//------------------------------//
// The True Meaning of Starlight Part 4 
// Story: The True Meaning of Starlight 
// by SaburoDaimando 
//------------------------------//


The True Meaning of Starlight Part 4



It was night time at the Zephyr Ship, located near the castle within New Ponyville.   Inside, the citizens of New Ponyville were aboard select rooms of the aircraft.  Some of them occupied sleeping quarters for the long ride.  Within the mess hall, Starcatcher and the musical choir put out a peformance to some of the villagers.

But on the bridge of the Zephyr Ship, Pipp Petals wore a captain uniform as she took a seat in the chair.  Spike and Abigail took the controls of the ship while Rarity manned the communications.  Sunset Shimmer and Zipp Storm stood by Pipp Petals at the ready.

“I'm impressed,” Sunset Shimmer said, observing the interior of the bridge.  “The pegasi of Zephyr Heights know how to put together an airship.”

“This is nothing compared to our mother's airship,” Zipp Storm said.  “After all, we Zephyr pegasi aim to the stars and beyond.”

“So,” Sunset said.  “Can this thing go warp speed?”

“I wish,” Pipp said.  “We don't even have the engines developed for it.  But it should be fast enough to catch up to and rescue Princess Wanda and Starlight Glimmer.  Observe.”

Pipp Petals turned towards Spike the Dragon as everyone braced for take off.

“Spike,” Pipp said.  “You have the helm.”

“Shall I activate take-off thrusters and get us skybound?” Spike asked.

“Make it so,” Pipp replied.

“Aye, captain,” Spike said as he tapped his fingers on the console.

With the propulsion units beneath the ship on full blast, the Zephyr Ship lifted up from the helipad and slowly ascended into the air.  Inside the bridge, everyone stood perfectly calm as the ship ascended upwards.

“Wow,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “This is amazing.”

“You ain’t seen nothing yet, Princess Sunset,” Zipp Storm said.  

“Spike,” Pipp Petals commanded.  “Rotate the ship a hundred and fifty degrees to the left.”

“You got it, captain,” Spike said, tapping the console a few more times.

As the ship rotated counter clockwise, Sunset Shimmer turned her attention towards Spike the dragon and Abigail Albright.  Spike kept his focus on the console while Abigail worked the scanner next to Spike.

“Spike,”  Sunset said.  “I didn’t know you could pilot something like this.  How did you figure it out?”

“During my time off from helping you, your sister and Twilight, I checked out the Zephyr Heights airship simulator,” Spike explained.  “And of all the ships I tried out, this was my personal favorite.”

“Sunset,” Zipp said.  “You didn’t know that something like this existed?”

“Not exactly,” Sunset Shimmer responded.  “This is news to me.”

“The airship simulator is one of the most popular applications,” Zipp explained.  “Everyone across planet Earth found it fascinating to pilot one of these bad boys.”

“I’ll have to get a copy for Twilight Sparkle for Christmas once she gets back from Cybertron,” Sunset Shimmer said.

As the airship came to a stop, Abigail Albright looked down at the scanner and noticed a blip at the top part.

“I got a reading,” Abigail said.  “That must be them due out in front of it.”

Spike turned to Pipp Petals and asked “What should we do, Captain?”

“Engage,” Pipp Petals commanded.

Spike placed his hand on a slider on the console and pushed it forward.  In an instant, the ship took off, jetting northbound away from New Ponyville.

Back inside the bridge of the ship, Spike kept his eyes on the viewing window as everyone else sat down, unaffected by the pull of the ship.  The lone exception was Sunset Shimmer, who was leaping in the air with excitement.

“I CAN’T BELIEVE WE’RE FLYING ON BOARD THE ZEPHYR SHIP!”  Sunset Shimmer cheered.  “THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST MOMENTS OF MY LIFE!”

But when Sunset Shimmer looked down while she was in the air, she saw Zipp Storm and Pipp Petals giggling to themselves.  Sunset slowly flew down to the ground and blush embarrassingly.

“Oops,” Sunset said.  “I overdid it.”

