual reality online game is anyone's dream come true ever since the novel book of SAO came out. To be honest, I don't know. A lot of people argue so much about the concept of a real life "FullDive" and the "NerveGear" that each side place their opinions on it. Most consider of making it for advanced technology since we continue to grow more and relied more on technology for any purpose. Some were highly negative of this based on how it was used as an escape from reality and people died from it or making comparison with the NerveGear's microwave signal that destroy the brain.

For me, I decide to experience mainly because.......I want to find a meaning in this and escape the reality of the real world. In reality, my stepdad is the strict type, due to the fact he's a manager in his job. My sister able to follow it better, however, I tried to and even though I follow it, my 'rebellious' nature often clash odds against him, mostly getting punished a lot. Despite I was an adult, I still have my childhood heart yet with some understanding and maturity in it. I tried to understand what my stepdad is trying to do: to model me into a responsibility adult even I tried my hardest to be responsible to the reality of the real world. Yet when his strict nature clashed with my childhood heart, I unintentionally excluded him from sharing things of what I did or such mainly because even if I did tell him, he would keep saying the same thing all over again about the reality of the real world. In truth, he doesn't see me that I see things different but I know what reality of the real world is thanks to the Adult Transition Program I'm going to every day. I felt that I don't belong in the reality of the real world so when I start playing Legends of Equestria, I felt that all the things I did in the beta stage and even watch every season of MLP, I felt this is the reality I want to be in.

I was considering to be happy when I got the chance to be here but with the Void trapping us in it, I knew not others share the same desire and neither do I due to my love for my family. And I hope to find a way to get back home.

"Shining Hazel, is there something wrong?" Twilight's voice snapped of my dark thoughts and I turned to her. I shook those thoughts aside, not want to distract anypony from this quest.

"It's nothing, Twilight," I said, "I'm fine."

"You sure?" she furrowed her eyelash and gave a nod.

"Yeah, don't worry about me, " I replied.

Just as she opened her mouth, a voice was heard "We're here!!"

We all turned and from the front, a bronze yet rusty demonic gate was seen with demonic like design on them. From what's in and out, it's giving a cold wind that can freeze up your bones should you dare open it or let something out. I look around and notice some of them, despite having a brave face, it was just masking of their scared expression. I turned to my friends and they even have a scared expression including Golden and me.

Still, they won't allow fear to control them and Gold Sands came in front.

"All right, this is our first Dungeon quest!" he said "Once we enter, we need to stay together and work as a team against the Void's horde of monsters, lurking in the Dungeon. Should we find a boss of the Dungeon, we need to reserve some healing spells, potions, and elixirs before we enter. We're going to make sure that all players are going to be free from the Void's clutches!!"

All of the players roared with only the exception of us and the Mane 7 have a confused expression.

"'Players'?" Rainbow asked.

"Any idea what they meant?" Applejack asked us as we froze upon those questions. Great at the time they have to spill the beans from Gold Sands, we're in a situation that we had, to tell the truth to the AI's or lied to them in which Applejack's AI probably see through it.

Just as our mouth opens, Gold Sands place his hoof on the gate as the gate open, to a dark cavern.

"Let's go!!"

All of them charged at the cavern and we followed them behind towards it. As we walk further into the dark cavern, everything was silence with only the darkness sleeps and the water drips.

Some of the unicorn players use their horns to light up the cavern, I do the same and we continue following them.

"Ohhh, those water really making my mane wet," Rarity complained, earning some players annoyed expression "Why we're going to these caverns? It's really making my hooves soaked."

"Quit bellyaching Rarity," Applejack said, "Remember we got to make sure that we don't let those new ponies get hurt."

"I know, but still....."

"Rarity," I turned to her with an annoyed yet calm expression "I know you don't like getting yourselves dirty but there's a time when we need to get our hooves dirty in a situation like this. Once we're done with this, I'll help you get yourself clean, okay?"

Rarity blushed and giggled "Oh Shining Hazel, I appreciate it but I can handle myself but it was sweet to offer some help."

I nodded and I turned back, I saw Twilight glaring at me.

"What?"

With a sigh, she continues trekking with me behind with the others. Snapping out of my stupor, I follow them quickly.

As we continue trek in the maze, monsters came out in a form of monstrous creatures such as Skeletal Knights, pony like skeleton clad in black knight armors and Gravel Golems, a rock-like monster with crystal spikes around it, all which was created by the Void. Pulling our weapons, all of us racing towards the monsters, roaring in our battle cries. From blades clash one after another, shields sparks from impacts, and magic rebound in collisions, we wasted no time to use our combat skills. From two Skeletal Knights charging at us, we race towards them and swing our blades at them, only to be blocked. Chrono's training helped us to know our enemies. Since these Skeletal Knights have a balance of defense and offensive, we assume that while they have good stats they are known to be somewhat slow so we can't hesitate to strike back. As we dodge quick from the swing of the blades, I twist my body and slice the limbs in pieces then furiously slash in a quick paste. Golden took the chance and swing upward and thrust his sword in rapid succession. Both Skeletal Knights' HP falls down to zero, resulting in deleted into sparks of fragments.

