“Twi, I really don’t think you need all this stuff. You’re only going to be gone for a week or so. Maybe longer. What do you need so many books for?”
Spike asked as he watched Twilight, sat in front of the cutie map table with a bag and a stack of books. She was currently trying to shove more books in her already packed bag but it wasn’t working quite well. The bag was all misshaped from the contents inside and Spike was pretty sure there were only a tiny half of needed supplies in there and the rest was literally just books. She huffed annoyed as she stopped and let the book slowly fall out of the bag.
“Actually I do need all these books! I’m staying on a deserted island with only a few selected ponies. It’s never been touched by pony hooves before. Who knows what kind of dangerous things could be on the island? There are so many harmful creatures and even just the island itself could be dangerous! If I don’t bring these books I won’t be able to protect myself.”
“Twi, as much as I appreciate you thinking ahead and making sure you’re well, you really don’t need all of these.” He gestured to the stuffed bag of books and the other books lied out on the table. “Besides, do you really think all the other ponies are going to be bringing bags packed full with books on survival or whatever? You have a tour guide staying with you on the island too. They’ll probably have everything you need.”
“Yes, but why wait on somepony else when you can come prepared? I’m sure the tour guide will be amazed when they see that I arrived with everything I need. I wouldn’t even need to ask them for anything!”
Spike sighed, shaking his head. It was at this point he knew Twilight wasn’t going to change her mind and that there was no point arguing. He eventually walked away and let Twilight do her thing in attempting to stuff that one book in her bag. Maybe she’d come to her senses later and take fewer books that she thought she ‘needed’ and take the more useful things.
Later, all five of Twilight’s friends including Spike all trotted alongside her to a hot air balloon that was currently tied to the ground, waiting to be used. Normally you’d think they would all hop in and join Twilight in her adventure. This was not the case however since this would be a solo journey for Twilight. Only the ones who were selected were allowed on the island and she was very lucky to be chosen. She was sure her friends could stand a week without her anyhow though. Maybe not Pinkie Pie..Yeah, Pinkie would be fine too. Maybe a little crying and rib breaking hugs but she’d be okay.
Twilight grunted as she heaved her bag into the hot air balloon. Both Rarity and Fluttershy both looked at each other, seeming to think the same thing. That bag was a little too much..Even Rarity could say that and she always took the most unnecessary things with her when she could.
“Twilight, did you actually fit all your books in there?” Spike asked.
“No, I had to leave some behind but I took the essentials.”
Spike let out a loud sigh as Applejack comfortingly patted him on the back.
“Yeah, I’m not a balloon expert or anything but that is way too much weight for the balloon. You’re going to be sinking before you even get off the ground.” Rainbow said.
“I doubt it. Why don’t we give it a little test run first?”
“I guess.”
Rainbow flew over to the ropes attached to the ground and untied one of them to test. Twilight felt the balloon slowly release from the rope and shift a little. One side of it was still attached but the other was free. Free to raise into the air as far as the rope let it which wasn’t very far. Twilight pulled down a handle as blue fire filled the giant balloon above her. She felt the basket beneath her begin to rise and take off into the air when it slowly just..Stopped. She looked down to see that not even the rope left was restraining it.
“I told you!” Rainbow said.
Twilight sighed as she levitated the bag she packed over to herself. She opened it to find herself face to face with crammed books and a very small flashlight. Everything else was crammed into the bottom. She levitated some books out and read the covers and sides, deciding which ones were most important and which were least important. Eventually, she decided on some and ended up tossing them over the side where Spike waited to catch the books and take them back to the castle. He stumbled a bit catching a few but no books or Spikes were harmed.
“That should do it. I think you’re all set now!” Rainbow called out.
Twilight nodded as she looked over the side to see all of her friends down below looking up into the sky with both sad and hopeful smiles. Pinkie among them looked like she was ready to burst into tears but had a goofy smile on her face to try and hide the sadness. Twilight levitated Pinkie up to her, making her gently float in front of her and gave her a hug. Pinkie returned it, hugging her close for a few moments before being set down on the ground again. The pink pony looked a lot happier after being hugged as Rainbow untied the last rope and the balloon jolted a little, drifting into the sky and away from the ground.
