Chapters 2 - G'night, Sugarcube
The turquoise pony scoured the orchard for a little while, and soon enough he found Applejack – bucking for apples, as anypony might expect – in a state of focus. He knew how it felt to be interrupted, so he left her to continue. He turned and cantered away, but she heard his hoofsteps. "Howdy, Game! How're ya doin'?"
"I'm on top of things, I guess. And you?"
"Uh...We're a little short-staffed today. Y'mind droppin' in?"
"That's what I'm here for." Game pulled a confident salute. "Game Changer, at your service!"
"Please don' remind me, Game..." Applejack looked away, a little embarrassed.
"Uh...Spike?"
"Yeah."
"Sorry, AJ."
"Nawh, it's OK. Let's get a shuffle on!" Applejack bucked with admirable force, while Game sliced the trees with iron wings and pin-sharp accuracy.
Game took pride in the abilities the Power Sock gave him. He had Pinkie-promised never to use them to cheat – only to assist those weak or in need of a hoof. If that was broken, all of his bones would be too in ten seconds flat.
It didn't take long. Soon enough, not a basket in sight was empty. The two weary ponies were happy, and headed back to the barn. Applejack seemed to be stumbling a lot. "Uh...need a...lift?" Game asked, worrying that he'd sound awkward.
"Sure!" Applejack replied confidently, to Game's relief. He carried her slowly but safely in his forelegs, often taking a tiny moment to look at her plaited mane. It made him wonder. Shroom Hop's mother had left him not long after he was born. Surely it'd make sense?...
Applejack was asleep by the time she and Game Changer had reached the towering barn doors. Game gave the door a little nudge with his back, and it opened with the tiniest creak. He didn't want to wake her at all costs. The sunset dimly lit the barn.
"Time to hit the hay, huh?" Game whispered. He flew as quietly as a breeze up to Applejack's bed, and laid her down with hospital precision, after kicking the bed covers aside with his right rear hoof. Fluttering above her with the corner of the cover in his hand, he said, "G'night, sugarcube," but decided not to join her.
Worn out, Game took the long walk home alone. He saw a midnight blue comet race across the sky and smiled, whispering the beginnings of a wish to himself. But with a closer look, the figure of an alicorn was in the shooting star. "Luna," Game whispered excitedly to himself, but his wings were drained and his hooves were worn out after such an eventful day. He rested on the Ponyville grass that night.
%i% - A Royal Player 2 And A Great Idea
3 - A Royal Player 2 And A Great Idea
Game Changer's heavy eyes opened, blinded by the morning sun pouring in from...the window? The window? But I fell asleep on the grass last night! How did I get here? "Good morning, Game Changer. The town enjoyed your help yesterday," said Luna softly beside him.
"Luna! Now that's a face I wanna see when I wake up. Can you do that more often?" Game joked.
"I am afraid not. It is up to you to keep your stamina in touch, as helpful as you are."
"OK. Thanks, Luna. Much appreciated...oh, and I forgot." Game bowed with as much grace as he could manage. His tetromino tail rotated so that the longest side was parallel with the floor as he went.
Luna left in silence.
"Nngh..." Applejack stretched, cautiously opening her eyes to the stunning daylight. "G...Game?" she called, expecting to see his face for some reason. "Mmh, just a dream." She slowly rolled out of bed, feeling for the creaky wooden floor with her hooves. Her eyes were shut. Sweeping her mane aside, Applejack opened her eyes again and headed over to the chest of drawers, starting her plait.
"Time to wake up, scruff!" Game messed up his son's already-messy mane with a grin.
"Uurgh...I can't..." Shroom Hop rolled around a little. Game caught him as he left the bed, and carried him downstairs. "Where...were you?"
"I was with Applejack. You know a little filly called Apple Bloom or somethin', right?"
"Yeah, Dad. She's pretty nice. Feisty, too."
"The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, then...'scuse the awesome pun." Game winked. "Pack your bags, son. I think you're late!"
A little while later, Shroom Hop left with a light satchel over his back. Game waved his son away for another day at school. He swept his fringe aside and wondered what to do..."Sure, I could help somepony else, but why not have some fun with the Power Sock?" he thought. "I feel like kicking a few shells today. But..." The guilty corner of his mind owned up. "I really wanna see Applejack again..." He had a great idea.
Game focused hard on the Sock, and in a flash of emerald, an empty Koopa shell appeared before his eyes. Placing his front hooves onto the shell, he used his back legs to gain some speed. He soared out of the door with a grin, carrying the fairly heavy shell.
4 - Love Is In Bloom
Game's wings were striped like Super Leaves. His turquoise coat shone in the morning sun, and his light brown mane waved behind him like a flag in the wind. In flight, Game looked back on his cutie mark with pride. He carried the shell through the air to a towering barn, and fluttered down to the ground carefully. Once again, he wandered through the endless orchard in search of the Element of Honesty.
He could hear her voice in the distance. Every buck she made shook the ground a little. Creating a pipe near her and by himself, Game readied the shell. He was nervous, but he couldn't sway. "Focus," he growled to himself. Picking an apple and throwing it down the pipe, Game kicked the shell into a tree. A rapid string of ricochets followed, with falling apples in their trail.
In the distance, an apple flew from the pipe. Applejack looked up, catching the apple in her hooves, and said, "Coo-ey. Where'd you come from? Anyway, whoever that was, you chose one mighty-fine apple!" She retraced the flight of the apple down to the pipe, and then looked across the orchard. Not an apple in sight... "Hmm, might as well jump in!" Applejack dived into the pipe.
With a terrified "Whoa!" Applejack soared out of the other pipe. Game leapt up to catch her, taking as much of the force off her as he could. His back hit the tree hard, but he'd managed to stop Applejack coming to harm. "H...How'd ya do that? Ah mean, the apples? And that was craz –"
"Here, have an apple. I-I'll explain. I got a sh –"
"Hmm...doesn't really matter how, but thank y' so much, Game." She kissed him on the cheek, blushing a little. Game Changer was lost for words, so he gave her a warm embrace. "Not gonna need a pause button for this one," she grinned. Game held her hat aside and stroked her mane.
