Just a few hours after the attack, as the sun was rising, Twilight walked with brisk and determined steps towards the town hall, stepping among the crowds of awed onlookers. Her friends were in tow. The note said I had to get there quickly, so that's what I'm going to do. Since the monster attacked me specifically, it's a pretty safe bet that jerk know I read the note. I haven't told anyone, and it was supposed to be a secret, so he must have found out about it from some other source, maybe even Minny Miner herself. Looks like she didn't get away, she thought as she walked up the stairs in front of town hall. All of her friends waited outside.
Stopping in front of a guard in order to announce her presence, Twilight waited in the hallway the smallest amount of time she could manage before walking in through the doors.
"Have you considered my request?" she asked towards the members sitting around the table.
"Princess Twilight Sparkle, welcome," said a council member, the one representing traders, Filthy Rich.
"You seem a bit upset today, Princess. Is something wrong?" asked a familiar face: Timey, the member representing the changelings.
"I'm under a bit of pressure, but I'm dealing with the problem. Have you granted me access to Eternal Crimson? Have I been given a crew?" asked Twilight.
"Yes and no," the mare representing everything to do with Promise Peak said. "The vote was split up into two parts: one regarding giving you access to Eternal Crimson in Seaside, and the other regarding issuing you a crew of fifty ponies."
"Why? And what was the result?" asked Twilight.
The mare spoke again. "Filthy Rich and Timey were split regarding the matter. Filthy Rich vetoed the vote, but Timey split the vote into two separate parts to avoid the veto." She nodded towards Timey. "Because of your representative-"
"Timey represents the changelings," said Twilight.
"Who you are in direct control over," added Filthy Rich. "He did indeed divide the vote up, making one regarding the use of Eternal Crimson and the second one determining issuing you a crew. Because of his... insistence, you are allowed to leave Eternal Crimson's port, but it does not look like you will get a crew of pegasi. We will not spare them. Monsters have started to become more precise and deadly, and while we can deal with anything that comes our way, we should still not risk having a single guard out of place, in the sky or not."
"But without wind, how will I move the ship? I need a capable crew with wings, they are the only source of wind we have! Tell me, how?"
There was silence in the room for a moment. "Push it?" Filthy Rich suggested, shrugging. He sighed and then gave Twilight a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry, Princess, but unless you give us a good reason to retake the vote, then I don't see you leaving port with anything but amateurs and low-tier changelings. Last time you wanted to take a journey we had good reason to keep our guards in Haven, despite you having a good reason as well: you wanted to find our fellow ponies, which you did, but..."
"You also found the largest amount of murderers and psychopaths in one place ever documented in history."
"And introduced changelings to this world, while a wonderful thing to some, did help strengthen Punishment, a bunch of fanatics, and was not initially a popular decision," said Filthy Rich.
"And afterwards you told everyone you were the reason for all the fear, danger and destruction thrust upon us."
"Considering you just wanted to find your friends, that is actually an impressive amount of failure in such a short time," said a younger skinny pony, voice lowered, to the side. He coughed awkwardly when he realized he had said it out loud. "W-what I mean is that this time there is, unlike last, nothing at all to gain. No other ponies from Ponyville, no other changelings. For all we know that pillar of light can be dangerous. We would need a very good reason, as Mr. Rich pointed out."
"With that said," Filthy Rich mentioned. "Considering the good you actually did in Promise Peak, we have at least given you more assistance this time around. You will be required to assemble your own crew of volunteers. I wish you good luck."
"Well- I... Think about what could be gained if I left? We would basically guarantee Punishment would not try another assault, as they would not doubt be aware me having gone towards the pillar, that... beacon," said Twilight. "What about the strange pony-like creature that attacked me? He said he would get there first! What if this has terrible consequences?"
"While this strange pony is a concern, we know very little about him, and we have only your word he's going to leave. It's clear he is dangerous, but for all we know you could be lying, and he will merely stay here, where we will have fewer guards because you needed to take a trip on a boat," said the member representing the guards.
"But- but I-"
"Princess, this is the end of the discussion. We have pressing matters to deal with, please leave the premises," said one member.
***
As Twilight walked out of the town hall, she couldn't help but to groan in irritation.
