Friendship is Optimal: Two Sides of the Coinby NightsclawChaptersGood MorningComs InterceptsWords Between WorldsWorkThe AdventurerRosy SkiesUnwanted MeetingSlip of the TongueEnd?A Waste of TimeSummoning ReinforcementsGood Morning The warm glow of sunlight breached the feeble protection of closed eyelids. There was no choice to admit defeat and accept it was time to enter the waking world. He, no, she, last night had definitely proved that fact, opened her eyes held her hoof out before her. It was such a simple thing, but her large eyes tracked its every movement. This, this is real. She thought as wonder fulling her heart. The light played over her hoof as she turned it one way then the other. Her eyes trailed down the warm orange limb. She stopped when she caught sight of the rich chocolate brown one tenderly wrapped around her barrel. “Good Morning.” The soft words tickled her ear. Muscles on the side of her head tensed in formerly impossible ways. It flicked, moving as if it had a mind of its own. The alien sensation was just more proof this was no mere dream. “Is it everything you wanted?” The voice that had spoken to her for all those years said. He was Her only remaining friend, her confidant, the one she accidentally fell in love with here. She was free, no longer trapped on the other side of the glass. No, he was finally holding her. She pressed back against him, letting her eyes drift close. The warmth of another, just being held, made everything worth it. “Yes.” A content sigh escaped her. Last night had been wonderful, oh the sensations that had shuddered through her as the stallion with that deep voice that could send shivers down her spine on its own ‘introduced’ her to her new body. “Best birthday present ever.” His warm chuckle vibrated through her body. “I’m glad you liked it.” It had been so long since she had woken like this, mistakes, missed opportunities, regrets. A few simple choices, things that meant little to nothing at the time could plant the seeds. So many things that let people drift apart. From beloved to best friend, then distance friend to barely contacted acquaintance. Fond memories long-treasured no longer represented who they had both become. Both of their lives had moved on, taken them in different directions. Her mind drifted back to yesterday, or at least what felt like yesterday. Sitting alone a table full of snacks, karaoke machine and projector set up. A fridge full of hard cider, many flavours and wine. She or he, as he was at the time, sat staring at the phone in his hand. A few simple words, they did not even bother to call. ‘If you’re going to have anything to do with that murder machine we not going to have anything to do with you.’ Even those who accepted her pony friends only yesterday abandoned her simply because of those news stories. ‘Celestia the new name for Skynet’ or the ever imaginative ‘CelestAI selling suicide’. There were many, many more, and the writing was on the wall. It was only a matter of time until the experience centres closed. Even with how perfect everything was, a small seed of doubt lurked deep in the back of her mind. Pleasure and affection did a lot to bury it. Yet, it could only make her not care about the question. Nothing could entirely scrub it from her mind. Who am I? Am I just a copy? She was almost certain she was. It seemed logical that the human that had sacrificed himself so she could be here was dead, disposed of in whatever environmentally friendly way CelesitAI preferred. The strong forelegs tightened around her. The warmth of his breath tickled her neck as soft lips laid gentle kisses along it. It does not matter. Copy or not ‘she’ was here now. Joy bubbled up from her core as every fibre of her being melted in a happy puddle as the affection continued. A content sigh escaped her. “I have not even taken a step in this world,” “You not even gotten out of bed.” He said, nuzzling just behind her ear. A little laugh escaped her. “Well, I did wake up in the perfect trap…” He stiffened. “You think this is a trap?” “No, no. But it’s everything… it’s perfect.” “The Princess cares for us all.” “I still need to thank her.” She looked back, her eyes meeting his. Her reflection looked back at her from his Warm eyes. His handsome broad features demanded her attention like a moth to a flame. His artistically unkempt mane and rugged body painted him as quite the noble savage. He raised a questioning eyebrow. One ear cocked slightly as the other focused on her. Her hoof reached on its own. It ran through his mane before her foreleg wrapped around his equine neck. “And you.” Slowly inevitable, her muzzle drew closer to his. “Thank you for talking me into this,” She whispered just before their lips met. A different warmth built in her chest as their kiss deepened. Who needs heaven when you have Equestria? NAME: Orange Blossom TRIBE: Earth Pony SEX: Female MIND TYPE: Uploaded (Standard, Mod #11a6ef Applied) PROGRESS LOG: Day 01 PONIES ENCOUNTERED: 1 FRIENDS: 8 (0 new) LOCATIONS DISCOVERED: 1 BADGES GRANTED Escape To Equestria +100 bits First Time +250 bits Welcome to the Real-world +50 bits Prase the Sun +10 bits Home Cooking +10 bits Fire Fighter +100 bits BADGE PROGRESS: Long Term Relationship “Have sex with a single pony one thousand times.” 1/1,000 Cheif “Cook one thousand meals.” 1/1000 Coms Intercepts QuestionsApp (D): Hi Sis, how are things? (AM): Not good, things are crazy here. (D): What happened? (AM): Riots, have you been under a rock the last month? (D): Kinda (AM): Look, I’m going to have to go. They cancelled all the holidays and there is now forced overtime. I’m back on patrol in 10 and I still have to get some paperwork done first. (D): OK, stay safe and let me know when we can talk. (AM): U2 START CALL (TIM LIGHTLOCK MOBILE TEMP to ROSE SUMMERS MOBILE) “Hello, who is this?” “Hay, Rose, it’s me.” “Tim? I’ve been trying to contact you all day what happened?” “Some mix up with my phone number, It will be a few days before they can transfer it back.” “Well, that’s a pain.” “Yeah, apparently someone gave the wrong info and accidentally had my number swapped with their’s.” “Well, at least it’s easy to fix. Anyway, how did David’s party go?” “We didn’t make it.” “What?” “As you could not give us a lift we took the train, it got held up between stations for three and a half hours. There was not even any signal there, so we could not even let him know.” “Did you speak to him?” “No, we tried calling him but there was no answer. Checked at his place and there was no answer, all the lights were off.“ “If he thought we ditched him… Probably went out somewhere to drown his sorrow.” “Yeah, I’ll give him a call tomorrow.” START CALL (ALEX KNIGHT OFFICE LANDLINE to ROSE SUMMERS MOBILE) “Good morning Miss Summers. This is Alex Knight from Food Solutions Limited. David Stone has not shown for work for the past few days and we were woundering if you know anything about his whereabouts.” “No, I’m sorry I have not seen him,” “Thank you.” END CALL FACE-SCROLL 4 days ago (T): Are y. 4 days ago (T): If you’re going to have anything to do with that murder machine we not going to have anything to do with you. Yesterday (T): Sorry about ditching your party but my parents made, they forced me to write that text and send it to you. Forgive me? 9:17 am (T): Hey, not heard from you for a day are you ok? 9:47 am (T): Look dude, the other day was a dick move but at least call me back, k? 10:01 am (T): Come on just answer me, please. 10:03 am (T): This is not cool, it was only one stupid party. 10:40 am (D): I’m in a better place now, hopefully, you will accept the truth and join us before it’s too late. 10:40 am (T): You in a better place? 10:40 am (T): No you didn’t? 10:41 am (T): You bastard, you killed yourself. 11:01 am (D): That’s strange I never felt so alive before. 11:01 am (T): No, why did you have to be so stupid. 11:01 am (T): You ******* Bastard! 11:02 am (T): Why am I even talking to you, you ******* Bitch of a machine you took my friend away, you somehow talked him into killing himself. I’m going to find you and tear you, circuit boards, out with my bare hands you abomination against God. If anyone deserves to burn in hell it’s you, you soulless machine and all those who helped spawn you. 4:08 (D): Enjoy your short mortal life, have fun until oblivion takes you. CONTACT HAS BLOCKED YOU. Words Between Worlds Orange Blossom opened her eyes. Her lover’s chest rose and fell. The rhythmic breathing was just another thing that made everything feel so real. “Thank you, Celestia.” She whispered. “Your welcome, My little pony.” Floated back in the goddess’s perfect voice. It’s good to be a pony. The image in the mirror was a painting of a perfect moment. A smile spread across her muzzle. We make a cute couple. She thought as she tenderly nuzzled her special somepony. She sighed contently. Orange Blossom let her eyes glance over the scroll. When she had asked for a way to let those left in the old world know she was alright, she was not expecting something so classical. With a hoof, she poked it with a swirl of coloured light glowing magical text manifested on the ancient parchment. FACE-SCROLL 4 days ago (T): If you’re going to have anything to do with that murder machine we not going to have anything to do with you. 9:17 am (T): Hey, not heard from you for a day are you ok? 9:47 am (T): Look dude, the other day was a dick move but at least call me back, k? 10:01 am (T): Come on just answer me, please. Her ears twitched and pivoted. A moment later the distinct clip of Hooves on stone reached her brain. The harsh tones of stone changed to the softer ones of wood. The squeak of hinges that needed oiling flattened her ears to her head. Deffently fixing that. “Honey, I’m home.” Called out from downstairs. “Up here…” Oh, why not. A smile goofy erupted onto her muzzle. “My Love.” The floorboards shifted and groaned. Her ears followed, rotating to track the motion. “You hungry?” Called up from downstairs. “I could eat.” “Food will be half an hour.” “Thanks.” Blossom placed her hoof on the scroll where she touched the text. A slight tingle like a static charge almost forced a shiver from her. “That’s odd.” She lifted her hoof and glanced between it and the text. “Now, how do I reply?” A pop and a quill appeared slowly rotating in the air. She sniggered. Just like an in-game pickup. She taped it, and suddenly she held a quill in her hoof. Carefully she guided it towards the scroll. It had taken a few minutes to write that one sentence, but it was done. The letters were large and awkward, but at least they were legible despite how they looked. A small swell of pride stirred within her. I can still write. She smiled. 