Equestrian Earth: The Changeling War

by Draconis187

Rating: everyone
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Changelings, Original Character, Comedy, Adventure, Discord
Length: 36278

When an expansion to the popular MMORPG comes out, players flock to get their hooves on it. Little do they know of the events that are about to unfold.

Equestrian Earth has brought out an expansion to bring in more players from across the world. Four particular players first play for fun, fame and glory. Little do they know that all it takes is a rogue program to plunge the world and the game into chaos.

Will they band together and face the threat of cyberspace? Or will they be doomed to remain trapped in a virtual world with countless others for all eternity?
A/N: Cover art by Nameless-Fairy on DeviantART

Spin-off of Equestrian Earth and made for The Equestrian Earth Universe group.

Pre-read by the following to ensure their characters aren't abused or done incorrectly:
Mixer as Mixer
Spartan-1138 as Everlasting Solace
VectorGameplay as Joystick

Published 2013-04-23 21:20:02 UTC
Last updated 2015-04-25 10:32:15 UTC

And so the game begins...

Equestrian Earth: The Changeling War
And so the game begins...
Author: Draconis187

A cool breeze blew through the city of Canterlot as overcast had finally set in the skies above. Rain wasn’t in the forecast for the day and so ponies went about their day as usual, with their noses stuck up so high they might as well have been in the clouds. In a small coffee shop that was nestled in one of the many streets of Equestria’s capitol, two friends were meeting for a drink… and a small disagreement.

One was a white Unicorn with wild, short black and red hair. His Cutie Mark was that of a controller for the popular Featherstation series of console platforms. He was wearing his favourite pair of black glasses. Strangely though, there was no glass in them, just strips of black plastic laid in a horizontal position in place of the lenses which allowed others to easily see his red eyes. Why he wore them was beyond any reason his friend could come up with.

His friend was a grey Pegasus with long teal hair, similar in style to a particularly popular disc jockey. He liked it that way despite it annoyingly got into his amber eyes from time to time. His Cutie Mark consisted of three yellow stars, which matched his name: Star Seeker. Strange name but his friend had something similar in comparison with his Mark: Joystick. Joystick worked in the local Foal Games and Comic store on Sunset Boulevard while Star Seeker worked in local observatory as an astronomer’s assistant, tracking Luna’s constellations and recording them.

“Aw, why not?” Joystick complained.

“It’s just a game Joystick and besides, you have a number of other friends besides me who can play with you and go ‘questing’,” Seeker replied nonchalantly as he took a sip of his black coffee.

“Equestrian Earth is the biggest MMORPG in Equestria at the moment. It uses virtual technology for Celestia’s sake! The reason why I thought you might enjoy it is because of its latest expansion. They’ve added an achievement system, overhauled the crafting system and players can explore the Saddle Arabian Desert. Here, look and see for yourself,” The white unicorn passed a small, thin box with the words: ‘Equestrian Earth: The Wrath of Queen Chrysalis’.

Seeker’s eyes bulged slightly at the title. Joystick was the only pony that was not only his friend, but was also the only pony who knew that Seeker was actually a Changeling. Not like those that attacked Canterlot during Chrysalis’ attempt to upset the throne of Equestria, he was one of the few Changelings that never wanted part in the conflict and were perfectly happy living amongst ponies. Luckily Seeker informed Joystick of his nature long before the invasion but it did cause some slight tension between them from time to time.

“What does Chrysalis have to do with this?” Seeker whispered irritably, “You want me to play a game where I go around killing Changelings as a pony? Do you not know me?”

Joystick scoffed and whispered back, “Don’t get your carapace in a knot, Seeker. The game has you fighting Changelings, yes that is true but you can also play as a Changeling. That’s why I thought you might like it. You can walk around the virtual world as you truly are, no hiding.”

Seeker pondered this for a second. He had told Joystick that being in near constant disguise is a little annoying, even more so when the invasion had degraded the majority’s opinion of him and his kin. Being able to walk around ponies as he really was without any fear of being attacked, even in a game might help ease his mind.

Star Seeker sighed, “Alright, I’ll give it a go.”

Joystick smiled broadly, “Awesome, I knew I could get you to come around! Come, I’ll get you the game. I need to clock in for my shift anyway.”

The two friends walked through the streets of Canterlot, ignored by the ‘higher class’ as they ventured through the city. They soon approached Foal Games and Comics, a store that did what it said on the tin. The usually quiet store was jam-packed as ponies were trying to get their hooves on the latest edition of Equestrian Earth. If the Royal Guards were as passionate as this about defending Canterlot as these gamers were about a game release, Chrysalis would have never stood a chance. Seeker and Joystick laughed a little as they saw a little filly fighting with a full grown stallion over who got to play it.

Joystick disappeared behind the store as he grabbed a tan jacket with a nametag with his name on it. His plastic glasses were gone but apart from that, he was exactly the same as when he walked in. He walked up behind the counter as one of his co-workers praised him for pitching as if he were Celestia herself.

“Everypony, listen up!” He shouted in a tone that was rare for the usually easy-going unicorn, “If you can form an orderly… or you can just ignore me.”

Which the crowd had already did as they continued to shove and argue with each other. Joystick looked down and began to search through a few drawers behind the counter, mumbling to himself. After a few minutes his eyes lit up as he found what he was looking for: a miniature air horn. It was a small round cylindrical canister with a red top with what looked like a funnel sticking out to the side. It was glowing faintly red as Joystick placed his hooves over his ears. Star Seeker did the same just as the top was depressed and an ear-splitting blast of noise came out of the air horn.

The crowd dropped everything: game boxes, groceries and the like as they threw their hooves over their ears. Star Seeker took the opportunity to grab one of the game boxes and placed it on the counter, the previous pony there was crouched in a foetal position on the floor, mumbling incoherently. Either the air horn destroyed his mind or the horde of gamers did something worse to him.

“Well, now that I have your undivided attention will you please for the love of the Sun and Moon line up in an orderly fashion. Otherwise…” He gave the air horn a little shake, making the group gulp in unison, “Sweet Celestia, this thing was the best 30 bits I ever spent.”

“Wouldn’t the owner be a little upset with your methods? You did almost render everypony here deaf,” Star Seeker asked as he handed over some bits for the game.

“Nah, he’s over there, arguing with his daughter of all ponies. All I’ve done was make him feel ridiculous,” Joystick laughed as he ran the purchase through the till and handed him a small bag with the item inside.

“It has a subscription fee though,” Joystick warned, “Not much though, 20 bits per month.”

“Good thing working at the observatory pays so well,” Seeker joked as he walked past the line of dead quiet ponies. You could hear a pin drop.

Thankfully for Star Seeker, Princess Luna had not scheduled any changes to the constellations for the next week. This gave Seeker time to indulge in his latest purchase. Opening the bag, he found two boxes: one was the original Equestrian Earth while the other was the expansion pack in question. A third item was the infamous I.P.V.: a device that allowed the player to enter the virtual world of the game. His had a teal visor with three yellow stars on the sides. Due to the colouration, it almost vanished into his mane as placed it on his head. This I.P.V. was custom made, usually they come in a variety of visor colours but the sides were always white and plain. Seeker chuckled to himself, Joystick knew he was going to play and planned ahead. He really was smarter than most gave him credit for.

He powered up a 45” television screen hooked up to a computer tower that stood as tall as a five year old filly. If there was one thing he was proud of, it was this monster of a machine. The case was a pale blue with blue lights running down the sides and around the various small buttons as well as around the front side ports. He pressed the power button as he picked up his wireless keyboard and mouse as his computer booted and fetched the operating system from the hard drive.

He sat down on a small cloud he managed to get from one of the local weather teams. It was a hassle to hide it from his landlady whenever she came around to make sure he wasn’t breaking the terms of his contract but sadly for her, Changelings were great at deception. Apparently she had a problem with a Pegasus firing off a bolt at a tenant a while back. His apartment didn’t cost as much as one thought, the real estate in Canterlot was depreciating in value over the past few years. He managed to get some green bulbs for his light fixtures, an odd request but ponies knew when to keep their noses out of somepony’s business, especially when they're friendly. Seeker’s apartment was fairly sized for the lone Changeling. He changed the original, thin blinds to some very thick ones that blocked out the sun. They were tan in colour while he repainted the walls white so that the light had more effect.

He bolted his door shut and checked the locks as a small green fire engulfed him. As it travelled across his coat, it ‘burned’ off the grey fur, leaving behind his original dark brown colouration. His hooves had multiple holes in them, travelling straight through and allowing one to see what lay on the other side of them. His eyes were entirely amber in colour while the chitinous plating on his back was the same, only with a glossy, smooth texture to it. He had a pair of tattered, pale green, transparent bug wings that buzzed as he flew to his cloud. A small horn jutted out from his forehead while his entire teal mane was considerably shorter, with several small holes in it as well. His tail faced the same fate. A pale amber glow engulfed the horn as his keyboard and mouse flew up to him.

He smiled as his operating system appeared on his Ponysonic television. He began to read the manual as the game downloaded itself onto the hard drive and connected to the I.P.V. He took a moment familiarise himself with the game’s combat mechanic as well as the character creation tool. Every player had to choose a class as well as a race. Griffons, Ponies and some hybrids that looked like they shouldn’t be possible were in the roster. Finally he came up to the Changeling section, before he could read further than the part about the race having divided into factions which was the reason as to why the player was able to choose to be one. He wondered what sane pony would want to be one of his kin after the Royal Wedding Incident.

After creating his class and appearance, he placed the device over his head and activated it. He tried to avert his gaze as his eyes were engulfed in a brilliant white light with lines of blue words that were most likely the game’s code, flying upwards at a terrifying speed in front of him. He opened his eyes to find himself standing in the middle of nowhere, looking completely out of place as he wondered what he should be doing next.

“Welcome to Equestrian Earth, Star Seeker,” A very female sounding voice said, causing the Changeling to jump and turn around.

He could only make out an outline of a tall, lean figure looking down at him. He tried to look up but the light decided to mock his attempts as it continued to try and blind him.

“Who are you?” The Changeling asked nervously.

“Not who, what,” The figure replied, “I am the central A.I. program that runs Equestrian Earth.”

‘So, she’s the game’s A.I.? She self-aware and yet prefers to be referred to as an object rather than a living being? How strange,’ He thought.

“So my little Changeling, which character would you like to load?” The figure asked as a single file popped into existence before the Changeling.

He looked at it and saw a perfect reflection of his Changeling self, except with longer hair. Under it was his name and under that was the class he chose: Engineer. It was a class that allowed him to keep out harm’s reach from most enemies and still be of use to any team.

“From here you shall enter a world of magic and friendship but,” The being began to warn, “The world is also fraught with many dangers. Keep your wits… and your friends close.”

“What can I call you though?” Star Seeker asked, getting a tad annoyed at the sheer brightness of the area he was in.

“You may simply refer to me as The Goddess,”The figure replied as Seeker’s vision went completely white.

“What is it with games and overly bright lights? Do I need to disable the bloom or something?” Seeker asked to himself as his vision returned, “Well, this is new.”

Seeker was in the middle of a street in a place he read about in the manual. It was called Aeroslida, the main hub of Equestrian Earth. It was a flying city that made Canterlot look like Appleloosa in comparison. The walls of the buildings shone from the sun’s rays. The Changeling walked through the streets, taking in the city as he went. Turned out the city was not levitating through some form of magic nor was it comprised of a base of dense cloud to keep it aloft, it had a pair of flying serpentine dragons under it. They effortlessly pulled the colossal assortment of structures on their backs through the air.

“Hey, Seeker!” Star Seeker turned around and saw Joystick.

His friend was clad in golden yellow heavy armour. A long, curved blade was resting on his left side while a round, maroon coloured shield rested on his right. The chestplate bore a symbol of an open book and a sun that closely resembled Princess Celestia’s Cutie Mark on it. The pauldrons had an intricate silver pattern along the edges, similar to a creeping vine.

He wasn’t alone if the two other ponies standing next to him were any indication. One was a grey coloured Pegasus similar to a particular ditzy mailmare who was responsible for the collapse of the western watchtower two weeks back. Needless to say, she got banned from ever returning to Canterlot.

The stallion had two intersecting wrenches with a cog in the centre on his flank. His mane was barely visible under the dark tan, old western hat but Seeker could make out a few black strands as well as notice that his eyes were a moderate yellow. Completing his look was the equally dark tan duster he wore. On his back was a contraption that Seeker had never seen before, it was made of an assortment of wooden and metal parts, one end of it had a slightly thick metal tube while the other end was a long block of wood. Seeker could only take random stabs in the dark to figure out what it was since he never managed to read the weapons section of the game manual.

The last one was a blue unicorn, clad in light silver armour that looked heavier than it did. The chestplate itself was black and had a crescent moon adorning the centre. Seeker couldn’t see the stallion’s mane as he wore a helmet that only left his eyes and muzzle exposed. The helmet had a white plume but his tail was brown, leaving Seeker guessing his true hair colour. He carried a staff with purple amethyst, shaped into a five-pointed star on the tip. As the three walked up to the Changeling, he noticed the unicorn had a thin alchemist’s vial crossing a crystal on his flank. What grabbed the Changeling’s attention was the scar under the stallion’s right eye. It seemed to complete his look but something told Seeker that this pony wasn’t as social as the two he was walking with.

Joystick walked up to Seeker and beamed, “Seeker, welcome to die!”

The Changeling rolled his eyes, “Are you going to introduce me or must I guess?”

“Fine. Stay awhile and listen! This here is Everlasting Solace,” The Pegasus nodded his head with a grin on his face, “And sourpuss over there is Mixer. Don’t worry, he’s actually more social than he looks.”

Seeker walked up to the blue unicorn, “My name is Star Seeker, pleased to meet you.”

“Mixer, I guess I can say the same?” Mixer replied curtly.

Seeker shook of the unicorn’s abrupt reply as he walked up to the Pegasus who gave him a hoofbump in greeting, “My name is Star Seeker.”

“Pleasure’s mine Seeker, just call me Solace since the rest takes too long to say,” The Pegasus joked slightly.

Joystick clapped his hooves together, “Well, Now that we are all acquainted with each other, let’s go questing!”

<----> ---- ---- <---->

Achievement unlocked!

Getting Started

The training wheels are off!

Author's Note

OCs are: Star Seeker: Myself
Everlasting Solace: Spartan-1138
Mixer:Mixer
Joystick:VectorGameplay

A Changeling's guide to starting out

Equestrian Earth: The Changeling War
A Changeling's guide to starting out
Author: Draconis187

“Well, might as well get started,” Star Seeker commented as the group half dragged the reluctant Changeling through the bustling sky city.

“We’ll get you on your first quest after we’ve shown you around,” Joystick replied as the group passed a few Griffons who gave Seeker a few odd looks.

“Why did you choose a Changeling of all creatures?” Mixer asked as the four of them walked towards a white marble building that stood two storeys tall and was pretty small compared to the towering behemoths around it.

“It’s the closest you can get to an Alicorn. After all, wings and magic? Who wouldn’t want that?” The Changeling grinned maliciously.

“True but your magic and flight are weaker as a result in order to balance out the race,” Joystick commented as a maroon pony walked up to them.

She was a unicorn mare with a light pink mane that was slightly hidden under a wide brimmed, baby blue hat with a long pale green feather sticking out of the side. She was wearing an equally blue dress with small, fabric flowers stitched in along the hem line. The stitching had a vine pattern to them as it held the dress together. Her Cutie Mark was hidden under the dress at all times so none of the four adventurers knew what it was.

“I am Madame Show Worthy, at your service!” The unicorn declared proudly in a Prance accent as she bowed to the adventurers, “And welcome to ze Show Stoppers Boutique!”

“Uh, pardon?” The Changeling was asked nervously as a large number of measuring tapes and various colourful fabrics began to fly around the room.

Joystick rolled his eyes, “You’ve played RPGs right?” Seeker nodded, “Well, you know every adventurer can’t run out stark naked and expect to survive for more than a few seconds. You need armour and Tailors make light armour for a few classes including yours. Just look at yourself for Celestia’s sake!”

The Changeling looked down and realised he - indeed - had nothing to help him survive the harsh virtual reality world of Equestrian Earth. Nor did he have a weapon to defend himself with. He could try using his fangs but he’d probably just end up breaking his jaw and the fangs in the process.

The Changeling was picked up by the unicorn’s magic and was reluctantly taken upstairs as his holed hooves flailed about. The three ponies laughed as they heard a variety of shouts and squeals that came from the protesting Changeling. The boutique had five ponyquins standing by the window, each wearing a different make of light armour. One was an elegant floral pink dress with a hat that resembled Show Worthy’s.

The shop itself wasn’t entirely special, white walls, two pale red couches for patrons to wait patiently on. There was a table nearby with a few books that should help newbies and a few with old mare’s tales for the experienced adventurer. The group realised that the shouting and protesting stopped as Solace was reading about ‘Crystal Keys’. Very rare keys that unlocked Crystal Chests but both would be very difficult to locate. The pounding of hooves on the staircase above introduced the newly armoured Changeling.

His armour mainly consisted of a menagerie of bug shells strapped to his body. It was mainly comprised of light blue chitin with woollen padding underneath. The chitinous plating covered his hooves, his back as well as his neck but left his head exposed. He was wearing a white leather hat with a long red feather sticking out of the side. His teal mane was still visible as it hung down on the right side of his head. The back plates had two holes in the top for his wings and covered his flank completely.

The parts that weren’t covered by the chitin were covered by thin, durable pieces of light green cloth. He had a chestplate that had two shells sticking out to the sides, like a pair of wings. In the centre of the plate was the symbol that Joystick had on his chest. Despite its heavy appearance, it was quite light in weight.

<----> ---- ---- <---->

Armour Acquired!
Changeling Vanguard
Light Armour
34 Defence
+3 to Sight
+1 to Accuracy
+2 to Speed

<----> ---- ---- <---->

“C'est magnifique!” Show Worthy stated as she walked past Star Seeker with a grin on her face, “’e was… how you say? Difficult.”

Joystick chuckled as Seeker looked at his armour, “That’s Seeker to a tee.”

“I look utterly ridiculous…” Seeker began to say but Joystick threw his arm around the Changeling’s neck, his grin growing wider.

“Nah, you look fine. Now we need to get you a weapon so you can be a proper adventurer!” The yellow armoured unicorn declared as the group ventured out of the shop and further into Aeroslida’s business District.

“Hold it!” The group turned around as Show Worthy stood outside her shop, tapping her hoof on the ground impatiently, “You still ‘ave to pay for ze armour.”

“Oh, sorry. How m-?” Seeker was cut off as Solace stepped forward.

“Think of it as returning the favour, Show Worthy,” The Pegasus said with a smirk.

The boutique owner looked shocked for a second as her eyes bulged slightly. She regained her composure and nodded her head before entering her boutique without another word.

“What was that about?” Seeker asked, curious as to what just happened.

“I did a quest for her a while back and the reward was that she would let me have a suit of armour for free,” Solace replied as the group resumed their walk, “The downside was that I use medium armour, not light so she agreed to owe me a favour instead. Good thing she remembered.”

The local weaponsmith - Iron Clad - was more than happy to show the Changeling his selection of wares but melee weapons were far out of Seeker’s league and class. He tried a bow but it flew backwards and slammed into his muzzle as he tried to draw it. A crossbow seemed like a decent candidate but it wasn’t fast enough and the bolt kept falling out of the groove. In the end, he went for one of the newest weapons that came out in the expansion: Bow Guns.

The game’s manual describes Bow Guns as the unholy offspring of crossbows and technology. They were also very versatile weapons, capable of using a variety of ammunition to deal with various situations. The guns were always comprised of three individual and interchangeable parts: Barrel, Stock and Frame. Each part has its own capabilities which add to the gun’s overall stats. The downside was that you couldn’t change parts while in the field. It was only possible when in camp or in one of the cities or towns. Each configuration could only hold a certain number of rounds before needing to reload and they could only take certain kinds of ammunition which depended on the configuration of the Stock, Barrel and Frame.

Seeker searched through Iron Clad’s entire stock and hung his head in defeat, “I like these Bow Guns… but they just don’t feel right.”

The group looked at each other for a few seconds before Solace came to the Changeling’s aid, “Come with us. I think I know what the problem is. Besides, we were going to show you this place anyway.”

Seeker apologised to Iron Clad who simply shrugged the rejection as if it were nothing. He was no stranger to adventurers - new and old – coming into his store, only to leave without buying anything. While the quality of his work was high, he couldn’t cater to everypony’s needs.

The group walked down one of Aeroslida’s streets, watching as an adventurer was told he failed a quest by an NPC. The mare was crying as she ran down the street, pushing several ponies out of the way as she ran out of sight. The group looked at each other with the synonymous ‘oh shi-’ look.

The streets were starting to get crowded as more and more players went online. There were Griffons of various sizes and breeds as well as ponies of various colours. One thing that made the situation rather uncomfortable for Star Seeker was the lack of Changelings. He only saw at least another two walking through the sky city but they were too far away for him to get a proper look.

“Seeker,” The Changeling whipped his head around as he was too engrossed in his thoughts to realise he was walking past a building the others were already entering. Joystick looked worried as he walked to his friend’s side, “Are you alright?”

He shook his head, “Not really. I thought that with this new expansion, other ponies would play as my kin to better understand what it is like to be a Changeling. But… I was nothing but a foal.”

“Look, I’m sure they just have a few quests to finish or maybe they are going to tell their friends first about changing species,” The Unicorn said unconvincingly, “The expansion is still new so there could be a number of reasons. Come now let’s get a smile on your face and a weapon in your hooves.”

The pair walked into the white building, only to be assaulted by various shouts, banging and the odd, loud whine. The building was huge… it made the entrance hall to Canterlot Castle seem the size of a common lavatory. There were wooden benches with various metals, pelts, ores and pieces of parchment strewn all over them. Ponies grabbed the various materials, placing them into several strange presses to cut them or into a kiln to heat up the metals. One had a cauldron with a column of light purple smoke billowing from whatever concoction was inside.