Meanwhile, the other players were struggling with the other Skeletal Knights and Gravel Golems. We rushed towards their aids and through our speed, we point our blades, unleashing our MP Attack, Rage Thrust and send two Gravel Golems to the ground, breaking into pieces. For Lance Edge, he twirls his staff and impaled two Skeletal Knights at precision speed. Then the remaining rush towards Twilight and her friends go into their battle stance and Twilight unleash her alicorn magic, blast them to pieces. Applejack used her apple bucking knocking two Gravel Golems while Rainbow swoop down and knocking three Skeletal Knights, Fluttershy was hiding behind some rocks while Pinkie fire sticky batters to hold to the ground giving Starlight to use her levitate spell and slam to the wall. At one point, Rainbow was knock down by the other Gravel Golems along with other players sending them to the ground. About when the Gravel Golems about to swing their rocky like arms, Fluttershy rushed forward and use her famous 'The Stare'.

Normally, in the show, any animals or anypony were caught by The Stare will freeze in fear. To bronies, The Stare is like looking at a demon's eyes in their view which is why she doesn't use that often like she mentions in Bats! when she is forced to use it on the vampire fruit bats against her will from Applejack's stubbornness.

Giving the flinch that the Gravel Golems did, it safe to say it also works on enemies too though we can't be sure.

With the distraction, I rushed forward and cut through the golems with a clean stroke. Rainbow look up and I offer her hoof which she grabbed it though I didn't see a faint blush on her cheek.

"Thanks."

I nodded then saw Twilight and Starlight having trouble with the last three Skeletal Knights. We both nodded and rushed to aid our friends. Rainbow slammed her hoof at the backs of their heads. With them distracted, I raised my sword and blue energies glow on my blade. With a quick stroke of my blade, I slice through the Skeletal Knights in half, making them into dust.

I came towards them and asked, "You okay?"

Both of them nodded.

"I'm fine, though those skeletal ponies really pack a punch."

"Tell me about it, Starlight," Twilight dusted herself off from the battle "Although, I'm impressed of how you and your friend along with the other new ponies use some kind of magic coming from their weapons."

"You mind tell me what kind of magic you guys conjured from your weapons?" she asked.

Like all other things, I tried to come up with something to avoid telling her our MP Attacks. But my conscious kept bicker me not to lie. As if our minds are battling out until my conscious wins. I should tell them in a different word to avoid suspiciously.

And I came up with only one thing in our mind.

"It's our Skill Magic. It's a kind of magic that we can use upon using weapons," I said, "Only that we need to draw upon our magic which takes a toll upon using it."

"Skill Magic.... a type of magic that can draw from anypony to use its power but drains a few of their strengths." Twilight was taking notes in her scrolls before putting back in her saddle pack.

"Interesting, I never thought a new kind of magic is that powerful yet very risky."

"It is. You just need to be careful on which Skill Magic you're going to perform cause they'll drain your magic."

Both the unicorns nodded and the others came beside us.

"You guys okay?"

All of them nodded and I turned to Rainbow.

"What about you Rainbow?"

"Oh, I-I'm fine, " Rainbow muttered once again hiding her tinted red cheeks from the others.

We all nodded then we heard from Gold Sands to continue on to the boss room and we follow them towards the darkness.

After a series of long mazes, we finally come across a golden demonic gate. We stopped a bit to rest a bit before we can enter through. Most of the unicorn players, even the virtual Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer, use their magic to heal themselves and others. I checked my MP, which I decided to call 'Skill Magic' and turns out I have a few but that means I need to wait a bit longer to recharge. Lucky, most of the players got potions and elixirs from monster drops which are no different from other MMORPG games. I used it to heal myself then to Golden Flare. Once that, I use my elixir to replenish my MP back to green.

"How are you holding up?" I asked.

"I'm fine, feeling refresh thanks to your healing spell," Golden replied then turned to the golden gate "Guess we need to prepare for whatever lurks in that gate."

I nodded and turned to see all of the others are healed.

"Yea, but even with our current level, I felt that whatever the boss monster is going to be," I turned to the door "it's going to be very tough."

"Yeah you're right, but we got to at least try in hope that clearing it may be the answer of defeating the Void," Golden said and I nodded. He's right, there's no hesitation on this.

"So you think the Void is on this gate?" Rainbow asked.

"We can't be sure, Rainbow." I said, "But we have no choice but to go through this."

"Just don't you two do anything stupid," Twilight said, "We'll help you whatever we can help with."

"Okay, and the same for you and your friends, we don't want anything happens to you girls," I said.

After a bit of rest, Gold Sands came in front.

"This is it, whatever is the gate is the first boss monster," he said and mummers of players can be heard. If there's a boss monster, then it's going to be tricky to fight. "From our scouts, this boss monster is called 'Fangaoid the Disaster' a creature that its body is tougher than metal yet faster to attack. It uses a rare broadsword called, 'The Basher' which can create shock waves upon impact on the ground. Although the creature is powerful, there's one fatal weakness, when it use its Basher to smash the ground, it's defense is dropped down drastically. So you need to use your strongest attacks to hit from the front and the back. However, at the yellow, it uses another weapon, raising it's status up so you better prepare to use the 'Switch' command to create an opening for others to attack. The key strategy is working together as a team, never forget that!"

