Chapters Chapter 1: New Year's Eve
It was close to sunset on the 31st of December. The S.S. Poseidon , moved gently though the sea after encountering a storm. Originally an ocean liner during the golden age of the ocean liner; the ship had been bought out over a year ago by the Equestrian Cruise Line. She was renovated and reconverted into a single class cruise ship as well as a cargo carrier. This particular cruise was the ship's maiden voyage with the new company and even the head representative was onboard. The ship sailed from Manehattan to a dozen tropical ports and tourist destinations. During the cruise the ship was to drop off and pick up cargo from the ports. The only problem was there was more cargo dropped off than picked up. The holds were nearly empty as well as the fuel tanks. Though there was enough fuel to get home, the lightness made the ship incredibly unstable. This made the captain very uneasy and led to many arguments with the company representative. Both he and his crew disliked him entirely and saw him as an 'arrogant ass'. Never the less the captain, threatened with removal from his job still did as he was told, even if it meant driving an unstable ship at full ahead.
Down below the passengers didn't seem to have a problem with the ship picking up speed. To them anything was better than the ship rolling from side to side and everyone being sea sick like it was during the morning. One who wasn't fazed by either the speed or the rolling this morning was Celestia, who was up on deck looking out at the sea admiring the beauty of the red, orange, and golden-yellow sunset. She wondered how something so natural could be so beautiful. Her wonder didn't go far though.
"Hey sis." Someone called out. She looked behind her and saw Luna.
"Hey Luna." She said.
"It's almost time for the party. Are you going to get ready?"
"Of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world. I just wanted to see the sunset."
"It's beautiful isn't it?"
"Much better than the storm from this morning or that overcast that's coming over our heads right now." Celestia said. There was an overcast the ship was beginning to sail under, clouds left over from the storm front they encountered this morning. There would be no rain but it would make things more difficult to see, especially since it was a no moon period. The two sisters talked for another minute or two and went back to their cabins to get ready for the New Year's party.
Inside the ship many passengers and crew, relieved from the morning's sea sick fest, got themselves ready for the party. Inside the ballroom many staff members were finishing decorating, setting tables, and getting food and drinks ready. Up on the ceiling at one of the room's corners Pinkie Pie was rigging her famous 'Party Cannons'. As soon as the clock struck midnight she, along with her partner and beau, Cheese Sandwich, who was working on the opposite wall, would fire off the cannons, spraying the crowd with balloons, confetti, and streamers of all different colors.
The ballroom was about 2 decks high, the ceiling just below the top two decks. The ceiling was painted white, and was raised up several feet to where 3 stained glass panels, each with different colorful patterns on them, were placed. It had 14 dark grey marble pillars, polished wood walls, with 10 lights on the starboard and port sides and 4 on the front and back. Plush, red, carpeting lined the floors and two glass light windows were placed on the front and back of the room, the front one right above the door for the guests. Like on the celling the floor was raised on both sides of the room. On the starboard side was several round tables where the passengers would be and a stage for the entertainment, that had a large black and gold tent-like cover over most of it that said 'Happy New Year' on a banner on the front. In the middle, more tables as well as the dance floor in front of the stage. Off to the port side, near the passenger door, sat a large Christmas tree. On the port side of the room were over a dozen round tables, one of which sat in front of a statue of the ships namesake, the God of the sea, Poseidon.
Down on the stage, a small rock band began making one last practice before the party. They were going to provide the evening's entertainment, along with several other acts from other entertainers. In the kitchen, food was being prepared as best as it could be. In all the years of the ship's service there was never a complaint about the food from the passengers and they weren't going to start tonight. Along with appetizers, entrees, and drinks, including champagne for the countdown, there were also 10 large cakes made for the passengers. The kitchen staff, including the two bakers who were on the ship with their two young children, were sure to make enough for all 1479 people on board, including all 548 passengers and 931 crew. They finished just before 6:30.
At about 7:00 the first guests started to arrive. The men were all dressed in their best suits, dinner jackets, tuxedos; the works. The women came in their best dresses, gowns, party clothes, etc. Some people came a little over dressed, some not. Celestia and Luna were one of the first in the ballroom. Celestia was dressed in her favorite outfit, a cream white turtle neck sweater with a black jacket, black shoes and grey dress pants. Luna dressed in something similar, except her jacket was navy blue, her pants were black, and her shirt was purple.