The pair found Solace and Mixer by one of the workstations, arguing. The workstation had an image of a bow crossed with a quiver.

“Look, he needs speed over power. It’s why he didn’t go for the crossbow,” Solace argued.

“No, have you ever heard the saying: ‘might means right’?” The staff wielding pony retorted as the both of them failed to notice Joystick and Seeker walking up to them.

“Speed!”

“Power!”

“Ladies! Ladies please, you’re both pretty so stop fighting!” The Unicorn shouted, causing the two to turn towards him, “How about we let Seeker choose, hm? It is going to be his gun isn’t it?”

The two looked to each other and nodded in agreement. After they mumbled their apologies, Seeker was pulled into Solace’s workstation. The table before him was covered in wooden parts, metal strips and some brass bolts. On their left were several small hammers, pliers and some wood carving knives.

“There is a reason to why those Bow Guns felt wrong,” Solace began as he picked up a log of greenish brown wood and measured it, “They must be custom made. Each part must be tailored to each individual. It’s also why they aren't too popular with players as buying custom Bow Guns tends to be expensive.”

“Then why did Iron Clad stock some? I'm sure with hi-” Seeker asked as Solace examined the Changeling’s body structure before pulling out a small book from his inventory, “Uh, what is that?”

Solace snapped out of his trance as he drew a few lines into the book with a pencil, “Hm? Oh this? It’s a handy little book you get when you get a job. It’s great for doing designs, making calculations and any thing else where a book is needed.”

“And what is it you’re doing?” The Changeling asked as a small hammer flew past them from a nearby workstation, making Mixer walk off in the direction it came from. Seconds later, he returned with a grin on his face.

“The guy says he’s sorry.”

Joystick rolled his eyes, “And I guess the fact that I saw a red Griffon limping out of here and looking like a freight train hit him in the face had nothing to do with it?”

“Nah, he’s his brother,” The Unicorn replied with a snide grin.

Joystick looked at Solace who only grinned as he responded, “Sure he is.”

Solace returned his attention to the Changeling before him, “Now then, what are you looking for in this weapon? Power? Precision? Speed? Versatility?”

Seeker pondered the question for a few seconds before responding, “I’d like precision more than anything else. A well placed shot could make a world of difference.”

Solace nodded and wrote down a few more notes into his book. A small explosion rocked the building, throwing items and creating rainbow coloured smog that engulfed the entire interior. Visibility was a laugh, nopony could see past their own muzzles, let alone see the player next to them.

“Sorry!” A small voice called out as ponies coughed and some could be heard trying to run out of the building.

“So, how often does that happen?” Seeker asked as his three compatriots didn’t seem affected by the smog.

“Every once in a while. It’s just a failed cooking experiment,” Joystick replied as the smog began to slowly dissipate.

“Makes working a pain in the flank if you ask me,” Solace complained as he was at least able to see his workstation once more, “Now, give me a few minutes here and I’ll make you something that’ll send your enemies packing!”

Seeker felt some pressure on his side and turned around to see Joystick leaning on his carapace armour, “I need to show you a few more areas anyway before we induct you.”

“Induct me?” The Changeling repeated back in confusion.

Joystick responded by giving his friend a duck face, “You’ll see.”

The pair left Solace and Mixer in the Crafting Hall as the sign outside proclaimed to the Changeling. Joystick was uncharacteristically tight-lipped about this ‘induction’ as he put it earlier. The Unicorn just smiled as the Changeling pressed him for information and refused to respond. They stopped outside a store with a sign consisting of a green laurel wreath with a thin alchemist’s vial in the centre. Underneath it read: ‘Berry Dreams’ Brews’.

Inside the shop looked like a botanist’s nightmare given life, gigantic plants used as supporting pillars with thorns the size of Seeker’s head protruding from them. Some of the plants had fearsome teeth in place of flowers, grinning as the pair walked past. Just walking through the shop was enough to make Seeker nervous. One the far side of the shop floor was a counter made entirely from intertwining, red vines. It looked structurally unsound and yet there was a heavy looking wooden box on the counter, safe as houses.

“Welcome, welcome. What can I do for you?” A sky blue Earth Pony asked as she came from around the corner, making Seeker jump. The pony blew her golden mane out of her face as it obstructed her view.

“I am Joystick and this is my favourite place on Aeroslida!” The Unicorn replied smugly as he looked at the frazzled Changeling.

The Earth Pony giggled, “Sure, whatever you say. The usual assortment like always, Joystick?”

“Please Berry. Do you have anything for Changelings?” He replied, pointing to Seeker as Berry Dreams went under the vine counter and opened a cupboard that sat beneath it.

She stopped for a second before muttering something incoherently, flinging various herbs and bottles onto the counter without even looking up. Several clangs and an assortment of bottles with indescribable labels later, Berry Dreams’ head popped out from under the counter. She smiled as Joystick merely picked them up and placed them into some pockets in his armour that Seeker couldn’t see nor find.

“There you go,” She beamed as joystick took out a couple of bits to pay the Earth Pony, “I’ve had to add 40 bits to the price for your friend.”

Seeker looked on as Joystick only nodded in response, “Can somepony tell me what is going on here?”

Berry looked at Joystick accusingly as his ears fell flat against his head with a sheepish grin on his face, “You didn’t tell him did you? Ugh, you’re impossible! Ok, I am Berry Dreams. I run this store which stocks and makes potions, elixirs, that sort of thing to help adventurers. They can either heal you, make you attack faster or even get an increase to finding more or rarer items from mobs.”

Seeker then nodded, “Thanks, that clears up everything. So you’re a cook?”

“If you’re talking about crafting professions, I am in a sense. I’m just an NPC that supplies players,” Berry shrugged, “Anything else for you two?”

Joystick handed a few vials with brown, tar-like liquid inside them to Seeker, “No thanks Berry. I’ll come back once we run out again.”

Berry rolled her eyes, “I can hardly wait.”

The Unicorn just laughed as he left the shop, leaving the Changeling behind as he looked at the vials in his magical grip. He could see his face reflected in the clear glass. He shook his head and saw Joystick waiting for him by the entrance.

“I’ll be back now. I just have a few questions for Berry,” He deadpanned.

Joystick nodded, “Ok, I’ll wait for you at the Crafting Hall with the others. Swing by when you’re done.”

Berry watched as the Unicorn left her store, “So then my little Changeling, what can I do for you?”

He placed the vials near his body, causing them to vanish into his inventory, “I would like to know more about potion making.”

“Then you best take up Cooking since it follows the same principles. It’s useful for making potions but also other items. Food and drinks that bestow effects that potions can not is the staple of Cooking adventurers,” Berry stated as she began searching the bottom counter once more, “Go ask the Master Craftspony in the Crafting Hall to take up the profession. Here, this book has a few basic recipes. If you decide against becoming a Cook and don’t use it, please give it back.”

Seeker took the book out of Berry’s hooves and added it to his inventory, “Have you seen any other Changelings around Aeroslida?”

“No NPC Changelings if that’s who you’re looking for,” She replied thoughtfully as she scratched her chin, “I did see a player near the Crafting Hall a short time back.”

“Thank you,” Seeker thanked as he left with his new book.

The trip back to the Crafting Hall resulted in Seeker getting lost in the winding streets of Aeroslida. He regretted not noting where he was going with Joystick when they were walking to Berry Dreams’ Brews. A mini-map would have been helpful but due to the developer’s desire to make the game as real as possible, they got rid of them in favour of conventional maps. As Seeker considered his next move, a large grey Griffon bumped into him with enough force to knock him to the ground.

“What’s a bug like you doing here?” The predator asked with a malicious grin, “Got lost?”

“Uh, I’m just passing through. I’m looking for the Crafting Hall,” The Changeling replied nervously, getting up and backing away slowly as the Griffon began to advance.

Attacking other players outside of PvP matches was forbidden and may result in the banning or suspension of the players’ accounts. The Griffon had a large two-clawed Griffon Warhammer. It was obsidian in colour with pale blue pathways of light running along the head and the handle. It radiated a cool air around itself. An armed, angry looking Griffon versus an unarmed Changeling newbie scared Seeker as nopony looked their way to even help them.

The Griffon slowly readied his hammer, dragging it along the ground menacingly. Seeker could really have done with a save from one of his friends. As the Griffon picked up the hammer to strike him, a large pale silver blur collided with his face. The Griffon was thrown across the floor, his hammer flying out of his grasp and into the ground with a thud.

The blur turned out to be a Changeling, covered in similar armour to Seeker’s. The main difference was that the armour was thinner and pale silver with maroon edging. The Changeling had a pair long, one-hoofed longswords shaped like a harpoons with a hooked tip. The Changeling sheathed the blades and walked up to Seeker.

“The sun rises at midnight,” Seeker’s saviour said in a feminine voice.

Seeker was shocked as the Changeling used a code that only real Changelings knew, “And the light of the moon is a lie.”

“Nice to meet another Changeling. My name is Illusion,” She said, extending her hoof.

“Star Seeker,” He replied, hoof bumping Illusion.

“Shall we get going?” She asked as the Griffon groaned, trying to get up.

“Good idea. Do you know where the Crafting Hall is?” He asked as Illusion took to the skies.

She nodded and smiled, “Follow me.”

The pair of Changelings fled the scene as the Griffon finally got back to his feet. He muttered a small curse as he dusted himself off and walked off into the city. The air around the city was filled with Griffons and Pegasi. The pair of armoured Changelings stuck out through the crowd very easily. The pair soon landed just outside the entrance to the Crafting Hall, causing a few ponies to look their way before attending to their own affairs.

“Well, here we are,” Illusion stated as Star Seeker walked in.

“Wait, you’re not coming with?” He asked as Illusion hadn’t moved an inch.

She shook her head, “Sorry but no. If you ever need some help, just send me a message. Until then, may your journey bring you fortune.”

“To you as well Illusion,” He replied, grinning slightly, “I am honoured to call you a friend.”

And with that, the two parted ways. Illusion flew off into the distance as the sun was beginning to set over Aeroslida. It gave the city’s glittering marble an orange hue as NPCs began to close up their shops and taverns were becoming rowdier as players began to meet up for a hearty drink.

Joystick snuck up to Star Seeker from behind and prodded him with the pommel of his sword, “So who was that? A marefriend perhaps?”

“No, a Changeling. Like me,” He responded, “Illusion.”

“Oh, okay. Solace finished your gun a few minutes ago. He’s very proud of it,” Joystick informed the Changeling as they walked up to the bench where Solace had been working on the Bow Gun in question.

Mixer came up to them, looking rather wound up, “Just take that thing off him. He’s done nothing but brag over the ruddy thing and it’s starting to get on my nerves. Good thing we’re going to head out soon.”

Joystick looked towards the doorway, lost in thought, “Well, the sun is setting now and some nasty monsters in the Everfree will be coming out around this time.”

Mixer scoffed, “I can handle some Timberwolves and Manticores.”

Solace walked up to the three and tossed the new rifle at Seeker. He managed to catch the weapon and examine what the Pegasus made for him. The wood from the greenish brown log he had earlier, carved into the shape of a rifle butt and made up most of the Stock. The Frame was a mixture of brass, silver and wood. Perched on the top was a round metal cylinder with glass on either side. It had a crossbow’s bowstave (also known as a prod) running vertically instead of horizontally with a small metallic brick slotted into the side. Seeker pulled it out and found some round, gun-metal grey pointed slugs of metal inside. The Barrel was quite thin but long, about as long as a shortsword. Under the barrel was a small, serrated dagger underneath it.

<----> ---- ---- <---->

Weapon Acquired!
Darkslayer
25 base damage
+10 damage during the night cycle
+2% chance for critical damage
+9 damage vs. air targets

Ammunition available
Normal
Buckshot
Hellfire
Hydro
Aero

<----> ---- ---- <---->

“Thanks,” Seeker said as he found the hinges and folded the Bow Gun before placing it on his back.

“Perfect, now for the induction,” Joystick said with a grin.

Mixer looked at him and rolled his eyes, “You don’t have to so dramatic. It’s not like we’re going to make him do something stupid or anything.”

Solace threw his arm around the Unicorn, “Don’t be like that! Learn to have some fun Mixer!”

Mixer glared at Solace, “I will… once you get off me. This armour isn’t very comfortable when somepony is lying on top of you.”

Solace removed his arm and walked up to Joystick’s left while Mixer was on the right. Joystick looked at Seeker, his expression deadly serious, “Seeker, what I am about to ask of you will test your mind body and soul to their limits. Do you pledge to support us as we will support you in any endeavour we may find ourselves in?”

“Uh, yes?” The Changeling replied in slight confusion.

Joystick carried on, “Do you pledge to surrender items that are of no use to you to your fellow team mates who can make use of them?”

“Uh-huh.”

Joystick looked to the two ponies on his sides who nodded their heads, “Star Seeker, Engineer, Changeling and spawn of evil... Congrats, you’re in.”

“In what?” He asked, now thoroughly confused.

“In our guild! Divine Retribution!” Joystick replied matter-of-factly, “Mixer here is a Crystal Mage, Solace is a Hunter and I’m a Paladin.”

“I still don’t follow,” The Changeling remarked as the group left the Crafting Hall.

Joystick sighed as he began to explain, “A Paladin is a subcategory of the Warrior class and are able to heal allies as well as deal damage. Hunters are specialised Rangers, good with tracking and killing feral mobs. Crystal Mages are a subdivision of Mages, using crystals instead of an element to attack or defend.”

“Okay, so now what?” He asked as the four of them began to exit the building.

“Now it’s time,” Solace answered.

Seeker cocked his head to the side in response, “Time for what?”

Joystick raised his hooves into the air, his sword out of its scabbard and pointing to the dark sky. A holy light came down from above, illuminating the Unicorn as he bellowed into the night, “Adventure time!”

My Little Quest

Equestrian Earth: The Changeling War
My Little Quest
Author: Draconis187

“Shall we?” Joystick asked the group as they walked over to a zeppelin dock on the edge of Aeroslida.

The smell of some form of fuel and oil hit the group’s nostrils like a runaway train. The docks were akin to the ship docks one would find in the average marina in Baltimare. Long wooden piers hung over the edge of the city, anchoring the zeppelins to Aeroslida as it moved through the air. NPCs and adventurers alike got on and off the wooden ships, talking indiscriminately.

Zeppelins were a combination of normal wooden boats and a large balloon above to keep it in the air while a large propeller or a series of smaller ones gave it its horizontal movement. They were incredibly spacious, each one able to carry up to fifty adventurers in comfort as they waited to reach their destination.

The Engineer, Crystal Mage and Hunter just looked at the Paladin with blank expressions as Joystick ran ahead and began speaking with a pony that could only be the ship’s captain if his blue jacket was any indication. Joystick waved to his comrades and got aboard. The others clambered aboard without an argument after a few shrugs of their shoulders.

“So where exactly are we headed?” Star Seeker asked as he took the time to look at his skill list… which was basically nonexistent. As he looked at it disappointed, the ship’s engines roared to life and the tethering ropes were unknotted from the pier.

“Everfree, the mobs there are around our level so we will keep you covered until you get strong enough. Nothing like a good grinding session amongst guild members, huh?” Joystick said smugly as he peered over the ship’s edge and saw Aeroslida slowly fade into the cloud cover as their transport lowered its altitude.

“We are going to land in Old Ponyville first. Dropping a group of players directly into hostile territory is not a good game strategy,” Mixer commented as the wind made the plume of his helmet flap about in all directions. Luckily it was too short to cover his eyes as he looked over his shoulder towards Seeker. “Ponies wouldn’t play a game that tried to get them killed the moment they stepped out.”

“Makes sense,” Seeker commented as the zeppelin began its final descent towards a collection of buildings in the distance and - particularly - towards an open field where another zeppelin was tethered. “That’s it I take it?”

“Yup! Get along everypony!” Joystick laughed as he jumped off the side of the ship before it even finished landing, connecting with the ground with a clang and kicking up a cloud of dust.

“And how he is our friend is beyond me,” Seeker sighed as the other three walked out and into Old Ponyville.

The town could not really be considered a town due to its relatively small size. Several buildings were still under construction if the piles of hay, wood and nails were anything to go by. Sugarcube Corner didn’t even exist yet since it was only built thirty years ago in actual reality when the Cakes moved to Ponyville. The four adventurers walked through the village – which is a more accurate description – as did several others alongside their friends and NPCs that went along their daily routines.

“So then, Joystick… what’s on the agenda?” Solace asked as the Unicorn just ‘ooh’ed and ‘ah’ed while he examined the NPCs’ various wares.

“Well we came here to do a grinding session in the Everfree but while we’re here we may as well do a quest or two so Seeker can get some experience before we plonk him in the thick of it,” Joystick responded as he gave the group a serious look. “We split into pairs and see if there is anything to do in the Everfree Forest at night. It’s the best time to go grinding.”

“Why?” Seeker asked, tilting his head slightly.

“Stronger monsters,” Mixer deadpanned. “But it’s mainly manticores and Timberwolves.”

Seeker nodded his head and turned to Solace who grinned in at him. ‘An odd bunch,’ Seeker thought, ‘Then again this is one of Joystick’s friends so I guess it makes sense.’

“Ok then. Solace, Mixer: you two head east and see if there is anything for us to do for the Apple Family. It’s most likely something regarding their Zap Apples since it’s about that time of year. Seeker, you’re with me. We are going to see if there is any new rumours flying around,” Joystick said, “Keep in contact with the guild chat.”

The two ponies nodded their heads and walked down the dirt path that led to Sweet Apple Acres. Seeker and Joystick walked through the small village, towards the Town Hall.

“So what do you think so far?” Joystick asked as he waved at a vendor selling a small variety of metal ores.

“The game isn’t that bad. It will take some getting used to since there a few things I don’t quite get yet,” Seeker replied as he pulled out the cooking book. “Is there somewhere where I can be a Cook?”

“Oh, a Crafting Hall? Yeah, there’s one that way. It’s set up around Town Hall,” Joystick replied cheerfully. “But I was actually talking about Solace and Mixer.”

“Solace is a bit like you: outgoing, friendly and always looking for a good time. Mixer on the other hoof seems to be more serious than the both of you put together and not exactly the friendliest pony I’ve met,” Seeker responded as they watched a cart laden with apples go by in the opposite direction.

Joystick chuckled, “Well they are kind of like two opposites of the same coin. Solace is from Stalliongrad, did you know that?” Seeker shook his head, “Mixer comes from Las Pegisopolis and that is over the ocean to the west of the Equestrian continent. Despite their differences, they will always have each other’s backs in battle.”

“Really? But that argument-”

“It was just a difference of opinion, nothing more. You and I get into arguments from time to time don’t we?” Joystick interrupted, raising an eyebrow at Seeker.

“Well, yeah but…” Seeker began to lower his voice, “I’m a Changeling, not a pony like the three of you.”

“Species means nothing, Seeker. We are all of equine descent aren’t we?” Seeker couldn’t fault Joystick there. “It’s who we are not what that makes Equestria unique. Right, we’re here.”

The Town Hall was a small four walled, thatched building resembling an ordinary dwelling instead of a place of importance. The Crafting Benches were nearby, arranged in a horseshoe which left the entrance to Town Hall unobstructed. A large Earth pony walked up to the two to greet them.

This pony was built, on par with what one would expect years of hard manual labour would achieve. He wore a large straw hat with a plough and a hoe intersecting each other for a Cutie Mark.

“Welcome to the Town Hall, the name’s Barricade. How can I help you?” The orange pony asked, blowing a lock of his – otherwise short – red mane away from his face.

“We are looking for the Master Craftspony. Do you know where we might find him or her?” Joystick inquired while Seeker tried to pick up his jaw which fell at the sight of Barricade.

“I am he. What craft would you like to take up?” Barricade kept his voice completely neutral, typical of NPCs from the older generation of games.

“Not me, I’m already a weaponsmith. I’m asking for my friend here.” Seeker instantly felt tiny as Barricade looked down at him as Joystick placed him on the spot.

“And what would you like to do, Changeling?” He asked, causing Seeker to almost freeze on the spot. This pony showed absolutely zero emotion, poker players would kill to have an expression as hard as that.

“A-a-a-a,” Seeker stammered, trying to answer. He may as well be reporting a failed mission to Queen Chrysalis herself.

“A Cook,” Joystick finished for his friend, trying not to laugh.

“Very well. Come with me,” Barricade walked off, Joystick nudging Seeker along and trying to not laugh with all his might.

<----> ---- ---- <---->

Mixer and Solace were walking between two wooden fences that led towards Sweet Apple Acres. The trees were in full bloom and the dirt was being kicked up by the odd lone adventurer running past them, either towards the village or the small farmhouse.

Mixer decided to use this opportunity to ask Solace about a particular issue that had been pressing at his mind.

“So Solace, what do you know about our latest addition?” Mixer asked the Huntspony as the farmhouse and the iconic red barn came into view.

“Same as you: nothing. All I know is that he’s a friend of Joystick’s from Canterlot,” Solace replied as he waved to Stinkin’ Rich. “Although they’re friends, Joystick barely talks about him for some odd reason.”

“Uh huh. Don’t you think his argument for choosing a Changeling was rather weak?” Mixer replied, subconsciously adjusting his armour slightly since it felt like it was about to slide off his body.

“It was a little strange I’ll admit. What are you getting at?” Solace asked as they saw they noticed a small figure wearing a bonnet, sitting near the farmhouse.

“Well, he’s been rather strange in my opinion. I’ve heard Changelings aren’t held in very high regard since they crashed some big wedding in Canterlot. So why choose a creature so openly hated?” Mixer pointed out as Solace waved to the young mare.

