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// I'm in a balloon! 
// Story: My Little Pony: The Next Generation 
// by MedicHorse 
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My Little Pony: The Next Generation
I’m in a Balloon!

After quite a bit of adventure and slightly less sleep, it was finally time for the crew to leave to Crystal Empire. There was a huge group on the platform saying goodbye, each in their own ways.
“Come down to Ponyville sometime soon,” Spike said as his and Roxy’s families shared a big hug. “These meetings are way too far apart.”
“Absolutely,” Roxy replied. “It’d do us some good, since we haven’t left the Empire since Ruby was born.”
“Well, simply write us ahead of time so we can get a fun family vacation all set up,” Rarity finished, as she, Spike, Claire, and T all turned around to board the vehicle for their next leg of the journey.
Candy and Ebony were saying their goodbyes, sharing hugs and giggles while talking. “So,” Candy started, “When will I get to see you again? You don’t have any more stops on your vacation, right?”
“No, mom and I are going back home. Maybe you can come visit the Changeling Empire sometime?” he asked hopefully.
“Maybe, and you can try to talk your parents into coming to Ponyville. A diplomatic visit would make for good publicity for your kind,” she said, trying to stand straight and sound serious, but they both wound up giggling again.
Noticing the other ponies preparing to board, Ebony gave Candy one last, tight hug, before saying, “It looks like you’ll be leaving soon. Don’t forget to write.”
“Never,” she replied as she turned about to join her friends and compatriots.
The two royal families were also absorbed in idle chatter and promises to write to each other before Twilight spoke up and took control of the group. “Alright, it’s almost time to go. It was so nice to see you again, and I sincerely hope we get the chance to do this again soon.”
Shining was the first to reply. “Well of course we will. Ponyville is at the top of the list for our next trip.”
“Absolutely,” came Cadence, “and we’ll even convince Junior to enjoy himself.”
“Easier said than done,” he hastily snapped back before giving Twi, Flash, and Star and final hug. “Just kidding. I can’t wait to come down. Just don’t tell them that, because I won’t get any of mom’s famous convincing cookies,” he whispered in their ears, eliciting a small giggle from the three.
“Alright, then,” Twilight said as she finished giggling, “We need to get going. Goodbye, everybody!” With that, the crew boarded and waved their final goodbyes as the balloon began to ascend. It would be a rather long flight to Cloudsdale, but Twi began doling out the cloud walking spell regardless.
As the group settled in for the trip, most eyes turned to the Pegasus family, while some were still enjoying the view. “So,” Flash began, “are you two excited to be going back to your hometown?”
“Well, duh,” Dash replied, “it’s been way to long since our last visit. I can’t wait to see what old friends we run into.”
“There are certainly many to be found,” Soarin continued the thought before glancing at his son, who was wearing a strangely pensive expression. “Although, I think he might be focused on one.”