//------------------------------// // Ch. 1: From New Beginings // Story: Reanimated // by SilverMistfim //------------------------------// “Good morning people of Fort Evergreen. I’m Your host DJ-pon3 here to give you whats up in this fantastic city…” The sound of the morning radio awoke me from my sleep. I don't want to get up. I don't want to leave the warmth of my bed, but sadly there is work to be done. As much as it sucks, I need to do it. I slowly get up and walk over to the mirror, studying my mint fur and my Cutie Mark, witch was a black compass. I levitate a brown brush over to my blue mane and start brushing, untangling the pink streaks. I enter my small but cozy kitchen, were the counters are littered with maps, plates, and food. I sigh and push the stuff aside as I grab some cereal. Today was going to be just like any other. I would wake up, head to my office, and work non-stop all day. Sure the pay was good, but sitting around studying maps isn’t my definition of fun. I missed the days back at the academy, where we were trained in navigation and survival. I missed the lessons on how to defend ourselves against lurkers outside the city. However, it seems like the skills they taught us were useless now. That training was to prepare us for journeys outside the walls, where we would travel to another city to assist a messenger. Those missions are rare. Only about once every couple months. I’ve never been on one of those missions but I’ve always dreamt about it. I sigh imagining how cool it would be to travel outside, fighting off lurkers and visiting the other cities. I finish my cereal and grabbed my saddlebag from the table, “One day” I say to myself “One day” The walk to my office was probably one of the most enjoyable parts of my day. I would get to say hi my neighbors, see what was for sale at the bargain mart, and I would also get to check the news bulletin for any upcoming events and activities. The activities were always the most exciting because it gave me an excuse not to go to work, but sadly there was nothing. When I get to the office building the secretary, Scarlet, Greeted me. “G’day Ms Rose” she said with a cheery smile that I couldn't help but return. “Morning Scarlet” I replied “Any new assignments coming up?" “Not that i'm aware of” She said frowning a bit. “I’ll let you know if something arises” I frown, disappointed, “Thanks anyway” I say sadly “have nice day Scarlet.” “You too, Ms Rose.” She said beaming again. “See you later.” With that, I turn and head toward my office room. I sit down and open my bags. I pull out some maps and some pens and start working. My job at the navigation headquarters was to label maps once they’ve finished being drawn. It was boring, but it gave me something to do. The morning seemed to drag on forever. Map after map, label after label, my hooves begin to hurt. At long last the bell for lunch rang. I get up and head for my office door. Glad to finally have a break from all the work i’ve had to do. Until… “Can Compass Rose please report to Chief Prime’s office, Immediately” I groan at this. Hours of work and when a break finally arises i’ve got to go and see The Chief. Chief Prime (Short for Chief Prime Meridian) was the head navigator, and regrettably, My Boss. He was probably the meanest, cruelest, and by far the most judgemental boss ever. I sigh and head to his office, wondering what I could have done to get him to want me in his office. When I get to the door I look at the picture hanging next to it. It was a picture of an orange mare with a yellow mane and she wore a faded brown cowboy hat. Below the picture were the words ‘In memory of our beloved founder: Applejack. Every time I see that picture, I wish that she was our boss instead of the buck I was about to see. After a while of staring at the picture I reached out a hoof and knocked on the door. For a while there was silence, but then came the loud booming voice of Chief Prime. “Come in.” I slowly opened the door. “You wanted to see me sir?” I asked stepping inside, preparing myself for what was about to come next. He looked at me with that stern look that he always has. “Yes, Close the door and sit down.” He commanded. I obey, closing the door and taking a seat across the desk from him. “I've been thinking...” He said, sternly looking at me ‘Uh oh’ i think to myself “About the work you've done…” ‘Be prepared’ “And I'm not always happy about making this decision but i thinks its time…” ‘Here it comes’ “For you to head out on your first navigation mission” The walls that I had built up to prepare for what I thought he would say shattered, replaced by shock and relief, and then excitement. “P-pardon me sir?” I ask, trying to keep my composure. “I think its time that you went out on you first mission” He repeats. “I always find it hard to send someone out there, especially someone with very little experience, but I think its time for me to send you out there.” “Really?” I say, barely able to keep in my excitement. “Yes” He says, smiling a little “You’ll go and meet the messenger you will be traveling with in the lobby and you will head out tomorrow morning.” “Thank you sir!” I say jumping with excitement “You won’t regret this.” and before anything else could be said, I run out the door. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I manage to keep my calm as I enter the lobby of the office building. The lobby was empty, even Scarlet was on lunch break. I look around but can't see anyone. I start to feel sad when a pony walked through the lobby doors. The pony was a pink unicorn mare with a light yellow mane. She looked around until she saw me, then she smiled and walked over. “You must be Compass Rose” She said when she reached me. “Yeah,” I say, smiling awkwardly. “What’s your name?” “I’m Opal Star” She says, matching my weird smile. “Nice to meet you.” “You too. I don't remember ever seeing you before. Are you from here?” She laughs a little “No, I’m from Stonehaven. I just arrived here this morning.” “If you traveled here you must have had a navigator… What happened to them?” I ask, although I feel like I know the answer. Opal frowns sadly “Lets just say he didn’t make the trip.” I frown too. “I’m sorry I asked” She smiles again although it seems a little forced. “It’s OK, you couldn’t have known.” After a while of silence Opal finally smiles happily again. “Well, I’ve got some things I’ve got to take care of before tonight,” She states. “You should probably go and pack, we’ve got a long journey ahead of us." ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The next morning I head to the fort's front gates, my saddlebags loaded with food, water, maps, a compass, and a pistol (for safety). When I get to the gates I see Opal Star already waiting for me. When she see's me she smiles. “You ready to go?” She ask's. I nod confidently. Her smile grows. “Perfect.” The door to the city slowly start's to rise, revealing the darkened forest outside. The air was cool and the ground was damp. I know this was what I had prepared for my whole life, and I was ready. Without a second thought I started walking, Opal by my side, away from the city and into the wilderness.‏