"Did it go poorly?" asked Spike, having Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Applejack behind him.
"Not as badly as it could have gone, but still, at least we've got a ship to use. I have to try to be positive about this," said Twilight.
"Didn't you get what you wanted?" asked Applejack.
"We got a ship but not a crew. It looks like I'm going to have to ask Timey for a favor," said Twilight.
"Hey, speaking of him," said Rainbow Dash, giving a quick nod behind Twilight.
Walking down the stairs, Timey went up to them. "Good morning, my friends. Princess, I am sorry I was unable to assist you further regarding this matter. I wish we could have given you a crew, but Filthy Rich was quite adamant in denying your request. He cares about Haven and has a tendency to focus on it."
"It's alright, Timey. Thank you for having my back."
"Of course, you are free to request help from all of my children not performing any vital service. I wish I could go with you, and if you tell me to then I will, but otherwise I think I'm needed on the council."
"You make your own decisions, that's what's important. If you have any volunteers, around forty or fifty, then that would be wonderful. Only volunteers."
Timey gave a little smile. "Forgive me for being so bold, but as a changeling queen you are quite terrible. We all greatly appreciate you as a leader, however."
"Well, considering most changelings like you, then we should have enough of a crew," said Applejack. She did seem to hesitate a slight bit. "But... I can't come with you," said Applejack.
"I'm not sure I can either, Twilight, I'll help anyway I can, we both will, but..." said Rainbow Dash.
"We want to help you, but we just can't leave our children. Punishment could decide to expand and target those close to you as well. I wish I could come with you," said Applejack.
"What if this is more important?" asked Spike.
"Spike, your home was just attacked, there are a bunch of fanatics hiding in the shadows, monsters are right outside the walls, would you leave Rarity here if she couldn't protect herself, or Twilight?" asked Applejack.
"No... no, of course not. I'm sorry," said Spike.
"Oh, hey everyone, I thought I heard you chat," said another voice. Twilight turned to her right to see Swift Digger approach them.
"Hello, Swift. You're up early," said Timey.
"Aren't we all? It's been one hell of a morning. I don't think anypony is still asleep with that thing shining on," said Swift.
"Have you ever seen anything like that?" asked Applejack.
"No, never. Sorry, but this is news to me too," said Swift.
"Well, anyway. Listen all of you that will come with me, go home and start packing your supplies and take care of business. Timey will send a message to Constant and get us enough for a crew, so we will leave first thing tomorrow. We have to take the early train to get to Seaside. We will leave port at dawn," said Twilight.
"Right," said both Spike and Rarity.
"I think I'll go with you too," said Swift. "I still sort of wish I could have gone with you last time, even though it was far. Besides, even if it might be far this time too, we're just going on the ocean. I haven't been out to sea much in my life here."
Before anything else could happen, a random passerby went by and overheard them. "You're leaving Haven for something?" he asked.
"Um, well yes," said Twilight.
"Ha! About time! Just wait until my friend hears about this!" said the pony, continuing on his way, head held high and with a big smile.
"I'd wager he is part of the demographic not too fond of their princess," said Timey with a disapproving voice.
"No kidding," said Spike.
"Come on, Spike, we must get home and pack, and tell the kids," said Rarity. Spike and Rarity walked away together, saying goodbye to the gang.
"Kids?" asked Applejack.
"Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo," said Rainbow Dash. "Both used to live with Rarity's parents... before they died," said Rainbow Dash.
"They what?" asked Applejack.
"Yeah, it was terrible," said Rainbow Dash, looking at Rarity and Spike as they rounded the corner a fair bit away. "It was a few years ago, in the very beginning of winter. They were out gathering wood when it started to snow, and then the zombies started coming. They got away from the zombies, but had to hide in a cave surrounded by the things. They froze to death, all we found was a chest with her father's journal in it, saying goodbye."
"That's just... Why didn't you send a letter to me about this, Twilight? I mean, the Pega Express didn't last very long, but you could have at least told me more about things going on here," said Applejack.
"I'm sorry, but it had been so long and we had so much to focus on with planning things I didn't think about it," said Twilight.
"That's just awful, poor Sweetie Belle, poor Rarity," said Applejack.