All of us nodded and we prepare our 'Switch' command in our attack command.

"All right, this is it!! "

All of us roared and Gold Sands open the Golden Demonic Gate and all of us charge through with Twilight and her friends follow us. Upon entering, everything was dark, but only emptiness was heard. As the gate closed, blue flames flicker to life all the way to the end and upon it, a creature larger than an Ursa Major, shaped of a monstrous warthog sat down on a crystal like a throne. It opens it's deep blood red eyes at us and it hops out of its throne then roared with a terrifying screech.

Everpony were unnerved from the monster's screeched but we shook those off and prepare our weapons. 3 health bars were displayed in our HUD along with the boss's name and the level status, 25. Since our level is at 20 or lower, if we can continue to switch to parry attacks and hit through, we might have a chance of beating it. If only that easy when more of Skeletal Knights, 4 of them, appeared to defend their master.

A roar of battle cries echoed the room, both players and virtual and the monsters, and all of us charged straight though. Every sparks glitter everywhere upon the noise of metal clashing each other. Blocking, Parry, Thrust, Cleave, Slash, everywhere weapons crash upon each other along with screaming that continue echoing across the battlefield. Magic used in forms of beams, energy, and elementals, hitting everywhere from grounds to walls.

The boss monster jump high and raised its weapons, prepare to squash us. In mere moments, all of us dodge out of the way, shock waves flooded the ground, knocking the aerial ponies to the ground. Even the Skeletal Knights were decimated by that attack.

All of us struggle to get up, taken heavy damage and I glanced around. Some were in the yellow line, half of their health bars were on the last green mark due to their magic defense's skill, and others were close to the red mark. Glanced on Twilight and her friends, I can see their health bars are close to yellow, mostly due to Twilight's magic shield, absorbing the attack. Upon seeing my health and Golden's, we're at bit closer to the red mark. In addition, our MP are recharging slowly after using our strongest magic attacks. Unless we can fight more enemies beside the boss, then it will take about 10 minutes or so to full recharge.

"Is everypony all right?" Applejack asked and all of us straggle to our hooves.

"Barely, that monster knows how to attack all of us in a quick dive." Twilight said.

"So how we going to defeat it?" Rainbow groaned.

"We had to attack from behind with our Skill Magic!" Golden pointed "Since the defensive is lower, we had a high chance of attack head on!"

"Everypony, we need to go into defensive tactics!" Gold Sands commanded "Strike on the back once we parry!!"

A loud shouted was heard and use our potions to heal bits of our health bars. The boss monster prepare its massive broadsword and charged straight. Readied our weapons, timing is everything as the monster raised it up high then swung down, weapons make contact and a loud ring was heard. The monster lose its grip on its broadsword and Golden and I quickly run faster to the back and unfurled our wings for a 'Team Burst' attack. Our weapons, coated in a bluish and yellow lights, swung fast and the sound of a slash noise was heard along with the boss monster's screeched. Along with other player's weapons now coated in different colors, repeatedly swung their weapons in a powerful strike with Lance Edge perform a skydive thrust attack. In addition, from Twilight's magic, Applejack's and Rainbow Dash's team attack, Pinkie's random party cannon that's strangely effective, and Fluttershy's and Rarity's precision aim, we can see the boss monster's health bar dropping down fast until it stopped at the last health bar.

"Guys, it's working, keep it up!!" I shouted and all of us dodge out of the way from Fangaoid's arms swung towards us like mosquito bite down a victim's back.

"Looks like we got it mad!" one of the player shouted.

"Everypony, prepare yourself!" Gold Sands commanded and the Fang Demon Giant bare its fang at us, then to our shocked, it pulls another weapon: a demonic broadsword with teeths etched on the blades. If that wasn't bad enough, it's status goes up than its normal one.

"Another weapon?!" Golden shouted "And it increase's its status?!"

"I thought our scouts got every Intel of it!" Marven shouted.

"Guess that monster saved its' trump card for last when we hit it pretty hard." I gritted my teeth and it slammed its new weapon on the ground. Quakes of rocks flies high and hitting us to the ground in sheer seconds. I grunted in pain and see my health bar now at red mark just like the others are.

At this rate......my mind shouted at this possibility and the monster step forwards towards one particular pony that my eyes widened like in those movies when the prey is now on knees and the hunter prepare for its finish blow: The sword's tip point towards a lavender alicorn.

"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!" With a scream that echoing the battlefield, I raised my sword and rush towards my friend despite the injuries as time slow down, the monster thrust the tip towards her with a vicious snarl. Twilight's eyes widened in fear and with her magic drained and injuries numb her, she on the verge of death......until a blade swung towards it, and with a firm strength, I roared, causing the tip to impale on the ground, miss its mark.

But the monster roared and swung its weapon towards me, and I block it using my sword only for me to send me flying towards the ground.

"SHINING HAZEL!!" I can hear Twilight's and her friend's scream including Golden Flare as I see my health now at 1.5%. One more hit and I'm dead!