“Goodbye everypony! See you soon!” Twilight yelled, waving.
“Goodbye, Twilight!” A few variations of her name and goodbyes being said from down below as they all waved, slowly turning into nothing but colorful dots.
Once she could no longer see the colorful dots and nothing but landscape below, she ducked down in the basket and sat down. She opened her bag and levitated a hardcover book, a quill, and what looked like to be a few of some unmarked assignments from her students at the School of Friendship. To most, this wouldn’t be a very enjoyable way to spend one’s time but Twilight enjoyed marking things. Plus, these needed to be done in time for next Thursday and she had much to mark. Of course, she would have to do a lot more when at home but why not get a head start? She breathed the fresh cold air as her mane swayed in the gentle wind, taking her quill to some ink and beginning to leave little checkmarks and comments on the papers.
A purple color filled the sky and stars began to twinkle and shine, filling the empty sky. Moonlight shone on the slow-moving air balloon as well and the air started to become a little cold. In between marking a paper, Twilight shivered as a cold breeze swept across her body all the way to her tail. She let out a small breath as she dug into her bag, looking for something to keep herself warm. She gasped and smiled as she pulled out a little blanket with what looked like constellations on it. It was very fitting at this time and would be very cozy and warm. Just what Twilight needed. She draped the blanket over herself and snuggled up to it smiling as she continued to write on the student’s paper.
“Twilight Sparkle?..”
Twilight let out a small groan noise as she felt herself shift and turn wherever she was sleeping and rolled on to her side. She could see nothing but darkness but she somehow consciously knew she was asleep.
“Twilight Sparkle.”
She let out another groan noise, this time in annoyance. She wanted to be left alone. Why couldn’t that voice leave her alone and let her sleep?..
“Twilight Sparkle!”
“Huh?!”
Twilight sprung up from her sleep panting. She looked down to see a puddle of drool on a paper she seemed to of been previously writing on before falling asleep. The ink that was used on it seemed to of been smudged and unfortunately smudged the student’s writing to. Twilight panicked as she waved the paper around with her magic to try and dry it off somehow. Clearly, that wasn’t working..
"Are you alright?"
She stopped waving the paper around and stared upwards from the basket. A ladder was swaying in the wind as what looked like to be a tiny airplane was flying right beside her. Airplanes didn't exist in this world which was rather odd. Twilight knew about airplanes since she had stayed in the human world for a little while well helping the human versions of her friends in the Battle of the Bands. While deciding song lyrics and such, she had spotted one flying in the air one morning and asked what it was. The girls looked at her like she was crazy but told her anyways. It was too bad they didn't have them here in the pony world since they would be rather helpful for ponies to get here and there. She looked upwards from the swaying ladder to see some kind of creature holding on..Looking at her!
"U-Uh..H-Hello? Were you talking to me?" She asked, squinting at the ladder.
“Yes, yes, are you by chance..” The creature stared down at what looked to be a piece of paper before making eye contact with Twilight again. “Twilight Sparkle?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Oh, well grab on to the ladder! I’m here to pick you up for the Nook Inc. Getaway Package.”
“Oh!” Twilight stood up, grabbing her belongings when she glanced back at the hot air balloon she still stood in. “Wait, I can’t just leave. This isn’t my hot air balloon.”
“Hold on a second, I think I could help with that.”
The creature seemed to of grabbed what seemed to be a walkie talkie from its side and spoke into it. “Any spare ropes?”
“Yes, yes, I believe so. What for?” Another voice slightly more high pitch came from out of it.
“We need to bring a hot air balloon with us.”
“Very well.”
The creature put away the walkie talkie and turned its attention upwards to the plane. Not far where the ladder was attached to it, a door slid open. Two tiny creatures that looked oddly the same as the creature dangling from the ladder came out. Although, Twilight couldn’t really tell what they all looked like since it was so dark. The three of them all just looked very similar. One of them carried a rope and tossed one end down to the creature dangling from the ladder. The creature than tossed it to Twilight.
“Tie it to the basket!”