"The wounds have healed, but it was a great loss for many. There was a lot of love in that family, still is," said Timey.
"While both Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were a bit old, Rarity still adopted them both. They needed a home and she was more than willing to give them one," said Twilight.
"That's great, but I'm honestly surprised she didn't go to live with your family, Rainbow," said Applejack.
"I would have adopted Scootaloo myself, but me and Soarin had our hooves full raising Lively. We all agreed it was for the best. We're still like sisters, and it's nice she has another two now. She's always welcome at our home, of course."
"Speaking of home, I need to get to my library and see if I still have some of my equipment there to pack. You're free to come along, or I'll see you later."
"Alright. Later I'll go home and tell Soarin and Lively about this trip. I also need to make him feel better, he's a bit upset about the attack last night," said Rainbow Dash.
"Lively?"
"No."
Twilight started to walk with Rainbow Dash and Applejack, heading straight for her library. As they walked through the town, it was clear the subject of conversation was almost universally about the strange beam.
"What is it?" asked a pony.
"Are the council doing anything about it?" asked another.
"I have a bad feeling about this."
"I heard Twilight Sparkle is going to make an expedition out to sea, although that could just be a rumor."
"Personally, I wouldn't mind if she drowned."
Overhearing that last one made Rainbow Dash and Applejack both glare, silencing the speaker immediately.
"Unbelievable," said Rainbow Dash, shaking her head.
"Thanks, but you shouldn't intimidate them to stop talking about me," said Twilight Sparkle.
"Hey, maybe we can't follow you on this journey, but I've still got your back," said Rainbow Dash.
"Oh yeah. If not for us having kids, then we would follow you out to sea without a doubt," said Applejack.
"Well... actually, I might come with. I mean, Lively's brave, and Soarin's a good father, maybe I can go... Well, I don't know. I mean, this is hard. I love my kid, but I care about you too, Twilight. And, I want to show you that I'm there for you. I don't want you to feel like you have been, like you told us yesterday. I don't want you to feel betrayed or something," said Rainbow Dash.
"Rainbow Dash, Applejack, if you want to stay with your children then of course I won't hold it against you. What sort of friend would I be if I was offended that you wanted to keep your children safe? What sort of pony would I be if I didn't want to keep them safe as well? I was just venting at how frustrating change can be."
Before long, they could see Twilight's library. Walking up the stairs to the door, Twilight turned to her friends as she made a lever materialize in her hoof.
"Hot coco at Rarity's when I'm done?"
"That sounds great, we'll help you out," said Rainbow Dash.
"Thanks," said Twilight. She placed the lever on the block next to the door on the right side, as she always did. She pulled the lever and the door immediately opened. With her friends walking up to the door she was about to enter, but she had suddenly stopped as she heard something foreign yet familiar.
Everything she needed to know was that it sounded almost like a hiss.
"GET AWAY!" she yelled. Applejack and Rainbow Dash did not react quickly enough. In one motion Twilight jumped towards them, grabbed hold, spread her wings and used them to get some extra force to allow a push strong enough. She didn't get quite far away enough.
The explosion hit them with great force, smashing them away and into the wall on the other side of the street. Twilight lost her grip and tumbled down onto the ground. Everything was spinning. All of her hearing had simply disappeared for a moment, leaving nothing but a buzzing sound so great it made her skull feel like it was pulsating. After a few minutes Twilight managed to see ponies run on the street in a panic, screaming, some came up to help them.
It only took a few seconds, but she managed the feat of recomposing herself. Sounds became clear, thought became sharp, pain became great. She looked over at Rainbow Dash and Applj-
"Where is Applejack!?" she yelled.
"I... I saw her die," said Rainbow Dash, struggling to get up.
"No... no, she can't be dead, please... please no...She isn't dead. Please don't let her be..."
There was nothing left of her but an old familiar hat.
***
A few hours later, at a spacious room in Haven Hospital, Twilight and Rainbow Dash was getting thoroughly examined. Some of their friends were there. Big Macintosh had heard it from the guards and had told Applebloom. Rosy still didn't know. Soarin and Lively had not been told about the attack. They deserved to know, but it was just impossible to accomplish anything with their mindset. Nopony could smile. Their friend gone, Rainbow Dash's wing having been broken beyond what modern medicine could accomplish.
