2 days earlier. Jone's house...
Jones was having a weekend. It's being...Quite calm to be honest. Usually, he would spend time with friends or in town. This time though, Jones decided to simply enjoy TV with snacks. He was sitting on a sofa, legs on the table. Scientist was wearing black slippers, white T-Shirt with 'Hard Working' written on it and light sport pants. Sure he wasn't COMPLETELY away from work. His phone number was available to every employee on Level '4' in case they need him. Not like something would happen anyway, so-
The phone suddenly rang. Jones cried out "CHRIST!" before falling down on the floor. He ended up being upside-down. Still being in this position, Jones groaned and managed to reach the phone on his table.
He noticed the contact and answered "Jones on the phone...What is wrong, Don?"
Voice from the phone answered "Oh uh...Evening to you, Jo! Ther is uhm...A little unexpected request from Celestia"
Jones quickly stood up "When did you get it?"
Don replied "Well...5 minutes ago or so. We got a letter from portable 'Gate' with her mark on it"
Jones ran towards his wardrobe "Will be there in 3 minutes and 45 seconds!"
Present...
"Are you sure you don't want me to acompany you?"
I turned towards Jannet "Nope, I'm good walking around the town with Will or alone"
She nodded "Well, if you say so...Just remember that if something happens-"
"- I will call you" I finished for her "Jannet, you were telling me this all day"
So here it is, my day off...Sure after 4 days, but still! Yeah, after I told Mr. Jones about my plans for my day off, he didn't mind. Though Jannet was worried for some reason. I mean, she was getting me ready for this entire morning. It was starting to get annoying.
Jannet sighed "Yeah, I know. It's just that you didn't see town for a year now"
I simply shrugged "I mean, another reason too walk around, right? After all, sooner or later I would come out of the facility"
Jannet pulled out her phone "Alright, I hope you DO know when-"
"I have to be back before 10 pm or else you will track me down using chip" I pulled out my phone.
Well, I didn't really need stylish or expencive phone. That's why facility engineers designed this one for me (without knowing the last part 'course). It had ordinary frame, display and camera. It's functionality is the same as that of a regular phone. So what makes it different?
Well, nothing much, really. It's main difference though is that it has built-in chip to track me down in case I get lost in facility. I mean, after I got lost for third time, everybody just gave up and gave me this phone. Not like I'm using it or carrying it with me a lot.
Jannet pointed her finger out "Exactly. You have a lot of time mister, so you better make sure to have fun!"
I snorted "Well, I will surely try"
Jannet nodded "Very well then. Willson will come here to get you. Once again, have fun!"
I waved my hand "Will do"
Jannet left my room and closed the door behind her. So why would Willson come to get me? First of all, simply because I would get lost. I mean, Level '1' is small, but I never saw it after it got rebuilt. Second of all, (even) if I got out myself, employees would ask questions about my parents. There goes my smalness...
So anyway, let's see how I look. Grey sneakers...Grey jeans...Black hoodie with white insides and a white T-Shirt under it. Geez, I kinda look like main hero of some cheap school life story. I mean, I'm wearing hoodie for two reasons. First: To simply cover bandages. Second: Because it's cozy!
Hoodies are just like a safe shell for me. I can cover myself from the entire world. Hoodies are the best, change my mind!
Actually, no, don't...I still want to enjoy wearing them.
My thoughts were stopped by the knocking on my door.
"Come in!" I put the phone in one of my pockets.
Willson appeared in the doorway. He was wearing the same clothes as the last time I saw him. Now though, Willson was wearing his favorite jacket.
He raised his eyebrow and leaned onto the doorway with his body "Ready t' go?"
I smirked and made a thumb up "Sure am!"
Willson pushed himself up "Let's go then. Ah have a shop t' take care of!"
And so, we started walking. It's honestly been a long time since I visited any other levels or the town itself. Maybe my body was calmly walking...But my insides were jumping. Finally, I will be able to meet with ponies face to face! Oh, and maybe I could visit the arcade as well. Maybe someone finally managed to beat my record. It's being a while since I met a worthy opponent...