The boss charged towards me and with my weaken state, I unable to do anything. This is it, I'm done for! As I waited for death to take a blow on me, I didn't feel any pain, save for my injuries, and no sign said "You are Dead". How come I'm not dead?

As I looked, like the others, my eyes widened in horror upon what happened: a chrome armored stallion with rust of battle, cracked into pieces, and the once beautiful peach colored, now stain with a huge red mark on his chest.

"GOLD SANDS!!!!!!!" I screamed and he fell down on the floor. I limp towards him and got on my hind legs and the monster about to attack us, more players use their Skill Magic on the back, distracting them while Twilight and her friends and Golden Flare rushed towards us.

"Hang tight, Gold Sands!! I'll heal you!!" Seeing his health is dropping down almost to zero, I focus on my magic, trying to heal him, but with my MP is lower, I can't cast it. Twilight and Starlight tried to use their magic but like mine, we ran out of it.
Grunted in anger, I searched for any potions to heal until I found the last one. Wasting no time, I press it and about to heal him until, his hoof stop me.

"It's okay........you heal yourself......." he said in a raspy, croaked voice.

"No, I'm not abandon my friends like that!! You got to stay alive!!"

"It's fine, Shining Hazel........."

"No, it's not, Gold Sands!" Applejack shouted, her eyes are watering "You can't just let yourself die in vain!"

"I won't......I'll be going where he is.........That's always the plan........"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Long time ago, a pony who I looked up............ he offer to go into this dungeon and upon that, the boss monster appear.......... He sacrifice himself to save the rest of my friends......... I was grieving for him........he's like my brother........or rather.......he is my big brother........."

All of us were shocked upon his story as I saw his red mark dropping down slowly at 5.

"Now.......I can go........to wherever he is.........waiting for me......."

He turned to me "Shining Hazel, right?" I nodded as he continued "I ask you and your friends........ as a friend,........stop the Void.........save everyone........return us.......back........t...o........h........o.......m...........e....."

A beep was heard and Gold Sands' body cracked, then broken into tiny little pieces sparkling everywhere. My hooves, once tried to hold him, no longer feel him. Fresh tears drip down and I screamed loudly, slamming my hooves on the ground. I can hear Twilight and her friends along with Golden cried for him.

How can this happened to us? All we want is to enjoy this game, now this game has become a death game like in Sword Art Online! Gold Sands is gone, how can his guild can survive without him? How we can survive the game of death like Kirito and the others did?

Loud noise from the battle still echoing and Twilight and her friends turned to the battlefield.

"We had to stop it." Golden Flare said "Before more ponies share the same fate as him."

All of them nodded and Golden about to snap out of my grief, I stand up then heal myself. Then I picked up my sword and Gold Sands' sword and glare at the monster.

With a roared, I charged towards the monster, ignoring my friends' call, and swung both swords in quick stroke. The monster screamed and turned towards me, it raise its weapon and swung down. Hold my sword in a X fashion, I blocked quickly, I parry it, then with another roar, I use my Skill Magic. Blue magic covered the two swords in magic coating, then another swing from my swords on downward diagonal then another on the upper diagonal then repeat the same thing, creating an X on the chest. Everypony was agape at what I'm doing and my right sword thrust towards the chest, Gold Sands' sword glow bright blue with an upper slash on the body.

The monster screamed and in turn, turning into sparks. A 'Congratulation' sign appeared and only silence was heard, until loud cheers was heard.

I knee down, tired from exhaustion and Golden Flare and Twilight, along with her friends, help me up.

"Shining Hazel, you did it!" Golden said and I nodded silently.

"Dude, that was awesome!!" Rainbow said "When did you learn to do that?!"

"Huh?"

"You were just swing your swords that glows and swing around in a rapid pace!" the cyan pegasus explained "Not even I can swing it that fast beside my awesome wings of course."

Now that I think about it, when did I learn to do that? I checked my Skill Magic sets with all the spells but none one of them were any different. If it was a new Skill Magic, I would see a notification of it, but so far none. Judging by the attacks, it almost look like the Starburst Stream that Kirito used it on the Gleaming Eye but very different. But there's something about it that it's familiar to me and yet not, but-

"You bastard!!"

A loud shout was heard that snapped out of my thoughts and the cheering and I glanced at Marven, with armors damaged and also a death glare at me.

"Why did you let Gold Sands die?!"

I stayed silence and my friends furrowed their eyebrows at that player.

"Why did you have that skill at the last moment when Gold Sands die?! Were you keep in secret so that you can allow him to die?!"

"I never intended to allow him to die; he sacrifice himself to save me and the skill that I have, I never had it in my disposal nor I learned it."

"Liar!" Marven shouted at me "You were keep it a secret from all of us!! You killed Gold Sands because of you, Beater!"

I was shocked at that name. Beater. A beta tester and a cheater. The name that describe Kirito back at Sword Art Online. The one that he bears all that pain and hatred from other players back at Arnicard And now, Marven is calling me a Beater when I don't know of what skill that I did.

"Hey, that's enough buddy!!" Rainbow zoomed to his face, her eyes dagger at Marven. "Shining Hazel saved all of us from the monster so you should be grateful that he finished the monster!!"

