>Sunset invited you to a hangout on a Friday night
>was it a date?
>most likely not
>you question the location of where you were meeting her
>it was at a campsite 50 miles away from town 
>you were very cautious the moment you arrived
>you parked your car and stepped out
>you suddenly notice something was behind you
>you turn around and preparing to fight only to see it was Sunset
>"Hey Anon! You made it!" she said
"Oh, hey Sunset."
>wait a second
"You look... festive."
>she looks like she's part of some video game
>she chuckles
>"Haha of course, if I'm going to be a warrior I have to at least look the part."
>huh?
"Warrior?"
>"Oh wait, I didn't tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
>"Oh geez, I can't believe I didn't tell you.."
>she sighs
>"This is my character for the game I'm playing."
"Game?"
>"Dungeons and Dragonborns?"
"That really complicated board game??"
>she scoffs
>"It's only complicated if you don't read the rules."
>okay this is getting weird
"Okay then, why did you ask me to come here?"
>"We need a warrior in our group and Twilight got the flu a few days ago."
>she puts her hands together in a pleading manner
>"You're the only person I know who has a close interest to this kind of stuff."
"I study mythology.. How does that count?"
>"Please! Just for tonight be our warrior!"
>you hear voices from afar
>there were two shadowy figures walking towards you and Sunset
>the street lights revealed who they were
>they were two girls
>one of them had magenta ponytail with green streaks, freckled cheeks and... quite a bust.
>you also notice she has a bow and a quiver filled with arrows
>the other girl had light blue hair with dark blue streaks, a witch hat and... quite a bust
>you can safely say they are part of Sunset's game as well
>"Who's this?" asked the blue haired mage
>"This is Anon, he will be our warrior for tonight." said Sunset
>"I hope he knows how to play." said the archer
"I don't actually."
>"Well, we're screwed."
>"Aw c'mon Sour, don't be like that." said Sunset, "He's a quick learner and you never know."
>she nudges your arm with her elbow
>"He might be very useful to us."
>"What class is he in?"
>"Let's make him a bard!" yelled the blue hair
>"I think he's better off with something simple like a fighter." said Sunset
>"I think we should have something like a cleric." said the archer named Sour, "Because it's not like we need someone to HEAL US!"
>"How about we let Anon decide?"
>they all look to you
>and it seems you don't have the option of leaving them and going home
>you don't really know how the game works but you have three choices:
Bard, Fighter, Cleric.
>you thought hard on which class you should be
>a bard is your least favorite choice
>you probably don't want to have them hear you sing Take On Me the whole night..
>a fighter is good however..
>in most role playing games, a healer is needed and judging from the discussion, it looks like they need one
>also unlikely that Twilight was a cleric in their group
>it's a risky choice though
>you aren't sure if you'll be a weak or strong cleric
>considering you just started you are most likely a weak one
>though you should be fine if these three are in your group
>you hope..
>...
>you'll just have to see when they set you up
"I'm going with Cleric."
>"Good choice.." said Sour, "Just don't die on us or we'll leave you in the dust."
>rude..
>"Okay Anon, let's head into the camp grounds." said Sunset
>you all started walkin towards the campsite 
>as you were walking, Sunset asked you something
>"Anon, could you put your hand out?"
"Uh sure?"
>you put your hand up and she gives you this strange clear red rock
"Um, what is this?"
>"That is your Die. Everyone has to have one to play. What you have is a D20."
"D20?"
>"20 sided dice."
"..So this is dice?"
>you examine the die, you notice it's strange shape and that it has more sides than a standard 6 sided one
>what is even more strange is that it has no numbers on it
>you were about to ask a question when you felt like something passed through you
>it was like you walked into a layer of jelly or something
>you turned around to figure out what happened
>...
>strange everything is fine.
>"Hey, Anon! Hurry up!"
>you turn around to seeSunset and her group was quite a distance away from you
>you shake off the suspicion and quickly moved to the camp site
>you all made it to the camp grounds
>there are a huge number of people here
>you recognize a few of them
>they go to Canterlot High
>that's a surprise
>you hear a loud voice coming from the stage
>wow, that's quite a large stage
>a man with messy hair and a small curvy beard was on the stage along with someone who's entire head was covered in their hoodie
>"Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to see you all at our 456th annual Dungeons and Dragonborn meeting!"
>everyone cheers
>"Now then, I assume you all know the rules so I thankfully won't have to deal with all the boring stuff."
>you raise your hand in protest
>but it was no use
>you were way in the rear end of this huge crowd
>no chance of him answering your questions
>Sunset's hand goes on your shoulder
>"Don't worry, I'll fill you in what you need to know."
>well be glad you got someone like Sunset
>"Now then, I would like to introduce this game's dungeon lord!"
"Dungeon lord?"
>"The person who will make the rules, the setting and the challenges. What's more is that if we manage to complete those challenges, we face the dungeon lord for a chance to be one in the next game."
"Sounds.. fun."
>you notice the hooded figure walking forward
>you assume that is the Dungeon Lord
>they take off the hood and reveal a girl with... very large and poofy hair
>"Say hello to tonight's DL, Adagio Dazzle!"
>the one called Adagio gave a grin
>a sinister like grin
"She must be very into this game."
>"Uh, yeah.." said the blue haired one, "She's.. really likes to play, hahaha.."
>why is she laughing like that?
