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||- Chapter 6 -||
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>"No."
"Yes."
>"No."
"Yes."
>"I won't."
"You will."
>"I think not."
>You dramatically turn down the fluffy comforter of your large new master bed and pat the sheets beneath.
"C'mon."
>Sun Horse shakes her head. "No, Anonymous--"
"Anon."
>She rolls her eyes. "Anon. This is your bed. I've slept on your couch for the past three months with no issues and the beds in the crew quarters are much more comfortable than it ever was. I'll be fine there."
>She moves to leave the room but you quickly sidestep into her path.
"Yeah, I know. But you're injured and you need your rest, so I want you to have this bed for the time being. I'll take the guest bedroom."
>She lets out an exasperated sigh. "Why must you be so difficult? I commissioned this ship for -you-, Anon. It's yours, completely, just like your home was. You're being ridiculous. What kind of host offers his own bed to a guest when there are plenty of other rooms available?"
>She blows a few strands of strawberry colored hair away from her face and gives you that pouty-yet-ever-so-slightly-playful look she's so good at. You lean against the doorframe and cross your arms, a smile on your face.
"Yeah, this is my ship, isn't it? And I guess that makes me the Captain."
>You flash her a wicked grin.
"And I guess that means anyone who boards this ship is under my authority."
>You step forward and stare into her magenta eyes.
"The Captain says get in the damn bed already. This is non-negotiable."
>She fiercely returns your gaze. For a moment, you become lost in those eyes that, if examined closely enough, tell the tale of a life lived for thousands of years. It almost makes you lose your resolve, but thankfully she turns away first.
 
>"...Very well, if you insist. I'm too tired to drag this out any further anyway."
>She slowly makes her way over to the bedside, then wiggles her way between the sheets. Her horn begins to glow in an attempt to pull the covers up but she winces in pain before the telekinesis can take hold and the aura quickly fades.
"Let me."
>You're there beside her in an instant to gently tuck her in. She shifts under the covers and turns to meet your gaze as you run a hand through her mane, once again brushing those stray locks away.
"You need to take it easy, Cel. Just rest. If you need anything I'll be in the other room."
>You retrieve the ship's manual, a tome of imposing size, from where you left it on the nearby dresser as you make your way toward the door. You've secretly been hoping the book's so thick because it's written in 5 different languages like every other manual you've ever flipped through (Seriously, who reads manuals anyway?), but something tells you that you're not gonna be so lucky with this one. Oh boy, a long night full of dry technical reading... your #1 favorite pastime next to dealing with Princess Autismo herself!
>Resigning yourself to your fate, you move a hand to turn off the room's lights as you exit, only to pause when you hear her Celestia call with an unsteady voice.
>"I need something."
>You almost asked 'What?' in reply, but as you turn back to her the need for the question vanishes.
>Two front hooves are curled around the comforter. Her neck is raised from her pillow, eyes locked on yours. She's trembling and her expression conveys one simple plea:
>'Don't leave me.'
 
>It's no surprise. Today's been a hell of a day. She's tired, hurt, stripped of her power... it's only natural that she'd be afraid to be alone after all that's happened. Suddenly the thought of stepping out of this room becomes as impossible for you to envision as changing the course of the sun and stars.
>Your hand moves away from the switch.
"...You're gonna have to fall asleep with the lights on. I still have to read this, you know."
>"I think I'll manage," she breathes out in relief as you approach. You notice the slight tremor in her voice has disappeared as quickly as it came. You prop a few pillows against the headboard and recline atop the sheets on the bed's other side and she rests her head against her own pillow and closes her eyes once you've settled.
>Here you are... sharing a bed with a horse. You're reminded of a picture you saw on the Internet once of a guy laying on a mattress clutching a real sleeping horse close to him. Yep, that's basically you now, Anon. Your life has somehow come to this.
>Yet, if you recall correctly, that guy in the picture looked happy. And as you watch Celestia's steady breathing you realize that you're happy too. You've told her time and time again that she's your favorite horse, a roundabout way of calling her your best friend, and every time it's been the truth. But now it doesn't seem like enough. Especially after today. You feel compelled to say something more to her, but you can't find the right words, and you realize that your opportunity is slipping away as she turns and begins to drift off to sleep...
>So in typical Anon fashion you spit out the first of the many questions that are floating through your head.
"You know... you never did tell me where we're going tomorrow."
>"The answer is irrelevant if you don't know how to fly the ship, Captain," she mumbles back through her pillow.
 
>You chuckle to yourself. There's the Celestia you know... that rare moment of vulnerability has vanished faster than an unattended cupcake when she's nearby. You resist the urge to reach over and playfully ruffle her mane.
"Goodnight, Sunbutt."
>"Goodnight, Anon."
>...
>...
>...
"And thanks."
>"The pleasure was mine."
>Her breathing calms and becomes steady and you turn your attention to the manual in your hands.
>Here we go... Chapter 1: Basic Flight Control Layout...