The mare was young Granny Smith, wearing her favourite red bonnet. Her mane was made into two long plaits on either side of her head while her tail was one long plait. She noticed the two adventurers and began trotting towards them.

“I just think it’s his nerves. After all, his only friend here is Joystick after all. You won’t get any more friends Mixer if you treat them with suspicion,” Solace reprimanded as Granny Smith and the pair met each other halfway. “Hello Ms. Smith, do you have any jobs for us poor adventurers?”

“Well, ah reckon you could help out by nabbing some Timberwolves in the Zap Apple Orchard. We need ‘em cleared out before we go harvesting the Zap Apples,” She replied, updating the two’s Heads Up Displays with the new quest.

“Thanks. I’ll let Joystick and Seeker know,” Mixer commented, pulling out a scroll and a quill. After what could only be described as the average doctor’s hoofwriting, he rolled it back up. “We’ll meet up in the orchard.”

“Awesome, let’s go kick flank.” Solace grinned as they walked off towards the orchard in the northeast.

<----> ---- ---- <---->

As Joystick and Seeker left the Town Hall, an odd sensation – as far as Star Seeker was concerned – was felt emanating from a scroll in his inventory. He pulled it out with his magic and gazed at its unopened form with curiosity.

“I don’t remember packing this thing,” He commented as he unfurled the scroll. He failed to notice Joystick pulled out a similar scroll to his from his own inventory.

Took a quest in Sweet Apple Acres. Meet at the Zap Apple Orchard to begin. Hurry.

“Looks like Solace and Mixer are starting the party without us. Let’s get going,” Joystick broke into a full gallop to the northwest as the orchard was to the farm’s northeast.

“What was that scroll anyway?!” Seeker shouted as he buzzed through the air next to Joystick.

“I could really use a pair of wings right now,” The Unicorn Paladin chuckled, receiving an annoyed look from Star Seeker. “Oh, it’s just a Chat Scroll. You use it to send messages to other players. You can send messages to friends, guild members and even random players. I’ve used it to troll a group of Minotaurs once.”

“And how did that turn out for you?” Seeker asked as the orchard slowly came into view.

He knew of his friend’s penchant for trolling random ponies and the fact that he usually got away with it. It was when he didn’t that made for a good story.

“Let me put it this way: don’t mistake a guy minotaur for a girl. They have some serious self-esteem issues.” Joystick deadpanned. “How are you not getting tired?”

“I’m a Pegasus remember? I fly regularly,” Seeker chuckled. “Thanks by the way.”

“For what?”

“For being my friend.”

“Anytime Seeker… is that them there?” Joystick asked as he saw two pony shaped figures fighting off a group of Timberwolves.

The orchard was filled with trees that had nary a leaf, let alone Zap Apples. Even the trees looked dead or at least sick. Seeker wondered if Joystick was misinformed about it being Zap Apple Season. As the pair got closer, Seeker made out the white plume of Mixer’s helmet.

“Looks like,” Seeker deadpanned as he landed and pulled out his Bow Gun, unfolding it with his magic. “Uh, how do you use this thing?”

“Load it, cock it and fire it. In that order,” Joystick replied as he pulled out his sword and shield. “LEEEEEEERRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOYYYYYY JEEENNKIIINNSSSS!!!!”

“I’ve already told you!” Mixer shouted at Joystick as a number of red crystals came down on three Timberwolves like rain. “That is not our battlecry!”

“But it’s fun! Glad you could make it, I was afraid we would be getting all the glory here!” Solace replied cheerfully as his Bow Gun’s shots rang loudly through the usually quiet orchard. He held the weapon in both forehooves while standing upright, using his wings to keep his balance as he fired.

“Whatever. We just need to take out forty Timberwolves in this orchard to complete the quest,” Mixer commented.

“Forty?! In an orchard that’s roughly the size of the Canterlot Gardens?!” Seeker shouted incredulously as he looked at the sheer size of the orchard.

“Did I stutter?” Mixer retorted. Seeker shook his head. “Then pony up!”

Seeker turned his attention to the three Timberwolves heading in his direction as the other ponies spread themselves out and attacked indiscriminately but lending a hoof wherever necessary. The words: ‘Green Timberwolf lv6’ in large green letters hovered above each of them. Seeker pulled out a Normal magazine and fumbled it, trying to insert it into the gun. As one Timberwolf pounced at him, Seeker winced and averted his gaze reflexively.

“Hey!” Mixer’s loud voice made Seeker open his eyes, realising the wolf hadn’t struck him. “Load that thing and fire already!”

Seeker looked and saw the wolf collided with a wall of topaz coloured crystals that had jutted out of the ground, sparing Seeker from the attack. Mixer nodded at the Changeling, giving him a small smirk as he called on his Crystal Storm to rain crystals down onto a group of wolves that were getting too close to Solace.

Seeker heard Joystick’s voice ring out as a pony covered in yellow/white light barrelled through a group of Timberwolves, “This party’s getting crazy, let’s rock!”

Seeker finally loaded his Bow Gun and aimed it at a Timberwolf. His HUD showed an ability was ready: Pot Shot. He activated it as he depressed the trigger. The recoil unexpectedly forced the Bow Gun out of his magical grip but he managed to catch it.

“Good shot,” Seeker turned around and saw Mixer had reappeared next to him. “Word of advice: hold the weapon in your hooves, makes it easier to deal with the recoil.”

Seeker nodded his head and mumbled, “Thanks.”

“Oi! Mixer, I could use some help here!” Mixer ran off without another word and used his magic to hurl his amethyst staff like a javelin, aiming at Solace’s position. The staff hit home as it impaled itself into a Timberwolf’s wooden hide, earning a howl of anguish from the target.

As the group began whittling down the Timberwolves numbers, their HUDs tallied the numbers until two out of forty remained. The group were getting tired by now as they used their abilities with reckless abandon. As they chuckled amongst themselves, they each pulled out a small vial of varying colouration and viscosity. They raised them up in a small toast of pre-victory celebration and drank them in one go. They were instantly rejuvenated as the vials went to work.

“Any idea where these last two are?” Solace asked the group as they got into a formation: Joystick taking point with Mixer just behind him while Solace and Seeker brought up the rear together.

“This is grating,” Mixer mumbled after a minute or two of fruitless searching, “why are the last ones always the hardest to find?”

“Murphy’s Law?” Seeker responded helpfully.

“Buck Murphy.”

“I agree,” Solace said as the group wandered further into the orchard together. His ears perked up and he stopped instantly. “Anypony here that?”

“Hear what?” The others asked simultaneously, causing them to chuckle.

“That way,” Solace ignored their comment and pointed towards the west.

The four of them picked up their pace and kept their weapons ready. As they ventured further they began to hear something faintly in the distance.

“Everypony slow down,” Joystick whispered. “We’re going to go get the jump on them. Split up and fire on my signal.”

The ponies and the one Changeling nodded their heads and split up. In the moonlight, they could see a large Timberwolf with a normal, smaller one. The words ‘Timberwolf Alpha lv10’ could be seen hovering above it’s head. Seeker looked around at the group: Joystick was lv8; Solace was lv7; Mixer was the same level as Joystick while Seeker was only at lv4.

“This is going to be one bad match-up,” Seeker muttered under his breath as he cocked the Bow Gun and got ready to use Pot Shot.

“Now!” Joystick shouted as he charged forward, sword and shield raised.

Mixer slammed his staff’s tip into the ground which made an amethyst blast out of the ground and encase two of the wolf’s legs in crystal, slowing it down considerably as it tried to attack Joystick. Solace fired a round from his rifle which took the form of a phoenix before colliding with the last Green Timberwolf. It was instantly ablaze with magical fire before it howled and fell.

Joystick was keeping the Alpha busy by charging at it with his Shining Beacon ability. Seeker and Solace fired at it, whittling down its health while Mixer kept firing crystals at the wolf.

Every connecting swipe of the Alpha’s claws felt like being hit with a pillow filled with bricks. Luckily the Shining Beacon increased Joystick’s damage resistance.

“We’re getting there everypony!” Joystick cheered as his blade created a gash through the beast’s hide.

The Alpha stumbled and fell onto its haunches. As the group were about to land a killing blow, it got back up. The wolf let out an ear-piercing howl, making the group cover their ears and stop their assault.

As they looked again, it had instantly regenerated a large portion of its health which made a frustrated Joystick shout, “Oh, come on! We need another strategy here!”

“Why don’t we do that attack? His health is low enough for it to have a shot of working,” Solace suggested as he reloaded his Bow Gun.

“Let’s do it. Go, Mixer!” Joystick shouted as they began their attack.

Mixer slammed his staff into the dirt once more and instead of encasing the wolf’s legs, it became surrounded by a wall of translucent, blue tinted crystals. Joystick raised his sword into the air, calling down a beacon of light that usually healed party members. The beam reflected off the crystals, blinding the wolf while the crystals ensured it couldn’t move much.

“Do it Solace!” Mixer shouted.

Solace aimed the Bow Gun at the Alpha and fired. The bullet collided with the crystals and shattered them, causing them to fly towards the Alpha and embed themselves into its hide. The bullet’s trajectory was unhindered as it collided with the wolf’s head and taking out a sizable chunk of its face with it. The wolf stood there for three whole seconds before succumbing to its wounds and falling.

<----> ---- ---- <---->

Zap Apple Orchard

Quest Complete!

Return to Granny Smith for reward.

Achievement Unlocked!

Leader of the Pack

Who’s the top dog now?!

<----> ---- ---- <---->

The group went up to the fallen corpses of the Timberwolves and began sifting through them for usable items. Mixer managed to pick out some small pieces of amber, Solace got Greenwood – the same wood used to make Seeker’s Bow Gun – for his efforts, Joystick got some Timberwolf Fangs which would make some nasty arrow tips or blade teeth and finally Seeker got various samples of slightly edible sap. He would need to distil it amongst other processes for it to become usable.

“Right, everypony done?” Joystick was answered by an affirmative nod from everypony. “Then let’s not keep Granny Smith waiting.”

As the group turned to leave, the weather turned nasty very quickly. Grey clouds rolled in from the Everfree and came over their heads. Lightning flashed and thunder cracked, making the group pick up their pace as they ran or flew out of the orchard. As they turned around, they found the trees had leaves and a multitude of rainbow coloured Zap Apples hung from the trees, ready for picking or applebucking. If Seeker’s jaw was not connected to his head, it would have fallen off.

Joystick chuckled as he closed Seeker’s mouth with his hoof, “And that’s how Zap Apples are made.”

“Git over here!” The four friends turned around and saw Granny Smith walking up to them with a happy grin on her face, “ah see ya’ll have gotten rid of them Timberwolves. Here ya go!”

The group was given a small bag of bits that they then proceeded to distribute equally amongst each other. With their payment dealt with, Seeker opened up a scroll with his stats written on it.

<----> ---- ---- <---->

Star Seeker

Race: Changeling

Class: Engineer

Subclass:

Craft: Cook

230 Bits

<----> ---- ---- <---->

Joystick gave his friend a curious look, “Seeker, what are you up to?”

The Changeling rolled the scroll up and grinned, “oh nothing really. Just looking at something.”

“Welp, I don’t know about you folks, but I say we drink!” Solace said cheerfully as he almost bounced towards Old Ponyville.

“Ugh, can you think of anything besides alcohol?” Mixer asked with a look of disgust on his face.

“Why not? We have a reason to celebrate, don’t we?” The Pegasus asked, raising his one eyebrow.

“Fine, but you are not dragging me into one of your drinking contests.” Mixer said defiantly.

Joystick laughed, “you never succeed Mixer. He always baits you into it.”

“Doesn’t mean I won’t try.”

“Your funeral,” Joystick laughed as the group approached a very loud building: the Drunken Mare.

The two oak doors opened to reveal the establishment in all its glory… sort of. The light reflected off the varnished wood of which the vast majority of the building was comprised of. In a corner, there were two Minotaurs engaged in a drinking contest. Slowly getting degrading into a stupor while a small eager crowd egged them on, chanting loudly.

“I think I’ll pass on this one,” Seeker said as he turned to leave.

“Don’t worry. We’re going to the back area. They can’t bother us there,” Joystick replied, grabbing the Changeling in his magic and placing him in front of the group. “It just costs us a fair bit though.”

“Fine.”

The four adventurers went through another pair of doors and found themselves in another section of the pub. Inside the room, a group of five adventurers stood around a table with a map that looked like the Everfree Forest sprawled over it while they all muttered amongst themselves.

One of their ranks was a Hippogriff, a hybrid with the body of a horse while the head, tail and wings were that of a griffon. (It?) turned around to look at the new arrivals, making Seeker feel really uncomfortable as it gazed at him.

The rest of the group consisted of a Diamond Dog, a grey Griffon and two Minotaurs. One was pale blue and carried a pair of gauntlets the size of a pony’s head. The other was beet red and carried a sword that made Joystick’s shortsword look like a toothpick.

“Hey! I remember you!” Seeker’s heart sank and threatened to leap out of his throat at the same time as he recognised the voice and a familiar Griffon left the group, his hammer itching for some righteous justice.

“Oh, buck. Why me?” Seeker mumbled as the cantankerous Griffon from Aeroslida walked up to him.

“So I see you’re here as well? What’s a weakling like you doing here?” He asked, his one claw resting on the handle of his hammer.

“He’s with us!” Joystick said with a smile, not quite understanding what is actually going on.

In truth he was putting some advice he got from a white Pegasus named Surprise to the test: ‘anypony can be a friend. Just treat them the way you want to be treated and you’ll be friends in no time!’

“Oh?” The Griffon raised his one eyebrow as he looked at Joystick, “and who might you be?”

“I’m Joystick. The Unicorn over there is Mixer -” Mixer returned the Griffon’s hostile glare with his own cold expression, “- the Pegasus there is Everlasting Solace, or just Solace and I guess you already met Star Seeker.”

The Griffon looked back at Seeker, “You’re an even bigger loser than I thought if you associate yourself with these losers.”

Joystick’s expression fell, “That’s not very nice you know.”

“Don’t ca-” The Griffon was interrupted as a loud and annoyed voice made itself known.

“Blackheart, get your feathered rear end back here!” The voice belonged to a Diamond Dog with a dark grey pelt. His armour was made from pieces of varying sizes, haphazardly placed together into a form of makeshift armour. “Hello, I am Rufus. I’m the leader of this ragtag group: Fate’s Fortune. Who are you?”

“We are Divine Retribution,” Joystick replied, his expression softening as Rufus’ expression showed kindness behind it rather than Blackheart’s disdain. “Mind if I ask what you’re up to?”

“Not at all. Come join us.” The four joined the other four, keeping a good distance between themselves and Blackheart.

The map was confirmed to be that of the Everfree Forest and the outlying area which included Sweet Apple Acres. There were a few clearings where symbols for various resources were indicated. There was one other symbol that stood on its own. It was a crumbling brick tower with the words: ‘lv9’ just under it.

“Now, my group are prepping a journey into the Dagger’s Keep.” Rufus pointed to the tower with his paw. “It was said to be an old lookout tower back when Celestia and Luna used the old castle which is deeper in the forest. What was also said was that this tower possessed its own enchanted armoury.”

“Why are we telling them this?” Blackheart interjected, put off by the fact he was sitting with the Changeling that was responsible for his embarrassment. The fact that it was actually Illusion who did the damage didn’t change his attitude: all Changelings were the same to him.

“When somepony interrupts,” a pale blue Minotaur shouted as he punched Blackheart with one of his gauntlets, “show them who’s boss!”

“Thanks Tauros,” Rufus said with a grin as Blackheart fell back in his seat. “I blame your attitude Blackheart. It will obviously be guarded so we had best go prepared.”

“This place sounds like it could be a good haul,” Joystick said aloud.

“Maybe, but this dungeon is one of those unique ones isn’t it?” Mixer asked, making Rufus nod his head.

“Correct, it requires a Crystal Key to open. Luckily for my group, we have such a key,” Rufus said.

“So I gather that means that we won’t be able to get in then?” Joystick surmised.

“That’s right chumps,” Blackheart said with a high and mighty expression on his face.

“Tauros?” Rufus was answered as Tauros bashed Blackheart on the head once more. “I apologise for his behaviour. As much as his attitude leaves much to be desired, his combat skills make up for it… most of the time.”

“Well, there are always those ones aren't there?” Solace said with a chuckle. “Come on everypony, we won't get anywhere by just standing here. There’s a mug of cold hard cider calling my name.”

“You drink, Mr. Solace?” Rufus inquired. Solace nodded his head in response. “I’m in a bit of a sporting mood today so how about a proposition? You and Tauros in a drinking contest. The one who is left standing gets the Key.”

“Well, you don’t have much incentive to go through with this, do you?” Joystick asked as Blackheart got up, groaning and holding his head.

“How about a best out of three instead?” Blackheart quipped, “three contests: a pvp match; the drinking contest you mentioned and finally an endurance race through Whitetail Woods?”

“That’s actually a good idea. Sound good to you guys?” Rufus asked.

“Yeah but you still never answered the question: why are you willing to throw away a Crystal Key? I mean it makes no sense,” Joystick pointed out.

“Well, I’ve always been a bit of a compulsive gambler. But I have one condition: whosoever wins shares the spoils with the other group but they may keep the best items for themselves. Because I’m such a nice Diamond Dog,” Rufus chuckled.

The group gave Joystick an affirmative nod, “Ok then Rufus… you’re on.”

Author's Note

Here's the next chapter. Apologies for the long wait. One update down, two to go.

To PvP or not to… on second thought, come at me Bro!

Equestrian Earth: The Changeling War
To PvP or not to… on second thought, come at me Bro!
Author: Draconis187

Best read in Dark Mode. Several bright text colours are used.

The morning sun shone brightly into Seeker’s room, rousing the Changeling from his slumber. As he opened his eyes he noticed his I.P.V. laid on the floor next to him. He had also seemed to have fallen off the cloud he had laid on, resulting in a rather uncomfortable sleeping position that gifted him a sore carapace and sleepy wing.

He got up and placed the device away near the computer tower. The cloud was placed in its hiding spot which consisted of being under the floorboards in the kitchen. If the landlady had maintained the apartment like she should have been, he would have never been able to hide it in the first place.

The rest of his morning routine consisted of him having a shower and having breakfast before changing his form to suit the masses. As the door opened up, any pony looking his way would only see any every day Pegasus on his way like any other pony.

The observatory was quiet as it usually was during the morning. All Seeker had to do at this time was calibrate the telescope. Celestia only knew how the hunk of metal and glass lenses kept getting out of focus.

‘I blame over-inquisitive fillies and colts with long hooves,’ Seeker thought as he played about with the various knobs and looking through the eyepiece.

The rest of the observatory staff had their hooves full doing other menial, monotonous work. While many ponies wouldn’t often care for being an astronomer, Seeker enjoyed the low-profile environment. It made the odds of him being discovered very low.

By the time lunch came Seeker found he needed to replace two rather large lenses as one had become cracked while one had simply vanished. How it was possible to get it out without breaking the telescope and what a pony could want with such a large lens was an annoyingly pressing question on his mind.

Seeker walked over to the usual coffee shop, where Joystick was waiting for him. The ‘Pegasus’ sat down opposite his friend and ordered camelmile tea.

“So, any thoughts?” Joystick asked Seeker with a raised eyebrow as the requested tea arrived. Joystick had opted to go with lemonade.

“Concerning what exactly?” Seeker responded.

Joystick tilted his head to the side and gave Seeker a rather odd look, “About that little ‘best of three’ that the Griffon spoke of yesterday in Old Ponyville.”

Seeker merely shrugged and took a sip of his tea, “I don’t know what to think. Solace is already going to be competing in the drinking contest so that leaves the PvP match and the race to deal with.”

“There is one small problem though, Seeker,” Joystick said before ordering a chocolate chip muffin.

“What is it?” Seeker inquired as he ordered a lemon and poppy seed muffin.

“Their party consists of five members,” Joystick replied, “We have only four so I was thinking-”

“That I try and convince Illusion to help out?” Seeker interrupted, eying Joystick intently.

Joystick smiled, “Yup! What do you think?”

Seeker looked into his near empty cup pensively. He wondered if she even would come to help them out and if she did, could he convince the only true Changeling he had met since he was ordered to participate in the Royal Wedding Fiasco – by which he had obviously refused – to stick around a little longer?

“Uh, hello? Equestria to Seeker, come in Seeker,” Joystick said, wafting the poppy seed muffin his friend had ordered under his nose with his magic and a grin on his face.

Seeker jolted a little as he looked at the muffin and then to Joystick who merely smiled at him. Seeker grabbed the muffin in his hooves and took a small bite.

“I’ll try,” Seeker managed to say before fully digging into the savoury treat that stood 30cm tall.

The coffee shop had a penchant for making obscenely large savoury treats. Their flapjacks were the size of dinner plates and were 1,5cm thick. Then there was the fact that they came in batches of four. To eat them all in a single sitting was a battle in and of itself.

“Thanks,” Joystick said as he levitated his muffin and took a bite, “So have you thought about specializing?”

Sadly to Seeker the latter sentence came out a garbled mess like a radio with horrific reception, “You do realise you shouldn’t talk with your mouth full. You are out in public after all.”

Joystick merely brushed the statement off and swallowed what he had in his mouth, “I said: ‘have you thought about specializing?’”

“What do you mean?” Seeker asked.

“Every class has a subclass or two,” Joystick explained, “A Paladin is Warrior class but can specialize as a Soldier or a Blademaster as well as a few others.

“Solace’s subclass is Hunter as you already know and that is a subclass of the Ranger class. Mixer is a Mage while his subclass makes him focus on a certain aspect of magic. In this case it is crystal magic,” Joystick explained, earning a raised eyebrow from Seeker, “Specializing is a must as you can’t be a jack of all trades. Causes balancing issues game-wise. So when we get back online I would ask you take a look at them and find a specialization that suits you.”