“Like the ride?”  Zipp Storm asked.

“Oh do I ever,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I heard about the legend of these ships from Zephyr Heights.  But I have never rode in one until now.”

“As my sister said, we aim to soar to the stars one day,” Pipp Petals said.  “It’s been the wish of the pegasi of Zephyr Heights since we completed our first airships two centuries ago.  I often sing to my followers about what the galaxy surrounding our planet is like.”

“Sounds like a wonderful dream to soar to,” Sunset Shimmer.

Pipp Petals giggled for a bit before she heard the sound of a stallion arguing loudly, followed by a door opening.  She turned to her right to see an upset Sprout Cloverleaf tumble through the doorway and into the bridge.

“Sprout?” Sunset said.

As Sprout Cloverleaf got up, he marched towards Sunset Shimmer, breathing heavily and with his teeth bare.

“What was that all about?” Sprout yelled. “I was humiliated, dragged and I lost my own towel thanks to this blasted town.”

“Sprout?” Sunset said, walking over to Sprout.  “Are you alright?”

“No I’m not,” Sprout yelled.  “And I blame this all on Starlight Glimmer.  She had the nerve to topple down that tree.  Where is she?”

But Sunset looked out the viewing window with a somber look on her face.

“She…,” Sunset said, struggling to regain her composure.  “She ran away from New Ponyville.”

Those words calmed down Sprout Cloverleaf.  But his face was full of sorrow.  His ears flopped down depressingly and his eyes began to fill with tears.

“She ran away?” Sprout said.

“Yeah,” Sunset said.  “She felt guilty about what she did.  So she ran away.  And now she and Wanda are out there.”

Sprout Cloverleaf turned away from Sunset Shimmer before he walked towards the doorway.  He paused for a moment before turning his head towards Sunset.

“All I wanted was to publicly shame Starlight Glimmer for what she did,” Sprout said.  “And not just for ruining Christmas.”

“Let me guess,” Sunset said.  “She caught you taking a shower.”

“You guessed it,” Sprout said.  “But leaving her out in the cold?  I wouldn’t want to wish that on her.”

Sunset placed her hoof around Sprout’s back and said “We’re going to get her back.  I promise you this.  You don’t need to worry.”

“Thanks,” Spout said.  “But now….I feel a bit guilty for her being out in the cold.”

“It’s alright,” Sunset said.  “We all make mistakes, Sprout.”

Pipp Petals got out of her captain’s chair.  She walked to Sunset Shimmer and Sprout Cloverleaf, the latter who turned his attention to the Zephyr Heights Princess.

“Tell you what, Sprout,”  Pipp Petals said.  “Head over to my private quarters.  I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“A surprise?”  Sprout asked as Pipp made her way back to her chair.

“Watch and see,” Pipp said as she sat down on the captain’s chair.

Immediately, Pipp Petals tapped her hoof on the touchscreen at the end of the right arm rest before a microphone popped out from behind the headrest of the chair, and extended to near her mouth.

“Attention, crew of the Zephyr Ship,” Pipp Petals said.  “For the entire journey of this trip, I have granted Sprout Cloverleaf permission to use the shower of my private quarters.  Repeat.  I have granted Sprout Cloverleaf permission to use the shower of my private quarters.  That is all.”

As the mic slid back into the headrest of the chair, Sprout turned to Pipp Petals with an embarrassed look on his face.

“Aww,” Sprout said.  “You didn’t have to do this for me.”

“Consider this a make up for what happened early ago,” Pipp Petals said.  “Now go.  I believe you deserve a little R & R.”

Sprout nodded to Pipp before he said “Thank you.”  He turned towards the doorway before it opened up.  As Sprout made his way out of the bridge, Pipp nodded to Rarity before the white unicorn got up from her communication seating and walked towards the stubborn stallion.

“Mr Cloverleaf,” Rarity said.  “I’ll be escorting you to the Princess’s private quarters.”

“Me?” Sprout said.  

“Oh sure, I’ll be away from my assigned duties,” Rarity said.  “But don’t you worry.  I’ll be back to assist the captain.”