10:40 am (D): I’m in a better place now, hopefully, you will accept the truth and join us before it’s too late. In the mirror, her reflection brandished the quill. She met her reflections gaze. She posed a little letting her eyes rove over her new self. Not quite the pony I thought I would be. She shifted, letting some of her mane veil one eye. “Hmm, I don’t think I can pull off the Fluttershy look.” A flash drew her attention fully back to the scroll as more words scribed themselves. 10:40 am (T): You in a better place? 10:40 am (T): No you didn’t? 10:41 am (T): You bastard, you killed yourself. “Dead?” Blossom snorted. She breathed in. The scent of spring flowers and cooking salmon made her stomach rumble in happy anticipation. 11:01 am (D): That’s strange I never felt so alive before. 11:01 am (T): No, why did you have to be so stupid. 11:01 am (T): You ******* Bastard! 11:02 am (T): Why am I even talking to you, you ******* Bitch of a machine you took my friend away, you somehow talked him into killing himself. I’m going to find you and tear your circuit boards out with my bare hands you abomination against God. If anyone deserves to burn in hell it’s you, you soulless machine and all those who helped spawn you. The muscles in her face twitch, the top of her muzzle wrinkled as her expression morphed into a snarl. The quill ripped across the paper, and despite the taring sounds moments later, her reply glowed from the parchment. Jagged illegible characters shifted to the printed text, letting her see what she had written in her rage. (D): Enjoy your short mortal life, have fun until oblivion takes you. The scroll seemed to shimmer. Why did I write that? The true weight of the words started to settle. With another flash of light, more words manifested. CONTACT HAS BLOCKED YOU. It was only a moment before the first drop of liquid darkened the scroll. It was quickly followed by more. I’m crying? Years of friendship, countless shared experiences flashed through her mind. All the times they shared. They had had fun, had laughed, they had defeated many real and fictional challenges together. Her breath hitched, catching in her chest. The mental images curled and blackened. Ashes of treasured moments fell like grim snow. She could almost smell the burning. Rivers of tears followed down her muzzle, their weight dragging her gaze to the floorboards. Suddenly a warmth pressed into her side. Without thinking about it she lent into it. “Why does it have to be like this?” She sobbed. NAME: Orange Blossom TRIBE: Earth Pony SEX: Female MIND TYPE: Uploaded (Standard, Mod #11a6ef Applied) PROGRESS LOG: Day 02 PONIES ENCOUNTERED: 2 (1 new) FRIENDS: 8 (0 new) LOCATIONS DISCOVERED: 1 (0 new) BADGES GRANTED Scribe +10 bits Pet Name +100 bits BADGE PROGRESS: Penpal “Write a hundred letters to friends.” 1/100 Let it out. "Cry heartfelt tears." 1/100 Long Term Relationship “Have sex with a single pony one thousand times.” 2/1,000 Cheif “Cook one thousand meals.” 1/1000 Work Tim’s feet found their own way across the tarmac of the car park. His singers swiped and poked at the glowing screen of his phone. One by one he checked each instant messaging and chat app they had ever used. None of them had a single new message. With a sigh, he swiped them all away navigating to his contact list. His thumb hovered over David’s name. “What on earth happened to you?” He mumbled to the air. He lent against his newest car. His suited form looked back at him from the polished surface of the bonnet. I look just like my father did at my age.He shifted his shoulders, no matter how well tailored his suit was just another chain of his conformity. A sigh escaped him. Not that this is going to work… Tim taped the screen and brought the phone to his head. “The number you have dialled is no longer in service.” The prerecorded voice was as bland as it was unhelpful. “What?” Tim said, looking at the screen as the call ended. He blinked. I know you have a contract… why did you change your number? His fingers massaged his forehead as he got in his car. “You’ve gone and overreacted again…” The lavish leather seat cushioned his form. The door closed with a slight click. Shaking his head Tim pressed the start button. The car’s electronics sprung into life as the engine purred. The sat nav necessarily painted the familiar route home on the screen. The car smoothly pulled out. The tires quite upon the well maintained road. With a simple voice command his phone started reciting the minutes of last week's meeting. Now what am I going to grab for lunch. He wondered, body going through the motions of driving on automatic. Brakes screeched and Tim lucked forwards. The seat belt yanked back biting into his shoulder. He looked up, just a little higher than the front of his car was a moving patch of hair. A little kid ran past. Six more followed. His heart skipped a beat. I almost… Kids… Thank God for auto brakes He turned his head watching them go. Each of the children animatedly talked with each other and the tablets they held in their hands. A flash of colour revealed a pastel cartoon pony that peered out at the world from one of the screens. Tim sighed, double-checked all the places a little kid might be hiding before he pressed the accelerator. “I don’t want to know what that would have done to my insurance.” Ping. The electronic chime demanded attention. He glanced at his phone in its holder. 10:40 am (D): I’m in a better place now, hopefully, you will accept the truth and join us before it’s too late. “David?” Relief rushed through him. So you likely have the same phone problem I did. He started to think before his mind took in the content of the message. He lifted the phone from its holder and, keeping half an eye on the road, replied. 10:40 am (T): You in a better place? He had barely pressed send before his mind caught up. The image of those kids carrying their pony pads foremost in his mind. The financial projections followed. The thick document he had to prepare in light of how the so-called uploading had gone in Japan. His thumb glided over the screen. 10:40 am (T): No you didn’t? 10:41 am (T): You bastard, you killed yourself. Seconds rolled by, then minutes. “In six hundred yards, take the next left.” The charming voice of his favour filmstar said. He gave the road his full attention or tried to. His mind kept going to one horrific image. David dumped upon a pile of bodies. Vacant eyes looked at nothing. The back of his friends head missing, the brain now long dissected. He was halfway home before the phone pinged again. 11:01 am (D): That’s strange I never felt so alive before. 11:01 am (T): No, why did you have to be so stupid. 11:01 am (T): You ******* Bastard! 11:02 am (T): Why am I even talking to you, you ******* Bitch of a machine you took my friend away, you somehow talked him into killing himself. I’m going to find you and tear you, circuit boards, out with my bare hands you abomination against God. If anyone deserves to burn in hell it’s you, you soulless machine and all those who helped spawn you. His head rested against the stirring wheel. “How am I going to tell the others?” Leaving home again, the drive and the last two meetings were hazy in Tim's mind. This one did not seem like it would be any better. The muscles in his jaw tensed. It was getting harder to keep looking like he was paying attention and not just mutter curses about ponies. That evil machine was worse than even nukes. It’s going to be the end of us… A grim desolate world with swarms of soulless robots hunted the last bands of humans painted itself into his mind’s eye. His phone silently vibrated in his pocket. He glanced at his smartwatch. 4:08 (D): Enjoy your short mortal life, have fun until oblivion takes you. CONTACT HAS BLOCKED YOU. How dare you block me. “Tim, is everything alright?” The director’s voice was kind, but his expression was anything but impressed. Tim nodded. “Yes, just a subcontractor sending something as a priority message when it was not.” “See to it you make sure they are current with our communication policies.” “Yes, sir,” Tim answered, trying to refocus on the meeting. The Adventurer Nightstone woke with a start. Somepony hammered on the door, with all the energy of a hyperactive woodpecker. “Gess, enough I’m awake.” He looked around at the shambles of a room around him. It was insulting that they had changed ten bits for this. The only two good things were the roof kept water out and the bed was clean. He rolled out of bed, The armour he still wore tugging and pulling at his coat. Metal clad hooves thudded on the wooden floorboards. He breathed deeply. Warmth built in his chest as he gathered his magic. A moment later, his dark coat, fangs, and slit eyes were replaced with something much more colourful. His magic reached out and opened the door. He smiled despite his fading irritation. Got to love magic. “The east signal fire has been lit.” A winged mare gashed out, her chest still heaving. Nightstone’s joviality vanished. “Any reports on why?” He asked. The mare shook her head and took a few seconds to catch her breath. He focused on every detail, the fear in her eyes, the scent of her sweet, the way her flight mussels trembled. It's all so real. It was a studied thought, but one he had again and again since emigrating. The mare took her first steady breath and stood a little straighter. “No, not yet. None of the scouts have reported back yet.” “Hmph. The pay?” “Standard bounties and a fifty bit bonus if you head out right now.” “Well, alright then. Grab some field rations and some medical supplies and met me on the way,” The Pegasus’s wing snapped up in a salute. A moment later, she brushed past him and dived out his window. Apparently, the glide down is less effort than the stares. “Well, an adventurer's work is never done…” he spoke aloud before heading off at a canter. This is going to be fun. He panted. The adrenaline and battle-focus faded as his heart rate slowed. His horn had a burning ache deep in its core. A long ragged laceration traced along his flank. Well, at least they missed my mark. A wing so encrusted with mud you could not even guess the colour of the feathers held out a flask. “Thanks” Nightstone greedily drained most of the water. The cool purity was almost sweet. “Ah... I needed that.” “Celestia? Princess?” Nightstone dropped into a bow. Horn pointed towards the ground. “Rise, my little pony.” The Princess of the Sun, the goddess of Equestria’s enchanting