>you look back at the stage
>you assume since Adagio is Dungeon Lord, not the fact she's very experienced, means this isn't going to be a cakewalk
>you wonder how you got yourself dragged into this 
>suddenly the a flash of green engulfs Adagio 
>the light fades and reveals her with some sort of armor with a cape th- no, wait that's still her hair
>she laughs evilly 
"Wow, nice special effects."
>the people in front of you turned and looked at you as if you said something stupid
>"Oh look, it's a normie." one of them said, "He isn't gonna last long."
"What are they talking about?"
"...You didn't tell him did you, Sunset?" said Sour
>Sunset gave a surprised look as if she just remembered something important and smacks her forehead
>"Oh darn it, I did." she said in a frustrated tone, "Anon, I forgot to mention that thi-"
>Suddenly the green light explodes and engulfs everyone
>you felt a force lifting you off the ground and kept you floating
>you could see nothing but green
>you were getting dizzy
>you were hearing voices calling out to you
>you feel like you made a mistake coming here
>...
>you open your eyes
>you manage to sit yourself up
>"Oh thank goodness!" said a female voice
>you orient your head forward finding Sunset kneeling in front of you with Sour and the blue haired girl standing behind her
>"Are you alright?" asked Sunset
"Y-yeah, I'm fine."
>you looked around and find the entire place was cleared up 
>in fact it was so cleared up that even the stage was gone
>weird
"You all saw what happened right?"
>"What exactly?"
"The green light? The special effects on Adagio? Isn't that a bit much for a simple game?"
>the three look at each other nervously 
>"Anon, it's my fault for not telling you."
>"Of course it is." said Sour
>Sunset looks at her, unamused
>"I'm sorry." Sour said in a sweet tone, "If only we told you earlier, you wouldn't have been so confused."
>"Anon, listen." said Sunset, "This may be a game but the way things are played here are different. Very different."
>you stand up and dust off your pants
"What do you mean by different?"
>"We have been transported to another place where magic and monsters are real. We are able to cast spells and explore dungeons in this place. The only rule is that there has to be a Dungeon Lord that controls it all. The monsters, the structure of our surroundings. Pretty much the Dungeon Lord has control over everything but the players."
"If that's the case why do we need to fight the Dungeon Lord? Wouldn't it be an unfair fight?"
>"The Dungeon Lord just makes challenges to see who is worthy to face them. If a person or group succeeds, they get to face the Dungeon Lord in battle."
>...
"Okay, I think I've had enough. You girls have fun with your fantasy game. I'm going home."
>"But you can't go home." said the blue hair
>"Sonata is right, Anon." said Sunset, "You can't just-"
"No, I can."
>you point to the road behind you
"That's the same path we took to get here. Logic only means that is the exit. I'm leaving."
>you turn around and started walking
>you ignored the words of the girls behind you trying to convince you that this was actually happening
>but you kept moving
>the talk started to become annoying so you turn around and started yelling
"Listen, unless there is proof that we are in some magical realm, I am not believing this hoo-ha for even a second!"
>you turned around back and suddenly something lands in front of you 
>the landing gave a small earthquake causing you to lose you balance and fall on your rear
>you looked up
>you were speechless in what was in front of you
>a giant dark bear
>...with insect wings and a stinger tail
>a bear with insect body parts?
>how's that even possible?
>no time to think because one of its claws was coming right at you
>you tried to move out of the way until you saw an arrow swiftly pass above you and on the bug bear's shoulder
>it moved back as it was roaring in pain
>the blue haired girl who you was called Sonata picked you up and moved back to the group as the bug bear was occupied with the arrow on its shoulder
>"Are you okay?" asked Sunset
"I think so.."
>"So you believe us now?" said Sour in a sarcastic tone
>you slowly nod
>you manage to get yourself up and watch as the girls move in for battle
>the arrow was broken off the the bear bug's shoulder
>it was roaring in anger at them
>Sonata speaks some strange words and fire started to shoot out of her staff
>the bear bug or.. bug bear..
>whichever, started to move away and tried to move around the fire
>it started to fly up and Sour started shooting arrows at it but missed every shot
>"HOLD STILL!!" she yelled while firing
>but the bug bear has shown it was much faster in the air than on the ground easily dodging Sour's arrows
>Sunset moved forward and said "Stand back."
>she started spinning around while holding her what you assume is her weapon
>it had a green diamond surrounded by blades
>you can assume it's some sort of axe
>...huh, you never expected her to have a weapon like that
>Sunset kept swinging the weapon along with her rotations and suddenly let go of it
>the axe(?) flung towards the bug bear and made a direct hit
>the bear bug fell to the ground 
>the girls moved closer to see if it was dead or not
>Sonata squats down and pokes the bear with her staff
>no response
>it's dead
>wow, that's one powerful axe Sunset has
>or was it her strength?
>suddenly the bug bear started dissolving into thin air and the girls' weapons started glowing
"Why are your weapons glowing?"
>"In a way, it means we are leveling up." said Sunset, "Our abilities and weapons improve after a fight but how much is decided by the dice. It does a roll and what number it lands on is how much is added to our stats."
"...Wouldn't that be unfair?"
>"Not really." said Sonata
>"See, based on which class we choose, our dice will change to have more or less sides to balance the fighters." said Sunset, "Like mine, for a example is a 6 sided die because I chose barbarian-"
"You chose barbarian? Doesn't really sound like you."
>"I figured I'd do something different at least once. For some reason, I like swinging this axe around."
>no kidding..
>"Anyways, the lowest sides go to classes like fighters and barbarians because they have high stats in strength and defense where its the opposite with clerics."