With a flick of her mane, Rarity led Sprout down the hallway as the door closed behind him.  Back inside the bridge, Abigail looked worried as the blip on the radar began to fade.

“Everyone,” Abigail said.  “I think we’re starting to lose them.”

“The radar is powerful,” Zipp said.  “But it’s not strong enough to get them back on track.  We’ll need more horsepower than that.”

“Point taken,” Pipp Petals said.  “Now would be the time to dispatch the Zephyr Pods.”

“Good idea,” Zipp said as she made her way towards the bridge door.  

“Sister,” Pipp said, noticing Zipp’s sudden departure.  “You’re nothing thinking about boarding one of those?”

“It sounds like a good idea,” Sunset Shimmer said as she ran up to Zipp Storm.

“Sister,” Zipp said to Pipp.  “Call upon any pony who’s willing to pilot the Zephy Pods.  We’ll use the built-in scanners to boost the range and get them out.”

“Very well,” Pipp sighed as she slumped back in her chair.  “I’ll do it.”

Pipp tapped the mini-console on her chair’s armrest once more, deploying the microphone out of the headrest and next to her mouth.

“This is Captain Pipp Petals reporting in,” Pipp announced.   “We will be deploying the Zephyr Pods in a few moments.  Anyone who wishes to volunteer to pilot these vehicles, report to Docking Bay 3.  Repeat.  Any pony who wishes to pilot the Zephyr Pods, report to Docking Bay 3.  That is all.”

As her mic once again retracted back into her headrest, Pipp Petals turned her attention back to Zipp Storm and Sunset Shimmer.

“I owe you one, sis,” Zipp Storm said with a wink.

“Just be safe, okay?” Pipp Petals responded.

“We will,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We will.”

As soon as the door leading out opened up, Zipp Storm and Sunset Shimmer ran out, leaving Pipp Petals with Spike and Abigail in the helm and scanner seats in front of her.

“Don’t you worry,”  Spike said.  “You have great friends who know what they’re doing.  Besides, I’m not the only one who checked out the simulator.”

“I hope you’re right, Spike.”  Pipp said.  “I hope you’re right.”

Meanwhile, in the halls of the Zephyr Ship, Rarity escorted Sprout Cloverleaf down the hallway before approaching a regal doorway with musical notes on it.

“So this must be Princess Pipp Petals’ own private room,” Sprout said.  “I can’t believe she’s letting me use it.”

“Oh you ain’t seen nothing yet, darling,” Rarity said as she held her hoof up.

Rarity pressed the mini-console that was on the right side of the doorway.  The door opened up, revealing a gorgeous bedroom.  The bed looked soft and fluffy with a purple blanket on top with a number of pillows on the far end.  The walls and floor were decorated with music-themed furniture.  At the far end of the room was a door that opened up, revealing a lavish bathroom.

“Wow,” Sprout said.  “It’s beautiful.”

“And it’s yours for the duration of our trip,”  Rarity.  “Enjoy.”

But before Sprout could step in, he heard “Sprout.  Is that you?”  Sprout turned around to see Danged Spell stand before him.

“Spell,” Sprout said, nervously.  “I didn’t know you were going down this way.”

“Actually,” Danged Spell said. “I came by on my way to Docking Bay three to apologize.”

“Say what?” Sprout said, confused.

Danged Spell approached Sprout with his hoof held out and a somber look on his face.

“I was rude to you early, because we were concerned for Starlight Glimmer’s well-being,” Danged Spell said.  “And we dragged you into this mess.”

“It’s okay,” Sprout said.  “I was upset at Starlight early ago because she caught me taking a shower.”

“Yeah, it happens,” Danged Spell said.  “Moondancer once caught me taking a bath one day.  I was a little upset.  But she apologized afterwards for that incident.”

“Guess I was too harsh on Starlight,” Sprout said.  “Sure she tipped over the tree.  But I feel like if she didn’t hear my harsh tone, none of these would have happened.”