Once in the dining room the two went to their table, which happened to be the captains' table. They were picked out of all the people to sit there on this night. Celestia was very excited about this. Her sister was, but for some reason she didn't seem like it. Celestia could feel there was something bothering her sister, and this, obviously, bothered her. As soon as they sat down she spoke up.
"What's wrong?" She said.
"It's nothing Celestia." Her sister said, with a bit of a stern tone to her voice.
"It's not nothing, Luna. You've been like this since before we left home."
"Don't start this now. I just don't want to talk about it." She seemed to get more agitated
"Alright, fine. Miss Grouchy Pants." She grumbled.
"What'd you say?" Luna asked.
"It's nothing." This wasn't the first time an argument nearly or had broken out between the two. Most of the time the two were very close. But over the past two years the pair began arguing more and more. However they decided to put their differences aside tonight, especially since they were at dinner.
Soon the captain, the company representative, and sever others joined at the table. By coincidence, 5 of the people at the table were a family they knew for years. Twilight Sparkle, Celestia's former student when she was the professor at Canterlot Academy, her older brother Shining Armor, her parents, and her adopted brother Spike were on the cruise along with her friends and their families. They all sat down together, had their dinners, watched the entertainment, talked, laughed, and enjoyed their time. The ballroom was the most lively it's been in years.
The dinner was enjoyable as was the atmosphere in the ballroom. Everyone was either talking or watching the entertainment on the stage. One performer was a magician who ended up making the crowd laugh as she ended up messing up some of her tricks. Everyone, however, enjoyed the show and applauded her efforts. At the tables everyone had something to talk about. On one of the Captains table, sat some of the ship's crème de la crème, talking about business and how they enjoyed their trip. On the other side sat Twilights friends. They were all talking about their time on the ship and at the different ports, their lives at home, and plans for the future.
Applejack brought along Mac, Applebloom, and Granny. Rainbow Dash was with Fluttershy and Scootaloo. And Rarity was with Sweetiebell. All the girls were wearing dresses that matched their favorite style and color, except for RD and Scootaloo who were wearing something similar to Luna's outfit. Granny Smith was wearing a light green dress, that came just above her ankles, that complimented her slightly larger figure. Mac was wearing his favorite tux with a red tie. He got the short hand since he was the only guy at the table. He was making conversation with Night and Armor.
Right now Applejack was discussing about she and RD were tearing down an old barn for a neighbor, resulting in a comedy of errors.
"And it turned out, we knocked down the wrong one." She said. The whole table burst into laughter.
"Oh he must've been mad at you two." Rarity said.
"He was, for like 5 minutes. Then he just laughed it off." Rainbow said.
"We then knocked down the right one, then went back to repair the other." AJ finished.
"Probably the best Saturday we had." Rainbow said.
This and many conversation like it livened up the room on this night.
By 11 p.m. and the entrée plates were long gone. The guests were still having some of the cake. Celestia practically chowed her piece down, making the others at the table giggle. Everyone at the tables talked about their vacation, life at home, and plans for the future. Twilight and Spike were talking about their time on the ship and how they were being shown how it worked.
"And that's what we learned down in the boiler rooms." Twilight said.
"It's amazing what just a big tank of fire and water can do." Spike said.
The captain was amazed at the two. "You seem to be enjoying yourselves. You have some smart kids Night and Velvet." Both parents smiled at the compliment.
"Thank you very much Captain." Velvet said.
As the conversation continued one of the table guests seemed to get distracted. Shining Armor couldn't help but look towards the stage at the young, beautiful, woman on the stage. He was staring at Cadence, the young singer of the Crystal Heart Band. They were up on stage singing one of their hit songs. He was amazed by her voice, almost in a trance. Suddenly he felt a tap on his shoulder.
"Getting a little distracted are we Romeo." Someone said into his ear.
"Dad, stop it." Shining whined. The whole table and the two tables beside them, where all of his sister's friends sat, burst out laughing.
"We'll stop once you find yourself a girl." Velvet said.