Soon it had to end, and with a quick brohoof AJ smiled, "See ya tomorrow, Game."
"Sure thing, Applejack." Game turned and left, struggling to hide a grin of ecstasy as he trotted home.
%i% - When Can I See You Again?
6 - When Can I See You Again?
None of the four ponies could contain their happiness the next day. It was tough to keep the secret, too – neither of the two ponies would tell their foals that they were in a relationship, and vice versa.
Game woke up very early, shaking off his sheets and fluttering excitedly downstairs. Shroom Hop followed, aroused from deep sleep by the pounding of Game Changer's wings. "Why are you...urgh...so excited?" Shroom Hop murmured. It was clear that he hadn't completely woken up yet.
"That's private and confidential," Game grinned. "Let's just say I have a date...with destiny, I mean."
"So...are you gonna go and fight off that dragon?"
"Uh..." Game's poker face needed some work. A grin escaped him. "Y-yeah!..." He lifted his Power Sock in a weak attempt at a confident stance. "He's going down!..." Shroom Hop raised an eyebrow in clear suspicion, and sighed, thinking, 'I guess some stones have gotta be left unturned...or have they?' He grinned.
"Can I come with you?"
"No, no! It's dangerous to go alone!" Game stopped acting. He knew Shroom would win.
"But I won't be alone! Shameful reference, Game. I pity you," Shroom whined. Turning his back, he smiled mischievously. "I'll take that as a yes, then." Game sighed, releasing a frustrated "No...".
Later that morning, the pair left in search of their newfound loves. Shroom hovered a little way above the ground, and Game trotted beside him. The wind lightly shook the ponies' manes, casting a lonely chill across their backs.
Soon enough, the crimson barn appeared in the distance, and neither father nor son could hide their excitement – although they regularly questioned it. There was no doubt that both were suspicious of each other's loves. Shroom Hop headed for the clubhouse while Game continued towards the barn.
"Applejack!" Game smiled, rushing to hug her. "I've missed you!"
"But it's only been one night..." Applejack blushed, turning away a little but still looking into his eyes.
"That doesn't matter. I could barely sleep last night. I just couldn't wait!"
"Guess ah'll have to make sure you get whatcha want, then." Applejack grinned, taking his hooves in hers. Not long afterwards, her pretty blush returned. Game kissed her on the cheek. "'S that all you got?" Applejack raised an eyebrow, luring him towards her for a much longer kiss.
Shroom gave a shy knock on the clubhouse door, hearing not one, but four giggling voices. He recoiled in shock – the Cutie Mark Crusaders shouldn't even know yet! Scootaloo answered the door, hovering above the wooden floor. "Name?"
"Shroom Hop." Shroom waved his flank, on which there was not the tiniest sign of a cutie mark.
"You're not a member ye –"
"Nah, I don't fancy it. I'm a bit busy so I can't make meetings, but I guess I could help. Anyway, we see each other at school!"
"I guess so," Scootaloo shrugged, but a smile appeared now that she recognised him. "Anyway, we're a little crowded 'cause Babs is here."
"Oh, right. Apple Bloom wanted to see me."
"I'll go and get her for you." Scootaloo turned around. "Apple Bloom?"
"Yaius?" Apple Bloom rushed to the door, hovering down from the clubhouse in Shroom
Hop's arms.
"Uh...see you later, I guess!" Scootaloo turned to face the CMC again, whispering, "She sure was happy to see him..."
8 - To Canterlot
Game cantered to the station, with the foals either side of him keeping up easily. "I have a feeling we're gonna be la –" Game's speculation was both interrupted and proved by the deafening Friendship Express's horn. "Take my back hooves, Apple Bloom, we're going for a ride!" He slowly rose into the air, but gained pace. "Shroom, done much flying practice lately?"
Shroom Hop, airborne, saluted. "Sir, yes sir!"
"Try and keep up," Game smirked. "We've got a train to catch!" He knocked up the pace, and Shroom slid into the slipstream of his father. Shroom Hop was more of a capable flyer than you'd think at first sight. He was very similar in size to Scootaloo, and his wings had only the tiniest bit more wingspan than hers, but he'd trained very hard.
The trio burst onto the train, leaving their tickets sauntering down to the ground in their wake. "Phew, made it..." Game Changer breathed heavily for a while, then noticed a noise beside him...
Apple Bloom was sobbing; she had been hurt by a rough landing on the train. "Are you okay?" Game asked.
"N-no..." A large bruise had appeared on her flank where her cutie mark should've been.
"Don't worry, it'll be OK..."
"But what if that bruise is my cutie mark?"
"If it doesn't hurt, then I guess it might be. Mind if I..." Game awkwardly reached out a hoof to her bruised flank.
Apple Bloom rolled her eyes and sighed, hanging her head. "Ow!" She recoiled in pain and moaned. "Guess I still don't have my cutie mark..."
"The good thing is that you're trying really hard. Dedication's a pretty good trait in a pony." Game smiled.
Canterlot and Applejack were in sight.
%i% - Reclaiming Her Ribbon
9 - Reclaiming Her Ribbon
"How long's this ride gonna be?" Shroom Hop asked lazily. He was slumped across a seat on the train, tired.
"I think we're almost th - there it is!" The station was just before them. All three ponies leapt to their hooves excitedly, dashing for the door. The Friendship Express came to a gradual halt - giving Game his cue to ready his wings. "Next leg of the journey, everyone," he nodded to Apple Bloom and Shroom Hop. "You okay, Apple Bloom?"
"Uh..." The filly shrugged, shifting her long, red fringe a little, and slowly got onto Game's back. Shroom followed, smiling up at his fillyfriend. Summing up a little enthusiasm, she said, "I can't wait to see Applejack at the rodeo!", and shook her head, clearing it of the pain.
