> Pinkie Pie's Wonderful Flying Machine
>  by OmegaPony11
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Machine
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pinkie Pie’s Wonderful Flying Machine
By OmegaPony11

The explosion violently tossed Rarity into the walls of the command deck, every bone in her body screaming in pain. Grimacing, Rarity stood up, ignoring that her dress was in scorched tatters and her face was covered in grime. There were more important things to worry about. Getting Pinkie Pie off of the Harmony for starters. Simply surviving was also on that particular list.

She looked towards the helm of the Harmony where Pinkie struggled to maintain control of the massive airship. Her pride and joy now under threat, she was doing everything in her power to keep the ship afloat in the skies. It was a fool’s errand, Rarity knew, so long as the battle continued below. 

“Pinkie Pie!” Rarity yelled, only to scream as a pipe fell from above. Steam jettisoned from the damaged pipeworks, the heat now causing Rarity to sweat. She staggered over to Pinkie, who held on to the steering wheel as if it were her lifeline.

“We have to get out of here!” Rarity pulled against Pinkie in an effort to get her to let go, only for Pinkie to choose now, of all times, to use her earth pony strength. Rarity’s magic was not strong enough to dislodge Pinkie from the helm either. If only Twilight were here. She would have removed Pinkie through either words or spells. 

Alas, Twilight was with them. Rarity had to remove herself from that line of thinking as the Harmony continued to to burn around them. There was nothing to be done for Twilight now, but she would be damned if she was just going to let them highjack her friend like that!

“I’ve got this, Rarity!” Pinkie grunted as she turned the wheel of the ship. Her main and tail were utterly flat, all sense of joy gone ever since the battle . Rarity had only seen Pinkie like this once, and it broke her heart completely to see her friend like this. Still, the Harmony did turn, the cracked viewglass of the command deck bringing the battle into clarity.

Somewhat. The city below them smoldered in the fires of battle, yet ironically was also covered in large shards of black ice. Rarity sucked in a gasp of air as she surveyed the damage. She could see the dressmaker's shop, where she had received new clothes more fitting to the locale, set alight. She saw the restaurant she had lunch with Captain Hurricane in completely crushed by an ebon iceberg. Far in the distance, the factory where she had found Sweetie Belle and her friends was now nothing more than a raging inferno. The sky was now overcast, though by no cloud cover; only the shroud of smoke and ash blocked the sun and blanketed the city in warforged darkness.

Rarity also saw a bolt of black magic zooming towards them. Pinkie cursed, piloting the airship sideways in an attempt to dodge the arcane assault. The ship quaked as the bolt struck the starboard side; another console exploded in a hail of sparks.

Pinkie blanched as she looked at the ruined console. Her mouth moved, yet no sound escaped her. She stayed like this for a moment before finally looking over to Rarity. Fresh tears streamed down her marred face as she pointed to the console.

“That... that was the starboard stabilizer,” she explained. “Without it, we can’t stay aloft. I’m sorry, Rarity. Please forgive me. We’re... we’re going down.”

Rarity took in a deep breath as she felt the Harmony lurch underneath her. Pinkie never once let go of the wheel as she tried to steer the ship away from the city. 

“You can still make it out of here,” Pinkie said, looking Rarity straight in the eye. “There should be another parachute. Rainbow Dash should be able to catch you. I need to make sure the Harmony doesn’t hurt anypony when it hits.”

Feeling her own tears trickle down her face as the ship continued to fall apart around her, Rarity looked into the eyes of her dear friend, laying her hoof down  on top of Pinkie’s. This was supposed to have been a simple trip of discovery, wonder, and good hearted adventure. Nopony had said anything about battles or treason. How had everything gone wrong?



Chapter 1: The Machine

Rarity took a deep breath as she looked around Ponyville’s town square. It seemed all her friends save Fluttershy were busy with something. What that something was eluded the pair, and what bothered her the most was just how hush-hush their little project was. To the east of Sweet Apple Acres was a large tent, almost as if the circus had come to town. The tent was massive, bright pink, and emitting various loud noises at all hours of the day, whether it was the sound of a machine or heavy construction. 

Each pony went into the large tent with some form of construction material whenever Rarity caught a glimpse. Applejack and Big Macintosh hauled large beams of metal and wood. Rainbow Dash brought in large sheets of canvas and clouds from Cloudsdale. Twilight brought her books, as expected. Spike brought his pillow.

What was unusual was Pinkie Pie, and this was saying something. The bouncing pony was barely seen by anypony, dashing off to the massive tent in the morning and slowly returning to Sugarcube Corner late at night, tired yet still with a bright smile on her face. As far as Rarity was aware, the energetic dear was planning some sort of massive party for somepony. The question was, what reason had Pinkie found to celebrate yet again? Rarity had celebrated her birthday a month ago, so it was not for her, and her calendar marked no other birthdays coming up. Anytime she talked to Twilight, there were no plans for the Princesses to visit Ponyville either. Unless it was another newcomer to town, she had nary a clue.

The villagers of Ponyville expressed their own interest in the tent and the project, but otherwise their speculation matched Rarity’s. The Cutie Mark Crusaders attempted to help by entering the tent through various means of stealth, only to be promptly ejected by Pinkie Pie with a smile and a wink. Whatever was happening, the pink earth pony fiercely guarded her work. The only guess anypony had was that the project was very large and very loud. The popular theory held, Pinkie was building a party cannon that would cover all of Equestria in one massive party.

Instead of worrying, Rarity convinced herself that Pinkie would reveal what she was working on in due time. Instead of fussing, she and Fluttershy spent a lot more time together. Whether it was trips to the spa, having the yellow pegasus model new attire, or learning more about animal care to better make Opalescence comfortable. When Fluttershy was unavailable, Rarity would spend time with Sweetie Belle in an attempt to pass on all she knew to her little sister.

Thank Celestia for spa days. 

Yet there was always that nagging feeling of being left out that Rarity could not seem to shake. Usually the six did almost everything together, whether it was supporting one another in their day-to-day endeavors, saving Ponyville from disaster, or putting away some sort of ancient evil threat that would consume all of Equestria in eternal darkness or chaos or some other such nonsense. The fact that four of her friends were keeping a project this large literally under wraps made her uneasy. What could be so important that they did not want to tell her what they were doing? Were they afraid that Rarity would not be able to help?

Rarity silenced her suspicions as she noticed Fluttershy walking towards her. The meek pegasus smiled as the two met up and continued their walk towards the spa. It then occurred to Rarity that she had never asked Fluttershy if she knew anything about the goings-on in the tent, at least not in any direct manner. Now was as good a time as any.

“Fluttershy dear, I was just wondering if you’ve heard from Twilight or Applejack or any of the others since they began working in that big tent.” It was a simple beginning to her questioning. Nothing about the tent directly, just asking about their friends.

“Um... I haven’t heard much from them either,” Fluttershy said, “Whatever it is, I’m sure we’ll know soon. We just have to be patient. That way we can enjoy their project all that much more. Er... if you don’t mind waiting, that is.”

“You aren't upset not to be involved?” Rarity asked as she opened the door to the spa, “You don’t feel left out?”

“I’m sure they would have come if they needed me. I mean, yes, it can be a bit lonely without the girls, but I still have Angel to keep me company. And I know whatever they are working on will be worth it. Do you feel left out?”

Rarity forced a laugh, Fluttershy raising an eyebrow in reply. “Of course not, dear, that’s silly,” answered Rarity, “I’ve used my time constructively. I was able to catch up with all my work orders for the season, have plenty of time to spend with Sweetie Belle, and have more wonderful spa trips with my best friend. What isn’t there to like about having time off from all the usual shenanigans?”

The spa sisters, Aloe and Lotus, quickly arranged Rarity and Fluttershy’s usual treatment: pony pedis, facials, massages, the works. For a while, Rarity forgot all about the tent and the project, losing herself to the expert hooves of the attendants.

Feeling refreshed and revitalized, Rarity and Fluttershy left the spa to head towards the town square, hoping to catch a bite to eat. On their way, Applejack and Rainbow Dash approached from the direction of Sweet Apple Acres with large grins on their faces. They were both positively filthy and Rarity found herself standing behind Fluttershy, hoping beyond hope that all the work just done on her coat and mane would not be ruined by those two.

“Well howdy, Rarity, Fluttershy,” said Applejack, “Just the mares we wanted to see. We’re almost done with our big project, and Pinkie wanted us to get you to do the finishing touches.”

“Now you want our help?” Rarity responded, feeling a little dejected. “I suppose we can help, though I have to ask: I am not going to get as... grimy... as you two, am I?”

“Nah, we got all the real hard work done first,” Rainbow said, “Pinkie said the next part is all you though, and we really wanted to see the looks on your faces when you see what we’ve been cooking up. C’mon, Twilight is waiting too!”

With this the duo departed at full speed, leaving Rarity and Fluttershy to tail behind them. Soon the familiar sight of Sweet Apple Acres came into view with the tall barn centered on the horizon. The tent flaps of pink canvas billowed in the wind.

Applejack and Rainbow disappeared into the tent as they always had, leaving Rarity and Fluttershy standing outside of the entrance. The fashionista felt a growing sense of suspense as she approached. This was it. The big secret project she was not allowed to know was now at her hooves. If it was a party, that was fine. Pinkie likely needed her expertise in choosing colours and decorations.

If it was something else...

Rarity shook the thoughts from her head. There was no telling what it was going to be until she stepped through the flap. Taking a deep breath, she looked to Fluttershy and nodded before stepping through the curtain into the temporary structure.

Both ponies looked up and gasped.

Underneath the tent was something Rarity would never have imagined seeing. It was an airship, similar to the yachts owned by nobility and well-off ponies, except this one simply dwarfed all others. Never in a hundred years had she ever expected to see such a large vessel, let alone expected her friends to be able to pull off the feat of constructing it.

The airship was equipped with two large propellers on its sides, as well as smaller propeller engines around the hull. Two large tail-fins made up the aft of the airship, resembling the fins of a fish. The main body of the ship was a large blimp, a sleek version of Twilight’s hot air balloon. The passenger gondola alone was large enough to put many fancy yachts to shame, if only for size.

“It’s so... big,” Fluttershy said as she looked up at the project. Rainbow beamed as she flew around one of the propellers. 

“It’s so awesome! I know what you’re all thinking: ‘how did Rainbow Dash help build something so great?’ Well let me tell you, when Pinkie Pie came to me and Applejack for help, she obviously came to the best flyer in Equestria to get everything about this right and...”

“It’s so... plain.” As wondrous as the airship was, it was utterly unrefined to look at. Beige canvas, grey steel, and not a single mark of style anywhere. If the rich ponies’ yachts had anything, it was proper aesthetic appeal. Rarity looked at the ship and saw an empty canvas, one where the possibilities were endless.

A pink blur ran through the construction grounds and halted in front of Rarity, a big smile on her face. Pinkie Pie, as disheveled as she was, appeared bright and energetic as always. Now if only she would do something about the various oil and grease stains in her coat.

“You’re right Rarity! My super-duper-amazing-airship is very plain!” Pinkie said as she waved a hoof towards the vessel, “Which is really boring if you want to sail the world in it. So I’d like you to help decorate it! Make it all spiffy for when we have a super awesome party on board!”

It did sound like an interesting challenge, to decorate the largest airship ever constructed by pony hooves. Perhaps Rarity could expand her business to ship decor. After that, home renovation was only a hop, skip, and jump away, and who better to begin such a venture than Rarity the unicorn?

“My dear, I would be honoured to bring my expertise to this project to give this ship some much needed flair,” Rarity said, “But I just wish you had told me when you started this project. I could have had things ready by now.”

“I know, and it made me super sad not to tell you or Fluttershy, but I had a good reason! Here! I’ll explain everything as we take a tour of the ship. Twilight’s waiting for us in the engine room now. Let’s go!”

Pinkie approached the cabin of the docked ship, where a rope was tied to a lever on the side of the gondola. With a tug from her mouth, the lever bobbed downwards with several grinding gears clicking in unison. A staircase began to lower as the inner gearworks continued until it landed on the ground with a thud. With a smile and a bounce to her step, Pinkie ascended the staircase with Rarity and Fluttershy in tow.

Rarity raised an eyebrow as they entered the airship. Just as it was plain on the outside, it was dull on the inside, which surprised her greatly. Pinkie Pie had by no means the same aesthetic taste or skills that Rarity possessed, but she did expect the pony of parties to at least have covered the ship as one giant party boat. The fact that everything was so spartan left her with more questions than answers.

“I hope you didn’t feel left out when we started work on this,” Pinkie said as she led her friends through the halls of the gondola, “I was going to ask you the moment I knew this baby could fly high. I didn’t want to waste your time working on spiffying the ship up if we couldn’t go anywhere after all. So much work the ultimate expression of party ship!”

“You mean you already took this for a test flight?” Rarity asked. Pinkie giggled before shaking her head.

“Not really. We just made sure we can have lift off without going too far.”  Rarity recalled the loud racket that had come from the tent the other night. She had thought the library blew up after a mishap with one of Twilight’s experimental spells. It was good that Pinkie was taking precautions to make sure her project worked. “But I did want all my friends to have a part in building the airship. Twilight worked on getting the crystals for the engine, Applejack helped with construction of the hull, Rainbow helped with getting the canvas so we can achieve proper flight, and you can help with making the ship look great!”

“Uhm...” muttered Fluttershy as she peeked over Rarity’s head, “What do I do? I don’t really know how to build things or run engines.”

“You get to be moral support!” Pinkie replied, causing Fluttershy to sprout a small smile.

“I know you started this project,” Rarity stated, “but what part did you play?”

“Besides getting an amazing maiden voyage party in the works, I designed the ship from fore to aft, starboard to port, up and down, lefty to righty, top to bottomy!.” If anything would cause Rarity’s jaw to drop, it was this news. Never had Rarity ever imagined that Pinkie would design a technological marvel such as this. She knew of several of Pinkie’s machines that were used to catch up with Rainbow Dash and Gilda when that rude griffon was in town. As far as Rarity knew, Pinkie always had such gizmos and gadgets laying about either for her myriad parties or pranks.

The idea that her little Pinkie Pie was some sort of mechanical genius under that unorthodox mind to design and help construct the largest airship in Equestrian history was just mind boggling. She simply had to know how Pinkie worked on something so massive under such secrecy.

“Pinkie Pie, I never imagined you could do something like this,” Rarity said as they passed through what  appeared to be the dining room, “Forgive me for saying this, but you never seemed the type to sit still long enough to work on something so grand, or have your thoughts so lucid as to design it in the first place.”

“Oh this was nothing. All I needed was some time.” Pinkie chuckled as she turned the handles on a large metal door with a sign reading “Engine Room” on it. “I’ve always wanted to use the smarts Uncle Cogworks showed me so I can visit him again. Then I thought ‘Pinkie, you know what would be better? Visiting Uncle Cogworks with those smarts!’ Then I thought ‘Pinkie, you know what would be super better? Bringing all your friends to visit Uncle Cogworks, and THEN have a super awesome party!’ With a lot of time, Pinkie smarts, and the help of great friends, I know we’re going to have so much fun when I get this ship in the sky!”

Rarity stopped suddenly, with Fluttershy halting behind her. They both shared the same thought; Pinkie wanted to take them on a voyage in her flying machine, but to where? What would Rarity do on such a trip? She had a business to run, and who knew if her parents would go on another vacation and leave Sweetie Belle in her care? She could not bring a filly like Sweetie Belle on an airship. Something could happen, like her little sister falling overboard, or a problem with the engine or a fire!

Fluttershy looked concerned as well as she fidgeted about, casting nervous glances to a nearby window.  Rarity could only presume that she was likely thinking about all the animals in her care, whether it was Angel Bunny or an orphaned pet or an injured animal come to rest in her cottage. If Fluttershy were to leave for some great adventure, who would care for all the little critters?

I should go. I should think of it as a long overdue vacation. This will be fun. “Pinkie, I would be honoured to go on this marvellous vessel’s maiden voyage,” she said at last, “I will be certain to inform all my clients that I will be unavailable for the duration of the trip.”

“I... I don’t know.” Fluttershy hid behind her long pink mane, turning her eyes away from Pinkie. “It sounds really dangerous. What if there are scary monsters... l-like dragons! What if there are big mean dragons across the ocean!”

Pinkie placed a comforting hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder, her smile warm instead of bubbly. “Everything in Uncle Cogworks’ notes said the way to his home was safe, and the country itself is safe as well! I Pinkie Promise that absolutely nothing will happen to you or to any of my friends. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

Fluttershy’s worry slowly vanished as a smile encroached on her face. “I’ll go too then,” Fluttershy said, “I’ll find somepony who can take care of all of my little animal friends; this sounds like it will a wonderful trip.”

Pinkie absolutely exploded in glee as she tackled both Rarity and Fluttershy in a hug, forgetting they were on a staircase. The trio fell a short distance until they became a mess of tangled limbs, with Pinkie laughing and giving thanks to her friends for agreeing to come.

“That’s everypony!” she said cheerfully, “This is going to be so great! We’ll have so many parties and play so many games and have such a great time!”

“Indeed,” Rarity replied as she dusted herself off and rubbed her battered form. “Though it would be nice if you did not have to show your affection on a flight of stairs. If I may ask, you never once mentioned an Uncle Cogworks before.”

“Oh, he’s not my real uncle,” Pinkie said as she began to turn the handles on another door. “He was a friend who lived near the rock farm where I grew up. I never noticed his place until after my cutie mark, and one day when I was having a party and invited everypony around,  I went to his place to give him his invitation. When I arrived at his workshop, I got to see all of his wonderful inventions! Whirligigs and thingamabobs, gizmos and whatzits, and all sorts of machines that go ding!”

“So I almost begged him to show me how to build like he did, thinking I could use his teachings to make ponies happy. That Party Cannon? One of the first things I ever created! Took a long time to perfect but it was worth it! When he left for his home country, I was sad, but also glad that one day I can show him everything I’ve leaned.”

“Um... Pinkie Pie? I-I don’t understand,” Fluttershy said, “We never see you invent machines or anything like this, though I’m pretty sure you are very good. But most of the time you just bake sweets with the Cakes.”

“Cupcakes and muffins and all that stuff is easy to make, and the materials are much easier to come by,” Pinkie explained as she bounced over to the door to the engine room. “Just look at this ship! Metal! Lumber! Canvas! A pony like me just can’t get all this stuff in one go. I had to call in a lot of favours, and spend a lot of time usually saved for parties and pranks to build this!” 

Pinkie hopped around the cramped corridor, utterly delighted about her work as she continued to gush and bound around the hallway. “I love being in Ponyville where all my friends are, and I love having parties and working on delicious tasty treats! If this ship wasn’t bugging my noodle for the past six months, I would have kept making goodies. And it’s so much more fun to be here in Ponyville having fun and bringing smiles than lecturing in some mechanics class in some academy.”

“By the way, remind me to have you sample my new butterscotch-maple-walnut-soufflé.” Pinkie giggled at the thought of her new confectionery. “I think it makes a yummy in my tummy, but for some reason Mister Cake didn’t want to give it a try.”

“But I have never seen you focused on one thing like this before,” Rarity added, “Unless its a newcomer to Ponyville or a party, your attention is simply everywhere!”

"Oh come on, girls! Popping out of hammerspace all the time takes energy! I need to focus my energy on what's important."

"And popping out of walls and flower vases, and the masonry of bridges isn't?"

Pinkie shrugged. "Eh. It's about a three out of ten. This is more like an eight, or even a nine! You have any idea what this airship is gonna be able to do? We're talking big changes here! Do you have any idea how much fun we’re going to have? Parties in the sky! In. The. Sky!"