"You know I do want to settle down as much as the next guy. But I can't find the time. Being a rookie cop, I get all the night shifts."
"Oh come on now, you'll get out of that quickly. You also might find someone you like on the street."
"Ugh" Shining grumbled.
After about 30 minutes of giving Shining a hard time about not finding a girl and him shaking his head the conversation changed to the statue right on the wall. It was the statue behind them. Suddenly he noticed that the light on the phone connecting him to the bridge was signaling him.
"Excuse me for a second." He said as he picked up the phone. "Yes."
"We're sorry to disturb you Captain." The First Officer on the bridge said. "but there's a situation up here the bridge."
"Of course" He said as he hung up the phone. He got up from his seat to head to the bridge. "You'll have to excuse me. I'm needed at my post. Celestia would you mind taking over?"
"Of course, I'd be happy to." She said.
The Captain began to leave, the company representative following close behind. Celestia began 'taking over' the position at the table, hoping that the Captain leaving wouldn't be an inconvenience. Suddenly their waiter, Flash Sentry walked over and started refreshing her glass.
"Thanks Sentry. Have a Happy New Year." She said smiling. The young server just smiled back.
"Thank you ma'am" He said as he walked back to the kitchen.
As the newly commandeered table made a toast the Captain and the representative made it to the bridge.
"What's going on?" he said.
"The Seismographic Station, Assateague, gave us a report about 10 minutes ago." The First Officer said. The Captain then read the report; "Sub-sea earthquake at 7.4 on the Richter Scale. The epicenter is 45 miles southeast of the Assateague Island chain."
That epicenter was about 25 miles northwest of the Poseidon . And to make matters worse the ship was passing the Misty Shallows, a shallow water area that was once an island. The ship was going to pass within 10 miles of the Shallow's edge. The Captain began to sweat as he walked over to his RADAR to see if he could spot anything. So far there was nothing…for now.
Down in the kitchen Flash walked in and put down the empty bottle of champagne he was carrying. He was exhausted from serving everyone in the ballroom. The only benefit he saw in it was seeing a certain girl with purple and pink streaks in her hair, sitting at the Captains table. Though every time he went back in all he wanted to do was sit down. He had been on his feet, literally, all day. Suddenly Joe, his boss, came up to him.
"You keeping the morale up Flash?" Joe asked jokingly.
"Just barely." Flash said. The two laughed a bit.
"Look just as a curtesy call, I'm gonna let you take a break for a while. Why don't you go downstairs for a bit? Aren't your friends holding their own party?" Joe asked.
"Yeah their holding one but shouldn't I be up here jus-"
"Flash my man; you've worked your tail off all week. Besides, I'm sure Sunny would appreciate you being there. Also I know you helped supply some of the stuff for that." Joe laughed.
Flash thought about it for a second and decided that he really needed a break.
"Alright fine, I'll head down." He decided.
The deck that the party was on was a the second to last passenger deck before it became the cargo and crew sections. The hallway walls on these decks were 2 shades of brown, the bottom half of it dark, the top half light. Placed in the corners on both sides of the halls were long rectangle lights, set in a long line, and a railing on each side for the passengers to hold onto. Lining the floor was a long carpet with red and green floral patterns. These decks of the ship had 2 typed of cabins, outboard and interior. The cabins had the same walls, but had red carpets along. Some had two single beds, while others had one queen sized bed, each had a red comforter, white pillows and sheets, a dresser with a mirror, a radio, a record player, and a bathroom.
Flash made his way down the 1 deck to where his and his roommate's cabin was; although it was actually his roommates for the trip, he was just bunking with her. Just as he got there, he saw about over 2 dozen people in and around his cabin as well as in 3 others. The hall and the cabins were decked with streamers, balloons, confetti, and signs that said 'Happy New Year'. There was upbeat party music blasting in the hallway, and many were dancing. He entered the cabin with a bit of a struggle and finally bumped into his roommate, Sunset Shimmer.
"Flash!" She yelled out hugging him. "I'm glad you made it!"
"Yeah me too" He said. "How many people did you bring here?"
"About half the deck it seems." She smiled.
"Lightning Dust will probably be pissed when she sees this."