"Damn it!" Rainbow Dash shouted, kicking the wall as hard as she could.
"Rainbow Dash, calm down, you need to rest," said Twilight. She realized just how dead her voice sounded. This was more than the death of a friend, this was like a death of a family member.
"We spent years hoping, looking! And now when we found her again she got killed! It's not fair!" shouted Rainbow Dash.
"Who did this to her!?" shouted Applebloom through the tears. Her face was contorted with grief and pure anger.
"Who did it?" asked Big Macintosh. Twilight shuddered; Big Macintosh didn't emote. He didn't sound angry, or sad, he just sounded mildly curious. "Because when I find out I'm going to kill them." He spoke absolute truth, there was no doubt for any of them. His anger was so terribly great he simply couldn't express it.
"Here's one that would like to know too," said a voice in the open door. It was Shining Armor who spoke. If he had been quiet, then they simply would not have noticed anyone coming in.
"Two actually, or three," said Harry O'Hooligan next to Shining.
"That was close, I thought we had lost her for a moment," said Shining Armor.
Suddenly confused, Twilight looked up at Shining Armor. "Applejack!" she yelled and rushed to embrace the pony her brother was supporting. It was her, it really was Applejack. Her face didn't quite seem aware, she just looked down on the wooden floor.
"Careful, she's in shock," said Shining Armor.
Sure, they were careful, but it didn't keep everyone from coming up to hug their friend. No words were said. Grief had washed away from them and pure love and relief was filling the gap.
"I thought Promise Peak ponies didn't come back," said Applebloom.
"Is it because she's just been closer to the temple?" asked Swift.
"Well... if someone comes back is random, it might just be that everyone who has died in Promise Peak so far were just unlucky. That's just a possibility," said Spike.
"Right now I don't care," said Twilight. "Applejack, how are you feeling?" She didn't respond. "It's alright, you're going to be fine in a few weeks, I promise. Some even get better within a few days."
"Still, at least nopony stayed dead," said Spike, holding his claw over his heart in his relief.
"By comparison I'm downright happy that my wing got blown off... Oh sweet Celestia, my wing is blown off! I spent years wanting to fly, find a way and then they are blown off! This is so unfair! Ow," she said, after kicking the wall. "I am not very happy right now," said Rainbow Dash.
"You seem oddly fine about this," said Spike.
"To be honest, I'm just happy Applejack is alive. I've dealt with not being able to fly before, but losing someone close is so much worse. That is Applejack, right? It's not, like, a changeling?"
"I found her at the temple myself. That track got us there quickly," said Shining Armor.
"Thank goodness we didn't tell Rosy before this. It would have scarred her for life," said Twilight.
Just uttering the name made Applejack look up. "Rosy? Rosy! I need to see Rosy again! I need to tell her! I need to tell her how much I love her! And Applebloom! And Big Macintosh!" Applejack, starting to struggle against Shining Armor's support.
"Calm down, Applejack, we will, we will, just relax, calm down. You're safe," said Twilight, giving Applejack another hug along with Applebloom and Big Macintosh. It helped a little. "I thought I had lost you again, and again because of me."
"What?" asked Spike.
"It was obviously Punishment, Spike," said Twilight.
"Sounds about right," said Swift.
"However, that explosion. It wasn't a Creeper, it was just like... it was just like that explosion in the destroyed village a few years ago... Hm..." Twilight thought for a bit, and then she let go of Applejack, turning to her other friends. "Listen, those of you that will stay in Haven have something important to do while the rest of us are going towards the beacon tomorrow. While we're gone, you will have to find out more about this explosion. What did it come from? Who made it? Who are Punishment? This is more than just some ill will, threats and vandalism. This is outright dangerous. There were ponies on the street that could have been hurt! We could have lost Applejack, and Rainbow Dash is now a cripple because of this! Besides, this is the same thing that destroyed those natives, if there is any relation between that attack and this, then I want to find out. If we find the ponies responsible, then they will be on the next train to Lock!"
"Yeah, get those assholes!" said Swift.