Pinkie then opened the door to the engine room as she waited for Rarity and Fluttershy. As they entered the engine room, they noticed Twilight Sparkle was looking over various gauges and meters that adorned the walls while going over a checklist levitated by her magic. As she was about to say hello to Twilight, Rarity’s eyes widened as she looked at the ship’s source of power.

Hovering among a brass apparatus was a massive yellow crystal, the likes of which Rarity had never seen before. Twilight’s horn immediately began to glow with magic as tremendous power emanated from the crystal, tendrils of arcane strength flowing from the crystal and lashing against the brass frames that acted as its cell. Energy crackled from the crystal as it slowly spun in its dais, and a low hum of power could be felt throughout the room.

“Hello Rarity, Fluttershy,” Twilight said as she approached, “I’m glad Pinkie finally decided to show you what we’ve been working on for so long. I can see you’re both impressed by the Mageia Chrysalidas energy core.”

“I just call it the ‘Big Magic Crystal Spinny Thingy’,” Pinkie said with a wink, just out of Twilight’s hearing.

“I told Princess Celestia and Princess Luna what we were working on in a letter, and they both agreed that a ship as large as this would need a considerable amount of power, so they sent over the entire apparatus. The way it works is fascinating. The pylons absorb energy from the crystal as it spins, acting both as amplifiers and foci, transferring the energy across the ship through copper ley-lines I crafted and laid myself. Once the machine gets power the crystal...”

As Twilight went on and on about the technological aspects of the magic crystal engine, Rarity thought instead to just how much went into the airship. An apparatus of this magnitude had to have taken quite a bit of funding, as a source of power of this magnitude would require only the finest materials to act for the crystal’s housing. The crystal spun in an almost mesmerizing turn, the power and the majesty far grander than any gem Rarity could ever conceive.

“...and that allows oatmeal to come out of the pot at a mild yet delicious temperature,” Twilight said deadpan, “Rarity, have you been listening to a word I’ve said?”

“Oh, sorry dear, my mind was elsewhere.” In an effort not to offend Twilight, Rarity decided to ask something else. “What about the funding? Surely something like this would cost quite the purse of bits.”

“I’m glad you asked!” Twilight’s horn glowed with magic as she lifted a scroll from a nearby saddlebag, “When Pinkie came to me for help with getting the material and of course the power supply, I sent a letter to Princess Celestia along with a copy of Pinkie’s design. As quick as you can blink, she and Luna authorized a grant ‘In the interest of advancing Equestria’s scientific and cultural knowledge.’ They’ll be coming to see off the maiden voyage once we are ready to depart.

This is so exciting! This ship was designed for long range flights, and with the Mageia Chrysalidas, we can go well beyond the borders of Equestria, even over the ocean. Just imagine what sort of discoveries lie in wait, new magic we can study, new ponies or even other civilizations we can encounter!”

Twilight and Pinkie’s bright smiles were infectious to say the least, as Rarity and Fluttershy soon found themselves smiling back at the enthusiasm of grand adventure. Twilight was right: discovery was on the horizon, and opportunities to go where no pony had gone before only came once in a lifetime.

“When do you need me to begin my share, darlings?” Rarity said, now discovering new enthusiasm for the project, “I want to begin right away so we can set sail! So to speak.”

“We have a month,” Pinkie replied as she pointed a hoof at a wall calendar, “I made a deadline and we are going to stick to it. I know a month isn’t a lot of time, Rarity, but...” Pinkie looked at Rarity with large, pleading eyes, tears welling up. Rarity rolled her eyes at the exaggerated display.

Rarity placed a hoof gently on Pinkie’s lips. “I work well under pressure,” Rarity reassured, “But it is a tall order. I will need some help.” As she said this she turned to Fluttershy, who looked away when Rarity’s attention was focused on her. She remembered well what Fluttershy was capable of with needle and thread, it would be a boon to have Fluttershy act as an assistant of sorts.

“Oh, um, I guess I can help with your work,” Fluttershy said, “Helping to make your dress was fun. This should be the same, but bigger, right?”

“Then it’s decided!” Rarity exclaimed as she clapped her hooves together, “Just you wait, Pinkie Pie! Your wonderful flying machine will be the talk of all Equestria for years to come! Mark my words! Fluttershy? Let’s do this!”

***

The month went by quickly as Rarity and Fluttershy worked side by side to get Pinkie’s airship up to snuff. Large silk flags were stitched with care, furniture pieces for the passenger gondola chosen with only the most refined taste in mind — and after calling a few favours — Rarity had managed to secure some artists to craft proper figureheads for the airship.

The figureheads were carved from the finest oaks and painted in the likeness of the Princesses. They would be shipped to Ponyville well before the vessel would take off into the wild blue yonder. Rarity sighed as she looked out the window of the Carousel Boutique as the sun set on another day. Another day that had passed before the time for the ship to take off. 

“Fluttershy,” Rarity said as she looked up at the nearest clock. They had worked well into the night. “I think that is enough for today. We’ll meet up again tomorrow to work on the curtains for the main dining hall. I want to speak with Pinkie Pie before the night is done.”

“Oh... All right, Rarity.” They cleaned up Rarity’s boutique quickly, Fluttershy humming to herself softly as she finished up another day’s work. She was enjoying the quiet work, and Rarity wondered why she never asked Fluttershy to be her assistant before now. The pegasus did have a knack for sewing, something that was more than apparent after she was able to craft Rarity’s gala dress from sketch to perfection. Of course there were the animals in her care, though now Rarity wondered if there was a way to get her Fluttershy to spend more time in the boutique.

After they said their goodbyes, Rarity left her shop and headed in the direction of Sugarcube Corner as the sunset bathed the streets of Ponyville in a warm orange hue. Whatever concerns she had seemed to melt away with the sight of twilight; this was just the closing of another day. Tomorrow would bring more work needing to be done for the airship to be deemed ready, and Pinkie and the others were counting on her expertise.

As she approached the bakery, Rarity could see Pinkie slowly make her way towards the door. The pink earth pony let out a long yawn, something Rarity would never have imagined would affect the energetic mare. Pinkie perked right up when she saw Rarity, however, and quickly waved her over with a frantic hoof.

“Hi there Rarity!” Pinkie called out, “Do you want to come inside? I’ll get us some muffins and hot cocoa!”

“That sounds lovely,” Rarity replied. “I did want to talk to you about the journey. Shall we?”

Sugarcube Corner smelled like freshly baked sweets as always, and the Cakes were as kind and as courteous as ever when they saw Rarity step inside with Pinkie. After balancing a tray with two muffins and two mugs of hot cocoa on her back, Pinkie led the way to her room. Rarity did not make it a habit of coming to Pinkie’s abode, as it was a chaotic a mess as she imagined it would be. Being prepared for the disaster zone, however, did nothing to make her resistant to cringing at the sight.

One half of the room appeared to be the aftermath of a party, something Rarity guessed was Pinkie’s way of keeping in practice. Perhaps Pinkie simply celebrated every day in her own way, as a way to revel in life itself. The other half appeared in no less a mess, with various surfaces covered in blueprints and other tools to build schematics. Add a bit of the usual pink garish decor that was expected, and Rarity’s expectation of Pinkie’s room was all but met.

Pinkie set the snack down on a table before allowing gravity to do its work as she dropped onto a large bean bag chair. The sound of pony hitting bean bag awakened her pet alligator Gummy, who immediately leaped into air and attached itself to Pinkie’s head. Rarity tried not to look into the glassy eyes of the toothless reptile, but found herself getting lost in the milky eyes.

“What’s up, Rarity?” Pinkie said as she shoved a hoof into the bean bag chair and and scooped up a sizable amount of jelly beans. “You don’t come to my place often. Is there something you want to talk about? I can talk about all sorts of things! How best to get lemon meringue out of your mane, one hundred different ways to use a peanut...”

“One moment, about the voyage?” interjected Rarity before her friend’s mouth really began to motor, “I was wondering, you mentioned you wanted to visit Uncle Cogworks. Where exactly does he live? Outside of Equestria?”

“Very far outside of Equestria.” Pinkie swallowed another hoofful of jelly beans before moving to a desk. After opening a drawer, Pinkie pulled out a large roll of parchment before setting it down on the table. Rarity’s nose crinkled at the smell of old parchment; it shared the same unique fragrance as one of Twilight’s ancient tomes.

The map detailed the extended journey far past the west coast of Equestria and across the Azure Ocean to another continent. There lay the nation known as “Mechanon”, a country that as far as Rarity knew did not exist. There was something uncanny about the map, something strange and unnatural. The name of Mechanon did not feel right, like it should have been something she would have known. The map also appeared woefully incomplete, with several regions with large, stylised question marks dotted in regions that were not drawn in.

“That’s the map Uncle Cogworks left me for when I wanted to visit,” Pinkie said. She let out a long yawn after downing her hot cocoa in a single gulp. “When he left for Mechanon, he just left a letter, this map and his tools. This is going to be my opportunity to see him again.”

Rarity nodded in silence as she regarded the map again. She couldn’t help but have that feeling of wrongness whenever she looked at the map, but if it was important to Pinkie, then she would go along with it. Perhaps Twilight knew more about the directions to Mechanon, or had asked the Princess.

When she turned to ask Pinkie another question, the earth pony was asleep, having laid her head on the table with only the slightest pool of drool flowing from her mouth. Levitating a napkin, Rarity sighed with a smile as she cleaned Pinkie up before lifting her friend with her magic. Laying Pinkie on her bed, Rarity took a moment to appreciate just how peaceful the energetic pony looked when she was asleep. Even in deep slumber, that infectious smile never left her lips.

“Good night, Pinkie Pie,” Rarity said as she turned off all the lights, “See you in the morning.”

> The Maiden Voyage
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 2: The Maiden Voyage


Rarity smiled as she took a step back to acknowledge her work. The vessel was much, much more splendid after a month of hard work, with every aspect of the airship given her critical eye. Draped over the side of the balloons were the flags of Equestria. The wooden figureheads of the Princesses were secured to prow of the ship, ready to lead the ship towards discovery.

The insides of the main decks were nothing to sneeze at either. While their budget was not enough to convert the airship into a complete luxury liner, Rarity was able to make it comfortable even to her own standards. Fine furniture made for excellent décor, while the windows were framed in well-crafted brass. The logbook sat on an oak pedestal in the ship’s entrance, and was bound in wood and cloth with gold inlay.

Only the quarters where her friends would be sleeping in as well as the lower decks were untouched. Below the main decks were utility areas like the engine room and the cargo holds, places on the ship that Rarity never imagined she would be going into, and therefore had no need to spruce them up. As for the quarters, as much as she wanted to, her friends’ rooms were their own to work with. For her own room, Rarity brought over many necessities from her home, including her favourite lounging chair and several boxes of supplies for mending and creating clothes, in the event they needed to look their best for Mechanon. She also packed one closet of her very best ensembles for quick choices without the need to make something from scratch. 

Maybe two closets, as well as a full armoire of my choicest hats. Who knows what could be considered fashionable or insulting in a new land. I need to be prepared. Rarity chuckled to herself as she fell onto her chair. Things were turning out quite all right.

“If you’re quite done lounging about, maybe you can help us load the ship with supplies!” Rarity looked out the window to see Applejack and Rainbow Dash pushing large crates towards the airship. They were filled with mundane supplies needed for a long voyage, including ample stores of food and equipment for repair and maintenance. 

“I’ll be down in a minute,” she replied, though the idea of pushing those heavy, dirty boxes made her hooves linger. As she turned to the main hall, she saw Twilight levitating several chests and boxes into her quarters. Filled with books, no doubt, Rarity thought.

“Twilight, dear, we’re going on a fantastic voyage and you’re bringing your entire library?” Rarity chided, if only half-heartedly. Nothing could be said to get that magical mare to consider  leaving her books; every tome and reference guide was going to be “necessary” for their trip. Of course, knowing Twilight, every book had a specialized purpose.

“These books will help us during our travels,” Twilight said, “Just look. ‘Flora and Fauna, Exotic and Engaging.’ ‘All Things Nautical.’ ‘What to do in the event of disaster’, that’s a key book. ‘Discovery for dunderheads’, won’t be needing that myself, but you never know. Mark my words, Rarity, all these books will prove useful. I also brought several instruments for experiments and recording every detail.”

“Did you take a look at Pinkie’s map?” Rarity asked as Twilight placed all her books in alphabetical order, “It felt strange looking at it. An uncanny feeling, like the map shouldn’t really exist.”

“Now that you mention it, that map was kind of odd.” Twilight paused her sorting, contemplating this. “I took a look myself, and no altas mentioned any place like Mechanon. Still, Pinkie did say that Mechanon was far across the ocean, and no pegasi or ship was been able to fly that far. I am curious how this Cogworks made it across. Pinkie never explained.”

That was a fair point. How did one pony travel such a distance? Perhaps Pinkie found some sort of design of a ship used by Cogworks and based her work off of that? It was the only sensible answer.

Of course, this was Pinkie Pie they were talking about. One tossed “sensible” right out the window when she was involved. 

“I’m not worried,” Twilight said as she opened another box full of scrolls and quills, “Pinkie wouldn’t steer us into danger or some false promise. Maybe steer us to a party or what appears to be a wild goose chase, but never anywhere she knew was not worth it.”

The interest in the voyage coming from Twilight did seem to lighten Rarity’s already bright spirits. This was a vacation for Twilight: to learn and study new and interesting things few ponies would ever have a chance to learn. As Twilight hummed along, placing what appeared to be hundreds of scrolls and quills in a shelf, a ringing of a bell echoed through the ship.

Rarity looked up to see several small bells ringing on a thin piece of string near a brass cone connected to a tube. The tube stretched into the floorboards until it went into the hull of the ship. Twilight shrugged when Rarity passed her quizzical look on to her, and they both approached the cone with interest.

“Hey, is this thing on?” said a familiar voice from the cone, “Testing! Testing! Cookies! Chocolate!”

“Pinkie?” Rarity replied, “We can hear you fine, dear.”

“Oh! Great!” A giggle echoed through the communication implement before Pinkie cleared her throat. “All crew are to assemble in the helm of the ship at… really soon. Thirteen-hundred doesn’t sound very fun. Also feels unlucky. We’ll just go for one o’clock!”

Together Rarity and Twilight made their way through the halls until they were in the helm of the ship. The command deck was not a place Rarity spent too much time decorating, as various tools and instruments for control of the ship were here, and she knew better than to poke any buttons or pull levers. The room was surrounded by clear windows, each big enough for a pony to look and see the world around them.  In the center of the room was the ship’s wheel, made from gleaming, polished wood. 

Standing before the wheel was Pinkie Pie, decked in a marine officer’s long coat and three-pointed hat made by Rarity for the occasion. The colours of the clothes were light blue with white lining, just like the sky. A white feather was pinned on the right side of the hat. Pinkie was grinning ear to ear, as was expected from a pony who was so close to success on her grandest project to date.

Fluttershy was already in the room with Pinkie and Applejack, and Rainbow Dash soon joined them. Once the group was together, Pinkie’s expression turned stern, though it appeared to take a great deal of effort to keep her face steady.

“We are almost ready for our maiden voyage tomorrow!” Pinkie announced, “There are just a few things missing. Today, we reveal to Ponyville and to the world what’s been going on in our big top! First, we need to fix a really big problem right away!”

“What problem?” Twilight asked, “Is it the Chrysalidas? I did some adjustments earlier today to get the energy coefficient at a nominal level…”

Pinkie shook her head. “Engine is running fine; the ship will have liftoff.”

“It can’t be the weather,” Rainbow added, “I checked all the reports from here to the west coast, and they all say clear skies for the next two weeks. At the rate we’ll be flying, we’ll be past the coast in a day!”

“Is it the supplies?” Applejack looked frustrated as she looked out a port side window towards the ground. “I’m sure we have enough food to last the journey. Brought plenty of apples, cider, baking goods and accessories, long enough to keep us afloat until we reach Mechanon.”

“It’s not the food, or weather, or any of that, silly fillies!” Pinkie ran over to the side of the helm and pointed towards the side of the ship. “This baby needs a name! We can’t just sail off into the sky without a name.”

That is a fair point, Rarity conceded after thinking it over. A ship without a name was just not proper. What name would they decide on however?

“What about Enterprise?” Twilight suggested. Everypony began to laugh at the idea, leaving only Twilight to fume.  After the laughing stopped, Fluttershy stepped forward, much to everypony’s surprise.

“How about ‘Harmony’,” said Fluttershy, “Only if you think so, Pinkie. I just thought it would make sense; we are the Elements of Harmony, and this ship could be like a giant showing of our friendship.”

“A testament to our unity!” Rarity exclaimed, “Oh Fluttershy, how brilliant! That is a wonderful name for a fine vessel we all worked so hard on.”

“To the Harmony!” Pinkie called out, placing her right hoof in the air towards the group. The others soon echoed the name of the airship and followed suit, until all six hooves were touching. Wide grins, laughter, and great cheer filled the command deck to such a degree that not even the presence of Nightmare Moon and Discord combined could take them down.

***

“But Rarity, I want to go too!”

Rarity kept switching hats as Sweetie Belle complained about not being able to go. Today was the day of the first flight, and there was little time to get to the opening ceremony. The ship was loaded and ready to go, but she was not. For such an event, Rarity simply had to look her best in front of Ponyville, the Princesses, and the world.

Right, Rarity thought as she switched out a wide brimmed sunhat with a more stylish, eye-catching, head-turning fascinator, no pressure. Just get ready and go. Explain to Sweetie Belle as to why she can’t go even though you’ve done so over and over and over since you first told her.

“I know you want to go, dear, and I wish you could come too,” Rarity explained as she levitated an eye curler to her lashes, “But a voyage like this is wrought with danger…”

“And excitement!”

“There simply isn’t enough room on board.”

“I can sleep on the floor! Please Rarity! What if my cutie mark is waiting for me across the ocean?”

Rarity let out an exasperated sigh. “I am almost certain Applejack is having the same discussion with Applebloom, and Rainbow Dash is likely hounded by Scootaloo.” She turned to her sister with the brightest smile she could manage. 

“Sweetie Belle, I would love nothing more that to take you along, but this is the ship’s first voyage, and who knows what will happen? I’d rather sleep soundly knowing you’re safe on firm ground than in the air where accidents will happen.”

Sweetie Belle was about to protest when Rarity took her in a tight embrace. The two stayed together for a while, holding each other close for what was to be last time in a couple months. A quick glance of the clock and Rarity’s eyes widened.

“Oh dear, there is fashionably late and there is just rude late!” Quickly deciding on the wide-brimmed hat, she gave Sweetie Belle a quick kiss to her forehead before galloping out of Carousel Boutique and towards Sweet Apple Acres.

A sizable crowd was already there, with the entire population of Ponyville in attendance. As with all of Pinkie’s parties, streamers, confetti, balloons, and all sorts of tables covered in all manner of confection were placed throughout the grounds. Before Rarity could question how Pinkie had the time to get the airship ready and set up such a massive party, she saw what appeared to be a firing line of her signature party cannons. 

Ponies from near and far had come to see the commotion, each wondering just as Rarity did what was under the tent. She allowed herself a silent chuckle; she knew, and all of Equestria would know soon enough as well.

Among the outdoor party guests, she could see her friends mingling before their travels would begin. Applejack was saying her goodbyes to her family, while Fluttershy was instructing Snips and Snails, of all ponies on all the fine details of taking care of her animals. Rainbow Dash was talking to members of her fan club, while Pinkie was nowhere to be seen. With Spike on her back, Twilight approached Rarity with a smile.