A little while later, the trio hit the crowded rodeo. The posters dotted around the stadium were true - ponies came to witness the endurance and skill of the finest buckers from everywhere in Equestria. This was a big event - but not one of the three ponies had ever seen it this crowded before. After having dodged waves of other excited ponies, Game and the two foals found their seats. Each one of them kept their eyes wide open, on the lookout for Applejack.
There she was – shining among the others with an intense drive. She knew that this had to go well – a feeling she had stronger than anypony else there – and so, even though this was just practice, she threw all her energy into it, bucking the target with intense strength. Game edged a little closer, smiling down at her. Applejack turned her head for a second, giving the crowd a quick scan for Game Changer. Noticing her looking around, Game waved. His heart raced. Their eyes met, and Game’s smile grew further. “I’m with ya, Applejack! You can win this!” Game shouted down to her. She returned a wink, blushing, and got back to the last two minutes of her practice. Having learnt from last year’s rodeo, she dismissed any pressures. Game would accept her, however many medals she brought back.
In a few minutes, the rodeo began. A bold announcer took to the speakers, introducing each participant to the sound of a roaring crowd. "...and last but certainly not least, the five-time champion. Please give a warm welcome to one of the fiercest fillies here, Applejack!" The crowd sent a deafening torrent of cheers to her. With a blush, she waved to the crowd, leaving her eyes on Game for a moment before turning to the course. Fiercely scanning the course, she played out her upcoming run in her mind. The tense silence held her heart in an iron grip...then the countdown began. Applejack readied herself with a burning determination. "Three...two...one..."
"Alright, let's do this!" she shouted.
The ponies took off in a storm of dust, hearts set on victory. The crowd were thrilled at the competition. The display of strength and resilience was powerful - this had been one of the best rodeos yet, and Applejack had the lead by just two paces...
"Ap-ple-jack!" the crowd chanted repeatedly, spurring her on. "C'mon, this isn't enough," she cried out. The tie was so close right now that the crowd were in complete silence. It was as if words weren't enough any more. The pressure was most certainly on. But from the silence, five words arose. Five words that didn't mean much alone. But five words from the mouth of Game Changer, the one she loved - and she'd failed to admit it in full before – with all her heart.
"You can do this, Applejack!"
%i% - Race For First Place
10 - Race For First Place
"That's it," Applejack muttered in fiery determination. "It's on now..." She upped the pace, fighting the vice-like grip that fatigue had on her heart. "I've gotta do it for him," she growled to herself.
The line was in sight. The last hurdle stood there, strong as a Royal Guard, and beyond it was paradise. Paradise, victory, a blue ribbon...and, more important than all of that, Game Changer's open arms. Applejack licked her lips. "Let's go..." Adjusting her hat with a flick of the neck, she raced on, preparing her hind legs for the last jump.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the other contestants behind her. She knew she couldn't let them win. Closing her eyes, she threw every last inch of her power into the last leap. She soared like a pegasus over the striped fence, landing on the finish line – before everyone else.
"Phew-ee...That was tough!" Applejack sighed, collapsing to the ground. The crowd went wild, praising the eleventh victory of their champion. She got up slowly, taking the praise. Game struggled around a few ponies, with a few uneasy "Excuse me"s, and rose into the air, calling out to Applejack hopelessly. He sighed, zooming into the arena to greet her.
"Applejack!" he cried again. He fluttered down beside her. "You were...awesome! I mean, I was just lost for words through the whole thing..."
"I know you were excited, Game, but..." Silencing him with a kiss, she said quietly, "I love you."
Game couldn't hide a smile. "I love you too, Applejack."
11 - Back On Top
Soon, the awards ceremony began. Game was allowed to stand in the stadium, so he brought the two foals down from their seats too. "I'm so excited!" Apple Bloom grinned. "My sister...eleven-time champion!"
"She was awesome," said Shroom Hop, looking up at his father with a wink.
Blushing a little, Game replied, "I know," staring into space.
A loud fanfare summoned the crowd's attention. "It's time to announce the winners!" the presenter spoke. "It's been a tough day for everypony here, and a very tight match. Let's see who the winners were!" A string of runners-up were announced. Game knew none of them; they were probably from other places. The second-place pony even came from the Crystal Empire, receiving one of the biggest cheers of them all – who cared if she had beaten their hometown? The Crystal Empire ran on happiness, and that's what they needed to live!
Applejack saw her moment. Standing on the very top of the podium, she struggled to hold in her excitement. "And in first place, it's our ten-time champion, Applejack!" She grinned, giving the crowd a quick wave before crouching down to receive her shining blue ribbon. She waved to the crowd again, showing off blue ribbon number 11, before being joined on the podium by Game, Shroom and Apple Bloom.
After a long embrace, she said, "Game...I'm so glad you're here. I knew you were backin' me. Couldn't've done it without you." A shy smile appeared on her face, and she looked deeply into his eyes for a while.
"Hang on, I forgot something!" Game reached into his saddlebags to find a beautiful blue ribbon, nearly identical to Applejack's prize. "Like it?"
"Yis, that'll look great!" Game took the red ribbon carefully out of her hair, replacing it with the blue one. The two ponies' eyes met again, and they leaned in close. They were interrupted by the presenter of the real blue ribbon. Applejack winked, taking the ribbon and showing it proudly.
A few hours later, the four ponies arrived home together. "Game, do you and Shroom wanna stay the night?"
"Sounds great! Sure, Applejack. So," he winked, "where were we?"
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%i% - A Beautiful Dream And The Start Of A Mystery
12 - A Beautiful Dream And The Start Of A Mystery
All four ponies were tired out after a long day at the rodeo. Applejack added her new ribbon to the collection, alongside ten others identical to it and a few runner-up ribbons from last year, then headed slowly upstairs. Game and the foals followed her.
After saying goodnight to their foals, the two ponies entered the bedroom, tugged the duvet aside and collapsed into bed. Game brought Applejack's head into his chest and stroked her mane softly, kissing her forehead. As before, he said "G'night, sugarcube..." with a drowsy wink.
Luna hovered outside, watching the sleeping lovers with kind eyes. With a sweep of her wing, the pair dreamt of happy times together, sleeping deeply...