Seeker only nodded in response as his mouth was preoccupied with his muffin. The better part of their respective lunch breaks consisted of random, friendly chatter until they paid up and left the shop.

With the telescope needing to wait for the replacement parts, Seeker effectively had the night off. He went about his gaming preparation routine and triple checked the bolts on his door as well as the windows. With his curtains drawn and everything bolted down he walked over to his gaming station.

Seeker placed the I.P.V. upon his head and got comfortable on his cloud once more. The usual whirs from his platform of choice placed a smile on his face as the virtual world of Equestrian Earth took over his senses.

Seeker awoke on a bed inside the Drunken Mare. The top floor acted like a spawn point for adventurers. There were several more spawn points littered around Old Ponyville but the party had been in the bar when they logged off and it effectively became the focal point of their return.

Seeker looked around and found he was alone in the top floor, not counting the NPC maid that was dusting in the corner and completely ignoring him. The Changeling got off the bed and rummaged through his inventory as he buzzed down the steps.

He found the Chat Scroll that Mixer had used to contact Joystick and Seeker with. As he unfurled it, it shone in a pale yellow glow in anticipation for a command.

“Uh… how do you use this thing?” Seeker muttered.

The Scroll heard his request and the glow faded as maroon lettering began to appear as if it was being written by an invisible source right before his eyes. It gave a detailed description of what the Scroll did and how it was able to send its messages.

Due to not everypony having magic or opposable appendages, the Scroll could be dictated to in order to create a message. If the message was private in nature, nopony would be able to listen in on the pony’s dictation and would also see a pixelated mouth, making it impossible to lip-read the conversation.

“Receiver… Illusion,” Seeker said. The Scroll went blank and wrote the words ‘Send to: Illusion’ on the top.

“Subject: Assistance required,” Seeker dictated to the ‘magic’ Scroll, “I am in a slight bind as my party has been challenged into a series of three contests in Old Ponyville. Our opponents are five in total while we are only four, hence my reason for contacting you. If you can lend your assistance it would be most appreciated. Send.”

The scroll glowed and rolled itself up before its contents vanished. The scroll reopened and showed a blank sheet, ready for another message.

Seeker rolled the Chat Scroll back up before putting it inside his inventory and pulled out his stats scroll and began looking at the one labelled ‘Specialization’. It offered four specializations: Saboteur, Mechanic, Turret Defender and Pyrotechnics Expert. Each one was uniquely different with its own set of abilities and bonuses.

“I’ll pick… this one,” Seeker mumbled to himself as he pressed a hoof against the Saboteur profile.

In an instant the other three profiles greyed out and vanished from the scroll, leaving only the Saboteur’s skills behind. The icons began to connect to each other, forming a web or a ‘Skill Tree’ as it was more colloquially known as.

Specialization Gained!!
Saboteur!

For those who like things that go BOOM!!

Seeker just blinked as his HUD showed new but greyed out skills after his Pot Shot ability. There was only a single ability ready for Seeker: ‘Grenade Pack.’

“Uh, this is going to be interesting,” Seeker mumbled as he left the inn and walked out into the streets.

“Seeker!” The Changeling looked around and found his other party members waiting for him just a short distance away. The source of the shout was none other than Joystick.

As he walked over to the group, he felt the familiar sensation of the Chat Scroll in his inventory. He pulled it out with a bit of magic and unfurled it.

I am on my way.

Seeker smiled meekly as he gave a customary thank you in response but failed to notice where he was going and bumped into Joystick’s chestplate. The group laughed at the Changeling’s absent-mindedness, Seeker even joined in half-heartedly as he got back onto his hooves.

“How is everypony?” Seeker asked.

“I am fine,” Mixer deadpanned.

“Looking forward to getting drunk,” Solace said with a grin.

“You look forward to anything regarding alcohol,” Mixer retorted, rolling his eyes.

“I have actually been meaning to ask,” Seeker said, “How can you get drunk in a virtual world?”

Joystick laughed, “The I.P.V. is a device that simulates the real world to an almost perfect degree thanks to some fancy bit of technology, magic and science. Not too mention the mind is a powerful thing when it’s told something that it can’t refute.

“The I.P.V. sends electrical signals directed at the parts controlling the various senses in the brain. This in turn is interpreted by the brain and you ‘feel’ whatever you interact with in the game. It’s how you can feel your weapon in your hooves, the pain from an attack, your sense of taste even and also… it allows you to get drunk by tricking the brain into thinking the body is actually consuming the beverage!” Joystick laughed.

“Not to mention your own alcohol tolerance is taken into account as well,” Solace grinned, “If they think a Minotaur can out drink me they have another thing coming.”

“So then that leaves the PvP match and the race,” Mixer noted.

Joystick nodded, “Yeah, any word from Illusion, Seeker?”

Seeker smirked, “She’s coming. She was quite fast when I had first met her so I think she’d be best off doing the race while we do the PvP match.”

The group exchanged smiles as a familiar buzzing came from overhead, making Seeker’s ears perk up and look for the source. It was Illusion, coming in fast and landing on the ground in front of them. She looked at Seeker with a small smile but it faded quickly as her gaze shifted to the ponies.

“A river is like time,” She said, looking at the group. The group just looked at her with confused expressions, causing her to sigh.

“It never loops, forever going forward,” Seeker replied, making Illusion smile slightly again, “This is Illusion, everypony. Illusion, how are you at racing?”

“I will go as fast as I need,” She replied curtly.

‘I like her attitude,’ Mixer thought as the sides of his mouth curled up in a barely noticeable grin.

‘A real mascot of joy and goodwill isn’t she?’ Solace thought.

“Okay then, I believe we are all set for those matches then,” Joystick said as he pulled out the Chat Scroll.

In a few minutes the party of Fate’s Fortune met up with Divine Retribution just on the outskirts of town, near Whitetail Woods. Blackheart was giving Seeker a viscous look and made the customary ‘I am going to kill you’ gesture as he slowly ran his claw past his neck with his thumb sticking out.

Rufus looked happy to see everypony, like a long lost friend had returned, “Have you all decided on who is doing what then? I have Blackheart, Terence over there and Carlos for the PvP match.”

“I said a thousand times before, my name is Calamity!” ‘Carlos’ the Hippogriff whined. Turned out it was a lady’s voice.

Terence was the red Minotaur and gave the group a smile as his name was mentioned. Seeker’s eyes wouldn’t leave the pony sized sword he had on his back, it terrified him despite he was in no true danger in a game.

“Sure, Calamity,” Rufus replied with a grin, “I just like rustling your jimmies a little. Oh and I am going to be racing against you. Your turn to tell us your line-up.”

Before Joystick could respond, Illusion walked up to Rufus and eyed him intently with a stoic expression, “You will lose the race against me.”

“Doesn’t lack for confidence, does she?” Mixer whispered to Solace who merely shrugged.

Rufus laughed, “You got spunk! I like that. I’ll see you at the starting line then Miss…?”

“My name is of little importance to you,” She responded callously.

Seeker’s ears drooped as he watched her stare down Rufus as if he were dirt. She was like their Blackheart and that could be very dangerous.

“Okay, I win then you tell me your name. Sound good, lass?” Rufus asked.

Illusion didn’t respond and walked back to the group, “Wow, you got a live one there. So I guess it’s the two Unicorns and the Changeling going against my guys in the arena then?”

“The Skydome in Aeroslida?” Joystick asked, feeling a little annoyed that he would have to travel so far from his friends.

Rufus shook his head, “There have been a few more additional arenas built over the past few game updates to keep up with the popularity of PvP matches. Old Ponyville has one just outside the village. Kills the authenticity of the village but it already died the moment they put the Zeppelin Depot in.”

“Yeah, it does tend to kill the historical aspect of Ponyville,” Solace commented before looking at Tauros, “You ready to lose?”

“When you face arrogance,” He began to respond, “Make them soil their pants!”

“You have a strange speech pattern,” Seeker commented.

“He only does it to practice for his seminars,” Terence explained, “He finds the rhyming helps his self-confidence messages stick.”

“Waitwaitwait. You’re Iron Will?” Joystick asked with a shocked expression on his face.

Tauros puffed out his chest proudly, “Iron Will’s the name. Training ponies is my game!”

Mixer rolled his eyes, “He’s Iron Will alright.”

“Well then now that introductions are done, shall we get cracking chaps?” Rufus inquired, clapping his paws together once to grab everypony’s attention.

“Let’s do this thing!” Joystick cried out happily.

<----> ---- ---- <---->

The Old Ponyville PvP Arena was a large, circular coliseum made from varying types of timber to make it look less bland, the differing shades of brown complimenting each other instead of clashing. The stands were divided in rows and columns of benches with varnished, oaken finishes. The more ‘private’ stands were made of mahogany and the benches had velvet cushioning.

In the centre of the Arena was a large open field of grass, kept at four millimetres in height. This made it soft on the hooves, despite the fact that it would just get torn to shreds during a match. Its only real purpose was to add to the Arena’s aesthetics.

The Arena had four rooms for the players: two were to get whatever gear they had stored in player chests which could be found all over Equestrian Earth’s hub cities. Several players can access the same chest but they would only find their loot and spare gear inside.

The other two were planning rooms, complete with whiteboards and an assortment of markers. Erasers were also supplied and nothing other than the players’ own gear were allowed to leave.

“You ready, Seeker?” Joystick asked as Seeker examined his Bow Gun.

“W-well… not really,” Seeker replied nervously, “I mean this is the first PvP I’ve ever done.”

“Just keep a level head and shoot straight,” Mixer deadpanned as he pulled out a long sabre with a ruby blade and a tower shield comprised of topaz with emerald insets, “They won’t show you any mercy, so don’t give them any.”

“Uh, Mixer?” Seeker asked.

“Yes, what is it?” Mixer replied, raising one of his eyebrows.

“Why aren’t you using your staff?” Seeker responded, pointing to the Unicorn’s new weapon loadout.

“Joystick isn’t the only one who can tank,” Mixer replied with a small grin.

“So then Seeker, did you find a specialization?” Joystick asked, “If not then you may have a harder time in the match and further down the line. We can help you find one if you want us to.”

Seeker looked to his skills and activated Grenade Pack. In an instant his Bow Gun vanished as two khaki saddlebags appeared on his sides. The bags felt as if they weighed nothing at all and his wings still had free range of motion so he could still fly.

Joystick whistled, “We got ourselves a bomber here folks.’

<----> ---- ---- <---->

As players sat in their seats in the Arena, a loud and very excited voice rang out through the Arena, scaring birds from trees and shattering glasses. If the Arena was in the real Equestria and bound by its laws of physics, everypony’s eardrums would have burst into flames and melted out of their ears.

“Hala hala hala!!!” It shouted, “Your host with the most… DJ-PON3 is in the hoooooouuuse!!!”

A second, slightly annoyed voice came out after the DJ’s, “And I am Neon Lights. I am running colour commentary for the matches today… and trying to keep my co-host from getting too excited.”

“Awww, don’t be such a stiff, Neon!” DJ-PON3 replied, “I just wanted to make an entrance.”

“What you did, Vinyl… was almost render everypony here deaf,” Neon rebuked, “Please, just keep the volume a tad down ok?”

Vinyl sighed, “Fine, I’ll tone it down a little. Now then everypony we have ourselves a number of matches today. We have Oblivion Knights versus The Reapers of Fate in a whole eight on eight Guild Match! But before we get to them we have a small treat for you.

“We have a three on three PvP match coming up but that’s nothing special am I right? Wrong!” She shouted, loud enough to make Neon cringe and remove his earphones, “Whoops sorry there, Neon. As I was saying: this match is rather unique because it’s one of three different simultaneous matches happening in Old Ponyville!

“We have Divine Retribution’s Everlasting Solace versus Tauros of Fate’s Fortune in a no holds barred drinking contest in the Drunken Mare. Then we have Illusion of Retribution going up against the leader of Fortune in a race through Whitetail Woods. Be careful you two, I hear parasprites are there this time of year.

“Finally we have our little match here and get this folks. It’s a Changeling and two Unicorns from Retribution versus a Hippogriff, a Griffon and a Minotaur. I’m a Unicorn as well but come on, they’ll tear Retribution a new one. What do you think Neon?” Vinyl concluded, looking to her agitated co-host who donned his headgear again.

Neon thought for a moment before responding, “Well this is Divine Retribution’s first ever PvP match to be honest and most of their members are still quite new.”

Vinyl scoffed, “Noobs.”

“Quite, Vinyl. As I was saying: Divine Retribution - although new - has a Crystal Mage, a Paladin and a Saboteur in the match line-up today. Fate’s Fortune on the other hoof has been in a variety of PvP matches so they know what to expect but they have a weak link in their group. Second in command Blackheart is known for getting himself into a lot of trouble as his temper is quite volatile.”

“Like my first Bass Cannon,” Vinyl joked.

Neon rolled his eyes, “Anyway. Calamity the Hippogriff is an Animal Caller. She can overwhelm Retribution with sheer numbers if given the chance to use any of her abilities. Blackheart is a Blademaster so he is deadly with any form of melee weapon. Terence is a Soldier, simple but deadly with swords and deals major damage against a single target.

“Now on Retribution’s side is their leader, the Paladin called Joystick. I’ve heard he is relatively easy going… remind you of anypony, Vinyl?” Neon asked, giving Vinyl a look as she looked away and whistled a little tune in response, “I rest my case but I digress. Paladins can heal and take a lot of punishment so he is a valuable member of the group but also a high value target.

“Next is the Crystal Mage known as Mixer. Not much to say about him other than he keeps to himself when not around his guild members. Crystal Mages are nasty DPS players and can take more damage than a conventional mage specializing in any other element.

“Lastly we have Star Seeker the Changeling and Saboteur. This subclass is deadly to clusters of enemies as explosives are their forte. They don’t take damage too well but make up for it as they pound targets from range. All in all, Retribution has a more rounded group than Fortune’s one trick ponies. Pardon the pun.”

“Well then, there you have it folks!” Vinyl shouted, a little less harshly as the players came out, “Now then everypony shake hooves, claws, or whatever you have and let’s get this party started!”

Blackheart looked to Seeker with a demonic looking grin, “I am going to enjoy this.”

Mixer stepped forward, “You’ll have to go through us first, featherbrain.”

Blackheart growled as the players stepped back and Vinyl took out a subwoofer that stood as tall as she did, “Alright then everypony… Fight!!”

A massive ear-splitting blast and beam of blue energy came from Vinyl’s almighty Bass Cannon, making everypony cringe and get down as it blasted their eardrums.

<----> ---- ---- <---->

The Drunken Mare was packed with spectators as they watched Solace and Tauros take their seats, both grinning confidently. The first round of virtual alcohol came in large mugs, holding a maximum of two pints of golden goodness.

Tauros looked at Solace, “You can still quit. I doubt you can handle it.”

Solace raised an eyebrow and chuckled, “Iron Will… meet my Iron Constitution!”

The players heard Vinyl’s Bass Cannon echoing through Old Ponyville to signal the start of the three matches. Solace and Tauros grabbed their respective mugs and looked at each other.

“May the best drinker win,” Solace said as he began downing the mug with a look of pure bliss on his face.

<----> ---- ---- <---->

Illusion looked down the trail of the track she and Rufus were going to be using. She barely responded to Rufus’ questions regarding her or her motives in being with Divine Retribution. She knew mind games and he was a complete amateur if he was actually trying to make her change guilds or trip her up.

The track had a calm, serene look to it as it awaited the players to hear the starting signal so that they may begin.

“Okay before we start my dear the race has two simple rules,” Rufus said to Illusion with a twisted looking smile, “The first rule is to not directly attack the other player. The second is no flying so no using your wings in any way.”

Illusion merely nodded to confirm she understood which made Rufus raise an eyebrow at her, “You don’t talk all that much do you?”

“Only when there is something worth saying,” She curtly replied as she stared down the track like a hunter stalking prey.

“We-” Rufus was cut off as Vinyl’s Bass Cannon reverberated through the area, shaking birds from the trees, “Here we go!”

The pair ran off into the forest, kicking up dust from their hooves as the race began.

<----> ---- ---- <---->

Blackheart brought his hammer down on Mixer who parried it with his tower shield and sent Blackheart almost faceplanting to the floor as the hammer slid across the surface of the shield. Mixer brought his sabre down to Blackheart’s neck but neglected to notice Terence’s blade coming for him.

As the huge blade came down at him, Joystick intervened by ramming into him with his Shining Beacon ability active to negate most of the damage he received from his assault.

Seeker fired off Pot Shot at Calamity’s horde of crows as they tried to attack the group. The crowd cheered on for whoever they supported in the bout as none gave the other any quarter.

“This is really a hot battle!” Vinyl cried out cheerfully, “What ability is the Paladin using, Neon?”

“Shining Beacon is an ability that increases damage resistance and in the world makes the user a target making it a perfect tactic for tank players,” Neon responded, “That doesn’t work here in a PvP match though but it is still useful in combat.”

Blackheart changed targets as Seeker was busy with Calamity and bought down his hammer, using his Hammer of Thor ability.

“Seeker!” Joystick called out, trying to warn his teammate.

Seeker turned around and rolled to the side to avoid the incoming hit. The hammer almost grazed his armour as it collided with the ground, creating a shockwave of lightning to burst forth and send him flying into the air.

The Changeling collided with the nearby wall with a sickening crunch. Mixer ran up to Seeker and stood fast as Blackheart came down again with the same move. But Mixer had another idea.

Mixer shoved his sabre’s blade into the ground, calling on his Fortress ability. Blackheart had too much momentum and his face collided with the wall of topaz, stooping him from finishing his attack. He seemed to hang there for a second before his face slid off and hit the ground.

“Th-thanks,” Seeker said as he got up and readied his gun.

“Like I said: ‘they won’t show you mercy, so don’t show them any.’”

Seeker nodded and used his Grenade Pack ability. As his weapon switched to a pair of saddlebags, his skill list changed completely. His list showed a total of five skills: Cluster Grenades, Incendiary Grenade, Blind Grenade, Smoke Grenade and lastly Freeze Grenade.

“Oh ho! Looks like the Changeling is going for something with a bit more ‘umph!’” Vinyl shouted in glee as Seeker flew upwards, “Neon, tell the crowd what party favours the Changeling is bringing to the table.”

“As I said earlier, Saboteurs excel with explosives and what he has there are two saddlebags packed with them,” Neon replied, “That pack makes the Saboteur both versatile and deadly.”

Seeker reached into the pack and activated Incendiary Grenade. The grenade that came out of the saddlebags was oval in shape and clear as glass. Inside of the glass was a raging fire, just waiting to give grief to whomsoever crossed the thrower. Seeker aimed at Calamity as she sent a stampede of bears at Joystick who was dodging them as best he could.

Joystick couldn’t dodge the angry bears for too long as sweat dripped from his forehead. He knew that the next bear that came at him would more than likely take him out. He dodged again but tripped and mentally prepared himself as a bear barrelled towards him, death written in its eyes. As it got up to maul the Paladin, it burst into flame.

In fact it was on the edge of an area encased in a roaring inferno of orange, yellow and blue hues. Calamity flew up and out of it, her fur and feathers ablaze. Before the Hippogriff could recover, a hailstorm of rubies came down on her, sending her to the ground.

She collided on the ground with a thump. She gathered her wits and got back up, only to have Joystick’s armoured head get acquainted with her face. He had enough mana to activate Shining Beacon once more before he rammed into her.

She flew backwards and into the wall, her body lighting up brightly before it shattered like glass, sending fragments all over the Arena floor. Terence got back onto his hooves, still groggy from when Mixer smashed his face in with his shield before helping Seeker with Blackheart.

“Aaaaand down goes Calamity!” Vinyl shouted, “Looks like Divine Retribution knows how to work together. Are you taking notes here, Blackheart?”

Blackheart growled at Vinyl’s comment and flew up to Seeker, planning on making him hurt. Blackheart failed to realise that Griffons – although tougher than a Changeling, regardless of class – were not as fast as Changelings in the air or on the ground. With the added weight of his equipped hammer, his wild charge was similar to watching a tortoise running after an eagle as it flew over a cliff.

Seeker banked left and avoided Blackheart’s rage filled attack. Seeker twisted his body to turn himself upside down and reached into his Grenade pack for his Cluster Grenades. As he threw his ‘weapon’ instead of a single grenade, it was three that collided with Blackheart’s body, detonating in a shower of fragments and heat.

Seeker fell onto the ground as he was too low to the ground to land properly but the combined force from his grenades launched Blackheart further up into the air. Seeker rolled to the side as a large blade came into view with force. His dodge saved him from a critical blow but the force of Terence’s Fissure ability put him in the middle of a crack in the ground as fire burst from it.

Seeker got burned as his body became encased in fire. He cried out in agony as the I.P.V. simulated the pain in order to make the game as real as possible. Joystick used his Divinity’s Light ability to heal Seeker as best he could.

The flames died out eventually as Terence brought his blade down on Seeker’s shield. The force alone was able to crack the Crystal Mage’s shield down the middle but it held firm in defiance. The attack’s damage went though the shield and hurt Mixer regardless as Perfect Offense was an armour piercing ability.

Blackheart fell to the ground with a crash but he was still in the game. As he got up he saw Seeker’s Smoke Grenade collide with Terence. As the Minotaur got out of the smoke cloud, he got jumped by Mixer’s shield as it bashed him across the jaw and right into Joystick’s shortsword as it connected with his throat.

Terence burst in a shower of light just like Calamity as he reappeared in the equipment room they were using.

“You’re dead!” Blackheart shouted as he charged at them with his hammer but he tripped and fell down before reaching his target, “What in hell?”

He looked down at this legs to find them encased in crystal by Mixer’s Hinder ability, whose secondary function is his Encase ability. Before Blackheart could recover, a wall of crystals erupted from the ground, surrounding him.

“The stage is set everypony!” Mixer shouted as his sabre was hilt deep in the ground.

