//------------------------------// // Episode 2: Where Has the Cider Gone? // Story: Moon Town // by Starwing //------------------------------// The tavern is currently a lively place, filled with rowdy ponies that got worked up from the tournament just about two hours ago. Everypony was drunk on all kinds of cider and ale, whether it be wine or just beer. Laughing is the highlight of the commotion, being heard at all times. Luna sits on a stool in the center of the bar, a few glasses of wine around her. She isn't drunk and hampered like the rest of the moon ponies, she has had hundreds of years of drinking experience. It takes a lot more than just a few glasses to get her down in the hay. Moon ponies are all diverse, they all have different characteristics. Especially physical ones. For example, the innkeeper has a dent in his head so he can hold very special wine on the spot, which Luna drank a bowl straight from it. It looked weird at the time, but they all shared good laughs. Shockwave is sharp and smoothed out like that because she is a crater diver, another weird sport invented by these ponies. It's like sky diving, but they land in a pool every time so they don't have any safety gear. Comet Runner, Luna didn't know. He's very elusive, but those hoof holes mean something. Sure, they're queer, at least to her, but Luna can't disagree with their taste on partying. Even though the town has only been for a couple hours, the tavern ran out of drinks a while ago. Ponies are starting to get disappointed from the lack of beverages, some even went home early. Luna asked for another wine, but the innkeeper just shrugged. “Sorry princess, but we’re all out of... Well, everything.” Aww’s echo throughout the tavern as Luna pouts. A flashback popped up in her mind, ‘’ Maybe, I could help these ponies thrive by somehow getting more drinks. Now to only ask the innkeeper how. With the thought and plan completed, Luna turned to the innkeeper. “Hey, innkeeper, I never quite caught your name. Mind telling me?” Luna figured she get to know as many ponies as she can, besides, she’s tired of calling the innkeeper innkeeper. “It’s Moonshine. By the way, I’m pretty surprised you beat Meteor Hooves. It’s a shame his hindlegs got broken. I mean, if he doesn’t recover from that, he’ll lose his job! Not only that, It’s the only job he’s good at. I kind of feel bad for the fella.” True, Luna still wonders how that pebble was able to trip him, and how it got under his hoof in the first place. Back to the subject. “These ponies look pretty down that there’s no drinks. Don’t you have some kind of source where you get the supply? I could probably go fetch them, I don’t want anypony having a bad time just because of a shortage.” Moonshine nodded at that and responded with a chuckle. “Funny you should ask my name and ask our supply at the same time, for our main beverage is moonshine, and that can only be found deep within the moon in huge pools.” Luna was expecting a task with simplicity, like walking down town to fill a keg of it or something. Not a huge underground adventure! “Tell me. How hard, exactly, is it to get the moonshine?” He leaned back on one of his cabinets while looking at Luna smugly. “Very very hard. Only explorers are sent out to get supplies. Fun fact, most of our supplies comes from the underground moonshine or not.” Luna taps her chin in thought, only to be stabbed by her somewhat sharp hoof shoe. She winces, about to face-hoof at her mistake, then she realizes she would be stabbed again. “So uh, I wanna help out, but I don’t know these moon tunnels. Have any explorers that could come with me?” “For mercenary hiring, you’re gonna have to go see the mayor. I’m only the innkeeper remember?” “Mercenaries? No, simply an escort to guide my path.” Luna continued, “Besides, what does protection and fighting have anything to do with getting some moonshine?” Moonshine looks surprised, then his expression returns to normal. “Oh, I forgot that you’re new to the moon. Come to think of it, being an alicorn and all, you don’t need any mercenaries. Now shoo! We need that Moonshine!” Luna complied by walking out the door and setting out to find the mayor. It's going to be another long, fateful day of more searching. The streets, unlike the other two times, aren't very empty. There are groups of ponies hanging around the town, smiling, communicating, the norm of an average village back on Earth. Surprisingly, Luna found the mayor in only a few minutes. She's chatting with a few important-looking ponies. Luna walks over to Milky Way. Seeing her approach, Milky Way excuses herself from her companions. "Ahh, Luna! How's it going champion? I thought you were in the bar with the rest of the town partying." Luna shook