//------------------------------// // Intro/ From a Grand Begining // Story: Stranded // by thecanterlottimes //------------------------------// Stranded By TheCanterlotTimes Intro Welcome to my world, where everyday is a day of mourning. Everywhere I go, and everything I see, revolves around death. Between both the realm of Earth and the realm of Equestria, I have seen terrible tragedies, from famine to natural disasters, which have cut young lives short. I have seen civil wars tear families apart. World wars with millions dead on both sides. I have witnessed murders, disease, and accidents of all types. Luckily for me (if you call my job "lucky"), after thousands of years at this profession, I have grown cold to most of these events. When I find my next 'appointment', as I call them, I sometimes stop to hear their story. Some are still able to pierce my stone cold heart, almost driving me to tears. One of these stories takes place in the realm of the ponies: Equestria. This is a tale of friendship turned sour, of revelations turned to disaster, and of strengths and weaknesses reversed. Of the six which embarked on this journey, five of them would meet me, leaving just one to return home. This is the tale of the Stranded. Chapter 1 From a grand beginning... It all began on Monday, August 14. 3 years after Luna’s Return. This would have been a normal day, filling the ponies of Equestria with the usual Monday downs. No pony liked Mondays, just like the humans. However, unlike most others, this one was special. Everywhere in Equestria, ponies were preparing their own celebrations for their beloved Princess Celestia, who would be celebrating her birthday on Wednesday. In Manehattan, banners were hung from the tops of buildings and ribbons were attached between each light post. In Fillidelphia, the historic bell, which had first rung when the monarchy defeated Discord thousands of years ago, was being prepared for a ring. Bands and choirs were practicing for their debuts at concerts and parades. The small village of Ponyville was also preparing for the celebrations. The bakery was producing themed treats, such as star cookies shaped and dyed to resemble the princess. The mayor and the rest of the town committee were overseeing progress of decoration placement, only to be overshadowed by Derpy doing something wrong. In good spirits, the Apple family was preparing special batches of Apple Cider for the town picnic. Every pony was busy getting ready for the event in their own way which would take place on Wednesday, just 2 days away. All of them, except the Elements of Harmony... Ok, that’s a lie; everybody except the Elements of Harmony...minus Rarity, who was busy putting the final touches on the dresses she made for the rest of her friends. Unfortunately for them, they would never be worn. Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie were already in Hooveolulu, which is where the new summer estate for the royalty had been built. The castle was whitewashed with a red slated roof. The entire premises covers over 80 acres and included 2 swimming pools, a bowling alley, and a private beach and boat dock. Twilight came a day early to spend extra time with her teacher, being her most faithful student. The two shared stories of their lives that the other had missed over a year (although Celestia had already heard most of them from her letters). Pinkie Pie had been there for nearly a week, setting up for the birthday bash. Setting up the streamers and preparing the food took up most of her time, and she had had very little sleep over the timespan, however she never lost her cheery self. The other 4 would be leaving for Hooveolulu later today, and spend the night at the grand castle. Applejack, the element of honesty, was on her way back home to Sweet Apple Acres to finish packing and say goodbye to her beloved family. Once she had finished packing, which only included a brush and a light snack, she began a formal goodbye to her family. “Well, guess this is goodbye every pony. I’ll see y'all in three days,” she addressed to the crowd of twenty or so earth ponies that had gathered by the front porch of the ranch. The crowd began to say goodbye by waving their hooves and hats in the air. In her mind, Applejack was happy to spend time with her friends and the Princess, however, she couldn’t help feel a little afraid. They had only been informed yesterday that they were taking a new type of carriage. This carriage was build for both luxury and speed’ a real advancement for their times it was called. She had a good reason to worry... Fluttershy panicked at trying to find someone to watch her dearly loved animals for the few days she would be absent. Unfortunately she was unable to find any other pony to watch the during her absence. Out of luck, she put Angel in charge. “Now please take care of the others Angel,” the element of kindness softly spoke to the bunny,” remember, only feed them what I told you, and no staying up too late.” Impatiently, and with a darting look, Angel left the house and