Joystick used the last of his mana to use Divinity’s Light on the crystals. Blackheart shouted in pain as he was blinded by the bright light. Seeker used his Grenade Pack ability to switch back to his Bow Gun.

He pulled down on the bolt to load the next round and fired off Pot Shot at the wall, shattering it into thousands of pieces as they pierced Blackheart’s armour. Blackheart gave one last shout as he vanished from the battlefield.

“Aaaaaaaaand we have ourselves some winners!!” Vinyl shouted in joy, “Looks like it doesn’t take experience to win a match. It takes teamwork!”

<----> ---- ---- <---->

Solace and Tauros were drinking for everything they were worth. Empty mugs piled on the floor below, each respective pile could be used to make a tower taller than Tauros but they showed very little sign of slowing down as the drinks kept coming.

“How can a pony like you keep up with me?” Tauros asked, “I thought Pegasi were lightweights because they weigh so little.”

Solace chuckled as he downed another two pints, “When we finish here, I’ll tell you. Sound fair?”

Tauros chuckled as yet another round came to the table, “Deal.”

The pair kept on drinking and baiting each other into giving up but none of them seemed like they were going to any time soon. The inn was almost deafeningly loud as spectators chanted and cheered for them as more mugs came to sate their nigh unquenchable thirsts.

It wasn’t till the twenty-first mug came that Tauros was looking a bit groggier than Solace who was finding it a little harder to hold his mug to his lips without getting a minor case of the shakes.

“You ready to give up, Solace?” Tauros asked as his eyes were beginning to look a little glazed over.

“Nah, I can… keep going,” Solace replied as he finally downed the drink.

“Good… cause I’m not either,” Tauros said as he lifted another full mug.

As the wood and metal-clad container reached the Minotaur’s lips, he faltered slightly but he inhaled deeply and began to drink. As he took a large gulp of the beverage, he placed it back down on the table with a smug look on his face.

“I’ll never… quit,” He said as he finally keeled over and crashed onto the floor, completely knocked out and snoring loudly. Sadly his mug was still in his grip and it came down with him, covering his face in liquor.

Solace scoffed a little as he looked at Tauros and took another swig of liquor to finish it off, “Lightweight my flank.”

<----> ---- ---- <---->

Players watched from zeppelins of varying design above as the two racers charged through the Whitetail Woods. They jumped over fallen trees, muddy puddles in the ground and the like but they kept pace with each other.

“Miss… you are… the best… competition I’ve had in ages…” Rufus complimented through pained breaths as he and Illusion were neck and neck.

Illusion didn’t respond as she kept her eyes focused on the track as it bent to the left and into a few more broken trees. This was a deliberate move as the programmers designed it to make it a little bit more interesting than a simple straight track with nothing to make it somewhat more difficult.

Then there were the next bout of interference: Parasprites. They were nasty little creatures with a penchant for consuming every bit of food within spitting distance. Unfortunately the developers decided to change their behaviour to have them attack players and eat their health instead.

The worst part about them was that they came in groups of a minimum of five a piece. Illusion rolled to the side as a bunch of parasprites flew towards her, trying to drain her health.

“They’re… annoying… aren’t they?” Rufus commented as he slid under them, avoiding them by the skin of his teeth.

Illusion still didn’t respond to the Diamond Dog as she slid down an embankment and leapt over a ditch, Rufus not far behind. The Diamond Dog was still managing to keep up but Illusion’s lighter frame meant she gained more ground as she leapt over obstacles.

‘I can’t lose,’ He thought through clenched teeth, ‘I won’t lose.’

As Illusion gained a little more ground on Rufus, her vision began to blur slightly and a case of light-headedness assaulted her. Before she could figure out why, she collided with a tree. She heard laughter as Rufus ran past… a long wooden, gnarled staff in his teeth.

“Why that no good…” Illusion muttered as her vision corrected itself, “Damned Illusionist. You said no attacking!”

Rufus laughed, his voice beginning to fade, “I said no attacking but you ran into that tree on your own accord!”

She got up and began to try and catch up to Rufus but she was quickly running out of track. Five bends and one wide, deep trench separated them from the finish line.

She saw Rufus as a small dot in the distance but a snide grin formed on her lips. She activated her Mirror Image ability and kept on running.

Rufus knew Illusion had no hope of catching up as he ran around one of the bends. His enormous grin instantly fell as he saw Illusion charge straight past him. His jaw then decided to acquaint itself with the floor as Illusion went out his vision as she went around one of the bends.

“H-How?” He panted as he tried to run faster, coming up to the trench.

From behind Rufus, Illusion came up towards him at breakneck speed, her Terminal Velocity ability active. Rufus leapt as he attempted to clear the trench. Illusion leapt up after him, landing on his back and kicking him down.

“Y-” Rufus’ outburst was cut off as his body impacted with the trench wall, his muzzle almost buried in the dirt.

“Never cheat a Changeling,” Illusion warned as she carried on to the finish line, a satisfied smile on her face.

<----> ---- ---- <---->

“We won!” Joystick shouted in glee, hugging Mixer and Seeker.

“We know, we were there,” Mixer deadpanned, “Now can you let us go?”

“Sorry…” Joystick replied sheepishly as he released his grip on his guild members.

“I’m glad to see you’re all happy,” A voice came from behind them as the trio left the Arena. Solace had a grin that was a mile wide, plastered to his face.

“Judging by that expression on your face, you were successful, Solace?” Mixer inquired.

“Yup! Never challenge a pony from Stalliongrad to a drinking contest if you plan on walking home!” He replied proudly.

“What about Illusion?” Seeker asked.

“Haven’t se- there she is,” Solace noticed Illusion walking up to them, a small grin on her face as well, “Looks like you were victorious.”

“Indeed, the dog thought he could cheat me to win so I showed him what happens when you pull tricks on me,” She replied curtly.

“Yo players!” Vinyl’s voice shouted, gathering everypony’s attention, a small chest in her magic grip as she walked up to them, “Your prize.”

Joystick opened the chest to reveal a clear key with ruby insets on the bow of the key. The bit consisted of three arrow tips and it had no shoulder to stop it from going too far into a Crystal Lock.

“So they gave you the key to give to us?” Mixer asked, “How strange.”

“Whatever dude,” Vinyl said as she shrugged her shoulders, “I was told to give this to you once you all finished, regardless of the outcome.”

“Wait a minute. They wanted you to give it to us even if we lost?” Joystick asked, shocked.

“You need to turn up the speech volume in your settings,” Vinyl retorted, “Yes that is what I’m saying.”

“Well should we see Fate’s Fortune again we should thank them,” Solace said with a smile.

“This seems awfully suspicious to me,” Illusion commented, “A Crystal Key is meant to be untradeable. They can’t give it away even with the wager system in place for PvP matches. Crystal Keys aren’t included.”

“Is it a fake then?” Seeker asked, looking at the ornate key.

“No that’s the real deal. I’ve seen a few but haven’t been able to obtain one,” Illusion continued, “I say we go to whatever you wanted to unlock with it to make sure. If I’m wrong we can track them down and fix the issue. If I’m right though… it opens a whole can of worms.”

Vinyl shook her head, “It’s real, chick. I check every item put into the wager system here and this is as legit as they come. But there is something else on my mind that’s narly in all the wrong ways.

“I check the guilds and players with Neon before every match. So we know who’s going against who, ya know?” Vinyl said with a frown on her face, “Fate’s Fortune is new… made two days ago. What I didn’t understand is that their records are far too good for mere noobs and they’re IP addresses aren’t in the system.

“That’s not the strange part. Anypony can be good and get strong quickly if they pick the game up quickly enough and have an affinity for it,” Vinyl continued, her expression growing morbid as she removed her glasses to reveal her red eyes, “Fate’s Fortune disbanded five minutes ago… the players? Gone… there’s no trace of them, not even an account for their subscription fees. Whoever they were, I think you five were the target…”

Author's Note

Right next chapter done. All the abilities will be explained as the party levels up.

Learning Curve

Equestrian Earth: The Changeling War
Learning Curve
Author: Draconis187

Best read in Dark Mode. Several bright text colours are used.

If there was one thing every Changeling had in common in terms of personality, it was paranoia. It stemmed from the fear of being discovered. While most get over it and manage to truly ‘integrate’ into society, others find it too hard and become the introverts within society and in effect fail their given missions.

Seeker could barely concentrate as the new lenses for the telescope came in for the cracked one. Two spares were placed into storage which lay beneath the observatory under lock and key while a third one was being used as the replacement, levitating in the air thanks to a Unicorn.

The job called for two ponies, the Unicorn to lift and insert the lens while a Pegasus used their keen eyesight - a moot point given Seeker was a Changeling - to direct it from above. The Pegasus usually hovered next to the telescope or above it as the lens was being inserted since the openings between models varied.

“Concentrate, Seeker… Can you hear me?” The Unicorn asked, with a slightly annoyed tone.

“Hm? Sorry, Horizon. I’m not feeling like myself today,” Seeker apologised. “Kind of have things nagging my mind.”

Event Horizon shrugged his shoulders, “Having one of ‘those’ days?”

“You could say that,” Seeker replied.

“Look, how about we deal with this lens first and you can tell me all about it? Sound good?” Event said.

Seeker smiled slightly and nodded his head. He was glad that so many ponies cared about each other. It was a massive shock the first time he stepped out of his Hive on a small infiltration mission to a place called Baltimare. In a few years he got used to it and grew to appreciate it.

After they inserted the lens, Seeker calibrated it while Horizon fetched some coffee. The work was monotonous, they got the most minimal of work benefits and rarely got any appreciation but Seeker found some enjoyment in it. As he was satisfied with the telescope’s calibration, he sat on his haunches and waited for Horizon.

“So, what’s been eating you?” Horizon asked, blowing the bang of his magenta mane away from his face. The lime green Unicorn levitated the cup of hot liquid to Seeker.

“Just some age old paranoia, Horizon.” Seeker deadpanned. “It’s not something you can help with.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?” Horizon asked with concern.

“I am certain it won’t do me any good. I’m probably just overreacting,” Seeker said as he took a sip and pouted. “Ugh, the coffee here tastes funny.”

“That’s because it’s tea, you wazzik. Turns out we ran out of coffee and nopony saw fit to say anything,” Horizon replied. “We really need to keep tabs on how much we use.”

Seeker chuckled as he took a sip, “Still… tastes terrible.”

Horizon chuckled, “What do you expect from a box of teabags that costs 15 bits?”

Once they finished their drinks, they sealed the observatory roof as the rain forecasted for the day was to last well into the night. The rain hit once it was lunchtime, drenching the streets, making Seeker and Joystick’s regular meet-up next to impossible.

Since the rain persisted after Seeker’s shift had ended, he borrowed an umbrella from one of his co-workers as they came into the observatory. He made a mental note to return the umbrella in the morning when he relieved the generous pony.

He arrived back at home and sealed his apartment up as usual. With a sigh as he laid on his cloud, Equestrian Earth came online and he ‘woke up’ in Old Ponyville’s Broken Mare once more.

As he left the bar, he quickly opened up his Chat Scroll to message his adventuring partners. As he began to dictate to the scroll, he was interrupted by some crazed pony as he got tackled to the ground.

“Hey, Seeker!” The familiar voice of Joystick said cheerfully as he pulled his friend up to his hooves. “We didn’t get to have our lunch today so I thought I’d make it up by-”

“-tackling me like a hoofball player?” Seeker replied with a raised eyebrow. “You are so random, Joystick.”

“I know! Isn’t it nice?” Joystick said with a grin.

Seeker rolled his eyes and softly chuckled. “I guess it cures the boredom of everyday life. Where are the others?”

“Well, Solace and Mixer won’t be on till a little later. Real life and all that, you know how it is. As for Illusion -” Joystick’s expression fell a little “- she doesn’t respond to any of my messages. I think she’s still got a few trust issues.”

Seeker nodded his head in agreement, “Could you blame her? You know what she is, not to mention the last time we were on… it was just… well, weird.”

“About the ruckus we had with Rufus and Fate’s Fortune?” Joystick asked, Seeker nodded his head once again, “I know… I’ve been thinking about that too. I just don’t understand what Vinyl was talking about. ‘I think you five were the target?’ All we did was accept a simple-sounding challenge and yet we got… this.

“I don’t know, Seeker. I barely slept last night just thinking about it,” Joystick said. Seeker knew that despite his friend’s happy-go-lucky attitude, he could become quite a deep thinker when his jimmies got rustled enough. “Seeker… we need to figure this out but we have nothing to go on.”

Seeker shook his head, “That may be but we can’t truly worry about it right now. Let’s just… focus on the game for now and see what happens, hm? We have nothing we can use to help track them and ask so maybe we should just let it be for now?”

Joystick chuckled, “Seeker, Voice of Reason for when there is none. Bringer of Insight for when we ha-”

“Oh shut it,” Seeker said with a grin.

The pair began to walk through Old Ponyville. The olden town was always bursting with things to do. From ‘collect X and bring to Y’ and other forms of generic MMORPG quests, all the way to Races where players could bet or participate in if they were one of the appropriate species.

Players walked off in groups or alone as was their want. The game never punished a player for hoofing it alone but it was encouraged to join a guild and socialise with others from all over the world. It made the game far more enjoyable and worth the subscription fee.

“So what do you want to do, Seeker?” Joystick asked.

“I want to know something: -” Seeker stopped and looked directly at his friend “- are we going to go to this ‘Dagger’s Keep’ now that we have a Crystal Key?”

“I think I’ll put it up to a vote with the others. It’s only fair since we all fought in our own way for the thing,” Joystick replied.

“Understandable,” Seeker said coolly. “What is in this ‘Dagger’s Keep’ anyway?”

Joystick and Seeker stopped outside a small herbalist’s shop, sitting on one of the benches that littered the Market Square area. The oaken, worn bench creaked under their weight as they sat. It wasn’t going to break but the sound effect added to the game’s realism.

“I’ve played several RPGs so I’m guessing a ton of monsters and plenty of loot,” Joystick said thoughtfully, “I expect we’ll need to make sure we’re stocked up on everything before moving out for it.”

“There you are!” A voice cried out, grabbing their attention.

Solace was walking towards the group with a massive grin on his face as usual. The Pegasus seemed to be the same as he was before he drank himself into a virtual stupor if the way he walked was any indication.

“Solace, great to see you made it. Feeling better?” Joystick asked, grinning a little.

“It’ll take more than a little drinking contest to keep me down!” Solace replied with great enthusiasm. “So what are you two doing just sitting around?”

“Waiting for you, Mixer and Illusion of course so we can decide on our next objective,” Seeker said this time, looking at Solace with a small grin.

“Right, right. Well, I’m here so we just need the other two then?” Solace asked.

“One more,” A cool voice said, directing attention away from the grey Pegasus.

“Illusion!” Joystick said with a massive grin, “So nice of you to join us!”

“Make no mistake, I am merely here to see this through to the end. The moment this… disturbing issue has been resolved, consider me gone.” The Changeling showed little care in her voice as she spoke. “Now we wait for Mixer…”

“That we do but I doubt he’ll be too long,” Solace said. “He’s nothing if not punctual.”

“That and he wastes little time getting under your fur,” Seeker pointed out.

Solace shrugged with his usual smile on his face, “We both do that, and it’s all in good fun so I don’t see a problem.”

Illusion chose to say nothing at this point, knowing it would end up as a full blown argument and she was not in the mood.

“So… When’s Mixer getting here, Solace?” Joystick asked.

“He’s over there,” Illusion stated, directing everypony’s attention to the far side of the Market Square.

The Crystal Mage’s armour clanged a little as he walked up to the group while they walked towards him. They all met about halfway, near a Blacksmith where an NPC was happily hammering away on some generic weapon and a miscellaneous shop.

“Hey, Mixer. How are you?” Joystick asked as Solace beamed happily. Illusion merely muttered a small greeting while Seeker was more enthusiastic to his new friend.

“I am fine despite recent events,” Mixer replied flatly. “We’re all together then?”

“That we are. I’ve been wondering if we should try out that Crystal Key and get into Dagger’s Keep,” Joystick stated.

“Fine,” Mixer deadpanned.

“Sounds good to me,” Solace said.

“I’m here to see this to the end and if this ‘Dagger’s Keep’ will yield answers then I am coming along as well,” Illusion said flatly.

“And I’m coming too. Got to keep you from getting in over your head,” Seeker sighed, a small smirk on his face as he mostly addressed Joystick with his statement.

Joystick chuckled as he pulled out his map while the others did the same. They all sat down on their haunches with their maps in front of them on the floor while the magically inclined members levitated them which meant Solace's map was the only one in the dirt.

“Alright. If I recall correctly, Dagger’s Keep is… here,” Joystick’s magic aura made a series of small circles around the point he could recall on Rufus’ map back in the Broken Mare. “We are still here in Old Ponyville so what we are going to do is simple: fight our way to the dungeon, go in, kill what's inside and claim our reward.”

“Can’t we just catch a Zeppelin or use some form of teleporting mechanic to get there?” Seeker asked.

“No,” Illusion responded almost instantly.

“The game doesn’t work that way, Seeker. Dungeons – special or otherwise – are not some instant travel location as that kills the whole ‘adventure’ shtick. And that is the point of the game,” Joystick said. “Fight it, beat it and reap the spoils.”

“At least it’s not Zebrican Hunter Tri’s motto of ‘kill it, clean it, wear it,’” Seeker commented, shivering a little.

“Maybe, but the principle is the same in every RPG. Get better stuff by killing tougher things,” Joystick said.

“And in Crystal Dungeons, they are a lot tougher. Even if we are at the same level as the target, it still makes teamwork paramount,” Illusion said.

“How do you know that?” Seeker asked.

“I read the forums,” She replied.

“Makes sense. Shall we crack on then?” Joystick said, addressing the group.

The adventurers looked to one another, nodding in agreement as the maps were returned to their respective owners’ inventory. As they got up to venture forth, a familiar voice shouted loudly in their general direction.

“Yo! Retribution!” They all turned their heads, looking at the source who turned out to be Vinyl Scratch. “What you all up to in the middle of Old Ponyville?”

“We were just about to venture out to Dagger’s Keep,” Joystick replied with a smile.

“Well, good luck to you then. If that key works, give me a [color= plum]Private Message,” She said, removing her glasses slightly, enough to reveal her eyes. “We could have a problem if hackers are making items that can fool the system.”

“If it does work, are you going to take what we get?” Seeker asked.

Vinyl giggled for a few moments before erupting in uproarious laughter. The group just looked at each other before looking back at her, “Nah man! If you’re going through all this trouble, I couldn’t do that! Neon would have my tail.” She calmed down, wiping a tear from her eye and fixing her glasses.

Mixer rolled his eyes, “Right…”

“Go and find out if it works. If it doesn’t, tell me anyway. I’ll make it worth your while,” Vinyl said with a smirk. “Think of it as an ‘unofficial quest.’ Oh and here, take this. Just so that you know I’m serious.”

She gave the group an assortment of potions and gave the Bow Gun wielding adventurers three oddly designed boxes. Seeker recognised them as Bow Gun magazines. One was a deep red with orange and faint blue colours, stylised to look like a towering inferno. Another one was pale blue and silver, looking like the crest of a giant wave. The last one was grey and white, resembling an overcast sky.

Items Acquired!

x1 Aero Magazine D-Grade
x1 Hellfire Magazine D-Grade
x1 Hydro magazine D-Grade
x5 Medium Health potion
x5 Medium Mana potion

“Uh, thanks?” Seeker said, a little uncertain as he checked them in his inventory.

“Load ‘em and watch the fireworks,” Vinyl said with a massive grin before turning around and walking down the street. “Catch you on the rebound!”

“What a strange mare,” Seeker commented.

The group nodded slowly in unison, except for Joystick and Solace who merely smiled.

“She seems fine to me,” Joystick said. “Let’s go, we have a Keep to get to.”

The group turned towards the general direction of the entrance to the Everfree Forest. Seeker had been looking over the three magazines he had received. As the group walked, he pulled out his Bow Gun and ejected the generic Normal Magazine. He picked it up with his magic and placed it into his inventory before inserting the Aero Magazine and pulling back on the bolt to load the first round.

His Potshot vanished instantly, replacing itself with Tornado with the number six attached to the bottom right of the icon.

Tornado - D

Each shot generates a vortex of air to disorientate and confuse enemies. Damage dealt is equal to a standard round of similar grade.
Ability has limited number of shots.

Curious, Seeker ejected the magazine to see what the other new magazines did. Each time he inserted the magazine, the Potshot ability would be replaced by a different, element-based skill with a different number in the corner.

Fire Vortex - D

Turns weapon into a flamethrower to deal fire damage at short range. Damage dealt is equal to 10% of a standard magazine of similar grade. Deals damage over time equal to damage dealt.

Tsunami - D

Drains the entire magazine to create a wave of water, dealing both damage and knockback upon impact. Damage is equal to maximum capacity of magazine multiplied by the maximum damage dealt by a standard round of similar grade.

Seeker was too busy looking at his changing skillset as he failed to realise the group had arrived at the entrance to the Everfree Forest. He ejected the magazine and inserted his Normal Magazine, turning his skill back to its stock form.

“Is everypony ready? Bladders drained, weapons ready and all that good stuff?” Joystick asked. The group nodded their heads. “Then let’s do this!”

The group ventured into the maze of trees that was the Everfree Forest. The odd Green Timberwolf came out but was quickly dispatched by one of the adventurers with either a well placed shot or blade.

The journey was going relatively smooth until they reached one of the larger clearings in the forest. In the middle of the clearing, staring back at them as they drew closer, were three Manticores. They stood on their hind legs with their red, bat-like wings flaring as the creatures roared at the group, making them cringe.

“Divide and conquer!” Joystick shouted as the group dispersed to divide the Manticores’ attention.