We approached the elevator and entered it. Cabin was just like any other elevator. The panel had 4 buttons with numbers 1 to 4 on them. It also had a card reader nearby. Willson pressed the button numbered '1' and doors closed.
I guess you already understood how the elevator works, right? But just in case, I will explain. So basically, each employee has a card. They use it to get food at canteen, enter the building itself and use the elevator. So there are (oblviously) 4 cards. Level 1 card allows you to go anywhere on Level '1' of the facility. You can't use the elevator though. Level 2 card allows you to use the elevator to travel to Level '2'. Same with level 3 and level 4 cards. Sure there are stairs, but they are for emergencies only. Though they are always open. I guess everyone and everypony just keep forgetting about them...
"Oi, boy! Wake up 'lready!"
Willson's voice woke me up "Eh?"
"Ye were standin' here like a dummy. Ye sure yer 'kay bud?" Willson raised his eyebrow.
I nodded "Yup, I'm pretty good. I was just thinking about...Something" I looked at the indicator. God, why is it taking so long to get down? It like, 3 floors!
Willson leaned onto the wall "Ahm tellin' ya, we shoulda have takn' the stairs 'nstead of that slowpoke machine!"
I snorted "Well, you are the one who uses it everyday after all..."
Before Willson could answer, our elevator stopped. Few seconds later, doors opened...
Ah...The Level '1'...Such a loud and a peaceful place at the same time! I mean, there are kinda a lot of humans and ponies walking/trotting around, but I feel really...Safe here. Hard and no need to explain, so let's move on.
Me and Willson left the elevator and headed towards the exit. Most of the Level '1' are...Sitting spots. I mean, chairs, sofas, tables...Since 'Gate' needs time to recharge after each use. There is also a canteen, a playroom and a toilet (Obviously). Some people gave me interested sights, but it didn't really matter. After all, the only thing that attracted them was my...Size...
Thank you very much, Mother Nature!
So anyway, we left the building. In front of us was a road, and it was quiet! It's quite surprising since this is the center of...Basically everething that is connected to Equestria after all. Sure there were ponies and humans walking around. Willson walked towards one of the cars and..
My eyes nearly fell down "Holy shit...Will, is that YOUR car!?"
Willson turned around with a frown "Watch ye language youn' man!" with a smirk, he put hand on the car's hood.
He then looked at me "What did ye think Ah had? Sum old worn bucket 'o' bolt 'n' nails?"
I snapped out of my thought "I mean...I knew you weren't poor at all but...THAT?"
Willson rolled his eyes "Com' on boy, get in!"
We entered the car. It was very...Futuristic inside. All those tablets, buttons...Was it even a car in the first place? Willson started the engine. It didn't make any sounds! What an awesome car!
10 minutes of driving later...
I and Willson were standing in front of a flower shop.
Willson exhaled "Well, home sweet home!"
Yup, classic. Willson runs a flower shop and lives on the second floor. He told me about it a while ago.
I shrugged "It does smell sweet though"
Willson turned around "Ah guess ya ain't interested in it eh?"
I nodded "No offence old man, but you are right. Flowers are just...Not my thing"
Willson snorted "Well, there are plenty places to visit here. Knock yerself out, but-"
"Don't be late and don't talk to strangers. Yeah, I know it. I'm not THAT naive, you know?" yeah I love to guess what someone is about to say.
Willson looked at me skeptically "Jus' make sure yer are safe 'n' sound. We don' wan' to risk ya"
I nodded "Got'cha!"
Willson sighed and entered his shop. I pulled out my phone and opened online map. I think that town changed a lot after I 'dissapeared', so might as well make sure that I won't get lost.
Now, the main question, what should I do? I could watch ponies and humans interact. I could just walk around...Maybe visit some familiar places. Or...Everething at once!
A bright idea appeared in my head. I quickly tapped the 'Search' bar and wrote one place. If I was right, it should be nearby...Yup! It is, wheeew! I wonder how did the legendary arcade change in a year...
I started walking the streets, occasionally getting fast glances from some ponies and even humans. Guess NOW I have an actual reason to avoid others...
30 minutes earlier, facility...