 
~~~~~~~~~
 
>This is hopeless.
>You slide down the bed and lay on your back. The book falls from your hands to the floor with a thump. If you have to read another word your eyes are gonna pop out of your skull and go on strike.
>You're fairly certain you can fly the ship with some practice. The controls are straightforward (And interestingly enough primarily designed for human hands... she thought of everything!) and you've played enough videogames in your lifetime to have a general idea of how this kind of stuff works.
>But as far as understanding and maintaining the various systems that keep the ship afloat? No way in hell. If something gets damaged or breaks down you guys are completely fucked.
>You glance over at the snoring alicorn beside you and wonder whether or not she happens to hold a degree in magical aircraft design and maintenance. It's possible, right? Maybe she got bored for 5 or 6 years of her immortal life and decided to pursue it as a hobby or something...
>Nah, that's just wishful thinking. You should reach down and pick up the book and get back into it. Despite how boring this is, you want to make yourself worthy of this gift she's given you.
>But it's been hours since you started. Maybe you should rest your eyes a bit before you go on. Yeah, that sounds good...
 
>...
>...
>...
>Shit, you must've dozed off for a bit there. You rise from your chair a little too fast for your sense of balance to keep up and you're forced to steady yourself against the cold stone wall to remain standing.
>Man, you must be... wait a minute... stone? This isn't the ship!
>You rush to a nearby window and find yourself gazing out across a vast forest below. There's not a single flake of snow visible amidst the moonlit trees. Considering how high up you are, you must be in some kind of tower or possibly a castle.
>What the fuck is happening... could this be Twilight's doing?! You look down at the Geas bands on your wrists. They're noticeably duller than they were before, but they're still there and faintly shining with residual magic. You should be safe for the time being.
>But if not Twilight, then...
>"A warm welcome to you, Anonymous the Human."
>Oh no. You know that voice...
>A midnight blue alicorn steps from the shadows, her starry mane and tail softly swaying in the cool breeze that filters through the tower's open windows. Her cyan eyes seem to regard every facet of you with cold detachment. Your heart begins to thunder in your chest and your legs tense to prepare for a quick escape if need be.
>Of the alicorns you've met, Twilight scares you, sure. But behind her vast newfound powers are the remnants of the autismal little unicorn you used to know. And Celestia? Well, it kind of goes without saying...
>Luna, on the other hand... she fucking terrifies you. You've barely spoken to one another in the past, but even from your brief interactions you've been able to tell there's something about her that should be feared. Like it's impossible to hold on to any secret in her presence because she already knows everything about you...
 
>"Come, we have much to discuss."
>The dark alicorn turns away and begins to trot up a nearby spiral staircase. You watch her starry tail disappear around the bend before you start your own ascent. Considering everything you know about her she's likely pulled you into a dream, so there's no point in running.
>You emerge from a doorway to find yourself on the roof of the tower. The cloudless night sky unfolds before you in all its glory. Luna regards it with an artist's critical eye as she sits at a nearby table for two and sips from a teacup.
>Mustering all your courage, you take a seat across from her and her attention shifts from the sky to you.
>"Would you care for some tea?"
"No thanks... I'm more of a coffee guy."
>"Ah, a plebeian. We find this unsurprising."
>You grit your teeth and your fear of her begins to fade away.
"Did you bring me here just to insult me?"
>She grins. "No, but 'tis a nice bonus. We are here to speak with you about Sister. We are well aware of recent events, and we are well aware of what she is planning."
>Now she's got your attention...
"Would you mind filling me in? She hasn't really been talkative about it."
>Luna daintily drains the last of her tea and sets the cup down.
>"Certainly. She intends to travel to the Cradle, to seek that which can restore her power. 'Tis the only true course of action left to her if she desires to keep you from Twilight Sparkle's reach." Her eyes wander to the Geas. "The spell is already fading. She is anxious to leave, we take it?"
>You nervously rub your wrists.
"Yeah... she was pretty insistent about it."
 
>"Indeed. Once the spell is broken there will be nothing to prevent Twilight from claiming you. However, the Cradle is the one place in this world beyond the reach of an alicorn's magic. She will not be able to pursue you directly, and it also contains the item Sister requires."
"A place Twilight can't reach...? Where the hell is it? I should've gone there from the start!"
>This is probably the first time you've seen Luna look confused about something. She stares at you like you just started speaking gibberish.
>"You... do not know of it? But that cannot be... you've been there before; you spent months there at Sister's behest..."
>Wait a minute. WAIT A GODDAMN MINUTE! She can't possibly be talking about...
>"Ah!" She clops her hooves together. "Now we remember. 'Tis been so long that we have forgotten the names used on modern maps. The place we refer to as the Cradle is likely known to you as Equus, the Lost Island, located within the great landlocked sea of the continent of Latigo. We call it the Cradle because it is believed to be the place from which all life in this world emerged, as well as the greatest known wellspring of magic."