"Oh."
>wait you chose cleric
>so it was a good decision in the end?
>"However, if you want to increase your stats in certain areas such as strength and defense, you need to engage in battle and not just be part of the group." said Sunset
>"No EXP shares here." said Sonata
"But wait, didn't Sour suggest Cleric?"
>"I was only helping someone who is new to this." said Sour, "Then again, I don't expect much from a newbie."
>...
>your patience with Sour started to annoy you
>but you let it slide
>for now
>"By the way." said Sonata, "Why aren't you dressed up?"
"Huh?"
>she points to your clothes
>"If you are gonna play the game, you have to look the part."
"Well sorry, I don't make costumes because I don't attend to these types of things."
>"Ugh, just grab your die and activate it." said Sour
>your die?
>oh right, the one Sunset gave you
>you take it out of your pocket
>you were surprised that it fit so well for its size
>it's like a blocky baseball
>you look around to find the switch until Sour sighed and said
>"Squeeze it.."
>squeeze?
>you did and the die started glowing
>oh
>in the glowing die you noticed images of warriors on each side
>you moved it around to find the cleric
>finding it, you touched the image and the die started to flash a very bright light
>so bright it was blinding.. Ow..
>the light faded and the die fell on the ground
>next thing you knew, you found you had a staff in your hand and you wearing a white robe
>your mind is still trying to comprehend this but it stopped after hearing "Congrats!" from a happy Sonata
>Sunset smiled and said, "Welcome to our group, Anon the Cleric."
>"I hope we can find a better name than that later on.. It's so generic." said Sour
>"Sour, be nice. We have to keep moving. We have a time limit finding the Dungeon Lord."
"Time Limit?"
>"We have less than 24 hours to make it to the Dungeon Lord's lair."
"What happens if we don't make it?"
>"Those that lose all their health are kicked out of the game and are unable to play until next month. They have to watch from the campsite in order to see how far everyone goes."
>"Not to mention if no one makes it or if the time runs out, Adagio will be Dungeon Lord again next month." said Sonata
>And she's been for the last 5 months.." said Sour, "It's starting to annoy me.."
>5 months eh?
>sounds like this Adagio really likes giving a challenge
>...
>this might actually be fun
[SWITCH]
>sitting on the throne, you watched from your crystal ball as players handle your first wave of challenges 
>a group of children fell victim to the Timberwolves
"Such a shame. Those poor little children..  taken away so soon."
>from how they were eliminated, you can tell they will have nightmares for the next few nights
>you smiled at the thought and laughed
>you switched the view of the ball to see how the other players fared
>it seems the children were the only ones that suffered
>damn
>you must be getting soft
>looks like you'll have to increase the difficulty on the next challenge
>your crystal ball stops at a certain group
>oh look, it's Sonata's group
>and it seems they have a newbie
>you watch him trying to figure out how to activate the until the archer next to him said "Squeeze it"
>a burst of light engulfs him and fades to reveal the newbie wearing cleric clothes
"Oh, Cleric? I hope he lasts longer than your last parter, eh Sonata?"
>"How far are they?" said a voice behind you
"Be patient, Barbaria."
>"Ugh, you know I hate being called that."
"Well, it's not my fault you chose to be a barbarian."
>"I know.." she mumbled
"Our little mice are about to reach my next challenge. Why don't you join me as we revel in their impending doom?"
>"No thanks. I'd rather be part of the action."
"Suit yourself."
>Aria leaves the throne room as you continue looking at the crystal ball as Sonata's group moved forward
>you have a feeling you are going to have a good time
[SWITCH]
>you continued walking with Sunset, Sour and Sonata
>you know when you think about it, Sunset is the only person you know out of these three
>since you are stuck with them for the next 23+ hours, you might as well get to know them
>you decide to ask a question
"So Sunset, you know Sour and Sonata?"
>"Yup, I've met them a long time back though it was from separate occasions." said Sunset
"What do you mean?"
>"I met Sonata from Battle of the Bands and Sour from the Friendship Games. Back then, we used to be enemies but we seem to get along pretty well."
>huh, so she knows them from Canterlot High events?
>wasn't that a year ago?
>"Being honest, having you around is quite fun." said Sour, "If only I could say the same for our cleric.."
>"Sour, be nice."
"They didn't go to the same school as us, did they? Because if they did, I'd recognize them."
>"Nope, they both went to Crystal Prep."
"Oh, so these two are rich?"
>"Not exactly."
"What do you mean?"
>"Sour got in because she's really smart. Nothing but straight A's in her senior year."
>Sour let's out a "Hmph" with a smile then looks at Sonata and points at her
>"This one, however, only got in because she lives with one of the teachers." Sour said bitterly 
>"Hey, it's not my fault he adopted us." Sonata said with pout, "He's a really nice guy."
>"Yeah, too nice." 
>"Hey, y-!"
>"Enough girls, we can't waste anymore time."
>"Yeah well she-!!"
>"Hey, I see something!" yelled Sonata
>Sour sighs and looks away as Sonata points north in what looks like a wooden arch
>"It's a gate!" said a happy Sonata, "That means it's our next challenge!"
>"Whatever.." said Sour
>"Be careful Sonata, there may be a gatekeeper nearby." said Sunset
>"Charge!" yelled Sonata as she ran to the gate
>you and the rest just walked behind her
>while you were walking, Sunset was talking to Sour
>"Seriously, Sour. Try and be a little nicer to Anon. You never know, he may be of some use to us."