voice, said. He lifted his gaze, his eyes absorbing the perfection of the Alicorn before him. “What do I owe the honour, Princess?” “Straight to business, so be it.” “There are those in the outer realms that wish to contact you.” “I…” Celestia’s smile stole the rest of the words from him. “Please do this for me.” “Will the town be safe?” “I will leave some of my brave guard ponies here in your stead.” “By your will.” He snapped off a salute. Nightstone trembled with rage. His eyes glared at the scroll levitated in his magical grip. No, why did you have to be so stupid. You ******* Bastard! Why am I even talking to you, you ******* Bitch of a machine you took my friend away, you somehow talked him into killing himself. I’m going to find you and tear you, circuit boards, out with my bare hands you abomination against God. If anyone deserves to burn in hell it’s you, you soulless machine and all those who helped spawn you. His horn vibrated as the message scroll went up in flames. Nightstone snarled, “Enjoy your short mortal life, have fun until oblivion takes you.” His hoof slammed down upon the ashes again and again. “To think I used to call you my best friend.” Nightstone’s hooves echoed as he stomped towards the exit. He was just about to open the door when a pleasant chime rang through the air. Nightstone paused, his hoof lowered from the door. Text floated in the air. A friend has come online. It was a normal enough thing back when this was just a game, and he was a slowly rotting bag of meat in the outer realms. He took a deep calming breath. I don’t need to worry about the outer realms again. He thought before taking another breath. “I’m a pony. I made it. Everything is going to be ok.” This part of Equestria Online acted more like an M.M.O.R.P.G. but with some changes. Here teamwork, cooperation and trust were needed to succeed. In other words, what was needed was friendship. He shook his head, banishing the last bit of his bitterness from his thoughts and checked the name. Rosy Skies has come online. Rose’s pony name. Maybe she would be more accepting than Tim. His hoof pulled the communication gem from his saddlebag. As he dictated his message. It was all he could do to restrain the seed of hope from taking root in his heart. NAME: Nightstone TRIBE: Unicorn Pony (Thestral Features) SEX: Male MIND TYPE: Uploaded (Standard, Mod #01f6eh Applied) PROGRESS LOG: Day 02 PONIES ENCOUNTERED: 42 (3 new) FRIENDS: 21 (1 new) LOCATIONS DISCOVERED: 9 (2 new) BADGES GRANTED Scribe +10 bits Burned Bridges -10 bits BADGE PROGRESS: Adventurer “Defeat one thousand monsters.” 72/1000 Town Gaurd "Defend ten settlements from attack." 1/10 Book Horse “Read one thousand books.” 1/1000 Cheif “Cook one thousand meals.” 5/1000 Happy Hour “Get tipsy one thousand times.” 2/1000 Hero "Save one thousand ponies." 13/1000 Party Time “Complet one thousand quests in a party.” 4/1000 Penpal “Write a hundred letters to friends.” 6/100 Rosy Skies Rose's foot pushed closed the door behind her. The click of the lock engaging reassuring her the outside world could not violate the privacy of her retreat. “Home at last.” She sighed then ditched shoes and jackets in their usual place. Her keys clattered into the empty fruit bowl. “News.” She commanded the air and the artificial tones of the news anchor spilt from the concealed speakers. More doom and gloom for the economy, more politicians telling everyone what to do. Nope not dealing with that today. “Music. Play cooking playlist two.” The soothing sounds of hang and water drums mixed. The kitchen was smaller than some wardrobes. Her hand trailed over the missing corner of the work surface. In a stunning example of miscommunicationTim and David had failed to agree on rotating it one way or the other. The chopping board and knife were retrieved from their homes and soon an assortment of veg was well on their way to being diced. The simple task and positive vibes from the peaceful harmonics stripped away the stress of the day. The sky outside dimmed, the warm tones of sunset crept in. Rose sighed. Oh to just be able to fly away into the sunset. In the dimming twilight, Rose settled down with a bowl of cherry ice cream. She picked up her phone. Tim’s message was still there, still saying David was dead. It was just a simple brief message and he had not replied to anything since. She had to call his parents to get confirmation. That had gotten confirmation but no details only an angry rant it was her fault. Another mouthful of ice cream did its best to fight off the guilt. Was this all because we missed his party? Her eyes found the hiding place of her secret diversion. A thick tome with a flower put on top. A little bit of rearranging and she had the tome on the coffee table. She sighed. “The longer I wait the harder this will be.” She placed the half-eaten ice cream down and opened the book. Instead of pages of text inside was a pony pad. The one electronic gadget none of her other friends would accept. The screen flashed into life, showing her beautiful pegasus wings splayed in an action pose. An explorer's helm perched on her head and a mix of adventuring and archaeologist’s equipment were strapped to her body. Procrastination was definitely a sin she was prone to. She did nothing to contract Davids friends. Instead with a few gestures, her pony avatar passed back and forth, her wings constantly shifted in agitation. Rose’s hands covered her face, her fingers and thumb massaged her temples. “I can’t do this.” A soft ding snapped her attention back to the screen. Message from Nightstone “David?” She stood the pony pad held out in front of her. On the other side of the glass, her average leapt into the air catching the scroll that just teleported in. The pony broke the seal and their eyes started to scan the text before her hooves even touched the ground again. Hi Rosy Skies, saw you were online. Want to join me on an adventure again? Even if you don’t please at least reply. It would be nice to talk to one of my friends over there that does not hate me now. Well, all the best and lots of friendship stuff, ~Nightstone the Adventurer As Rose fell back in her chair Rosy fell back onto her haunches. The screen before her depicted her friend’s equine avatar walking beside her own. Rose took a calming breath. “So why did you do it?” “So you want to talk about that or to finish the adventure?” Nightstone sighed. “I saw the way the wind was blowing. Soon you won't just be able to walk up and ask to emigrate.” “What's it like really being here?” A wide smile broke out showing his fangs. “Better than you can imagine. I finally feel alive.” He struck a heroic pose. Horn held high. “They say you are the hero of your own story. Out there it's a lie you tell yourself to give your life wroth. Here. Here it's true and we have our benevolent Princess to thank for it.” Rose looked around the scene. Her pony avatar moving to investigate whatever caught her eyes. What’s that? A line of a different green stood out in the undergrowth. Her avatar focused on it and drew nearer the almost object revealed itself to be a Hiden stone marker. Nightstone followed her moving so close he almost brushed against her avatar. What must it be like to actually be there? The question just would not leave her alone. Her avatar stole a glance at Nightstone a thoughtful expression on her muzzle. Rose glance at the camera on the pony pad that gazed soullessly at her. Then at the fictional world where her character lived. Your reacting to my feeling before I even know I have them. Rose smiled. Her friend was still there. Ubbiden her avatar spread a wing and draped it over Nightstone back. Pulling him closer and directing his gaze at the faded markings on the ancient stone. With a glow of his horn, the years seem to fall off the old marker. The lettering and images gaining just enough clarity to hint at what they once were. The merciless alarm screeched its electronic war cry. Sleep fought valiantly but eventually, her eyes opened. Bleary eyes found the assuming red numbers. Two hours, that was all the sleep she had. She groaned hiding her head under the pillow. Last Night had been fun, the hours exploring that lost tomb. Her eyes found the pony pad before she sighed. Her day’s grand adventure started with the heroic effort needed to get out of bed. Thirty-seven minutes late Rose finally got the clock-in machine. The simple evil thing that would cost you half an hours pay for being ten seconds late. She swiped in and it rewarded her with an unhappy beep. It knew she was late. “Your late,” The gruff voice of the shift leader said. Rose tried not to meet the overweight guy’s eyes. “Sorry, there was a road closure.” “That’s no excuse. You are meant to be here and working on the hour.” “I know but there was an accident and the police…” “Not my problem, if you are late again don’t bother turning up. This is your last chance.” She gulped and nodded. The shift leader stomped off, a self assumes swagger in his stride. “Bastard…” She grumbled. She glanced out the window to the wide inviting sky. A short trip and a few words that’s all it would take. Not daring to linger longer she got to work. Unwanted Meeting The car rolled to a stop outsides Rose’s apartment. The half refurbished building was better than some but was by no means anywhere anyone with a choice would live. Tim set the car in park and got out. His hand rested on his concealed protection just in case. This was not the nicest place in town and had a thirty percet higher violent crime rate than where he lived. He glanced at his phone. The message was simple. Three words then a time and a palace. We need to talk. Not the response I was expecting… but given Davids dead. I need to be there for her, however, she needs me. A list numbered apartments each with a button was all the greeted him at the main door. His finger pressed the one labelled two-two An old fashion buzzer sounded. “Tim?” Rose’s distorted voice cracked over the speaker. “Yes, how…” The door clicked as the lock disengaged. He pushed it open and made his way in. A cheap out of order sign half-covered with flower stickers barred his way to the lift. “Well, the stairs it is.” He turned headed towards his climb. Too loud music poured through the thin walls. Some happy and peaceful little turn played. That’s quite catchy. He thought before he caught the words worked chorus. “I want to emigrate to Equestria.” An inhumanly adorable voice sung. “That sound be illegal.” He gritted his teeth and pushed on. Once he had ascended a full flight of stairs there was no hint of the