>Your hands grip the table in an attempt to steady yourself and the shaking of your body begins to rattle Luna's tea set.
>Oh, you've been there before all right, and it all makes sense now. Celestia didn't tell you where you were going because she knew you'd flip the fuck out as soon as you heard. Fucking Sun Horse...
"...She wants another Orb of Ascension, doesn't she?"
>Luna nods. "Very perceptive. Yes, 'tis the only thing aside from the passage of time capable of restoring her former self. Given that you have retrieved one already you should know what is involved."
 
>You spent a better part of your trip back trying to bury your memories of Latigo and Equus Island. The Terror Caves... Forsaken Shoals... the Bloodfeast Slaughterfields Retirement Community... Estrus Valley... it all comes flooding back at once. You take a deep, cleansing breath to steady yourself. If you didn't know any better, you'd think Luna was looking on with a hint of sympathy.
"Okay. That makes sense, and I do owe her a lot... if that's what she wants, then fine."
>You return your gaze to the dark alicorn.
"But are you certain Twilight can't follow us there?"
>"She can follow you to Latigo if she so desires, but Equus is off limits to her, as well as any other alicorn. The same great magic which empowers us also causes the island's own pure magic to reject us completely, much like the Geas with which you are so familiar. Why do you think Sister needed you to retrieve the Orb for Twilight in the first place, as powerful as she was in the past?"
>More magic stuff again. You sort of remember reading something like that when you were researching the Orb prior to leaving, but you'll just have to take her word for it.
"If that's true, doesn't it mean Cel won't be able to enter the island either? She's an alicorn, too."
>Luna raises an eyebrow. "'Cel'...? That is a name we have not heard in quite some time... it explains much. And to answer your query... Anonymous, make no mistake. Sister still has wings and a horn, but these things alone do not make an alicorn. As she is now, she is beneath the magic of even a lowborn such as Niece Cadence. Equus shall not reject her in this state."
>You lean back in your chair. Damn, this is a lot to take in. But if you're being presented with a choice between heading back to Latigo or being Princess Spergle's living dildo you know which option you'll take.
 
>"Hear us well, Anonymous. That we have been able to so easily discern Sister's plans is not due to the fact that we have known each other all our long lives. They are apparent to anypony with the foresight to consider the options available, and this includes Twilight Sparkle. She is content to wait in Canterlot for your Geas to expire because she believes you have no way of reaching Equus in time. But if word were to come that you were in possession of an airship capable of making the journey we can safely say she will spare nothing in pursuit of you. That is the message we came to deliver this night."
>You can feel your blood start to freeze in your veins. Knowing Twilight, that was probably an understatement.
"Thanks for the warning. But there's something I don't understand... why are you telling all this to me? We barely know each other. Wouldn't it be better to talk to Cel about it directly?"
>Luna turns away from you and begins to examine the sky again.
>"We cannot bring ourself to speak with her yet. She has committed a grievous offense against us... but that is a family matter not for your ears." She focuses her gaze back on you. "Yet, despite that, she is still our Sister, and we love her, and we wish for her to be happy. And though we may appear to be cold to you both, we are not your enemy. Far from it. We shall do everything in our power to divert and delay Twilight from her chase."
>Now that REALLY got your attention.
"Are you serious? That's great! You're the top Princess, right, can't you like override her orders or something?"
 
>Luna shakes her head. "Directly opposing Twilight is... problematic. You must understand, the Diarchy is truly an equal rulership, though due to our long absence many of its nuances have not been put back into practice until recently. Though we are several orders of magnitude her senior in power, years and experience, Twilight holds equal authority to us. When the two Princesses disagree on a matter, the issue is sent to the House of Nobles for a vote..."
>Her ears fold back in embarrassment. "And... to put it bluntly... our relationship with the Noble families of Canterlot is... strained... whereas the House of Sparkle has long had a favorable position amongst them."
"So the stuffy Nobles of Canterlot aren't too keen on an eccentric shrieking banshee-horse who suddenly shows up out of nowhere to fuck with their social order? Can't say I'm surprised."
>Heh. Good one, Anon. Wait, did you just say that out loud?
>Luna's eyes narrow and you can practically feel the electricity in the air. You're fairly certain she's trying to kill you through thought alone right now, and let's be honest... she probably could if she wanted to.
>But then you hear a giggle escape the corner of her mouth and the entire charade quickly begins to fall apart as her laughter swirls around you like the gentle breeze itself.
>"So, he possesses a spine after all! Even though we read Twilight Sparkle's report on human anatomy thoroughly, we were beginning to wonder!"
>She works her way through another bout of laughter before she continues. "Yes, your assessment is correct. It is difficult to have our will enacted by the Council, though we can use the bureaucracy to our advantage to stymie Twilight. But even still, we suggest you be on your way by noon tomorrow at the latest. Princess Sparkle has eyes and ears everywhere and Sister's gift won't remain hidden from her for long."
 
>You stand from the table and stretch.