“Hello Rarity. Nice hat,” Twilight said, “We’re just waiting for the Princesses now. When they arrive, we’ll have to remove the tent. Do you think your magic is up to it?”

“It may not be as powerful as your abilities, darling, but I believe I can manage.” A trumpet in the distance resounded like thunder as the entire congregation turned towards Canterlot in the distance. From the sky came a golden chariot pulled by two of Equestrian Royal Guards, with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna aboard.

The chariot made several passes around the tent with the regal sisters waving towards the populace. Seeing Twilight’s horn glow bright with magic, Rarity did the same, matching the movements of spell lines as they began to grip and pull at the massive tent.

One by one, poles were wrenched from the ground and laid gently to the side as ropes were untied and let loose. Lifting the canvas like a great bedsheet, the two unicorns raised the tent to the sky. They worked well as a team, with Twilight providing the power for the task while Rarity’s magic folded the tent with expert precision. The crowds around them gasped as they looked at the Harmony, the airship sitting idle as it awaited flight.

Princess Luna leaned over the edge of the chariot, eyes wide with glee as she looked on at the ship from the sky. With a final pass over the now-revealed Harmony, the chariot came down gently to the ground, allowing both Princesses to depart. As Luna rushed towards the ship to take a closer look, Celestia stood as serene as ever, a smile on her face as she looked to the ponies around her.

“Excellent likenesses,” Luna said as she looked over the figureheads, “It will be like I am going in spirit, though I wish I could go myself. Such a marvel! How I wish I had more time to study all of its intricacies…”

“My little ponies,” said Celestia as she looked over at the six, “In all my life, I have never seen such a work as this airship, and I have lived for a very long time. It is a marvellous vessel, and not because of its size or ability.

It is because friendship built this airship, and it will be friendship that guides you all towards the horizon. Remember that the work you put into this ship together does not end with construction, but with the flight of the Harmony and your exploration of whatever lies beyond Equestria’s borders. As you travel across the skies in the Harmony, know that friendship, is something that will be constant. Whether it is here or in a foreign land, the unity you six have shown is something that can be found in the hearts of all ponies, near and far.”

Rarity always felt lightheaded when the Princess referred to them directly. It was still an experience to have the attention of Celestia herself upon her and her friends. If you had asked Rarity ten years ago if she would ever be in such a position, she would have said, “Oh yes, absolutely. All my dresses will be the talk of Canterlot and beyond!” 

Here she was along with five other unassuming ponies who had saved Equestria from disaster, twice, and about to do what no pony had ever done. Again. It was something Rarity took a slice of pride in. Perhaps a rather large slice.

“Now then,” Celestia said as she looked to her sister who was still gawking at the machine, “Luna? Would you like to do the honours?”

“Oh!” Luna turned her head, almost begging with her eyes if she could inspect the ship longer. “Very well. All yon fillies and gentlecolts in attendance this morn, we bid thee welcome!”

“On this day, we do celebrate the maiden voyage of yonder vessel into the great unknown, beyond the borders of our fair land and into places unknown. Let us wish these brave ponies an informative, pleasant, and above all safe journey into the blue sky and lands so far away.”

Princess Luna’s horn began to glow, magic gripping a bottle of champagne from the chariot. With grace, the bottle floated through the air, every eye watching as it moved to the bow of the ship.

“It is with great honour and pleasure that we, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of Equestria, hereby give this vessel and all others of its class the name Harmony! May the sun and the moon act as a beacon, and know that we watch over you, no matter where you go.”

The champagne bottle struck the bow with force, the glass shattering and the bubbly splashing about a safe distance from any spectators. With a yank of the rope, Pinkie lowered stairway to the Harmony before turning back to the Princesses. Pinkie gave them a sharp salute with the most serious face Rarity had ever seen Pinkie give, before convulsing in a fit of giggles.

“Crew and passengers!” Pinkie announced, “All aboard! All aboard!”

One by one, the six said their goodbyes to family and friends before climbing up the stairs to the Harmony. Rarity felt her eyes water when she gave her parents tight embraces; she would not see them for a long time, and while she was an independent mare, she did love her parents and enjoyed their company.

There was no sign of Sweetie Belle at the goodbyes, however. Perhaps she did not want to see her big sister enter the ship. Or more likely…

No, Rarity thought as she took each step into the main deck slowly, she wouldn’t. They wouldn’t. We told them it would be too dangerous.

Oh who am I kidding? All three of them are likely on the ship. I’m going to walk in and then—

“Surprise!” An all too familiar trio of fillies were waiting on the deck as Rarity stepped through the threshold. Sure enough, Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle were standing with Fluttershy, shining smiles on their faces. The sounds of gears grinding against chains alerted them that the stairs were being pulled up and that first flight was to be underway.

Rarity couldn’t help but shake her head at the sight of them; instead of enjoying the trip, she was now going to be responsible for keeping Sweetie Belle safe. Thankfully she was not alone, as Applejack was showing displeasure as well towards Applebloom.

“What in tarnation are you doing here, missy?” Applejack asked sternly, “You’re supposed to be back on solid ground with Big Macintosh and Granny Smith.”

“We asked Pinkie if we could come to,” Applebloom replied, “And she said ‘the more the merrier’, so here we are!”

“What about your parents?” Twilight raised a brow. “Aren’t they going to be worried?”

“We asked them and they said yes!” Scootaloo jumped up and down with glee, easily excited to be going on the journey with her friends. “We told them we’re going with the very ponies who got rid of Nightmare Moon and Discord! They had to figure if we were safe anywhere it would be with you six.”

“Attention please!” Pinkie’s voice came from a nearby brass cone, “We will have liftoff in fifteen minutes. Please come to the command deck to have the best view and then we can party! Woohoo!”

“Cutie Mark Crusader Airship Explorers! Yay!” The three fillies dashed off up the stairs towards the command deck, leaving only a Rarity and the others to follow behind. Rarity still was still hesitant about the idea of having to care for her sister for months in foreign lands, and as she looked to Applejack who should have had a matching a look of frustration, instead had a smile on her lips.

They made their way to the command deck quickly, with Pinkie checking various instruments and Twilight moving to join her. Each pony took a separate space on the deck, each looking down on Ponyville below through the great windows. Rarity felt that pang of excitement in her chest; while they were not as high as they were during their trip to Cloudsdale, it was always a thrill to be so elevated above the world.

She suddenly felt the brush of a coat rub against her leg, and looked down to see Sweetie Belle standing beside her, smile bright and cheery. Her face was painted with excitement, and Rarity couldn’t help but return the smile. There was just no way to stay mad at those green eyes.

“Scotty, how are the engines doing?” asked Pinkie as she took the ship wheel in her hooves.

“Mageia Chrysalidas is running at optimal levels,” Twilight said, “Just please don’t call me Scotty. Main propellers are active.”

A loud hum could be heard all around them as the engines came to life. Bright violet energy flowed from cable lines throughout the command deck, all starting from the engineering console Twilight watched over. Rarity could feel the magical energy of the crystal flowing through what Twilight had called “ley lines” as they gave energy to every part in the ship.

The massive propellers at the ship’s sides began to turn slowly, huge metal blades swirling as the Princesses, along with their guards, helped clear the liftoff area of the spectators. As the blades spun faster and faster, huge clouds of dust swept from the ground, only to be contained by the princesses’ magic.

“Activating thrust propellers,” Twilight said as she pressed her hoof against a lever. Loud clunking noises echoed as several smaller propeller drives moved into place. Pinkie explained that each of the thrust fans moved on swivels that allowed the Harmony to turn while in flight.

Rarity looked down to see that the Princesses, unaffected by the dust storms caused by liftoff, looking up as the ship began its slow ascent. From their protective barrier, the crowd waved its goodbyes, with Celestia and Luna soon doing the same once the ship had achieved high enough altitude.

As the ship continued to climb, Rarity wrapped a foreleg around Sweetie Belle’s shoulders, holding her close as the sight of their parents continued to fade until the two were nothing but specks on the ground. This was it; there was no going back. The Harmony was going to Mechanon, and the sisters would have to be there for each other in a strange foreign land.

For some reason, it felt right. Rarity couldn’t be happier. She was sailing into the sky with her best friends and her little sister at her side. She pressed her face against the glass, looking down at the ponies who continued to send the Harmony well wishes. Sweetie Belle waved down to their parents, calling out to them despite the distance and the fact that they could not hear her. Rarity did the same, if not for her sister’s comfort, then definitely for her own.

“Auxiliary propellers are active,” Twilight reported, “All systems are go. Pinkie? We’re ready.”

Standing upright on her hind hooves with one foreleg on the ship’s wheel and another on the command lever, Pinkie took a deep breath as she looked out to the sky before her. Rarity followed her gaze, watching as clouds drifted by around them as their ascent became slower. 

The enormity of the situation left her breathless like never before. They were even higher than Cloudsdale now, and below, the lands of Equestria resembled a patchwork quilt, with all the little houses and buildings appearing like foals’ toys. From her spot she could see her boutique, Twilight’s library, and all of Ponyville below. In the distance, Canterlot looked little more than a magical doll’s castle.

A clicking noise came from the command lever as Pinkie pushed it slowly from “Stop” to “One Quarter”. The Harmony then began to move slowly forward, the great balloon spearheading the way for the rest of the ship with the figureheads braving on through the clouds. Pinkie  turned the dial to “One Half”, then to “Three Quarters”.

“Are you ready, Sweetie Belle?” Rarity asked as she held herself close to her sister. A new nervousness came about, one of excitement and worry. The vista of the Equestrian countryside gave an awe-striking view of the land, from the farmers’ fields, to the grassy plains and the mountainous regions. All of Equestria laid out before them, their home that they were now leaving.

“I can’t wait!” Sweetie Belle chimed, “It’s going to be great!”

“Maybe we’ll even get our cutie marks in Mechanon!” At Applebloom’s mention of cutie marks, the three little fillies gave a cheer, eager to get started on trying whatever they could to get their marks. 

Rainbow Dash pressed her face against the glass, just as eager as the fillies. “Few pegasi have ever been this high!” she squealed in delight, “I can’t wait to get out there and fly alongside the Harmony! I bet I’m faster than this ship!”

“Just as long as you don’t get your head too up in the clouds, sugarcube,” Applejack said, “Still, Mechanon. A new country on the other side of the ocean. Makes travelling all the way to Manehattan by myself seem like a walk to the park. I’m glad I’m with all of you for this. Wouldn’t be caught on this ship so far from home otherwise.”

“As long as we’re together, we’ll be ok,” Fluttershy added, “It’s still a long way to Mechanon, though. I hope whoever we find will be friendly.”

“If they are anything like Uncle Cogworks, I wouldn’t worry too much,” Twilight said as she left her console, “Pinkie is looking forward to seeing him above all. We’re seeing a new world few ponies have ever seen before. This will be an adventure for the ages!”

“Okie dokey, everypony,” Pinkie said as she pressed her hoof against the command lever to the last section marked “Full”, “All ahead at full power! Let’s go!”


> The Storm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3: The Storm

In the span of a day, the Harmony had flown well over the Equestrian countryside, leaving only surprised ponies in its wake as it sailed overhead. With a pair of binoculars levitating in front of her eyes, Rarity could see the ponies below look up with awe at the airship. Being so high in the sky in a one-of-a-kind airship did make Rarity lightheaded, and not because of the altitude. She’d be the talk of Canterlot when they returned from Mechanon. Everypony was going to want to know what sort daring adventures she had in this new land.

Rarity shared her opera binoculars with Sweetie Belle, who looked down on the world with glee, always asking questions as her big sister did her best to answer them. What at first Rarity thought would be a nuisance bringing Sweetie Belle aboard she now found it was a delight; her sister hung on her every word as if it were law as the two regarded the world around them.

Ponyville was far behind them now, and a few kilometers ahead was the western shoreline. The sun was setting along the horizon, leaving a breathtaking vista of the sun’s glow reflecting off the ocean. The ponies stood in amazement at the sight as Pinkie brought the engines to quarter thrust. To Rarity, there was no more perfect sunset as the one before them.

“It’s sights like this that make this voyage incredible,” Applejack said, “Boy howdy, how I wish Big Macintosh and Granny Smith could see this.”

“Maybe we can bring them along on the next trip?” Applebloom looked up at Applejack, who nodded in reply. They stayed together, as close as Rarity and Sweetie Belle as Pinkie left the ship’s wheel and headed to the passenger decks.

“Come on!” she said with cheer, “We need to celebrate! And the best way to celebrate is...?

“A party!” everypony replied, all laughing and smiling as they followed Pinkie down to the dining room. Rarity gave the abandoned ship’s wheel a look before turning towards Pinkie, who bounded down the stairs with haste. If the captain of the vessel left her post, who was guiding the ship?

“Excuse me dear, I don’t mean to be a bother,” Rarity began, “But is it safe to just leave the wheel unattended?”

“Everything’s fine, Rarity,” Pinkie replied, “If on its lonesome, the Harmony will just cruise along the air nice and easy at the pace its going. Like a rubber duck in a quiet bath tub.”

“Besides, only a really, really strong wind could blow something like this off course,” said Rainbow Dash as she gave a few reassuring pats to Rarity’s shoulder, “I’m talking gale force here, and I checked with the weather ponies on this side of Equestria, and they said there hasn’t been a typhoon in these parts in over a hundred years!”
Oddly enough, Rainbow’s bravado did very little to lessen Rarity’s worries. If there hadn’t been a storm in over a hundred years, maybe this region was due for one. You’re worrying again, Rarity thought as she stepped through the door towards the dining room, but this time you have a reason to. Sweetie Belle is with you and needs you to keep her safe. 

They entered the dining room to find that it was already decorated with all the trimmings of a typical Pinkie Pie party. Bright balloons and flowing streamers lined the walls as mounds of food lined the tables. Party games waited to be played while music played from an old phonograph. 

Three little fillies gave a loud cheer as they ran about the dining hall and enjoyed themselves with the older ponies in yet another of Pinkie’s celebrations. Despite their crass, haphazard nature, Rarity always found that Pinkie’s parties had the one element no high society soiree ever held: that of fun. Oh, those soirees were enjoyable and befitting a lady such as Rarity, but they never played her favourite games like “Pin the tail on the pony”, or made punch in such a delightful way like Pinkie did.

As Pinkie gobbled down pastry after pastry, Rarity shook her head. A little refinement would have been helpful. Her mind began to wander as she thought of Pinkie being more ladylike and elegant. If Applejack had learned such in Manehattan, surely Pinkie could take on some resemblance of elegance? Then there would be the challenge of Pinkie actually sitting still long enough for Rarity to do any attempt at a makeover...

A challenge for another day, Rarity decided. The party continued into the wee hours of the night, at least as late as it was for children. Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle collapsed in a small pile after all the food was consumed and the party had wound down to a close. Yawns echoed through the room as each pony did their share in cleaning up the dining hall.

“That was delightful,” Rarity said as she and Fluttershy took care of the assortment of dishes, “Though I wonder how many of these parties Pinkie will hold between here and Mechanon. In any event, did you manage to find a caretaker for all your animals?”

“Oh yes,” Fluttershy replied, “I found two colts who wanted to help. One of them even had a snail as a cutie mark. I’m sure they’ll get along fine. I’m not worried at all.”

Oh dear, Snips and Snails, Rarity thought with a quiet chuckle as she washed the dishes with magic, leaving them utterly spotless, Angel Bunny must be having a field day with those two. Still, I’m sure everything will be fine. Ursa Minor not withstanding.

“Oh dear, look at poor Sweetie Belle,” Rarity cooed at the sleeping filly, laying curled up on the floor, “I should bring her to bed. I’ll be with you in a moment, Fluttershy.”

She picked up Sweetie Belle with her magic, leaving with Applejack who carried Applebloom on her back and Rainbow Dash trudging along, a half-asleep Scootaloo behind her. Once she arrived in her room, it took a moment to realize that there was no place for Sweetie Belle to truly sleep. There was just one bed for Rarity.

“Well I certainly won’t be having my little sister sleep on the floor,” she said aloud, remembering what Sweetie Belle had said when she begged for Rarity to take her onto the Harmony, “We’ll share the bed, just like when we were smaller.”

After tucking Sweetie Belle in, Rarity left her quarters and headed towards one of the observation decks. She looked out of one of the portholes to see that the ship had stopped moving. Likely a precaution by Twilight, Rarity decided, it would be far too dangerous to keep travelling when everypony is asleep.

Opening the door to the outer deck, Rarity shivered a moment as the cold ocean air rushed over her. The smell of the salt water filled her nose; it was certainly unique and quite refreshing. The chill was giving her goosebumps under her coat that made her wish she had brought a proper sweater, but her time out on the deck would be brief. Interestingly enough, she was not alone on the deck, as Twilight was standing near the guard rail, eyes up at the night sky above.

Despite having a book, her writing tools, and her telescope, Twilight stood perfectly still as she gazed into the endless night. Rarity followed suit, looking up to see the endless sea of stars overhead. Each was a sparkling diamond in indigo cloth, glittering more beautifully than any precious jewel Rarity had ever seen.

“Breathtaking, isn’t it?” Twilight said, keeping her gaze on the night sky, “You never get to see these many stars in Canterlot or Ponyville with all the lights on. Here it’s just us, the stars, the moon. I asked Pinkie to keep the lights on the Harmony dim so they wouldn’t interfere. I never thought I’d see you out here though, Rarity.”

“I always have an appreciation for beauty, dear,” Rarity replied, “Whether it’s gems from the earth or the stars in the sky. Still, you are right. You don’t see nearly as many stars in Ponyville as you do out here.”

“You do if you go out to Applejack’s farm, though sometimes Applejack gets a bit antsy when ponies wander around her farm at night.” Twilight’s horn began to glow, and with a wisp of her magic, she brought over her book of astronomy.

“Quick lesson,” Twilight began, with Rarity giving her a bored look, “Oh, it’ll be fun, you might learn something!”

“Like how Orion has three stars in his belt and not four?” A day that would live in infamy to Rarity. The image of those particular dresses were still fresh in her mind after so long. Still, she stayed with Twilight, humouring her and her wish to educate. 

“This may come in handy someday,” Twilight said, “Look there, those really bright stars. See how they form a sort of spoon? That’s the Big Dipper, or Ursa Major.”

“Will we be needing Trixie to handle this?”

They both laughed for a moment, remembering all too well the incident that had inflicted terror on Ponyville involving the celestial cub. Worse yet, the sheer devastation that braggart had done to Rarity’s mane with her obnoxious magic tricks. Green hair, of all things.

“Anyways, if you follow the edge of the spoon directly across, you’ll find Polaris, the North Star. If you are ever lost, you can use Polaris to find out which way is north. Also, Polaris is part of another constellation, the Little Dipper, or Ursa Minor. Pretty interesting stuff, don’t you think?”

Rarity simply kept her eyes on the stars, imagining the two constellations as giant spoons in the sky. From their dips, she saw rivers of starry milk flow from the spoons, an absurd image yet also appropriate. Then she thought of the Ursa Major and Minor, and as she looked to the stars, the forms of the bears seemed to take shape above.

It was an amusing scene of mother bear and her cub together. The imagery of a nurturing family was forever immortalized in the night sky. It was something right out of a foal’s story book of mothers and their children together. Thinking on the two Ursas reminded Rarity of her own mother and the time she had spent with her when she was a little filly.

“Tomorrow is going to be our first day over the ocean,” Twilight said, snapping Rarity’s attention away from the stars, “More to explore and discover with every square mile of sea. I’m sure there will be something for everypony: Rainbow Dash will fly with the ship, Fluttershy would love to see the aquatic life. We’ll have so much fun, all the way to Mechanon.”