Applejack strolled through the forest, her lover at her side. "Game," she said. "You've been so nice to me...I'm not usually one to depend on someone," she blushed, "but how could I deny a little help from a pony like you?" She gave him a playful nudge and a warm smile.
Game laughed back. "You know why I picked you" he asked. "Just that. I mean, we're both really headstrong and stuff...but I always feel like I'm missing someone. It's like I'm one half of...a..." He struggled to find the words to say. "...you know what I mean. We're pretty awesome alone, but look at us now!" Game grinned, taking a moment to stop and look at Applejack.
"Yeah, I see it too," she smiled. "I just don't work without other ponies. 'S why I like the farm so much." Game nodded in reply. "I may be eleven-time queen of the rodeo, but I didn't do it alone!" Applejack winked, then softened the look in her eyes into a deep, warm stare. Game smiled, looking into her eyes. They came closer to each other, lips almost meeting...
Both ponies opened their eyes. Game sighed. "Don't you just hate it when that happens?"
"What, waking up in a great dream?"
"Yeah."
Applejack's voice lowered a little. "Doesn't have to end, though." She pulled him in for a kiss.
Shroom Hop unzipped his sleeping bag and got up slowly, peering over at Apple Bloom. She was still asleep. "Apple...Bloom?" he whispered carefully. The sleeping filly didn't respond. Shroom Hop sighed. "I hate waking up late," he thought. "Is she usually like this?..."
Apple Bloom rolled a little, her left hoof crossing her body and hanging out of the bed. "Uuuhng..." she yawned. Shroom grinned hopefully, but it was no use.
"What do I do?" he thought, whipping out a Game Colt he'd brought along with him for a quick game of Tetris.
%i% - Does Chaos Start With An 'L'?
13 - Does Chaos Start With An 'L'?
Pulling out of the kiss slowly, Applejack said, "I guess it's time we woke up, huh?" and rolled out of bed, giving Game's mane a quick scruff before leaving the room with a smile.
"Yeah, I guess so," Game replied, following her, "but I really didn't want that to end. Being with you is...the most fun I've ever had!" He grinned.
This grin faded away quickly. "H-how...how did we miss that!?" Game said, shocked.
"'S this anythin' to do with you, Game?..." Applejack raised an eyebrow.
"N-no..."
It was a Tetromino, two ponies tall. It shared the dull colours of Game's tail, and was near enough identical. Where had it come from? And how had it destroyed half of the barn?
"OK. For a start, let's not worry about how or why it got here. Let's deal with it first. Stand there, Applejack, you'll help me focus. I'm gonna move this thing out." Game showed his Power Glove. "Let's do this!"
Game held out his hoof, piling all his focus into it. The sight of Applejack took most of the tension away, making things much easier for Game. "Don't doubt yourself, Game! I know it's pretty big, but you can do this!" Applejack said softly. Game threw every last effort into moving the Tetromino away, and soon enough, he managed to separate it from the ground. "C'mon, keep goin'..." Game led the L-shaped block through the ruins of the barn, trying not to lose focus. Applejack galloped on ahead. "What the hay is that!?"
Applejack's eyes followed an ever-growing stack of Tetris blocks. No lines disappeared, which Game found a little strange. Also, a strange light connected to the treehouse came from each new Tetris block. Game hastily placed his block in a space before the next could collide with it. His mind wondered who was behind it. Maybe Discord was a little unchained, abusing Celestia's newfound trust? What if the Power Sock was doing this? "Applejack?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm not gonna enjoy this idea I've come up with, but we've gotta split up. You follow the light, see if there's anything there. I'm gonna go and ask Twilight if she knows anything. It's pretty much a definite yes. You ready?"
After receiving a quick kiss on the cheek, Applejack bowed her head in focus, turning to the path of the light. "Let's do this!"
Game took off, fighting the forceful winds. He struggled, falling back like a feather. He couldn't get anywhere. "I guess it's cheating time..." Trying to stay airborne, Game focused on the Power Sock. In a flash of bright light, he crashed through Twilight Sparkle's door in a messy heap.
Luckily for Applejack, the light wasn't coming from too far away. She chased it quickly, seeing that it led to the treehouse. "Oh, no..." Applejack was scared beyond words. What was doing it? Why was it in the treehouse? And most importantly, where were Shroom and Apple Bloom?
"Twilight," Game panted. "Big...trouble..." Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Sorry, I tried...to teleport..."
"It's OK," Twilight smiled. "If the danger's that big, then I don't mind. Guess you wanted a book?"
"Eeyup. Giant Tetris blocks."
"Tetris? Uhm...never heard of it. I might have a manual on my junk shelf..." Twilight scanned through all the books in a hidden corner of the library, eventually finding the game's instruction manual.
"That might not help. We've got a real problem on our hands. Let's go..." He took her hoof and teleported away, now aiming to follow the source of the light.
%i% - Parasite Of The Cursed Game Colt
14 - Parasite Of The Cursed Game Colt
The pair landed in a heap on the sweet-smelling ground of Sweet Apple Acres. "Sorry about that rough landing, Twily! My teleporting needs a lot of work."
"I hate to say it, Game, but...you're right. Never mind, though. We've got a mystery to solve!"
"D'you reckon Spike and Owlowiscious will be OK alone?" Game kicked up the pace, chasing the stream of light up to the Cutie Mark Crusaders' clubhouse.
"Yeah. They get on really well! But I've got a feeling they're not the ones we need to worry about. What if Applejack's in danger?"
Game held the Power Sock to his heart. "I'm gonna do all I can to fix this. And if I've gotta save her in the process – in fact drop that: if I've gotta do anything else along the way, then I'm in. I don't care what it takes."
Applejack was frozen in shock. Her fear was indescribable. She couldn't bare to look at any other pony in the cramped clubhouse. Apple Bloom was near enough identical – she shuddered in the corner, tears pouring down her face. Shroom Hop was a different matter entirely. His face wore no emotion. His eyes stared emptily into his Game Colt – the source of the light.