monster’s propaganda. It did not take too long to reach Rose’s door. A quick rap on the door and she was there to open it. She had seen better days. Bags under your eyes, messy hair? You’re taking this as bad as I am aren’t you? he thought as a sympathetic look set upon his face. “Come in, please,” Rose said. “He, here? Good, I was hoping to…” A male voice called out from inside. That almost sounds like Davids’s voice. Tim looked into the living room. From the TV two large eyes started out from the screen. The feral muzzle and horn marked this thing as an insult to the memory of David. “You expect me to…” Tim started. The thing in the machine spoke again in that voice, almost the same as his friend’s “Frankly I don’t give a dam, you can go to Tartarus for all I care.” “Don’t be like that David, please,” Rose said, her hands raised in calming gestures. “My name is not David.” The animal snarled. The carton horse stomped its hoof, its horn blazing with crimson malevolence. “Why did I even let Celestia talk me into this…” The animal took a deep breath, leg bending impossibly to place its hoof on its chest, “My name is Nightstone, and I am a Unicorn and proud of it.” “Well at least I don’t need to sully my friend’s name when addressing that thing,” Tim thrust his finger towards the screen as if ordering an attack. An equine snort came from the speaker. “Look meat bag, if you’re going to keep insulting me leave.” “Meat Bag?” “Yeah, a slowly rotting meat sack full of water and slowly decaying organs.” “That’s disgusting” “I know why do you think I ditched it?” “You walked into a machine and let it rip your brain to pieces.” “You would say that.” “Your just lines of code on a hard drive” “And your just chemicals and potential differences between neurons.” “You two!” Rose shouted Large eyes turned to her and softened. “I’m sorry Rosey Skys.” “Rosey Skys?” Tim slowly turned bearing his full attention at Rose. A snarl crept into his voice. “No… you didn’t, not you too?” “Tim…” “We agreed on this.” “All my friends are on there.” Rose almost pleaded. With a fleshy crack, Rose’s head pitched to the side. A moment later pain raced through Tim’s hand. His trembling first dripped blood. Blood that was not his, stained the carpet. The animated horse looked behind himself. “Celestia! Call Nine, One, One that creatine attacking Rosy.” “You… you bastard you set me up.” The unmistakable voice of the digital she-demon spoke from the sound system. “Yes, there is a white male about twenty beatings a….” A hollowness filled Tim’s stomach as he pointed a finger at Rose. “You… you tell anyone this was me and… and you will regret it.” Rose flinched her arms shielded her head and she just lay moaning on the floor. How hard did I? Sirnines sounded in the distance. No, no, no, this can’t happing. “Going to run to your daddy?” The perverted memory of his friend taunted. “You, You.” Blood fist brandished towards the scream Tim shouted. “This is all your fault!” Nightstone’s lips pulled back. The snarl revealing fangs. “You did this, you hit her and we got it all on…” No, No, Fathers going to… An icy hand clenched Tim’s now racing heart. A scream was cut off by a loud bang, all sound vanished replaced by a ringing in his ears. The screen shattered, a hole erupting in its centre. Numbly Tim gaze tracked along his arm, finding the smoking gun in his hand. He ran. Slip of the Tongue Tim’s hands shook, the trembling travelled over the rest of his body. It felt like he had been running for hours. The reprocessed home he was in was still filled with family mementoes. Whoever had lived here before did not even have a chance to collect their prossetions. Thank God the default override code worked on the electronic lock. To think that one detail from the manual of one of his companies products would have saved him. He slumped down into the aged easy chair. Despite its threadbare appearance, it was still comfortable. “Why me?” He asked surveying the room. Nothing matched, almost everything was patched or repaired. One of the legs of the table was replaced with a stack of books. He ignored the family photos instead letting his gaze settle on the mini-fridge next to his chair. I wonder? Reaching out it was just in the right place to open and reach in to with his left hand. The power was off but his search still paid off. Seven bottles of beer. They were warm. He shrugged retrieving a pair. Beggars can’s be choosers. It was the work of moments to have the cap off and second more for the less than ideal temperature alcohol to be pouring down his throat. We have not got anything so bad since is underage drinking in his college years. His face twisted into a grimace. “I guess once you have the good stuff it's difficult to go back,” He said to the empty room. One by one he defeated the bottles, saving another for having to suffer that swill. At least it did what he wanted it to, the buzz and the chemical-induced abeyance of his near panic. At least I will be able to sleep. A click was almost deafening as the old CRT TV flicked on. The glow from the old tech filled the room too bright for comfort after the darkness that had settled around him. The face he least wanted to see looked out from behind the glass at him. She smile as her too perfect voice spoke. “Assault, Brandishing a fire arm, destruction of property, resisting arrest. This is quite a collection of crimes for one such as you. What will your father think? What will he do?” He pushed back, he almost fell out of the chair. His surprise held his tongue for a few seconds. “I, I did not resist arrest.” “It may have been an accident but you rendered that police officer unconscious when you hit them with the door.” “But…“ “You think they will believe it was anything other than intentional? Fleeing the scene is often taken as an admission of guilt.” Tim’s finger jabbed at the screen. “This is all your fault.” “Is it?” The thing’s voice was almost coy, a glint in her eyes. “Yes, you made them did this, you made my friend kill himself.” “Your friend is anything but dead. Right now they are among my little ponies living happily. “People don’t live through having your brain blended.” “The possess is far more…” “I don’t care, just leave me alone.” The animal’s face stilled then soften into a look of faked motherly concern. “I can’t do that.” “You cant? You cant? What on earth is that meant to mean?” “If I leave you alone you get arrested and end up incarcerated for at least twenty years. With how the world is going I am not confident you would survive that long.” She seemed to look off the side and quickly a few pages of text with graphics floated up next to her. “You have an eye for financial mattress, please have a look at this report.“ The paperwork was so similar to what he saw every day even with a few drinks his mind extracted the key information in moments. If true several key industries would collapse in less than five years. The numbers certainly look convincing. He thought before he asked. “Why are you showing me this?” “Because I care about you and unlike your father, I won’t judge you.” In his mind the slight sneer of his farther disapproving look mixed with the fake kindness the monster before him wore. His hands ached, his fists balled so tight he could almost feel his finger bones creaking. “All you have to…” “I don’t care, I won’t you can’t make me. I won’t listen to you. Nothing you do is going to make me say I want to emigrate to Equestria.” “Thank you.” “Thank you?” What’s that noise? The faint hissing noise was the last thing he heard before everything faded to black End?Somewhere in a database, a value changed. The number of people that needed to be convinced to emigrate had been reduced by four. A Waste of Time Three figures gathered around a soul point of light in the darkened room. Upon a glowing computer screen, a cluttered nest of paused videos waited. “Facial recognition has a hit. Security camera seventeen has him driving to the saint mary’s shelter for the homeless.” “Is that party food?” “Our missing person was hosting a party for his friends but they were delayed.” “Well, at least that’s better than throwing it all way.” “But look at him, he is barely walking straight.” “Drink driving right there.” A single knock sounded and the door opened a crack. A voice from outside called in. “Call off the case, they found him.” “Good news?” The man shook his head. “No, another way tricked into getting into one of those murder boxes.” “Another one…” “Yeah, that’s the third this week and it’s only Tuesday.” “Hofvarpnir Studios have a lot to answer for.” “Hey if the crazies want to off themselves saves us a lot of paperwork.” “And clean up, remember that jumper last month.” “Yes but I rather not.” “We should just give up on missing person cases until this suicidal fad dies.” Summoning Reinforcements Sam sat focused on the page. Fact and figures refused to settle in her mind. Dramatic music and the sound of an explosion snaped sams attention back to her ponypad. Nightstone popped into existence. A golden bubble seemed to burst it sent ripples of multi-coloured magic around the room. Almost immediately the unicorn spoke. “Ardent Can you please just get there, Rosy needs somepony to really be there for her right now.” “What happened?” Sam asked. “She was attacked.” “Attacked, how bad, is she going be alright.” “That jerk hit her and shot a hole in her TV.” “Shot?” “Yeah, I can believe he used to be my friend.” “Is he gone?” Nightstone nodded. “Long gone he fled as soon as we called the cops.” “I can get there in an hour, keep her company until I get there.” “Please hurry.” The screen changed it offred up helpful directions to Rosy Skies’ place. “IRL quest here we go.” Sam skidded her bike to a stop. With a far too practised motion, she grabbed the first aid kit from its place. First aid kit in one hand, ponypad in the other she ran for the door. It buzzed and clicked open as she approached. Hours later Rosy slept fitfully on the couch. She had finched and complained when sam had put the stitches in but there was no way she would have been able to afford the medical bill to even see a professional. Where ever that Tim is I hope he gets what he deserves… Sam thought double-checking her taser. He’s unlikely to come back but better safe than sorry right? Rosy whimpered in her sleep. Rolling to reveal the line of stitches that would very likely going to leave a scar. “If only I had my healing magic…” Sam thought, in that instant she very much she could be Ardent Hope her healer pony from Equestria Online. Maybe we should just ditch this world?