“We all make mistakes, Sprout,” Danged Spell said, walking up to the red stallion. “But learning from those mistakes is how we get past them.  Something we all keep in mind.”

Danged Spell held out his hoof to Sprout Cloverleaf, who also held his hoof as well.  The two hoof bumped each other before nodding in respect.

“You take it easy, you hear?” Danged Spell nodded.

As Danged Spell turned away from Sprout and walked down the hallway with a smile on his face, Sprout turned towards Pipp’s room before stepping in, with Rarity following from behind.

“You should be proud to have a friend like Danged Spell,” Rarity said.  “He may be naive and a bit of a clown.  But he has a heart of gold when it comes to the well-being of other ponies.”

“After the kindness he showed me, I believe it,” Sprout said as he made his way towards the bathroom.  “And I will keep that in mind.”

Rarity nodded to Sprout before she turned tail and walked towards the exit from Pipp’s bedroom, just as Sprout made his way to the shower.

Meanwhile, Danged Spell made his way through the doorway and entered into Docking Bay 3.  But in an instant, two mares ran up to him, calling out his name.

“Moondancer, Golden Lace,” Danged Spell said as Golden Lace ran up to the stallion and playfully rubbed Spell on the head.  “I didn’t know you two wanted to fly the Zephyr Pods.”

“You got that right, Spell,” Golden Lace said.  “And you can thank that ship simulator for the inspiration.”

“Same here,” Danged Spell said.

“Well that makes the three of us,” Moondancer said.  “And I have the feeling that Rainbow Dash is going to join us.”

“Well not the only one,” Danged Spell said as he came to a stop.

Walking in front of the group was Rainbow Dash, Zipp Storm and Sunset Shimmer, each of them wearing a thermal suit that covered their body, arms and legs.  

“So,” Zipp Storm said.  “You three have volunteered to pilot the Zephyr Pods?”

“We are, your majesties,” Danged Spell said.  “Anything to rescue Princess Wanda Young and Starlight Glimmer.”

Rainbow Dash immediately trotted up to Danged Spell with a serious look on her face.  Moondancer and Golden Lace lined up next to the stallion, looking nervous, and yet ready.

“This isn’t going to be an easy picnic, recruits,” Rainbow Dash said in a harsh tone to the three ponies.  “What you’re going up against is a harsh storm that has the princess and a pony trapped within.”

Rainbow Dash turned her attention to Moondancer, who slightly sweated from her forehead.

“And you don’t want to fail to get them back, right?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“N…no ma’am,” Moondancer said.

“Good,”  Rainbow Dash said before she turned to Golden Lace.  “You.  You know that the life of New Ponyville will not be enough to get through this night?”

“Affirmative, ma’am,” Golden Lace said, her eyes barely twitching.

Rainbow Dash turned towards Danged Spell, who stood tall and proud.

“And you,” Rainbow Dash said.  “You think you got what it takes to pilot these pods and rescue our missing duo?”

“YES, MA’AM,”  Danged Spell shouted with a strong tone.

“I like your tone, cadet,” Rainbow Dash said.

As Rainbow Dash stepped away from the trio, Sunset Shimmer approached them before pointing her hooves towards the rack full of thermal suits.

“You three will be wearing these specialized suits like the rest of us,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “They will protect you from the cold of winter, should you need to eject from your pod.  Additionally, the pods are equipped with tractor beams to rescue anyone in need.  Any questions?”

“No, Ma’am,” Moondancer, Golden Lace and Danged Spell shouted.

“Good,” Sunset said as Zipp Storm walked up to the trio.

“As soon as you suit up, get to your assigned pods,” Zipp Storm said.  “On my command, we will take off from this docking bay and into the skies around the ship.  Any objections, ladies?”

Danged Spell, Golden Lace and Moondancer stuck their hooves out towards Zipp Storm, before pointing them down to the ground.

“No ma’am,” All three ponies said.

“Very well,” Zipp Storm said.  “Suit up on the double, and head to your assigned pods.”

