//------------------------------// // Of Spooks and Sea Beasts // Story: An Earthbound Journey // by ShadeJak //------------------------------// “Looks like we have no choice but to bust these zomponies down!” Rainbow said with a grin and taking a fighting stance as Rarity followed suit. “It would seem so, Rainbow Dash. And I must say their smell is absolutely horrid!” the unicorn replied as the undead equines drew ever closer. Before either pony could prepare to fight, however, an upbeat fanfare sounded off, one Rainbow recognized all too well. “Really? Are you KIDDING ME?!” the pegasus asked, gazing upward. “Whatever is going on?” Rarity asked, looking up and seeing a figure spinning down towards them. “Trust me, you don’t wanna know,” Rainbow answered as Discord touched down and snapped his fingers, making the zomponies freeze in place. “Well hello there, Rainbow Dash! And I see you’ve found one of your little friends too!” Discord said with a chuckle. “Discord, we’re kinda busy right now! Can't this wait?” Rainbow asked. “And miss out on the perfect photo opportunity? I think not!” he said, raising up the camera. “Now when I un-freeze the zomponies, be ready to say ‘fuzzy pickles’!” the draconequus said. “Now, Discord, I hardly find this the appropriate time to be giving us trouble—“ Rarity began, but the chaos god promptly snapped his fingers and the zomponies charged right at the two ponies, and the click of Discord’s camera was heard. Turning and paying little attention to Rainbow Dash or Rarity as they struggled with the zomponies, Discord looked over the photo as it slid out of the camera, featuring the panicked Rainbow Dash and Rarity instinctively hugging eachother while screaming as the zomponies lunged upon them. “Oh, you two! Imagine the memories this one will bring!” the draconequus said with a satisfied smirk and placing his camera back around his neck. “Well, you two have fun, now! Best of luck stopping the zomponies!” With a cheerful wave, Discord spun back up into the sky and vanished in a brilliant flash of light. I swear, one of these days… Rainbow thought to herself as she hoofed another zompony in the face and sent it flying. Rarity meanwhile used her magic to fling one into the side of a building, seemingly putting it down for good. “You alright, Rarity?” “Once I get this foul purple gunk out of my mane I’ll be quite well, Rainbow,” Rarity said, using her magic to clean herself off. “Honestly, had Discord bothered to assist I would have been more then happy to pose for photos.” “And ruin his fun? Don’t count on it?” Rainbow said with an eyeroll. “C’mon, we should figure out what the hay’s going on here! Maybe somepony knows where these zomponies are coming from!” The two wandered about, noticing there didn’t seem to be anypony around, though they could see a few window lights on. It seemed likely they had barricaded themselves indoors to hide. “The cemetery is quite large, Rainbow Dash, you know the stories about this place back before they decided to restore it,” Rarity explained. “Oh please, they waited till now to start popping out of the ground?” Rainbow asked. “Wait! Who’s that?” Rarity asked, pointing her hoof at a pony in a fedora and trenchcoat that was slipping out of the cemetery and towards a shed. “Let’s find out.” Rainbow answered, scooping Rarity in her forehooves and flying as fast as she could to the pony, knocking him down. “Whoa! Don’t hurt me!” The pony pleaded, his hat falling off and revealing him to be a unicorn. “Who are you? Why’re you hanging around outside when there’s zomponies?” Rainbow asked, leaning into the other pony’s face. “M-my name’s Shady Sale! I’m a con pony!” the stallion said. “And… ehh no reason!” Rainbow stomped her hoof into the stallion’s chest. “Really? Wanna try again?” “Ow! Sheesh, lady! Okay! Okay! But the boss’ll kill me for spillin’!” “Boss? You work for these uncouth monsters?!” Rarity asked. “Used to! Used to! I was an informant, but I changed sides, realized their plans weren’t really good for anypony, see?” Shady Sale replied. “They’re all ‘nothing can stop our boss! He’s gonna smother the land in the name of Sombra!’ and stuff!” “Where is their boss?” Rainbow asked. “Neighagara Falls! There’s an underground passage behind the cemetery that leads right to it but you won’t get there with all the zomponies guarding it!” Shady answered. “Let ‘em try and stop me,” Rainbow replied. “They will. They’re everywhere and I’m tellin’ ya unless you got a way to draw ‘em away from there you ain’t getting near that passage.” Rainbow snorted and looked over in the distance. Zompony pegasi were all gathered in one area in the back of the cemetery, their red eyes glowing in the darkness and indicating there were many of them. Maybe the con pony had a point after all. “Alright, fine. But one more question, there any place safe around here? Where’s the town guard?” “Oh, they got a big tent set up in the middle of town! One’a the wonderbolts and some minotaur are workin’ with ‘em to maintain a little damage control an’ keep a few of the businesses open!” Shady explained. “Well, that’s all good to know, I suppose,” Rarity said. “Now if you’d be so kind, any chance you can let me go?” Shady asked with a nervous smile. “Fine, whatever,” Rainbow said, stepping off of the fallen pony. “Guess we’d better head back into the town and find this tent, see if there’s a way to get past those zomponies.” Flying back in, the tent was hard to miss, it being brightly lit and in the middle of town. Touching down, Rainbow let go of Rarity and the two looked around, seeing town guard stationed around the tent and Spitfire pacing about. Next to her was a towering blue minotaur Rarity recognized right away. “Iron Will?!” the unicorn asked, eyes wide in disbelief. She hadn’t seen the eccentric self-help guru since the confrontation with Fluttershy over payment the pegasus had talked him out of expecting from her. “Iron Will’s the name and fighting zomponies is my new game!” the minotaur shouted proudly, posing with the bazooka he was holding and giving a thumbs up to some unseen audience. “Save it for the battlefield, minotaur,” Spitfire said with an eyeroll, but she smiled at the sight of the familiar blue pegasus. “Hey, cadet. Can’t say these are the best conditions to run into you in, but if you’re here to lend a hoof, we could use it.” “Yeah, I kinda noticed,” Rainbow said, looking around. “But hey, like I’d doubt for a second you couldn’t keep the zomponies at bay!” “Well, we’ve done our best,” Spitfire said. “YEEEAAAHHH!” a huge, muscular white pegasus nearby cheered as he punched a zompony hard enough to shatter it to pieces. “Hey, whatever you need, you can count on us!” Rainbow said, punching her right hoof into her left. “Well, actually I do have an assignment, but I have to continue to supervise here so I can’t really leave and do it,” Spitfire began. “The model Fleur De Lis is somewhere in this town, she was on her way to Manehattan spending the night here but then the ghosts took over the tunnels before she could leave. Word is she’s been safe at the hotel, but one of my units said they saw her wander out a little while ago and now I’m worried. Think you can find her and make sure she’s alright?” Rarity’s eyes widened, she remembered the model having met her when she met Fancy Pants for the first time. She seemed nice enough and being friends with Fancy Pants it wouldn’t do to have one of his friends be in danger if she could help it. “Well I think I speak for the two of us when I say we cannot allow somepony as marvelous and revered as her be left in danger! I’ll have it done at once!” the unicorn stated. “Come, Rainbow Dash, let’s hurry and prevent a dreadful tragedy in the Equestrian fashion industry!” she said, trotting off without her. Rainbow gave Spitfire a look and a shrug, and followed. Within moments after leaving the safety of the tent, however, the search proved to take far less time then either pony expected. As they neared the inn, they noticed Fleur standing outside, looking about and pawing the street a few times. “Fleur De Lis! Thank Celestia you’re alright!” Rarity said, galloping over followed by Rainbow Dash. “Are you alright?” “Never better,” Fleur said in a calm tone and rather indifferent to the undead that were shuffling about on the streets. “Just felt like I needed some air. It doesn’t do for me to be cooped up the whole time.” “Are you OUT OF YOUR MIND?!” Rainbow Dash asked, flying into the unicorn model’s face. “All these zomponies around? You can’t be out here!” the model simply cocked an eyebrow at her. “As you can see I’m quite well despite all that’s happened,” Fleur answered, her upper-class tone taking a hint of primness. “If you’re so worried, may I trouble you to at least escort me to my room? I’ll be happy for the company,” she said. “Forget your room! We’ll take you to the tent!” Rainbow said. “The tent