It was dawn. The sun shone brightly from the horizon, radiating heat and comfort into every living creature that gazed upon it. It's rays cut through the darkness of the night, rendering sky blue once again. It looked like every typical morning in Ponyville.
But this wasn't just any other morning for Applejack. This morning was special, for her it was the start of a journey of a lifetime. She was loading her luggage onto a cart in front of the barn as her grandmother spoke to her.
"Applejack, this here trip is important. It could shape the future of our entire family."
"Don't you worry granny. As soon as those ponies put an apple in their mouth, they'll be begging for more." She replied with a smile. Granny Smith was perhaps the only pony in her family that shared her enthusiasm about this trip, she knew how it could really change everything for the better. The rest of her family however ... At the corner of her vision she noticed a certain sad little filly.
Apple Bloom looked at her sister with big teary eyes. "Please Sis, don't go. I already miss you."
"Hush now filly, we've already talked about this. I want you to stay strong and these few months will be over before you know it, I promise." She gently pat her sister then gave her a warm long lasting hug. Applejack knew she is going to miss her little sister the most. She squeezed her very tight to let her know how much she loves her. And Apple Bloom couldn't help but squeeze tighter in return.
Big Mac arrived pulling a larger cart, it was filled to the neck with apple crates. "I have to go now, Apple Bloom." Applejack said as she separated from her sister.
"O' am going to miss you youngin, please be careful."
"I will be, granny." She replied as she gave a hug to her grandmother as well. A gentle one of course, she didn't want to break any of her fragile bones.
"Sis, can I at least walk you to the train station?"
Applejack wore her saddle bag and strapped the cart's handle on her back as she replied: "I am sorry Apple Bloom, but you have to keep an eye on Granny Smith until Big Mac returns."
Apple Bloom simply looked at the ground, disappointed by the answer. Applejack couldn't help but feel sad for her. The filly didn't have many friends and it was her job as a big sister to keep her company and take care of her. She hoped that she was old enough to handle her absence.
"Looks like everything is in order." Granny Smith added. "Wish you luck Applejack."
"Thanks granny."
Applejack looked at her big brother, which in turn nodded. They both set out towards the train station. "Am gonna miss y'all. Goodbye" She said as she disappeared from view.
They soon found themselves at the center of Ponyville, confronted by the tall Town Hall. Ponyville sure was bustling with activity as usual for this hour. Applejack felt more aware about the tiny details. She would usually ignore her surroundings and finish whatever business she had in the town, then go back to apple bucking. But it seems you can find beauty once you stop for a moment and contemplate.
Birds roamed the blue sky, playfully chasing one another. Some of them were content staying on tree branches singing songs of joy.
Below them, Ponies of different sizes and colors went about their daily business, each one of them was beautiful and unique in their own way. But they had one thing in common, a smile on their face. Of course, Pinkie Pie was to thank for this.
The smell of cake filled the area. Everypony loved to get breakfast from sugar cube corner, enough so that it's delicious smell would be carried all the way to the central parts of town.
A familiar voice cut applejack's train of thought. It was Twilight Sparkle, standing right in front of her.
"Good morning, AppleJack and Big Mac. I see you are ready for the big day." The unicorn greeted with a joyful tone.
Applejack realized that she was fussing over little details like Rarity would do, that was completely unlike her. Maybe she was just nervous.
"Oh, eh ... good morning, Twi." She stumbled a bit. "Glad to see you here. This trip is going to be a tough one."
"And that is why i got you the suitable book! It has everything you need to know about the place and how to deal with ponies there. It also has a dictionary section and a section about basic interactions. Everything that can help you in your journey bundled up in a single book. Isn't this great?"
"Wow, that's mighty useful, Twi. Thanks .... So, where is it?"
"It's in my library. Sorry, I wanted to give it to you at the train station. I didn't think I would stumble into you now. So Follow me please." She said with a smile.
The three ponies made it to the library within few minutes. As soon as Twilight touched the knob, the door violently exploded with confetti and balloons followed by a high pitched whistle sound.