Twilight used her magic to tie a very tight knot with the rope to the basket of the hot air balloon. She pulled on it just to make sure it was tight and was then satisfied with it. She looked up again to see the two tiny creatures tie the rope to their plane as well. Once done, they hurried back inside and shut the door.
“Alright, come on then!”
Twilight levitated all her things and put back the wet assignment in her bag, still annoyed at herself for falling asleep on it. She grabbed on the waving ladder and made her way up to the creature’s height. They both then climbed up together as the creature opened the door and they both climbed it, slamming the door shut after.
“Phew..Thank you for coming to pick me up. I actually wasn’t sure where to steer the balloon next.”
“Yes, yes, it’s no problem.”
Twilight was now in the inside of a well-lit plane. It was rather small but comfortable. There were four seats within it making it just enough for how many passengers it had inside currently. The inside of the plane was painted blue and white just like the outside as well. Twilight set down her things as her eyes got used to the better light. She looked in front of her to see what seemed to of been the creature that came to pick her up..Wait a minute. A tiny raccoon? The raccoon had its back turned to her currently as it shuffled things about, its tail swaying side to side.
“Wait..You’re not a pony?”
The raccoon now turned to face her, looking at her rather confused. “Yes, yes? I am not. Why would you think I would be a pony?”
“But..How is this possible? I mean..You’re a raccoon and you’re talking to me! This is more Fluttershy’s thing..”
“Pardon me but don’t you think that’s rather rude to say? Of course, I can talk.”
Twilight now sat down on the floor, completely bewildered. The raccoon sighed.
“Let me try this again. I am Tom Nook. I am often known for running shops that include both furniture, tools, and more. You were of the few selected to stay on a deserted island for a week or perhaps longer if truly desired. I am simply transporting us there now so we can get settled. I am also your tour guide and the one running this getaway package.”
“B-But..Are there any other ponies?!”
Tom Nook gave her a look of annoyance.
“How am I supposed to know? They were randomly selected and were only told to meet us on the island. It’s a complete mystery to me.”
“We are arriving on the island shortly!”
Tom Nook’s walkie talkie suddenly went off as he grabbed it and replied. “Good, land near the dock.”
Twilight took her first few steps on the island once off the dock. It was incredibly dark out currently and she could only see as far as her flashlight shined which wasn’t such a great distance. She could hear soft waves breaking on the sand and the sounds of crickets. She also saw a few outlines of trees in the distance..Perhaps a few palm trees. She took in the sights as she breathed in some fresh air. She saw Tom Nook walk past her with what looked like two mini versions of him. They were carrying a big box of supplies towards an empty area of the island. They set it down once in a good spot and started to pull out what looked like equipment for tents and other things. Twilight curiously trotted over to see what they were doing.
“Need any help?” She asked.
“No, we’re good here. Timmy and Tommy should be able to get it all done.”
Timmy and Tommy, the two little raccoons that looked like spitting images of Tom Nook were currently hammering a big blue tent into the ground effortlessly. Tom Nook was right, they seemed to have everything going well for them.
“Timmy and Tommy? Wow, they look just like you! Are they your children?”
“O-Oh. Well, yes but no. I adopted them but they aren’t really mine.” Tom Nook now glanced at the two twin raccoons with a little pride in his face. “They don’t really look at me as a father figure though but rather a mentor. Or well..A boss. I suppose that’s just how it always has been since I’ve run so many shops in the past.”
“Hm, that’s rather interesting. I’m sure they appreciate everything you do for them though.”
“Yeah, I bet they do.” Tom Nook smiled gently and then walked off towards the beach on his own.
Twilight watched him disappear into the darkness before sitting down on the grass, pulling out a book. She hovered her flashlight over the pages so she could read the words in the darkness. May as well keep herself occupied for now. She read a couple of pages until she heard a sudden talking and giggling coming from the dock’s direction. She closed her book and looked up. She could see a few colorful figures exiting a small boat at the dock. Her heart skipped a beat as she stood up and put her book back in her bag. Timmy and Tommy rushed over to greet what looked like to be the others who were selected to stay on the island.
“Tom Nook, I think the others are here!” Twilight called out as she saw the raccoon running over.