"She'll be too drunk to care. I don't know how Soarin can stand her." The two just laughed, along with several others who were in earshot.
"And who the hell set this up Pinkie?" He said jokingly.
"Actually yes, it was her, her boyfriend, and these guys supplied the music." She said pointing out towards two women and a man dancing in the hallway like maniacs. Sunny pointed them out. "Ok the blue haired weirdo on the left, standing next to Derpy, is Vinyl Scratch, the guy is Rising Star; they're both in a rock band. And the girl on the right, who looks like she should be at a fancy pants cocktail party, that's Octavia Melody. They're traveling with the band upstairs; they're actually going to a music festival after we dock on Sunday."
"Cool, maybe we should join up with them." Flash said. He used to be a guitarist in a band while he was in high school. But after graduation he couldn't find his foot in the door with his talent. The end result: being a waiter for the passengers on the S.S. Poseidon . This was his first trip. Both he and Sunset hoped that would change soon. It was New Year's a time to make new resolutions. Although some were about to make a resolution, they never even thought of.
As Flash and Sunny continued partying downstairs, up on the bridge the Captain continued watching the RADAR. He was holding his breath as hard as he could. He was watching, waiting, all for something he hoped wasn't there. Suddenly an object appeared on the screen. It was a large green curved line. His fears continued to rise. He had an idea of what danger they were in now. All he could do now was hope to get past the Misty Shallows before it reached them. They were currently 4 miles from the shallow waters and running at full ahead. But the crew on the bridge knew it wasn't enough. However they wouldn't know how bad the danger was until they could see it. But by then it would be too late.
Chapter 2: Midnight
Back in the ballroom it was still very festive, people were dancing, laughing, and having the time of their lives. There was about a few minutes left till midnight. At their table, Pinkie and Cheese were still talking to their friends about their time at the ports the Poseidon stopped at. At the table next to them, Twilight and Spike were still talking to Celestia, Luna, and the others at the table. Her parents and her brother had gotten up from the table and went across the room to the dance floor. Sweetiebell, along with Applebloom, and Scootaloo were on the dance floor. The only one who wasn't in the ballroom was Fluttershy, she had gone back downstairs to grab a bracelet from her dresser. Realizing what time it was Pinkie and her boyfriend got up from their table and made their way to the stage.
Finally the music had ended and the ships entertainment director came up on stage.
"Ladies and Gentlemen may I have your attention please?" He announced through the microphone. "It's exactly, 60 seconds to midnight. Please stand and fill your glasses."
Everyone cheered and proceeded to fill their glasses with the ships finest champagne. Many from the dance floor returned to the tables to get their glasses. The time was drawing near and the party was hitting it's big climax of the evening. Twilight, her family, and her friends gathered around the Captains table.
Downstairs at Sunset and Flash's party, everyone prepared themselves as well. Like everyone else, the two were excited. They stood with their new musician friends when they noticed someone who looked like she had no where to go. The sad look on her face really didn't sit well with the 5. Sunset knew what to do.
"Derpy." The crossed eyed woman looked up. "don't be alone tonight. Come over here with us." She then grabbed her arm and escorted her to the small group. Derpy was now as happy as she could be. Being a single mother she really didn't get out much, and with her eyes she felt like a total outcast. But tonight, Sunny proved she wasn't. Handed a glass of champagne, that Flash smuggled out of the kitchen, the group prepared for the big countdown.
Up on the bridge the Captain and the crew continued watching the RADAR. Then he went over to the ships phone and called the lookout on the forward mast.
"Lookout is there anything yet?"
"Nothing yet sir. The overcast is making it a bit hard to see."
"Keep a sharp watch off the port bow, we have a big RADAR target coming our way."
And with that he hung up the phone. "Longman, get the binoculars." The target was closing in and was about a mile from the Shallows. They hoped to spot it in time to turn into it, that is, if it was a real danger. The Captain knew it, but there was always the chance he was wrong. That's what scared him the most.
Back down below Pinkie and Cheese got on stage and proceeded to grab the trigger system to the 'Party Cannons'. They proceeded out on stage where they met up with the band and the entertainment director. Right next to them, just as cheery as they were, was Cadence, the lead singer and guitarist, Sombra, her brother and the bass guitarist, Chrysalis, the pianist, and Sombra's wife, and the drummer, Discord.