Jones was waiting on Level '1'. Two days ago, Celestia asked a favor. Her student was really, and she even underlined this word, interested in the alternate world. She didn't mention why her mysterious protégé didn't visit Earth earlier though. Celestia just asked Jone to greet her and show around the facility. Also tell about Earth itself. Princess also mentioned that her student could bring somepony with her, so he better be ready.
Jones looked at the screen above the gates that led towards the gate. The next 'Warp' should be done in the next minute or so.
And so it did.
Sooner after gates opened, revealing three figures. Two ponies and one...Small dragon? Unicorn on the left had a lilac coat and purple and teal mane. Dragon on the right was purple with green. And finally, the unicorn in the middle purple unicorn with dark purple mane and wings on the sides. They were talking to each other.
'Wait...Unicorns don't have wings. That means...She is an alicorn?!'
Jones was a bit confused now. Alicorn though, turned her at the scientist and went silent. Unicorn and dragon looked at each other and sweated a bit. They quietly sneaked away from the scene. It seemed that something was about to happen...
Jones broke the silence "So, Ms Twilight Sparkle, am I right?" he reached his hand out "My name is Dr Jones. But I think you already-"
Alicorn suddenly dashed towards scientist and grabbed his hand with her hoves. She started to energetically shake it "OH CELESTIA IT'S REALLY YOU! My name is Twilight Sparkle and I'm VEEEERY amazed by your work. I read every single report and wrote them down in a book to not forget! Your work is just amazing and.."
And so it went on. Everyone and everypony were looking at them confused or with smiles. Jones sighed 'Yeah...Guess Celestia wasn't exaggerating...'
Elsewhere...
Starlight and Spike were following the map Twilight gave them. They were using those weird mechanisms called 'Busses'. After a while of exploring and noting, they decided to.have a break. They stopped at the park entrance nearby to the benches. There were humans and ponies around as well. Some were walking, some sitting on benches. There were those who were looking at Spike with curious faces as well.
Spike fell on the bench and huffed "Pheeew...I wonder what is happening to that poor dude right now"
Starlight made a fake sad face "Poor thing didn't even get a second to react...May he rest in peace" she joined him and opened a map "So...There is one single cafe nearby and this park"
Spike yawned "Eh, we can just rest here for a while...I mean, Twilight didn't ORDER us to walk around, you know?"
Starlight clipped her eyes "..wait, we could just...Walk as we wanted?" she then pointed at the red marks on the map "Then what are those for?!"
Spike snorted "Well, Twilight marked those because she though we might enjoy seeing them"
Starlight groaned and plumped down on the bench "No...If I knew it, I would enjoy the trip mooore..."
Spike snorted "Guess I should have warned you then" he hummed something to himself.
Starlight looked around, trying to find what to do. Nothing really interesting. Map wasn't giving a lot of help too. She could ask somepony or someone to help them, but that would just sound awkward. At least it did to Starlight.
Spike opened one of his eyes and noticed something on the other side of the road. He poked Starlight in her shoulder.
Unicorn looked at him with raised eyebrow "What?'
Spike pointe at the other side of the road with his thumb "I think I found something to do!"
Starlight looked in the direction Spike was pointing at. There stood a building that...Just didn't really fit in. It's walls were dark, and it had no windows at all. There were glass door and a banner with 'Arcade' written on it.
Starlight clipped her eyes "How didn't we notice it earlier?"
Spike shrugged "Dunno, but hey! You still want me to teach you how to play those games, do you?"
Starlight thought for a moment "Well, duh! Let's do it!' she enveloped herself, Spike and all stuff they got and teleported towards Arcade's entrance.
Spike was able to land on his legs "Oh...Well, this is the way as well I guess" he caught stuff in his hands before it fell down.
Starlight's saddlebags fell on her back "Well, let's go, shall we?" she looked at Spike.
Spike smirked "Let's do it"
And so, they entered the building...
Back to Max
God damn it...That's EXACTLY why I always hated online maps! I was walking the same freaking street for 15 minutes trying to realize where to go! First, this navigator made me go forward, then somewhere else...
I groaned "Why do you have to fail me so often!?" I fought the urge to throw phone against the wall and exhaled.