"At the cost of Gold Sands?! You don't know the pain we're feeling!!" Marven retorted back at her.

"We do know!!" Twilight interject "Gold Sands wanted to die so he can reunited with big brother!!

"You can't place the blame on Shining Hazel!!" Golden Flare said.

"Well if you haven't come, we wouldn't risk of you girls get in our way!!"

My anger boiled at the tone direct towards Princess Twilight. If anything that makes me angry, it's the one that blames my friends despite their good heart intentions. I walked up slowly towards him, despite my pain, and when he glares at me, I did something that I never done it, nor anypony would thought of me doing it: a large hoof swung at Marven's muzzle, knocking him down to the floor, earning a surprised from my friends and the other players.

"Shining Hazel!" Twilight gasped in surprised.

Marven glared at me, holding his throbbing muzzle. Before he can attack me back, a bluish aura caught him and he pulled towards me, now with eyes bore daggers that scared him.

"DON'T YOU BLAME TWILIGHT AND HER FRIENDS FOR THEIR INTENTIONS TO PROTECT US FROM GETTING HURT!! I NEVER ALLOW GOLD SANDS TO DIE IN VAIN, HE SACRIFICE HIMSELF TO SAVE ME BECAUSE OF MY INTENTIONS TO SAVE HER!! HE WANTED TO BE WITH BIG BROTHER THROUGH THIS!! I DID WHAT I COULD TO SAVE HIM BUT HE ALLOW HIMSELF TO DIE AND THE SKILL I DID, I NEVER HAD IT IN MY SKILL LIST, SO IF YOU EVER THINK ABOUT BLAMING MY FRIENDS OR ME, THEN I WON'T HESITATE TO BREAK YOUR BONES!!! GOT IT?!!"

My tone scared half of the players and my friends, including the trembling Marven and he nodded slowly. Then I let him go and I glanced at the players and my friends.

"Let's get out of here."

I walked out of the dungeon while my friends followed me along with other players. I glanced at Gold Sands' sword, his 'Seed of Rising', a balance magic sword with enough skill to be usable for anypony in low level. Overwhelm by the memories of his death, I closed my eyes, trying to pray for him. If I can tell him one thing, my mind said the same thing over and over again.

I'm sorry, Gold Sands.

Once we got back to Ponyville, all of the players headed back to their respective homes even Marven who was glaring at me with my eyes glare at him. After that, we all head to our respective homes with our friends. It was a silence walk to the Castle of Friendship and while Spike came to us, Twilight explained what happened. I decide to head back to my room and sleep for the night. I sat down on my bed and just stared down on the floor. Marven's words echo me to my heart, calling me a beater and blames me for the death of Gold Sands. As much as I want to ignore his words, maybe.........he was right. I killed Gold Sands because of my intentions to protect my friends. I tried so hard to fight it and it was too strong. My skill level wasn't strong enough, costing one of the best player to die. And now, his guild, the Rouge One, will be loss of his beloved leader. I wasn't strong enough and if I can't defeat the Void's monster, how can I keep his promise to free all of us from the game?

"Shining Hazel?" a knock was heard and Twilight came out "Spike is going to make some dinner for us."

I nodded slowly "Okay, but I'm not hungry. I just need to rest a bit."

Twilight came towards me, having a concerned look on her "You okay?"

I sighed and shook my head "No, I'm not."

"You're still troubled from the battle?" I nodded then she sat down next to me.

"It's my fault that Gold Sands is dead. I tried to heal him but he doesn't want to......."

"It's not your fault. You did everything you could-"

"But what it is not enough?!"a couple of tears came dripping across my face "I fought hard to protect all of you, but my strength isn't enough! That monster could have kill you and I did what I could to protect you! Then Gold Sands had to take the hit and died! Now his guild won't able to go forward without him because of me!!"

I covered my faced, the guilt, frustration, sorrow, and pain teared my heart so much that I unable to stop crying due to my exhaustion of the battle and the overwhelming emotions that happened. In fact, I shouldn't cry because my tears won't make any difference nor it would help me to become an adult that I was struggle to become back at Earth. In my despair, a warmth came to me and my vision was blurry but I can make up to see a lavender coat snuggle to my face. I looked up and saw Twilight wrapped her wings and her forelegs in a comforting embrace.

"Twilight......wha...."

"Shhh, it's okay, Shining Hazel, don't speak." Twilight softly quieted him, petting my mane like how my mom did the same when I was sad and lonely. "You can't blame yourself for what you did."

"But.....I....." my chocking voice was promptly cut off by Twilight.

"I know that you tried so hard to protect us, but you can't do everything by yourself. You're just one pony. And beside, the monster is stronger, but we work together as a team, so we don't blame you for what you did."

"Gold Sands......I........"

"I know, even though we haven't got the chance to get to know him more, he deeply care for all of us. So, please....." I can hear sniffles from her and she began to cry too "Don't punish yourself for what you did, because I don't any of my friends to hurt themselves."

My inner adult self crumble away by the overwhelming emotions from her words, and I hugged her tightly on her chest, which she hugged me back. Everything was in silence in our area. Nothing matters but letting our grief and sorrow take over and Twilight's soothing words work hard to heal the heartache of the battle.

