//------------------------------// // Chapter 10: Balloon Express // Story: Little Nemo: Adventures In Equestria // by Mak Manto //------------------------------// Twilight's House Each pony had went back to their house to pack up what they would need for the trip, but Twilight was already having problems, running around the library trying to figure out what books she wanted to bring. Looking at Spike, she started to panic, her voice rising. "Oh, what should I bring? I know the "History of Equestria" is extremely important, and I definitely need to bring a tome on magic, in case the people of Slumberland have any questions about how we use magic. Though, I should also bring one of the books on creatures and plants in case they want to come! Spike, help me!" Filling up his own pack, Spike walked over to Twilight, placing a hand on his friend. "Twilight, you need to calm down. I know this is important, but you'll be prepared. Princess Celestia wouldn't be sending you if she didn't think you were up to the task!" Heading back to put in a few more things, he then became panicked as he looked around for some missing gems. "Where are my rubies?! I placed them in here for a snack on the trip! Twilight, where are they?!" Giggling, she used her magic to pull everything out to find that they were on the bottom of the sack. As she placed everything back in orderly, she smiled. "I hope everyone else is doing better than we are..." Carousel Boutique "Alright, Sweetie Belle. Do you think I have everything packed already?" Rarity looked up at the mountain of bags, thinking over anything she would need. Who knew how long they would be in the strange land. Sweetie Belle ran up to her sister, trying to keep the bags from falling. "Um, maybe you think about packing lighter, Rarity. You're going on a balloon, you know. I don't know if Twilight is going to be able to fit ALL of these bags in." "Oh, I know, but I want to be prepared! Oh, come on, let's see what I can leave!" As Rarity and Sweetie Belle began to look over the bags, they started to pull out what was unnecessary. Rainbow Dash's House Rainbow Dash had only one bag set up, deciding not to really take anything important other than her Wonderbolt academy uniform. She had decided that it might be good to impress the people of Slumberland with her skills with flying, and if she could pull it off, even perform for them a sonic rainboom. As she took her bag and flew out of her house in the early morning, she saw another pony out already, one of her favorite ponies. Scootaloo... She was on her scooter, maneuvering around trees and bushes, seeming to have some fun. As Dash soared to the ground, she flew next to her. "Hey, kid, what's up?" Giving out a yelp, Scootaloo jumped in the air with her scooter, but as she was about to drop, Dash caught her, flying higher now. "Rainbow Dash! I didn't think anyone was going to be up this early! What are you doing?" "I've got to head on a trip with Twilight and the other girls. I'm not going to be here for a tiny bit, so I was glad to see my favorite filly!" Blushing, Scootaloo looked down to the ground so Rainbow Dash wouldn't see. Sweet Apple Acres Giving Applebloom a big hug, her younger sister was trying to hold back tears as Applejack comforted her. "But sis, I want to come too! I want to see this Slumberland!" "Applebloom, if I didn't have to go, I wouldn't. I need you here, taking care of the farm for me. I'm countin' on ya to keep everything straight." Sniffling, she nodded. Applejack looked over to Granny and Big Mac, smiling softly. "Are ya sure you'll be fine without me?" Big Mac nodded, only saying one word to express his feelings. "Eeyup." Granny waved her hoof in front of her face. "Oh, go on! We'll be fine! I could handle this farm myself I needed to! You just be careful out there! Tell us what it's like when you come back! Tipping her hat, Applejack grabbed her sack as she headed for the door. "I'll see ya when I get back!" Sugarcube Corner "Blahahahaha! Doodily-doodily-doodily!" Making faces for Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake, the foals laughed at Pinkie's antics. As she packed up the last thing, which was the party cannon, Mr. and Mrs. Cake came out of their room to see Pinkie off. Mrs. Cake gave Pinkie a big hug. "Don't worry about a thing, dear. We'll be fine while you're away. We have everything prepared for quite a while. "I'm not worried! I'm going to bring everypony something wonderful when I return!" Taking the bag, she started to drag it slowly before Mr. Cake came up, picking it up on his back. Giving a grunt, he looked at Pinkie, his legs shaking. "Pinkie, what do you have in here?!" "Oh, nothing much. Just some clothes, some food, my party cannon..." As he began to walk down the steps, he gave a small mutter. "I thought you'd say that..." Fluttershy's Cottage As she gave the rest of the animals their morning breakfast, Fluttershy turned to Derpy, trying to make the Pegasus remember the important parts. "Now, remember, all of the animals are supposed to be fed three times every day, and take them outside in the garden so they can get some fresh air." Derpy saluted Fluttershy, hovering slightly off the floor. "Don't worry, Fluttershy! Your animals will be okey-day!" Giving a worried sigh, she turned to Angel, smiling. "I'll see you when I get back, Angel. You eat everyday, and try to watch out for the other animals." Hugging her leg, she knew Angel didn't want her to leave, but she couldn't bring him along. As she gave a hug too, she started to fly off. Grabbing her bag by the door, she gave one last look before she left. As the door closed, Derpy looked around. "Alright, animals, let's party!" Ponyville As the girls came up to where the balloon was, Luna was standing next to it. Looking over everypony, she nodded and smiled to them to keep them not worried. "Alright, my ponies, I'll send you off to Slumberland. Do not worry about controlling the balloon, I'll guide it for you. Be careful on your journey, and make us proud." As everyone hopped in, bringing their bags and sacks, Luna let the balloon go, watching it fly away. As she flew herself into the sky, started to flap her wings, making the balloon reach higher heights until her horn glowed brightly, opening up a portal. As the balloon went in, she closed the portal behind. "Good luck, my little ponies..."