>"Yeah, I bet it he would be useful!" said Sour, "As a meat shield."
>okay you've had enough
>you walk closer to Sour and stopped in front of her
"Hey, I might be new to this but don't think I'm some sort of pushover. I'm a cleric, which was YOUR suggestion. Maybe I can help you with my healing abilities? You know when you're in danger?"
>she looks at you in a deadpan manner 
>she then smiles and pats your head
>"Aw, that's very considerate of you. But even if it was my suggestion to be a cleric, you forget you just started and that means your healing powers can only fix at least... 10% of health. Well for lower level people like you, it's more but to higher people like me, Sonata and Shimmer players who have been here longer than you have, it's going to take a lot more than that. A lot."
>she pats your head again
>"But don't worry, you'll get there... in a couple of years maybe."
>she turns and continues walking
>...
>you were speechless
"D-does she always speak like this?"
>"Yup." said Sunset, "I've been trying to have her speak in a more calm manner as of late but it doesn't seem to be working. It's like she chose one side of her personality and shoved of the other."
"...I would've preferred if she spoke in the nicer tones."
>"Aw, I'm sorry I upset you with my way of speaking." Sour said a few feet away and then points at you, "Just be glad you're friends with Sunset or else I would shot you dead in the eye."
>note to self: never heal Sour in the future
>ever
>Sour continues walking until Sonata comes running past her and towards you and Sunset with her hands up in the air
>"RUN AWAAAAAYYY!!" she yells
>she stops and hides behind Sunset
>you all turn to the gate and notice someone.. 
>or something in front of the gate
>you feel like you had to check despite the possible risk of getting killed early in the game
>you moved closer to see what it was and the rest followed behind you
>"Be careful!" Sonata whispers loudly 
>you were a few feet away from the gate and you had a good look at the thing in front of you
>it was a 7-foot tall skeleton wearing dark heavy armor with the skull on fire
>but the fire was green and the only parts with no armor on was the head and arms
>"Careful Anon! That's a gatekeeper!" said Sunset
>she moves her hand back and forth
>"Quick, get back here!"
>you should follow Sunset yet for some reason you ignored it and walked closer to the gatekeeper
>it notices your presence 
>"State your business." said the gatekeeper in a deep loud echoing voice 
"We are here to pass this dungeon so we may reach the Dungeon Lord."
>"You think you can defeat the Dungeon Lord?"
"I believe we can try."
>it gives you a stern look
>"Know this human, many trials lie ahead once you enter the gate and I will eliminate those who try and turn back. If you feel like you aren't up for the challenge, turn back now."
>you turn to Sunset
"Is this the only way to make it to the Dungeon Lord?"
>Sunset pulls out a map
>Sour and Sonata join on looking for alternative routes
>"No." they said
>looks like you have to go in
>not much of a choice
>even if you turn back, you'd have to wait another 22 and a half hours to go back home
>or you could have Sour kill you and it'll all be over
>...
>but what good will that do?
>just confirm what all those people said about you prior to the game starting?
>you going to go back on your word saying you can be useful despite being a newbie?
>looks like you really have no choice 
>you turn to the gatekeeper
"We accept the challenges ahead."
>"Then prove yourself." said the gatekeeper as it takes its sword out of its back
>oh crap..
>"Well that didn't last long." said Sonata, "I thought he'd stay with us."
>think Anon think
>...
>you raise your hand up
"Is it possible to enter the gates without physical conflict?
>"What is this?" asked the gatekeeper 
"We wish to enter the gates without problem. It would be unfair to take on the challenges with a disadvantage upon arrival
>"Have you not agreed to accepting the challenges?" asked the gatekeeper 
"I did but I only agreed to the challenges ahead not the challenge of facing you in battle."
>the gatekeeper just looked at you
>and starts laughing
>"You have quite the mouth, human" said the gatekeeper with a smile, "I shall humor you by granting your request but only if you defeat me in a roll."
"A roll?"
>...
>"You do not know what a roll is?"
"I do not."
>"Hmm, it would leave a bad taste for me to defeat a human who knows nothing. It is dishonorable."
>the gatekeeper gets a pair of dice 
>you notice they both have ten sides
>"We both roll these dice and whoever has the highest roll shall be the victor."
"Seems simple."
>"However, you must choose a number and one of your abilities as a payment."
"...Excuse me?"
>"Your abilities and attributes have numbers that increase with every battle. There is no difference with this. Choose and the number will be added on your roll. If you succeed, you will gain twice, maybe three times, the increase on your chosen ability."
>"But if you lose, your chosen ability or attribute will be reduced based on the roll you made." said Sunset, "If you chose something like your attack power and lose, you'd be powerless. It would take almost forever to regain your original stats."
>"Or you could restart and chose a new class next month." said Sonata
>"This is why people prefer battles instead of rolls." said Sour, "It's too risky."
"Then I'm taking that risk."
>"What?!" all three said
"Gatekeeper, I wager my healing ability."
>"Are you sure, human?" asked the gatekeeper 
>you nod
>"Very well then. Prepare the dice!"
>you checked your staff and found your healing ability was a 5
>that doesn't sound bad 
>then again it's probably not bad for a beginner
>so the five will be added to whatever number you roll
>wait what will the gatekeeper wager?
"Wait a second, what are you wagering?"
>"Nothing."
"Pardon?"
>"I have the choice not to wager anything. Unlike you human, gatekeepers do not have to wager."