her head and replied, "Oh, well I can explain that. You see, we ran out of drinks and I offered to go get some moonshine for Moonshine. I heard it was dangerous, and the fact that I don't even know where it is proves that I'm in need of an escort." Luna puts on an innocent smile to go with her reasoning. Milky Way nods in thought, then her expression changed to questioning. But Luna already knew what she was going to say, so she answers for her. "No, I'm pretty sure I don't need a mercenary for finding a pool." After all, pools don't tend to have some kind of defensive maneuvers for ponies trying to get some Moonshine. However there always is the possibility of monsters lurking their depths, waiting to snatch up the ponies, and brew them in a big tasty stew. Milky Way doesn't look surprised, but simply agrees by nodding. After a few seconds of silence, Milky appears to have finished her thinking and gives her conclusion to Luna. "Yeah, I'll get an explorer for you so he can guide you to the underground springs. Oh, and you might want to bring quite a bit of pottery to hold all of it. It's a journey you want to take the least amount of times." What's the big deal? Why is everypony making a big deal out of some underground network that may or not be a huge dangerous maze with endless pits. Bah, who am I to judge their safety measures. Luna snapped out of her pondering episode to see Milky Way talking to Comet Runner. How does time fly so fast when she thinks? She doesn't know. "Oh she needs a trusty explorer to help her out in this particular conundrum of ours? Well no worries! Comet Runner here gotcha covered." "Yeah, well, I don't really think you're qualified for the job. I'm sure she'll be better off with some other explorer." Milky Way tries to shoo Comet Runner away, but he stands his ground while at the same time noticing Luna standing in the background. He turns back to Milky Way with a sly grin. "Well, why don't you let Luna decide," he said, gesturing with his hoof to Luna's general direction. Milky Way turned around to look yonder as Luna started approaching. Comet Runner might not know the direction, but he's a nice stallion to keep company around, I would rather have a friend as company over a sense of direction With her thoughts and trot finished, she tells her plan to Milky Way. "I do not care what you think of him, however I enjoy his company anyways and I would like him to escort me through the strange mysterious tunnels of great Moon!" Milky Way looks confused, then Luna deadpans in response. "It was a joke. Still no response or recognition from the mayor. "You know, because you ponies keep saying It's all not fun or something?" That's when Milky realizes it. She scratches the back of her head then replies, "Oh, well... Comet should know the way, I guess. Oh, you should probably go to our general market and buy some pots, and if you don't have saddlebags, then buy saddlebags." It seems like an advertisement, but Luna knows she will indeed need those items. Following her suggestion, Luna walks to find the general store, only to realize that Comet Runner is here to guide her anywhere. Stopping in her tracks, Luna gives him an innocent smile. "You wouldn't happen to know where the general store is, do you?" "Well, duh. Just because I was, uhm, banished from the town for a while doesn't mean I don't know my way around." He turned and started trotting to the direction that Luna assumes where the general store is. She follows, making sure not to lose his tail as he makes quick turns every street. Eventually they arrived. The general store is a humble sight, a few barrels hang out by the front as two wooden columns hold up the sun roof. Comet Runner opens the door and gestures his hoof inside, wanting her to go first. She nods, thankful that he isn't rude like the others. There is stock, supplies, and other items out on display throughout the whole store. A single pony rests in a chair behind the counter reading a magazine. He looks up and smiles at her approach, Luna's eyes still browsing the various miscellaneous items. He closes his magazine and sits up, tapping two of his hooves together in anticipation. All ponies loved money, as Luna learned from the aristocracy system back in Equestria. Nobles and the like kept a tight coin pouch, proving their wealth to the princesses. while regular old traveling merchants kept a close eye on their money, they still traded. Not finding what she needed, she went up to the counter to ask the shopkeeper. "Nice to meet you, I'm Luna, and this is Comet Runner, and do you happen to have a large stock of pots or vases capable of holding large amounts of liquid?" The merchant listened intently and nodded to every word she uttered. While Luna was