Seeker and Illusion buzzed to the right, drawing one of the Manticores while Joystick used his Shining Beacon ability to keep another one’s focus on him as he charged straight towards it. Solace and Mixer went left, drawing the attention of the remaining Manticore.

As their targets drew nearer, Seeker’s HUD displayed slightly more information on the Manticore. It showed Manticore Lv8 hovering about its head as it brought its claws down on Seeker.

The Changeling dodged it and buzzed backwards, pulling the bolt back on his Bow Gun and firing a normal shot. The round impacted against the Manticore’s head, making it recoil slightly and only serving to anger the virtual beast further.

Illusion used Terminal Velocity to get between Seeker and the angry Manticore and began to slash at it with her blades. The beast roared in anger and pain as Illusion kept up her assault until the effects of Terminal Velocity waned.

As they did, Seeker aimed at the barrel of his Bow Gun at his target and activated Potshot. The Gun recoiled hard into his shoulder as the round ejected from the barrel at high speed before colliding with the Manticore’s torso. The beast howled as its health reached zero, forcing it to collapse to the ground with a thud, ready for looting.

As they had been fighting their target, Solace and Mixer were having an easier time with theirs. Using Hinder to slow the Manticore down while Solace fired heavy round upon heavy round from his Bow Gun, taking out his target’s health fraction by fraction.

Solace ejected his Normal Magazine and inserted a Hellfire Magazine. His standard skill changed, showing a phoenix covered beak to tail-feathers in flames in place of the standard icon with the number three in the bottom right corner.

Phoenix’s Fire
Fires a flaming round in the form of a phoenix, homing in on a single target and burning it for a duration.
Damage dealt is equal to a standard round of similar grade over five seconds.

With a press of a trigger, he activated the special round in the chamber and the round fired, blazing a small trail as the animated phoenix flew from the barrel. It collided with the Manticore, igniting its fur and making it howl in pain. The Manticore still went after Mixer, its claws raised high in the air as it was about to try and crush him.

Mixer retaliated with Fortress, making his attacker stop attacking at its claws collided with the topaz wall. The Manticore shifted focus to the wall and began to tear at it with its claws, witling the health of the wall down with each strike.

Solace and Mixer wasted no time as Mixer’s Crystal Storm ability came down at it while Solace fired another Phoenix’s Fire. Their attacks killed off their target, making it collapse in a heap. The pair exchanged a grin as they took their spoils.

Joystick grunted as his shield met his target’s claws, making him move backwards a little. His Shining Beacon ability was still active, draining his mana at a constant steady rate as he battled the Manticore one-on-one. He lunged with his shortsword, aiming to stab his target in the chest. Sadly he got the backend of the Manticore’s tail.

Joystick fell onto the floor, rolling twice before getting onto his hooves and charging again. He was nothing if not highly persistent. The Paladin placed his weapons away and charged full force into the Manticore. He bowled the beast over and quickly unsheathed his weapons.

His blade met the slightly disoriented Manticore’s torso as Joystick slashed at it. The beast roared and got up too quickly for Joystick’s liking and roared, making him cover his ears. As the chimeric monster was about to capitalise on Joystick’s reaction, two loud bangs rang through the clearing. The beast fell to the ground with a thump.

“Thanks guys,” Joystick said as he looted the corpse for money.

Seeker pulled back on his Bow Gun’s bolt and manually ejected the spent casing as Solace did the same with his heavier rifle. Seeker folded the weapon up and placed it on his back as he and Illusion rejoined their leader.

“Someone’s gotta keep an eye on you,” Seeker reiterated.

Level up!

Joystick Lv9!
Shining Beacon lv2

Increases damage resistance by 1.5% of combined armour rating and forces close monsters of lower level to attack user, ignoring others.

Next level: damage resistance 1.75% of combined armour rating.

Solace lv8!
Ricochet gained!

Fire a round that bounces off surfaces and targets, dealing less damage with each hit.

Bounces three times, dealing full, standard damage on the first hit and 25% on the last.

Next level: bounces four times.

Mixer lv9!
Fortress lv2

Create a wall of topaz in front of the caster to protect him/her.

Current health: 230

Next level: 290
Secondary function Entrapment surrounds a single target with transparent crystals.

Current health: 340

Next level: 400

Seeker lv6!
High Impact Shot gained!

Fires an explosive round, dealing damage in a small radius around target.

Deals x2 damage of currently equipped weapon.

Next level: increases effective blast radius by 0.2%

Illusion lv8!
Terminal Velocity lv2!

Increases movement speed and attack rate by 50% for 6 seconds.

Next level: duration of ability lasts for 7 seconds.

“Now, how far are we to our destination?” Illusion inquired, ignoring her level up while the others smiled a little for getting more than 23 bits from their previous looting.

“Well we sh- oh, rhetorical I gather,” Seeker replied as Illusion pulled out her map.

“This clearing should be… here,” Illusion said, tapping a clearing with her hoof. “That means Dagger’s Keep is… there.” This was again followed by another tap where the aforementioned tower stood.

“Let’s get going then,” Mixer said quickly, looking down on of the paths through the forest. “As much as entertaining constantly reappearing Manticores sounds like fun, we don’t have the provisions to do that as well as raid a Crystal Dungeon.”

“Mixer’s right. That way,” Joystick said as the group picked up their pace, and sprinted as three new Manticores appeared in the clearing, waiting for the next adventurer to happen upon them.

The Everfree Forest began to get darker as the group continued to venture towards the Dagger’s Keep. Due to their paranoia, the group found the Changelings had their weapons out and at the ready, held in the air with their magic as they kept close.

Changelings always have an innate fear when alone or in low numbers. It was what brought upon their shapeshifting, both as a method for getting closer to prey and to confuse any attackers. Seeker held his breath as the group broke through some foliage and stood before an aging tower.

Years of wear and neglect were evident even from the moment the group laid eyes on Dagger’s Keep. The stone was worn, vines and moss grew along the sides with some hanging out from a broken window akin to a window box flower. The main door was as ancient as the Keep, the oaken finish worn and riddled with holes as if chewed through by large termites.

Yet the door in question held firm, a large translucent crystal lock was hanging in the centre by similar chains in the doorframe. Apart from the tower itself, there was little else around other than the local flora and a rock that could be mined with a pickaxe for some crafting materials.

“Okay, let’s find out of we went all this way for nothing,” Joystick said, walking up to the lock and turned the key.

Nothing happened, the key stopped turning a few degrees and appeared to get stuck. Joystick tried to wiggle it in the lock to no avail. Solace chuckled as their illustrious leader fell on his flank trying to pull it out with his hooves when his magic failed.

“Looks like it couldn’t fool a Crystal Lock,” Mixer commented.

“I never would have guessed,” Illusion replied curtly as she rolled her eyes, keeping her eyes on the underbrush with Seeker.

“Well, that was a total loss…” Joystick said sadly. “On the bright side, we did level up so the journey wasn’t a total loss.”

Seeker hefted his rifle against his shoulder as he looked to Joystick. “Yeah, that’s true.”

The group voiced their agreement as they began to walk away. “Vinyl will be pleased to know the game wasn’t entirely fooled.”

“Agreed, Solace,” Illusion said. “I would have enjoyed the prospect of-” The ground rumbled a little. “-please tell me that was your stomach growling…”

The group shook their heads and unsheathed their weapons, looking around in case something exceptionally large was coming. Another rumble made a few of them stagger and Seeker had to use the rifle butt to steady himself.

“Where is it coming from?” Mixer asked.

“The ground?” Solace replied helpfully.

“Your powers of observation are frighteningly sharp,” Illusion said callously.

“You asked. It’s not Solace’s fault,” Seeker softly rebuked.

“Ugh… I guess so,” Illusion said, muttering under her breath.

The ground stopped rumbling after a few seconds, allowing the group to gather their wits. A loud noise – akin to the sound of shattering glass – rang out through the forest. The group looked at each other before looking at the door to the Dagger’s Keep.

“No… bucking way…” Seeker said softly, in a tone barely audible to anyone other than Illusion who silently nodded her own disbelief.

One of the Crystal Lock’s chains had shattered and what laid on the floor below was a heap of shiny fragments. Another chain shattered spontaneously in front of the group, falling to the ground in a similar pile.

The last two fell as well, faster than the first and second chains and left the Crystal Lock itself on the door. It seemed to just hang there, unsupported by anything until it and the Crystal Key itself shattered in unison, clattering to the ground.

Joystick walked up to the door and gently pushed it. The door fell off its hinges the moment his hoof made contact, clattering to the ground and making the group cringe.

The room before them was a maze of broken weapon racks, tables and something resembling a chair. As they entered, a cold chill ran up their spines as a freezing wind blew through the dungeon. Some of the masonry work had fallen inside, leaving more rubble strewn across the floor. Each step had to be careful lest they upset it.

It was a moot point for the Changelings and Solace who simply hovered in place but found even that difficult thanks to the poor air circulation in the room.

“Well” – Joystick said as he looked to the caved in staircase – “we aren’t taking the stairs up, that’s for sure.”

A torn rug in the centre of the room caught their attention as Solace, Seeker and Illusion pulled on the rings that were attached to a large, old-looking trap door. Joystick and Mixer helped by grabbing the last two rings and pulling with their magic. In a few hard heaves, the door opened and clattered against the floor, almost hitting the Unicorns as they evaded it just in time.

The trapdoor revealed a dark passage that lit up thanks to the wall mounted torches as they glowed with a deep purple flame. Joystick looked to his friends as they all checked their inventory and nodded at him.

Joystick smiled broadly as he looked back down at the staircase, pulling out his sword and shield. “LEEEROY JEENKIIINS!!”

Author's Note

Too many fics make updates suffer... But, I enjoy writing them all. Have another colour filled chapter. Next stop on this fic: Dungeon raiding!
For those wondering, Solace had already used Phoenix's Fire before but I never named it then. As for the rest of the group's abilities, they will become known as they level up.

Things That Go Bump In The Dungeon

Equestrian Earth: The Changeling War
Things That Go Bump In The Dungeon
Author: Draconis187

Best read in Dark Mode. Several bright text colours are used.

The term ‘dungeon' in a role-playing game has two definitions but both are interconnected. Definition one calls a dungeon a dark, dingy network of brick-lined tunnels with the odd, wrought-iron cell bars, skeletons belonging to the ones who have ‘perished' before the current hero - or in this case heroes - arrived. Old sconces, torches or some other light source being their only illumination save for the one game-savvy player who brought their own or possessed a spell to negate the need for said item.

Definition two states a dungeon as a self-contained area within the game with enemies and a single main goal. Treasure chests to be found and a single big ‘baddie' at the end to justify the hours or minutes spent running around and nearly seeing your character bite the dust multiple times. The scenery could be a jungle, an oasis or even definition one. Another term for this definition is called a ‘sandbox.'

The dungeon the party found themselves traversing mainly fell into definition one. Some of the walls either had or were giving away, the roots of some unknown plant forcing them apart and creating a small pile of fallen brickwork to pile up on the floor below while the cause of the rest of the rubble was from some unknown elements or something else strong enough to break through the thick walls.

Seeker could smell the decay coming from a nearby corpse that had been run through by a lance and impaled against the wall. The group's hooves trotted across the passageway, their weapons making contact with their moving bodies, giving off soft clinking sounds. The crackling fires of the burning torches were the only other sounds Seeker could make out and it sent shivers down his spine.

Illusion looked as if she had been in dungeons all her life as she ignored the very things that put him on edge. Joystick merrily hummed a small tune as he took point with Illusion not far behind. Mixer, Solace and Seeker made up the rear of the formation with Mixer just ahead.

And to make matters worse for Seeker's nerves, the torches burned something that made the resulting flames turn purple instead of the usual orange/red colour. It still behaved like regular fire though but Seeker just couldn't ease up at the colour, no matter how many torches the party passed.

The general ambience of the dungeon was foreboding, and gave a sense as if something could jump out at them at any moment. They had no map of Dagger's Keep which meant they had to play it by ear. Luckily if their characters expired, they would reappear just inside the entrance they used but it meant they would have to run back to rejoin the party.

Seeker's ears perked up, his body tensing as a small snap echoed through the passageway. "What was that?"

Solace looked at him and then chuckled softly as his eyes set down at the Changeling's hoof, "Look down."

The Changeling Engineer did so and yelped, jumping to the side as he found the source was a snapped bone from some unidentifiable skeleton. Joystick and Solace chuckled at the Changeling's rather nervous behaviour. Illusion shook her head, as if slightly disappointed in her own kind while Mixer rolled his eyes.

The passageway finally opened up into a massive hemisphere-shaped chamber with several old, worn pillars with many of them already crumbling. It had a very gothic-styled chandelier hanging in the room's centre, acting as the only source of ambient light. Charcoal-black braziers were scattered around the room, laying in various positions as if they had been knocked over by something. They were of a similar style to the chandelier, metal spikes sticking out in all directions which would make any interior decorator question their practicality.

"Scary looking main hall, check," Illusion remarked in a sarcastic, if not slightly disappointed, tone.

"And empty too," Mixer added, looking around. "I thought there'd be more monsters or something. What a wasted effort this was after all the hype you get about these places. Not so special by the looks of things."

"Must be waiting in the shadows, cliché much?" Illusion added flatly as she surveyed the room, keeping her eyes sharp for any signs of trouble. "Regardless, we should remain on guard for anything suspicious. There is no telling what may be waiting to pounce on us."

As the group made its way to the centre of the chamber, the lights around them went out simultaneously, blown out by an unknown source. Seeker gave a small yelp in shock while the more seasoned players got ready to defend themselves.

There was no sound in the dark for several moments, save for the party's own breathing. Solace kept his Bow Gun raised, the stock pressing against his shoulder, ready to unleash one of his abilities at the first opening he got.

Illusion stood on her hind hooves with her swords in her forehooves while her ears flicked in nearly every direction she could make them turn, trying to make out the faintest sound. She was listening for the slightest sound, her stony gaze scanning the dark room for any movement belonging to neither of the ponies she decided to join on the adventure.

Seeker was shaking just a bit as he had his Bow Gun out, feverishly looking at his surroundings for movement. His trigger hoof was twitchy out of sheer panic as he kept trying to calm himself down.

‘It's just a game, it's just a game,' He chanted in his mind but it had little effect as his heart felt like it was going to leap out of his carapace and do the Macarena for all to see and laugh at.

Mixer had his staff in his forehooves and took slow, deep breaths as he waited for the anything hostile to unleash his magic on. Joystick was smiling, his heart racing but instead of fear, it was out of sheer excitement and anticipation. Adrenaline was rushing through him, his sword out of its scabbard and his shield in his other hoof.

The silence was interrupted by a multitude of scraping claws on the stonework that was out of the group's view, they moved quite rapidly across the hard surfaces, almost gliding along it as the multiple sources got steadily closer. The torches erupted in blue flame, illuminating the chamber once again and allowing the party to gaze upon their hosts.

But nothing was there. The chamber was as empty as when they entered, save for the blue flame that now burned all around. Seeker's eyes widened as a realisation hit him: there were no torches on the walls when they walked in, just the chandelier which was no longer hanging above them. The knocked over braziers were also missing from the room's décor.

"Something's not right," Seeker muttered, just loud enough for the group to hear him. "The torches… they weren't here before. The chandelier and braziers are gone too…" The rest of the party looked up and saw that the chandelier had indeed disappeared.

Solace let out a low whistle, "Damn… some special effects they got in these dungeons, am I right?"

Joystick nodded, smiling, "Now I see why the Crystal Dungeons and their keys are so rare. They bring the creepy."

The room gave a very low rumble, the dust above them shaking loose and falling all around them. The rumbling and shaking was not strong enough to cause even Seeker to lose his hoofing and fall. Two sections of the wall receded and slid down into the ground, revealing two passageways on opposite sides of the chamber wich led to Celestia knows where.

Mixer was the first to pipe up about the change and felt it prudent to point out the obvious to everypony, "It appears we have two different passages with no clear way of knowing where they will lead us to."

Seeker looked at Joystick, shaking his head as his unicorn friend began to smile wider and wider to the point it made the Paladin look unsettling, ‘Please don't say spli-'

"Split up!" Joystick cried out happily.

‘Super facehoof authorised. Engage,' Seeker thought as he facehoofed with quite a bit of force that would have given him a black eye in reality but the game settled for taking a tiny amount of his health instead.

Illusion just looked at the white Paladin as if he just said the stupidest thing known to Changeling kind, "And why, pray tell, in Tartarus would we even consider that option when we are in a dungeon meant to promote teamwork?"

"Aw, come on. We'll cover more ground that way and if we find ourselves in a fight that is too tough for us we can simply make a strategic retreat back to this chamber and go down the other passageway," Joystick responded.

Illusion simply rolled her eyes, "Fine."

"Awesome! Seeker, take Illusion with you down that passage to the right of the room while Mixer, Solace and I take the left passageway. Sound good?" Joystick said, looking at his friend with his unwavering smile.

"Alright but if I find whatever made those sounds, I'm hightailing it back here," Seeker responded. "Something about it just… I don't know. It just unnerved me."

"That's just the game doing what it does best. Making you squirm," Joystick responded.

"You get used to it, Seeker. We were all noobs once," Solace reassured.

"I guess," Seeker said as he rubbed the back of his head with a forehoof.

"Seeker. Move!" Illusion called out, making him jump a little bit as her voice reverberated across the chamber as she stood at the entryway of the right passageway.

"C-coming!" Seeker half-shouted before putting his Bow Gun away and running across the chamber towards Illusion. Joystick and Solace gave the pair of Changelings a wave before walking towards the left passageway.

Mixer looked at Illusion and nodded his head at her, "Be careful and choose your fights carefully. If you do that, you will do fine."

Illusion nodded curtly before walking into the passageway with Seeker, carrying his Bow Gun in his magic so that he did not have to unfold it when, not if, they got into trouble.

The passageway the two went into was hewn from the same stone as the chamber they had left. Seeker's ears perked up as he heard something new, something he never thought he would be hearing down in the dungeons: humming. Cheerful humming permeated the air, making the small hairs on the back of Seeker's neck stand on end. Seeker nearly jumped into the nearby wall when the source looked at him and stopped humming.

"Seeker, calm down. This is just a game. It can't truly harm you," Illusion said, her tone so friendly it was like he was talking to an entirely different Changeling.

"I-Illusion?" Seeker spoke in a half-whisper, completely in disbelief.

Illusion rolled her eyes, "Yes, me. What of it? My name antagonise you in some manner?"

"Why… why are you humming? I never pegged you for the… cheerful type," Seeker said, speaking slowly and trying to pick his words as carefully as possible.

"Because I gave those clouts a different Changeling," Illusion said with a small smile as the pair turned a corner, continuing to follow the passageway, ignoring the soft dripping of water nearby. "Do you honestly believe I would let them know my true nature?"

"No… I guess not," Seeker responded thoughtfully, "I admit you had me fooled too. I thought you were such an unfeeling hardass of a female."

Illusion shook her head, "That was the point. If you weren't convinced, the rest would have noticed. Especially Mixer. He does not seem to be an easy unicorn to fool but hopefully he can be dissuaded from trying to expose me."

"He does give that impression," Seeker said as the pair stopped walking entirely, "But he is a good pony, trust me."

"You I trust. The others I do not," Illusion responded, giving Seeker a serious look, "I trust my own kind and nopony else."

"Well, you can trust Joystick. He's a good friend of mine," Seeker said with a small smile, "He even knows what I am. What I really am."

Seeker's vision became a small blur as he found himself flying through the air, colliding with the nearby wall, making him utter a small shout of pain. Illusion's blades were pressed against his neck. The Changeling gave him the look of pure venom, as if ready to slice his head straight off.

"Are you out of your mind?!" Illusion shouted in fury. "You have any idea what that could mean for your hive?!"

Seeker took a few moments to get his bearings before he responded, "I left my hive ages ago. And besides, I wouldn't rat out their location or any other sensitive information. Then again I wasn't privy to information like that anyway so it wouldn't have mattered."

Illusion's eyes widened a little and she let him down, sheathing her blades, "You… you left your hive? Why?"

"I just… wanted to see the world without having to constantly tread on eggshells," Seeker responded, rubbing his neck a little, "I go into a city or town, stay for a bit, make friends and then complete my assignment. After that I have to go. I got tired of it. I wanted somewhere to live permanently and live out the rest of my life. Even if it meant I had to remain in disguise every time I went out."

Illusion just listened and nodded her head, "In the hive we are all expected to do our part to keep our kin alive, even if it meant our deaths or the deaths of the ponies too. I do understand your reasons for leaving even if I do not agree with it."

"Thank you," Seeker said with a very small smile on his face. "What about you? Are you still with your hive or on your own like me?"

Illusion smirked and started walking again, "Now now, Seeker. I can't tell you everything about me. Where would the mystery be if I didn't leave you guessing?"

"But-" Seeker started to say as he followed Illusion, only to be cut off by the tip of one of Illusion's blades as it pointed at his horn.

"End of discussion," Illusion replied coolly, "Maybe one day I'll tell you everything about me. Maybe."

Seeker gave a sigh, nodding his head as he conceded the discussion, "Alright."

Illusion sheathed her blade, giving the Engineer a small smile, "Good bug. Now come on, race you to the end of this tunnel."

Illusion did not wait for a response as she instantly charged off at full gallop, looking back at Seeker if only to either coax or tease him into following her.

Seeker was slightly taken aback by Illusion's running but began to give chase, his Bow Gun levitating beside him as the pair's hoofsteps echoed through the passageway.

The Changelings managed to sprint the entire length of the passage without too much difficulty, they only had to stop to refill their stamina bars once before making the last push to the end.

What awaited them at the end was another large room, in the same design as the original room that somehow had been replaced by the one with the blue torches. A large chandelier hung from the ceiling, glowing softly from the fires that burnt from its many candles. The braziers were stood upright and burned as well with the same blue fire.