Danged Spell, Golden Lace and Moondancer marched up to the suit rack and pulled out one thermal suit each.  They each put on the suit from the bottom all the way up to their necks before they each zipped it up.  Then they marched towards the Zephyr pods where other ponies began to board.

Moments later, Zipp Storm, Sunset Shimmer, Rainbow Dash, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Minty, Thistle Whistle and Starcatcher were all boarded within their assigned Zephyr Pods, each wearing a thermal suit.  The hatches have been shut tight and the computer systems have gone online.  Each of the pods pointed towards the docking bay door that had opened up into the open skies around the ship.

“This is Zephyr Leader, reporting,” Zipp Storm said on the intercom.  “All units, report.”

“This is Zephyr one, standing by,” Sunset Shimmer siad.

“Zephyr two, standing by,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Zephyr three, standing by,” Sunburst said.

“Zephyr four, standing by,” Moondancer said.

“Zephyr five, standing by,” Danged Spell said.

“Zephyr six, standing by,” Golden Lace said.

“Zephyr seven, standing by,” Minty said.

“Zephyr eight, standing by,” Thistle Whistle said.

“Zephyr nine, standing by,” Starcatcher said.

“Starcatcher,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I’m surprised you signed up for this team.”

“I know I should be helping out with the choir,”  Starcatcher said.  “But this is Princess Wanda’s dream, and I want her to see it realized on Christmas.”

“Don’t worry,” Zipp Storm said.  “My sister will fill in for you if necessary.”

“I’m eager to locate our missing duo and get us back to New Ponyville,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Acknowledged,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Captain Zipp.  Now would be the time to take off.”

“You got it,” Zipp Storm said.  “All units, prepare for take off.”

With a couple of taps on her pod’s console, Zipp Storm’s Zephyr pod lifted a few feet into the air.  The others tapped their console’s screen, following suit.  Even Minty, who tapped the screen on her console, was able to lift her pod off the ground.

“Wow,” Minty said.  “This vehicle is incredible.”

“Far more than the hot air balloons that we’re used to, Minty,” Rainbow Dash said.  

“Okay, every pony,” Zipp Storm announced.  “Let’s get out there and bring them home.”

The engines on the pods hummed loudly as every pony braced for take-off.  With a thrust on her flight stick, Zipp Storm’s pod jetted forward before taking off from the docking bay into the night sky.  The remaining nine pods followed suit, taking off after Zipp’s pod.

“WOO HOO!” Danged Spell yelled.  “I NEVER KNEW THESE BAD BOYS WERE THIS AWESOME!”

“NOW THIS….IS FLYING,” Thistle Whistle cheered.

Once all ten pods were airborne, they flew away from the Zephyr Ship and grouped up in the form of a v-shape.

“How do you like it, so far?” Zipp Storm asked.

“Far better than I could picture it, Zipp,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Even the Wonderbolt cadets would be floored by these babies.”

“Don’t get too cocky, Rainbow,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We’re here to locate Wanda and Starlight and bring them home.”

“I know,” Rainbow Dash said.  “But it would be awesome if we could use these in a future Wonderbolt performance.”

“I may consider asking the gang back in Zephyr Heights to construct a set for the Wonderbolts,” Zipp Storm said.  “Just to really showcase these bad boys in action.”

“Aww yeah,” Rainbow Dash cheered.  “Best gift ever.”

“But right now, we should focus,” Zipp Storm said.  “I want everyone to turn on their scanners and boost the range needed to locate those two.”

“Roger that,” Sunburst said.  “Prepping the scanners and boosting the range.”

Sunburst tapped the touch screen on his pod’s console.  Immediately, a radar popped up on his screen, showcasing a blip that’s due northeast.

“Guys,” Sunburst said.  “They’re back on the radar.”

“Great work,” Zipp Storm said as she tapped on her pod’s touch screen.  “All units.  Relay your radar data to the Zephyr Ship.”

“Aye aye, Captain,” Danged Spell said as he tapped his pod’s touch screen.

Back on the bridge of the Zephyr Ship, Abigail looked down at the console’s radar as a small dot formed on the north east part.

“Captain,” Abigail shouted.  “The pod’s radar has detected the two.”