Dungeon Quest Complete!

Received Dungeon Key!

(When you finish a Dungeon, you gain a Dungeon Key to access to the next one!)

Level Up!

SHINING HAZEL:

Level: 21

ATK - 665+10
DEF - 665+10
SPEED - 510+10
AGILITY-615+10
MAGIC-765+10

MAGIC GAUGE INCREASED!

(When you unlock a certain level, your Gauges will increase its MAX, allowing you to fill it more)

GOLDEN FLARE:

Level: 20

ATK- 665+10
DEF-510+10
SPEED-615+10
AGILITY-785+10
MAGIC-315+10

FLIGHT GAUGE INCREASED!

Ending - Unfinished (Accel World)

Author's Note

So Shining Hazel and Golden Flare were called by a player named Gold Sands who informed them and other players upon the Void's Dungeon. After meeting with a new player name Lance Edge, both of them decided to train to assist the players in clearing the Dungeon, however Chrono, Twilight, and her friends spotted them and Chrono decided to train them while Twilight and her friends decided to go with them to make sure nopony gets hurt. Upon finding the Dungeon at White Tail Woods and fighting new enemies, they encounter the first boss, The Fang Demon Giant which prove to be too powerful. Gold Sands sacrifice to save Shining Hazel and before his death, he wants him to help the players be free from the game thus, he use his sword and unlock a unknown skill to defeat it. Yet even that, Marven blames Shining Hazel for the death of Gold Sands until Rainbow Dash, Golden Flare, Twilight Sparkle, and her friends defended him. After the first clear of the boss, Twilight ordered the players to be confined for going out on other Dungeons until further notice by the Princess of Friendship. However, Shining Hazel blames for the death of Gold Sands and went into despair until Twilight came to him and console him.

Next chapter, upon their training, a mare named Astral Charms asked them to become messengers on the modified crops that's causing sickness upon eating.

Chapter 2 - Meeting the Mane 7

"Whoa....." both of us were amazed at the farm field of fresh juicy apples hanging on the trees, bathing in Celestia's warm sun. Surely I saw apple trees in pictures and trips, but this is taken beauty to the next level.

"Yep, this orchard is a beauty to see." Applejack commented as we follow her to one of the trees with a bucket laid on the ground.

"All right, we better get you two heads up on what you need to do." she then explained a few simple things when we get the apples : find the ones that are 'ripe' to put in the basket and the one that's 'rotten' thrown away. She show the example of the apples as the ripe were shiny as the rotten being sucked or spoiled.

We both nodded as she watches us while we begin doing our job. For me, I told them to at least do magic. I never learn how to use my magic from my horn though. In Legends of Equestria, the rules for the magic requires us for us to concentrate our mind through the linkage of the VR Gear. I point my horn and concentrate on it as hard as I can go. I can feel my horn is surging with a magical aura but only one apple drop down from my magic.

I groaned in disappointment. I never knew how magic can be that difficult using my mind like that as Applejack came to me "You okay, sugarcube?"

"To be honest, I......" how can I say this? That I'm an alicorn that having struggle with basic magic that unicorns and alicorns know to do in a jiffy?

Being strained on whenever telling the truth or not, I just whispered quietly that even quieter than Fluttershy's

"I can't do magic........."

"What?"

"I can't do magic....."

"Say that again?" Applejack trying to hear my whispered as I take a deep breath.

"I. Can't. Do. Magic."

After a few hours of attention and silence from them, Applejack was surprise at me. "Wait, you mean you can't do magic?"

I nodded as I hung my head in shame.

"But why?"

I can't speak of my reason as I look away in shame.

"Um, Applejack, can you excuse for a second? Just want to talk with my friend." Golden decide to break the tension as he pulled me away from her.

"Gun- I mean, Shining Hazel, why can't you use your magic?" he asked.

"I don't know....." I whispered, "I tried to concentrate using my mind but it seems that my mind isn't strong to use it."

Golden tapping his hoof on his chin then got an idea as he walks to the farm pony.

"Well, Applejack, you see, Shining Hazel is having magical problems that his magic doesn't work," Golden explained.

"Oh, in that case, you and Shining Hazel can do the old fashion way. Applebucking!" Applejack said as walks towards one of the trees.

"All right, now here's how it's done." She explain to as to firmly pant our front hooves for preparation, align our self, position our hind legs properly, and buck it. We both nodded as we follow her instruction as our first try wasn't good, but the second or third time, the trees shook violently and apples coming down on the buckets.

"Whoo-whee! Now that's how it's done!" Applejack said. "Keep up and y'all be certificated for apple bucker in no time!"

We both nodded as we continue our work as our apple bucking skills increases greatly with each buck.

Meanwhile on the other side, a group of ponies walking towards Sweet Apple Acres. One have a snow white elegant coat with purple mane, a magenta pony with a fluffy mane that reassemble a cotton candy bouncing, a cyan pegasus with a messy rainbow mane, a light yellow pegasus pony with a soft long pink mane, a pale, light grayish heliotrope unicorn with a curly mane, and finally, a lavender alicorn with a dark purple mane with light pink and purple streaks.