"Surprise!" Pinkie Pie shouted as she spread her hooves in the air.
"Pinkie Pie, Why do you never ask for permission before you throw a surprise party in my library?" Twilight, covered in streamers, grit her teeth.
"Because it wouldn't be a surprise anymore, silly." The pink pony replied cheerfully. Twilight sighed and regained her composure. Pinkie Pie was a brick wall when it came to party related arguments. She simply ignored her and started searching for the book.
"What the..." Applejack stared in awe as she entered the library. She noticed a banner that read 'Applejack Goodbye & Good Luck On Your Super Duper Important Trip Party #4'.
"Heck, I didn't even know we had a third party."
"That's because you weren't in it silly. We didn't want to tire you before your big day so me and gummy spent the entire night partying and wishing you good luck on your super duper important trip but that's ok now since i threw this new party just for you before you go to your super duper important trip to cheer you up so that you will do a good job and you'll know that your friends love you and support you wherever you go."
Pinkie Pies zipped through the words so fast that Applejack could barely understand half of what she said.
"I am sorry sugar cube, I can't stay this time. I have a train to catch"
"But I got everypony here to say goodbye." Pinkie Pie pointed at the ponies behind her and surely enough Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were in the library too.
"Awww, That's very sweet of y'all." Applejack felt heart warmed by all this compassion.
Rarity approached her from the side and rested a hoof on her shoulder. "Applejack darling, don't mind our friend Pinkie Pie here. She just wants you stay a little while longer. I am here to say goodbye, and ask a little favor before you go."
"Anything for you Rarity. What can I do ya for?"
"I was wondering if you could search for some of the designs they make in those parts. I hear they have the most exquisite fabrics and color choices. I would be ever so grateful if you bring them to me."
"Sounds easy enough. I'll get you the prettiest dresses I can find." Applejack nodded with a smile.
"Thank you so much Applejack."
Fluttershy then approached the two and asked, "Uh, excuse me, i don't mean to interrupt. I just wanted to ask if you could bring home one of their native animals. I would be happy even if you bring the tiniest insect. Meeting new animals means so much for me."
"Sure thing Fluttershy."
"And i want you to stay and Partey!" Pinkie pie yelled as she swung across the library.
"Nice try pinkie." Applejack laughed. "I really appreciate all of this. But I'll have to go as soon as Twilight finds that book."
"Awww." She replied in a sad tone.
Rainbow Dash hovered in the middle in the room and said. "If only I didn't have this stupid weather job, I'd go with you Applejack. I always like to have a little adventure once in a while. Beside, i know you'll need me if you get into trouble."
"Heh, no one is getting unto trouble RD. I think i can handle myslelf." Applejack grinned. "Thanks for your support though."
"Found It." Twilight interrupted with the book magically hovering above her horn.
"Ah finally." Applejack said. The book got magically levitated into her saddle bag and she was ready to go. "Girls, i better get going. I don't want to miss the train."
"Well, looks like this is goodbye." Rainbow Dash added.
"Oh, i'am gonna miss y'all." Applejack said as she joined her friends in a big collective hugs.
Applejack left the library with her brother. Few minutes later, they arrived at the train station. Big Mac emptied the apple crates into a wagon reserved for this delivery then took a seat next to his sister.
Applejack took one last look at Ponyville through the glass window. This town couldn't be far from perfect. She is lucky to be it's resident. Now it was time to say goodbye to it as well 'I'll be back with mountains of gold for y'all.' she whispered.
"All aboard." The train conductor blew his whistle, and the train was set into motion. It was heading for the capital. Of course, that wasn't Applejack's final destination. All of the important railways lead up to Canterlot. It was a huge hub that linked all of Equestria's major cities. She and Big Mac will have to take another train to go to Baltimare.
The long ride gave her time to think. This journey reminded her of a few past experiences. She remembered seeking a more sophisticated life in Manehattan. At that time, she was young and didn't know how much her family meant to her. So a couple weeks in a strange city made her homesick like never before. And to think that she is going to leave the entirety of Equestria for an entire season sends shivers down her spine.