They were all thriving off the excitement in the room. The sound of party blowers, laughter, and excited chatter filled the air. Finally the director spoke.
"Everyone quiet please. Your attention everyone, please be quiet." The whole room quieted down and the countdown began. "Ten seconds" the whole everyone on the ship then began to count down. "9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1" And with a blast of the ships horn and the flick of the switch on the remote, the 'Cannons' went off as everyone shouted out, "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
The whole ship went wild. Streamers, confetti, and balloons were raining down all over the place. People were cheering, kissing each other, singing, dancing, and having the greatest time of their lives. And everyone was in on it, the ballroom, the kitchen, all the staff and passengers, including the ones at the party downstairs. It was the celebration of a lifetime.
Upstairs though, the mood was less energetic. The crew watched as the blip on the RADAR got closer. It was now 3 miles from the Poseidon, and closing fast over the Shallows.
Up in the crows nest, the lookouts were searching off the port bow for anything unusual. Suddenly one of them spotted something in the dark, something they've never seen before. It was a terrifying sight for the both of them. They immediately phoned the bridge. The Captain picked up halfway through the first ring.
"What is it lookout?" He said, after waiting so long he would finally get his answer.
"Off the port bow. We've never saw anything like it. A massive wall of water coming at us." The lookout said, clearly panicked.
Not believing what was said was true, the Captain put his binoculars to his eyes and looked off the port side of the ship. What he saw made his jaw drop and his skin pale.
It was a massive wall of water standing 90 feet high, due to the shallow water, and stretched from side to side as far as the eye could see. Everyone on the bridge who saw it knew they were in trouble. The Captain's nautical instincts then kicked in.
"HARD TO PORT LONGMAN! CLOSE ALL WATERTIGHT DOORS, SOUND ALL STATION, AND GET OFF A MADAY!"
The crew sprang into action. They began hitting switches and giving orders to the other crew stations on the ship. Suddenly the alarms began going off, the horn blowing, bells ringing, crews all ready at their stations springing into action. Longman began turning the ship to port until the wheel stopped moving. And all at once the party atmosphere the party atmosphere silenced under the new sounds. None of the passengers knew what to make of it. The also didn't know what to make of the ship starting to lean to it's left. They were beginning to suspect something was wrong.
Back on the bridge everyone held their breath as the watched the wave come closer to the windows. The Poseidon turned as much as she could but by now it was too late. Everyone on the bridge braced for impact as the wave struck. The glass shattered and water flew right through the openings, knocking the Captain, the representative, and the crew off their feet. The 'sparks' down in the radio room came under fire as a barrage of glass and water hit him, knocking him out of his seat.
The ship was now being righted by the massive swell. But the unstable ship was no match for the wave as it then heeled to its starboard with a scream. Suddenly the confused partiers went into full blown panic mode as the room began to roll to it's side. What was once cheering and laughter, was now screaming and terror as people, dishes, chairs, everything went tumbling down the room. Up at the Captains table everyone watched as everything and everyone fell towards the stage in front of them. Suddenly, one by one, everybody lost their footing. Grabbing the tables, the floor, and even each other, the passengers began falling down the slope.
Down one level, Flash, Sunset, and their party began falling onto the walls, each other, and into the open cabins. Many were trying to climb up the walls to escape the avalanche of people and objects, but to no avail. Just outside the kitchen, Joe and the two bakers, the Cakes began falling against the wall, attempting to avoid glass, dishes, pots and pans, and utensils coming out of the kitchen, through the bus area where they were, and into the ballroom.
The walls were now the floor, object were falling like snow, people who were still at the opposite wall fell into the pile of debris, injured, and the already dead, or fell onto the Christmas tree. But it wasn't over yet. By now the ship was completely on its side at a 90 degree angle...and increasing. The top heavy decks of the ship, acting as a weight began to turn the ship over. Everything that made it to the walls began to slide again as the ship rolled over. Surprisingly the Christmas tree still sat in it's stand. Everything began to come loose, tables, chairs, carts, dynamos, boilers, engine room equipment, anything that could be jarred loose by gravity, did. In the kitchen objects hit the gas lines to the burners, setting off an explosive chain reaction. The fire was quick, but was horrifying to say the least as the workers trapped inside by the closing emergency doors were engulfed in flames.