"I intend to. But you'd better let me wake up so I can finish reading the damn manual for the ship or we won't be going anywhere."
>Luna rises as well. "As you wish. When you reach Latigo we shall come to you again to offer our aid. If Sister intends to use the route to Equus that we suspect, you'll have need of it."
>Her horn shines and the world around you begins to melt away. As your consciousness fades, you hear Luna's voice one final time.
>"Anonymous, we implore you... stand by our Sister. Complete the ritual and bring her back to us. If there is one thing we learned during our imprisonment, it is that we do not have the resolve to face eternity alone..."
>You feel as if you're falling into a chasm, and then all feelings vanish.
 
~~~~~~~~~
 
>You groan as the sunlight touches your eyelids. Looks like you forgot to close the room's shutters before you hopped into bed... you push your face into the incredibly soft pillow in front of you to block out the light.
>Damn this bed is comfortable. And it smells nice too, kind of like a sunny field in spring. They must've used the primo detergent brand on these sheets. Pillow's comfy too. And huge. And warm. And breathing.
>Uh oh.
>You open an eye and suddenly become a lot more aware of your surroundings. You're under the covers and tightly hugging Sun Horse, your face buried in the soft coat of her neck and her muzzle resting atop your head. Her forehooves are tightly locked around you in a mutual embrace. There's a weight on your side that you're not quite sure about, but you can't angle your head far enough to see what it is. Options for escape: limited.
>The weight on your side moves. "What're y'all still doin' asleep? Can't ya see the sun's up already?"
 
>Wow, this just got a lot fucking worse. You shift your body a bit and turn your head to see...
"...Applebloom?"
>The yellow filly is standing on your side atop the covers grinning like the mischievous little angel she is.
>"Granny sent me over ta invite y'all for breakfast! But when I got here I found ya still sleepin'! Y'all must really like huggin' each other ta fall asleep like that, huh?"
"We were really tired. Can you please not mention this to--"
>"Good morning."
>...And now she's awake too.
"Hey, Cel."
>"Howdy, Miss Celestia! Rise and shine!"
>She blinks her eyes a bit and raises her head. "Little Applebloom, how unexpected. A good morning to you too. Anon, have you made any coffee yet?"
"I'm still kinda stuck here, if you don't mind."
>"Ah, my apologies."
>"We have some coffee at the house if ya want some!" The over-excited filly begins to painfully hop up and down on your ribs.
"We'll be over there in a minute. Why don't you run ahead and tell your Granny we're on our way?"
>"Ya can count on me! I'll be there in a jiffy!" She spins around and bolts out of the room and you let out a sigh of relief at the reprieve. You and Celestia manage to extricate yourselves from one another after a confusing twister-like series of arm and leg movements. You walk over to glance out the window while she begins to make the bed, humming a cheery tune.
"Look, I'm sorry about this. I didn't mean to fall asleep here; I don't really know what happened."
>"'S fine," she mumbles with a sheet in her mouth. "Things have been quite harrowing for both of us recently... are you blushing?"
"What? No, what're you talking about?"
 
>She trots up to examine you face to face. "You are. Come now, Anon, this is nothing to be embarrassed over. After all, we were doing something much more intimate together yesterday morning than merely lying in bed with one another, wouldn't you agree?"
>You watch as she trots to the other side of the bed to continue fixing the sheets and your eyes follow the alluring curves of her back and admire how her wings rest so perfectly against her sides.
>And you just used the word 'alluring' to describe Sun Horse. Time to go get some goddamn coffee, Anon.
"We can worry about the bed later. We shouldn't keep the Apples waiting for us."
>Celestia drops the pillow she was holding and yawns. "Yes, you're right..."
>The two of you exit the ship and begin your walk through the snow to the Apple Family homestead in silence. Memories of your dream begin to flood back as your mind starts to truly wake up and you stop for a moment. Celestia notices and turns back to you.
>"Is something the matter?"
"Your sister came to me in a dream last night. She told me everything."
>You see a flash of shock run through her expression before she manages to get it under control.
>"Oh... I see. I take it Luna is well?"
>You walk up to her and look her in the eyes.
"When were you planning to tell me we were headed to Latigo?"
>Her ears turn back and she looks away. "I... I figured that maybe if we were about halfway over the ocean you'd take the news a little better..."
>You reach forward and turn her head toward you once again.
"Cel, I meant every word I said to you last night. If you want another one of those Orbs, then I'll go get you one. But if this is gonna work... if we're actually gonna make this happen, then you need to trust me. We can't have secrets between us. I need to know what you're thinking or I'll never be able to help you when it counts. Do you understand?"
 
>She nods. "I do. I'm sorry... things like this are a bad habit carried over from my days as a Princess. Often times it was better to tell others only what they needed to know..." She blows those pesky strands of her wild strawberry mane away from her eyes again and smiles at you. "But I can't live like that anymore, now can I?"