"Uh… isn't this the room that we were all in just now?" Seeker asked, looking around to try and find any differences to contradict his assumption.

Illusions looked around as well, walking off to the far side of the room, where another passageway stood. Everything around them was identical to the room they had left, making the Changelings rack their brains.

Illusion turned around to look at Seeker, "It certainly seems like-" Illusion stopped speaking as an ear-splitting shriek pierced the relative silence, making her and Seeker cover their ears with their hooves.

The shriek even made Seeker drop his Bow Gun, the clattering sound drowned out by the unnatural wail that reverberated around the room, the noise enough to deafen anypony with moderately sensitive hearing.

The shriek was joined by several others, the source coming from the shadows around them. Both Changelings were laid on the floor, pressing their hooves harder against their ears to try stop the sound from destroying their hearing.

After three gruelling seconds of ear-splitting anguish, the sound stopped. Seeker let out a long breath of air as he got to his hooves but his ears rang for another five seconds, an after effect of the torture he and Illusion had just endured.

Before the Changelings could collect their bearings and figure out what just happened, the earlier skittering noises they heard heard in the first chamber came back in full force as four large creatures quickly stepped out of the shadows, finally revealing the source of the noises and shrieks.

Their thin, sleek, long bodies were covered in stone-grey scales with a very matte sheen. Three stood on all fours while one was standing tall on its hind legs, towering over the Changelings. Their snouts tapered to a fine point; all of them showing their small, pale yellow, needle-like teeth.

Seeker could make out they possessed three rows of said teeth as they observed the group in silence. Their front claws were rather thin with six inch long, jet-black talons. Their eyes had milky white sclera with light green pupils that stared at the Changelings without a single blink.

They each possessed a single tail, tapering to an arrowhead point at the end. But their most distinguishing feature was the fire that ran from the top of their heads to halfway down their tails.

A purple flame, identical to what burnt inside one of the previous rooms, burned fiercely on their bodies but they seemed to be unaffected by it no matter how hot it seemed to burn. Hovering above them were the words Pyrelurker lv9.

Illusion pulled out her blades and looked at Seeker, "Come on then, help me take these out!"

Without waiting for an answer, Illusion charged the closest Pyrelurker with great speed as she activated her Terminal Velocity ability. Her blades clanged as the metal collided with her target's claws as it intercepted her attack.

She quickly realised that while their bodies looked like they were covered in scales, they were actually animated figures composed of stone. They were fighting statues with an attitude problem.

"Seeker!" Illusion shouted as she began to wrestle her blades from the Pyrelurker's claws. The response she received was a loud bang so loud the dust from the ceiling above was shaken which was followed by an even louder explosion, knocking her and the attacking Pyrelurker apart as well as sending the remaining three back a ways.

The barrel of Seeker's Bow Gun was smoking from having used High Impact Shot. The round had collided with a nearby Pyrelurker and created the resulting explosion. Illusion had been flung backwards, her blades not only severed from the Pyrelurker's grip but her own as well.

"Seeker you idiot!" Illusion reprimanded as she quickly got to her hooves, picking up her swords, "Next time warn me if you feel like charring my carapace!"

Seeker's ears pinned back slightly as he adjusted his grip on the Bow Gun, "S-sorry Illusion. I couldn't think of any other ability that would help."

Illusion rolled her eyes, "Whatever, you're forgiven because you're kin. This time. Next I'll be sure to return the favour. Let's get out of here, I don't like our odds."

"Don't have to tell me twice!" Seeker replied as he turned around to run back through the way they came but found himself pulled backwards, making him yelp in surprise.

Illusion had activated her Terminal Velocity ability and charged for the door on the north side of the chamber, the four Pyrelurkers in hot pursuit. Purple flames flew past them as they used their Will o' Wisp ability. One grazed Seeker's side, taking a sizable chunk of his health with it.

"By the hive, why did it take that much?!" Seeker half-shrieked as he ran beside Illusion.

"It's because in these dungeons, enemies are stronger and more durable," Illusion replied matter-of-factly, "It pains me to admit but we can not engage them without the other three. Or any other foes for that matter."

"Then why did you agree to split up then?" Seeker responded as they passed the threshold of the northern passage.

Behind them, the Pyrelurkers shrieked, stopping just behind the threshold, showing their teeth and sharp talons. The Changelings looked back and sat down as their attackers refused to pursue them any further.

"I thought it would have been a good idea to just be with another Changeling," Illusion said as she moved a lock of her mane behind her head, "Assignments get a little lonely when you're alone."

Seeker's eyes widened a little bit, "You're on an assignment? You're an infiltrator like I was?"

Illusion sighed and nodded, "Yes, dimwit. I come here to relieve some stress from out there and maybe have a little fun on the side. Finding out there was another real Changeling here was a bonus."

"Right…" Seeker replied, sighing softly.

"What? Expecting me to be a runaway like yourself?" Illusion said with a snide smile, "Sorry to disappoint you."

"Yeah, you're right. Should have known better," Seeker replied with a somewhat sad tone to his voice.

"Luckily these creatures are territorial," She said, looking back as the Pyrelurkers abandoned them, "Never seen them before. They must have come from the expansion."

"I haven't played this all that long so I guess you're right. Unless they're exclusive to these dungeons," Seeker replied.

Illusion shook her head, "No, they're not exclusive. I've read the leaks, the previews, everything about these dungeons and they have never popped up. This would have a unique boss but the possibility of unique enemies is not so high."

"Alright. So what's the plan?" Seeker asked.

"Well, we have two options. Option one is us running back through there and rejoining the rest of the party. The other is going through here to see where leads," Illusion responded as she began to stand up.

Seeker got up as well, nodding his head, "Alright. I'm guessing we're springing for option two then?"

Illusion smirked, "Can't let those ponies hog all the glory."

<----> ---- ---- <---->

Joystick took point as usual with Mixer and Solace walking not too far behind him. Their armoured hooves echoed slightly through the passageway as they looked around themselves.

"So why let them go together?" Mixer asked, looking directly at Joystick.

"Oh don't you see the potential for romance?" Joystick replied wistfully, smiling as if knowing more than he was letting on.

"Romance? In a game where you may not truly know who your companions true identities are?" Mixer questioned.

"Well, they do seem to have some form of connection," Solace said with a grin, "Don't tell me you at least saw how Illusion didn't give Seeker such an icy reception when we met for those matches against Fate's Fortune."

"And what was the purpose of that little cryptic message?" Mixer asked as they passed the threshold of the passageway, entering a new section of the dungeon. "It was a code, Solace. I'm pretty sure it was Changeling code."

"How can you be so sure it was Changeling code? Are you a Changeling? Do you listen out for Changeling codes in your spare time when you're not here like some old warhorse who thinks the government is out to get us all and rewrites our memories should we learn too much?" Joystick replied, looking at Mixer with a serious tone in his voice.

"Well, the-"

"For all we know, it could have been a code they made as foals who got separated years ago and this game helped them reconnect," Joystick interrupted, "Think of it as social networking for gamers."

"…I see your point, Joystick," Mixer replied, a little surprised that the young, carefree stallion just interrupted him.

"Try not to think too much about it, Mixer. Seriously, enjoy the game and the company of your friends," Solace said, still smiling.

Mixer rolled his eyes, "Alright alright. Fine I'll stop trying to analyse it."

Joystick nodded and smiled wide, his demeanour changing back to his usual happy attitude. Their ears perked a little as they felt something was very different in the area they had entered, pulling them away from their discussion and making them take notice at the task at hoof.

The ground was soft, unlike the stone they had been walking on. The sound of running water pierced their ears, coming from a small underground river just ahead of them, pooling into a spring and ending there. Soft, green grass laid underhoof, the source of the soft feeling on their hooves.

Various species of trees, some not native to the real world stood proudly around them. The canopies towered over the trio with a rocky ceiling beyond the trees' foliage.

"Huh… hidden grove? Anypony feel like they just got sucked into somepony's secret, forbidden lovestory?" Joystick murmured, looking around.

"Looks like, Joystick. Who would have thought there would be something like this in this dungeon?" Solace replied. "This is not your standard dungeon that's for sure."

"Be on your guard. Areas like these tend to be fraught with enemies. It's perfect for an ambush," Mixer said, his staff out and at the ready.

"Leave it to you to-ah?!" Solace replied but an ear-splitting shriek pierced the room, stopping him from finishing his sentence. He attempted to ask anypony able to hear him if they knew what was going on but the shriek was too loud, drowning him out.

"Told you!" Mixer shouted, his ears pressed against his head to try block out the shrieking.

"What, by Celestia's massive flank, is making this racket?!" Joystick shouted as he copied Mixer by covering his ears with his forehooves.

Two Pyrelurkers came out of the shadows amongst the treetops, the purple fires on their backs crackling and dancing about but it did not burn any of the trees they jumped down from or leave any mark. Their unnerving, unblinking eyes watched them in silence as if waiting for them to mate the first move.

Mixer rubbed his chin a little in though, "A new creature? Or is it just here?"

Joystick laughed and drew his sword and shield, "Who cares? It just means more fun for us because we don't know what it'll do! LEEEERROOOOY JEEEENKIIIINS!"

Joystick charged the closest Pyrelurker as it charged towards him in an effort to counter him. It leapt towards the Paladin as it utilised its Overpower ability. The attack connected and Joystick cried out as he was slammed to the ground, experiencing some whiplash as a result.

The first Pyrelurker began to claw at Joystick repeatedly, whittling down his health bit by bit as he was ferociously savaged by the animated, unholy animal statue. Mixer rolled to the side as a ball of purple flame flew past, almost immolating his tail.

The second Pyrelurker opted to use its Will o' Wisp ability to try and burn him. Solace aimed his Bow Gun and fired at the first Pyrelurker that was attacking Joystick, chipping its stone hide but his efforts did not deter the lively sculpture from its attack.

Joystick's health was getting lower with every blow but before it reached the halfway mark, the Pyrelurker headbutted him hard. The attack took out a larger portion of Joystick's health before the statue leapt off him and charged at Solace. As it got close it reared up onto its hindlegs and used Will o' Wisp.

"Whoa!" Solace shouted as he jumped to the side, landing on his side as a ball of purple flame flew past him. "That was hotter than the hinges on the gates of Tartarus!"

"I am sure their fire is greater due to the creatures' magical nature!" Mixer shouted as he used Crystal Storm on the second Pyrelurker.

Red crystals rained down on the stone automaton, taking a small amount of its health with each hit and interrupting its casting of Will o' Wisp.

Joystick grunted as he got up, drawing his weapon, "I'm fine thanks for asking…"

"Kind of busy at the moment!" Solace said as he jumped back, avoiding the claws of the second Pyrelurker as it nearly grazed his muzzle.

"I see that. I'm coming!" Joystick shouted as he activated Divinity's Light to heal a large portion of the damage he had sustained from the Pyrelurker.

He leapt at the Pyrelurker that was attacking Solace, using Shining Beacon to get its attention. His sword connected with the Pyrelurker's head, making a loud clang resonate through the grove and changing its focus to Joystick instead. It gave a shriek and swiped at Joystick only to be timely blocked by the Paladin's shield.

Although he had his shield raised and held his ground, every swipe of the Pyrelurker's claws made Joystick move back bit by bit, losing a tiny portion of health each time as the damage was being lessened by both the shield andShining Beacon.

This gave Solace some breathing room and he took aim, cocking the Bow Gun before pulling the trigger. The long range weapon fired, a small trail of smoke hissing from the barrel as soon as the round from the Normal Magazine took flight. The round slammed into the Pyrelurker's side, chipping it and making it cry out in response.

"Ha! It can be hurt!" Solace exclaimed.

"That's nice, now help me out here!" Mixer shouted as he slammed the pommel of his staff against the ground, using his Fortress ability to protect himself.

The first Pyrelurker clawed at the wall of crystals, shattering them piece by piece as it savagely tore at it with its long nails. Fragments of topaz flew from every connecting strike as the Pyrelurker tirelessly assaulted Mixer's defensive wall.

The statue was showing signs of wear and tear, pieces were chipped away and a part of its tail had been severed but it was undeterred, unaware or unconcerned at the state of its body.

"I got your back, Mixer. Let's try something new!" Solace responded as he changed targets, aiming for the first Pyrelurker and used his new Ricochet ability.

The heavy Bow Gun fired, the round smacking the first Pyrelurker in the lower jaw, taking a quarter of it off as the round rebounded off its stone hide with a short, high-pitched whining noise. The rebounding bullet changed targets, heading for the second Pyrelurker and then bounced off it, colliding with a poor Cyprus tree, becoming embedded in the bark.

The first Pyrelurker wailed as Mixer's staff connected with its head as it had forced the Crystal Mage to melee. It stood there for a second as cracks quickly formed all over its body, its trademark flame seeping out of them. The Pyrelurker then crumbled quickly, becoming a heap of burning rubble on the ground. The flames continued to burn but did not set the grass ablaze.

Mixer turned his attention to the second Pyrelurker and used Fortress to keep it away from Joystick. The Paladin used his Divinity's Light ability on himself to heal the damage he had been taking. Solace continued to fire at the Pyrelurker from a comfortable distance, chipping away at it.

"We have an appointment to keep, let's wrap this up with a nice, little bow!" Solace shouted as he loaded a Hellfire Magazine and used Phoenix's Fire, sending a bird of pure hellfire flying out of the end of the barrel.

The attack hit its mark and covered the Crystal Storm in flames. The attack seemed to do absolutely nothing as the statue did not even flinch. The flames began to shift colour from a healthy red/orange to an unholy purple. The three stallions looked in shock as the Pyrelurker's health was restored by an eighth.

"Oh, come on!" Joystick exclaimed, throwing his hooves up into the air.

"Less complaining, more hitting!" Mixer shouted as he used Crystal Storm, raining sharp rubies down on the Pyrelurker.

Joystick ran out from behind the topaz wall that Mixer had conjured up and leapt at the statue, swinging his sword hard. The blade connected with a resounding clang, the blade vibrating a little and making Joystick's hoof feel slightly numb. The Pyrelurker swiped at him, its claws connecting with Joystick's chest and sending him flying back a short distance.

Solace turned his head and watched his friend hit the ground hard but get back to his hooves again, "Joystick, you alright?!"

Joystick shook his head a little and readied himself as the Pyrelurker leapt at him, using Overpower.

"I think I'm starting to hate this dungeon!" Joystick exclaimed just before he was bowled over and pinned to the ground once more.

The Pyrelurker began to claw at him once again, tearing through his health bar despite the fact that his Shining Beacon ability was still active.

"If you can get this thing off me, it would be much appreciated!" Joystick shouted, grunting in pain as he was mauled with reckless abandon.

Mixer closed the distance between the attacking Pyrelurker and himself, charging with his staff held high. Solace continued to pelt the burning statue with standard Normal rounds since his Phoenix's Fire had a cooldown of about ten seconds.

Joystick continued to hold on as best he could, his health getting dangerously low. Just as the Pyrelurker was about to headbutt him, Mixer's staff found its mark: the side of the Pyrelurker's hard face. There was a sickening crack, as if the staff had broken but it had turned out to be the Pyrelurker, its body finally succumbing to the relentless attacks from the trio. It whined as it rolled off Joystick, its body cracking and falling apart until it joined its kin as a smouldering pile of burning rubble.

Mixer gave Joystick his hoof, helping the appreciative, white Unicorn up. "Thanks…"

Mixer nodded his head curtly, "It seems these dungeons are more dangerous than we could have expected."

Solace hefted his Bow Gun over his shoulder and walked up to the two Unicorns, "I'll say. I had no clue it would have absorbed the fire and heal itself."

"None of us expected that," Joystick replied with slight sarcasm in his tone as he began searching for a health potion in his inventory.

Joystick found what he was looking for and drank the vial in one go, restoring most of his health and using Divinity's Light to heal the rest.

"Think the Changelings got into this trouble too?" Solace asked as the trio made their way across the grove and towards the tunnel on the other end.

Mixer shrugged his shoulders, "It is a distinct possibility and if we had this much trouble with two, chances are they are having an even worse time."

Joystick shook his head with a small smile, "Nah, don't think so. If it's one thing I know about Seeker: he knows how to pick his fights."

<----> ---- ---- <---->

The pair of Changelings found themselves entering a long hallway, tall pillars arranged in a long row along the length of the space, supporting the ceiling that hovered above their heads. Unlike the rest of the dungeon they had seen, this place was immaculately well-kempt, not one sign of rubble or wear on their surroundings. It even smelt strange, as if somepony had been living there and quite recently.

Illusion walked up to one of the pillars, running her hoof along the rough surface as she tried to find any flaws but her keen eyesight couldn't find anything beyond the sporadic, tiny hairline fractures, "How strange… and this dungeon has been beyond your typical fare since we set hoof in here…"

Seeker nodded his head, "Yeah… this place… it's too well maintained. I have a bad feeling about this…"

Illusion turned and looked back at Seeker, "Trust your instincts. A Changeling is hardly ever wrong when sensing trouble. It's how we evolved."

Seeker nodded his head and took out his Bow Gun to prepare for the worst, "Alright, I'll keep an eye out."

Seeker's ears perked up as he and Illusion heard the sounds of heavy hoofsteps, coming from one of the other entrances to the hallway. The Changelings exchanged looks and hid behind the pillars, Illusion being the closest to the entrance with Seeker a distance away which put him in an excellent position to provide cover fire.

The hoofsteps got louder with every passing second and as they did, so did Seeker's heart, beating louder within his chest as his hoof rested on the trigger. He looked down the barrel's ironsights, waiting for Illusion's signal to fire or for when his trigger-hoof twitched a bit too much. The hoofsteps were soon drowned out by voices, voices that both Changelings recognised.

They eased up as they saw the familiar faces of Joystick, Mixer and Solace as they came into the hall in that specific order. They were busy sheathing their weapons when the stallions caught sight of the pair.

Joystick chuckled when he saw the Changelings looking ready to fight, "Jumpy much, you two?"

Seeker smiled sheepishly as he walked up towards them, "S-sorry. Last encounter we had saw us hightailing it at high speed."

Illusion gave them all her usual, stoic look, "The odds were not in our favour. Four Pyrelurkers to two."

Solace looked at Illusion, "Four? That is quite nasty. We barely managed fighting against two of the blighters. They're fast, tough and pack quite the punch."

Joystick's expression turned sombre, "I can attest to that. Nearly took me out." "But point is we got past them and now we're here," Mixer said, looking around. "We must be in some sort of antechamber close to the end of this dungeon."

"Kind of short isn't it?" Solace remarked, "I thought a dungeon like this would be longer, filled with more traps and monsters. Where's the danger? The sense of adventure and accomplishment that is supposed to go with this place?"

Illusion shrugged, "It's not the length of the journey but the quality of the experience and the company you experience it with."

Joystick looked at her with some surprise in his voice as he did not expect this type of comment from such an unfeeling pony, "Since when did you turn into a fortune cookie from the Rising Sun Restaurant?"

"It's my opinion, don't have to like it you know," Illusion deadpanned.

"I never said I didn't like it. I like fortune cookies. Crunchy, sweet and have a lovely little message in the middle provided you don't swallow the cookie in one go like first-timers usually do. Just saying that what you said was actually kind of deep," Joystick responded.

Illusion did not answer back as she resumed her careful inspection of the area, walking around meticulously taking in every small detail. The other four left her to it, walking to the only exit left to them since they came in from the other two which lay on the other side of the hallway.

Illusion soon followed them, her curiosity sated for the moment but she was none wiser for it. "Ready."

"You sure? I think there's a corner over there with some mould that you may have left out," Joystick replied, a mischievous grin on his face.

"Yes," Illusion sharply answered, giving the white Paladin another of her unyielding, mysterious expressions.

"Okay then. Let's go see what lies in wait for us at the end of door number one?" Joystick said as he regarded the entire group.

"Time to kick flank and chew gum. And they don't sell gum in this game," Solace said with a grin.

"They do sell tree sap though. Lots and lots of the sticky stuff," Joystick chimed in happily as he and Solace looked at each other.

"Yeah, may as well. It's why we came here in the first place. That and to see if the key was authentic," Illusion said, nodding her head as the joke went well over her head.

"Yeah, I'm about as ready as I'll ever be," Seeker responded, looking unsure of himself despite the confidence that everypony else seemed to possess.

"Keep calm and shoot straight," Mixer said, looking at Seeker with his usual deadpan expression. "We'll make an adventurer out of you yet."

Seeker inhaled deeply then exhaled, calming himself down to a manageable degree, "Alright. Ready."

The group began their trek into the next room in a two-one-two formation: Joystick and Illusion in the front, walking side by side; Solace and Seeker at the rear with Mixer walking in-between the two pairs.

The room they entered had no ambient lighting whatsoever, no torches, braziers, chandeliers or even bioluminescent plantlife to give them any indication as to their surroundings or their position therein. The unicorns and Changelings it their horns in various, colourful hues to help the party see in the dark room.

The room was bathed in a myriad of colour, allowing them to see that it was a massive circular chamber with several stairs leading downwards to a pedestal in the centre. The ceiling above could not be seen as the light was not strong enough to reach that high. The sound of dripping water could be heard in the distance, soon revealed to be a small pony shaped font, the water coming out both of the eyes and into a wide, shallow basin below that was a part of the wall at the opposite end of the chamber.

The group began to survey the chamber more closely by splitting up, Solace pairing with Mixer since the Pegasus did not have his own light source. Illusion placed a hoof on the stone wall she had walked up to and recoiled quickly in shock. Along the walls was a thin layer slime that made Illusion's carapace crawl.

"Disgusting…" She muttered under her breath, looking around, only to find it went past her range of vision, into the darkness above.

"Can somepony please light something so I can see as well? Really regretting not taking a tourch with me right now," Solace asked, uncomfortable with being the only one without a light.

"We would if there was something to light up," Joystick replied as he looked around for said light source.