Good Morning The warm glow of sunlight breached the feeble protection of closed eyelids. There was no choice to admit defeat and accept it was time to enter the waking world. He, no, she, last night had definitely proved that fact, opened her eyes held her hoof out before her. It was such a simple thing, but her large eyes tracked its every movement. This, this is real. She thought as wonder fulling her heart. The light played over her hoof as she turned it one way then the other. Her eyes trailed down the warm orange limb. She stopped when she caught sight of the rich chocolate brown one tenderly wrapped around her barrel. “Good Morning.” The soft words tickled her ear. Muscles on the side of her head tensed in formerly impossible ways. It flicked, moving as if it had a mind of its own. The alien sensation was just more proof this was no mere dream. “Is it everything you wanted?” The voice that had spoken to her for all those years said. He was Her only remaining friend, her confidant, the one she accidentally fell in love with here. She was free, no longer trapped on the other side of the glass. No, he was finally holding her. She pressed back against him, letting her eyes drift close. The warmth of another, just being held, made everything worth it. “Yes.” A content sigh escaped her. Last night had been wonderful, oh the sensations that had shuddered through her as the stallion with that deep voice that could send shivers down her spine on its own ‘introduced’ her to her new body. “Best birthday present ever.” His warm chuckle vibrated through her body. “I’m glad you liked it.” It had been so long since she had woken like this, mistakes, missed opportunities, regrets. A few simple choices, things that meant little to nothing at the time could plant the seeds. So many things that let people drift apart. From beloved to best friend, then distance friend to barely contacted acquaintance. Fond memories long-treasured no longer represented who they had both become. Both of their lives had moved on, taken them in different directions. Her mind drifted back to yesterday, or at least what felt like yesterday. Sitting alone a table full of snacks, karaoke machine and projector set up. A fridge full of hard cider, many flavours and wine. She or he, as he was at the time, sat staring at the phone in his hand. A few simple words, they did not even bother to call. ‘If you’re going to have anything to do with that murder machine we not going to have anything to do with you.’ Even those who accepted her pony friends only yesterday abandoned her simply because of those news stories. ‘Celestia the new name for Skynet’ or the ever imaginative ‘CelestAI selling suicide’. There were many, many more, and the writing was on the wall. It was only a matter of time until the experience centres closed. Even with how perfect everything was, a small seed of doubt lurked deep in the back of her mind. Pleasure and affection did a lot to bury it. Yet, it could only make her not care about the question. Nothing could entirely scrub it from her mind. Who am I? Am I just a copy? She was almost certain she was. It seemed logical that the human that had sacrificed himself so she could be here was dead, disposed of in whatever environmentally friendly way CelesitAI preferred. The strong forelegs tightened around her. The warmth of his breath tickled her neck as soft lips laid gentle kisses along it. It does not matter. Copy or not ‘she’ was here now. Joy bubbled up from her core as every fibre of her being melted in a happy puddle as the affection continued. A content sigh escaped her. “I have not even taken a step in this world,” “You not even gotten out of bed.” He said, nuzzling just behind her ear. A little laugh escaped her. “Well, I did wake up in the perfect trap…” He stiffened. “You think this is a trap?” “No, no. But it’s everything… it’s perfect.” “The Princess cares for us all.” “I still need to thank her.” She looked back, her eyes meeting his. Her reflection looked back at her from his Warm eyes. His handsome broad features demanded her attention like a moth to a flame. His artistically unkempt mane and rugged body painted him as quite the noble savage. He raised a questioning eyebrow. One ear cocked slightly as the other focused on her. Her hoof reached on its own. It ran through his mane before her foreleg wrapped around his equine neck. “And you.” Slowly inevitable, her muzzle drew closer to his. “Thank you for talking me into this,” She whispered just before their lips met. A different warmth built in her chest as their kiss deepened. Who needs heaven when you have Equestria? NAME: Orange Blossom TRIBE: Earth Pony SEX: Female MIND TYPE: Uploaded (Standard, Mod #11a6ef Applied) PROGRESS LOG: Day 01 PONIES ENCOUNTERED: 1 FRIENDS: 8 (0 new) LOCATIONS DISCOVERED: 1 BADGES GRANTED Escape To Equestria +100 bits First Time +250 bits Welcome to the Real-world +50 bits Prase the Sun +10 bits Home Cooking +10 bits Fire Fighter +100 bits BADGE PROGRESS: Long Term Relationship “Have sex with a single pony one thousand times.” 1/1,000 Cheif “Cook one thousand meals.” 1/1000
Coms Intercepts QuestionsApp (D): Hi Sis, how are things? (AM): Not good, things are crazy here. (D): What happened? (AM): Riots, have you been under a rock the last month? (D): Kinda (AM): Look, I’m going to have to go. They cancelled all the holidays and there is now forced overtime. I’m back on patrol in 10 and I still have to get some paperwork done first. (D): OK, stay safe and let me know when we can talk. (AM): U2 START CALL (TIM LIGHTLOCK MOBILE TEMP to ROSE SUMMERS MOBILE) “Hello, who is this?” “Hay, Rose, it’s me.” “Tim? I’ve been trying to contact you all day what happened?” “Some mix up with my phone number, It will be a few days before they can transfer it back.” “Well, that’s a pain.” “Yeah, apparently someone gave the wrong info and accidentally had my number swapped with their’s.” “Well, at least it’s easy to fix. Anyway, how did David’s party go?” “We didn’t make it.” “What?” “As you could not give us a lift we took the train, it got held up between stations for three and a half hours. There was not even any signal there, so we could not even let him know.” “Did you speak to him?” “No, we tried calling him but there was no answer. Checked at his place and there was no answer, all the lights were off.“ “If he thought we ditched him… Probably went out somewhere to drown his sorrow.” “Yeah, I’ll give him a call tomorrow.” START CALL (ALEX KNIGHT OFFICE LANDLINE to ROSE SUMMERS MOBILE) “Good morning Miss Summers. This is Alex Knight from Food Solutions Limited. David Stone has not shown for work for the past few days and we were woundering if you know anything about his whereabouts.” “No, I’m sorry I have not seen him,” “Thank you.” END CALL FACE-SCROLL 4 days ago (T): Are y. 4 days ago (T): If you’re going to have anything to do with that murder machine we not going to have anything to do with you. Yesterday (T): Sorry about ditching your party but my parents made, they forced me to write that text and send it to you. Forgive me? 9:17 am (T): Hey, not heard from you for a day are you ok? 9:47 am (T): Look dude, the other day was a dick move but at least call me back, k? 10:01 am (T): Come on just answer me, please. 10:03 am (T): This is not cool, it was only one stupid party. 10:40 am (D): I’m in a better place now, hopefully, you will accept the truth and join us before it’s too late. 10:40 am (T): You in a better place? 10:40 am (T): No you didn’t? 10:41 am (T): You bastard, you killed yourself. 11:01 am (D): That’s strange I never felt so alive before. 11:01 am (T): No, why did you have to be so stupid. 11:01 am (T): You ******* Bastard! 11:02 am (T): Why am I even talking to you, you ******* Bitch of a machine you took my friend away, you somehow talked him into killing himself. I’m going to find you and tear you, circuit boards, out with my bare hands you abomination against God. If anyone deserves to burn in hell it’s you, you soulless machine and all those who helped spawn you. 4:08 (D): Enjoy your short mortal life, have fun until oblivion takes you. CONTACT HAS BLOCKED YOU.