>She drapes her neck over your shoulder and you return the hug in kind. "Forgive me, my little human?"
"Of course."
>The two of you continue on your way.
"Luna was fine. She's still upset with you about something, but she said she still loves you and she's going to help us with Twilight."
>"That's reassuring to hear... I was a little worried about her. Speaking of Twilight, how did the reading go? Do you think you can pilot the ship now?"
"Uh... probably?"
>She laughs. "That's not very reassuring. But you told me before that you're a more... 'hands on' learner, right? I'm sure it'll come to you when needed."
>The two of you reach the front porch of the farmhouse and you place a hand on the door.
"And like you said before, I guess we'll see, won't we?"
>Applebloom is scurrying around you from the moment you step inside.
>"Ya finally made it! C'mon, yer breakfast is gettin' cold!"
>You follow her to the dining room where the rest of the Apples are seated and already chowing down.
>"Eh? Anon, izzat you? And ya brought that tall Canterlot filly with ya again too. What wuz her name? Celery?"
>"Celestia, Granny," Big Mac corrects.
>"Oh, right! Same name as the Princess... what were yer parents thinkin' namin' ya that, hun?"
>Celestia giggles. "Sometimes I ask myself the same thing. Thank you for your hospitality once again."
>Applejack smiles. "Ain't nothin' to it. We're always happy ta have more guests at the table. We always end up cookin' more than we expect... guess it's a force'a habit in a large family."
 
>You both take your seats and dig in.
>Dining with the Apples is always a joy. The food's spectacular, there's plenty to go around, and the welcoming atmosphere puts even the best restaurant to shame.
>The company's great, too.
>There's little Applebloom, the precocious filly. Though a bit overeager, she's a quick learner and quite smart, even if you'd never be able to tell when she's in the company of her friends.
>Applejack you've known for a while through Pinkie and the others. Hardworking but stubborn, you can tell she tries her best to run the farm and her family, sometimes to the detriment of both. Still, it's easy to see that under her tough cowgirl exterior she's got a heart as gold as the mane beneath her hat.
>Granny Smith is getting on in years, but is still surprisingly spry and a master in the kitchen. You're fairly certain she thinks you're some kind of weird hairless minotaur or something, but she treats you with the same warm hospitality she would anyone else, so you suppose it doesn't matter.
>But perhaps the most surprising of all is Big Macintosh. He seems fairly straightforward at first glance: not much of a talker, built like a brick shithouse, does his job quickly and efficiently, and probably smarter than he lets on. But last night at dinner you learned that this pony is a HUGE. FUCKIN'. NERD.
>Seriously. The best thing you can compare him to are those train geeks back on Earth you've seen from time to time on TV who own like every model of toy train ever made and can tell you everything about them down to what size bolt holds a particular piece of the engine in place. That's Big Macintosh, except instead of trains, it's airships.
 
>You suppose it's unsurprising given the Apples have a hoof in the industry, but you were taken aback at just how much this damn horse can talk about ships. He seemed really, really impressed with yours to say the least, and it's hard to not let his enthusiasm about the subject rub off on you.
>You see three fritters quickly disappear from his plate before he looks in your direction.
>"Are ya gonna take 'er out for some test flights today, Anon? Weather's gonna be good for it."
"Yeah, but as soon as I get the hang of it we'll be leaving. We have someplace we need to be, even if it is tough to give up on good food like this!"
>He deflates a little at the news. "Ah see. Well, you gotta do what you gotta do, but ah could give you some pointers if you're interested."
>Applejack narrows her eyes. "Mac, we got chores ta do this mornin'. Ya can't spend all yer time playin' airship captain."
>Granny laughs. "Oh, Applejack, let the boy have his fun. It's winter and the chores ken wait."
>Mac sticks his tongue out at his overbearing sister who scowls back, earning a laugh from you.
"Any advice you can offer is great. If you want to head over with me now I'd really appreciate it. We're kind of on a tight schedule."
>"You got it, partner."
>Applebloom hops up from her seat. "Oh, oh! Can I come too, big brother?"
>Applejack scoffs. "On a school day? Ah think not, missy. Go get yerself cleaned up and gather yer books or yer gonna be late again."
>"Awwwww..." She marches up the stairs with heavy hoofsteps. You say your goodbyes to AJ and Granny and the three of you are out the door.
 
~~~~~~~~~
 
>'Don't wreck the 15 million bit airship, Anon.' 'Don't wreck the 15 million bit airship, Anon.' 'Don't wreck the 15 million bit airship, Anon...'
>You ease back on the controls and the ship gently touches down near the farmhouse.
>Mac nods in approval. "Not bad. You were a little slow stabilizin', but for a second try at a landing you did good."
"Thanks. Those tips you gave me really helped."
>The sun creeps ever closer to its highest point as noon approaches. You've spent the past several hours practicing basic flight. Mac was even kind enough to give you a technical tour of the engine room and explain how all the various systems work together to keep the ship afloat. His knowledge of this stuff really is uncanny.