Once they reach the front door, the lavender alicorn knocks on the door as Big Mac appears in the front.

"Hello, Princess Twilight. Glad to see you and the others," he said.

"Good to see you again, Big Mac. Is Applejack here?" she asked. "We're supposed to help her with preparing for Applebucking Season."

He nodded as he trotted with the group following him to the backyard as Applejack watching us bucking more apples from tree to tree.

"Applejack!" a tomboyish voice was heard as she turned and saw her friends coming.

"Howdy, gals!" Applejack all of them "It's good to see you again."

"Same here, Applejack." the lavender alicorn said, "We came here to help you with the Applebucking Season that's coming."

"Thanks, girls, I could need some help along with two new ponies," Applejack said.

"Two new ponies?" the pink pony piped up her ear at that word.

Applejack nodded "Yeah, apparently two new ponies found a flyer for a new job and they came here in a jiffy."

She point as the girls saw me and Golden working on the rest of the apple trees bucking in great strength.

"Whoa, looks like they able to get half of them done." the pink pony amazed eyeing on the red pegasus. The lavender alicorn spot the other one as she was surprised at the appearance of an alicorn prince.

"An alicorn prince?!"

"What?" the light grey heliotrope unicorn asked in confusion.

"Look!" she points to the alicorn prince as half of their reaction vary from surprise, shocked, and even amazed.

"Oh, you mean Shining Hazel?" Applejack said as the girls glance at her.

"You know that handsome prince?!" the snow-white unicorn asked.

"Well, sort of. He only said that he's born that way and doesn't know for sure that's he's into royalty." Applejack explained.

"But the strangest thing is that he can't do magic."

That caught their attention to them as the lavender alicorn asked in confusion "How come?"

"Golden said that he's having magical problems. Don't know why, though, but that fellow might not know much of magic."

The lavender alicorn turned to the grey alicorn, bucking the apple tree and caught the apples on the bucket.

"Applejack, do you think we can...?" she asked her as she nodded understand her.

"Hey, guys, can you come here for a second?" the farm pony called them.

While we finished half of the tree, we heard Applejack calling us as we set the bucket down and trotted to her but our surprise is the appearance of the Mane 7! From left to right, the party pink pony, Pinkie Pie, the shy and timid, Fluttershy, the fashiontisa, Rarity, the daredevil and fastest pony, Rainbow Dash, and finally, the Princess of Friendship, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Along with her is the unicorn who was reformed from her revenge and became her student , Starlight Glimmer.

"Guys, I would like to meet m'ah friends, Rainbow Dash......"

"Hey" the cyan pegasus wave

"Rarity...."

"Nice to meet you two darlings." the snow-white unicorn whipped her mane.

"Fluttershy...."

"Hello..." she whispered which we barely hear from her.

"and....."

She appeared in a pink blur in front of us and gave a big grin "Hi, there, I'm Pinkie Pie! It's nice to meet you two! Oh this is so awesome seeing more new ponies coming out of nowhere in Ponyville! I'd never seen a alicorn prince before but this is the first time to see it with my own eyes! I thought that alicorns were only princess! *gasp* So it's possible that maybe a stallion will become an alicorn?! Oh that would be amazing! But anycase," she turned to Golden who was awestruck at her "it's nice to meet you! If any case, I better planned on setting up a huge 'Welcome to Ponyville!' Party!"

Both of us were uncertain at her rapid speaking but as we going to speak, a pink aura surrounded her as Twilight interjected her "Pinkie, c'mon don't make them uncomfortable." she turned to us with a cute smile.

"Sorry, Pinkie can sometimes be.........odd."

"It's all right," I said as Golden nodded.

"If any case, my name is Twilight Sparkle and this is my student, Starlight Glimmer." she points to her which she waves nervously.

"Nice to meet you all," I said with a smile as Golden adopted the same. "My name is Shining Hazel and this is my best friend, Golden Flare."

"So Shining Hazel, where are you and Golden from?" Rainbow asked.

"Well, someplace far away from Equestria." I said, don't want them to know of us being from Earth which would raise consequence if that happen to the NPC's knowledge of the virtual world and the real world like. Lucky the girls nodded at this.

"So Shining Hazel, Applejack said that you having trouble with magic is that true?" Fluttershy asked.

I look down sadly and nodded "Yeah....."

I look like an idiot for not learning the simplest spell that unicorns and alicorns should learn it easily. I felt like a laughing stock around the girls......

"But darling, how can you not learn some of the basic magic spells?" Rarity asked.

"To be honest, I tried to use my magic but.........I just don't know what went wrong with it." I said.

Golden came to me and place his hoof on my shoulder, worried for me.

Then Starlight got an idea "Maybe you can come with us so we help relearn your magic."

I raise my head in confusion and asked: "Are you sure?"

Both of them nodded as I gave a small smile. I never knew how those NPC characters are much like their canon counterparts; they did a great job programming for this game.

"Thank you Starlight and Princess Twilight Sparkle."

"Just Twilight is fine, Shining Hazel." Both of us nodded with our smiles forming on our face.