The two stayed together for a while, Twilight doing most of the talking about the stars, observed celestial bodies such as comets and meteors, and other facts compiled by fellow astronomers over the ages. Rarity did find such information interesting, in more of a trivia sort of way, though not in any manner she could find practical. Maybe Sweetie Belle would benefit from Twilight’s educational lectures.

After saying goodnight to Twilight, Rarity returned to her quarters to find Sweetie Belle all curled up under the sheets, murmuring happily of some dream or another. Rarity gave her little sister a quick kiss on her forehead, watching with warmth as Sweetie Belle’s lips curled into a slight smile.

“Good night, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said as she carefully slipped under the covers, “Tomorrow will be the ocean.”

***
“Good morning!”

Rarity opened her eyes to see Sweetie Belle and her friends at her side of the bed, big smiles on their eager faces. Sitting next to her was a stainless steel tray lined with what Rarity assumed was food. Burnt toast was the least of her worries as shriveled carrots and something that most definitely did not smell like coffee.

She turned a nervous smile towards the fillies, hoping to at least get them out of the room and dispose of “breakfast” quietly. Rarity considered simply tossing it overboard, but that would have been unfair to pollute the ocean. “I certainly appreciate the gesture, girls,” Rarity said as she got out of bed, “I’ll enjoy this fine breakfast after I freshen up. Why don’t you all go down and help the others get a wonderful start, just like me. I’m sure they’ll appreciate the effort put in to the most important meal of the day.”

As she ushered the three out of their rooms and winced at their triumphant “Cutie Mark Crusaders Breakfast Chefs, yay!”, she quickly dashed into the bathroom to begin her morning rituals. A quick hop into the shower, enough mane curlers to get her style just perfect, another brush to do the same with the tail with the aid of her magic and she was one-tenth of the way to her fabulous self. Good progress so far.

When a knock on the door distracted her as she was fixing up her lashes, Rarity huffed as she made her way from the bathroom. Didn’t anypony know this was one of the most critical junctions in looking one’s best and should not be disturbed?

Opening the door, Rarity found that it was Applejack standing before her, looking a bit cross as she stood in the hallway. Interestingly enough, Applejack appeared to be clean: her coat was shining and her mane looked vibrant, rather than dull with sweat and dirt.

“What are you lookin’ at?” Applejack said with a raised eyebrow.

“Just the fact that it appears you have finally applied some care into your appearance.” Rarity beckoned for Applejack to come in, quickly returning to the bathroom to continue her work. “Is there anything I can do for you, dear? As you can see, I am quite busy.”

“Just wanted to talk, is all,” Applejack replied as she went to look out the window, “Seein’ as your sister and my sister both managed to convince Pinkie they should come. Wanted to get your insight and such. Those two fillies can be tougher than a stampeding herd of bovines to wrangle up, I tell you what.”

“Something we both can relate to.” One by one, Rarity pulled the curlers out of her mane, careful to give them just enough “bounce”. “Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, along with Scootaloo, will behave themselves if they want to explore the ship and Mechanon. Although I am surprised to see you on this voyage. What about the farm?”

“Big Macintosh has his buddy Caramel helping out,” Applejack explained, “And Pinkie promised we would be back in time for applebuck season. I figured I may as well head on out with ya’ll. See the world beyond the farm.”

“What about your trip to Manehattan? Wasn’t that the same thing?”

Applejack shook her head. “Was trying to find out who I was. Where my heart was, and that’s at Sweet Apple Acres. This is just for fun, going to far-off places with my friends. That sort of thing. I guess now I add making sure Applebloom doesn’t stir too much of a commotion as well.”

After she was sure her appearance was up to standard, Rarity joined Applejack to wander the halls of the Harmony. “I also came by to make sure you weren’t just going to toss Sweetie Belle my way whenever she gets in your mane. Hard enough to wrangle one sister into sitting still, I didn’t sign on to become a filly sitter for three.”

Applejack was right, as much as Rarity disliked to admit it. It was not fair to leave Sweetie Belle in the care of another. Perhaps she could use this as an opportunity to teach Sweetie Belle the finer things in life before they got to Mechanon. Since they would be the first Equestrians ever to enter a new nation, this was a wonderful chance to teach not just Sweetie Belle, but everypony of proper etiquette and decorum when acting the part of dutiful diplomatic dignitaries.

“Come on now,” Applejack said, “Let’s get ‘er on down to the mess. Our sisters left quite the mess, and leaving Rainbow to take charge probably wasn’t the best idea.”

“Captain to all passengers!” Pinkie’s voice resounded through the brass cones, “If you look out the port windows, you’ll see lots of ocean! Ocean as far as the eye can see! If you look out to starboard, guess what? Same thing! Goes with whats at the fore as well. To the aft, you can see Equestria way off into the distance! Don’t forget to wave to everypony! They can’t see you, but I’m sure they’ll appreciate the gesture!”

Forgetting about going to the mess hall and rescuing Rainbow from the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Rarity and Applejack looked out the windows, marvelling as the ocean was beheld before them. With the sun shining overhead and nary a cloud in the sky, azure skies stretched along with the endless sea into the horizon.

“Well I’ll be,” Applejack said, looking down on the ocean, “Never seen anything like it. Have you?”

“No,” Rarity answered, “We should collect the girls and show them. They’ll love it!”

Rainbow Dash was more than willing to have Rarity and Applejack’s support in dealing with the three fillies, and was eager to see the ocean as well. They decided the best view would be from the command deck, and quickly made their way over, making a quick detour in waking Fluttershy and bringing her along.

Pinkie Pie was at the helm of the ship while Twilight managed the engineering consoles, checking all sorts of dials and lights and readouts that made Rarity’s head spin just by being near. It was impressive that it only took two ponies to manage the flight of the ship; Rarity had thought it would take a full crew. 

“Crystal clear water, a bright blue sky, and the warmth of the sun,” Rarity said as she looked out the command deck window with Sweetie Belle, “It would be picturesque if there was a tropical island out in the distance.”

“Can we go down to ocean?” Sweetie Belle asked. Pinkie put a hoof to her chin, deep in thought before a bright smile curled on her lips. She put her hoof to a dial, turning the lever marked “altitude” downwards.

“Great idea!” she announced, “We can have an ocean party! Decreasing altitude! Everypony, wait near the entryway. I think I have a crate in the hold labelled ‘Beach Party Stuff’. Big sand coloured box. I’ll be right there once I get the Harmony lowered and anchored.”

With the fillies giving a loud cheer and dashing off towards the entrance to the main decks, it was hard for everypony else not to maintain their own enthusiasm, each leaving the command deck and following the young ponies towards the entrance. Leave it to Pinkie to already have everything ready for a party at sea, Rarity thought, Sweetie Belle is really going to enjoy herself. 

Applejack and Rainbow went down to the cargo hold, coming up quickly with a fair-sized crate the same as Pinkie mentioned. Inside was an assortment of beach toys such as inflatable tubes, lounge chairs, rings, and a grand assortment of coloured balls. Sweetie Belle dove into the trove of toys along with her friends, already laying claim to a giant foam noodle.

There was a slight shift in the ship as everypony was rocked on their hooves, the vibration of the bottom of the main deck touching the surface of the ocean. The sound of turning gears and grinding chains alerted the passengers that the anchors were being slowly dropped, until they heard the large iron mass crash into the water. The chains continued to grind for some time until they ceased, the bridge floating on the water. At that moment Pinkie appeared wearing a bright pink swimming tube, flippers, and a snorkel.

“Who’s ready to party ocean style?” Opening the main door leading to the outside, Pinkie pressed another button, causing a long length of plastic to unfurl from the bottom of the deck. Soon it inflated, with several buoys keeping it somewhat level on the ocean surface. Pinkie bounced across the inflatable bridge before leaping right into the water.

“Come on in,” Pinkie said, floating on the water, “The water is great!”

Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo all shouted as they galloped across the balloon bridge, jumping into the water and splashing about, having the time of their lives. Laughing, the other mares soon joined them, diving right into the deep blue. Rarity watched tentatively from the edge of the bridge. The ocean breeze was pleasant, but she really did not want to get her mane and coat immersed in salty water.

“I’ll just stay here,” Rarity said, sitting herself on the edge of the bridge, “Sweetie Belle! Don’t swim out too far from the bridge! Come here and put on this lifejacket. Don’t swim too far off from the bridge, and stay within sight of everypony!”

Rarity levitated enough lifejackets for everypony, ignoring Sweetie Belle’s exasperated sighs as the jacket floated over to her and adjusted itself around her torso. Applebloom and Scootaloo giggled at the sigh of their friend in a bulky flotation device, only to find lifejackets being brought over their heads as well. Appleajck nodded approvingly while Rainbow Dash swam around the fillies.

“Aw, do we gotta wear these things?” Applebloom complained, but only got a stern look from her sister. Scootaloo wasn’t happy either; the large lifejacket not having holes for a pegasus’ wings. They quickly forgot about the lifejackets as Rainbow splashed them with a flap of her wings, causing an eruption of laughs and giggles as they struck back with foam noodles and water assaults of their own. 

Twilight and Fluttershy put on lifejackets themselves, slipping into the water calmly before joining Pinkie and paddling about the Harmony. Together they began to swim, enjoying the ocean for the first time. Rarity was simply content to stay dry and enjoy herself on the bridge, basking in the warmth of the bright sun overhead.

“Look Rarity,” Fluttershy said a moment later, “I found some ocean fish. Aren’t they pretty?”

Accompanying Fluttershy was a small school of fish of various sizes and colours, many Rarity had never seen before. She had to admit they held incredible colouration and shapes, the likes that already had Rarity’s head spinning with new dress ideas. Twilight paddled by, her horn glowing as she held an open book about ocean life. The book itself was protected from getting wet by a small bubble of shimmering, violet magic.

“Angelfish, clownfish, surgeonfish, and more!” Twilight looked excited as she brought the book over to Fluttershy. “The ocean has the most diverse biosphere in the world. So many different species of life from here to the deepest depths. Too bad Pinkie doesn’t have a submersible in the Harmony. Just think of what we could find.”

“I could build one,” Pinkie said, only to have Twilight shake her head.

“It’s alright,” Twilight responded, moving her book back towards the main deck, “Let’s have some fun! What sort of games do you know, Pinkie?”

As Pinkie and Twilight organized a game with the others, Fluttershy swam to Rarity. “Excuse me,” she said, “But I was hoping to feed my new fish friends, but I didn’t bring them any food. Could you bring some bread from the mess hall? If it’s not too much trouble?”

“Certainly dear,” Rarity replied, “I wanted to get something to drink anyways. Bread all right for the fish?”

Fluttershy nodded, smiling at Rarity as she left the bridge and returned to the Harmony. When Rarity returned to the mess hall and quickly moved her magic about, grabbing a small cup of fresh water and loaf of bread for Fluttershy and her fish. She looked out a port window down to her friends who were playing and splashing about in the water, and she felt a tinge of regret for not joining them immediately. If it were any other pool, she would have joined them in an instant, but the ruinous effects the salt water would have had on her mane and coat would take hours of damage control. 

She hummed to herself as she began to cut up the bread into small chunks for the fish, thinking instead to how much fun Sweetie Belle was having. Having her sister with her made Rarity decided that it wasn’t so bad. Her friends were excellent ponies, mares she could trust with anything. While Sweetie Belle was not overly reliable with tasks, she was still Rarity’s little sister, and there was no one Rarity would rather spend time with on a long voyage.

As she bundled the bread into a bag, Rarity turned to the starboard window, squinting a bit as she looked out to the horizon. Large storm clouds appeared to be gathering in the distance, a terrible storm if Rarity had ever seen one. Judging by the distance, it was nowhere near the Harmony, but it was better to bring up the oncoming storm to Pinkie and Rainbow Dash. They would know if they should be worried or not.

Rarity returned to the inflatable bridge, her magic levitating the bag of bread next to her to find her friends still playing about in the ocean. It was then that Rarity spotted a fin break the surface of the water, and it was speeding towards Fluttershy. It didn’t take a pony like Twilight to know that it was a shark. Sharks always broke the water with their fins before attacking helpless pony swimmers in the water. That's what all the nature experts she ever heard or read about said about the predators.

“Fluttershy! Sweetie Belle!” Rarity shouted as she dropped the bag of bed and dove into the water, “Shark! Shark! Get out of the water! Shark!”

“Rarity! Wait!” Fluttershy called, but Rarity would not stop. Poor Fluttershy, she thought, she probably thinks she can reason with a shark like she does with bears and manticores! I know better, I know sharks are wretched, vile predators. I won’t let a shark eat anypony!

The effects of the salt water on her coat and mane were quickly forgotten as she swam as quickly as she could towards Fluttershy. Her heart beat mercilessly as she swam and shouted for everypony to get away from the shark. Although as she swam closer to the shark, Rarity began to think getting closer to the ocean-based predator was actually a fairly insane plan. What was she going to do against a hungry shark? Magic it away? Bop it on the nose?

Just then the water broke, the great aquatic beast jumping from the ocean well over everypony’s heads and into the water on the other side of the bridge. As Rarity stood aghast at being splashed by the fish, she looked again to see that it was no shark at all, but instead a dolphin chattering away. As if mocking her.

“I tried to tell you,” Fluttershy said as she paddled over to Rarity, “That was a dolphin. Their fins are more curved compared to a shark. We don’t have anything to worry about. Dolphins are very friendly.”

I don’t feel very friendly, Rarity fumed as she realized that there was no danger, the dolphin was still squeaking about, and she was immersed in the ocean, and her mane was now completely utterly ruined. Muttering very unladylike words under her breath, Rarity climbed up onto the makeshift dock before storming off towards the ship.

“The nerve of that overgrown fish...” Rarity mumbled.

“Mammal, actually.” Twilight shrunk as Rarity gave her a critical glare, one that spoke that she was not amused in the slightest. The hours of work she was going to have to do get all the salt water scrubbed would be laborious, intensive and completely necessary. This was not how she wanted to spend her vacation. 

I’ve gotten dirtier before, Rarity thought, So why am I miserable over some salt water? A shower, soap, and shampoo with bring everything to standard.

Rarity trudged along the halls of the Harmony until she made it to her quarters, opening the door with only a thought until she was readying a quick bath for herself. I was frightened, she told herself, not only of the potential shark but of who the shark was going after. Fluttershy is my best friend. I would have been devastated if anything were to happen to her.

“Rarity?” There was only the faintest of knocks on her door, but Rarity could tell immediately it was Fluttershy. Poor dear probably felt guilty that she left in a huff over the silly incident with a dolphin. It was rather silly, wasn’t it? She would have to make amends to Fluttershy. She was just so sensitive. 

“Come in, darling,” Rarity said, “I was just going to have a quick hop in the bath to scrub that salt water off. Make yourself comfortable.”

“I’m really, really sorry.” Fluttershy looked downcast as she entered Rarity’s quarters. “It wasn’t a very nice prank for the dolphin to pull. I hope you’re not too upset. Is there anything I can do to help? I can help wash all the salt from your mane?”

Rarity relented, deciding that it would be nice to have her best friend work on her mane as she simply relaxed. Sitting on her haunches in the tub, Rarity closed her eyes, feeling the cool application of shampoo on her head as Fluttershy began to rub her scalp. If it were anypony else, their hooves would never have made a full furlong to her hair. Fluttershy was different though. She knew Rarity well: all her nuances, habits, and her strict requirements to proper hygiene. Fluttershy also had a very gentle touch, one that made Rarity feel like melting in the tub. She always knew just were to find the right pressure points.

“Mind the horn dear,” Rarity said, though she knew Fluttershy would not go near it. A unicorn’s horn was sensitive, not because of the physical bone but of the focus of a unicorn’s magic at a central point. Whenever she had her horn filed at the spa, the attendants only applied the slightest bit of pressure. Once again, she found herself trusting Fluttershy and her careful nature around ponies as she continued to scrub the salt out of her mane.

“Thank you again,” Fluttershy said as she continued to work, “I know I wasn’t in any real danger, but seeing you jump into the water to fend off a shark was really brave.”

“It was nothing dear,” Rarity replied, “While I won’t make it a habit of jumping into shark-infested waters hoof-first, I would have been completely devastated if anything were to happen to you and all I did was stand by in safety. You are my best friend, after all.”

“Your mane does look good wet,” Fluttershy said. Rarity gave a light laugh.

“Everypony’s manes look good wet,” she replied, “Pour a bucket on your head and they all go gaga. Crude, but effective at attracting attention if you so wish.” Knowing Fluttershy, she was now going to avoid any and all buckets of water. 

Once Fluttershy was done washing out of the last of the shampoo, Rarity left the tub and began the process of drying herself and restyling her mane. It was a slow, meticulous process, one that Rarity was familiar with. Thankfully, Fluttershy was the most patient and understanding pony she knew, and simply stood in the room, waiting while Rarity got her mane up to par.

An hour later, Rarity was ready to return to her friends with Fluttershy in tow to see Sweetie Belle and the other fillies running towards the mess hall, discarding wet life jackets in the middle of the hallway. The others were smiling and talking as they took their time, stopping before Rarity and Fluttershy.

“All cleaned up from the scary dolphin attack?” Rainbow Dash mocked her, but Rarity knew her worries were warranted.

“Laugh all you like Rainbow Dash, I believe I was in the right state of mind to be worried.” She then remembered the dark storm clouds on the horizon. While it would be something akin to more pointless worrying, it was better to be safe than sorry, especially since they were too faraway from Equestria to get any help.

“Pinkie Pie dear,” began Rarity, “I saw a terrible storm brewing on the horizon off to the right side of the ship. I do hope it doesn’t effect our journey.”

“We’ll take a look!” Pinkie said, wrapping a foreleg around Rainbow, “Come on, Dashie. Your the weather expert. We’ll take a look at this big bad storm and make sure it won’t crash our party.”

Rainbow Dash sulked as she followed Pinkie towards the command deck, muttering something  about not having to work on her vacation. Rarity gave a slight smirk, then turned to join the others for dinner. Tonight was a simple affair of fresh cucumber and daisy sandwiches, and time was spent eating and talking until well after dusk. The Harmony continued on its way towards Mechanon, ascending to the skies back to a proper altitude.

It was then that Pinkie’s voice resounded through the brass speakers that made up the Haromony’s communication system. It sounded like she was trying to act like a siren, and if it were not for the fact that it was Pinkie acting like an alarm, Rarity would have thought the situation silly. A warning, especially from Pinkie in her ship, was not a laughing matter.

“Everypony!” Pinkie announced, “Batten down the hatches! Close the steel shutters! A storm’s a-comin’, and we’re headed right for it! Get to the command deck once everything is shut tight!”

Everypony put down their sandwiches and complied with Pinkie’s orders, moving throughout the ship and lowering the metal shutters in front of the windows. Applejack headed to the lower levels to secure the doors as Twilight rushed immediately to the command deck to check on the Chrysalidas. It was up to Rarity and Fluttershy to take care of the young ones.

“Come girls,” Rarity said, “We’ll be safe with Pinkie. Stay together. Don’t wander off, and absolutely no Cutie Mark Crusader heroics. Leave the rough stuff to the adults.”

When they arrived, Rarity could see that Pinkie was not smiling as she kept the Harmony steady, hooves pressed tightly against the ship’s wheel. Rainbow also held a stern expression as she kept her eyes on the path ahead, which as far as Rarity could tell was the utter darkness of night. Pinkie flipped a switch next to her, causing two massive searchlights to burst into life. Now the path of the ship was shrouded in mist, and it was hard to see anything in front.