talking, he managed to pull out his full assortment of pottery, including lids. Luna's mouth is agape at how fast the shop owner was able to listen to what she wanted while preparing the items. "Well, you certainly are fast at multitasking. So how many bits does all of it cost?" He waves his hoof over the assembled pots as if casting a spell on it, then starts to give his bid. "Well, I would say ten pounds of meteorite, but I guess twelve is fine too, and what are bits? If they're anything like meteorite then I will gladly take them off your hooves." Luna shows him the three bits she always keeps in her mane not only for luck but in case of emergency. He inspects it closely, feeling it, and even going to tasting it. He finishes and sticks his tongue out in disgust. "No no, gold? Bah! Useless in Moon Town. I need meteorite. Come back when you actually have some." WHAT? How am I supposed to get meteorite? As if reading Luna's thoughts, Comet Runner leans in to whisper into her ear. "The caverns, there is lots of meteorite there. Maybe we can make a deal with this guy." He's right. If Luna can get the pottery first, get the moonshine, and harvest enough meteorite to pay off the merchant, It's a home run after that! She begins to voice her thoughts to the merchant. Reluctantly he agrees to the plan, giving her all of the pots, and even two pairs of saddlebags. "Remember, those saddlebags are another four pounds of meteorite. If you don't make it back, I guess I'll have to hire an explorer to loot my belongings off of your corpse. Have a nice time now!" the shopkeeper waves to her as she walks out, chilled to the bone by his dark sentence. While outside, Luna and Comet Runner put their pairs of saddlebags on and split the cargo. Being fully prepared, except where to go, Luna turns and bumps Comet Runner's back that tells him to lead the way. Trailing behind Comet, Luna is both nervous and excited about the coming adventure into the depths of the somewhat uncharted celestial body that is the moon. She has enough pottery to last the tavern a week, that is if she, A. brings it back, and B. if the tavern doesn't party for a while. Since ponies will be asking 'where has the rum gone?' It is Luna's duty to keep them alive and good-spirited. The journey begins. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Ecce cavernis vita!" Luna could never have been more confused in her entire life, and that's a long time. What did he just say? "Uhm, what the hay did you just say? Try enunciating your words sometime." "Oh, I couldn't have enunciated any more. It's actually 'behold the caverns of life' in Trotin. Ah, different languages, so random and fun." The reason he said that is because the two have finally arrived at the gaping cave entrance. It's maw revealing nothing but darkness. Comet Runner looked at Luna with a face that tells tales of frustration, yet also a hint of embarrassment. "Hey, Luna, No mean to burst your mood, but..." "Yes...?" "...I forgot to bring a lantern. Don't hate me!" Even though his words made him sound frightened, he's actually still smiling, though worry does slightly show on his face. Luna needs no lantern, as she knows many illumination spells. Luna sudden impulse to show him up by summoning a light orb. She focused her magic and weaved it into a floating orb of light that would follow them where they went. He looks impressed. Very impressed. His jaw is to the ground and his eyes sparkle in awe. Obviously moon ponies have never seen magic. Shaking his head Comet Runner composes himself. "Well then, we should be all set to go." He shuffles around on his hooves, looking back and forth between the cave entrance and Luna looking both nervous and eager. After a few more seconds of shifting, he finally speaks up. "Are you going to put that light orb thingy in there yet? I've been waiting." Oh, guess it makes sense. Following his directions, Luna controls the orb and brings it inside the cavern to provide plenty of light. His smile settles back into place as he walks into the cavern fast enough to look brave, but careful enough to look scared. Luna trots close behind, the orb giving a few meters of light where they face. Comet Runner stops, tapping his chin as he contemplates the path to the springs. There's a three-way intersection. The left one looking the least scary, and the right one looking utterly horrifying. Of course Comet Runner chooses the right path. "Springs are that'a way! Oh, good thing you have metal-clad shoes. You're going to have such a nice time down here." True to the fact that she is wearing her princess shoes, the right path is insanely spiky, a grunt can be heard from Comet every two steps he takes. The tunnel reminds Luna of Shockwave for some reason. Turns, spirals, and