>"Anon? We should be leaving soon." You hear Celestia's hoofsteps approach as she climbs up to the airship's open-air pilot's deck. While the ship can still be controlled from the enclosed bridge further away, this deck allows one to truly experience the sensation of flight. It's like standing on top of a mountain peak that you can will to move... and it's probably exactly what her intention was in the design if her letter is any indication.
>You and Mac lift your flight goggles to address her.
"I'm still nervous about this, but if we have to go now I think I can manage to not crash us into anything."
>"Ah'm sure you'll be fine. The controls're designed for you. It'll be second nature soon."  Mac hoofs his goggles over to you. "Ah suppose ah should be gettin' back before AJ comes lookin' for me."
"Thanks again for your help."
>He holds out a hoof and you give it a bump. "Anytime, partner."
 
>The red stallion turns to leave and Celestia trots up beside you as you watch him go.
>"You appear to have something on your mind, Captain."
>You let out a sigh.
"Just my instincts telling me that without him on board we're probably doomed."
>She pushes you forward with a wing. "Well? Surely you know how to remedy this situation."
>You know what... she's right. You need to listen to your own intuition, just like Pinkie told you back on the train to Canterlot. And your intuition is telling you now, at this very moment, that without this pony's help this quest, or expedition, or whatever the hell you want to call it is destined to fail. A ship like this -needs- an engineer.
"Mac, wait."
>You rush after him. He turns back to you, a look of curiosity on his face.
"Do you think you'd be able to fix the ship if it broke down? Like the propulsion, the engine, stabilizers, that sort of stuff?"
>He ponders for a moment. "Eeyup. Ah can rightly say ah can fix anythin' on board. There're plenty of supplies an' tools for it in the maintenance storage."
"...Would you like to come with us? I don't know how long we'll be gone, and I'm not sure if I can even pay you for it, but I really think we need you on board for this. I know for a fact that I won't be able to learn how to do any of the engineering stuff necessary to keep the ship in good condition in the amount of time we have."
>He takes a few steps back. "Are you serious, partner?"
>You nod.
"Yeah, I know it's a longshot and that I'm asking a lot without really offering anything in return, but we need you."
>He trots over to the deck's edge and peers over at the farmhouse nearby for several minutes.
 
>"You know what... ah accept. It's winter, things are slow now, and ah haven't had a vacation in years. If they need more hooves at the farm they can use some of y'alls airship payment ta hire 'em." He turns back to you and salutes. "Ah'll take the job, Captain."
>You smile and hand him his goggles back.
"An honor to have you aboard, Chief Engineer."
>"Mac? What in the hay kinda nonsense are you spoutin' over there?! Ya can't just up and leave fer Celestia knows how long!"
>The three of you turn to find the stetson-clad Applejack standing at the top of the stairwell leading down to the living quarters.
>Sun Horse lets out a chuckle. "In truth, Applejack, I'm not entirely certain how long it'll be."
>Applejack pulls her hat over her eyes. "Oh fer cryin' out loud... sorry, force'a habit. But ah'm serious, Mac, we can't have ya flyin' around the world havin' adventures an' whatnot while there're things ta be done on the farm!"
>Mac's eyes narrow. "An' how is that any different than what you've been doin' with your friends for the past couple'a years?"
>"Wha-- bu-but that stuff was fer Equestria! It ain't the same!"
>Mac laughs. "Really, now? All of it? That's a load'a manure, Sis."
>The two ponies begin to circle each other.
>"You watch yer tone with me, brother, or you're gonna get it."
>"We ain't foals anymore, AJ. Unless your hooves can cash those checks your mouth is writin' ah'd back off."
>"That's it ya dumb lummox! Ah've had it!" The two leap at one another and start brawling. You step away from the melee and turn to Celestia.
"Should we do something?"
>She shakes her head. "No, let them be. This makes me nostalgic for my youth together with Luna. We behaved similarly when arguing over the most minor things, and if there's one thing I've learned from that time, it's that the older sibling usually wins."
 
>Sure enough, as the dust settles, Mac has Applejack pinned to the ship's deck. She stares up at him fiercely.
>"Don't ya see ah'm worried about ya?! Ya ain't the adventurin' type, Mac... ya've spent nearly all yer life here on the farm... ah just don't want ya ta get hurt. After Ma and Pa... ah can't..."
>"An' how d'ya think ah felt when you went ta Manehatten ta find yourself, or when you went ta face a dragon, or all them other times you had ta run off ta help other ponies? Ah know it's scary, AJ, but Anon 'n Celestia need me, and ah really think ah can help 'em. Just like all that other stuff was somethin' you felt you had ta do... this is somethin' ah feel like ah have ta do too."
>Applejack turns away from her brother, her eyes falling upon the farmhouse nearby. After several moments, and with a sigh of resignation, she reaches forward with a hoof and bops Mac on the nose.