“I’m glad you told us about the storm,” Rainbow said to Rarity as she stood next to her, “This is some grade A stuff coming up. I’ve never seen a storm move so fast before. This could be very bad.”

“All of my instruments are reacting,” Twilight reported from the engine console, “This is not a natural weather phenomenon. It’s magical in origin. Maybe it was a failed spell, I don’t know. What I do know is that storm is attracted by the magic running in the ship. The storm is chasing us.”

“What are we going to do?” Rarity felt her heart beat in fear; a false shark was one thing, a massive storm that could sink the Harmony was another. Pinkie’s gaze did not falter as she kept the ship going.

“We keep going,” Pinkie said, “We can’t turn around, or else the storm will chase us. Twilight, do you have a plan?”

“I do,” Twilight answered, “I can eject some of our engine’s energy to the outside using specialized lightning rods. If my hypothesis is correct, all we need to do is manoeuvre the Harmony through the pockets of the storm that have the weakest concentrations of magic. It’s only an educated guess that the storm is not uniform with its magic. It’s also just a guess that the storm will take the magical runoff as sustenance, but it’s the only thing I can think of.”

“I know storms like the back of my hoof,” Rainbow announced, “I’ll be able to find all the easy paths for the ship to take. Just keep the Harmony close by and we’ll be fine. Feed the storm whatever magic it wants and keep close.”

“I certainly hope so, sugarcube,” Applejack said, gasping as she made her way inside the command deck, “The wind is kickin’ up something fierce. Had a hard time sealing the doors.”

“But Rainbow Dash, it looks too dangerous.” Fluttershy sat on her haunches, hiding behind her mane and keeping her eyes away from the storm. “Those winds, the rain. What about lightning!?”

“You’re talking to the best flier in Equestria, Fluttershy,” boasted Rainbow Dash as she turned to head to the outer hatches, “I’ll be fine. Applejack, I’ll need you to keep an eye on the door.”

“Not so fast,” Twilight interjected, “This isn’t a natural storm. I’m coming with you. I’ll hitch a ride on your back and help you find the weakest conduits of magic. If we get too close to the raw energy, they could tear a hole in the ship. Don’t worry Rainbow Dash, I’m not that heavy.”

“Rarity, you are going to have to control the engineering console while I’m out in the storm.” Twilight’s horn glowed bright as she opened a cabinet, lifting a pair of goggles and a vest for herself and Rainbow. “It’s not hard, just watch the meters and adjust them with your magic. Most of all, make sure the gyroscope is in motion.”

“The what now?” Rarity asked, raising an eyebrow. What was Twilight expecting out of her? She was a dressmaker, not a magical engineer!

“The spinning thingy.” Rainbow let out an exasperated sigh of impatience before the three left for the outer hull. Pinkie looked to Fluttershy then pointed at a dial next to her to her. “That controls the spot lights,” Pinkie explained, “We’ll need to keep a light ahead of the Harmony while the other stays on Twilight and Dashie.”

“O-ok,” Fluttershy acknowledged, putting her hooves on the dial. She turned the dials to get a feel for the controls, moving the search lights in all directions. Once she was comfortable, she nodded to Pinkie Pie, who kept her gaze out to the storm-filled skies.

A flash of violet lightning illuminated the sky, causing Fluttershy and the young fillies to squeal in fright. Thunder boomed around them, the very sound vibrating the ship. Rarity’s face became stern, all her focus being brought to the task of keeping the engine purring like Opalesence. Rainbow drifted from the corner of the window with Twilight on her back, a powerful aura of magic enveloping her horn as Fluttershy pointed the spotlight at the pair as they made their way through the torrential winds.

“Let’s do this,” Rarity said, “We’re all ready.”

The Harmony went forward at three-quarters speed, keeping up with Rainbow as she banked to the left. The crack of thunder roared again along at the same time as another bolt of lighting. The ship rocked from shock of magical power striking against it. When Twilight said nothing and focused solely on the magic crystal console, Rarity assumed everything was under control. If Twilight panicked over magical problems, then there was a reason to worry.

Pinkie kept her hooves tight on the ship’s wheel, the strain of turning the wheel being seen as sweat dripped from her forehead. There was no joy or mirth in her face, just deep concern on getting her friends and the Harmony to safety.

“Keep her steady,” Pinkie muttered as she continued to follow Rainbow, “Keep her steady. We can get through this. We’ll be safe and sound before you know it. Then we can have another super duper party for making it through the storm.”

Another bolt of lightning, another crack of thunder, and another round of screams from Fluttershy and the fillies. This one did damage the ship, causing the spot light that showed the way in front of the Harmony to shut off. Sweetie Belle shouldn’t have come, Rarity thought as she looked over to her sister, I knew this was going to be dangerous, but this? What have I done, allowing her on board?

A bolt of magical lightning almost came near striking Twilight, the scholar ducking her head as she held on tight around Rainbow’s neck. Fluttershy cried out as the thunder boomed, only to be silent as the ship rocked once again.

“Applejack to Pinkie!” Pinkie tilted one of the communication tubes upward so she could hear. “Have ourselves a fire problem! I’m doing what I can by tossing buckets of water, but we need to get out this storm right quick.”

To accentuate her fears further, Rarity looked at the console and saw that not only was the gyroscope spinning, but it was moving at a rate it was making her dizzy just by staring. She shook her head in disbelief as she checked the magical readings. There was something about how they fluctuated from diving and spiking that made her panic. “This is bad,” she said as she looked over to Pinkie, “This is very bad! Get Rainbow and Twilight back inside, quickly!”

“Fluttershy! Flip the switch to make it blink! That will tell Rainbow to come back inside!” Rarity followed the order, toggling the switch and watching the spot light flash on and off. Rainbow looked back for a moment before banking to the left.

A moment later a completely drenched and disleveled Rainbow Dash and Twilight entered the command deck with Applejack behind her. “What the hay is going on?” she asked incredulously as Twilight galloped over to her console, “We were doing fine!”

“The storm is contorting in one spot,” Twilight explained as she took in the readings, “It’s acting in the way the Chrysalidas does for the Harmony, like a central focus point. It’s a feral arcane nexus, left completely unchecked by unicorns for years, decades! It wants the engine, and it’s pulling us towards it!”

From the windows they could all see streams of violet lightning converging together, forming a single massive bolt of magical power. The Harmony shifted towards it, and no amount of Pinkie’s arguments to the ship’s controls was going to change its course.

“What are we going to do?” Fluttershy mewled.

“Rarity, I need your magic,” Twilight continued, “Together we can envelope the Harmony in a magical ‘bubble’ that should protect us from the feral nexus. If my calculations are correct, we’ll pass through the nexus and continue right through the storm, and disrupt it enough that it will not follow us. We’ll have to be connected to the magic crystal as we work. I’m not going to lie, the magic we’ll both be feeling will be intense, but it’s the only thing I can think of.”

“And if this plan fails?” Rarity asked. Twilight shook her head and turned to the engineering console.

“I’d rather not think about it.” Twilight pressed a button on the console, causing it to open and reveal a much smaller crystal compared to the one inside the airship’s engine. Twilight’s horn then began to glow as she tapped into the main conduit towards the Chrysalidas, her face calm as she let the magic flow little by little. Rarity followed suit, opening herself to the magic of the engine, but unlike a trained scholar of the arcane arts who was used to such grand levels of power, Rarity felt a sharp pain in her horn. She was not used to magic of this magnitude flowing through her.

“Girls, I sure do hope you know what you’re doing,” Applejack said, “Here comes that big ol’ bolt.”

The Harmony flew ever closer to the feral nexus until the light of the main bolt illuminated the entire command deck with a bright violet glow. Hooves her pressed over eyes as the blinding light enveloped them all. Twilight began the work of covering the ship with her magical bubble, and through the pain Rarity added her magic to the spell, reinforcing the ley lines of the shield that in theory would protect them.

All theories had to be put to test eventually.

The Harmony slammed against the arcane focal point, the vibrations of the impact being felt as everypony was knocked from their hooves. Both unicorns grimaced in pain as the magic crackled against the shield, the migraine from the storm being unbearable.

“We need more power!” Twilight called, but Rarity was at her limits. She was a dressmaker, not a wizard from ages long forgotten. This sort of magical expenditure was completely alien to her.

“Sweetie Belle.” Rarity gasped as her breathing became ragged while she tried to pour every last ounce of her might into the spell, “I’m sorry for putting you in danger. I hope you can forgive me. Fluttershy... everyone... I...”

“Rarity!” Sweetie Belle yelled, galloping to her sister’s side, “I can help you!” Before Rarity could protest, Sweetie Belle’s horn glowed with meagre power. 

Her addition to the spell was small, but used in a unique way. She was reinforcing not the actual bubble itself, but channelling her magic to strengthen Rarity’s pillars, strengthening the overall bubble by shaping the bubble in the form of an egg rather than Twilight’s sphere. Against the spell nexus it was enough, as the magic was focused on two strong points.

The shift in the ship itself as it was flung forward at incredible speeds was completely unexpected. The Harmony moved faster than it ever conceivably should have, everything streaking by like light as it hurtled through the sky. Ponies were flung from their hooves and slammed against the walls of the ship and each other. The link to the bubble was broken, and all three unicorns were thrown clear across the room. 

Rarity landed hard on her back, the sting of the landing lingering as she tried to keep her eyes open. The pain was immense, the likes of which she never felt before, and it was harder and harder to keep consciousness. Groans were elicited from ponies around her, but her only concern right now was her sister, who lay unmoving right before her. 

“Sweetie Belle...” Rarity called out weakly, but there was no response, and soon enough all she could was lay her head low and let the darkness take her.

> The Arrival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter  4: The Arrival

Rarity… Rarity… Are you all right?

“But I don’t want to go to school today, mother. I want to stay home and bake cookies with you.”

Rarity!

Rarity’s eyes fluttered open as she tried to get up. Ever fiber of her being was in extreme pain, the likes of which she had never experienced before. It felt like she was being stabbed by hundreds upon hundreds of knives, set on fire, and kicked in the head several times over. That was not describing the incredible pain in her horn, which was far, far worse.
Getting up onto her hooves was proving difficult. Every time she tried to stand, her knees would buckle and she would fall over in pain. It was not until she felt the gentle hooves of Fluttershy helping her up that Rarity was able to stand under her own power. It stung to open her eyes as the bright morning sun shone through the windows and directly onto her face, only exasperating her migraine. 

Despite the pain, her memory was clear and vivid. There was that magical typhoon the Harmony had encountered, the fact that it would have sunk the airship if it were not for Twilight’s idea of a magical bubble, and that she along with Rarity and Sweetie Belle contributed the magic through the Chrysalidas to make the bubble successful.

Wait…

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity shouted, looking around frantically for her little sister, “Sweetie Belle? Where is she? Is she safe?”

“Rarity, you need to calm down and get some rest,” she heard Rainbow Dash say, “Everypony is fine, just banged up. You took a nasty fall after we shot forward.”

“Where. Is. My. Sister.” The edge in her voice was unfortunate but necessary. Rainbow was beating around the bush, and this was simply not acceptable. Her little sister was untrained in the use of magic, never mind taking part in one of Twilight’s extremely advance and dangerous spells. Bless her soul; Sweetie Belle’s intentions were good, but at what cost? No filly should have to endure the pain Rarity had felt.

“I’m sorry Rarity,” Fluttershy said, “Sweetie Belle was hurt really badly. Twilight is looking over her in your room, and—”
Rarity didn’t listen to another word, galloping as fast as she could out of the command deck towards her quarters. Nothing mattered right now except Sweetie Belle. Why hadn’t she listened when Rarity warned her not to attempt any Cutie Mark Crusader heroics? Why had she tried to dive horn first in a spell she would never have been ready for?

To help me, Rarity scolded herself; all she ever tries to do is to help me. I am a poor excuse for a big sister. If anything happens to Sweetie Belle, I could never face my parents again. I could never face myself again.

Rarity opened the door to her quarters to see a bruised and battered Twilight looking over the still, yet breathing body of Sweetie Belle tucked tight in Rarity’s bed. Twilight looked over at Rarity and shook her head, her horn glowing faintly over the sleeping filly.

“I’m sorry, Rarity,” Twilight said, “I don’t know what happened. I was concentrating on the bubble to protect the Harmony, the next thing I know I could feel Sweetie Belle’s magic helping us. It wasn’t enough to protect the Harmony but it did condense the shield. Still, she overloaded from the magical feedback. She’s in a coma, Rarity.”

“Is there anything you can do?!” Rarity all but screamed at Twilight, “She’s my sister for Celestia’s sake! You’re the smart one! Don’t you have a book of spells to heal her, or some other magical nonsense?”

“I’m searching every book I brought with me,” Twilight replied, not looking Rarity in the eye, “I’ll see what I can do, but she’s going to need a unicorn doctor. Until then…”

Rarity sobbed as she fell against the bed. It’s all my fault! Her guilt was eating her up from the inside as that one thought repeated over and over. We were supposed to see Mechanon together. We were supposed to explore together. How did things go so terribly wrong so quickly?

“I… I have to get back to the command deck,” Twilight said, “The engine needs to be checked for any damage, and we need to know how far off course the arcane storm threw us. Rainbow Dash is going to be scouting the area, Applejack is going about the ship making repairs, and Fluttershy is taking care of Scootaloo and Applebloom.”

Rarity made no reply as she kept her gaze on Sweetie Belle. As Twilight left, Rarity held one of Sweetie Belle’s hooves in her own, slowly stroking the white coat of her sister and sniffling away the tears. A coma was better than the alternative, and Rarity had to have faith in Twilight.  When Rarity did not give Twilight a reply, she heard her fellow unicorn sigh and turn away, closing the door gently behind her.

She stayed with Sweetie Belle for a while, keeping watch as the Harmony continued on its way forward. When the sun was around noon, Rarity found herself looking out the window of her quarters to the ocean below, watching the waves cascade over each other while great schools of fish could be seen through the clear water.

As long as Rarity sat still looking out the window or watching over Sweetie Belle, little else mattered to her. Time passed by absently, but she did not notice. Her stomach growled, but she did not comply. Nothing else mattered but Sweetie Belle’s recovery.

Twilight had said they would need a proper unicorn health professional if one of her books did not have the spell they needed. She prayed that there was a doctor or a specialist or anypony with the knowledge to help in Mechanon.

A knock on her door broke Rarity out of her stupor. On weak legs, she made her way to the door to find Applejack waiting for her with large saddlebags hanging from her sides filled with food and tools. Not exactly Fluttershy, but a friend is a friend, Rarity decided. She said nothing though, just turning away and walking back into the room. Applejack coughed before heading over to the bathroom.

“Just gonna wash my hooves,” she said, “Been working on fixing up some holes caused by the storm. Applebloom and Scootaloo tried to help. They thought hammers can fix anything. Don’t rightly know how they got to that conclusion. I brought you some breakfast.” Applejack bit on her saddle bag, placing it on the table. Rarity turned and almost smirked. The bag held apples, of course. There were days when she wondered if the entire Apple family ate the same fruit morning, noon, and night. Her stomach told her in no uncertain terms to stop thinking and to start eating.

The sound of running water and hooves scrubbing each other to remove the dirt did make Rarity thankful that Applejack was being conscientious about proper hygiene. “Use the violet soap, dear,” she called to Applejack, “It smells of lilacs.”

There was a grunt of acknowledgement, but then Applejack gave a slight murmur of approval. A moment later she was out and placing her saddle bags next to the door before joining Rarity at her table. “Not usually into the frou-frou stuff, but that soap did smell nice.”

Applejack looked over at the comatose Sweetie Belle before letting loose a heavy sigh. “Things really went downhill fast,” she said, “What with that doozy of a storm and all. How’s Sweetie Belle holding up?”

“Twilight said we need a real doctor if she can’t find a remedy,” Rarity said flatly. Applejack nodded.

“It wasn’t your fault.” There it was. Rarity was wondering when one of her friends was going to tell her that. “She went into that magic doohickey you and Twilight were wrapped up in on her own. You’re a good big sister. You can’t blame yourself—“

“Oh but I can,” Rarity replied, “I warned her it would be dangerous to come aboard this flying deathtrap, but she didn’t believe me. I should have been more convincing! I should have been adamant, put my hoof down and said no! I should never have come along! If I wasn't here, she wouldn’t have come!”

“And then she would have followed Applebloom and Scootaloo on board anyways!” Applejack had raised her voice, and it was almost frightful when the earth pony showed real frustration in her words. “Those three are as thick as thieves, and you know that if two were on board, the third would have found their way on the Harmony lickety-split. I know if I stayed behind and told Applebloom not to go, she would have done so anyway. You know how those three go on.”

“Applebloom isn’t the one in the coma.” She immediately regretted those words, looking at Applejack’s downcast face with remorse. “I’m sorry, Applejack. I’m just scared for her. I hope we can find somepony to help her in Mechanon, but that is still days away.”

“Rarity, I…” Applejack cleared her throat, looking away for a moment before pointing a hoof at the window. “Look outside. Not down, but straight across. That bubble thing… Whatever it did, it sent us forward really fast. I mean… Just look.”

Rarity took a deep breath and moved over to the window and looked where Applejack was pointing. On the horizon was land, the green shades of forests clearly visible against a backdrop of high mountains. She could scarcely believe; just the other day they were getting aboard the Harmony for a week long voyage across the ocean. How did they encounter new lands so quickly?

When she voiced her surprise, Applejack only shook her head. “I didn’t rightly understand Twilight’s explanation of things, but as far as I’m concerned, we moved faster than Rainbow’s sonic rainboom. You should come to the deck with me and see it for yourself. You won’t believe your eyes.”

Rarity looked to Sweetie Belle one last time before kissing her sister’s forehead. You should be seeing this with me, Rarity thought as she slowly left the room with Applejack, We’ll find help for you soon, I swear it. 

Applejack was right. As she entered the command deck where the others were waiting, the sight through the glass was something she could not believe. Lying ahead of the Harmony was a shining city that blazed like gold in the sun. High towers of brass and bronze broke the skyline, and dotting the skies were numerous flying contraptions much smaller than their airship. The fact that there were so many of them was amazing in and of itself. 

Massive gears clicked away in the towers and waves of steam rose from stacks everywhere, and the city was filled with quaint little houses and apartments of stone and brick. There was also a wide harbor and many ships resembling old steam powered boats from Equestria’s history texts sailed across the water.

“This is Brasseldorf,” Pinkie said, “Capitol City of Mechanon. We’re here. We made it.”

With slight nudge to the speed dial, Pinkie brought the Harmony on a slow approach to Brasseldorf, the great airship heading towards the bustling burg of bronze. Everypony stood in amazement of the city ahead, until Rainbow pointed out that something was heading towards them, and quickly.

“Rarity, let me use your opera binoculars.”. Rarity levitated the heavily damaged glasses to Rainbow’s eyes, making slight adjustments so as to see well. “Looks like a small boat on propellers just like the ship,” she continued, “A pegasus just jumped off and is heading this way! Wait… no way…”

They all stared in disbelief as the pegasus flew towards them at incredible speed. Though not as fast as Rainbow, this pegasus was noticeably different by having a pair of giant brass wings with small exhausts near her flanks. She was also able to stop suddenly, hovering in front of the glass of the command deck and observing the passengers within. Pinkie brought the ship to an immediate stop, as the pegasus with the brass wing system regarded them all.

Dressed in a large coat that flapped in the wind, the pegasus mare watched them through blue eyes, her bright blue mane being swept black by the air. From her hooves and under her jacket, Rarity could see the newcomer had an indigo coat. Her cutie mark was a pair of wings with a gust of wind underneath. She also had a very cross expression while tapping on the window with sharp raps.