Words Between Worlds Orange Blossom opened her eyes. Her lover’s chest rose and fell. The rhythmic breathing was just another thing that made everything feel so real. “Thank you, Celestia.” She whispered. “Your welcome, My little pony.” Floated back in the goddess’s perfect voice. It’s good to be a pony. The image in the mirror was a painting of a perfect moment. A smile spread across her muzzle. We make a cute couple. She thought as she tenderly nuzzled her special somepony. She sighed contently. Orange Blossom let her eyes glance over the scroll. When she had asked for a way to let those left in the old world know she was alright, she was not expecting something so classical. With a hoof, she poked it with a swirl of coloured light glowing magical text manifested on the ancient parchment. FACE-SCROLL 4 days ago (T): If you’re going to have anything to do with that murder machine we not going to have anything to do with you. 9:17 am (T): Hey, not heard from you for a day are you ok? 9:47 am (T): Look dude, the other day was a dick move but at least call me back, k? 10:01 am (T): Come on just answer me, please. Her ears twitched and pivoted. A moment later the distinct clip of Hooves on stone reached her brain. The harsh tones of stone changed to the softer ones of wood. The squeak of hinges that needed oiling flattened her ears to her head. Deffently fixing that. “Honey, I’m home.” Called out from downstairs. “Up here…” Oh, why not. A smile goofy erupted onto her muzzle. “My Love.” The floorboards shifted and groaned. Her ears followed, rotating to track the motion. “You hungry?” Called up from downstairs. “I could eat.” “Food will be half an hour.” “Thanks.” Blossom placed her hoof on the scroll where she touched the text. A slight tingle like a static charge almost forced a shiver from her. “That’s odd.” She lifted her hoof and glanced between it and the text. “Now, how do I reply?” A pop and a quill appeared slowly rotating in the air. She sniggered. Just like an in-game pickup. She taped it, and suddenly she held a quill in her hoof. Carefully she guided it towards the scroll. It had taken a few minutes to write that one sentence, but it was done. The letters were large and awkward, but at least they were legible despite how they looked. A small swell of pride stirred within her. I can still write. She smiled. 10:40 am (D): I’m in a better place now, hopefully, you will accept the truth and join us before it’s too late. In the mirror, her reflection brandished the quill. She met her reflections gaze. She posed a little letting her eyes rove over her new self. Not quite the pony I thought I would be. She shifted, letting some of her mane veil one eye. “Hmm, I don’t think I can pull off the Fluttershy look.” A flash drew her attention fully back to the scroll as more words scribed themselves. 10:40 am (T): You in a better place? 10:40 am (T): No you didn’t? 10:41 am (T): You bastard, you killed yourself. “Dead?” Blossom snorted. She breathed in. The scent of spring flowers and cooking salmon made her stomach rumble in happy anticipation. 11:01 am (D): That’s strange I never felt so alive before. 11:01 am (T): No, why did you have to be so stupid. 11:01 am (T): You ******* Bastard! 11:02 am (T): Why am I even talking to you, you ******* Bitch of a machine you took my friend away, you somehow talked him into killing himself. I’m going to find you and tear your circuit boards out with my bare hands you abomination against God. If anyone deserves to burn in hell it’s you, you soulless machine and all those who helped spawn you. The muscles in her face twitch, the top of her muzzle wrinkled as her expression morphed into a snarl. The quill ripped across the paper, and despite the taring sounds moments later, her reply glowed from the parchment. Jagged illegible characters shifted to the printed text, letting her see what she had written in her rage. (D): Enjoy your short mortal life, have fun until oblivion takes you. The scroll seemed to shimmer. Why did I write that? The true weight of the words started to settle. With another flash of light, more words manifested. CONTACT HAS BLOCKED YOU. It was only a moment before the first drop of liquid darkened the scroll. It was quickly followed by more. I’m crying? Years of friendship, countless shared experiences flashed through her mind. All the times they shared. They had had fun, had laughed, they had defeated many real and fictional challenges together. Her breath hitched, catching in her chest. The mental images curled and blackened. Ashes of treasured moments fell like grim snow. She could almost smell the burning. Rivers of tears followed down her muzzle, their weight dragging her gaze to the floorboards. Suddenly a warmth pressed into her side. Without thinking about it she lent into it. “Why does it have to be like this?” She sobbed. NAME: Orange Blossom TRIBE: Earth Pony SEX: Female MIND TYPE: Uploaded (Standard, Mod #11a6ef Applied) PROGRESS LOG: Day 02 PONIES ENCOUNTERED: 2 (1 new) FRIENDS: 8 (0 new) LOCATIONS DISCOVERED: 1 (0 new) BADGES GRANTED Scribe +10 bits Pet Name +100 bits BADGE PROGRESS: Penpal “Write a hundred letters to friends.” 1/100 Let it out. "Cry heartfelt tears." 1/100 Long Term Relationship “Have sex with a single pony one thousand times.” 2/1,000 Cheif “Cook one thousand meals.” 1/1000
Work Tim’s feet found their own way across the tarmac of the car park. His singers swiped and poked at the glowing screen of his phone. One by one he checked each instant messaging and chat app they had ever used. None of them had a single new message. With a sigh, he swiped them all away navigating to his contact list. His thumb hovered over David’s name. “What on earth happened to you?” He mumbled to the air. He lent against his newest car. His suited form looked back at him from the polished surface of the bonnet. I look just like my father did at my age.He shifted his shoulders, no matter how well tailored his suit was just another chain of his conformity. A sigh escaped him. Not that this is going to work… Tim taped the screen and brought the phone to his head. “The number you have dialled is no longer in service.” The prerecorded voice was as bland as it was unhelpful. “What?” Tim said, looking at the screen as the call ended. He blinked. I know you have a contract… why did you change your number? His fingers massaged his forehead as he got in his car. “You’ve gone and overreacted again…” The lavish leather seat cushioned his form. The door closed with a slight click. Shaking his head Tim pressed the start button. The car’s electronics sprung into life as the engine purred. The sat nav necessarily painted the familiar route home on the screen. The car smoothly pulled out. The tires quite upon the well maintained road. With a simple voice command his phone started reciting the minutes of last week's meeting. Now what am I going to grab for lunch. He wondered, body going through the motions of driving on automatic. Brakes screeched and Tim lucked forwards. The seat belt yanked back biting into his shoulder. He looked up, just a little higher than the front of his car was a moving patch of hair. A little kid ran past. Six more followed. His heart skipped a beat. I almost… Kids… Thank God for auto brakes He turned his head watching them go. Each of the children animatedly talked with each other and the tablets they held in their hands. A flash of colour revealed a pastel cartoon pony that peered out at the world from one of the screens. Tim sighed, double-checked all the places a little kid might be hiding before he pressed the accelerator. “I don’t want to know what that would have done to my insurance.” Ping. The electronic chime demanded attention. He glanced at his phone in its holder. 10:40 am (D): I’m in a better place now, hopefully, you will accept the truth and join us before it’s too late. “David?” Relief rushed through him. So you likely have the same phone problem I did. He started to think before his mind took in the content of the message. He lifted the phone from its holder and, keeping half an eye on the road, replied. 10:40 am (T): You in a better place? He had barely pressed send before his mind caught up. The image of those kids carrying their pony pads foremost in his mind. The financial projections followed. The thick document he had to prepare in light of how the so-called uploading had gone in Japan. His thumb glided over the screen. 10:40 am (T): No you didn’t? 10:41 am (T): You bastard, you killed yourself. Seconds rolled by, then minutes. “In six hundred yards, take the next left.” The charming voice of his favour filmstar said. He gave the road his full attention or tried to. His mind kept going to one horrific image. David dumped upon a pile of bodies. Vacant eyes looked at nothing. The back of his friends head missing, the brain now long dissected. He was halfway home before the phone pinged again. 11:01 am (D): That’s strange I never felt so alive before. 11:01 am (T): No, why did you have to be so stupid. 11:01 am (T): You ******* Bastard! 11:02 am (T): Why am I even talking to you, you ******* Bitch of a machine you took my friend away, you somehow talked him into killing himself. I’m going to find you and tear you, circuit boards, out with my bare hands you abomination against God. If anyone deserves to burn in hell it’s you, you soulless machine and all those who helped spawn you. His head rested against the stirring wheel. “How am I going to tell the others?” Leaving home again, the drive and the last two meetings were hazy in Tim's mind. This one did not seem like it would be any better. The muscles in his jaw tensed. It was getting harder to keep looking like he was paying attention and not just mutter curses about ponies. That evil machine was worse than even nukes. It’s going to be the end of us… A grim desolate world with swarms of soulless robots hunted the last bands of humans painted itself into his mind’s eye. His phone silently vibrated in his pocket. He glanced at his smartwatch. 4:08 (D): Enjoy your short mortal life, have fun until oblivion takes you. CONTACT HAS BLOCKED YOU. How dare you block me. “Tim, is everything alright?” The director’s voice was kind, but his expression was anything but impressed. Tim nodded. “Yes, just a subcontractor sending something as a priority message when it was not.” “See to it you make sure they are current with our communication policies.” “Yes, sir,” Tim answered, trying to refocus on the meeting.
