Prologue: Welcome Bronies and Pegasisters to the Rift Cafe | Part 1
I’ll be honest, I’m not one to mingle in groups or engage in conversations actively. That sort of thing just felt like it was out of my comfort zone. But then again, maybe it’s for the best that I walk out of it once in a while. Having a social circle in a fandom that shares an interest of mine, that’s something I’m sure ponies will always be looking forward to when they wake up in the morning.
Or so I thought…
I woke up about 10 minutes ago and I can say for sure. Wherever this is, this is NOT the Rift. I last slept in my channel, where my precious bed is located, but now I’m lying on the floor in the hallway of channels. At first glance, it looks like the Rift Cafe that I and several other bronies stay in, but then you notice some differences right here and there. The hallway is noticeably shorter, the floor is a lighter shade of brown, and there are even some windows despite being in a hallway… it’s almost as if it’s just a knockoff of the cafe.
Looking out from the window nearby, I can see the universe-like space that is the internet. Stars glimmer in the dark sky, the only light source in the large field that is outer space. As I looked, I also saw my own reflection. That’s right… the pony in the reflection. That’s me.
My name is Reality Check, the Ultimate Digital Artist. I also go by RC, as that’s what my friends call me.
If you’re wondering about the title, it basically means I’m the absolute best when it comes to making digital art in the community. In fact, that’s what being an ultimate means, being the best at what you do. I may be on the younger side when it comes to the brony community, but that doesn’t mean I’m a pushover. But that’s not really relevant right now.
Personally, I’ve certainly seen my fair share of odd scenarios, no thanks to a particular bat pony. But this is definitely not his kind of mishap, let alone the time to be speculating right now.
I should look around this place. I might find someone that knows something about-
“Excuse me, sir?”
I quickly turned to the voice behind me. That’s when I saw a filly with green fur and a white mane. The back of her mane is tied into a short braid, held together with a teal hairband.
“Do you know where we are?”
“I… think so?” I asked, a bit confused. Though now that I think about it, I don’t think I’ve seen her before. Not in the rift, let alone outside of that. “Who are you exactly?”
“Oh right, I don’t think we’ve met before, so I suppose I should introduce myself. My name is Verde Tin, and I’m the Ultimate Tinkerer.”
“I see,” I exclaimed. “Well, my name is Reality Check, the Ultimate Digital Artist. But ponies call me RC for short.”
I knew ultimate titles can be given to… practically anyone, but a filly? That’s definitely not something you’d see every day.
“Wait you’re an ultimate? That’s amazing! You must be really talented to be one at a young age.” Verde remarked.
Admittedly, that last remark took me off guard for a bit. “Eh? Aren’t you a bit young yourself?”
“Huh? No, I’m not. I’m just smaller than most ponies.” Verde spoke confidently. A small part of me doubts her on that, but then again I know there are ponies in the brony fandom that are pretty old, yet are the size of a filly. So I may as well take it for now.
“Oh… ok then.” That was all I can mutter at that comment.
“Anyways, it’s nice to meet you Reality,” Verde said. “I hope we can get along.”
You’re oddly chipper for some pony that’s in an unusual situation…
“Yeah, same. But for now, we should probably look around. We might find others like us here.”
“Oh, that’s a good idea! We also should stick together so neither of us will get lost.”
I simply nodded as we went around together. I couldn’t help but raise my guard right now, I’ve been kidnapped and placed in what looks like the Rift Cafe after all. So naturally I’d want all the help I can get and hope it works out. And… well, as cheesy as it sounds, guess all I can do now is just hope that everything will be fine.
PROLOGUE
WELCOME BRONIES AND PEGASISTERS TO THE RIFT CAFE
The two of us began thinking about where we could go. When it comes to looking for a place to find other ponies, there is one place I’d think to head to first.
The bar could be a good start. It’s where most ponies hang out when they come to this place. I think anyone that’s a member of the Rift cafe would think that too.
“Let’s head to the bar,” I suggested. “If anyone I know is here, that’s where they’ll likely go to.”
“Ok, let’s go then Reality,” Verde responded as we headed for the bar. Thankfully because the hallway was much short, it wasn’t as long of a walk as if it was the actual Rift Cafe. Sure enough, we saw many other ponies as soon as we turned a corner. Ponies that I’m familiar with, one way or another.
“Hey look!” One of those ponies pointed toward me and Verde.
“Is that you RC?” Another asked.
“Yeah. Woke up on the floor in my channel.” I told them all.
“So you’re just like us then.”
“Excuse me,” Verde called out, catching their attention. “Have you all met before?”
Guess most of the ponies here don’t know her.
“I don’t suppose all of you guys could introduce yourselves to her?” I suggested.
“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to do that.” They all nodded in unison, and just like that, they all introduced themselves one by one.
“I’ll go first. My name is Arthur Sky. My friends call me Adrian. It’s nice to meet you!”
Once Adrian was done introducing, he looked at the pony beside him.
“Hey, Azure. You should go next.”
Next up is the unicorn in a blue and white wizard outfit. One look is enough to suggest that this one specializes in magic.