Finally the ship started to end it's 180 degree trip of destruction. But ship still swayed a few degrees from side to side, as if trying to scatter the debris evenly through out the ship. The lights were flickering, dimming, and brightening as if they were confused. The screaming of the injured, dying, and terrified echoed in every room through out the ship. In the ballroom the sounds came from all directions including the floor, which was now the celling. Anyone who held on to the tables, that were bolted to the floor, as the ship rolled over, were now dangling from them like Christmas lights.
Then, one by one they began to fall to their deaths. One in particular caught the eye of about a dozen. He was above the middle of the 3 big stain glass panel light fixture that helped light the ballroom. The young man held on as long as he could, but couldn't hold forever. He fell with a yell and hit the panels with a loud 'SMASH'. Suddenly with several small booms heard, the lights went out, and the ship went silent as it's movements ceased.
Chapter 3: Aftermath/Ideas
The ship sat almost completely still in the water, the hull, that was recently re-painted, pointed directly at the sky, which was now beginning to clear. The wave was now moving over the horizon into the night. Scattered around the hull was large circle of debris and bodies. It almost looked like a giant submarine with out the tower and had the rudder and propellers on top. Small but many patches of foam and bubbles came up from beneath. Below the waterline the superstructure sat. Parts of it were damaged by the wave. Windows were smashed, several lifeboats almost completely torn from their davits, the top of the forward mast almost completely broken off. The command bridge where the Captain, the crew, and the company representative were was flooded, everyone in it was dead. The two deck above the ballroom were also flooded, anyone below the celling of the ballroom, which was now the floor, had drowned.
In the ballroom the lights slowly began to brighten. The emergency power batteries had finally kicked in, though it wasn't enough to light up the room completely. Slowly the room faded into view and it revealed a horrifying sight. Tables, broken chairs, balloons, streamers, carts, the ruined stage, the sound equipment, and mangled bodies. The whole room was almost like the apocalypse had come through. It was like no one could possibly be alive. But as the light brightened a bit more it revealed shadow like figures in the dark. The figures were all crouched or standing on the celling or were up against the walls. They were all still, almost as if they were frozen in time. They were all wide eyed with shock and terror. Finally, the light sounds of moans and sobbing's broke the silence as the light hit the limit of how bright they could go.
Then the movement came as the shocked passengers began to move out of their trance, anyone who didn't get crushed by the falling debris began to move as well. Many were battered and bruised, while some were heavily injured.
Luna climbed out of the rubble, rubbing her head. Looking around she couldn't believe the sight she saw. The destruction was mind boggling. Suddenly she felt someone climb out next to her. It was Lightning Dust, who was sitting at the table next to her. Hearing her big mouth and even bigger ego had been driving her crazy all night. Now she was shocked quiet by the scene.
"What the hell? What happened?" She asked.
Luna simply replied; "The ship, she's rolled over."
Dust grasped the situation as someone else climbed out of the rubble. It was her husband, Soarin.
"Babe? Oh thank goodness you're all right." He hugged her as hard as he could, to which she returned. As they broke she had one simple question:
"Are you alright? Where the hell did you go?"
"Where else was I? Flying around and crashing into everything."
Luna didn't pay any attention as she got up to look for her sister. All over the room passenger went to look for fiends and loved ones. A few feet from where Luna emerged, Applejack was searching through the mountain of rubble she was under looking for hers. Another just a few feet above on the section of the celling that was now a few feet higher than the light panels, Rarity was looking for Sweetiebell.
"Sweetiebell? Where are you?" She called out.
"We're right here" came a small reply.
Moving a small patch of canvas from the stage, Sweetiebell, Scootaloo, and Applebloom, sat huddled together. Sweetie moved out and quickly hugged her big sister.
"Oh I'm so glad you're alright." Rarity said tearing up.
"We were so scarred. What happened?" Sweetie asked, shaken and confused.
"I'm not sure." She said. "But I'm sure we'll find out soon. But first let's find the others." The quartet then walked over to the edge of the celling. It was only then they knew what had happened.