"The pedestal may have something that could work as a light source. Should examine it," Mixer commented as he turned his attention to the silhouette of the aforementioned pedestal.

"I'm on it," Joystick responded, "Seeker, come help out."

Seeker nodded and buzzed over as Joystick walked down to the pedestal. It had a base seemingly made from sandstone about three feet thick, making the statue atop it slightly harder to reach for the none-flying adventurer. Atop the base was a large Alicorn statue sitting on its haunches with its head gazing downwards at a large serpent that was wrapped around it.

The Alicorn was made of a brilliant-white, finely-polished marble while the serpent was made from a glistening, pitch-black obsidian that seemed to suck in the light around it. The serpent was wrapped around the Alicorn's left foreleg, chest, neck as well as its lower back. The snake's head faced upwards with its jaw wide open and its fangs poised to strike.

Seeker landed on the base before offering Joystick a hoof to help him get up onto the sandstone with his friend. In the snake's gaping maw was a shallow bowl filled with an opaque liquid that seemed to suck the light from both Seeker and Joystick's horns. The liquid also had an unnatural sparkle and moved a little like the waves on a beach that made it all the more mysterious to the curious pair.

Seeker looked to Joystick, "Maybe it's flammable?"

Joystick shrugged as his horn lit up a bit brighter, "It's worth a shot."

Joystick sent a spark from his horn to the liquid, trying to ignite it as if it were lantern oil. The liquid consumed the spark and, at first, refused to react at all. Joystick looked at Seeker and shook his head while Seeker shrugged. As they turned to get off, cutting their losses with it being a viable source of illumination, the liquid ignited in a pure black flame that began to consume the pedestal.

The pair exchanged panicked looks as they leapt off the pedestal's base before it too was consumed by the unholy flames. The rest of the group watched as Joystick galloped up the stairs, meeting up with Mixer and Solace while Seeker landed next to Illusion who had pulled out her blades in anticipation for a fight. The rest of the group took out their weapons and waited at the fire grew till it licked at the ceiling, igniting the slime that clung to it and the walls surrounding them. In doing so it had also stopped the party from exiting as it also consumed the entrance they came through.

"Well… looks like we're not going out that way," Joystick muttered with slight annoyance.

The fire in the centre of the chamber had died some and had begun to lift into the air. The pedestal and statue were gone from sight as if the flames reduced it to absolutely nothing, not even ash. The flames fell straight back down to the ground with great force, kicking up a blast of wind that made everypony desperately grab a hold of something to avoid flying into the burning walls and making a loud, sickening crack as if it had broken the floor.

Solace's jaw dropped slightly as he looked at what now stood at the centre of the chamber once the flames died out, "Ohhh… horseapples…"

Standing twice as tall as any of them was a pony as black as the night sky. It had the body structure of a mare and it seemed to be smoking from head to hooves. It had a horn a metre long and sharp enough to pierce bone with ease. Its wings were wide open and Illusion noted it possessed a wingspan of nearly twelve feet. Its eyes were teal and glowed faintly as it surveyed the chamber, its catlike irises sending chills up the group's spines.

Its mane and tail sparkled like the night sky, moving of its own volition like the Princesses' although it was not as long. It had an azure chestplate and helmet in a design that was quite familiar to those worn by Nightmare Moon herself save for the crescent moon on the chestplate.

Its flanks bore no cutie mark which was odd for a pony, even one that looked like it was spat out of Tartarus itself. It began to walk, each step making a small, resonating boom as each azure armour-clad hoof made contact with the floor, leaving cracks in the stone and a hoof-shaped dent every time as if it weighed several tons.

Seeker looked above it to see the words Lesser Nightmare lv9 hovering above it before slowly transitioned to a gold label. The Lesser Nightmare stopped for a moment before charging towards Joystick at a frightening pace. Mixer and Solace dodged to the left and right respectively to get out of its way.

The Paladin activated his Shining Beacon ability as the Lesser Nightmare slammed into him with the force of a freight train as he was hit by its Crushing Charge ability. Joystick's body flew and collided with the burning wall, immolating him and causing a burn status effect, damaging him slightly with every passing second which made the stallion shout in fright as he tried to put himself out.

"Joystick!" Seeker shouted with concern as his friend already looked quite weak from the one attack, struggling to get to his hooves.

Joystick shook his head and tried to smile, "I'm okay… just a little whiplashed… ow… Keep your distance!"

The Lesser Nightmare looked at Illusion as she flew at it and used her Terminal Velocity ability. The Lesser Nightmare used its Crushing Charge ability again, launching itself into the air with surprising speed and colliding with her.

The pair collided with the floor, Illusion coming off second best as the force left a small crater in the stone floor. It used its own magic to lift Illusion by her horn and tossed her aside, sending her shouting across the room as if she was the creature's ragdoll and it was a foal having a tantrum.

Seeker's eyes widened and he flew up to catch her but the momentum saw them both flying backwards and landing against the floor, coming up a few inches shy of the burning walls. Seeker groaned a bit in pain as Illusion shakily climbed off him as her own body was sore, the heat from the flames not helping them in the slightest.

"Keep your distance he said… easier said than done when all you use are swords!" Illusion shouted as she charged back to the monster's position.

Joystick had stopped burning and used his Divinity's Light ability to heal a portion of his health. He charged the monster as well, in time with Illusion in the hopes of confusing it to the point where it would be too indecisive to strike either attacker. The unholy creature looked at the pair with indifference and charged at Joystick again but stopped before they ever got within ten feet of each other as it was hit by an explosion to its side which forced it to its knees for a few brief moments.

Seeker had once again used his High Impact Shot ability since Joystick and Illusion were at a distance where they would not be within the ability's area of effect. Solace hid behind a pillar and used Ricochet to send a round rebounding off the walls and hit the Lesser Nightmare square in its chest, in a spot not covered by the thick chestplate.

The creature however did not even grunt in minor discomfort as it stood back up, making the group's jaws drop a bit in shock over its resilience. Mixer raised his staff into the air and used Crystal Storm, raining red crystals down on the Lesser Nightmare's smoking body. The creature stopped attacking as it was pelted by Mixer's attack, flinching each time a crystal collided with its large frame.

After a few brief seconds it shook its head and began walking through the spell's area of effect, shrugging off the attack as its health was continuously whittled down in. It stopped walking once it exited the area of effect while the spell's duration came to an end and looked directly at Mixer with its piercing, unnerving gaze that could freeze water in an instant. Luckily for them nopony was carrying the useless liquid in their inventory.

The back hairs on Mixer's neck stood on end as the Lesser Nightmare opened its maw wide, easily large enough to swallow a pony's head in one bite. Instead of charging and trying to swallow Mixer as he thought, a large plume of pitch black flames identical to the flames that surrounded the room exited its mouth instead and very quickly made its way to the Crystal Mage as he fled for cover.

Mixer barely escaped the monster's Demon's Breath ability as he dived behind a large mural wall whose picture was quickly bathed in the unholy flames. The resulting attack quickly scorched it to the point that the mural's depiction of several ponies performing an unknown ritual had become completely unrecognisable. Mixer's heart thumped hard against his chest as the Lesser Nightmare kept up its attack before another loud explosion made it stumble, cancelling its attack.

Seeker hid behind a statue of a stallion standing on all four hooves, clad in armour and staring blankly at the immolated wall it was facing. He smiled to himself, thankful his High Impact Shot managed to give Mixer a short reprieve. Joystick took the opportunity Seeker had just provided to strike the creature with his blade, knocking it back a little as it stumbled again and reared up.

A moment of hope flickered in his eyes which made him smile but it was dashed quickly as the creature's hooves began to glow a faint purple colour and brought them down on him. Joystick rolled backwards, just in time as the Lesser Nightmare's hooves arced with lightning, impacting with the floor as it used Force Impact.

The force behind the attack created a crater three metres in diameter and everypony felt the accompanying shockwave ripple through their bodies but it did not cause any physical damage nor did it affect their mana pools. However the attack knocked Joystick back ten feet, making him land on his back with a clang. Mixer fired off an amethyst at the Lesser Nightmare as he used his Hinder ability.

It found its mark as it covered a half of the creature's barrel on the right side and the base of one smouldering wing. A triumphant grin crossed his lips as did the rest of the party, knowing the fight just might have just gotten a bit more manageable. The Lesser Nightmare did not slow down as it opened its mouth once again, causing the group to seek shelter from the manifested creature's dark flames.

Its Demon's Breath blew over the group's cover, following its attack with its Crushing Charge ability and slamming hard into a column where Solace had taken refuge. A loud, sickening crack was added to the cacophony of sounds and shouts that had been flying about the room, either from a weapon or the party. Only the Lesser Nightmare remained as silent as death itself, its only sounds coming from its mighty hooves.

"Sweet Celestia's flanks!" Solace shouted as he flew out from the collapsing column before it could crush him. "Status effects don't work on it! Try something else! I am far too handsome to be this thing's new chewtoy!"

Illusion got the monster's attention as she sliced at its flank with her dual blades, making it abruptly turn to face her and charge. Illusion's eyes widened for a moment as the Crushing Charge collided with her chest with enough force to make her think she was getting run down by the combined weight of an entire stampeding herd of buffalo.

Illusion flew through the air and her back slammed into the burning wall with a crack as if she just broke her back or her carapace. Her body began to glow brightly before it shattered into thousands of tiny fragments as if she was a dropped porcelain pot. Seeker's eyes widen in shock as one of their own just got ‘killed' in-game.

He had just seen one of his own kin expire, something that affects Changelings quite deeply due to their near hive mind mentality. Although one can go on their own as Seeker had done, there is always a deeper connection when Changelings are in pairs or groups. He was forced out of his reverie as the Lesser Nightmare began to attack yet again.

<----> ---- ---- <---->

Illusion appeared back in the dungeon in the same way she had departed it although the animation was reversed. She shook her head groggily while her limbs felt like they had been filled with lead. The feeling of being revived had been designed in such a way it made the player feel a little disorientated but not enough to cause sickness whilst causing some minor weariness but only if the immediate area was safe. This could be turned off in the options if they felt it was too much to bear, or annoying.

Gathering her wits, she ran down the corridor Joystick, Solace and Mixer had taken earlier as she knew there were still Pyrelurkers waiting for her should she have gone the same route she and Seeker had travelled. Repeated use of her Terminal Velocity ability greatly shortened her journey and charged for the room the rest of the party were in, still fighting the Lesser Nightmare.

She muttered under her breath, uttering curses that only a Changeling would understand, all of which were directed at the creature that sent her back to the hall as she turned corner after corner at high speed.

<----> ---- ---- <---->

While Illusion was busy closing the distance between her and the rest of the group, they had been having a very difficult time trying to defeat the Lesser Nightmare as nothing seemed to be doing much but despite this they kept up their assault as best they could.

"Incoming!" Seeker shouted as the Lesser Nightmare charged once more at, this time at Mixer and used Force Impact in an attempt to smash the Crystal Mage into the stone floor. Mixer leapt to the side as he tried to move out of the way and successfully dodged the monster's hooves as they came down with bone-shattering force.

The attack created another shockwave and this time, since Mixer was mere inches away from it, got swept up by the shockwave and flew a short distance away. Mixer landed on the ground with a thud and slid along the smooth floor while his staff had impaled the ground beside him, top first. Mixer got to his hooves as fast as he was able but it caused him to feel lightheaded and he began to see multiple images on top of another as if he was incredibly drunk.

"This thing just will not fight fair!" Joystick bellowed as he faced off with the Lesser Nightmare, its hooves bashing against his shield with great fervour.

Every strike from the large creature's hooves pushed Joystick further back, unable to stand against the amount of force he was being subjected to. The room resounded with the uttering of Joystick's pained grunts and the Lesser Nightmare's hooves bashing metal.

"Come on, this thing just has to die already!" Solace shouted, "I mean we have thrown everything but a house at it!"

"Well if you got one hidden in your armour somewhere, now would be the perfect time to throw it!" Joystick snapped as he charged the creature for the umpteenth time.

"Afraid we're outta luck. It's in my other pants on Aeroslida," Solace replied as he opened fire, using Ricochet. The round rebounded off two pillars before connecting with the creature's right flank.

"Why don't you use that combined move from that quest with the apples?" Seeker asked, ducking for cover behind a pillar to avoid the Lesser Nightmare's Crushing Charge as it hurtled past him, nearly getting him by the tail but thanks to the distance it had to travel it was unable to get Seeker in time.

"Only works if we can keep it stationary and do you think this thing will stay still for more than five seconds?!" Mixer shouted as he unleashed another Crystal Storm, raining ruby-coloured crystals down on the creature.

"Maybe if we asked really nicely it will keep still?" Joystick said, trying to stay optimistic as they were still a player down and their health bars were warning them that they were a few short moments from being depleted.

<----> ---- ---- <---->

Illusion charged through the dungeon as she followed the path that the ponies had taken. Her mind was solely focused on a single word that was muttered under her breath with every corner she took: revenge. She powered through the underground grove and eventually found herself back in the hallway that led to the fight, the fight she needed to rejoin.

At the end of the hallway was a massive wall of black fire, consuming the entryway to the chamber the party were fighting in, its unnatural embers burned as if mocking the Changeling, egging her to dare walk through it, to dare touch its dark warmth and be burned to a cinder. Illusion continued to run with her Terminal Velocity active once again, her gaze unwavering from what lay beyond the fire.

The party needed her but more importantly she needed her retribution. She yelled as she leapt through the wall, a part of her expecting the fire to consume her and take her out or, at the very least, inflict a status effect whilst inflicting damage. Strangely though there was nothing, no burn, no heat, not even smoke to inhale as she travelled through the fire.

<----> ---- ---- <---->

Joystick turned to look at the blocked off entryway as he heard the thud of hooves on stone. He grinned as he saw Illusion returning to the fray, "So nice of you to join us. You're missing out on all the fun!"

Illusion was about to shout a retort but stopped herself as Joystick was flung across the room once again, sliding along the floor with the sound of grinding metal as his armour caused friction against the floor since his attention was on the Changeling and not on the monster that had just walloped him.

"I'd say something but it appears you have your hooves full!" Illusion shouted once Joystick stopped sliding and got up again. The Changeling charging and body-slammed the Lesser Nightmare as if she were a pro wrestler.

Sadly while her body slam made the right sound, it had little effect on the Lesser Nightmare as it simply swatted her away as if she were a gnat. It was as if she was trying to tackle a brick wall that is able to hit back and spew hellfire. Illusion grunted as she slid across the floor, just coming short of impacting with a pillar.

She got up and dodged another Crushing Charge from the Lesser Nightmare. Once again the creature slammed into the pillar and for the first time showed some form of reaction as it staggered more than it had had done so far in the fight.

Joystick's eyes widened as a plan formed in his head, "The pillars! Try to get it to chase you into the pillars!"

The party shouted assorted confirmations and Illusion started their plan off as she ran up to the Lesser Nightmare and used her Terminal Velocity ability to give her a boost to her speed. She leapt up and landed on the creature's head with a thud and then, using the head as a springboard, jumped off the creature, landing behind the Lesser Nightmare with the grace of an acrobat.

She bolted for the nearest pillar as the Lesser Nightmare gave chase. Nopony interrupted the Changeling's mad dash as she feinted left, causing the creature to impact with the pillar with a resounding thud. The creature staggered just as before, dazed as it backpedalled and tried to find its next target despite the chunk of health it had just lost.

"Distract it guys!" Joystick shouted from his hiding spot: another one of the many pillars that were inside the chamber but it was too far away for him to mount a sneak attack.

Solace, Seeker and Mixer did not need to be told twice as the Bow Gun users fired round after round at the creature while Mixer used Crystal Storm but it had little visible effect other than seeming to enrage it further. The distraction created by the Hunter and Engineer allowed Joystick, Mixer and Illusion to move into new positions behind pillars closest to the Lesser Nightmare.

"Now!" Joystick shouted as he came out from behind the pillar with Illusion bolting out of her hiding spot.

The pair struck at the creature's legs as they ran past it, knowing full well what happens if they lingered for too long at melee range. The Lesser Nightmare turned and gave chase. It used its Crushing Charge ability, gaining considerable ground. The pair split a pillar between them at the last second, running past it on either side. The Lesser Nightmare collided with the pillar and stopped dead in its tracks.

The creature then stood completely still, leaving the room to fall into awkward, anxious silence. Solace and Seeker kept looking down the sights of their Bow Guns, waiting for the creature to make a move. Any move at all to be precise as they began to wonder if the game had started to glitch on them all.

"Uh... did we win?" Solace asked in confusion, looking at the others in the party as they all came out of their hiding places to investigate the creature's odd behaviour.

"Hey Illusion, go poke it with a sword," Joystick joked, a big grin on his face as he tried to keep himself from laughing.

"How about I poke it with you?" Illusion retorted, clearly not in the mood for joking.

"Watch out!" Mixer shouted as the Lesser Nightmare came rushing towards them with another Crushing Charge attack.

The group dispersed in a mix of yells and frantic shouts. The hellish monster shot past them and collided once more with a pillar, stopping yet again.

"Okay, if it is going to keep doing this, I'm calling for tech support..." Seeker muttered in annoyance as he picked himself off the ground.

Any retort or reply was cut off as they heard a cracking noise coming from the Lesser Nightmare. It had moved its head from the pillar and had left a hole where its head had connected with the stone. The pillar cracked all the way through the stone, giving it a thin smile almost until the same fracture formed above the creature's head, near the ceiling.

A grinding noise began to fill the room as the broken section of the pillar began to slide away from the rest of the stone. The pillar began to tip over once the top section came free from the rest of it still attached to the roof. The Lesser Nightmare yelled out, the first and only proper discernable noise to come from its mouth, as the pillar fell down on top of it with a sickening crunch.

Its legs wobbled as the weight of the broken piece of pillar was getting too much for it to carry. Regardless, it began to advance on the group, causing a few to gasp in shock and awe at how dedicated the programmers made the spawn of Tartarus. Its gaze never left the party for so much as a second as they all backed up with each step it took forward.

"Somepony just kill it!" Illusion shouted in annoyance.

Solace and Seeker exchanged glances with Mixer and started to attack. The Bow Gun users fired round after round from their Normal Magazines, each resonating shot hitting the monster in its wobbling legs in an attempt to force them to buckle. Mixer raised his staff and used his Crystal Storm ability on the Lesser Nightmare to try throw the monster off kilter.

The Lesser NIghtmare grunted and shifted under the attacks that battered its already badly worn-down body. It opened its maw as if to use an attack but, instead, the creature exhaled and just dropped like a lead weight onto the floor. The three attackers stopped their assault on the monster as they all heard a bone-chiling crunch as the pillar crushed the Lesser Nightmare under its weight. A small cloud of dust erupted from the impact, leaving the group stunned at their victory.

Solace's mouth was wide open with disbelief, Seeker looked mortified at the amount of punishment it had to take before it fell, Joystick was grinning from ear to ear as he was more than pleased to have been the one who figured out its weakness, Mixer just had a satisfied smirk upon his face while Illusion stared at it with a blank expression. Their victory was confirmed as they saw themselves recieving a new achivement.

Achievement Unlocked!

The Darkness Cometh

"Anypony need a nightlight?"

Mixer muttered under his breath, a little disappointed hidden beneath his smirk. The creature shook off everything they threw at it and running headfirst into some masonry was all it took to fell it? "That easy?"

Unfortunately for him, Joystick did manage to hear what the Crystal Mage had said, "easy? I'd like to see your definition of 'hard' no wait, scratch that. I do not want to see what your definition of 'hard' is. This was bad enough. I was the one who was thrown about like a plaything. Heck I caught fire for crying out loud."

Illusion rolled her eyes as she started to get a bit frustrated at their bantering, "knock it off you tw-"

The Changeling's scolding was cut off as a deafening explosion of some form shook the chamber the party was in. The ponies fell onto their haunches as their weapons fell onto the stone floor with various clangs and thuds. The area soon normalised which allowed the group to get to their hooves again. Joystick investigated the 'corpse' of the Lesser Nightmare and was bitterly disappointed to find out that there was no loot to gain from it but the attention was more focused on the odd shake.

"What was that?" Seeker asked.

"Hit me with a wet fish if I know," Solace answered with a smile.

"Sadly I lack the required piscis with which to assault you," Illusion said with a small frown.

"'Piscis'?" Mixer asked.

Illusion looked at Mixer with the same frown, "it's Latin."

"What say we head out the way we came, hm?" Joystick offered, trying to keep the peace within the group.

The party nodded their heads and started to make their way to the exit. The flames that had previously surrounded the room and barred their escape started to fizzle out and die, leaving only the group to provide their own illumination yet again. An eerie stillness, save for their hoofsteps, fell on the group as they drew nearer to the open entrance that had led them to the hardest fight they've ever had.

As they got close, one of the pillars supporting the ceiling came down, blocking their path as the room had begun to collapse on itself. They picked up their pace and ran or flew to the doorway but were cut short as the ceiling above collapsed, leaving a towering pile of rubble in their way and with the rest of the room caving in, it was hard to find an alternative exit.

The group backtracked to the centre of the room, where the pedastal once stood, as the pillars and ceiling continued to cave in around them. Oddly enough the ceiling above the section of ceiling above their heads was not falling down. It looked like it was not even cracked. The group kept close, looking out at the room around them as their hopes of escape dropped to 'hopeless'.

Solace coughed with the others due to the high volumes of dust that filled the air, "you know... I'm starting to question the point behind these dungeons..."

Author's Note

This is the longest chapter I've ever done. I apologise for such a long delay. The reason for which is in a blog. Hopefully I can churn out more chapters soon for this and other fics. I do hope this was worth the wait... I AM making a bestiary that I will put up after the last chapter of the story. Or when I get a hold of a computer with internet access. It's impossible to rearrange chapters on a tablet. Or at least on mine.