After finishing our shift in our first job with the girls helping us, Applejack offer us to join her and her friends and family for dinner. Normally it's night time in Equestria and we had to go so we can log out and get us ready to sleep, but in other hoof, we can't just ignore their offer.

We got to the kitchen glancing around the design as it reminds much of the western stuff that Golden and I learned from history class not to mention that we like the feel of being in the western.

As we helping Applejack with the meals and set them on the table, all of us sat down on the chair along with some introduction to Applejack's little sister Applebloom and a senior mare, Granny Smith as both sat down too with Big Mac sat down next to us.

"Ah'm so glad that you girls came here to help." Granny Smith smiled then turned to us "Especially to those two handsome fellows."

"Thank you, Mrs. Smith," I said as Golden nodded.

"Well ain't you two sweet as a honeysuckle! But there's no need to be so formal. Just called me 'Granny' like everyone else!" Granny smiled.

"Okay." I nodded at her.

With that, we wrapped our napkins as all of us begin digging in the Apple's homemade meals. Like the Nerve Gear from SAO, the transceivers sends out fake signals to the brain however, Hardware Inc enable to sends virtual data such as meals into the signals of the stomach somehow devirtualize the data and make it real for our stomach to absorb the vitamins and minerals. That's goes for the same as our 'skills' only directly to our brain. Like how the Skylanders, Disney Infinity, Lego Dimensions, and Amiibos, the VR Gear store datas of our skills and levels along with attacks not only into the helmet but also into our brain like a second memory storage. So if anything happen to the VR Gear like being broken, the transceivers from another would scan our brain and the data from our brain would send the signal back restoring the lost data.

After finishing our meal, Golden and I sighed happily at the meals with our stomach became bigger. To be honest, their meals was the best! Normally, we usually have meals that transport from the farm in Earth and get them at the food market, but to actually taste farm fresh meals, it was incredible!

"Wow, that was amazing meals! Thank you, Applejack, Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Applebloom." Golden said while rubbing his stomach.

"Aw shucks, you welcome, you two," Applebloom said.

"Ah'm glad that you two enjoying the meals." Applejack wiping her muzzle using a napkin.

Starlight glance at us "So what have you two come to Ponyville?"

"Well, we just moved here, decide to earn some money in hoping to buy a home for us," I said.

"But why?" Rainbow asked.

"Well, we'd been traveling together after I moved from my old home so a nice change to live independently with my friend," I replied as the girls nodded.

"Come to think of it, there's a lot of new ponies just came in Ponyville." Fluttershy wondered as we glance the shy pegasus.

"Now that you mention, more and more ponies kept popping up of nowhere in Ponyville." Pinkie said "My Pinkie Sense told me about more ponies are coming and boy there's a bunch of new faces that my jaw just dropped to the ground, so I did everything I could to introduce them and making plans for a humongo party bash for new ponies!"

"Won't you get tired of it Pinkie?" Golden asked as I nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, if you're going to set up a massive party in Ponyville, you're going to tired yourself out."

"Don't worry, I'll take one step at a time to make sure everything is all set." the party pony reassured them.

"Okay......" Golden looked at her worried as I can sense my friends' concern for the party pony.

"Maybe another time, Pinkie. Beside, it's getting late." Twilight monitored to the night sky as we cleaned up the table and helped her doing the dishes, all of our friends waved goodbye as they headed back to their homes, leaving me and Golden with Applejack.

"Guess we better get going, Applejack," I said.

"Don't you two have a place to sleep?" she asked as we shook our heads.

"Then how you two going to rest for the night?"

We pound of that thought as our mind scolded for forgetting about one part information about this : in Legends of Equestria, there's another features similar to how Gun Gale Online in SAO when you log out as our avatars become soul-less.

"I guess we haven't thought of it," Golden replied.

"Well, I got some spare guest rooms in the barn." she said.

"Applejack, you don't need to this-"

"I'm not going to let my friends sleep in the street, so I want to do this." She said in a firm tone which both of us were touched how we just met her and work for her. After a few thought, we smile at her offering.

"All right."

We follow her to the guest room as like other guest rooms we saw, just a queen size bed with two pillows and a blanket (with apple design on it.) After we said our goodnight to her, we laid in the bed as we glance at the night sky.

"Man, this is the best game, Golden."

"Yeah, this is the first time trying an SAO esque type game and it feels like we just stepped into another world." the blond mane and red pegasus replied.

"Those video game designer really did a good job on captured the feel of it. Almost if......."

"If what?" he furrows his eyebrows.

"I can't say for sure, but what I can say is it was more to it." I finished, glance up at the ceiling.

"Yeah, I know what you mean."

"Well, we better logged out now," I said as he nodded as a screen pop out from the swipe of our hooves.

Do you want to log out? Yes/No

We press Yes as our mind went blank and returning to Earth.

After my eyelids starting to stir, I open up and groaned as I remove my VR Gear and headed downstairs, meeting up with my parents and possibly receiving some scolding from missing dinner.

Author's Note

So Shining Hazel and Golden Flare met with the rest of the Mane 7 as Starlight and Twilight offer assistance in helping his magic as there's more information about the VR Gear being differ and similar to the NerveGear in SAO.