"You can count on us, Twilight!" said Rainbow Dash.
"I want to find them too! Mess with our chief and you mess with Promise Peak!" said Harry.
***
That evening, several of Twilight's friends were busy with more than just packing, but telling friends and family they would be away for a while. Applejack was back at the inn. Seeing Rosy, being surrounded by family and friends who cared about her, it made her feel safer. Rosy had not learned about the attack, but Applejack's sort of initially empty glare did tip her off that something was wrong. For the moment Applejack was just glad to have Rosy over at Rainbow Dash's house, because the loud arguing was not for little filly ears to hear. Three siblings, all large and strong, arguing only like family could.
"I'm going, whether y'all like it or not!" yelled Applebloom.
"You're going to stay put in Haven, Applebloom! This sort of voyage is far too dangerous for you!" shouted Applejack, trying, and failing to lower her voice. It was all very oddly therapeutic. The Void was horrible, so awful she outright blocked it out, but this arguing, this safe aggression, it made it feel like she was back in control a little bit. It helped, greatly.
"Eeyup!" said Big Macintosh.
"I don't care about any danger, Rarity is letting Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo go! Rainbow Dash outright said she trusted Scootaloo to be just as awesome as she would have been!" said Applebloom.
"And I can't understand them one bit! As much as it pains me to say it, I think they are outright bad sisters, by blood or otherwise, for allowing this! I would never let you go like this!"
"Because you don't trust me! Me and my friends are old enough and can take care of ourselves! We've been practicing fighting just like everyone else our age! We've even killed a few monsters."
"And that still makes me scorned beyond belief! A young filly like you shouldn't be-"
"I'm a mare, Applejack! I have a boyfriend, I've got a job, I take responsibility and I'm educated! I'm not your tiny little Applebloom anymore! You're not my mother!"
"At times I might as well have been!" yelled Applejack.
"Then trust me! Like Rarity and Rainbow Dash trusts Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo!"
"I'm not letting you go because you mean too much to me as my sister!"
"Then what do you think those two are to me!?"
It got quiet, Applebloom was sweating from all the yelling, so was Applejack. When the conversation started, it did so with calmer but heavier words.
"You haven't been around for a long time. Big Mac has had so much stuff to do just to support me. Scootaloo didn't have her parents here, Rarity's folks got killed three winters ago... I didn't have many left... but I always had Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. They are like sisters to me! There hasn't been a day without us being together. I will be on that boat, and I will help both of them. I'm an adult... I can choose for myself, sis."
"Applebloom... I do trust you, but I don't think you understand my reasoning." Applejack grabbed her sister, hugging her tightly. "I can't bare losing you again. Ever since Ponyville, there wasn't a single day I didn't think and worry about you and your brother. I never thought I'd see you again. I wanted to name Rosy after you, but I couldn't do it, because the thought that it could be in your late memory was too much." Applejack's voice was trembling. "And here you are, for the first time in years, you're in front of me, all grow up, happy, brave, proud. I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I saw you on that platform, just standing there, taller than me. That was the moment I knew the little pony I remembered was gone. In front of me was, was... was this proper mare. Applebloom, I'm so proud of you, but I just can't lose you again. I just reunited with you, and then I almost lost you one more time... I just can't."
"Then you know exactly why I have to do this. Because I can't bare to lose my two best friends. I have to go with them, Applejack."
"I can't go with you, I wish I could... but I just can't. Big Mac will, just be careful."
"Thank you for trusting me, Applejack."
Before being able to say anything else, Applejack almost collapsed. Big Macintosh was there to keep her standing. "It's... I'm... fine, need to... I need to lie down a little... yeah, lie down. I'm so tired..." With that, her brother helped her towards her bed.
***
Rainbow Dash had been released from her hospital quickly. Her injury, while horrible, had been very easy to treat. It was just about getting rid of the damaged parts. She despised her injury. Yet again she felt completely grounded. It seemed she would spend some time underground again, because if she couldn't get the sky she was at least going to own the underground again. Though, maybe she could ride in a carriage as her husband and friends pulled?
For the moment it didn't matter, as her current challenge was not to acclimate to the lack of flight. She had done that over a decade ago. The proper hardship right now was to go up the many stairs up to their tower and meet her family.