>"No fair, big bro... usin' yer fancy logic on me. Ah know yer right, even when it's tough ta admit it."
>The two siblings help each other up and exchange a hug while you and Celestia d'awww at the sight a little further away.
>"...But you know me. Ah don't think ah could sleep at night worryin' about ya bein' out gallivantin' around the world with a shady character like Anon, so..."
>She walks over to you and removes her hat. "Anon, ah don't know if ya've thought about this or not, but unless one of ya really knows how ta cook y'all might not have a good meal fer a while. Ah'd like ta offer my services fer the time bein' as yer ship's chef, if'n ya'd have me."
>Mac's jaw drops. "What about the farm?!"
>Applejack grins. "And now who's bein' the hypo-whatsit, big brother? Ya just said that things're slow and if we need help we can hire some extra hooves."
>Celestia laughs. "My, my... what's your decision, Captain?"
"Do you honestly expect me to turn down AJ's cooking? Welcome aboard."
>Applejack salutes. "Thank ya kindly!"
 
>Mac turns to you. "Can ya give us a few minutes ta gather some things and let Granny know what's goin' on?"
"Sure, I think we've got some time."
>Applejack smiles. "It's much appreciated, Anon-- er, Captain. Horseapples, it's gonna take me a while ta get used ta callin' ya that."
>The two Apple ponies trot down the stairs toward the ship's exit as Celestia walks up behind you and places her head on your shoulder.
>"We're gathering quite the little crew, don't you think?"
"Eeyup."
 
~~~~~~~~~
 
>"Madame, we're approaching the specified coordinates. Your orders?"
>A half-filled wine glass cradled by a faint blue aura floats amidst the unusual silence of the bridge. "Proceed as you were instructed. Disable the airship and capture its occupants."
>"As you wish."
 
~~~~~~~~~
 
>You pull back on the controls and the ship rises into the overcast sky, smoother than silk. The farmhouse below becomes smaller and smaller as you near the clouds.
>Mac stands next to you on the open deck, while Applejack converses with Celestia from the safety of the bridge.
>"Latigo, huh? Can't rightly say anypony ah know's ever been there."
"It's not so bad, I guess. Equus Island and the sea surrounding it is another story."
>"You sound like you're speakin' from experience, partner."
"I wish I wasn't."
>The ship's helium frame begins to tear through the clouds and soon you find yourselves surrounded by fog that makes it impossible to tell which direction you're going. A steady eye on the altimeter confirms that you're still ascending, so you press on without fear.
 
>In time, the ship breaks through the clouds and you're bathed by the afternoon sun and surrounded by the vast open expanse of a perfect blue sky. You let her simply hover for a while to take in the sight...
>Mac is speechless, as are you. The two mares wander out on deck wearing their flight goggles to have a look for themselves.
>"Tarnation... is this the kinda stuff Rainbow sees every day?"
>You feel a nose nudge your shoulder before whispering in your ear. "Is it everything you imagined it would be?"
"I honestly don't know if I'm still dreaming or not."
>Celestia steps away and unfurls a wing, then sweeps it across your vision as if unveiling a painting. "It's not a dream. This is yours now."
>Your hand finds its way into her wild mane, affectionately brushing downwards, each finger dancing between the long locks of hair. Your eyes meet.
"I don't know how to properly thank you for this, but I'm trying."
>"I told you last night... the pleasure was mine."
>Silence falls between you, but neither one of you moves. You're entranced... the sky which surrounds you is so beautiful a sight that it nearly causes your heart to quake. But for some reason, at this very moment, you can't pull your gaze away from Celestia, as if she outshines even the deep blue veil and the sun positioned within it.
>She closes her magenta eyes and you begin to lean in, pulled by some unseen force...
>"What in the hay is THAT?!"
>You both return to your senses and look over at Applejack who stands near the starboard railing. Various dark splotches are visible on the horizon and they seem to be getting larger by the moment.
>Mac joins his sister by the rail. "Other airships... looks ta be military frames, eeyup."
>Military airships...? Uh oh. You immediately run back to the ship's controls.
 
"I think it's time for us to skedaddle."
>Celestia floats over to your side. "A sound decision. They appear to be trying to box us in, but I'm certain we can outrun them if we can find open sky."
>"They're on the other side'a us too!"
"Fuck, they've got us surrounded already? Luna wasn't kidding when she said Twilight would pull out all the stops for this one..."
>You see a flash from one of the specks in the distance, then hear a whistling sound followed by a rush of air as a large hole appears in the layer of clouds directly below you on your port side.
>"Holy horseapples, they're firin' at us!"
>Another flash. You pull back on the throttle to reverse the turbines and the ship rockets backwards just in time for you to see a hole open up in the clouds where the bow was just moments before.
>One of the first things you wrapped your head around earlier today was the fact that an airship is not a fighter jet. It's true that it's capable of incredible speeds, but only during level flight. Ascending and descending is a comparatively slow process, so making large changes in altitude in the midst of a battle is like asking to be hit. If you get blockaded in by this enemy fleet your options for escape are slim to none...
