Several weeks of hard work was finally complete. After the laying of thousands of miles of track, the building of several structures such as bridges, tunnels, and lineside buildings such as stations, shops, and maintenance facilities, the work was done. At the location where the lines joined up, a symbolic spike was driven into the ground. Made of gold, this 'last spike' was meant to represent the new unity between the three nations. After all, they were now connected to one another by a long string of iron ribbon that stretched from the seas and coastline of Maretime Bay to the woodland and forested lands of Bridlewood, via Zephyr Heights. The importance of such an achievement could not be understated, as they were now joined to one another for the first time in over one thousand years.
All that now remained was to dedicate the line and bring it into service. And so, on a gloriously bright sunny day, ponies gathered at the railroad station in Maretime Bay. The place was packed. Apart from the train, which was sat in the platform and gleaming in the sunlight from all the polish it had received, there were many ponies. There were jugglers, entertainers, a considerable number of brass bands, and delegations from each of the Three Tribes.
The leaders were there too, as were the Mane Five. And Misty. Although there had been some initial grumblings about her being there, these had been silenced when the truth about Misty's role in the matter had emerged. In fact, the news of this 'Opaline' was a matter of great concern, but could be dealt with later. After all, if nothing else today was a day of celebration, and celebrate the event they would, no matter what happened or where or when.
And so, at the exact moment the clock struck three, the three leaders took to a podium to deliver speeches. Phyllis went first.
"Gathered ponies," she said. "Today we come together in a new spirit of unity and friendship that has not existed on this continent for a long time. Although we were long divided by our prejudices, it is clear now that the way forward is not separate, but together as one group, striving to forge a better world for those who will follow us."
Queen Haven spoke next. "If you had told me twenty years ago that one day I would be delivering a speech about the opening of a line connecting us all together, I would have called you mad. But it shows us the importance of holding onto a dream. Things can only improve if we fight for them to improve, and five brave ponies defied the odds and brought us together once more with this line. Truly may this elevate our new world to increased heights of greatness."
Alphabittle went last. "The past is something that many ponies gathered today find comforting- myself included. But the past is not a blueprint for our existance. It is merely a guide from which to learn. One pony understood this especially well. Although I never met him, it was his words and tireless research dedicated to discovering this continent's history that enabled us to not only regain magic, but also to be reconnected as we are today." He paused. "Although sadly he is no longer with us, it was his daughter who took his words to heart and showed us a better path to the light. To the light of a better and more prosperous future for us all."
He paused. "But what is to be done next must be done together. And so, if the other leaders will join me in this symbolic act." He indicated to a gigantic pair of scissors, with he, Phyllis, and Queen Haven then picked up. They moved it to the ribbon which was strung over the line, and steadied themselves.
"We hereby declare the New Trans Equestrian Railroad open!" they said in unison, as they chopped the ribbon open. It dramatically fell to both sides. Ponies cheered and the engineer of the reopening train sounded the whistle with triumph. It had been done, and the railway was officially open.
"Come on!" Sunny called. "To the train! Onwards we go!"
The assembled guests scrambled aboard, and the engineer once again sounded the whistle.
"ALL ABOARD!"
The doors slammed, and the conductor showed a green lamp. With a hiss of steam and loud snorts from the cylinder cocks, the moment those who had dared to dream about had finally become true. Slowly but surely, and with ringing of bells, the train got underway, climbing the side of the local hills and climbing ever closer to the skies.
The train seemed to be climbing so far it was flying, and many enjoyed rumbling over the hills and bridges, and through spectacular spiral tunnels and up steep slopes. The mountains soon gave way to sweeping prairies and vast grasslands, before the passengers changed trains for the run up to (and through) Zephyr Heights.
This section was much more direct, what with the benefit of electric traction, and the train rattled over the hills and up through craggy peaks. Oxygen was supplied for non pegasi, but luckily it wasn't needed. After a brief stop in Zephyr Heights Central Station to exchange supplies, the train was off on its way once more, this time coasting down another set of steep grades until it reached the next changeover point.
Here the electric was detached and parked in a siding, and a large diesel engine spitting black smoke took over. They then roared away through more fields, watching as the landscape shifted once more. The train descended over the new bridge (the old one now part of a public footpath) and down into the forested regions. A logging train waited to let them pass by, and after a long trip the train came to a stop at Bridlewood station, where the passengers got off. There's had been the very first train trip from one side of Equestria to the other for over one thousand years.
Naturally, whenever a big achievement is made, the appropriate response is to host a celebratory party. And this is exactly what happened. Bridlewood rang to laughter and merriment well into the night as a celebratory ball was hosted, and everypony had a great time just enjoying themselves. The fun went on well into the night, and safe to say ponies were quite exhausted by the time they trooped off to bed later on. But it could wait. They did not need to do anything important that night.
The very next day, Sunny, Izzy, Pipp, Zipp, Hitch, and Misty all returned to Maretime Bay, running back along the very same terrain as the previous day, just in reverse order. Once they arrived, they headed straight for the Brighthouse.
"Err, I don't mean to sound unnapreciative, but you don't need to have me stay here," Misty said. "I really don't mind."
"We insist!" Sunny said. "After all, considering what you've been through you should get another chance at things. And a change of pace with a proper roof over your head is a great place to start." She indicated to the ramp which connected the floors together. "This way!"
The six raced up the stairs and stopped at the top. "Sunny, have you redesigned the place?" Pipp asked. "Because I'm pretty certain there are four of us who live here, not five."
A fifth bed, with some attachments, had been added to the edge of the room. "That one's for Misty," Sunny explained. "That bit is your to personalise as you see fit."
"Sure took a bit of shifting furniture to get that lot aligned well," Hitch joked. "But worth it in the end, huh?"
Misty was amazed. Opaline had never let her customise the room she had in the castle. And now she had her own living space to call her own! "I... I don't know what to say," she stammered, amazed at the idea that somepony was being nice to her. "Thank you. Is there something you want in return?"
"Do I need a reason to be nice to a friend?" Sunny answered, using a question to answer Misty's question.
What Misty did next caight them by surprise. She trotted over to Sunny and hugged her. "Thank you so much," she whispered.
"And I've organised a new and improved sleepover to celebrate your first night as one of us!" Izzy grinned.
"Welcome to the crew, Misty!" Zipp said. "Not that you weren't before, of course, but it feels good to make it official."
"Agreed!" Pipp said. "Let's make this night amazing!" She switched to sing song mode at the end of the sentence.
"Uh, yeah, let's do that. Provided Sparky doesn't do anything silly," Hitch added.
After an incredibly fun night of games, events, and other activities, they eventually retired to bed. Except Hitch, who went back to the station. It had been a tiring few days, but they felt it had been worth it.
After all, there's had been... a Railway Adventure.