Let's think...There is not a single sould around for some reason. I think that arcade should be nearby, so I simply have to find needed marks to find it. What was there...A park across the road, a cafe and this defenetly oversized lamp post. I mean, seriously, why the heck would you build it so high? It's hard and useless! I can literally see it from here!
...
I clipped my eyes as I looked at it "Huh...Guess not THAT useless after all.." I put phone into my pocket and started walking forward.
So what was so special about the place where I was going? Well, it was an Arcade (The only one in town). Sure there were many interesting games to play and have fun blah blah blah. The actual reason why I was going there...
..Is to find a worthy opponent.
You see, I'm not really interested in online games (Except for Roblox). Instead, I prefer old school. Arcade Machines, co-op games etc. I used to go here a lot, but I ever barely used even 1% of my actual power to fight those who dared to challenge me. I was called 'The Streak Breaker' here. I was a legend, a myth, a...
Ok, to be honest, it sounds just terrible. I sure was good, but nothing more. Still, there was noone who could defeat me in a fair match of ANY arcade game. Except for one person who almost made me lose...
I inhaled some air "I just hope he is still woring there.." I smirked to myself "Wonder how everyone will react to my come back"
And so, I continued walking. Didn't take too long for me to reach the Arcade. I was standing in front of it. So many memories...It looks like my first time entering it! Ah, memories...
He shook those thoughts off and entered the building. The smell of pizza and popcorn with soda. Those sounds of small arguing and pressing buttons...It all was still there. And of course there was a crowd of people and ponies somewhere at the corner.
'Giess someone popular or good enough. Well, anyway...'
I approached the stand and ordered few tokens...
Meanwhile, just few meters away...
Spike was defeating one opponent after another. Sure humans were really good at gaming, so he could stop holding back. Dragon was having so much fun, that he didn't even bother to look away from the monitor. Starlight and other people and ponies at the Arcade were looking at him shocked. Spike already defeated...15th opponent!
Starlight looked at the human behind the stand and approached him "Uhm, excuse me?"
Seemingly 17 years old teenager with a badge on his chest saying 'Mike' opened one of his eyes and yawned "Day...May I help you somehow?" he leaned onto the counter with his arms.
Starlight pointed her hoof at the crowd "Is it always like it when somep...Someone skilfull starts playing?"
Mike shrugged "No idea, I started working here around 3 months ago. I have the high score table over here" he pointed at the monitor.
Starlight tilted her head "A what?'
Mike sighed "BAsically, it's connected to each machine here and shows nicknames of every player that played it. It counts the wins, defeats, streaks and other stuff" right now, monitor was turned off "THough I never actually checked it"
Starlight put hoof to her chin "Wonder where is Spike right now..." she then looked back at teenager and smiled "Uhm excuse me, Mr Mike, could you please show me this chart?'
teenager shrugged "Alright, give me a second" he turned on the computer "This old bucket needs some time to..Oh, there we go" he started clicking and typing.
Starlight watched the computer at awe. Humans were able to create so much without using magic! Cars, planes, those calculating machines. Just so many possibilities for researches for Twilight!..Starlight cringed a bit 'She would probably tear those machines apart and have no idea how to put them back together...And it would lead to another misadvanture' she went deep in her thoughts.
Mike suddenly gasped "What the f-" he quickly covered his mouth.
Starlight clipped her eyes "Is something wrong?"
Mike exhaled and shook his head "No it's just...Alright so there is a top five best players that ever played here...It's just that first and the second places are.."
Starlight tried to peek through, but didn't succeed "But what is the top?"
Mike started talking "Well there is a dude called 'SPIKETHEGREATAN' with 16 winning spree and 0 defeats..Guess he forgot about symbols limitation" teenager raised his eyebrow "Who the heck named themselves like this?"
Starlight looked at Spike and giggled "I have few ideas" she then realized that Spike was already in top 5! She was really impressed.
Mike continued "Next we got 'Bottle'o'butter' with 17 winning spree and 3 looses...Yeah, another funny guy"
Starlight still didn't understand it. Why would humans create such weird nicknames? Some say it's for 'the mood', but it was still way too weird for her...But certanly not for Pinkie.