is a good five minute walk from here, zomponies are all around as you’ve put it. My room’s right here,” Fleur said matter-of-factly, turning and entering the hotel. “Please excuse my friend, but this may be a better option, Miss De Lis!” Rarity said, following. As she and Rainbow entered, Fleur picked up the pace and galloped up the stairs, the two mares in pursuit. Shouldn’t there be inn staff here? Rarity wondered, noticing the desk and halls to be otherwise empty as she passed them. or maybe even security? Following the unicorn model up the stairs, they saw her look back at them at the end of the oddly dimly-lit hall before opening the door to her room and disappearing inside. “I swear, some ponies…” Rainbow muttered. “Rainbow Dash, something’s not right here…” Rarity said, hesitating. “Perhaps it is best we—“ “Who cares? Like you said, we can’t leave Fleur here!” Rainbow said. “Now come on!” With that, the pegasus flew down the hall to the door and waited for Rarity to catch up. “Fleur, open up!” Rainbow ordered. No answer. “Fine, be that way!” The pegasus turned and bucked the door down, rushing inside followed by Rarity. Fleur De Lis lay on her bed, smirking at them. Around her were no less then fifteen zomponies and four ghosts, all sporting sinister grins as they approached the two mares. “Oh buck me…” Rainbow muttered. The last thing she and Rarity saw was the wicked sneer now present on Fleur’s face as her eyes briefly gained a green, reptilian look to them. ~ “Well this is a wonderful mess we’ve gotten into!” Rainbow grumbled, pacing about in the dank cave she and Rarity had woken up in. “WE, Rainbow Dash? I believe I was the one who said something seemed off about the situation!” Rarity said, magic from her horn lighting up the otherwise pitch black cave. “You still followed me! What’s your excuse there?” Rainbow asked. “You were being reckless! I had to make sure you were alright!” Rarity answered, turning her head away and sticking her muzzle up. “Whatever. Doesn’t change that we’re stuck in some cave with no way out except for a locked door! Rainbow replied, gesturing her hoof to the metal door nearby. She’d tried smashing it down and only got sore hooves for her troubles given she lacked the space to get the momentum necessary. “Wait… Rainbow do you still have that candle?” Rarity asked, perking up. “Hold on...” The pegasus opened her bag and looked around. “Yeah, right here!” she said, taking it out with her teeth and setting it down. Rarity stared down at it and glared at her friend. “You did not just put the top end in your mouth did you?!” she asked. “Uhhh—“ “Rainbow! The top’s soaked in your drool now! How do you expect it to light?” Rarity protested. “Hey, sorry if I’m a little freaked out here thanks to our situation!” Rainbow answered angrily. “Well, it would seem we’re out of options,” Rarity said, laying back down and rolling her eyes, Rainbow walking a few paces from her and sitting down, letting out an angry snort. A few moments passed and suddenly Rainbow grinned. “Hey, Rarity! I got an idea!” “What might that be? Dig our way out or ask the zomponies really nicely to open the door?” Rarity asked in a flat tone. “Because even now I will not render my hooves filthier then they’ve already gotten in here nor do I find even my charms likely to affect mindless corpses covered in foul-smelling purple ooze.” “No, remember when you sent a message in my head when you got captured? Maybe if we can get some help! We can contact Spitfire!” Rainbow explained. “Wonderful idea, Rainbow Dash! However there’s the little problem of we have NO IDEA WHERE WE ARE!” Rarity answered. “Well then… I dunno, maybe we can get one of the girls down here?” Rainbow asked. “Only pony I can think who’d be able to find us and get down here fast enough is—“ “Twilight! Of course! But she’s in Canterlot for exams!” Rarity said. “But still… she’s the closest to where we are, or at least the pony who’d have a way here that doesn’t involve the tunnels. And a unicorn with magic as a talent, she’d have an easier time picking me up then you did,” she smiled. “Very well, Twilight it is!” ~ Meanwhile, at the Celestia School for Gifted Unicorns in Canterlot, Twilight Sparkle had since gone to sleep. She’d heard of the strange explosion in Ponyville that had since distracted her from the exams and the news that had come about Sombra, and had done her best to study for answers. Her efforts had lead to dead ends that