Game and Twilight burst into the clubhouse. Neither knew where to run first... Game eventually decided to console Applejack. "Applejack?...I'm here...Everything will be alright...We can defeat whatever's scaring y –"
Game gaped. He couldn't describe what he was seeing. It filled him with immense sadness and fear. "I – Shroom – I can't even – this isn't – I've gotta do something!" He tugged at the Game Colt. "You've gotta get off that thing!"
With tenfold the immense power of the Royal Canterlot Voice, Shroom Hop stared rudely up at his father with fury in his blinding white eyes, and said, "IT IS A PART OF ME." "I AM THE GAME COLT."
"I...I swear I remember some legend about this...a cursed Game Colt...how do we defeat this!?" Game looked around hastily, struck by fear. "Something...anything...Luna! Luna!" Game called. "This is urgent! Luna!"
The tall, dark alicorn appeared at his side. "I see your problem, but I cannot solve it alone. We will need magic. Lots of magic."
"What's your plan, Princess?" Game looked up dutifully.
"We overload it."
"But it's cur –"
"Trust me, Game Changer. Find every unicorn in the town. We need every last inch."
"Hurricane Twilight. I know the drill! Game Changer at your service!" Game saluted and took Applejack's hoof in his. "C'mon, Applejack. We'll fix it." He wiped her tears away, pulling her onto all four hooves, and left the clubhouse with the tiniest inch of doubt stabbing away at his mind...
%i% - The War On The Game Colt Begins!
15 - The War On The Game Colt Begins!
"Twilight, head home and use your magic to make a beacon. I'll go and spread the word," Game held out the Power Sock, casting a cheat on himself, "as fast as I can!"
The Golden Oak Library soon became the source of a blinding tower of light, a signal to all unicorns not just in Ponyville, but across most of Equestria. Ponies near and far ran to the distress signal. An 100-strong band of unicorns stood firm outside the Library, waiting to push their limits. Twilight stepped out onto the balcony. "OK, everypony. We've got some trouble over on Sweet Apple Acres. Princess Luna says we'll need all of your magic. Every inch. Let's make this count," she announced firmly. The purple unicorn appeared at the door of the Golden Oak in a burst of magic. "Follow my lead!"
The two sisters huddled close, still in shock. A heavy gust of wind ran through the treehouse – the power of the cursed Game Colt was affecting the air. "Hang...on..." Applejack cried through the wind, clinging to the floorboards as tight as her hooves would allow. Splinters didn't matter. Shroom Hop's eye's glowed a brilliant white, staring deeply into the green screen of the Game Colt. Apple Bloom swam through the air to her brainwashed lover, grabbing his hooves.
"Shroom! Shroom! You've gotta stop this! Wake up!"
"What?" Shroom returned in a low, monotone mumble. This rose to a furious, raging shout. "I CAN'T HEAR YOU OVER ALL THIS AWESOME!" The mumble returned, spamming a seemingly random string of 0s and 1s. Apple Bloom receded into the corner, crying heavy tears of frustration, loss and love.
"Listen!" she cried...
Game zipped around Ponyville, knocking on every single door. Any help would...help. First stop – the nightclub. The turquoise pony bombed through the door. The crowd turned to look at the new arrival, and gasped in dismay. Vinyl Scratch lifted the needle and her ever-present glasses. "'Sup, pal?"
"Vinyl, we're gonna need you! And every other unicorn in the club! All the power we can get! Ponyville's in danger!"
DJ Pon-3 looked at him quizzically. "Oh-kay..." He raised a hoof. "I'm in! Anyone else wanna join me, or has my badflank bass left ya fried as a Scootaloo?" A flood of unicorns rushed to the door, followed closely by Vinyl.
"All troops, move out!" Game barked to the team. They braved the rain that night, racing to the Library. But this wasn't just rain. It wasn't chocolate, either. This made chocolate rain look like a child's game.
Massive tetrominoes rocketed down from the sky.
%i% - Out Of The Hub, Into The Hurricane
16 - Out Of The Hub, Into The Hurricane
The huge blocks, varying in shape, hailed from the black night. They could flatten anypony not focused enough to avoid them. Each and every unicorn dodged as well as they could – for their lives depended on it. Every tetromino shook the ground as hard as Rarity's 'diamond' did about three months ago. Nopony was safe.
The two teams of unicorns met at the treehouse, struggling to resist the gale-force blasts of wind encasing the treehouse. Not a single pony could make out what was beyond the tornado. Planks of wood flying around the tornado slapped the unlucky ones hard in the face, suggesting that the Crusaders' clubhouse had been put into a state of ruin. Game tried hard to enter on hoof, standing strong against the gusts, but he couldn't see a thing. He turned back, rejoining the groups of unicorns which had now formed into one.
Something hit him hard in the back, knocking him to the ground. Game wriggled, fearful of the possibility that it might be one of those Tetris blocks. "Somepony...help..." he said, without much enthusiasm. He tried to work out what was on him from the feel of it. "Uh..." Game thought hard, reaching up with a hoof to get a better feel. "Is that you...Applejack?"
"Game?" Applejack looked down, instantly recognising the scruffy, ginger mane of Game Changer. "'S that you...sweetheart?"
"Yes, Applejack."
"Oh, Game!" Game Changer felt a small teardrop land upon his hoof. Applejack sobbed. "I've...I've missed you so much! I was so cold, and alone..." Her voice sharpened a little in urgency. "Where's my sister?"
"I...I don't know, Applejack... Maybe she was thrown out too... Apple Bloom?" Game called.
"Here, got 'er," replied a unicorn from the crowd, lifting Applejack's sister up high. Apple Bloom, after being carefully let down by the pony, ran to her sister, catching her in a tight embrace.
"Ah wus so scared, Applejack!" A tear slipped from Apple Bloom's eye.
"So was I, sis."
"Really sorry, but I'm gonna have to leave you guys behind. We've gotta get in there and save this farm!" Game burst into the tornado with almighty force, leaping up the tree into what was left of the Cutie Mark Crusaders' precious clubhouse. "Gyrrh..." he growled, kicking the remains of the door down.