Mike raised his eyebrow "Next one is 'Neyu' with winning spree of 25 and 2 loses. Not bad, but still..."
Starlight put hoof to her chin. If it was enough for Spike to get 16 wins to get to top 5, the next amount shouldn't be so b-
Her thoughts were interrupted "On the second place we have 'Toro' with 125 winning spree and 1 defeat..." he sweated a bit.
Starlight's jaw was down. HOW did he manage to last so long?!
Mike continued "Well, this one is actually the owner of this Arcade, so I bet he knows combos, other ways in racing and etc..."
Starlight shook her head "That's...Impressive and terrifying at the same time to be honest...But" she gulped "Who outplayed this beast?"
Mike looked at the top 1 and his pupils sharnk "That's...A player named 'Pablo' with..." he inhaled some air.
Starlight raised her eyebrow "I know it has to be impressive, but-"
Mike interrupted her again (which made Starlight a bit annoyed) "Winning spree of 899 and 0 losses..."
Starlight.exe stopped working
Meanwhile..
Spike defeated another opponent in a race and raised his arm "Oh yeah! Finally some good opponents!" he looked at the sighting guy and added "I mean, you all guys are really good! I didn't have so much fun playing in a while!"
The guy looked at him with a smile "Naw it's fine man, it's ot about winning or loosing sometimes, but the fun itself. After all, games are created for entertainment" he then added "Most forget about it though.."
Spike tilted his head "What do you-"
A loud noice echoed through the arcade "NEW HIGH SCORE!"
Everyone looked at the direction of the sound. It came from the...Fighting gaming row? Humans stayed away from it, because it was too hard for them. Equestrians found those games way too violent...Most of them. Still, there was noone seen.
Spike put claws to his chin "Interesting..."
Everyone seemed interested as well, but they decided to play with each other instead.
I smirked "Well, seems like im not that bad yet!"
This one was my favorite game, Band Fighters. Classic fighting, no fuss no muss, straight to the point! None of those weird abilities and other stuff, just fists and surrounding...And also the fact that this arcade machine is small enough for me adds smile to my face every time I see it.
"Uh, heya!"
I clipped my eyes and looked around 'Huh?'
"I'm down there"
I looked down and noticed...A small dragon?..Smaller than I am?!
I turned around and put my hands in the praying position "Oh God, thank you for finally letting me meet someone smaller than I am!"
"Uh...What?"
I turned towards the confused dragon with a smile on my face "Nothing! I'm just haply, that's it. Can I help ya?"
Dragon looked at the arcade machine "So...I heard this game is kinda hard, right?"
I shrugged "Not really. You guys didn't see Geometry Dash yet. Anyway!" I raised my arm "Name is Max, pleased to meet ya!" I felt really happy. Usually, I wouldn't talk so easily to others.
Dragon hestiated for a few moments but then raised his claws "Well, nice meeting you! My name is Spike!"
I leaned onto the arcade machine "So, did ya need anything else?"
Dragon thought for a moment "Well, I kinda want to try this game out!"
I stepped aside "You are lucky! This game has two players mode! I can teach you how to play, and test some combos out in an actual fight!"
Spike raised his fist up "Win win situation! Let's do this!"
He managed to crawl onto the arcade machine, and we started playing.
An owner of the Arcade was walking around the building. How did Starlight figure out that he was an owner? By looking at his badge of course! There was written 'Dillion' He seemed to be looking for something...Or someone?
Starlight approached him "Good day to you, sir!"
He clipped his eyes and looked down at unicorn "Oh, hello there. How may I help you on this fine day?"
Starlight smiled "Oh, it's nothing. I was just wondering if there were some games that I could play. Those races and fighting are defenetly not my thing..."
Owner hummed "Well, guess since Mike is not really good with suggesting...Sure!"
And so, Starlight and Dillion started walking around the Arcade...
Meanwhile, at the facility...
Twilight and Jones were at the canteen. Princess was finishing her notes on the 'Gate' functioning. Jones drank his coffee and exhaled. It was pretty intense with her, but he managed to satisfy her curiosity...For now at least.