After what felt like an eternity, she finally climbed up the final steps, looking at her door. She reached out, but hesitated for a moment. Taking a deep breath she opened the door and walked inside the small hallway. She headed straight ahead to enter the living room, with large windows giving a wonderful view of Haven.
Sitting in the couch, reading a journal, Soarin was relaxing, at times looking over the book to see Lively and Rosy play their games.
Rainbow Dash didn't say a word, Lively had already seen her. His face had gone from joy of seeing his mother, to a quick moment of noticing something off about her, to simply not being able to initially comprehend what he was seeing. Then it sunk in.
He rushed up to his mom, hugging her and crying.
Seeing her, Soarin's face went pale. He didn't seem to be able to understand either. Once he did, he just staggered up to his wife. He looked around her, seeing the bandaged area of her missing wing. His stare was too much for Rainbow Dash. Almost like she was ashamed, the pegasus used her healthy wing to cover the injury from his sight. She didn't look at him, while using her leg to hug her crying son, keeping him close.
A scar on her cheek from the Liberation of Promise Peak, slight burns from the explosion, a dirty mane and coat, a missing wing with nothing but a bandaged poorly healed lump left. She didn't feel right and she felt both incomplete and ugly. Turning her head again, she hid the facial scar from him. He shouldn't have to see her in this state, at least that's what she thought. A once fantastic flier in a family filled with them, now grounded forever. It was just wrong.
"You married an athlete flier, not an scarred cripple. I... I..."
Soarin leaned his head towards her, around her neck. He slowly nuzzled away her covering wing to get a better look, and then Rainbow Dash felt a tiny, painless pressure on the bandage. He had kissed it. Next, he looked into her eyes. He gently, very gently, turned her head to the other side. He kissed her scar as well, before again gazing into her eyes. He spoke.
"I've never cared about that. I've only ever cared about who you are. I'm just glad you're safe, here with us."
And that had been everything needed to be said.
***
Very early next morning, Twilight, Rarity, Spike, Shining Armor, Big Macintosh Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were standing on the dock in Seaside, all looking towards the enormous building housing Eternal Crimson. The docks were raised about two blocks above the blocky waves beneath. The smell of an ocean coupled with the slight coolness of a summer night made Twilight feel slightly uneasy, even queasy. She expected the ride out to sea to be very uncomfortable for her, but that was just something she had to accept and get over.
As the sun's morning rays started to shine over the horizon, Twilight saw Swift Digger walk up to the group. "Hey, sorry I'm late. Are we doing this or what?"
"We're just waiting for the changelings," said Spike.
"They should be flying in any second. They are quite punctual," said Rarity. Indeed, it didn't take long before they could hear a distant buzzing getting louder and louder. Eventually Twilight saw several dozen changelings fly down to land on the dock before them. They all looked interested, curious, and alert. A slightly larger changeling went up to greet them. She bowed.
"Quee- Princess! It's an honor to see you. We are at your service. I am called Trickery Trustworthy, and I'm in charge of my brothers and sisters, as requested by my father Timey. If you have any requests or needs, simply come to me and we will find someone to assist you."
"Wonderful. Trickery, would you kindly help us take the ship out of its warehouse? You have been taught how to do this, right?"
"We know the basics, but lack experience. We are well coordinated though, so it should not be too difficult," said Trickery. She turned to her siblings, giving them only a nod, and they scurried off towards the warehouse. It all went very quickly, very efficiently.
Twilight and her group went after the changelings, past the ponies guarding the ship, and into the large building. The ceiling was very high and the windows were quite large. There was a gigantic open gate, leading straight out to sea. Most of the space inside was devoted to allowing ponies to build, and at the very center, floating surprisingly steady in the water, was the Eternal Crimson.
The large ship was very large. Its length, from stern to bow, was at least 60 meters, it was quite wide too. With at least three decks it could house plenty of ponies.
"Trickery, how many volunteered for this?" asked Twilight up towards the quarterdeck, the raised platform where the captain commanded from.
"Exactly 51, Princess," said Trickery, looking over the fence around the deck.