Applejack moved her thoughts to a more recent event; 'The Equestrian Rodeo Competition.' She let everypony down that time. Even though her friends and family forgave her easily, she couldn't forgive herself for not keeping her promises. This time she is going to do everything right. She will do whatever it takes to keep her promises. Whatever it takes.
And what it took now was to stop being nervous and relax. She sighed and made herself comfortable in her seat. Her attention turned to her brother, who looked grimmer than usual. He's been quiet this entire time, he didn't even say good morning.
"Big Macintosh, if you have anything to say say it now."
He replied with a long calm "Nope."
"Big Mac, I know something's up. Just say it." She pressed on.
He sighed and said: "This idea of yours is very stupid. We are fine as it is, we don't need anything more."
"I completely agree with you Big Mac. But we'll be more fine when i come back. Don't you want to replace that saggy old plow?"
"That is if you come back, Applejack." There was a tinge of sadness in his voice.
"Aw, come on Big Mac. Of course i'll come back. You shouldn't worry about me like that, i can handle a little sea trip."
"O' I know all about these sea trips. You make it few days and the ship gets wrecked by a storm, or abducted by pirates, or eaten by sea monsters. There is a lot that can go wrong."
"Well, now you're just being too silly."
"It's too risky Applejack. You're putting yourself in danger."
"We are lucky to have this opportunity Big Mac. Something like this doesn't come up twice in a lifetime. Even Granny Smith agrees. I have to take this risk."
"If only she didn't agree i would tie you with chains to the barn."
"You're treating me like a baby, Big Mac."
"This conversation is going nowhere, Applejack." Big Mac said then completely shut off.
Applejack knew that after those words, there wasn't much arguing to be had. She looked through the window again and noticed the silhouette of a city in the horizon.
"Looks like we're already there Big Mac."
Few minutes Later, the train came to a halt. Applejack set her hoof on the concrete deck, and breathed in the city air. Meanwhile Big Mac was unloading the apple crates into another cart. When everything was ready they both entered the main building.
The train station was large, not as large as the one in Canterlot, it's architecture however made it unique. The ceiling was as high as Ponyville's Town Hall held by thick white columns. The roof had circular windows, their tinted glass stripped the setting sun's rays of it's golden hue, illuminating the building with a bright silver color. The white brick walls had similar windows, only more transparent. The floor was polished marble, Applejack could see her silvery reflection under her hooves. No wonder they called this station 'silver stop'.
Applejack enjoyed the scenery as she walk through the main hall.. She bough a map of Baltimare and said "Ok Big Mac, all we have to do now is make our way towards Horse shoe bay. Which looks like an actual horse shoe on this here map." Her brother didn't respond, he simply nodded and continued dragging the cart.
Walking through the streets of Baltimare, Applejack couldn't help but be reminded of her visit to Manehattan. The asphalt streets, the horrible smells, the towering buildings, the sounds, the crowds ... they were all similar. The bay area was perhaps the most interesting part of the city. When she arrived there, Applejack stared in awe at the scenery. There were two large patches of land on both sides stretching towards the horizon and embracing the sea. Countless wooden platforms stretched out of the shores, forming interesting patterns. The gaps between them were filled hundreds of wooden ships, their long masts blocked the horizon. The docks were even more crowded with ponies and griffons, carrying goods around, repairing ships, building new platforms... It was a very busy hub.
"This is amazing." Applejack exclaimed. "I've never seen so many ships in one place."
"I don't think it will be easy finding your ship, AJ."
"We'll just ask." Applejack approached a random pony and asked him "Excuse me sir, do you know were we could find Captain Black Eye?"
"Oh, ye mean Captain Stoneshore's grandson. I heard he's anchored somewhere in the northern bay. Not sure where exactly."
"Ok, thanks." Applejack replied gladly.
"My pleasure, ma'am." The pony replied as then went back to his business.
"That was very vague." She mumbled, to which Big Mac replied "Eyyup."