Twilight exhaled and drank some juice she ordered earlier "Phew! I just can't belive it! You and your team created the 'Gate' just in a year!" she then put a pen to her cheek and hummed "But this is not enough to connect to another world...There has to be something else"
Jones turned his face away 'Yeah yeah, there we go...I don't think that it would be a good idea to tell her...Or would it?'
Still, Twilight got it pretty fast "It has to...Do something with it's energy, right?" she beamed at Jones.
Scientist sighed "Yeah it does"
Twilight entered 'Calculating mode' once again "But wait...Humans were the first to make contact, meaning they would have the energy first. But in order for it to work, they would need magic. Earth has no magic at all...As far as everybody and pony knows, meaning..." she gasped.
Scientist quickly put finger to his mouth "Shh!" there was noone around, but he still didn't want so much noices coming out of the canteen.
Twilight recognized this gesture "Oh, sorry...But wait, how is this even possible?"
Jones started thinking 'She IS a princess after all...But I'm pretty sure she is an unexperienced one. Besides, her attitude...That's WAY too risky, still...'
Scientist exhaled "Alright then, but I'm not going to tell you one of the biggest secrets of our facility here" he stood up and motioned Twilight to follow him.
Alicorn 'eeep'd' and nearly bounced after him in excitement. Jones started to pull out his Level '4' card.
Scientist muttered something "..yet"
It didn't take long for Spike to learn mechanics of this game. I was actually kinda proud of him! He is surely a quick learner. So anyway, we were playing our uh...10th game already?
Spike was doing his best "Oh I swear I'm going to low HP you!" he was striking buttons as fast as he could.
I calmly smirked at it "We will see about that" it wasn't really hard to counter him, but I really enjoyed it. He was getting stronger with every defeat.
Spike started to sweat "Wha..HOW ARE YOU DOING THIS?!"
I was calmly pressing counter combinations "Just memory" I was planning on attacking him already when I heard steps from behind.
Spike noticed that Max's defence was weakening 'This is my chance!' he quickly put in the only combination he could remember. Character grabbed Max's fighter and threw him over, slightly lowering opponent's health "Oh yeah!" dragon put his fist in the air and started dancing "I finally did it! Wasn't that hard to be honest!" he noticed that Max was silent "Oh, sorry if I became a bit..."
When Spike looked at Max, he noticed that human was looking somewhere with a smirk on his face. Dragon looked at his eyes direction, and noticed Starlight and another human, adult, standing nearby. They were looking at each other, Max with a sly grin, and man with confused face.
Spike jumped down and approcached Starlight. They exchanged confused looks and stood quiet.
Spike whispered "Who is it?"
Starlight answered as quiet as Spike "Arcade owner, and who is this...Boy?"
Spike told her how he met him and what they did "So...You think they know each other?"
Starlight shrugged "Looks like it..?"
Suddenly, Dillion broke the silence "Max.." he started to walk towards him.
Boy smiled wider "Dillion!" he approached him as well.
To Starlight and SPike, it looked really menacing. It was like they were going to start a fight. When humans raised their arms, Starlight's horn glew up, but she quickly was interrupted by Spike.
Dragon put arm on her hoof "Starlight wait!"
When humans got close enough to each other, Dillion lowered his torso a bit and...They exchanged a very weird looking handshake.
Max's had a joyfull expression on his face "You sonova snitch!"
Their handshake 'tied up' a bit.
Dillian smirked "Oh please, I know what you wanted to say...But I have one simple question"
They stopped their handshaking and Max shrugged "I know what is it exactly. And I'm afraid I can't tell you" he stretched a bit "I see you are doing quite well, eh?"
Dillion smirked "Sure am! Did you think I would nail everething up?"
They chuckled and kept talking. Spike exhaled and smiled at this "Well, seems like we it's all cool! RIght, Starlight?" dragon looked at unicorn, to see her confused face "Uh, something is wrong?"
Starlight was looking at both of the humans "My magic..." she narrowed her eyes "It got absorbed?"
It took some time to introduce Twilight to people on Level '4'. Luckily, Don wasn't there, so Jones didn't have to tell what he was doing here. In fact, he had to make sure not to go past blood collection room's door, since Twilight asked about literally every single door.