all kinds of loops and twists makes up most of the path they are taking. Comet Runner has been explaining to Luna why explorers are qualified to be explorers. They need very good memory, an agile body, and most importantly, survival skills. Turns out, the reason he got kicked out of town was because he failed to bring a shipment back. Pretty harsh if you ask her. Suddenly they stopped. A brilliant opening in the path reveals their destination. The pools shone, glowing mushrooms that drip a weird blue liquid fill the cavern. It's an amazing sight. The distinct scent of alcohol lingers in the air. It's the perfect place of tranquility. The only thing that could interrupt the peace would be... "RUN!" He screamed as he made a dash for the path from which they entered. Luna bolts for the exist just as fast as her alicorn reflexes kicks in. The reason for the interruption would be the ominous growling that seems to be heard from all sides. Even running away, the growling just gets louder. Luna is starting to sweat from the stress and tension of the pursuer. Comet Runner began running to the left, and so Luna followed his lead. After a few more steps, he cuts off his galloping and slides into a pony-sized crevice. But she's an alicorn. She's much bigger than normal ponies. She slides into the crevice too, but is stopped at the shoulders. Her magic is limited on the moon, but it's enough for a short range teleportation spell. She gulped and wished to be in there. Her life depends on it. The growling is quieter. She slowly opens her eyes, heart noticeably beating. Luna looks up to see Comet Runner in the corner staring at her, visibly shaking. "You survived! Woohoo! So you teleported in here?" "Shush! That monster, or whatever it was, could still be lurking around." She demanded in a hushed manner. Comet Runner saved her life by quick thinking. Under qualified? He's more than qualified for protection and guidance. The growling gradually faded in to the distance. Okay so it turns out these caves really are dangerous with mysterious monsters. Ugh, I should have payed attention. "Alright, Comet Runner? What in the blessed hay was that?" He simply shakes his head and responds, "You really don't want to know. I will tell you one thing though, you do not want to be caught near it. It messes with your mind. That's why it sounded like it was everywhere." Luna is dumbfounded. That creature messed with my mind? Is that even possible without unicorn magic and knowledge of a mind altering spell? "Well, what now?" He sighs and slowly slumps to the ground. The silence of the cave chilling the mood even further. "You're going to have to wait a while. I'm assuming that it went out to... feed... He snorted in disgust. "Wait, if hes out feeding, shouldn't we take this opportunity to go collect some Moonshine... and meteorite?" He just chuckles and shakes his head to go with his response. "Oh no. He falls into an incredibly deep sleep after feeding. Besides, we would be killed if we went there now. It doesn't take him THAT long to go get some food." Eh, makes sense. Luna collapses to the ground, making a thud echo throughout the safety hole. Comet Runner gasps and runs up to her, shaking her. Annoying her. "Would you stop! I'm trying to relax here." He continues to look worried, before he starts smiling. "I guess you aren't as boring as I thought. Surprises from you, surprises everywhere." A thought pops in Luna's mind. Turning to Comet, who is pacing a few feet from here, she relays her thoughts. "How long, exactly, will that thing be asleep?" "Pfft, easy. around a day." "Then I guess you won't mind if I take a nap." "Nope." "Then goodnight." "It's day." "Whatever!" Luna lays her head back down for a quick and much needed nap. The floor is uncomfortable, but Luna is used to that by now. May the stars be ever roaming in my dreams. She fades into unconsciousness. The last thing she sees is Comet sitting down. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bum bum. Bum bum. Bum bum. Bum bum. Bum bum. Screaming, rumbling, running. The fear of a thousand ponies, prowling through the night. The trembling of the environment, the squealing of doomed foals. Luna is helpless. She cannot help her fellow ponies. She must watch them all suffer underneath the cataclysmic monstrosity that is the creature. The nameless nightmare of all. After finishing off everypony else, the creature approaches Luna. A demonic snicker can be heard from all around. Luna can't move, she is sitting prey. The thing stops in front of Luna's muzzle... and whispers her fate. "WAKE UP!" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luna jumps up to smack straight into Comet's face. Sweat covers her body, her throat is sore. Comet is just a few inches away rubbing his muzzle, obviously in pain from her smack. The mini-cave they have been resting in is the same. Just a faint rumbling fading into nothing. He stutter-crawls over to her and puts a hoof over her shoulder. "You okay, I uh kind of forgot to tell you he gives really bad nightmares when he's nearby." Wow, really? I totally didn't see THAT coming. It's called sarcasm readers. Luna decides to bring her thoughts to his ears. She opens her mouth whilst simultaneously throwing her hooves in the air. "What? Do you have amnesia or something! That nightmare was absolutely terrible, and worst of all, Vivid." He gives her a sheepish smile and apologizes. After a moment of well-needed silence to get their bearings, Comet decides to get the hay out. "Alright. Luckily, I gathered around thirty pounds of meteorite while you were asleep. This cave we dived in has a lot. Now we just need to slip into the springs room, grab the moonshine, and high-tail it out of here." Luna nods as he starts wiggling out of the hole. Once he got through, Luna lays right next to the hole and teleports next to him. They begin trotting to the springs, passing by a few crevices similiar to their own every now and then. Luna notices that the cave looks different, more jagged. After a few paces, the duo finally arrive at the springs. Not wasting any time, they take out the pottery and start filling each with as much Moonshine as they can hold. Her newly filled saddlebags are considerably heavy. Looking over to Comet, who was already leaving, she begins a slow and laborious walk out. She gives the cave a once-over before heading out. Luna hopes with all of her heart that she doesn't have to face that evil creature again. To town.... they go. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ah, somewhat blissful civilization, we meet once again! Luna and Comet gallop into the town, eager to dump off the load of heavy meteorite and moonshine. Arriving at the tavern, Luna quickly swings the door open and leaps inside followed by Comet. "I'm Luna!" "And I'm Comet Runner!" Speaking together, "And we are the dynamic duo here with you-" "OKAY! I get it! Just hand over the precious money." Complying, Comet Runner walks up and dumps around half of his meteorite load. The merchant takes a minute to inspect the meteorite before accepting it. After a few comments exchanged, Luna quickly excuses Comet and herself out to the tavern. In only half a minute of sweaty sprinting, the two arrive at the deathly quiet inn. Luna and Comet step inside at the same time, revealing a few groups of bored-looking ponies and a couple ponies playing darts in the corner. Moonshine is cleaning glasses. Luna walks up to Moonshine with a grin that can compete with Comet Runner's smile. "Guess who brought the moonshine back?" Moonshine perks up and looks carefully at her saddlebags. Helping the two of them unload the pots of beverages, Moonshine surprisingly hugs them both. "Oh, however can I repay you? The deed you have done today will keep ponies full of good spirits for days to come!" Not wanting to feel needy, Luna refuses any form of favor or payment. "It's quite fine. Now, I hope you don't mind, but I need to hit the hay. I'm awfully exhausted from all of the adventuring tod-" Before Luna could even finish, the tavern doors swing open loudly as Mayor Milky flies in at an impressive speed. Coming to a complete halt, though it should be called crash, she looks up at Luna to speak. "I heard you came back! Well, not only have you proven our respect, you also managed to pull off a task of great magnitude! I, Mayor Milky Way, hereby decree Luna a free and tax free residence!" To finish her statement, she flings a key into Luna's face with great optimism. It stings. Levitating the key, Luna both thanks and questions the mayor to where her house is, to discover It's actually across the street from the tavern. "Like I was saying, I'm really tired. Thanks for the offer mayor, and everypony... See you sometime else?" With her goodbyes finished, she rushes to the rather big house across the street. She inserts the key, turns it, and opens the door to reveal a grand entrance room. Not bothering to take any more details due to the lack of sleep, she assumes the bedroom is upstairs and gives a few wing flaps to help her up. She turns to the left to discover the bathroom in the upstairs hallway, and turns to the right where a princess-sized bed awaits her. Gasping in glee, she belly-bombs it. Even with her saddlebags and shoes on, she drifts into tranquil sleep. The most exhausting day of her life soon to be over. No more monster dodging, rampaging dungeon raiding. Just at physical and mental peace at her pacific labors. Good night moon ponies.