“That’s my sister and her crew,” Pipp Petals said.  “Turn the ship by sixty degrees to the right and head for that location.”

“Aye, captain,” Spike said, tapping the touch screen of his console.

Immediately, Pinkie Pie stepped into the bridge before walking up to Pipp Petals, pushing a cart full of baked goods.

“Captain,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I have the cupcakes you ordered for the crew.”

“Great,” Pipp Petals said.  “That being said, could you remain on the bridge for the moment?”

“Remain on the bridge?” Pinkie Pie said before she looked left and right.  “No offense.  But I’m no Zipp Storm and I’m no Sunset Shimmer.

“I know,” Pipp Petals said.  “Sure I can hear them on the intercoms.  But right now, Spike, Abigail, myself, and the rest of the crew could use your comfort.”

“And she’s right, darling,” Rarity said as she entered the bridge from behind Pinkie Pie.  “Believe it or not, Pipp does have one big fear on her mind.”

“It’s being alone, right?” Pinkie asked.

Pinkie Pie turned back towards Pipp Petals, who nodded back to Rarity.  The white unicorn cleared her throat, catching Pinkie’s attention.

That’s correct,” Rarity responded.  “Believe it or not, Pipp and Zipp barely see each other due to their contracting responsibilities.  Zipp has been the drill sergeant of the Zephyr Heights Air Academy in recent years while her sister Pipp has been commanding this ship in her absence.  Both ponies graduated from the academy at the top of their class, putting their status as princesses to the side since they attended.”

“How do you know all of this, Rarity?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“I did a little studying on the subject during my previous visit to Zephyr Heights,” Rarity said.  “Hoo boy.  That is a tale for another time.  But it’s true.  Pipp does miss her sister from time to time.  She even uses music as a way to help stave off those blues.”

Pinkie Pie looked worried.  She walked up to the viewing window of the bridge with a quiet sigh.

“To be alone from your sister due to all your duties,” Pinkie Pie said.  “It does, in a way, remind me of my own family.”

“Pinkie,” Pipp said, noticing Pinkie’s depressed posteur.  “I take it you have family that you haven’t seen in awhile.”

“A whole lot,” Pinkie Pie said, turning to Pipp Petals.  “My mom and dad, my three sisters and even my brother Octavio Pie.  They’re located near the original Ponyville back in the Canterlot region.  Back home, they often celebrate Hearth’s Warming Eve with each other, along with many other ponies there.  Sometimes, I wish I could see them again to see how similar our traditional pony holiday is to Christmas.”

“I bet they also miss you as well,” Pipp Petals said as she got out of her chair and walked up to Pinkie Pie.  “Sometimes, I do reflect on how my mother is celebrating Wishentine up in Zephyr Heights without me or my sister.   Sometimes, life can be hard.”

“Tell me about it,” Pinkie Pie giggled as Pipp rubbed the pink earth pony on the head.

“Though I think I know why the New Ponyville region was started up in the first place by Megan Williams,” Pipp said.

“Why’s that, Pipp?” Pinkie asked.

“So ponies can learn more about the humans across this very world,” Pipp Petals said.  “In a way, we have our differences.  But we also have our similarities, like we always have holidays to celebrate warmth, cheer and a time of peace.  And I’ve studied tons of holidays across the world like Rohatsu, Eid al-Fitr, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Diwali, Las Posadas, the Oshogatsu Festival, and yes, Christmas.”

“The way that sounds, humans have their bad sides,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But they also have their good sides.  And that’s the side I want to see more of.”

“Just like we ponies do,” Pipp Petals said.  “Guess there is truly more to us and to our bipedal neighbors than meets the eye.”

“Oh Pipp,”  Pinkie giggled.  “You say the silliest things.”

But as Pinkie Pie and Pipp Petals laughed as they gazed out the window, Rarity walked up to the communications station on the bridge and sat down before placing her headset on her head.

“Zipp, Sunset, Wanda, Starlight,” Rarity said to herself.  “Come back safely.”



	To Be Continued in Part 5