“Oi!” said the pegasus, “This is Captain Hurricane of the Mechanonian air patrol, first squadron, requesting permission to board. I need to make sure you lot are friendly.”

“Very friendly!” Pinkie replied, pointing towards the lower decks, “We’ll open the door for you! Then we can have a party, and have cake and... oh I should get the door now!”

Pinkie ran off to let their guest in leaving the others to watch as the small steam-powered skiff came ever closer. There were three other ponies were dressed like Captain Hurricane, two earth ponies and a unicorn, who kept their patrol boat steady next to the Harmony. 

When Pinkie returned with Captain Hurricane, Rarity was able to get a closer look at her attire. The coat was a deep brown and lined with golden trim and bright buttons, with a hat belonging to an officer bearing a crest sitting on her head. Her massive brass wings were tucked away and folded neatly, with a large contraption of sorts set on her back, likely a source of energy to power the wings. They appeared to be coverings, as Rarity could see the natural wings of a pegasus jut from her back.

Hurricane looked at the assembled ponies as if they had all grown second heads. “What kind of ship is this?” she said as she looked around, not at the Harmony but at the ponies, “Is this one of them ‘love boats’? I should reprimand the lot of you for indecency, and with little fillies no less.”

“I beg your pardon?” Rarity said, offended by the Captain’s remarks, “I do hope this isn’t how you treat every guest! There is nothing crude or immoral going on in this boat at all.”

Hurricane propped up her jacket’s collar in response. “Clothes, you bint,” she growled, “Don’t you all wear clothes were you come from? For that matter, where do you come from? This isn’t a Zephyr class airship! It’s too big!”

“This is going to take a while to explain,” Twilight quickly added, “We should start from the beginning…”


“Well blimey, if I wasn’t sitting here as I am now, I’d say you were all stark raving mad.” Hurricane had spent most of the time looking out the window, giving slight gestures to her squadron still parked in the skiff while the rest of the ponies told the tale of their journey. “Oddly enough, I believe every word of it thanks to the fact that I’m standing on physical proof, that you know Artificer Cogworks, and that nopony would ever tell a lie about an injured filly.”

“I’m willing to help you out as best as I can, but the law of Mechanon is still the law that must be obeyed,” Hurricane said, “I have room on the skiff for three if I fly alongside it. Room enough for the filly and two others.  To make sure I’m able to keep an eye on you, I request that the pegasi stay here on the ship. I mean no offense; I just don’t want anypony flying off before we get through proper guest channels. Also we can get you lot some attire. You can’t roam Brasseldorf like that, you can’t.”

Rainbow was about to object, when Rarity quickly moved in. “That will be fine, Captain,” she said, “I would like to go and make sure my sister is under proper care. I also have a critical eye for fashion, and I’m sure my friends would appreciate what I could find for them.”

“Some maybe, but I’d like to choose for myself, thank you very much.” Applejack stepped forward, joining Rarity much to her barely hidden contempt. Hurricane nodded before heading back down to the Harmony’s entrance.

“Good. I’ll meet you below then when you’re good and ready.” With that Hurricane left, leaving the others to mull about their first meeting with a Mechanonian.

“Did you see her wings?” Rainbow immediately blurted, “I bet those babies can ride the wind like noponies business! What I wouldn’t give to have a pair of those.”

“I have to say I am intrigued by the level of technology Mechanon is boasting,” Twilight added, looking out to Brasseldorf,  “It seems similar to olden machines from Equestria's past, yet capable of doing what modern tech can do. I also couldn’t sense an ounce of magic, not from the skiff or Hurricane’s wings.”

“Are you two going to be OK going to Brasseldorf on your own?” Fluttershy asked, “I don’t like the idea of splitting up.”

“We’ll be fine, sugarcube,” Applejack replied, “That Hurricane seemed like a nice enough gal’, just one that does her job honest like. Me and Rarity will be back before you know it. Then we’ll be in Mechanon together.”

“’Rarity and I’, dear.” This was going to be a long trip if she had to spend it with Applejack. “Come, we need to get Sweetie Belle and bring her to the skiff. Don’t worry about us, darlings. We’ll be in good care, and when we return I’ll have the best outfits for you all.”

Ignoring Rainbow’s “Nothing too frilly” comment, Rarity lead the way to her quarters where she levitated Sweetie Belle onto Applejack’s back. She was thankful for Applejack’s strength; lifting bushel’s of apples was hard compared to a filly. Together they headed down to the ship’s entrance where Hurricane was waiting.

“We ready then?” Hurricane asked, receiving nods from both Rarity and Applejack. She opened the door and flew out into the sky, returning a moment later with the small air boat. The other members of her squadron began their work in earnest, lowering a small gangway for the three Equestrians to cross over. Rarity looked at the think bridge connecting the skiff to the Harmony with trepidation, slowly making her way across until she was onboard. Applejack followed, careful to make sure the unconscious body of Sweetie Belle remained on her back.

“Right then,” Hurrican said as she hovered near the boat, “We’ll be making our way to Brasseldorf proper. Bring us about, Mister Slighthoof, three quarters power. Careful with the filly.”

“Aye aye, sir.” Putting hooves to the speed dial, the green unicorn named Slighthoof turned the skiff towards the city. Applejack laid herself in the center of the boat as Rarity took in their new surroundings. They were moving at a quick pace, something of which Rarity was thankful. A city as large as Brasseldorf had to have a doctor that would help Sweetie Belle.

The members of Hurricane’s squadron were largely silent during transit, with the unicorn maintaining control of the skiff while the earth pony with the brown coat took notes with a pad and pen. The other pony simply stared ahead of them towards the city, being completely still and silent all along. He was tall like Big Macintosh, but as Rarity tried to get a good look at him, his coat and hat made it impossible to tell exactly what was underneath, and most of his body was shrouded by cloth.

“It is eleven-hundred hours,” he said suddenly, surprising Rarity, “Mister Noteful, ready the flags for communication. Flags whiskey, zulu.” The brown earth pony nodded before tucking his pen back into his jacket pocket, opening a compartment on the skiff with his mouth and readying flags. The tall officer’s voice was a deep baritone, but as he spoke, Rarity tried thought it was hollow, or that it had some kind of echo.

“Aye aye, Commander,” Noteful replied, “Reporting to harbor for medical aid and a tug to be brought out, whiskey zulu.” The young earth pony bit down on the wooden handles of two flags, one a series of squares within squares from blue, to white, to red in decreasing size and another square flag divided into four coloured triangles: yellow, blue, red, and black.

Noteful took to the fore of the boat next to Slighthoof, waving both flags in his mouth towards the harbor. The Commander turned his gaze towards the harbor of both sea and air based vessel before nodding and turning towards Hurricane. “Captain, alpha flag confirmed. We will be docked in three-hundred seconds.”

“Very good, Commander Steele,” Hurricane replied as she flew in close, “I’ll meet you all at the dock.”

Steele raised a hoof in salute as Hurricane’s thrusters ignited, propelling her even faster towards the city. They remained quiet until a much smaller skyboat being piloted by an earth pony zoomed over to them. Once both skiff and boat were settled, Steele turned to Rarity and Applejack. His eyes were covered in dark glass, and his overall demeanor frightened Rarity.

“Please load the injured into the tug,” he said, “Once we are in dock, the tug will take the young lady to First General Hospital in District Two. The tug only has room for two I am afraid. In the mean time, we must go about due process of article twenty-four, paragraphs one to seventeen for all foreign guests of Mechanon as well as article two, paragraphs six to twenty-five for all new technology entering Mechanon. Do you understand the following procedures?”

“Sounds like we should have come with a lawyer,” Rarity muttered, only to nod to Commander Steele, “We understand. I just want my sister to get some proper care.”

“Affirmative. You will be reunited with Captain Hurricane soon. She will act the part of your liaison during your stay. Please wait as we dock. Please wait.”

The small tug boat fired a hook that gripped the skiff’s hull and with precision piloting, both skiff and tug flew in unison into onto to the dock. Once both miniature airships were docked, Applejack and the other air patrollers loaded Sweetie Belle into the tug. Rarity gave one last look to her sister before the tug ascended, flying off towards the city.

“Will she be well taken care of?” Rarity asked. Steele made no movement, but a slight nod.

“She will be under excellent care. First General Hospital is often described as one of Mechanon’s best healthcare facilities. The doctors are all educated in District One University in the latest in medical care and provisions.”

Waiting for them on the wooden moorings was Hurricane, standing with two extra jackets draped over her back. Applejack quickly donned the vestment with a few choice tugs of her mouth. Rarity harrumphed as she levitated the jacket and put it on. Not exactly her first choice, but she always did have a thing for how sharp military uniforms were.

When she turned to Hurricane, the captain’s only response was to stand still with her mouth agape. “You can use magic?” she asked. Rarity returned Hurricane’s look of surprise with one of her own.

“Of course I can,” she said nonchalantly, “Can’t every unicorn use even the most basic of magic?”

“No.” Hurricane shook her head, pacing a bit as she looked the two over. “The only wizards we have in Mechanon are graduates and guests from Icekierka. Besides them, there isn’t a spit of magic from Mane Street to Lash Row.”

“What seems to be the problem?”

Hurricane was chewing her lip, before going back to a smile. “It’s nothing. Never mind that I mentioned it. Commander Steele and I will be escorting you into the city. All I ask is that you refrain from casting. Some folks may get… frightened.” 

“Slighthoof, Noteful,” Hurricane said, snapping the two officers to attention, “Inform the needed departments for a slew of paperwork. Foreign guests, technology, magic, the works. We’ll also need a message sent to Artificer Cogworks, since they claim to know him. I’ll write up the last report myself once I have them settled.”

A collective “aye aye” from the two youths sent them on their way, and both Captain and Commander lead the way for Rarity and Applejack to follow. It was now that they were able to take in Brasseldorf from the ground up. It looked like a city from another time and place, similar to Canterlot in scale but closer resembling the more antique looking areas of Manehattan. Besides the military ponies who milled about, there were also several ponies going about their business, whether it was making ships, receiving shipments of goods, or getting ready to set sail.

Everything was being controlled by steam-powered contraptions, whether it was large loading cranes or powered mooring chains. There was something about the aesthetic of Brasseldorf that was pleasing to Rarity; the old fashioned with a modern twist. Her mind was already buzzing with the possibilities for new lines of dresses.

Applejack’s amazement matched, as she kept her head on a swivel while looking about at the brick and brass of the city. They came upon a large building where several air patrol officers were entering and leaving, until Hurricane stopped and turned to them.

“I hope you two know how to behave yourselves,” Hurricane said, though when Rarity looked she was sporting a smile, “Mechanon prides itself on keeping tight ship, as it were. We’ll just stop by the barracks for a moment so we can change out of uniform. This is no longer a military venture after all, but a diplomatic one. No need to look like a soldier when with guests. Come, Steele.”

The two left for the barracks leaving Rarity with Applejack. Letting out a sigh, Rarity sat on her haunches and looked about. Brasseldorf was a very impressive city, but something was lost in being here. The lack of their friends not enjoying the fruits of the journey was one distressing aspect. Sweetie Belle brought over to a strange hospital was another.

The door opened to reveal to Rarity something straight out of a science fiction novel. Standing in front of her would have been an immaculately well dressed stallion in a three piece suit, spats, and a tall top hat. That is, if Rarity could have called him a pony at all. His entire body was made of silvery metal, the rivets clearly visible in the midday sun as jets of steam exhaust left his “nostrils”. His “eyes”, for lack of a better term, were simply black glass inside the sockets. His mane and tail were incredibly detailed pieces of bronze metalwork, and he even had brass welded onto his face to resemble a handlebar mustache.

“Is something the matter, madams?” Steele asked. Rarity kept silent, still in shock at what she was seeing. Applejack was less discrete.

“You’re a robot!”

“We prefer the term ‘automaton,’” Steele replied, “Robots are serfs with no free will of their own. Capable workers yes, but no sentience, no thought. They require input to operate. Automatons are, for lack of a better term, autonomous. We can move about freely. We can choose our own actions. We think, therefore we are. For example, I like my top hat, I choose to wear my top hat, and I think a top hat is a fine piece of attire. No robot can determine that.”

“Are you giving them the ‘top hat’ lecture?” Hurricane stepped out of the barracks looking like a completely different mare. She was dressed a long frilly gown of sky blues with the lace resembling clouds, and a small hat perched slightly off on the side of her head lined with roses. Her hooves were clad in small cloth shoes, and Rarity almost squealed in delight at the ensemble. Because of the dress, Hurricane's wings were completely covered, giving her the appearance of a simple indigo earth pony.

“I hope Steele hasn’t been going on for too long,” said Hurricane as she joined her partner, “He does like to go on about social issues when not in uniform. He is, in the end, all business. Hardly a gear of pleasure in that steel frame of his.”

“Dear Captain, you look incredible,” Rarity said, “The stitchwork is of your dress is exquisite, and the choice of colours! I can’t wait to find something for my friends and myself!”

“Fear not, mate,” Hurricane said with a smile, “We’ll be heading off to get you all some proper dresses right this instant.”

“Begging your pardon and all,” Applejack interjected, “But me and my friend Rainbow aren’t exactly dressy ponies.” She quickly shot a glare at Rarity, who looked away as if the sky was the most interesting thing in the world.

Hurricane laughed, saying to put all fears away as she lead the way towards the heart of Brasseldorf. Walking away from the harbor for both boats and airships, known as District Five as Hurricane called it, they continued into the city center proper. Filled with shops and merchants as far as the eye can see, Hurricane mentioned that this was District Three of the city. The 
center of trade and commerce within Mechanon, District Three was Rarity’s dream come true. It seemed every second shop was tailored for her. Dresses, jewelry, and the selection of hats made her gasp in delight.

“We should have come here sooner! Applejack, this place is incredible!” As Rarity gushed, Applejack merely rolled her eyes.

“Everything looks all fancy and metallic and all that. Just wondering if you ever thought on how we are going to pay for all these goods.” 

“Well, I’m sure we can trade something. We do have bits,” Rarity answered, “Except they are on the Harmony. Oh, Captain? I do hope we can be able to pay for new clothes and such. We have money on our ship. Gold coins, to be exact.”

“Gold you say?” Hurricane’s ears perked up at the mention of the precious metal, “Steele, what is the current price of gold these days? I haven’t kept up on the tickers for a while now.”

“Current mark-to-ounce ratio is as follows: two-hundred Mechanonian marks per ounce of gold. All questions of gold and gold-to-currency transfers should be directed to the Bank of Mechanon, District Two.” 

“Is two hundred marks good?” Rarity and Applejack were both savvy business ponies, and they took a moment to consider how much wealth they had brought with them. Hurricane nodded, before pointing a hoof towards one of the stores with a rather appealing violet gown.

“That there dress is about one hundred marks,” she said, “So add that, some silk stockings for your legs, and a nice hat, and you’ll still have enough marks to buy lunch at ‘The Ivory Chalice’.”

Four bits to an ounce, Rarity calculated, I brought well over a hundred bits, so add that up, carry the two… oh…

“…my goodness,” she squeaked before looking to Applejack. It was as if her eyes had rolled up into money signs.  Money was not going to be a problem in the slightest. Now if only they could go back to the ship and get some.

“By the looks of on your faces, I’d say you two are well off with plenty of dosh.” Hurricane smiled at them, then gestured to a small building in the corner. “That’s my favourite store in District Three. The shopkeep always knows exactly what suits me best. Steele?”

“I’ll busy myself at the mechanics emporium, as usual,” the metal pony said, another couple streams of exhaust exiting his nostrils, “I could use some oil maintenance in my hoof-joints.”

“Don’t forget to polish the brass!” Steele snorted again before he left, leaving a giggling Hurricane in his wake. “Come, come! I saw a scarf with my name on it the other day, and we still need to get you and all your friends properly dressed.

Rarity quickly dashed inside the establishment into what was essentially a more antiquated version of her own Carousel Boutique. Mannequins were adorned in all sorts of wonderful clothes, and it took all of Rarity’s willpower to not take and try them all on. In the back of the main boutique there was a large bronze machine, resembling an impressive loom. She fidgeted on her hooves with indecisiveness until a tall, elderly unicorn mare stepped from backroom to the counter.

“Ah, Lady Hurricane, how good to see you again,” the storekeeper said, “And I see you brought more friends from the air patrol?”

“Not quite. These are foreigners from a land called ‘Equestria’” Hurricane replied, “They have a few strange customs, but for now what they really need are some new clothes. Go on, luvs, tell her what you want and she can make it in a jiffy. I’m going to take a look around as you three get aquainted.”

Rarity looked at the elderly unicorn with a mix of excitement and hesitation. Ever since she became a dressmaker in Ponyville, she had always made her own clothes. She knew her size, her likes and dislikes, and exactly what colours went well with her mane, her coat, and her eyes. To ask for another to make her attire was territory she had not tread since she was small and her mother made all the decisions.

Rarity shuddered at the thought of those dark, unfashionable days.

Still, Hurricane trusted the proprietor, and the captain’s dress was something to behold. It would be nice to have somepony make her clothes for a change. Just so long as they listened to the instructions to the letter, of course.

“I’ll start with something simple,” Rarity said, “Something akin to what Lady Hurricane is wearing. For the colours, magenta with dark violet lacing, a pink petticoat, and one of those lovely wide brimmed hats with little red roses on the side. It has to say ‘me’ but also ‘look at that mare and all her well dressed friends’.”

The storekeeper nodded then moved over to the machine in the back of the buildings. Rarity and Applejack watched the proceedings with interest as she pressed several buttons on the machine before stepping back with a knowing smile. The machine suddenly came to life, moving several arms previously hidden as more devices pulled several lines of material as it loomed cloth for Rarity’s request.

The machine worked quickly, clanging and hissing steam exhaust as it worked, spinning together the dress Rarity had asked for. While Applejack watched the machine work in amazement, Rarity watched with trepidation. Whatever this contraption was, it was working much faster than any dressmaker ever had, Rarity included.

There was a loud ding and the dress was done, held in place by a large metal claw and waiting to be looked over. What would have taken Rarity four hours of straight uninterrupted work took the machine all of ten minutes. She regarded the dress with a critical eye, only to determine that the piece was exactly as she requested it.

“Boy howdy, I don’t think I’ve ever seen any dress made so fast,” Applejack said. Rarity couldn’t help but agree. It was frightening in its own way. Where was the labour? The artistry? The soul of the dress? A marvel such as an elegant gown or a finely tailored suit was supposed to take time, dedication, and hard work. That was how she was taught. Yet with only a few button presses, she did not have to wait a week or two for the ensemble of her desires. Just ten minutes.

“I’ll go try it on,” Rarity said, though a little deflated as the machine just as quickly made her hat, “If I may use the back room?”

“Of course, madam,” the proprietor said, “Lady Hurricane should also be in the back. I hope it won’t be too much of a problem.”

Rarity shook her head, leaving Applejack to decide what she wanted out of the machine. When she opened the door to the change rooms, Hurricane was sitting on her haunches in front of a mirror, trying on various tea gowns.

“Need something for casual affairs at home,” she said when she saw Rarity in the mirror, “Well? Have you found anything you like? Did the storekeep use her wonderful machine?”

“She did,” Rarity said flatly. When she placed her new dress on a stool nearby, she looked over to see Hurricane struggling with the strings of her girdle. With a flick of her magic, she loosened the strings of the girdle until it could be comfortably taken off without aid.

Oddly, the lights seemed to flicker when Rarity used her magic, and Hurricane twisted her head to look at Rarity while shaking her head and mouthing “no”. There was suddenly a loud clang and a much louder curse coming from the main showroom. Hurricane leaned in close.