'If we keep going like that, I will easily keep Max's secret away from her. I know that she is a princess and stuff, but since my dude wanted it to be a secret...'
Jones was so deep in his thoughts, that Twilight had to push his hand a bit with her hoof "Mr. Jones!"
Scientist gasped and shook his head "Uh, yeah?"
Twilight pointed at one of the doors in the hallway "What is this room for? There is nothing written on it"
Jones looked forward and nearly swore. How stupid he was? In the attempt to hide Max's existence, Jones forgot about his room.
Scientist waved it away "Eh, just one of those uh...Human things"
Twilight tilted her head "Hm? What do you mean?"
Jones thought for a second "Well uh...You see, most of us love when everething goes in order. Like tiles on chessboard or...Something like that"
Twilight gasped "Oh! I can relate to this type of humans!"
Jones calmed down a bit 'Alright, seems like she is onto it' he shrugged "Well, as far as I know, the one who drew this facility just...Decided to put it here just so every door is in order? Like, so there wouldn't be any unnecessary spaces...Or something like that"
Twilight hummed "Uh huh...Well, this is quite interesting!" she then looked at the door "But I'm quite curious, what did they put in there?"
Jones bit his lip 'Shit' he quickly walked forward "Well uh, not sure. What about I show you the blueprints again? I can just tell by the look on your face that this is the most interesting part here for you!"
Twilight nodded "It was indeed, and I already uses the camera you gave me for further researches" she already lit up her horn. Door's handle lit up.
Jones exhaled 'Guess that's it...'
Door started to slowly open...Dramatically even.
Scientist frowned 'Alright, why does it look like we are in some kind of a cartoon now?'
Eventually, door opened, revealing...A simple room. Bed, shelves, computer and other furniture. Everething for a decent living.
Twilight tilted her head "Huh?" alicorn entered the room "This is...A bedroom?"
Jones stopped at the door way and put arms in his pockets "It is indeed"
Twilight turned her head around "But...Why is it in the facility? You said that noone lives in the main building" she then looked at the surrounding "And why does it look like an average room for a human teenager?"
Jones sighed "Well, I messed up really bad..." he motioned his head to the hallway "Guess no need to hide it anymore. Let me show you something, your highness"
His day was about to become even longer...
It was getting really noisy at the Arcade. Two legendary warriors have met again. For now, they were still playing their first game. They put a new record, for the longest game ever played! Every single person and pony were looking at the Arcade owner and a young teenager game.
Spike was looking at their movements with opened mouth "Wh...I...HUH?!"
Max and Dillion hands were moving at impressive speed. Blocking, preparing combo, dodging...Everething was done in less than a second.
Starlight though, wasn't paying attention the the screen. Even though unicorn was impressed by humans's ability to plan moves and executing them, she still was looking at both of them with suspicious eyes.
Spike looked at her "Uh, Star? You good?"
Starlight shook her head "Yeah. I'm just trying to...Focus on one character" she narrowed her eyes "Who do you think will win?"
Spike hummed "Well...It seems like they are both on a similar level..." when it got to games, Spike always switched into his 'Pro' mode "However, due to his size, Max has problems with completinng combinations. On the other hand!.."
Starlight snnorted 'Yup...There we go..' she rolled her eyes.
Suddenly, the group of ponies gasped, while humans hummed.
Dillion exhaled "You got me..."
Max smirked "I have to admit, you DID become much more better"
Dillion cleared his throat "And now...The 'Legend' tytle goes from hands of Toro (Me), to the Pablo (Also known as Max) again!"
Spike huffed "Geez! There are titles in this place!" he was excited "Aw man, too bad that we don't have more time!" he looked at puzzled Starlight.
Starlight memorized the tab from earlier 'Huh...Who would have guessed' she then looked at the clock on the wall "Well, guess this is where we will have to go. Our bus will be here soon"
Max approached them "Well, guess this is it then eh?"
Spike huffed "Guess it is...Well then!" he raised his hand "It was nice meeting you, Max!"