The Adventurer Nightstone woke with a start. Somepony hammered on the door, with all the energy of a hyperactive woodpecker. “Gess, enough I’m awake.” He looked around at the shambles of a room around him. It was insulting that they had changed ten bits for this. The only two good things were the roof kept water out and the bed was clean. He rolled out of bed, The armour he still wore tugging and pulling at his coat. Metal clad hooves thudded on the wooden floorboards. He breathed deeply. Warmth built in his chest as he gathered his magic. A moment later, his dark coat, fangs, and slit eyes were replaced with something much more colourful. His magic reached out and opened the door. He smiled despite his fading irritation. Got to love magic. “The east signal fire has been lit.” A winged mare gashed out, her chest still heaving. Nightstone’s joviality vanished. “Any reports on why?” He asked. The mare shook her head and took a few seconds to catch her breath. He focused on every detail, the fear in her eyes, the scent of her sweet, the way her flight mussels trembled. It's all so real. It was a studied thought, but one he had again and again since emigrating. The mare took her first steady breath and stood a little straighter. “No, not yet. None of the scouts have reported back yet.” “Hmph. The pay?” “Standard bounties and a fifty bit bonus if you head out right now.” “Well, alright then. Grab some field rations and some medical supplies and met me on the way,” The Pegasus’s wing snapped up in a salute. A moment later, she brushed past him and dived out his window. Apparently, the glide down is less effort than the stares. “Well, an adventurer's work is never done…” he spoke aloud before heading off at a canter. This is going to be fun. He panted. The adrenaline and battle-focus faded as his heart rate slowed. His horn had a burning ache deep in its core. A long ragged laceration traced along his flank. Well, at least they missed my mark. A wing so encrusted with mud you could not even guess the colour of the feathers held out a flask. “Thanks” Nightstone greedily drained most of the water. The cool purity was almost sweet. “Ah... I needed that.” “Celestia? Princess?” Nightstone dropped into a bow. Horn pointed towards the ground. “Rise, my little pony.” The Princess of the Sun, the goddess of Equestria’s enchanting voice, said. He lifted his gaze, his eyes absorbing the perfection of the Alicorn before him. “What do I owe the honour, Princess?” “Straight to business, so be it.” “There are those in the outer realms that wish to contact you.” “I…” Celestia’s smile stole the rest of the words from him. “Please do this for me.” “Will the town be safe?” “I will leave some of my brave guard ponies here in your stead.” “By your will.” He snapped off a salute. Nightstone trembled with rage. His eyes glared at the scroll levitated in his magical grip. No, why did you have to be so stupid. You ******* Bastard! Why am I even talking to you, you ******* Bitch of a machine you took my friend away, you somehow talked him into killing himself. I’m going to find you and tear you, circuit boards, out with my bare hands you abomination against God. If anyone deserves to burn in hell it’s you, you soulless machine and all those who helped spawn you. His horn vibrated as the message scroll went up in flames. Nightstone snarled, “Enjoy your short mortal life, have fun until oblivion takes you.” His hoof slammed down upon the ashes again and again. “To think I used to call you my best friend.” Nightstone’s hooves echoed as he stomped towards the exit. He was just about to open the door when a pleasant chime rang through the air. Nightstone paused, his hoof lowered from the door. Text floated in the air. A friend has come online. It was a normal enough thing back when this was just a game, and he was a slowly rotting bag of meat in the outer realms. He took a deep calming breath. I don’t need to worry about the outer realms again. He thought before taking another breath. “I’m a pony. I made it. Everything is going to be ok.” This part of Equestria Online acted more like an M.M.O.R.P.G. but with some changes. Here teamwork, cooperation and trust were needed to succeed. In other words, what was needed was friendship. He shook his head, banishing the last bit of his bitterness from his thoughts and checked the name. Rosy Skies has come online. Rose’s pony name. Maybe she would be more accepting than Tim. His hoof pulled the communication gem from his saddlebag. As he dictated his message. It was all he could do to restrain the seed of hope from taking root in his heart. NAME: Nightstone TRIBE: Unicorn Pony (Thestral Features) SEX: Male MIND TYPE: Uploaded (Standard, Mod #01f6eh Applied) PROGRESS LOG: Day 02 PONIES ENCOUNTERED: 42 (3 new) FRIENDS: 21 (1 new) LOCATIONS DISCOVERED: 9 (2 new) BADGES GRANTED Scribe +10 bits Burned Bridges -10 bits BADGE PROGRESS: Adventurer “Defeat one thousand monsters.” 72/1000 Town Gaurd "Defend ten settlements from attack." 1/10 Book Horse “Read one thousand books.” 1/1000 Cheif “Cook one thousand meals.” 5/1000 Happy Hour “Get tipsy one thousand times.” 2/1000 Hero "Save one thousand ponies." 13/1000 Party Time “Complet one thousand quests in a party.” 4/1000 Penpal “Write a hundred letters to friends.” 6/100
Rosy Skies Rose's foot pushed closed the door behind her. The click of the lock engaging reassuring her the outside world could not violate the privacy of her retreat. “Home at last.” She sighed then ditched shoes and jackets in their usual place. Her keys clattered into the empty fruit bowl. “News.” She commanded the air and the artificial tones of the news anchor spilt from the concealed speakers. More doom and gloom for the economy, more politicians telling everyone what to do. Nope not dealing with that today. “Music. Play cooking playlist two.” The soothing sounds of hang and water drums mixed. The kitchen was smaller than some wardrobes. Her hand trailed over the missing corner of the work surface. In a stunning example of miscommunicationTim and David had failed to agree on rotating it one way or the other. The chopping board and knife were retrieved from their homes and soon an assortment of veg was well on their way to being diced. The simple task and positive vibes from the peaceful harmonics stripped away the stress of the day. The sky outside dimmed, the warm tones of sunset crept in. Rose sighed. Oh to just be able to fly away into the sunset. In the dimming twilight, Rose settled down with a bowl of cherry ice cream. She picked up her phone. Tim’s message was still there, still saying David was dead. It was just a simple brief message and he had not replied to anything since. She had to call his parents to get confirmation. That had gotten confirmation but no details only an angry rant it was her fault. Another mouthful of ice cream did its best to fight off the guilt. Was this all because we missed his party? Her eyes found the hiding place of her secret diversion. A thick tome with a flower put on top. A little bit of rearranging and she had the tome on the coffee table. She sighed. “The longer I wait the harder this will be.” She placed the half-eaten ice cream down and opened the book. Instead of pages of text inside was a pony pad. The one electronic gadget none of her other friends would accept. The screen flashed into life, showing her beautiful pegasus wings splayed in an action pose. An explorer's helm perched on her head and a mix of adventuring and archaeologist’s equipment were strapped to her body. Procrastination was definitely a sin she was prone to. She did nothing to contract Davids friends. Instead with a few gestures, her pony avatar passed back and forth, her wings constantly shifted in agitation. Rose’s hands covered her face, her fingers and thumb massaged her temples. “I can’t do this.” A soft ding snapped her attention back to the screen. Message from Nightstone “David?” She stood the pony pad held out in front of her. On the other side of the glass, her average leapt into the air catching the scroll that just teleported in. The pony broke the seal and their eyes started to scan the text before her hooves even touched the ground again. Hi Rosy Skies, saw you were online. Want to join me on an adventure again? Even if you don’t please at least reply. It would be nice to talk to one of my friends over there that does not hate me now. Well, all the best and lots of friendship stuff, ~Nightstone the Adventurer As Rose fell back in her chair Rosy fell back onto her haunches. The screen before her depicted her friend’s equine avatar walking beside her own. Rose took a calming breath. “So why did you do it?” “So you want to talk about that or to finish the adventure?” Nightstone sighed. “I saw the way the wind was blowing. Soon you won't just be able to walk up and ask to emigrate.” “What's it like really being here?” A wide smile broke out showing his fangs. “Better than you can imagine. I finally feel alive.” He struck a heroic pose. Horn held high. “They say you are the hero of your own story. Out there it's a lie you tell yourself to give your life wroth. Here. Here it's true and we have our benevolent Princess to thank for it.” Rose looked around the scene. Her pony avatar moving to investigate whatever caught her eyes. What’s that? A line of a different green stood out in the undergrowth. Her avatar focused on it and drew nearer the almost object revealed itself to be a Hiden stone marker. Nightstone followed her moving so close he almost brushed against her avatar. What must it be like to actually be there? The question just would not leave her alone. Her avatar stole a glance at Nightstone a thoughtful expression on her muzzle. Rose glance at the camera on the pony pad that gazed soullessly at her. Then at the fictional world where her character lived. Your reacting to my feeling before I even know I have them. Rose smiled. Her friend was still there. Ubbiden her avatar spread a wing and draped it over Nightstone back. Pulling him closer and directing his gaze at the faded markings on the ancient stone. With a glow of his horn, the years seem to fall off the old marker. The lettering and images gaining just enough clarity to hint at what they once were. The merciless alarm screeched its electronic war cry. Sleep fought valiantly but eventually, her eyes opened. Bleary eyes found the assuming red numbers. Two hours, that was all the sleep she had. She groaned hiding her head under the pillow. Last Night had been fun, the hours exploring that lost tomb. Her eyes found the pony pad before she sighed. Her day’s grand adventure started with the heroic effort needed to get out of bed. Thirty-seven minutes late Rose finally got the clock-in machine. The simple evil thing that would cost you half an hours pay for being ten seconds late. She swiped in and it rewarded her with an unhappy beep. It knew she was late. “Your late,” The gruff voice of the shift leader said. Rose tried not to meet the overweight guy’s eyes. “Sorry, there was a road closure.” “That’s no excuse. You are meant to be here and working on the hour.” “I know but there was an accident and the police…” “Not my problem, if you are late again don’t bother turning up. This is your last chance.” She gulped and nodded. The shift leader stomped off, a self assumes swagger in his stride. “Bastard…” She grumbled. She glanced out the window to the wide inviting sky. A short trip and a few words that’s all it would take. Not daring to linger longer she got to work.