>makes sense.. sort of
>considering winning would mean going to the gate without his opposition so it makes sense
>sort of
>you were preparing the die you took out of your staff
>the gatekeeper was ready as well
>"BEGIN!"
>you both threw your dice at each other
>the dice collided and fell on the ground
>the gatekeeper's dice had an 8 and a 9
>17
>you looked at your dice
>13
>dang
>"Anon, you did it!"
>what?
>OH. 
>Right.
>the added 5 points
>then that means you got 18
>...
>a bit close there
>the gatekeeper growls
>"I have been defeated. You may pass."
>your die begins to glow
>the 5 begins to shift numbers and stops at 14
>huh
"My healing ability increased to 14."
>"That's not bad actually." said Sunset, "That means you can heal more than 10% of our total health now."
>that's good, right?
>you look at Sour
>she notices 
>"Congratulations." she said with a smile, "Keep it up and maybe you'll be of actual use."
>...
>you turn to the gatekeeper 
>it steps aside and you can see the wooden gates open
>"You and your friends can pass through the gate." 
"Thank you."
>you and the rest of the group walked past the gatekeeper 
>as she was walking Sonata looks at the gatekeeper and asks, "What are you gonna do now?"
>"I shall continue to guard this gate. Waiting for new warriors to challenge until the end of the game."
>passing through the gate, you find that there was no dungeon on the other side
>it was the rest of the forest
>you feel like you've almost wasted time
>...

>well, almost since you just leveled up
>well in a way you feel like you did
>the gate begins to close but not after hearing the the gatekeeper chuckle and say
>"I shall see you real soon."
>...
>oh geez..
>Sonata starts pulling you by the arm
>"C'mon!" she says, "Don't fall behind!"
>you notice that Sunset and Sour were quite a distance away from you
>you continue being pulled forward as you go deeper into the forest 
>23 hours remain until the game is over
[SWITCH]

>so he passed the gatekeeper with the roll, eh?
>you should've put in a more bloodthirsty one
>he would've been forced into battle that way
>oh seeing him cry in despair as he deals with the chaos he brought himself into
>it would've been.. to DIE for
>"Are you seriously doing a monologue?" said Aria, "Because that last sentence was not needed."
>you turn your head to her
"Nobody said you HAD to listen and besides, I'M the Dungeon Lord and this is MY monologue so I get to say it the way I want to. If you have a problem, shoo."
>"Ugh, then can I go and fight some people already? It's getting boring in this castle."
"Not yet, Barbaria. No one has reached the second challenge yet. You will strike when when the time is right but for now be a good soldier and stay in the castle."
>"Fine, wake me up when you need me. I'll be in upstairs bedroom chamber."
>Aria started walking but stopped to say, "Oh right, 'Dad' called."
"Why is he calling and why do you have your phone? Phones are forbidden in the game realm!"
>"I know but I just got a voicemail from him."
"Ugh, what did he say?"
>"He said have fun and make sure to keep Sonata and Aria out of trouble."
"What am I your keeper?"
>"You ARE the Dungeon Lord so technically, yes."
>you sigh
"Whatever, just turn off your phone and don't use it again."
>"Got it." Aria said waving her hand as she leaves
>you turn back to the crystal ball as you continue watching the players attempt to make it to your castle
[SWITCH]

>you continued walking in what felt like forever 
>you check your timer 
>23 hours and 40 minutes remain
>wat
>you suddenly feel exhausted 
"Hey, is it okay we take a breather?"
>"Why, what's wrong?" asked Sunset
"I don't really know. I feel a little dizzy."
>the girls looked at each other for a moment and nodded
>"Okay, Anon. We can rest here. Sonata, can you make us a fire?"
>"Okay!" she said with excitement 
>Sonata took off her hat and grabbed some sticks out of it
>...why does she have sticks in her hat?
>she puts them on the ground in a pile and points her staff at it
>she speaks a few words and
>BOOM!
"HOLY-?!"
>a huge burst a fire just came out of the staff without warning
>luckily you and others moved out of the way to avoid any burns
>the only person who didn't move was Sonata 
>she just stood there as the fire expanded all over the wooden sticks
>after the staff was done shooting the flames, Sonata looks at you and the others
>"Fire's ready!" she said with a smile
>"Thanks Sonata!" said Sunset
>...
>you begin to question the relationship between these three 
>everyone sat around the camp fire
>it was nice taking a breather 
>maybe you can finally put together what you know
>however you noticed that no one was communicating with each other 
>they were in a team yet they don't speak to each other while resting?
>maybe this is a good time to know them better
>launching icebreaker.exe
"So you all graduated from high school?"
>"Not me." said Sonata, "I'm in my last year."
>"You mean senior year?"
>she nods
>okay then
>you remember something about her
"I recall that you were adopted by one of the teachers from Crystal Prep."
>"Yup! It felt like it happened yesterday."
>"That's because you tell us the story at least once a week." said Sour, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't sick of hearing it."
>"Well too bad, Anon is getting a story so.."
>Sonata sticks her tongue out and raspberries at Sour
>"Now then, it was cold and snowy that day.."
>"Blah blah blah." Said Sour interrupting, "You were homeless, your then-Dad saw you and your friends singing in the park, let you in his house, bought clothes, cooked food, eventually adopted you and with help from Dean Cadence you got enrolled in our school. The end."
>"Hey, I wanted to say those things.." 
>Sonata was very displeased 
>"I'm sorry but we are at a time limit here, remember?"
"So I'm guessing that's the abridged version of it?"