“Thanks for the help with this blasted girdle, luv, but I did tell you not to use magic,” she said, though not in a harsh tone, “I’ll explain why when you and your friends are reunited. For now, just stop with the magic.”

Rarity nodded, silently taking off the loaned military jacket and beginning the process of putting on the new clothes that made up Mechanon’s fashion. Silk stockings, petticoat, girdle, until finally she was able to put on the magenta dress. Dressing without magic wasn’t a hassle, and when she looked in the mirror, Rarity was pleased with what she saw. Something out of an old storybook, she decided. When she turned to get Hurricane’s opinion, she was already dressed and ready to go.

“Petticoat helps add more poof to the dress, I feel,” she said, “How about you? How do you like the dress?”

“It’s… quite nice,” Rarity said, channeling her inner Fluttershy, “I’m just hesitant about a machine made dress. I’m a dressmaker back home, you see, and I like to think I put a bit of my own, how should I put it, essence into every work. Seeing a machine do it all is just a teensy bit like cheating.”

Hurricane explained, “Most everything in Mechanon is mechanized. From the textile industries, to farming, everything. There have been protests against the industrial revolution, but some of it has done wonders. Steele and the other automatons wouldn’t be around without the advancements.” 

“You do seem quite close to Steele,” Rarity added, “Has he been part of your squadron long?”

“Quite long. He’s the longest serving automaton in the military and for good reason.” Hurricane turned around with a new hat on, posing a bit for Rarity who gave her an approving nod. “He has been my second-in-command for well over four years, and he has never disappointed. There are few I would trust other than Steele, even if he is a bit cold. I think I’d be lost without him.”

Both mares left the change room to find Applejack waiting for them in new clothes of her own. The shop keep said it took some doing to work something around “that ridiculous hat”, but eventually they settled with a sharp looking brown blazer and trousers. Applejack had also gone ahead of Rarity and helped the machine make something for rainbow, a simple shirt and jacket with holes for her wings and trousers. 

Rarity quickly took over the process of having the machine work on new clothes, requesting all manners of fancy dresses only to be reined in by Applejack. In the end they left with a casual tea gown for Twilight, something a bit more fancy yet subdued for Fluttershy, and as the shopkeep put it “the most raucous and loud party dress ever conceived” for Pinkie. 

“That just about does it,” Applejack said, “Though we didn’t bring any money with us.”

“Don’t worry about a thing, I’ll take care of the tab,” Hurricane replied as she fetched some paper money out of her bag. Once she placed a stack of marks on the counter, she turned to speak. “I saw the glint in your eyes when Steele talked about gold. You can treat me to lunch at the Ivory Chalice once we get you and your friends settled.”

Once they were back in the busy streets, Steele rejoined them and offered to help carry their goods back to the harbor. As they made their way back to harbor, the ponies of Brasseldorf were all staring towards District Three as the Harmony drifted slowly overhead. They all spoke in surprise as something so massive came closer to their city.

“Wonderful. Another wretched contraption.” Rarity turned her head to see a pair of unicorns dressed in something she would have called completely avant-garde. They were clad in black robes with incredibly high collars, adorned in jewels and glowing thread that made them appear like powerful sorcerers. While she was interested in their choice of attire, their scowls as they spoke with such disdain to Pinkie’s prized project made her suspicious.

“Excuse me,” Rarity interjected, “But that ‘wretched contraption’ was made by our dear friend. It is a marvel of technology.”

“We don’t need another piece of technology choking up the natural order of the land,” said the stallion of the pair, “Bad enough Mechanon expands without thought, but even the very magic of the land is disturbed by their need for ‘progress’. But you wouldn’t understand, would you, traitor?”

Applejack immediately reacted to the insult, putting herself between Rarity and the unicorns. When Hurricane put a hoof against Applejack’s chest and Steele moved in, all Rarity could do was look aghast at her accusers. She was many things, but traitor was not one of them. Why would they call her that? What was so different about them to her?

“Go about your business, Icekierkans,” Steele said, “There is no need for confrontation here. This message shall not be repeated.”

The Icekierkans glared at Steele before turning around wordlessly, until naught but their trailing capes and their high collars could be seen. Rarity looked to Applejack then to Hurricane, confused. Once Steele rejoined them, the captain could only shake her head.

“Unicorns from Icekierka,” she explained, “A city state to the north. It’s the finest magic academy in all the land, but it’s also ruled by a despot named Cold Snap. Icekierka and Mechanon have never gotten along, and they blame the progress of our science and industry for near everything. I’m sorry, you two. There is a lot to explain, and I’ll be sure to help where I can. First let’s reunite you lot with your friends.”


While the streets of Brasseldorf was nice to travel in, there was something about being back on the Harmony that filled Rarity with a sense of “home away from home.” Her friends were all waiting for her and Applejack as they boarded the vessel, hugs and questions being passed around as they crowded over the bag filled with new clothes. They quickly donned their new attire as Hurricane and Steele busied themselves with looking over the Harmony in detail.

Rarity did find their reactions to an artificial pony quite amusing, if not unexpected. Twilight wanted to study Steele’s intricacies in detail, much to the automaton’s dismay, while Fluttershy spent most of the time staying out of eye contact. Rainbow declared automatons “way past cool”. Of course, Pinkie simply wanted to know if Steele would come to a party. He politely declined, saying that it was not within his “function” to party.

They also received Hurricane quite well, especially Rainbow, who immediately set herself to try to make the good captain a rival of sorts. Already Rainbow was besieging Hurricane with either challenges to a race or questions about her brass wings. The challenges were accepted, but questions about her flight apparatus were seemingly dodge or deflected to some other topic.

Hurricane had managed to secure them a larger airboat than the patrol skiff she and her squadron originally arrived in, and one by one each Equestrian pony boarded the boat as they stared on at Brasseldorf in the same awe and amazement Rarity and Applejack had. With a quick nod to Steele at the controls, Hurricane turned to her nation’s guests and smiled.

The airboat drifted down towards the dock where a crowd of ponies stood and stared at the Harmony above them. Rarity found it amusing that they were more interested in the airship than they were with the guests from Equestria. With several bags of golden bits hanging from their sides, they disembarked to find themselves with a new land lying before them.

In the distance there was a loud pop that surprised everyone in the dock. From the distance came a roving locomotive that appeared rickety, rusty, and just plain old. Despite the popping of the engine and the fact that the contraption looked like it was going to fall apart any minute, the earth pony stallion handling the machine was not what Rarity was expecting. He was middle-aged with a tan coat and blond mane but he was also very clean, well dressed, and well groomed. He had three cogs for a cutie mark.

Pinkie’s eyes lit up immensely until she galloped right towards the locomotive. “Cogsworks!” she yelled, until she bounded into the waiting gentlecolts forelegs. The two embraced until sure enough one of the wheels of his jalopy fell off and sent them spiraling onto the cobblestone roads. Despite being flat on their faces, the two laughed and laughed.

“I always knew you were the smart cookie, or pie as it were,” Cogworks said as he helped Pinkie up, “And you brought friends, excellent, how excellent! Pinkie, we need a party at my place, stat! Quick, get the spare wheel, the wrenches, and the jelly donut from the back of my lunch tin, I’m hungry. But not the maple one, that’s for later! Welcome! Welcome all to Mechanon!”
> The Duchess
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5: The Duchess

Everypony stared at the massive machine that was Cogworks' great mode of transportation. Resembling a much larger version of the same contraption the Flim Flam Brothers used, the “open air land carriage extraordinaire” as Cogworks put it seemed more of a hazard than a safe mode of transportation. Parts fell off at random from gears to springs to screws, all the while both Pinkie and Cogworks made repairs with what seemed to be reckless abandon. Like most of the machines of Mechanon, the land bus was powered by a large steam engine with tall stacks trailing exhaust.

“I think that’s all for the fuel lines,” Cogworks said, “Well then! Now we can go to my workshop! Dear Pinkie, it has been too long. I can’t wait to for a proper party so I can meet all your friends and hear all about grand Equestria! Oh, and the ship of course! When I saw it, it truly brought a tear to my eye. Did you follow the plans like I said?”

“Of course I did, you silly old goose.” Pinkie reached into her saddle bag before unfurling the blueprints and laying them for both inventors to see. Rarity winced as the repairs as a loud bang resonated from the land bus. “I just had to make some teensy weensy adjustments. Your plans included a great, big, humongous, ginormous steam engine! But that would have been too heavy, so I replaced it with a big magic crystal!”

“Mageia Chrysalidas.” Rainbow Dash shot Twilight a look that screamed egghead, though Twilight did not seem to notice. Rarity felt she had to get a word in edgewise quickly.

“Excuse me, Mister Cogworks.” Rarity approached Cogworks while keeping a wary eye on the land bus. “While it would be a great pleasure to have one of Pinkie’s… amusing parties in your home, I’m just concerned that mode of locomotion is a bit… unsafe.”

Cogworks burst out laughing. “This old girl is as safe as safe can be! I made it all the way here, didn’t I?” To accentuate his point, Cogworks patted the side of the machine tenderly. A hubcap fell from one of the wheels, and the machine sounded like Opal when she coughed up a hairball.

“See? Just needs a bit of roadside maintenance, some tender loving care, maybe a good kick to the radiator. Give us a moment, and we’ll be right on the road! Everypony is invited of course, including the members of our fine Air Patrol!” Cogworks beamed at Hurricane and Steele, leaving the pegasus to raise an eyebrow.

“Pardon me, Artificer Cogworks, but we really don’t want to impose. These are your guests after all.” Hurricane bowed her head with Steele following suit. To Rarity, it was a shame they did not want to come, for she wanted to thank them for their generosity and kindness since the arrival to Mechanon. Though Pinkie’s parties were loud and obnoxious affairs, few ponies did not enjoy themselves at those soirees. 

Sweetie Belle would have loved the party. Rarity couldn’t help but think of her comatose sister in some strange hospital in a foreign land. What if the doctors couldn’t help her? What if her condition was worsening? Rarity should be with Sweetie Belle, not stepping into a deathtrap driven by a mad scientist.

She turned to look at Applebloom and Scootaloo, her heart breaking to see their usual enthusiasm completely diminished. The three fillies should have been together in Mechanon in complete and utter awe, raising havoc trying out everything new and wonderful to get their cutie marks. Instead, they looked defeated, a cart missing a wheel and unable to move forward.

“You seem troubled, my dear.” Rarity looked up to see Cogworks nearby while Pinkie continued to fix up the land bus. Rarity gave a faint smile before explaining the situation with Sweetie Belle to him. Cogworks stroked his chin for a moment in thought.

“When we get to my workshop, I will be sure to send a message to the hospital to give your sister the best possible care.” Cogworks’ grin gave him a confident air as he climbed into the driver seat of his land bus, pulling switches and tugging an assortment of levers, causing the machine to awaken with a loud thrumming noise.

“Can ya’ll do that?” Applejack cocked her head. “Just tell the hospital to fix Sweetie Belle up lickety-split?”

“Have clout, will use it,” said Cogworks with a smirk. “Being the palace artificer has benefits you know. Now climbed aboard! We have a ways to go to my workshop, and much to plan! And you two…” He pointed at Hurricane and Steele. “Are coming with us. Palace Artificer, have clout, yadda yadda yadda.”

Hurricane looked to Steele who merely shrugged in reply. One by one, everypony climbed aboard the massive machine, securing themselves in their seats while both Cogworks and Pinkie fumbled with the controls together.

“Uncle Cogworks, you have the chitty’ chitty bang bang’ button on, don’t you?”

“So I do, my dear, so I do.”

“I know that’s a fun button with the bouncing and kablams! But I think you should turn it off. We have some ground to cover, and we can use this to bring about some exposition on how Mechanon and Steele work!”

“Right you are!  Nothing like a little world building before supper! Allons-y!”



The ride down the roads of Brasseldorf was a pleasant experience. The land bus was no longer loud and obnoxious, instead emitting only the slightest purr. The busy streets of the city passed them by while few ponies gave sideways glances at the large machine. Cogsworks had said this was a prototype, and not being mass produced. He muttered about something about how ‘they didn’t like the idea of ponies driving automobiles’, as machines like this were called, yet sky skiffs were perfectly normal for the military arm of Mechanon. 

They left the city limits overlook a bright sea of colours, a valley covered in flowers of such beauty Rarity had to rub her eyes that she wasn’t dreaming, all while in the distance a great palace of shining gold and brass all but glowed in the setting sun. Rarity was breathless at the sight of the palace and its gleaming arches and shining walls of white. Statues of various ponies important to Mechanon lined the road, which was expertly paved compared to the dirt roads of Ponyville.

“Excuse me, Cogworks, but I was just wondering why unicorns can’t use magic in the city.” Her interest piqued, Rarity turned towards Twilight and listened for the answer to her question. For a pony whose special talent was magic in its entirety, being unable to cast even the simplest spells must have been frustrating. However, when asked that question, Cogworks’ smile faltered.

“It’s a long story, young lady.” He gave a heavy, drawn out sigh. “To put it the most simplest of terms, Magic and Technology do not get along well in Mechanon, or on the continent for that matter. In a place where machinery is everywhere, like a factory or a power plant, magic ceases to function and just… fizzles out. In a place condensed with magic, machinery refuses to work, and sometimes even explodes!”

“This dynamic has been controlling Mechanon for decades. It is why many unicorns who wish to study and practice magic go to Icekierka to the north. It is why the automatons shun magic, as it causes them immense discomfort, even pain. It is why the Duchess Machina and Lord Cold Snap have not spoken for years, not since the Five Day War.”

War. With the utterance of that word, Fluttershy let out a sharp gas as she looked up at Cogsworks in horror. There were wars in Equestria’s history, to be sure, and young foals were taught about them during history lessons. The War of Night on the rise and fall of Nightmare Moon, or the war against Discord. All were horrible to think about, and as Rarity turned to look back on Brasseldorf, a part of her knew that somepony looked to the impressive arrays of technology and used it to make weapons for fighting.

“This is why Mechanon has a strong military tradition,” Hurricane piped in. “Even though the Air Patrol is the most active branch to defend our country from wyvern incursions, the Navy and the Army can mechanize rapidly to meet any threat. It’s unfortunate, but we’ve had to fight to maintain our way of life.”

“That seems really… sad.” Fluttershy’s ears drooped as she looked down on her hooves. Poor dear was a stranger to violence, and the idea likely saddened her to no end. “Ponies shouldn’t fight each other. What could cause two sides to come to blows?”

“Cold Snap hated the duchess for embracing the expansion of Mechanon as well as what he felt was a betrayal towards the old ways of magic. So he tried to take over… by force. Needless to say, he lost, but the cost was great. Years of rebuilding, so much knowledge lost in the fires. And the duchess, well… she hasn’t been the same since the war.”

Cogworks cleared his throat. “Sorry for the somber news, but something good did happen after the war. Once Cold Snap and his armies were forced back towards Icekierka and all of Mechanon was rebuilding, that was when the automatons first appeared. At first there was fright, but then to everyponies surprise, the automatons found their way around the cities of the nation and started asking for jobs!”

“I was just a little filly when the automatons first arrived. I was scared of them then as well, only to find they were quite polite and cordial.” Captain Hurricane regarded Steele with a smile, one that Rarity saw was rather warm. The kind mares gave their special someponies; a lingering gaze that Steele did not notice. 

“Nopony knows where the automatons came from, but needless to say we were very grateful for their timely arrival.” They turned around a bend as they made a final approach towards the gates of the palace. “Workers who wanted to work as long as their gears and joints could hold out. At first it was a godsend, and the duchess made them citizens of Mechanon.”

For once, Steele appeared uncomfortable, shifting on his hooves. “Automatons can only perform the functions given to them by the Fabricators,” he explained, “All automatons are given three primary functions upon assembly: The Function of the First, of which we recite the hour on the hour. Then the Function of Performance, where an automaton performs the function given to them by the Fabricators. This could be anything from carpentry to masonry, to performing the roles of a nanny towards foals as per the parents’ specific instructions. The third is the Function of Experience, where all automatons are to go about and experience everything they can about the world, should they be able. These three functions are in all automatons, and they cannot be denied or reprogrammed.”

“Fascinating, isn’t it?” Cogworks said, “I wish I could do more research on them, to find out more about the automatons. They just won’t let me!”

A powerful stream of exhaust jetted out of Steele’s nostrils. Rarity raised an eyebrow at what she assumed was an act of anger, or at least frustration. When Steele did not continue, she turned her attention back to Cogworks, who continued his story.

“But once Mechanon was back to a pre-war state, there began to be some grumblings. These automatons worked rather cheaply and without tiring, and business ponies preferred hiring them for those reasons. Many ponies were soon out of jobs, and then there was… the violence.”

“Many automatons were… destroyed.” Hurricane sighed. “The mob was angry that so many automatons were taking their jobs. They went to a large factory outside of Brasseldorf and set it on fire. The automatons did nothing to provoke the attack, and they did even less to defend themselves. Most automatons simply sat by and watched.”

“Automatons are not programmed for violence of any sort,” interjected Steele, “Until I was assembled to join the military. The fears of the common pony were unfounded. Now our Fabricators are… elsewhere.”

Rarity could hardly believe her ears as they neared the gates of the palace. The history of Mechanon appeared to be the same as tarnished silverware. It may have been beautiful in its prime, and even now the shine of progress and advancement could be seen when the sun reflected off the brass surface. Still, the stains of blood and oil marred the surface, and Rarity began to wonder just what other tragedies had befallen an otherwise lovely duchy.

The vehicle stopped in front of the great golden gates of the palace, the center of the bars holding a coat of arms dedicated the family of the duchess. The emblem comprised of two ponies, one unicorn and the other a pegasus, rearing up with their right foreleg against a book. Under the book, the words engraved read:

Pro Scientia, Nos Ferte. Enim Sapientia, Nos Cogita.

“Well that’s a funny sounding language.” Applejack squinted at the words, trying to make out what they read.

“It comes from an old language,” Cogworks replied as he hooked a hoof around a megaphone. “It means…” He then lifted the megaphone to his mouth. “For Knowledge, we advance. For Wisdom, we reflect!”

The translated verse acted as a password, the emblem spinning around as locks clicked open and the gates flung themselves wide enough to fit the jalopy through. The machine began to move again, giving everypony a full view of the palace. It was splendid to behold, a true rival to Celestia’s castle in Canterlot, yet to Rarity there was something missing. Canterlot Castle simply buzzed with activity. This palace was very silent, to such an extent that Rarity felt disturbed. She preferred at least some kind of ambience.

The vehicle stopped in front of the main entrance of the palace, stairs unfolding themselves to allow the ponies ease of departure. They all descended off the combustible contraption only to stare in awe of the palace. The doors appeared to have been made in gold with many intricate metalwork designs crafted into the door. Two guards, an earth pony and a pegasus, stood at attention dressed in similar long coats and hats as the Air Patrol, theirs being pitch black with silver inlays.

The two guards did not react at all as Cogworks lead the way up the stairs to the door. “Don’t worry, gents, all of them are with me!” He smiled at each guard despite their lack of reaction, only to watch as they opened the door silently and quickly.

A low murmur of gasps and awe sprang from the Equestrians as they entered the palace. Rarity’s eyes dazzled at the sight of such intricate jewel crafting that she could only dream of replicating. A massive chandelier hung above their heads strung together on chains of gold and brass while diamonds hung and swayed to the breeze, clinking together like chimes. They walked on luxurious velvet carpets as tall paintings of ponies hung on the wall with care.

“This place is incredible,” Rarity whispered. Panic took over as she looked down on her dress and realized too late a new predicament. “I feel we underdressed for this occasion! Girls! Cogworks! We need to get back to Brasseldorf and get proper attire for meeting the duchess!”