Tom Nook watched Timmy and Tommy lead the group across the dock and he smiled. “Yes, yes, it seems so. Come, we’re all going to meet near the tent that was just set up.”
Twilight followed Tom Nook as they waited for the others to come.
They were now all crowded in front of Tom Nook, Timmy, and Tommy. Twilight was slightly off in the corner as she looked around to see all the faces of the soon to be islanders. Unfortunately, there were no ponies as she thought there would be. They were all different animals that stood and walked on their hind legs. Rather like humans. Including Twilight, there was five randomly selected. There was a koala who looked particularity happy to be here, a cute monkey, a pink little squirrel, and what looked to be a very pretty looking deer. The deer reminded Twilight of Rarity since she seemed to have a good sense of fashion and wore makeup.
“Good evening everyone..Well, maybe more than evening now. I’d just like to start off with thanking you all for coming and signing up for this. You are doing future islanders here a favour by staying here and testing out the habitability here. Of course, always know that if you need help we’re always here to assist.
“Now, as you can see it’s rather too late for us to begin the tour today and we all need you to get settled into your tents first before doing anything else. For today, we ask you to just get all your things set up and to enjoy your night peacefully. We also ask you to get rest for tomorrow since we will need your full attention for the tour. Your tents also may not be set up yet so please be patient as my workers, Timmy and Tommy set them up. That about covers everything until tomorrow. First, before you leave though, let me take note on who’s here.”
Tom Nook pulled out a sheet of paper.
“Diana?”
“Here.” The deer replied, seeming to be applying makeup at the moment while looking at a tiny mirror.
“Fang?”
The animals and Twilight each glanced at each other looking around and then at Tom Nook once again.
“No, Fang?”
“He should be coming.” Diana replied. “He’s probably just late..As usual.” She rolled her eyes.
Tom Nook marked something down with a pencil. “Ozzie?”
There was no response when they suddenly heard snoring. Twilight looked beside her to see the koala that was once standing beside her wide awake now asleep on the ground. She poked the koala but it seemed it did nothing.
“Ozzie!”
“Wha- huh?”
Ozzie got up rubbing his eyes confused as everyone stared at him.
“Are you here or not?”
“Yes, I’m here. Sheesh, what’s your problem Mr. Nook? I’m tired!”
Tom Nook sighed and wrote something down. “Peanut?”
“Here!” The squirrel answered happily.
“Shari?”
“Here.” The monkey replied.
“Annnd...Twilight Sparkle?”
“Here.” Twilight said.
Twilight suddenly felt all eyes on her, a few disapproving. She felt rather anxious as they all looked at her but soon took their attention away once they were dismissed to find their tents. She let out a sigh of relief as she went to go find hers.
The tent she was in was purple but rather small. It had a small feel to it quite like the airplane. She assumed over time she might get a bigger one..Or not. She pulled out a little sleeping bag and a little lamp, placing it beside it. She flicked it on as she placed a stack of books on the other side of the sleeping bag. She sighed happily. It might not be much but as long as she had her books, her lamp, and her sleeping bag she’d be fine.
“What is this?! Do you really think I could sleep in this? This is way too small and could never fit all the furniture I brought!”
“Diana, you weren't supposed to bring many belongings. Only the important needed things such as a source of light and maybe even a bed. It said right on the letter.”
“I don’t care! I brought them so you’re going to have to get me a bigger tent!”
Twilight had her ears pressed against the side of her tent listening. Although it was rude to listen in on their conversation, she couldn’t help it. Besides, it wasn’t like the tent was going to soundproof anything. She definitely recognized the two voices as Tom Nook and Diana. Tom Nook sounded about ready to punch the deer in the face. Of course..He couldn’t do that since he had to remain professional but she still felt bad for him. The conversation seemed to end as the soft crunching of grass was heard and angry mumbling from Diana. She wondered if Tom Nook actually went to go get her a bigger tent as she settled into her sleeping bag.
“This is going to be an interesting week, that’s for sure.” Twilight said, giggling a little.
She switched off her lamp and lied her head on her pillow, falling into a peaceful sleep as the waves carried her away mentally.