"The Eternal Crimson was built to hold more. We will last longer, but go more slowly," said Twilight. "Still, at least we're on our way to leave."
"Who designed this ship?" asked Shining Armor.
"Some architect in Haven, with some touches added from Promise Peak," said Spike.
Twilight had to lean back to see the top of the tall masts, three of them, each with wide sails in the deepest red color. The hull was made from mostly planks of pine, with a slight pattern of oak and birch added in for good measure, creating a pattern representing wind. Once Twilight flew up and landed on the deck, she landed on bright firm wood.
Everywhere around her changelings were already in the process of checking everything, from food supplies to ensuring every bit of the hull was intact. Objects affected by tomes to make them movable had a tendency to be surprisingly tender and breakable. If the waves managed to wear the two layers of wood making up the hull, then they could indeed sink.
"We are ready to take off, Princess. Will you take on the role of captain?" asked Trickery.
"Oh! Oh! Please let me be captain!" said Scootaloo as she climbed up with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle.
"I think it would be best if Shining Armor took that job, and you should be his first mate, Trickery," said Twilight.
"Captain on deck!" shouted Trickery almost immediately as Shining Armor climbed up. He looked around, a bit confused.
"Me? You want me as the captain?"
"Of course, you've been a captain before, right?" asked Twilight.
"Not of a ship, I don't know the first thing about this," said Shining Armor.
Twilight rolled her eyes before pushing him towards the stair up to the quarterdeck. "You'll do fine! Get up there!" she said. Shining Armor obeyed, if a bit reluctantly, and walked up to talk to Trickery. Twilight followed.
"We are ready to take off, Captain," said Trickery as Shining walked up to her.
"Oh, well, how do I steer this ship? There's no wheel," said Shining Armor.
"You will have to command our fliers to give more or less wind on different sails and parts of the sails. It can't be too much in one place, otherwise the wind might break the mast."
"Alright... I think I get it. Fliers, take your positions on the center sail!" yelled Shining Armor. The changelings had looked willing to follow his orders, but they just stood there and glared at him with confused looks.
"And give a number of them, as well as which ones," said both Twilight and Trickery at the same time. They exchanged a look, then smiled.
"Oh, er, right," said Shining Armor.
It didn't actually go that well for Shining Armor to organize the changelings in groups, but once he did, and once they had followed his orders, the air was filled with the subtle buzzing of the fliers putting some wind in the sails. The force was enough to make the ship slowly move forward, initially jerking the crew back a bit. Bit after bit, the ship started to leave the warehouse through the gate, and finally, it left the port.
Eternal Crimson's maiden voyage was underway.
"A little more on the right, no, the right. No, not the groups to the right to the right, I meant those on the left! No! Left!" shouted Shining Armor as he tried his best. It wasn't a matter of the changelings being inexperienced, it was a matter of Shining Armor not understanding how changelings thought, how they always expected maximum efficiency. They weren't quite used to the slight hurdle between two different mindsets.
Spike pointed to the right, or rather starboard, side of the ship. "Look!"
Twilight turned to look towards the port as they left, and there, standing on the utmost pier, was those not able or suitable to join them on their adventure, waving farewell. Rainbow Dash, Soarin, Lively. Applejack, Rosy. Harry O'Hooligan. Mrs. Cheerilee. Spitfire. Timey and Cara. Derpy Hooves, as well as several others wishing them well. Even Filthy Rich had come to say goodbye.
"Good luck!" they yelled while staying cheerful.
"Be safe!" Twilight yelled back.
"I love you, sis!" yelled Applebloom, leaning dangerously over the edge.
"I'll see you soon, Rainbow Dash!" yelled Scootaloo.
"Protect her with your life, O'Hooligan!" ordered Shining Armor.
"Take care of our Princess, my children!" yelled Timey.
"Don't forget to dress warm!" yelled Rarity right next to Sweetie Belle.
"Goodbye!" yelled Spike, waving his arms. He turned towards Shining Armor. "Captain?"
"Right. To the right! Turn towards the beacon!" shouted Shining Armor. Within a few moments, the ship had turned and was on it's way, straight towards the pillar of light.
Eternal Crimson was on its way to adventure. The race was on.