"Does anyone see a way out?!"
>"Not here, sugarcube!"
>"'Fraid not, partner."
>"They have us from the back as well... they were likely waiting for us in advance..."
>Shit, shit, shit. You hear another whistle and you punch the throttle and shift the stabilizers to perform an emergency turn which throws everyone off balance. There's a crash from nearby as a few supply boxes near the back of the deck shift around and collide with one another.
>"Pinkie Pie, this is my hidin' spot! Y'all need ta get yer own!"
>"Nuh uh! I was here first!"
 
>What. You risk a glance back.
>"APPLEBLOOM?!"
"PINKIE?!"
>Applejack runs over to her younger sibling. "You've got three seconds ta explain why ya ain't in school right now!"
>The poor filly cowers in response. "W-Well, I..."
>"This ain't the time, AJ, Anon needs every set'a eyes he can get right now ta spot!"
>"We are gonna have a long discussion about this if we survive, missy, ya hear me?!"
>"Yes, sis..."
>Meanwhile, you find yourself staring at your all-too-familiar co-worker in disbelief.
"Pinkie, what the fuck are you doing here?!"
>The pink mare bounds over to you and gives you a hug. "Oh Non-non, you didn't think you'd be able to go on an adventure without your bestest pal Pinkie Pie, did you? I woke up this morning and a little birdie told me that you'd be taking a super cool airship to a faraway land to embark on a hilarious yet epic quest to find love and redemption! And by birdie I mean my hoofsies 'cause they were a'twitchin'! So I talked to Mr. and Mrs. Cake and we..."
>Oh sweet god almighty you can't deal with this right now.
"That's great, but we're all about to die so if you could go bug one of the others I'd appreciate it."
>You pull back again to evade another shot. The airships are starting to close in and the amount of space you have to work with is rapidly dwindling...
>Pinkie peers out over the edge of the railing. "Oh, you want to escape? I can help with that! Point us to the southwest, I'll be right back!" She hops down the stairwell into the deck below.
"Well, we're probably dead anyway, so why not..."
>You do as she says while avoiding another cannonball. There's a roar sounding like cannon fire from near the bow of the ship and you're certain you've been hit...
>...and then two of the airships directly in front of you explode and begin to sink into the clouds below.
"What...?"
 
>The intercom in your pilot's console crackles to life. "Woo-hoo! Bullseye! Non-non, you're so silly... did you really think you'd be able to set out on a dangerous journey without a gunner for your ship? When it comes to artillery or parties, leave it to Auntie Pinkie Pie~!"
>You turn to Celestia, mouth agape.
"We had weapons...? I didn't see any earlier and they sure as hell weren't mentioned in the manual..."
>The alicorn shakes her head. "No... I saw no need for them when I sent the design requests over, so there were never any installed. When did she...?"
"Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie I guess..."
>Applebloom bounces up beside you. "Look! There's a hole between the ships where those two busted ones used ta be! It's a way out!"
>You grip the throttle, a spark of hope running through your thoughts.
"Mac, do you think we can make it?"
>The red stallion nods. "Eeyup."
>"D-Don't be scared now, sugar..." Applejack pulls Applebloom close to her as she herself starts to tremble while the yellow filly remains perfectly calm.
>You lick your lips and punch the throttle forward as far as it can go.
 
>[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x33FVzA71EI ]
 
>The speed is unreal. In an instant the enemy fleet disappears into the haze behind you and the beautiful clear sky stretches forever on.
>She wasn't kidding. This is yours, almost as if it's a tangible thing that you can reach out and hold in your hand...
>You close your eyes and feel the wind cascade around your body for a few moments. You open them again when you hear Pinkie bound back up the stairs from below deck.
>You pull back on the throttle a bit and step away from the controls to observe the assembled ponies behind you, who've already started excitedly chatting with one another.
 
>A pink party pony, completely unpredictable in her actions but always reliable in her drive to help a friend.
>A stalwart stallion, strong of mind and body.
>A stubborn farmpony whose greatest flaw is wanting to do too much for others.
>A rambunctious little filly who you're no doubt sure will be a constant source of trouble.
>And of course, Cel, the ex-Princess of Equestria and your favorite horse, bar none.
>Celestia meets your gaze and trots over to you, the wind whipping her strawberry mane and tail in every direction.
>"There's no turning back."
"Yeah, I figured. But 'quite a little crew'...? That's a bit of an understatement now, don't you think?"
>"Yes, it appears we have a full bushel of Apples in addition to a fallen Princess, the world's only human and a pony who I'm fairly certain can bend reality. I think we're well prepared for the Trials of Equus, don't you?"
"I suppose there's only one way to find out..."
>You angle the ship east and punch the throttle once again, parting the clouds before you like waves on the sea and leaving the familiar homeland you've all known behind.
 
Next Time on Exchange: I Am Rarity