had worn herself and her number one assistant exhausted. Twilight… Twilight! If it’s not too much trouble, Rainbow Dash and I are in a bit of trouble, you see! I REALLY hope you’re awake right now and if you would, please get to Hollow Shades with something that can fly! The tunnels are closed off, and it’s REALLY muggy down here and please hurry! The unicorn tossed and turned in her sleep, Rarity’s voice echoing in her head. And also, tell Spikey-Wikey I said hi! Twilight sat up, her eyes snapping wide open as she looked around. “Rarity? What in the hay…?” the unicorn wondered aloud. The moment the name exited her mouth, she heard Spike sigh in his bed happily. “Did she… was that…?” Twilight climbed out of her bed and paced around. Rarity must have learned a new spell, probably to make reaching others a little more convenient, but did she say she and Rainbow were in trouble? Maybe this was connected to the explosion? She’d been wanting to head to Ponyville to study the black crystal that had appeared first chance she got, reports of ponies and animals acting strangely had been going on as well… they had to be connected! Walking over to Spike’s bed, the unicorn nudged the young dragon several times. “Spike? Wake up!” The dragon stirred and rubbed his eyes. “Sheesh, Twi! What time is it?” he asked as he sat up. “Where are you going?” he asked as Twilight began to head for the door. “I gotta leave,” Twilight said, opening the door. “You nuts, Twi?! Even if you’re Princess Celestia’s personal student you can’t just go leaving campus at this hour!” “Rarity’s in trouble. She’s with Rainbow somewhere in Hollow Shades,” Twilight replied. "Also she says hi." “What are we waiting for?!” Spike answered immediately, jumping out of bed. “But your stuff! I think Minuette’s got the keys for the lockers though since she volunteered for night watch.” As the unicorn and dragon walked down the halls, they noticed Lyra and Amethyst Star caught up in some conversation on the sofas in the student lounge, a soothing melody playing on the nearby record player. “Hey, can either of you tell me where Minuette is?” Twilight asked. “Yeah, she’s in the magic labs catching up on her assignments. Why?” Amethyst asked, eating a PB&J sandwich while Lyra slouched next to her sipping on a drink while she magically doodled something. “I need her help with something,” the unicorn answered, promptly trotting away before either pony could answer. Finding the door she was seeking, Twilight opened it and stepped inside, where Minuette was working with some potion ingredients and taking several notes. “Hey, Minuette?” Twilight asked softly, relieved that the unicorn didn’t get startled. Her classmate turned and raised an eyebrow in confusion behind the enormous goggles she was wearing. “Twilight? What’re you doing up this late? After all the studying and work you’ve been pulling I’d think the end of the world wouldn’t wake you.” “Heh, funny you should say that,” Twilight answered flatly. “Look, I need the keys to the lockers, I gotta go out and find a way to Hollow Shades. It’s a major emergency and I think it’s gotta do with all that’s happened lately!” “Can’t you just teleport there?” Minuette asked, but Twilight shook her head. “No. I need to know where a place is and be able to picture in my mind where I’m going for that to work, so it doesn’t really work too well on far-off places I’ve never been,” Twilight explained. The blue unicorn regarded her for a moment and shook her head. “Well then forget it. The balloons are down till further notice thanks to all the crazy stuff going on, and Princess Celestia’s asleep by now,” Minuette said. “Buuuuut... “ She stroked her chin with her hoof. “Hey, my dad might be able to help! He’s been completely on this crazy phenomenon ever since it happened!” Twilight raised an eyebrow. That weird earth pony Minuette had to have inherited her cutie mark from that was obsessed with physics and time travel? “How would he be able to—” “He’s been working on something in his labs just outside Canterlot, on the other side of the mountain past the rivers. Some kinda fancy new flying machine! Maybe if you help him with it he’ll let you use it,” Minuette explained. Twilight sighed. She never knew Doctor Whooves had his own lab near Canterlot, and as a result she’d have to hoof it there so to speak. The other unicorn gave Twilight a key. “Here, this oughta work for the lockers. Mine’s got a map to his place too so