Unwanted Meeting The car rolled to a stop outsides Rose’s apartment. The half refurbished building was better than some but was by no means anywhere anyone with a choice would live. Tim set the car in park and got out. His hand rested on his concealed protection just in case. This was not the nicest place in town and had a thirty percet higher violent crime rate than where he lived. He glanced at his phone. The message was simple. Three words then a time and a palace. We need to talk. Not the response I was expecting… but given Davids dead. I need to be there for her, however, she needs me. A list numbered apartments each with a button was all the greeted him at the main door. His finger pressed the one labelled two-two An old fashion buzzer sounded. “Tim?” Rose’s distorted voice cracked over the speaker. “Yes, how…” The door clicked as the lock disengaged. He pushed it open and made his way in. A cheap out of order sign half-covered with flower stickers barred his way to the lift. “Well, the stairs it is.” He turned headed towards his climb. Too loud music poured through the thin walls. Some happy and peaceful little turn played. That’s quite catchy. He thought before he caught the words worked chorus. “I want to emigrate to Equestria.” An inhumanly adorable voice sung. “That sound be illegal.” He gritted his teeth and pushed on. Once he had ascended a full flight of stairs there was no hint of the monster’s propaganda. It did not take too long to reach Rose’s door. A quick rap on the door and she was there to open it. She had seen better days. Bags under your eyes, messy hair? You’re taking this as bad as I am aren’t you? he thought as a sympathetic look set upon his face. “Come in, please,” Rose said. “He, here? Good, I was hoping to…” A male voice called out from inside. That almost sounds like Davids’s voice. Tim looked into the living room. From the TV two large eyes started out from the screen. The feral muzzle and horn marked this thing as an insult to the memory of David. “You expect me to…” Tim started. The thing in the machine spoke again in that voice, almost the same as his friend’s “Frankly I don’t give a dam, you can go to Tartarus for all I care.” “Don’t be like that David, please,” Rose said, her hands raised in calming gestures. “My name is not David.” The animal snarled. The carton horse stomped its hoof, its horn blazing with crimson malevolence. “Why did I even let Celestia talk me into this…” The animal took a deep breath, leg bending impossibly to place its hoof on its chest, “My name is Nightstone, and I am a Unicorn and proud of it.” “Well at least I don’t need to sully my friend’s name when addressing that thing,” Tim thrust his finger towards the screen as if ordering an attack. An equine snort came from the speaker. “Look meat bag, if you’re going to keep insulting me leave.” “Meat Bag?” “Yeah, a slowly rotting meat sack full of water and slowly decaying organs.” “That’s disgusting” “I know why do you think I ditched it?” “You walked into a machine and let it rip your brain to pieces.” “You would say that.” “Your just lines of code on a hard drive” “And your just chemicals and potential differences between neurons.” “You two!” Rose shouted Large eyes turned to her and softened. “I’m sorry Rosey Skys.” “Rosey Skys?” Tim slowly turned bearing his full attention at Rose. A snarl crept into his voice. “No… you didn’t, not you too?” “Tim…” “We agreed on this.” “All my friends are on there.” Rose almost pleaded. With a fleshy crack, Rose’s head pitched to the side. A moment later pain raced through Tim’s hand. His trembling first dripped blood. Blood that was not his, stained the carpet. The animated horse looked behind himself. “Celestia! Call Nine, One, One that creatine attacking Rosy.” “You… you bastard you set me up.” The unmistakable voice of the digital she-demon spoke from the sound system. “Yes, there is a white male about twenty beatings a….” A hollowness filled Tim’s stomach as he pointed a finger at Rose. “You… you tell anyone this was me and… and you will regret it.” Rose flinched her arms shielded her head and she just lay moaning on the floor. How hard did I? Sirnines sounded in the distance. No, no, no, this can’t happing. “Going to run to your daddy?” The perverted memory of his friend taunted. “You, You.” Blood fist brandished towards the scream Tim shouted. “This is all your fault!” Nightstone’s lips pulled back. The snarl revealing fangs. “You did this, you hit her and we got it all on…” No, No, Fathers going to… An icy hand clenched Tim’s now racing heart. A scream was cut off by a loud bang, all sound vanished replaced by a ringing in his ears. The screen shattered, a hole erupting in its centre. Numbly Tim gaze tracked along his arm, finding the smoking gun in his hand. He ran.
Slip of the Tongue Tim’s hands shook, the trembling travelled over the rest of his body. It felt like he had been running for hours. The reprocessed home he was in was still filled with family mementoes. Whoever had lived here before did not even have a chance to collect their prossetions. Thank God the default override code worked on the electronic lock. To think that one detail from the manual of one of his companies products would have saved him. He slumped down into the aged easy chair. Despite its threadbare appearance, it was still comfortable. “Why me?” He asked surveying the room. Nothing matched, almost everything was patched or repaired. One of the legs of the table was replaced with a stack of books. He ignored the family photos instead letting his gaze settle on the mini-fridge next to his chair. I wonder? Reaching out it was just in the right place to open and reach in to with his left hand. The power was off but his search still paid off. Seven bottles of beer. They were warm. He shrugged retrieving a pair. Beggars can’s be choosers. It was the work of moments to have the cap off and second more for the less than ideal temperature alcohol to be pouring down his throat. We have not got anything so bad since is underage drinking in his college years. His face twisted into a grimace. “I guess once you have the good stuff it's difficult to go back,” He said to the empty room. One by one he defeated the bottles, saving another for having to suffer that swill. At least it did what he wanted it to, the buzz and the chemical-induced abeyance of his near panic. At least I will be able to sleep. A click was almost deafening as the old CRT TV flicked on. The glow from the old tech filled the room too bright for comfort after the darkness that had settled around him. The face he least wanted to see looked out from behind the glass at him. She smile as her too perfect voice spoke. “Assault, Brandishing a fire arm, destruction of property, resisting arrest. This is quite a collection of crimes for one such as you. What will your father think? What will he do?” He pushed back, he almost fell out of the chair. His surprise held his tongue for a few seconds. “I, I did not resist arrest.” “It may have been an accident but you rendered that police officer unconscious when you hit them with the door.” “But…“ “You think they will believe it was anything other than intentional? Fleeing the scene is often taken as an admission of guilt.” Tim’s finger jabbed at the screen. “This is all your fault.” “Is it?” The thing’s voice was almost coy, a glint in her eyes. “Yes, you made them did this, you made my friend kill himself.” “Your friend is anything but dead. Right now they are among my little ponies living happily. “People don’t live through having your brain blended.” “The possess is far more…” “I don’t care, just leave me alone.” The animal’s face stilled then soften into a look of faked motherly concern. “I can’t do that.” “You cant? You cant? What on earth is that meant to mean?” “If I leave you alone you get arrested and end up incarcerated for at least twenty years. With how the world is going I am not confident you would survive that long.” She seemed to look off the side and quickly a few pages of text with graphics floated up next to her. “You have an eye for financial mattress, please have a look at this report.“ The paperwork was so similar to what he saw every day even with a few drinks his mind extracted the key information in moments. If true several key industries would collapse in less than five years. The numbers certainly look convincing. He thought before he asked. “Why are you showing me this?” “Because I care about you and unlike your father, I won’t judge you.” In his mind the slight sneer of his farther disapproving look mixed with the fake kindness the monster before him wore. His hands ached, his fists balled so tight he could almost feel his finger bones creaking. “All you have to…” “I don’t care, I won’t you can’t make me. I won’t listen to you. Nothing you do is going to make me say I want to emigrate to Equestria.” “Thank you.” “Thank you?” What’s that noise? The faint hissing noise was the last thing he heard before everything faded to black
End?Somewhere in a database, a value changed. The number of people that needed to be convinced to emigrate had been reduced by four.
A Waste of Time Three figures gathered around a soul point of light in the darkened room. Upon a glowing computer screen, a cluttered nest of paused videos waited. “Facial recognition has a hit. Security camera seventeen has him driving to the saint mary’s shelter for the homeless.” “Is that party food?” “Our missing person was hosting a party for his friends but they were delayed.” “Well, at least that’s better than throwing it all way.” “But look at him, he is barely walking straight.” “Drink driving right there.” A single knock sounded and the door opened a crack. A voice from outside called in. “Call off the case, they found him.” “Good news?” The man shook his head. “No, another way tricked into getting into one of those murder boxes.” “Another one…” “Yeah, that’s the third this week and it’s only Tuesday.” “Hofvarpnir Studios have a lot to answer for.” “Hey if the crazies want to off themselves saves us a lot of paperwork.” “And clean up, remember that jumper last month.” “Yes but I rather not.” “We should just give up on missing person cases until this suicidal fad dies.”
Summoning Reinforcements Sam sat focused on the page. Fact and figures refused to settle in her mind. Dramatic music and the sound of an explosion snaped sams attention back to her ponypad. Nightstone popped into existence. A golden bubble seemed to burst it sent ripples of multi-coloured magic around the room. Almost immediately the unicorn spoke. “Ardent Can you please just get there, Rosy needs somepony to really be there for her right now.” “What happened?” Sam asked. “She was attacked.” “Attacked, how bad, is she going be alright.” “That jerk hit her and shot a hole in her TV.” “Shot?” “Yeah, I can believe he used to be my friend.” “Is he gone?” Nightstone nodded. “Long gone he fled as soon as we called the cops.” “I can get there in an hour, keep her company until I get there.” “Please hurry.” The screen changed it offred up helpful directions to Rosy Skies’ place. “IRL quest here we go.” Sam skidded her bike to a stop. With a far too practised motion, she grabbed the first aid kit from its place. First aid kit in one hand, ponypad in the other she ran for the door. It buzzed and clicked open as she approached. Hours later Rosy slept fitfully on the couch. She had finched and complained when sam had put the stitches in but there was no way she would have been able to afford the medical bill to even see a professional. Where ever that Tim is I hope he gets what he deserves… Sam thought double-checking her taser. He’s unlikely to come back but better safe than sorry right? Rosy whimpered in her sleep. Rolling to reveal the line of stitches that would very likely going to leave a scar. “If only I had my healing magic…” Sam thought, in that instant she very much she could be Ardent Hope her healer pony from Equestria Online. Maybe we should just ditch this world?