went outside. Fluttershy wanted to believe that Angel would be able to bear the responsibility of the others. However, even as nice as she was, even she was unable to fully trust the rabbit. Leave out until I can figure something else out (out of character) Fluttershy finished brushing her light pink hair and proceed to head to Rarity’s for her dress. Then there was the element of loyalty, Rainbow Dash. She claimed to be the fastest flyer in Equestria. However, I would not know this, because I am too busy to attend sporting events. Anyways, she packed the lightest of them all: bringing only herself. Sleeping in a cloud above Ponyville, she almost forgot about the celebration, until a lone ray of light pierced the inner cloud, startling the blue pegasus. Letting out a yelp at the intense light change, Rainbow dash looked below the cloud and saw Applejack entering the Carousel Boutiques where Rarity and fluttershy were already waiting. “Oh my Gosh” the said, still half asleep, “I almost forgot!”. Quickly dashing out of her resting place, Rainbow Dash made it to the front door in a little less than 12 seconds from a staggering distance of a half mile away. Her rainbow mane was still waving as she entered the door to the shop, cutting off Rarity in mid sentence. “Why I do believe that these are my best-” (Rainbow Dash enters.) “Don’t worry every pony,” Rainbow Dash rudely interrupted, “I didn't forget”. “of course ya didn't Rainbow” Applejack flatly said in response very well knowing she had. “Ladies, if you will please. As I was saying, these dresses are easily the most elegant and beautiful creations to have ever been made by me. Are they not just dazzling!” Rarity has proudly said. From there she began to report every detail of the dresses to the other three. Every stitch, every flower, every gem, she said, came together in perfect harmony to make the greatest apparel of all time. To spare you the time, I will leave out the details of how they all commented on how wonderful the dresses were, and of their party predictions over the following days. During the next few minutes while they waited for the coach, they shared jokes and had some small talk. Then the carriage arrived to the front of the Carousel Boutiques. Fluttershy was the first to notice that their ride had arrived. "Um Rarity, I am sorry to interupt, but the carriage is here... and don't we need to pack these dresses?" Fluttershy softly said, barely loud enough to hear over the noise on the street. "why you are correct!", Rarity said startled at Its arrival, "Applejack, be a darling and help me pack these. Careful! you're going to wrinkle them! and did you wash your hooves before you touched the velvel?" Applejack, rolling her eyes, responded, "are ya calling me dirty?" "well you said you just came from home, so y-" Rainbow dash came back inside. "will you two stop arguing and hurry up!" Dash said impatiently. several more minutes passed where Rarity complained to Applejack, until she finally thought that the dresses were packed correctly to avoid damage. Using her magic, Rarity levitated the boxes out the door and headed for the carriage. the carriage was a dark red with gold trimming. It reminded me of an old stagecoach from earth. I could see that Rainbow dash was puzzled as much as I was. At the front were two unicorns, and not pegasi. Normally two or more Pegasi would carry the carriage, but apparently this was powered by magic. I know you are probably wondering how I know all of this? I happened to be checking on one of the drivers, who, unknown to him, had a critical disease and was expected to die any day. I attempted to tug on his soul, however it was still logged tight within his body. Rainbow dash began to complain about not feeling comfortable with a unicorn up front, and did not trust the carriage. "Rainbow Dash" Rarity finally said, "Will you please stop your complaining and get in? this is a beautiful work of art, if I do say so myself. I for one am glad to not only travel in a new exciting way, but also in style". "Yeah Rainbow, you're almost complaining as much as Rarity over here!" Applejack joked as she entered the left side door of the carriage. Rarity gave Applejack a glare, as she entered the carriage and sat opposite of her. Then Fluttershy crept into and sat next to Rarity, leaving Rainbow Dash to sit next to Applejack. The inside felt larger than three outside, giving each pony plenty of hoof room. there was also an AC within the carriage which kept it cool. A small snack compartment was in the middle, which held beverages and chips. "This is a 4000 kilometer journey, which will take approximately a day and a half, "the healthy driver said, "I will be driving during the day. You can call me Captain Feather." The other pilot, after letting out a wicked cough, then began to speak as Feather begun to lift the carriage, "My name is Captain Goodheart, (he let out another cough), sorry I think I am catching a cold. Anyways, I will be flying during the night. Don't worry you're safe with us. Of, if only they knew.