Game's fear of what he saw was a strange feeling. The pain of such a huge loss tied with the fury of the unknown intertwined – Game's emotions filled him with indescribable power. "Shroom!" he cried out. Something was lifting him off his feet. Somehow, it wasn't the heavy tornado. Neither was it an unconscious cheat. His eyes lit, as blindingly yellow as neon daffodils, and he reached out a hoof. "Wake up!" he shouted – this newfound power had made his voice somehow more powerful than the voice of Nightmare Moon.
Shroom Hop's eyes did not leave his Game Colt. His mouth didn't even move. But, unexplainably, words appeared from above. "I am The Master" it boomed. "Your son is cursed...His duty is to erase you, your son, and everypony else in existence!"
Game raised an eyebrow. "Hold on... You...were cursed? Hmm..."
"Your naïve thoughts matter no longer. They will be your last!" the voice cried. "Make your choice, Game Changer. Lose your son, or lose everypony!"
"Hmm...How about neither?" Game smirked. "Turn off the fans, then I've got three words for you, sucker."
To everypony's relief, the wind came to a slow halt. "Did I do a good job?" Game grinned to the crowds below. "Hey Rarity?"
"Yes?" Rarity rushed to the front, wearing what looked like a stunning silver dress.
"Now's your moment," he grinned. "May I compliment you on the armour, by the way?"
"It's not really to my taste, but thank you, Game." Rarity batted her eyelashes at him with a smile. "It...Is...On!"
Every unicorn in the crowd stepped closer to Shroom Hop, led by Princess Luna, ready to fire their magic towards the Master's Game Colt. "One..." Game raised a hoof. "Two..." Every single unicorn assumed a fighting stance, pointing their horns up to the brainwashed colt and console. "Three!" Game swung his hoof up towards the treehouse. "Give it all you've got, everypony!"
17 - It's On!
The blast was overwhelming. One glance at it, and no matter how resilient you were in the face of it you'd have to turn away. So much magic was directed at the Game Colt...but would it overload the system as Luna predicted? Only time would tell...
The air burned around them. From even a short distance, the heatwaves made it nearly impossible to see the heroic team. Lights went out all over Ponyville – the magic overload was definitely doing its job there... "Keep going, everypony! We can do this, I just know it!" Game panted. He really wanted to fly up and see his son, but considering the conditions, he thought he might kill himself in the process. He'd do that for his son, by all means, but that tiny inch of doubt in his mind was growing. He could feel it, getting stronger and stronger, unable to decide whether it was unfounded or not. Thirty lives would definitely be helpful if the situation was made any worse by this – and it'd be as simple as up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A.
Luna sighed, a little frustrated. "That should have finished it. I was sure that sort of record-breaking power could break the curse. Prepare yourself, loyal one. You may have a long fight ahead of you."
"My instincts are saying rest."
"No, no! By all means, no! We cannot let the colt cause any more damage to our town...And we also cannot let him extend his wrath any further..." Luna seemed disturbed by the idea, and with very good reason.
"So, ideas? What about the Elements of Harmony?"
"They may work. They are a stronger form of magic. But perhaps this is your fight, Game Changer. Maybe it's time for you to rise to the challenge." Luna rested a confident hoof on Game's neck.
"Perhaps it is. Maybe it's why the Master chose Shroom Hop! I'll find a way. Don't worry, Princess. Your kingdom's in the ri –"
"My sister mainly owns it, but carry on."
"It's in the right hooves, Princess!" Game galloped out into the night, readying himself for what could be a major battle. "I promise..."
Game braved the tornado to find his son. Diving in, he clung tightly to the tree, hitching himself up it in a desperate struggle. "Shroom! Son! Ya hear me?"
No reply.
"I'll be there in a sec!"
Still nothing.
Game let out a hopeless sigh. "Have faith, Game," he murmured to himself. "C'mon, Shroom! Say something!"
Not another word.
The cold bit at his nose and messed his mane like a certain brute of a griffon. Game ignored it. Nothing was on his mind but his son.
Soon enough, he had some wood under his hooves. This tiny platform didn't seem like much of a place to end it. Game leapt furiously at his brainwashed son, grabbing and tugging at the Game Colt. "Stop these stupid games, whoever you are!"
"Is Tetris not your thing? Aww, what a shame!" the Master replied in a jeering tone. "Perhaps you'd like a bit of...let's think...nah. It's variety time!" Shroom Hop threw a nasty glance at his father, pointing the top of the Game Colt at him. A few cartridges shot out of the top, landing in Game's mouth.
Game spat them out into his hoof. "I wonder if Kirby 's your thing, 'cause these are coming right back at ya!" The valiant colt threw all three back, the corners jabbing Shroom Hop in the cheek. He looked down, noticing that yet another cartridge was in the console. Perhaps that was a weak point?...
Game dived towards the handheld console, grabbing at the cartridge with a smirk. His quick hoof was stopped by an equally fast block. Shroom Hop threw his father's hoof back into his face. After taking a massive recoil onto the floor, Game growled through held-back tears, "That took some skill, Master. Turning my own son against me. Believe me, you're gonna pay. You're gonna pay every one of those hundred coins that you own. Game over. I promise."
"You wish. All your rings will be gone before you can say 'Dr. Robotnik'!"
"That'll be about as tough for you to pull off as finishing Battletoads blind. I'd like to see you try."
"Game!" The Master roared.
"Master!" Game yelled furiously.
"Game !" The Master boomed, deafening.
"Master !" Game made a valiant attempt at an equally deafening shout.
"Game..." The Master snarled, with less force but more vengeful fury.
"Master..." Game Changer spoke through tightly gritted teeth.
"It. Is. On !" Rarity piped up.
"My line, Rarity. Thanks, but no thanks. We're in a climactic moment here...can you step aside?"
"Oh, I see how it is. Hmph." Rarity turned her head, full of attitude, and pompously cantered away.
"Anyway...Let's do this!"