"It's a start at least.This is going to be a long search." She sighed.
They made their way north, asking ponies about Black Eye and his ship on the way. Most of them didn't know, that was to be expected since this bay was a huge crowded place. In half an hour they managed to get an accurate description of his ship: It was long and sleek, it's deck was lower than most ships of its size. But what truly made it stand out were it's red painted frames and dark wood.
She finally found a ship with a matching description. And surely enough she noticed a brown earth pony descending from the deck to meet her. He wore a blue uniform. His red mane was a mess, except for the few braids that draped down the sides of his face. His eyes were the darkest black Applejack has ever seen, they did live up to his name. He removed his hat and placed it on his chest as he approached her, a sign of respect.
"Hello there. Ye must be the Apples." Black Eye spoke with a thick voice.
"Well howdy there Captain Black Eye. The name's Applejack, pleasure making your acquaintance." Applejack shook his hoof. "This here is Big Mac. He ain't much of talker, so i'll say hi for him."
"The pleasure is mine. We've been waiting for ye two. Please come aboard." A strange foul smell came out of his mouth as he spoke, it made Applejack slightly uncomfortable.
"Sure thing, but Big Mac is not coming." She tried to ignore it, so she wouldn't insult the pony.
"Why not? We could use a fine stallion like him on board."
"Well, somepony needs to stay and take care of the farm. He's just here to help me carry all these apples."
"Aye, understandable. Speaking of apples, let me help ye with those." He stopped a bit then shouted "Boys!"
Two stallions descended from the deck and grabbed the luggage and apple crates. Meanwhile Big Mac approached the Captain and whispered. "Please, make sure she stays safe."
"Don't worry big guy. been sailing for fifteen years now, she's in good hooves." Black Eye reassured.
When the two stallions finished loading the apples into the ship, he ordered: "All crew on deck, now! We're ready to go."
"Well Big Mac, looks like this is it." Applejack hated all these goodbyes, and this one hurt the most. Her brother will be the last familiar pony she'll see in months to come. Even though he was a stick in the mud the entire day, she is going to miss him alot.
Big Mac hugged his sister and said "Good luck AJ."
Applejack followed Black Eye to the deck. The anchor got slowly lifted and the ship started drifting away from the dock. Big Mac watched as his sister slowly got further and further out of view, she was waving at him the whole time. When she was completely gone he sighed and walked away.
Applejack stood at the edge of the deck, waving. She could feel the cold sea breeze playing with her mane. Her brother was getting smaller and smaller until he was a red dot in the horizon.
Black Eye approached her and said. "I presume this is yer first time sailing."
"Ye, I am kinda nervous. Big Mac said it's too dangerous."
Black Eye laughed then replied. "Don't listen to him. If ye came to die, ye came to the wrong coast."
"I suppose." Applejack let out a hint of fear in her tone.
"Take a look around ye Applejack. Horse shoe bay is the largest port in all of Equestria. All the big trade between the griffons and Equestria happens from here. But still, tis nothing compared to the huge Gryfici port. That place is three times bigger than horse shoe bay, tis a floating city! Everyday hundreds of ships enter it bringing goods across the continents. If there was danger in sailing, these places wouldn't exist, let alone grow to what they are today. Tis but a normal thing yer doing. You should relax and enjoy the sea life, and we'll handle the rest."
Applejack though about it for a moment, and it made sense. Big Mac was just being too over protective protective as usual. She should listen to Black Eye instead, he's the one with the experience.
"Thanks Captain." She replied. "I really feel much better now."
"Please, just call me Black Eye." She simply nodded in response.
The breeze got more violent, enough to make Applejack's hat fall off, but she managed to grab it before it went too far.
"Wind is picking up, Sir." One of the crew members yelled.
"Well, looks like duty calls." Black eye said as he backed away from Applejack
He grabbed the wooden wheel. "Brave stallions of the sea." He called out "Hoist all the sails, we're going full ahead ... To Saddle Arabia."
"To Saddle Arabia!" They repeated with enthusiasm.