Cogworks chuckled as he trotted his way through the palace. “Silly Rarity, the duchess will receive you in an official capacity later! Tonight, she wishes to meet to new guests outside of protocol for a change. She wants to meet you, not what you represent.”

They came across a pair of white, and relatively plain, double doors. Cogworks approached the doors, but for a moment he appeared to hesitate. Taking a deep breath, he turned one sad eye towards the group. “Please excuse me. Like many other Mechanonians, I love the duchess dearly. It is difficult to see her in the state she is since the war. I ask that you show respect when you see her… I know you will… but… please.”

“I wonder what he is worried about,” Rainbow muttered. She turned to look at Hurricane, only to see that the good captain’s eyes were also downcast. Steele remained as stoic as ever. Rarity swallowed. What exactly had happened during the war that made Cogworks so apprehensive?

The white doors opened to reveal a grand library, with mountainous shelves almost overflowing with books as far as the eye could see. Twilight burst into the room with wide eyes and even wider smile as she soaked in what Rarity could only guess was her single greatest hope for this voyage. Knowing Twilight, she had likely read near every book in the Royal Canterlot Library, and was now brimming with anticipation to simply dive in and read the works of Mechanon.

The expansive room soon revealed that it was more than just a library, but also a place of experimentations. Several apparatuses were running on tables, though what their function was, Rarity could only guess. At the far end of the room was large desk with a book sitting open as well as several quills, though of more importance was the pony sitting at the desk.

At least, Rarity wondered if it was a pony. Standing as tall as Celestia, though lacking the unicorn horn or pegasus wings was what she assumed was the Duchess herself, though she appeared more like an automaton than a pony. Her body shone like finely polished brass, every movement joined loud creaks and squeals as metal rubbed against metal. Rarity winced at the sounds, the image of an elderly mare like Granny Smith having difficulty walking, with creaky bones and terrible arthritis.

Still, there was no doubt that the Duchess held a regal splendour to her. Like other automatons, her mane and tail appeared made from stylized metal rather than hair. She had a long flowing ermine cape draped across her shoulders in a fetching violet, though that appeared to be the only decoration for her station. From her mechanical body, a low hum could be heard.

It was the face of the Duchess that garnered the most attention. Instead of what Rarity considered a “gas-mask” face like Steele was rather something akin to a burial mask. The eyes were wide open and glowing with a faint white light, while the carefully crafted lips were held in a perpetual state of neutrality. No joy nor sorrow nor anger could be seen from the Duchess as she regarded the guests to her nation.

Cogworks took the lead, bowing his head low and bending his knee, followed soon by Captain Hurricane and Commander Steele. One by one, Rarity and her friends did the same, bowing in respect to the sovereign of this foreign land. The Duchess looked over them all in silent, only the hum and creaks of her metal limbs.

“Please rise.” Her voice resonated from within the armour, the soft voice in a sort of echo from behind the metal casing. “Be at ease, all of you, and feel welcome to my duchy, my home, and the home of all my little ponies. I am Machina Ex Adagnitio, Duchess of Mechanon. It is my honour and privilege to welcome you, guests from Equestria. I look forward to building a bridge between our two nations that will stretch across the ocean.”

Wondering if Machina was being literal or not, Rarity turned towards Pinkie Pie and Cogworks to see if wide grins and wild ideas ran through their minds. Both looked at back at her blankly while Pinkie gave a slight shrug.

“We’re mad scientists-slash-inventors-slash-party planners, silly,” Pinkie replied to the unasked question. “You want a bridge that long, you better call an architect. Oh, but just think of all the parties we could have with another country of ponies!”
Machina chuckled at Pinkie Pie, while the others gave a quick introduction. She graciously received them all, the true air of a monarch around her. She is so regal, so graceful, Rarity thought as Machina approached her, despite such a form, or perhaps because of it.

“Your eyes,” Machina said, snapping Rarity’s attention towards her. “They bear grief all too familiar. What has happened to cause this?”

Rarity blinked away the newly formed tears, though her efforts proved futile. She recounted their journey across the ocean to the feral storm, where Sweetie Belle injured herself in an effort to help. The Duchess kept her silence while Rarity spoke, standing perfectly still as she listened with rapt attention.

After the tale was told, Machina spoke. “Cogworks, have the finest doctors we have to make sure young Sweetie Belle makes a complete recovery.”

“Already done, Your Grace,” Cogworks beamed.

“Then inform them that she is now a very important pony, and a personal guest of my House.” Rarity gasped as Machina made her commands. “I will not have sisters and friends separated if I can help it. Make my will known, Cogworks, so long as there are no other emergencies they must take care of first.”

Cogworks galloped away to carry out Machina’s orders, leaving the Equestrians alone with the Duchess. Rarity stammered for a moment as she tried to collect herself, only to be silenced by a simple wave of Machina’s hoof. 

“I had a sister once,” Machina said, a sadness creeping into her voice. “If there is anything I could do to stop the pain of separation, I will do so. Come, we can have lunch in my dining hall. The cooks will be excited to serve ponies again. They do not normally work except for when I have guests, you see.”

Rarity understood and felt pity for Machina. The war scarred her terribly, and must have left her trapped within that brass shell to survive. Rarity could only imagine what sort of suffering she endured, through battle and becoming part of her armour. The very thought sent shivers down her spine.

They entered a grand room with a single massive table, a spot for perhaps hundred or more ponies marked by velvet cloth, china plates and fine silverware for those that would make use of them. Crystal glasses awaited fine wines. Candelabras awaited the illuminated flame to be applied to solid white candles. High above their heads was the most decorated chandelier Rarity had ever seen, with sparkling jewels that reflecting the sun’s rays perfectly into a cascade of light and colour.

High above the head of the table, which Rarity assumed would be seat of Machina, was a large painting done in one of the traditional styles. It was a regal piece of artwork, depicting what Rarity assumed was Machina’s family. In the center of the painting was a blue unicorn stallion dressed in high ranking officer’s garb, epaulets of golden thread hanging off his shoulders along with a red velvet jacket, a silver sash, and several medals pinned to his chest. A grey earth pony mare to his side countered his stern expression. She stood adorned in a dress of silver silk with a simple yet refined diamond pendant around her neck. A smile gave her a warm countenance, compared to that of her husband.

Under the adults in the painting were two fillies, perhaps the same age as Sweetie Belle. One was a unicorn, her coat a much darker shade of indigo, with her stark white mane decorated in ribbons which were styled with little stars. To her right was a peach coloured earth pony with a bright smile. Compared to the other three figures in the painting, the earth pony filly was faded, appearing to have been ignored by the restorer of the work.

“I am interested in hearing of this land you come from, this Equestria,” Machina said, taking her seat at the head of the table. She waited as everypony made their way to their own seats. “Aircraft is one of our most revolutionary inventions, but not even our greatest vessels have been able to traverse over the ocean. Sadly, due to so many ships and crews lost, I had to place a ban on exploring the ocean. I am interested in how you were able to cross the ocean.”

“We were travelling across the ocean just fine, Your Grace,” Rarity answered, “Until we were trapped by something my dear friend Twilight here called a ‘feral arcane storm.’ My… my sister was a casualty of our braving the storm.”

Machina lowered her head for a moment, but underneath her bronze mask, Rarity could almost swear she heard the Duchess sob within. “Even after the war, the scars we have created still harm ponies, especially those who should not have been touched.”

“I don’t understand,” Twilight added. “What do you mean? Was the feral storm caused by the war?”

Machina slowly nodded her head. “It was a weapon created by Cold Snap during the most devastating of battles, what historians now call the Siege of Brasseldorf. The storm would have destroyed all of Mechanon and Icekierka, as it proved more powerful than Cold Snap could control. Together, we threw the storm into the ocean, so that our ponies could be saved. A shame… the only time we cooperated was because our very existence was threatened.”

“Um… if you don’t mind me asking…” Fluttershy shifted in her seat uncomfortably. “Why did Mechanon and Icekierka have a war?”

“We disagreed on the direction of the future.” Machina turned her head towards the kitchens and watched as the doors swung open. A pair of unicorn chefs pushed a rolling tray filled with food and drinks towards the grand table, and Rarity’s stomach rumbled at the sight of food. She had forgotten how long since her last proper meal. She blushed as her stomach continued to make unladylike noises.

The unicorns did not use magic to levitate the silver dishes holding varied hors d’oeuvres. Rarity had never seen such a display of culinary artisanship since her time in Canterlot. She recognized a platter of deviled eggs, but everything else was foreign to her.

The doors of the kitchen opened once again, this time with an automaton who wore a black sash and a black chef’s hat making his way to the table. The automaton bowed to the Duchess along with the other two chefs.

“Greetings and salutations, Your Grace, and guests of the House of Adagnitio,” he said, his voice much higher pitched than Steele’s. “I am Head Chef Zink, and it is my honour and privilege to be serving you. I have an extensive internal library of culinary dishes suited for pony, sphinx, and hippogryph dietary needs. For today’s meal, I have brought to you simple yet delicious dishes that are sure to appease your taste receptors. We have deviled eggs with a fine mustard spiced with tangy herbs, as well as bruschetta, made with the finest tomatoes grown from local farms, spiced with basil. There is also…”

As Chef Zink continued to rattle on, the unicorns pressed buttons on the mobile tray which revealed the true nature of the device. Several arms sprung to life and carried the platters directly onto the table. They stretched to extreme lengths for such a small contraption, but by the end of full disclosure of their meal, the mobile tray was bare and the table decorated with all sorts of savoury dishes.

Rarity looked to see the plate of bruschetta placed in front of her. The aroma of garlic and basil wafted into her nose, and if she did not have the mind of a lady she likely would have begun drooling over the confectionary.
“How does an automaton know what a thing tastes like?” Applebloom asked, her hoof poking a deviled egg. “Ya’ll are nuts and bolts.”

“Applebloom!” Applejack admonished. “Mind your manners in front of company!”

“A common question, dear guests!” Zink pointed a metallic hoof at a platter of papaya rings filled with cream. “All things are chemical equations and compositions. Whenever travelling dignitaries come to meet the duchess, I always request that they bring one of their favourite chefs along. That way, I may learn all I can of their cooking habits and determine through experimentation what creates the most nutritious and delicious courses! It is just so exciting to see ponies enjoy my work. I cook and I cook, for it is the function that I have been given, and I aim to do it well!”

Rarity began to understand what Steele had meant when he spoke of the functions of the automatons. They were the same as a pony’s cutie mark, though they appeared to be much more as a directive. Zink seemed quite pleased with his work, and in an effort not to be rude, Rarity stretched her magic to pick up one of the exotic dishes.

Try as she might, she could not get her horn to spark. She looked to Twilight who also struggled with her magic. The haunted look at her friend as she could not do the most basic of spells spoke volumes.

“I am sorry,” Machina said, “This is the heart of technology in Mechanon. Here, my laboratories, Cogsworks’ Locum Aedificium, and my own life support suit cannot allow magic to work in such close proximity. Magic is dead here.”

“That is quite all right, Your Grace,” Rarity replied, “We’ll just have to adjust. Won’t we, Twilight?”

Twilight’s ears splayed back against her head. “Is there anywhere in Brasseldorf that we can practice our magic?”

“The only place where one can cast spells in Brasseldorf and not disrupt the machinery or cause harm to the automatons is in the Icekierkan embassy on the outskirts of the city. I will be certain your guides will take you there.” Machina turned her head to Steele, who merely nodded in reply. Rarity watched the two as they seemingly shared a conversation that was privy only to them.

They ate in silence, and while originally difficult for Rarity, she managed to get a few morsels of food without the aid of her magic. One bite of the bruschetta made her forget all about her arcane troubles, as the delicious tomatoes and basil seemed to melt inside her mouth, the bread acting more as a foundation for the flavours. Her smile was praise enough for Chef Zink, who nodded in approval.

“I have two announcements to make.” The Duchess stood up to her full height after the meal was over. “It is by my will as Duchess of Mechanon to welcome the dignitaries of Equestria to our land quite formally. As such, I would like to officially extend an invitation to all of you to the Thirteenth Annual Masquerade Ball, to be held here in the palace within a week’s time. The details will be left on your invitations which will be delivered in the post by tomorrow morning.”

Rarity’s eyes widened with surprise and anticipation. She quickly squashed the nightmare that was the Grand Galloping Gala, and brought her mind’s eye to bear on the possibilities of such an event. 

“Captain Hurricane. Lieutenant Steele.” Both pegasus and automaton snapped to attention as Duchess Machina mentioned them by name. “Your exemplary performance of aiding these foreign guests is to be commended. For that matter, I am issuing you two a reassignment as liaison for them until they are prepared to leave.”

Hurricane looked to Steele, who otherwise said nothing. She stammered for a bit before she replied. “Your Grace, this is an honour to be sure, but we are Sky Patrol, not diplomatic ponies. We have our duties…”

“Aww, c’mon!” Pinkie suddenly grabbed Hurricane and Steele in a big hug. “We like you two! You are nice, we never met anypony like Steele before, and maybe you were due for a vacation! We’ll be friends, we’ll have fun, and who knows, maybe we’ll have awesome adventures in Mechanon together? Won’t that be great?”

Hurricane smiled at Pinkie, then to Steele. Servos and gears clicked inside his metal head, and Rarity found herself just how those gears translated to thought processes. Finally, the automaton snorted with a great exhaust of steam through his nostrils.

“My function is to protect ponies,” he said in that hollow voice of his. “I suppose the capacity will have changed. I accept the charge, Your Grace.”

The dinner continued with idle chitchat, though Machina excused herself due to a need for “maintenance.” Rarity could only guess what the process entailed. She looked around the table at her friends. Rainbow and Hurricane talked excitedly with each other, while Twilight drilled Steele with more questions. Rarity tuned out on the dinner as her mind drifted to Sweetie Belle. She looked out the nearest window and wondered just how long it would be when her sister could join her in this wonderful new land.

***

The five arch-mages sat the great table, each holding their cards aloft in auras of icy magic. They looked at each other with sly glances. They all sought to have the upper hand, but they also paid great attention to their master who sat at the head of the table.

Lord Cold Snap held his own cards high in front of him. A unicorn in shape, he towered above in the tallest of his servants with a body made from black ice. His gaze drifted from his cards to his arch-mages. He watched them all from glowing blue eyes, and noticed one of them trembled. Spellslot, he recalled the name. The newest of his arch-mages.

“They say intelligent ponies play chess,” Cold Snap said, his voice echoing all the way to the top of his hollow salon. “And I agree with this. Chess brings two sides against each other in equal footing. The same amount of rooks, knights, and pawns. However, the game is not equal. White goes first, and therefore sets the pace.”

“I much prefer… poker.” He looked around at his assembled arch-mages, though specifically at Spellslot. “The elements of random chance and emotional manipulation are far more interesting to me. Far more… methodical. The ability to read your opponent and react appropriately. It’s your move, Spellslot.”

Cold Snap looked down on the cards on the table. Two aces and a jack of hearts. A powerful flop that most would jump on. He regarded his own hand: a two of clubs and a queen of hearts. Not a good start. He knew Spellslot had better. Predictably, the new arch-mage put his cards face down on the table and muttered weekly.

The turn came up with an eight of spades, while the river came up with the seven of diamonds. Cold Snap revealed his worthless hand, while another of his arch-mages revealed he had the best hand and took the pot. Just before the cards slid away for the next deal, Cold Snap tapped the poker table to call for attention.

“Spellslot…” he all but hissed, “Why don’t you reveal to us your hand? I’m very curious about what you folded on.”

The young arch-mage trembled at the sight of Cold Snap’s glowing horn. “M-m-my Lord… it would be… unbecoming to reveal such a trivial—“

“I make the decision as to what is trivial, Spellslot.” The massive ice pony brought his head closer to his subordinate. “Now. Show me your cards.”

Spellslot quaked on the pressure of Cold Snap’s drilling eyes. He revealed what his hand was: another ace and an eight.

“Aces and eights in a full house. A winning hand.” Cold Snap turned his attention to the guests of his table. “I enjoy poker because it keeps my mind sharp. To study the hidden messages ponies play with their eyes, their faces. However, what I do not abide by are cowards. Those so foolish as not play the game with integrity. Do you fear my station as ruler of Icekierka? As Headmaster of this academy? Or do you fear my magic?”

Both horn and eyes glowed bright blue, then an all-consuming black as Cold Snap summoned forth an intense spell of cold. The rest of the arch-mages remained silent as Spellslot became flash-frozen on his seat, a look of terror now stuck for as long as Cold Snap willed it.

“Only my enemies and fools should have fear of my power,” Cold Snap stated. He stood up and walked towards the window of his salon, the one that overlooked the snowy Frigid Wastes that floating city-state of Icekiera kept constant vigil over. “Remove him from my sight. Once he has recovered, inform him that he will be sent to that accursed Mechanon for embassy duty. We shall see how much he enjoys not being able to use his sacred gifts.”

The other arch-mages bowed before their Lord and Mentor, and then carried off Spellslot so he could properly thaw. Cold Snap, now alone, continued to watch the snowfall against his window when a chime sounded high above his head.

An orb made of crystal-clear ice floated from Cold Snap’s personal chambers towards him. Magic radiated from his communication implement, and Cold Snap found himself suddenly interested for whatever news came his way. This one came from the embassy in Mechanon. His icy face did not show emotion, though he did feel a sense of excitement. His orders to his agents were explicit: do not send news of anything unless it would raise his interest exponentially.

The orb hung in the air before him just as the images of his two agents formed against the surface. Both Icekierkans bowed to their lord, and Cold Snap lifted a hoof in reply.

“Rise, my pupils,” he said, “You can called for my attention and now you have it. Tell me of news from Mechanon.”

“My Lord, we have the information you have sought out,” said the mare, who Cold Snap recalled as Piano Viola. “A new flying machine arrived, my Lord. The contraption is larger than anything the Mechanonian Sky Patrol has ever raised to the air.

Cold Snap let his glowing gaze narrow. He did not care for the machines and technology of Mechanon. They were the cause of the land’s woes, and the fact that the defilers made simply a larger vessel did not interest him. 

The stallion, Final Draft, cleared his throat and stepped in, quickly. “We learned that the airship, this Harmony, is not of Mechanon origin, my Lord. It came from across the ocean. Past the feral storms.”

Now that caught Cold Snap’s attention. “Only one ship made it through the feral arcane storms, and it was that damned interloper Cogsworks. Now there is another.”

“My Lord… we believe they have a Chrysalidas.” As Viola mentioned the ancient artifact, Cold Snap felt for the first time, in decades, surprise. He controlled one of the most powerful magical artifacts known in the land. Duchess Machina controlled the other. So long as the Chrysalidas stayed in their own protective measures, the balance between Mechanon and Icekierka maintained itself.

A third could complicate matters. Or speed them along.

“There is one other thing, my Lord,” Viola continued. “The crew of the Harmony had children aboard the vessel. One of them was a unicorn who was badly injured. I believe the cause is arcane severance in the horn. We could… we could help her, My Lord. By your will, of course.”

Cold Snap became still as Viola mentioned a foal. The thought of arcane severance in one so young… No, he thought, do not let emotions play into this game. You have been dealt a hand with a very promising flop. There was still the turn to be worried about after all.

“Do what you can to heal the severance,” he commanded, “Make sure you remind these foreigners of whose authority you act on. Carry out your duties, and keep me informed”

Both unicorns bowed just as their images faded from the orb’s light. Cold Snap resumed watching the snowfall outside. There was much to be done, and much to be planned. For the first time in years, Cold Snap wished he could smile at providence.