18 - Multiplayer
Game struck a powerful uppercut on the Game Colt, but still it would not leave the hands of his son. "Nice try," Shroom smirked evilly, slamming the rock-hard console on his father's head.
"These games are making me sick," Game sighed. "Guess I'm gonna have to. He won't forgive me, but...I've got to..." He directed a tough hook to Shroom Hop's cheek. It wasn't very effective.
"Father!" the real Shroom Hop's voice cried. "I understand! It might not work, but hurt me..." His feeble voice faded away, replaced by the jeering tones of the Master.
"I'd like to see you try, little colt."
"Don't downgrade me like that!" Game wrestled for the Game Colt, hoping that snatching it away from its host would defeat this boss. "You'll pay!"
"Multiplayer," spoke Shroom's tiny, dying voice, soon replaced again by the Master's. The colt could manage a tiny wink before he fell under the poison waves of the Master.
"Vinyl!" cried Game, hoping that the DJ would join him in battle. "Join me!" The unicorn gave an unsure look to Time Turner beside him, who gave an affirmative nod.
"Sure thing! DJ Pon-3 is in the house!" Vinyl leapt into battle.
"If that's what you can call it, anyway. This means so much! Thanks, Vinyl!" Vinyl pulled out four records, flinging two to his partner. "And yes, you've got permission to batter my son..." Vinyl leapt at the console in the colt's hooves, scratching the rear with his records. Game tried to splice the Game Colt down the middle, but his efforts were cut short as the discs were knocked aside. "Um...any ideas?"
Vinyl shrugged. "The colt's tough. I've got nothing..."
"Wait...magic!"
"We all know how well that worked out the last time we tried it," the mare spoke with a shrug.
"I mean, throw some stuff at him!"
DJ Pon-3 nodded, her approval increasing a little. "...Good thinkin'. Let's roll!" Vinyl dashed over to the increasing Tetris stack, towering over twice as high as the Town Hall. With all her might, she lifted a block from the tower. "Damn...this is tough..." Fighting through the pain, she charged valiantly towards the fight scene, shoving the long Tetromino into Shroom Hop. The force was enough to shove him out of the treehouse, still with his rear hooves crossed, clinging tightly to the Game Colt. The two ponies could see that they'd made a step further, as Shroom Hop looked a little dazed, and with a look to the right they saw that the fall of the Tetris blocks had slowed. But the fight would continue long into the night, no doubt. The Master was not to be underestimated.
Game took his opportunity to attack from above. He leapt from the wooden platform with a hoof outstretched, ready to crush or at the very least damage the console. His wings were tightly hugging his body – he usually kept them outstretched unless he needed to be streamlined. After a brief moment with the furious wind in his messy mane, contact was made. "Kshrg!" Falling to the ground, he could see that the plastic rear had a crack in the shape of a strike of lightning. Success, at last! The end was in sight...
%i% - Block Rockin' Feats
19 - Block Rockin' Feats
"We're close," muttered Game. "We can do this." He turned to face Applejack and gave her a quick grin. She took off her hat, smiling back. "Hmm...what could that mean?" Game thought about it for a second, then said, "I've got it! Mario's hatless when you're on 99 lives...so what you're saying is...there's no chance it's Game Over for us?" The mare nodded confidently. Game burst towards her for a warm embrace, almost crying with happiness, but the chill on his neck said something was after him...
A quick look over his shoulder spoke danger to Game. The tetromino was maybe three ponies long, and about as tall as one, but what was certain was that it was a threat. "Everyone, move!" Applejack and Game dived aside the threat together and the crowd hastily made an effort to dodge. The green Pegasus turned to face his attacker. "Game...on!" Racking up some speed, Game charged straight into the face of heavy danger. Looking down to the Power Sock on his left fore hoof, a cold air of doubt returned to his neck. "This had better work. I'm gonna prove that chill wrong!" Seeing greenish sepia before him, he leapt into the centre of the long block's cross-section, holding out the Power Sock in stiff hope.
A deafening crash was heard, and it was done. Game skidded across the grass on all fours, and around him were fragments of the huge block. He'd defied the Master. Turning to the crowd with a swish of his messy mane, Game was overwhelmed by a wave of applause. "Look out!" cried Carrot Top, who couldn't bear to look. Game looked over his shoulder, giving the B button on his cutie mark a quick slap.
"Let's twist this," he muttered, giving the L-shaped block racing towards him a powerful smash. It careened away, spinning into other approaching blocks. "It's time we Game Over-ed this massive stack before it ruins the whole town...Follow me, everypony. Maybe you can give me a hand!" The hero winked, soaring off to defeat the Tetris tower.
%i% - Ponyville's Helping Hoof
1 - Ponyville's Helping Hoof
"Hrrgh...focus, Game!" Game Changer said to himself. He held out his clenched hoof to his little brother before him, focusing all his power into getting this cheat to work. The Power Sock was comfortable on his hoof. It had been with him since he was just a filly – bestowed upon him by his father, it carried cheat abilities not dissimilar to the magic used by unicorns. Once again, he reached out with the Power Sock and closed his eyes tightly. It glowed brightly before him, tightening under the pressure of this cheat. Then – pyaow!
A deafening retro explosion filled the room, knocking the colts into the walls around them. Shroom Hop's head appeared in the midst of a pile of cheat scrolls. He shook it to clear off the choking dust. Game looked across at his son and laughed a little. "Now let's see if that Super Jump worked, Shroom!"
The pair wandered outside, seeing Pinkie Pie hop by, smiling as she went. Shroom trotted quietly beside her. Pinkie looked down, noticing him, and he copied her hops perfectly with the new cheat Game cast on him. Game watched on, laughing a little and joining the two jumping ponies.
"Nice work, Game!" Pinkie smiled.
"Anything to help you guys have a little more fun," Game said with a wink, arming himself with lasers as he soared up to the clouds.
"It sure is tough clearing the sky today, Fluttershy. Glad you could help," Rainbow Dash said to her fellow cloud-kicker.