>"Actually, my version of the story has more details in it like how he found out that we use-Mphpohphh.."
>Sunset covered Sonata's mouth before she said anything else
>"Now, now Sonata." said Sunset, "Let's not drag the story. We ARE at a time limit."
>Sonata looks down in disappointment and let's out what you assume is an "Okay" since her mouth is still covered by Sunset's hand which eventually got off
>you raise an eyebrow 
>you are curious what Sonata was about to say before the interference 
>from what you remember she sees to know the Dungeon Lord, Adagio
>is Sonata related to her in some way?
"Is it just you or do you have any sisters?"
>"Oh, yeah I do!" Sonata says happily, "I have Aria and Ad-aphmm."
>Sunset covered her mouth again
>hmm
>perhaps you'll leave the questions for later
>when Sonata is alone
>but judging the way Sunset and Sour are looking at you, that isn't gonna be easy
>better ask something else 
"So tell me, why did you choose these classes? You like using the bow?"
>"Actually, I used to be in the archery club. I was the best out of everyone. I never missed a shot. Hey, you should try it out sometime, it's a good stress reliever."
>hearing that from Sour makes you think otherwise..
>Sour smiles softly
>"But holding a bow and arrow again felt really nostalgic. Glad to see I haven't missed a step."
>yeah except that moment with the bug bear where you were yelling at it after missing every shot..
>yet seeing her like this, you can tell she's happy
>you look at Sonata, waiting for an answer
>"I like magic." Said Sonata
>...
>...
"That's it?"
>she nods 
>"Yup! Magic is something that's been a part of me for like.. ever. 
"You like magic?"
>"Uh-huh. But I like Equestrian magic the most."
"...Excuse me?"
>"I think we're done resting now." said Sunset standing up, "Don't you think so, Sour?"
>she nods
>"Let's hurry." said Sour, "The other players may have already reached the next area."
>that was quick
>you can tell they are hiding something 
>Sour and Sunset don't seem like the ones who will talk about
>Sonata looks like she's the only one you can get the answers from
>you just need to find the right moment to get her to talk
>you all got up and continued walking through the forest
>"I've been wondering: you went to Canterlot High and yet I've never seen you at the Friendship Games" said Sour, "What happened, too wimpy to play?"
"Actually I used to go to Canterlot High. I was Sunset's friend for a year before I moved away."
>"Moved away?" asked Sonata, "Where?"
"Manattan."
>"Oh wow.. where's that?"
>"Sunset, I didn't know you knew a big city kid." Said Sour
>"I was only with him for a year." said Sunset, "We were just study buddies."
>huh
>when you think about it, she's right
>"We studied together at the library and sometimes at the laboratory. If it wasn't for him, I actually would've not gotten the house I live in right now."
"Wait, you still live in that place?"
>"Of course."
"You still do research and experiments at the laboratory?"
>"Yup."
>you chuckle
>she hasn't changed one bit
>"Anyway, when I found out he came back, I wanted to catch up with him but I haven't been able to contact him for a while."
"Be glad I still have the same e-mail address or I wouldn't have gotten your number."
>you smile as you listen to Sunset talk about the old days
>you started to remember a few things
>it was interesting how you first met Sunset
>actually it was more weird
>she was like she came from another dimension or something
>she looked like regular teenager but didn't know how to act like one
>it was rather.. interesting 
>you also remembered she was pretty anti-social
>though from what you are seeing now, she's been doing much better
>you are glad to see that
>you also notice Sonata has been looking at you the whole time
>those wide child-like eyes
>it's getting quite creepy
>...
"Can I help you?"
>she just continued looking at you
>...
>"So are you in college?" asked Sour
"Yeah, but I'm taking the summer off so I can finally relax. I wanted to come back just to say hi to some old friends but found out everyone I knew left town after they graduated."
>"I didn't leave town." said Sunset
"Well that's one at least."
>you both chuckle
"What about you Sour? Are you in college?"
>"Why yes, a university. A very prestigious one too."
"I assume you still do archery there."
>"Pffff, as if.." she says bitterly, "The archery club disbanded a year before I even arrived. When I found out, I was too late."
"You mean you didn't check after you graduated?"
>"Oh I'm sorry. I was busy keeping my perfect record intact."
>"But wait." said Sonata, "What about that time you were staying at that prison because they- MPH!"
>Sour quickly covers Sonata's mouth with her hands and scrunches her face
>"He does NOT need to know that nor should you mention it EVER AGAIN! Got it?!"
>after a long pause, Sonata nods
>"Besides, it wasn't a prison. It was a mental hospital." Said Sunset
>Sour turns to her
>"WILL YOU STOP?!"
>what a lovely combination these three are..
>so Sour was admitted to a mental facility for a while huh
>judging from her attitude, it's almost not surprising
>best not make it worse by bringing it up
"So I can assume you come here to fix that archer itch?"
>"You could say that. I mean, it's not like I miss doing this."
>you admire her honesty
>well some of it
>you can see you've walked quite a distance but still no exit in sight
>you decide to speak to Sonata since she's been staring out for a while
"So Sonata, got any plans after you graduate?"
>...
>Sonata was looking at the ground, walking while trying to think of an answer
> after a long pause, she brings her head up and says "Not really."
"Excuse me?"
>"From what I've been hearing from other people, college sounds like it's very complicated and you need a lot of money."
>...she's not wrong
"So are you planning on doing anything after high school?"
>"I don't know really. I was planning to be a teacher like Dad."
"But you need to go to college to do that."