you can use that to find my dad’s lab.” “Thanks!” Twilight said, trotting out of the labs with the key in tow, and returning in just three minutes with a scowl on her face as she magically flung the bent key onto the table. “Well you’re no fun,” Minuette said with a smirk while Spike started snickering. Going over to her saddle bag Minuette floated out a small cylindrical device of some kind with a blue tip. “What’s that, some kinda sonic probe?” Spike asked, pointing at it. “That’s screwdriver, Spike,” Minuette answered with an eyeroll. "It’s an old model of my dad’s but it should still work. It’ll open any lock you don’t have keys for… he let me have it in case I accidentally lock myself outside my room again!” the unicorn explained. “This one’s made for unicorns. Just focus on the little button there and it’ll do its job.” “Thanks, Minuette,” Twilight said. “This means a lot.” “Just doing my part I guess,” the other unicorn said with a shrug. “Now let me get back to work, I’ve just used up twenty minutes with you.” Heading back into the halls and stopping at the lockers, Twilight found the device certainly did as Minuette had said. Taking out her saddlebags and snacks, along with a few books and her bag of bits as well as the map Minuette spoke of, Twilight was soon on her way back to the lounge. “Uhhh, where are you going?” Amethyst asked, noticing Twilight. “Important stuff, I need to leave.” “You realize that’s against the rules at this hour?” Amethyst asked. “Don’t tell me you’re gonna join those ponies camped out by the river hoping to see that sea serpent they’ve been talking about…” “No, nothing like that!” Twilight answered. “It’s really important, okay? My friends are in trouble and I need to see Whooves so I can get a ride to Hollow Shades,” Twilight explained. “Ooh! Be sure to check out that maze I made on the way to his place!” Lyra said excitedly, earning an eyeroll from Amethyst. “Really, Lyra? You're still on about that? Just because you got tasked with the school obstacle course design this time…” Amethyst replied. She just wished the mint-colored unicorn’s enthusiasm for it would tone down a little after several days. “Hey, I’m not allowed a hobby outside of music?” Lyra asked, sipping her drink. “Well, at any rate, good luck, Twilight. Say hi to Whooves for us,” Amethyst said with a wave. “Sure, see you girls later!” Twilight said, in a better mood as she and Spike headed downstairs and out the door into the night. ~ "You sure about this, Twi?" Spike asked as they approached the gates of the academy. "Of course I am, now hold on tight!" Twilight said as the dragon hugged her, and they immediately appeared on the outskirts of Canterlot, greeted by a massive river at the base of the waterfalls. Tents were all around and ponies all seemed to be staring at the river in eager anticipation. "Wow, I guess the thing about a sea serpent being out here really has a lot of ponies stirred..." She guessed a little random excitement was a good way to relieve the tension caused by the matter with the crystal appearing in Ponyville. Still, it did little to help her get across the river and it didn't look like any rafts were used. "Well, Spike let's get..." Her stomach promptly growled. "...Something to eat." Looking in her saddlebag, she found books, some rope, a bag of chips she'd brought and opened it, sitting down while Spike fished through his things. "Spike, did you seriously bring mane styling spray?" she asked, eyeing the random spray can that came out along with several gems. "Hey, I figure Rarity's gonna want it!" Spike said sheepishly as he picked up one of the gems and ate it. "Well, till we can figure a way across, we won't be seeing them right away," Twilight said, heading towards the shore. "Gotta be some way..." Her thoughts were interrupted by stirring in the water. No way... she thought to herself, floating Spike and their things off the ground and galloping over as the ponies gathered there suddenly paused in their place. As she drew closer, the stirring in the water grew, bubbles rising from it as a large serpentine figure rose, and it was... singing out a high note?! Twilight's eyes widened as she recognized the creature. "HELLO-O-O-OOOOOOO all you fabulous ponies!" the purple sea serpent with the blonde pompadour and mustache sang out joyously. "Not too early for my big debut in Canterlot am I?" "Spike? Get out that mane spray. I got an idea!" Twilight said with a smile.