"That's what friends do," Fluttershy replied as Game Changer appeared at her side. "And it looks like we have another hoof!"
"Um...if that's okay with you," Game laughed, shooting a few clouds out of the sky with the turrets aboard his back. The scarlet lasers dashed past Rainbow, slightly singeing her mane, but put perfect holes in the forthcoming clouds.
"I didn't say I wanted eight colours in my mane!" Dashie retorted.
"Oh, sorry...I haven't had enough practice."
"Surely there's a cheat for that?" Rainbow questioned, calming down.
"Um...yeah, I think so. Somewhere...Sorry, Dash."
"Eh, it's OK." Dash shrugged. Game dived back down into Ponyville, shouting his goodbyes as he went.
Game Changer's hooves landed softly on the fresh ground of Sweet Apple Acres. They weren't sure hooves, however. Game knew that the Apple family liked to do things traditionally. There would always be some doubt in the Power Sock, whether it had Luna's backing or not. The colt looked around, but the orange pony he was searching for was nowhere to be found. With a few flaps of his capable wings, Game took to the air again to search for Applejack.
5 - Make It Better
"The flagpole's in sight," Game grinned, talking to himself. "I'm not far off..."
"First sign of madness, Game," Twilight Sparkle reminded him. Game stopped for a moment.
"Hey, Twily! How's it going?"
"I'm doing pretty well. And you?"
"Yeah, I'm on top of things. I'm just really excited at the minute!"
"That's always good to hear. Have you seen Applejack lately?"
"Yeah, of course! I've been helping her out on the farm today while Big Mac was gone."
"Oh, I see. That's probably why she's been out there longer than before lately." Game struggled to hide a dreamy look at the mention of Applejack. But he'd have to own up at some point... "It's nice of you to help her."
"Thanks, Twily. See ya later." Game headed for the school.
Shroom Hop chatted excitedly with Apple Bloom on the way out of school. Game smiled, spying an opportunity. "Hey, son!" He waved, calling Apple Bloom too. "You two got all of your stuff?" The filly and colt beside him nodded. "I'll give you a lift home, Apple Bloom."
"That's mighty kind of ya, GC. Thanks!" Apple Bloom nodded. "Mum seems to talk about you all the time!"
"That's good to hear," replied Game as the two ponies hopped onto his back. "Hang on tight, guys!" Game made a steady ascent, then homed in on Sweet Apple Acres at a decent speed. He could hear the young ponies whispering behind him. He dared to turn his head a little, and saw Apple Bloom looking up at Shroom affectionately, her hoof in his. Skidding to a halt on the dirt, Game failed to hold back a smile. "D'you guys need a little time to yourself?"
"I'm sure Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle won't mind holdin' back a Cutie Mark Crusaders meetin'." Apple Bloom took Shroom up to the clubhouse, and Game wandered into the barn to meet Applejack again.
It was just light enough to feel homely in the barn. The fire was on. Applejack sat alone in the corner. "'S good to see you back here again!" She trotted up to him excitedly. "Ya know, mah li'l Apple Bloom's got herself a coltfriend! Ah'm a li'l jealous mahself!" She winked, holding out her hoof. Game pulled her in for a light kiss, grinning at first. Soon enough, he pulled away.
"Applejack?"
"Yeah?"
"D'you think...we should go out?" whispered Game Changer, a little nervously.
"Uhm...yis. You make me so happy!" Game grinned at the response, kissing Applejack again.
Up in the clubhouse, the same thing was happening between Apple Bloom and Shroom Hop. They kissed, then giggled a little. "D'you think we should..." said Shroom.
"Yis, ah think we should," replied Apple Bloom. They kissed again, coltfriend and fillyfriend for real.
%i% - I've Got A Golden Ticket
7 - I've Got A Golden Ticket
Game Changer's mind sped through the last couple of days. As great as they were, he couldn't let the ecstasy fool him. He was sure he remembered Applejack mentioning that Apple Bloom had a coltfriend. It sounded like Applejack didn't know his face – what if Shroom Hop was the one he was talking about?...
Game tapped the Start button of the Game Colt Technicolor and lightly took it from Shroom Hop. Shroom sighed. "What...?"
"Have you seen Apple Bloom's coltfriend?"
Shroom Hop leapt back in horror. "B-but...I was her coltfriend! Don't tell me she's –"
"No, no, I get it. Thanks for telling me. She wouldn't do a thing like that. Don't worry." Game turned his back, leaving the room.
"Wait...how do you know?"
Game looked back at Shroom. "Uhm...I guess I should own up. Applejack's my fillyfriend."
Shroom smiled back. "I'm so happy for you! Wait, does that mean I'm going out with my sister!?"
"Uh...I...guess so...No, not yet. We're not married!"
"OK, don't ever get married. Ever."
"'Kay, I'll just throw a massive party. Nothing legal about it. Never mind. Let's go." The pair left to see their fillyfriends again.
It wasn't long before they reached Sweet Apple Acres. But unusually, not a sound was heard from the orchard, and the barn door was shut. Noticing a tiny white speck in the distance, Game paced ahead. A note on the door of the barn read:
"Hey, Game. I forgot to mention that the Equestria Rodeo is today. You'll find a free ticket for the next train under this note. I'd love it if you could come. Apple Bloom is with Granny Smith, but I'm sure she'd like to join you too.
Sorry,
Applejack"
"No way! We're gonna go to the Rodeo?" Shroom's face lit up with excitement. "We can't miss that train, Game!"
"Yeah, let's go!" Game knocked on the door, hearing Apple Bloom's voice on the other side.
"That'll be them," she said. "Bye, Granny Smith!" Apple Bloom dashed out of the door, attacking Shroom Hop with a fierce hug. "Hey, Shroom!" She messed up his mane. "How're you doin'?"
"On top of the world, Apple Bloom!" He gave her a brohoof, then took her hoof in his. "I can't wait!"
Game Changer thought about Applejack, seeing her train for the Rodeo in his mind. "I don't mind what she comes home with this time, whether it's a ton of medals or nothing," he thought. "She's got my heart."