>"Yeah.." Sonata says, closing her eyes,"After finding that being a teacher is too much work, I decided to do something that actually is fun. Something more like me."
"..Which is?"
>"I think I'll be a singer."
"You sing?"
>she opens her eyes and looks at you with delight
>"I sing all the time! If you were a bard, we totally could've sang some great songs!"
>you notice Sunset's face of doubt and fear
>almost as if she knows what Sonata does when she sings
>"Though I don't really like singing by myself." she said in melancholic manner, "I like to sing with the girls."
"Sour and Sunset?"
>"No, Aria and Ad-"
>"HER SISTERS!" yelled Sunset, "She likes to sing with her sisters!"
>okay that's getting annoying
>so Sonata has two sisters and they all can sing
>well based from what you are told
>and you can also assume the AD is probably Adagio
>though you can't be too sure
>Sonata seems to love her sisters so if Adagio is the dungeon lord why isn't she with her?
>and who is this Aria?
>if she's also Sonata's sister, there's a chance you might meet her here
>slim chance but a chance nonetheless 
>maybe you can get answers from her as well
>"Something isn't right." said Sour, "We should be reaching the exit by now but we don't see nothing but trees, trees and more trees!"
>you all stop and look around
>"Hey you're right. Have we been going in circles?" asked Sunset
>"But we only moved forward." said Sonata, "Going in circles would've meant we turned left or right many times."
>"Thanks Captain Obvious.." said Sour
>you suddenly hear laughter 
>a sinister type of laughter Z
>"Well, well. It took you long enough." Said a female voice, "So sad this little story time of yours had be broken up but now!"
>a sudden explosion of smoke
>you see a shadowy figure within the smoke cloud 
>"Prepare yourself for you are about to to face the GREAT AND POWER-!!"
>"Hi Trixie!" yelled a waving Sonata
>"Must you do that Sonata?!"
>wat
>out of the cloud came an angry blue girl with a huge wizard hat and robe
>from the attire you can assume she's a mage
>"Did we not agree that the Great and Powerful Trixie shall do her epic introduction without interruption?" said Trixie with some flamboyant gestures
>"Aww, but we haven't seen each other in a while!" said Sonata who proceeds to hug Trixie
"Um, pardon us but can someone explain what is going on?"
>"This is Trixie, one of our old classmates remember?" said Sunset
"No, I don't actually.."
>"Ugh, how dare you say that you do not know who Trixie is?" said Trixie, "Anyone who has been part of these games obviously knows who Trixie is."
"Well bad news, I'm new and I've never heard of you."
>Trixie scoffs at you and turns her head away
>"Trixie will not be offended by a newbie."
"So why are you here? Come to fight us?"
>"Why would the Great and Powerful Trixie fight such an unfair fight?"
"Excuse me?"
>"Newbie, if you use your eyes you can plainly see that Trixie is alone."
>right now you just see Sonata still hugging Trixie as she continues talking 
>"A four on one is not fair especially when there is a Cleric among the group."
>"But I thought you were one of the bosses?" said Sunset, "You can easily take us on even with Anon's healing."
>"That would be true but Trixie is no longer a servant of the Dungeon Lord. Trixie has become bored of squashing little mice. Trixie wishes for a real challenge!"
>"Don't you have a group with you?" asked Sour
>"Yes, but they died as soon as we came in this realm.. Trixie was most disappointed with them."
>"So why exactly are you here?" asked Sunset
>"Trixie wishes to join your group. Trixie was trying to get your attention but you all were caught up in your prattle. Thus Trixie had to cast an illusion to catch your attention."
"Wait, so you're meaning to tell us that you placed us in a trap just so you can join the group?"
>"Trixie's plans are fool proof." she said with her head up and hand on her chest
"And why should we-?"
>"You can join us." said Sunset
>...
"Why?"
>"Gee Anon, you have to be a bit more trusting." said Sour, "Because even a monkey like you would know an opportunity when you see one."
>"Trixie used to be one of the most powerful bosses in the realm." said Sunset, "If she joins us, we will have a better chance to make it to the Dungeon Lord."
>"Alas, Trixie does not know the Dungeon Lord's whereabouts." said Trixie
>makes sense she is one of the players now
"Alright, you ca-"
>"And who said you were in charge?" asked Sour
"Uh.."
>Sunset looks at Sonata
>"Sonata?"
"Wait SHE'S the leader?"
>Sonata, Sunet and Sour nod
>Sonata hugs Trixie tighter and says "She can join us, the more the magical!"
>don't you mean merrier?
>"The Great and Powerful Trixie is pleased to be part of your group. Now if you could please let go of Trixie. We are wasting valuable time."
>oh snap
>you look at your timer
"We have 21 hours left."
>"We were walking for that long?" said Sunset
>"Everyone including Trixie was caught up in your every day life stories." said Trixie, "It was quite pleasing to listen to."
>you start walking
"Yeah yeah, how about we keep moving."
>"Um, Anon?" Asked Sunset
"Yeah?"
>"The exit is that way."
>she points to the open area a few feet behind her
>...
>oh
>you quickly turn around and moved forward, not saying a word

[SWITCH]
>you are Dad-Anon
>sitting by yourself in the living room couch 
>sure is quiet tonight
>looking out the window
>it's dark out
>you can see the the lights show certain parts of the park where you first met the Dazzlings
>you wonder how they are doing at their game
>probably fine considering they are regulars there
>they've been attending every month for more than a year already
>and it's a good thing it doesn't affect their studies either
>well, Sonata's case is a little different..