Human lowered himself and held dragon's hand "Likewise, wouldn't mind hanging out with you some other day" he then looked at Starlight "Oh and uh...You are.."
Unicorn finished for him "Starlight, pleased to meet you" she hid her suspicions. But just in case, she activated her magic again to 'shake' human's hand...And this time, it worked.
'Huh..?' she clipped her eyes and made magic dissapear.
Max clipped his eyes "Oh uh...A weird feeling" he clenched his arm and smiled "Well then, guess I might or might not see you again!" he turned back towards Dillion "See ya guys!" he waved at them.
Spike waved at him as well "Till we meet again!"
They exited the Arcade and started movinng towards the bus stop. Starlight was in her thoughts, while Spike was trying to memorize combinations he used.
Sometime later, Twilight, Starlight and Spike were at the Gate entrance. There was also Jones.
Twilight was looking really excited "You will be coming to Equestria soon, right?"
Jones nodded "Yup"
Starlight raised her eyebrow "Really? Why so?"
Jones waved with his hand "Eh, simply to explore a bit more, collect samples...And why not?" he chuckled "I mean, last time me and my team were there, we really enjoyed being here"
Twilight smiled wider "Oh, could it be possible to bring the..' she calmed herself down annd sweated "The uhm.."
Jones nodded "Sure thing. I'm pretty sure he won't mind"
Spike and Starlight looked at Twilight confused.
Twilight nearly jumped in the air "Perfect! Well, then, I think this is a goodbye?" she reached with her hoof out.
Jones reached his hand out as well and shook her hoof "I guess so"
The Gate behind them activated with loud noices. Twilight and Spike on her back entered it.
Starlight activated her magic to shake Jone's hand "Erm...See you" she seemed a bit puzzled and quickly entered the Gate after Twilight.
Jones raised his eyebrow "..Eh, ponies being ponies"
He shrugged it off and started walking away from the closing Gate. He still had a day off.
It was already getting dark. Ponies and humans were seeing less and less on the streets. Me and Willson stopped right in front of the facility.
Willson looked at me "So, Ah guess ye liked yer day off?"
I shrugged "Sure did. After all, I didn't get my blood sucked today. Who wouldn't like it?"
Willsonn chuckled "Well, can't argue with dat" he then exited his car "eck...Let's bring ya back inside"
We entered the facility and took the lift. Inside, were almost no people. We stopped at level '4' and started walking through the corridors.
Willson hummed "..Hey, would cha want ta visit Equestria with us?"
I stopped and looked at Willson confused "Wha?"
he stopped as well "What cha heard boy. Donn't cha wan' to see the other world with us?"
I didn't notice it, but my eyes started to glow "For real?! But wait.." I held back my enthusiasm "Didn't Jones say something about risks?"
Willson grumbled "Eh, he did. But egghead didn't run any darn tests ta find out!" he continued walking "Amma talk to 'im t'day"
I nearly jumped up and dashed towards him "FOR REAL!?"
Since I was always calm, my sudden change surprised Willson "Gosh darn it! Yer gonn' give me duh heart attack!" as I awkwardly moved away and put hand behind my head, he exhaled "But yer right. Amma make sure yer comin' with us. And since we are goin' soon, ye better get ready"
This time, I conntroled my happiness "God, I will finally see the Equestria...WITH MY OWN EYES!"
Yup, I wanted to do it for a long time now. Explore Equestria I mean. No idea why. Was it my childish behaviour, or simply curiosity, but I always hoped to see Equestria one day.
As I dreamed about it, Willson stopped "Well, here we are" we stopped in front of my room.
I nodded "Well, untill tomorrow then!"
Willson nodded "Yea, night" he waved with his hannd and walked away.
I entered my room and exhaled "Alright Max...This is actually going to happen!"
I closed my door and raised my arms. FUCKING FINALLY! As much as I loved my day off, my room was still the baest place onn Earth.
Onnn Earth, but not in Equestria!..Maybe..
I left those thoughts for later and enntered my bathroom. As much as I was excited, I was tired.
"Better head to sleep now.."
Author's Note
Haha creating a character just for this story and then forget him go brrr.
Also, my keyboard sucks.
Anyway, thank you for reading!