“Azure Lore, the Ultimate Abjurer.”
Azure then looked to another member telling her to introduce herself. This notion is repeated until everyone.
“My name is Crystal. I’m an alipup, as well as the Ultimate Winter’s Pup.”
“Name’s Felix, the Ultimate Kitsune.”
“I’m Fruity Fangs, the Ultimate Lumberjack. Nice to meet you.”
“Tremble in fear! For my name is Jack, the Ultimate Undead Overlord!”
“My name is Javier Munoz, the Ultimate Swordsman. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“My name is Mighty, the Ultimate Adventurer.”
“The name is Romance Writer. But you can call me Romance. I’m a bookworm but I'm more of the Ultimate Detective.”
“My name is Sky Heart. You can call me the Ultimate Illusionist.”
“My name’s Selector. I can use color and anti-magic, though I’m still in training.”
“I’m Shadow Wizard. The Ultimate Marksman.”
“The name is Starkiller. But please, call me Star. I’m the Ultimate Leader.”
“I see. Nice to meet all of you.” Verde greeted all of them.
“I take it this is everyone?” I asked the group.
On cue, they started looking around, doing a head count to ensure everyone has been introduced.
“Actually wait, there’s still one more pony.” Adrian pointed out.
As soon as Adrian pointed out, the others looked around and their looks sunk, as if they were having a bad feeling about something. If I didn’t hang with these ponies for a long while, then I would’ve known exactly what that means.
Almost on cue, I felt some pony tap my shoulder. I looked behind me to see who was there, but I didn’t see any pony.
“Reality? Is something wrong?” Verde asked, which I groaned heavily in response.
Of course it’s him…
“Danger, could you not?”
“Not what?”
Sure enough, I turned again to see an orange bat pony covered in scars right in front of my face, making me flinch in response. Though not as much as Verde.
“Aaah!!” Verde screamed at the sight of the bat pony’s bloody wounds. “A-are you ok?”
“Eh?” The bat pony tilts his head.
Oh right, she has no idea.
“Yeah, he’s fine.” I quickly said. “Let’s just say he’s had those for a while. Better not question it.”
“O-oh… I see” I can see Verde shaking, trying her best to hold it together.
I should… probably introduce him. Before it gets even more awkward.
“Anyways, this old bat pony is Danger.”
“Hey!”
I couldn’t help but snicker at his response when I called him ‘old’.
I’ll never get bored of teasing him. ^^
“Anyways, I’m guessing you woke up here without knowing how or why?”
“Nope.” Danger responded. “Not a clue.”
Yeah, figured he wouldn’t know anything either.
“Anyways, I take it this is everyone?”
“Yeah,” Felix said. “There’s only 16 of us so far.”
“I’d say we have more than enough people to look around now,” Star noted.
“Wait but what if some pony else comes here while we’re looking around?” Romance asked.
“Perhaps we could-”
Before Star could continue, the sound of a speaker rang loudly. I couldn’t help but flinch at the loud noise.
Ow… who the fuck turned on the speakers… Wait a minute, the bar doesn’t have any speakers…!
“*ahem* Testing, testing. Can everyone hear me?”
The sound alerted all of us. It was coming from the stage area, so we all looked there.
“Ahem, will everyone please direct their attention to the stage?”
Everyone’s eyes gazed onto the stage, as the voice commanded. What greeted us though was something none of us expected.
Spotlights shined onto the center of the stage and smoke filled the area. Slowly, a silhouette rose from the ground and what popped out… was a small black and white alicorn, the two colors split down the middle. The alicorn had a black top hat with a red stripe, it also had a gold staff with a red gem on one end. Though the most notable detail about it is its left eye. It was a red streak pointing upwards like it was meant to symbolize their wrath.
Needless to say, we were confused.
“What the?!” Javier exclaimed.
“What the fuck is that?!” Jack followed.
“Who, me?” The mini alicorn spoke in a child-like tone. “I am Monoponi! And I’m one of the new moderators of the Rift cafe!”
None of us said anything to that. Not their sudden entrance; not their appearance; not even the fact they look and sound like a filly.
“How should I put this… My friends have invited all of you so you all could play a game with me.”
We all looked at each other once they said that. We could practically see the question mark on our heads.
“Uh, what game are you talking about?” Crystal asks.
“What game?” The alicorn named Monoponi giggled into the mic, letting us hear their childish laugh. At the same time, they point its staff at us. “Why the game I want you all to play…”
As soon as Monoponi finishes saying the last few words, the atmosphere suddenly shifted from weird and confusing… to despair-inducing.
“... is a killing game!”
…
…What?
Author's Note
So quick note, this is a fanfic project I've been planning on making for a while. I love the Dangaronpa series and the mysteries they throw out. I got inspired to make a fanfic of my own.
All the OCs present (except Reality Check and Monoponi) belong to my friends. This project would've been possible without them volunteering their OCs for the fanfic. So I personally like to thank them for that ^^
Until then, I hope you enjoy my fanfic and the mysteries that will follow as the series goes on