>it's strange though
>Adagio didn't like the game when she first went but from Aria and Sonata told you after a few games, she became the...
>Dungeon Master?
>Ruler?
>Keeper?
>or was it Lord?
>regardless, she now makes the rules because of that role
>...
>you laugh mainly because you think it fits her very well
>she is quite the dominant and manipulative type 
>it's probably a good thing she has a role like that
>not to mention Aria and Sonata keep telling you that they had so much fun in their events, you really couldn't say no
>people should take a break from their reality once in a while and just enjoy life
>but for some reason, you can't help but think there is something else
>something that Adagio likes that makes hercome back every month
>but what could it be?
>is it because of the power she has as the rule maker?
>or is it something greater
>perhaps something related to the world they came from
>...
>maybe you should head over there to check
>oh wait, you made a promise to Sonata saying you won't interfere with the game
>...
>you sigh
"I really hope it's just a game."
>you continue looking at the night sky
>worried about the girls
>...

[Switch]
>you sit on your throne as you watch the players dwindle in numbers and you laughing in delight 
"Hahahahaha!"
>"You know you don't have to monologue on /everything/." said Aria
"Silence Barbaria. As Dungeon Lord, I find it very satisfying that my traps and minions are destroying everything. Soon, there will be no players left to oppose me."
>"So does this mean I'm gonna sit here and do nothing? Again?!"
"Don't tell me you aren't enjoying being the Dungeon Lord's right hand?"
>"No, I'm tired of doing nothing when I could be out there wrecking things."
>you sigh
"Oh Barbaria, even if you could, the rules won't really allow you to fight the way you want. Player against Player has very strict rules when it comes to physical combat."
>"Well you're the Dungeon Lord, can't you change the rules a bit to be more physical?"said Aria as she puts her hands up in the air, "Heck, why not just change the game altogether? It's been five months and these numbers still give me a headache."
"Hmm.."
>you ponder
>"Adagio, inner voice." said Aria
>Anyway, changing the game rules sounds tempting
>you did like being Dungeon Lord but what fun is it when you need to do all these rolls and number crunching? There are kids here! How do they even know how these work?!
>you sit deeply in your chair as you wonder how to change the game
>an idea popped in your head
"Oh Barbaria~?"
>"Yes?" said an annoyed Aria
"I think it's time that we changed the rules. For the better."
>Aria grins
>you both laugh maniacally 
"MUWAHAHAHAHAHA!!"
>"Seriously. Stop with the monologues. They ruin the mood."
[SWITCH]
>you finally made it out of the forest and can see the night sky clearly
>you walked forward and suddenly notice somethjng from afar
>a very ominous looking castle
>your group sees it as well
>"Wow, we found the Dungeon Lord's lair already?" said Sunset, "That's a lot quicker than last time. Good thing the Dungeon Lord doesn't change the castle appearance."
>"At least we found it." said Sour, "All we need to do now is move forward."
>"I don't think it's gonna be that easy." said Sonata
>huh
>...oh
>she's right 
>you notice that the land the castle is on is surrounded by water
>you look around to see if there are any connecting parts of land 
>it's no use
>oh geez
"Looks like the only way to the castle is with a boat."
>"But who knows how long we will even find one?" said Trixie
>"Maybe there's a beach nearby that has one?" said Sonata
"Can't we just make one out of the trees here?"
>"Sadly none of us have a Craft skill." said Sunset
"We need a skill to build something like a boat?"
>Trixie did a spit take
>"What is this tomfoolery Trixie is hearing?" said Trixie, "Does he not know the rules?"
>"Nope, he's a newbie." said Sour
>Trixie gave off a stern look on her face
>you can she's saying"No wonder" in her head 
>"Listen you, we need skills in order to do certain things." said Trixie pointing at you, "Those are the rules and they are fina-"
>suddenly you hear an explosion and the sky turned orange
>a huge beam of light shot out of the castle
>you heard a booming voice
>"MUWAHAHAHAHAHA!!"
>...she's really enjoying being the boss.
>"To all survivors, I commend you for making it this far. For too long, you have all followed these complicated rules BUT NOW IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE!"
>oh boy
>this doesn't sound good
>...
>"First of all, if players want to fight each other then they can! No restrictions! Even if it's someone in your group."
>you suddenly thought about Sour
>...
"I will also mention that the Rolls are gone! No more play of the dice. Everyone has to fight in order to increase their power. No shortcuts!"
>...well that sucks
>"Furthermore, the time has been reduced to 12 hours!"
>...
>you can't be serious
>"All players much pass the waters in order to reach my lair. So I suggest finding a good boat and just to give you all a little nudge, I will mark where every boat is located."
>you see beacons of orange light appear from afar
>you assume those are the boat locations
>"C'mon Anon!" yelled Sunset
>you turn your head to see Sunset and the rest run off to the nearest beacon which was on the west side end of the forest
>you started to run and eventually caught up with the group
>as you ran, the Dungeon Lord's voice let out one more message
>"And be sure that it's a sturdy boat because you never know what may lurk underneath."
>you suddenly hear a loud roar
>that doesn't sound good 
>you hear the evil laugh once more before the voice along with the orange sky faded
>you suddenly feel like this is a waste of time
>it looks hopeless
>but it looks like you can't give up
>not yet
>Sunset and the rest are counting on you
>even as a low level Cleric, you still have some use to them
>you continued running toward the beacon
>hoping that the boat is in good condition 
>...