"Oh my, Rarity." Applebloom said, "We're upside down."
Suddenly they heard movement below their feet.
"Applebloom? Is that you?" An all too familiar voice said. It was AJ coming out of the rubble. Applebloom immediately jumped down into her arms.
"Thank goodness you're safe." She said.
"AJ! AB!" Another voice called out.
"Mac? Is that you? Are you alright?"
"Eeyup. We're both fine, me and Granny." Mac rose up from the floor, pulling their grandmother up with him. The two sisters jumped down and ran over to embrace them.
As the Apple Family had their little reunion, one family was looking for two of their own. The Sparkle family just come off the floor when they realized that Twilight and Spike were not with them. The were panicked, but tried to keep themselves calm, confident they would find her. Just then a loud creaking sound echoed through out the room. Suddenly, the tree came out of it's stand, and tipped over towards the panicked crowd, landing on two passengers with a loud 'BANG'. Pine needles and several ornaments scattered across the floor. The scream-fest then resumed as people scattered through out the room.
The first one to speak up was Blueblood, the ships purser.
"Everybody please stay calm! Please calm yourselves!" The crowd began to quiet themselves again. "Listen to me ladies and gentlemen you must stay calm. Help will be here shortly. The room you're standing in is helping hold this ship up. You will all be safe if you all stay here and stay calm. Don't worry help is on the way."
Velvet was beginning to panic. With everything falling down around them all she could think of was her children being alright. Suddenly someone tapped her on her shoulder. She turned around to see Celestia looking at her and pointing upwards.
"Velvet, up there."
Looking up she saw the two familiar faces. Twilight and Spike were both peering down to them from one of the tables. Even about 15 feet down she could see they were shell shocked and scarred.
"Twilight? Spike? Are you two okay?" Night Light asked.
"Yeah, I think so?" Twilight said nervously.
"Are you hurt at all?" Velvet asked.
"No. I think we're ok." Spike said.
Just stay right there you two, we'll get you down." Night Light said. Over at the stage Rainbow Dash, overhearing the commotion, began pulling some of the canvas off the stage. As soon as she got the cloth free she handed it down to one of the members of the waiting crowd and jumped down to continue her help. The crowd formed a circle of about 15 people below the edge of the table. They stretched the cloth out till it was tight, making a makeshift net.
"Alright you two." Celestia said. "Jump and we'll catch you."
Spike and Twilight were scarred and didn't know what to do. If they jumped there was the chance they could fall through the canvas and onto the floor or jump and miss them. There was also the chance if they stayed there the table could come loose and fall as well. Either way the only direction was down. Twilight turned to her brother.
"You go first Spike. I'll go right after you." She said.
"I...I can't." He said.
"Yes you can. Don't be afraid. Just jump."
Spike sat up briefly and moved towards the edge. He sat there for a few seconds with his feet dangling above the crowd. There was about 40 to 50 people down there waiting for him to jump. He held his breath. The he slipped off the edge. The fall seemed to have lasted forever. The air rushed past him at an unbelievable speed. Then he quickly stopped. The makeshift net caught him like he was a baseball. As his parents helped him out of the net he looked back up at Twilight who was proudly smiling at him.
"Good job Spike". She shouted.
Now it was her turn. The crowd re stretched the canvas and waited for her to jump. She proceeded to do what her brother just did. She swung her legs out over the edge an moved towards it. She looked down and saw her mom, dad, brother, and several of her friends holding the curtain. Spike was behind Velvet yelling out encouragements to her. Taking a deep breath herself, she contemplated weather or not that this was the end. Then she followed Spike over the edge. It was a quick drop, that felt like forever. Just like with Spike, she landed in the curtain with ease. The crowd set the curtain down as Twilight reunited with her family.
With the two safe the crowd then began pondering their biggest problem; how they were going to escape from this upside-down prison.
While the passengers in the ballroom continued to look for survivors and a way out. Up 2 levels at the hallway party, the people there were already trying to help anyone who was hurt. The light's were much brighter up there than in the ballroom, almost like they never went out. Much of the debris was pushed off to the sides or down the hallway. Unlike the ballroom, there were not as many casualties up there, mostly due to the fact that many of the partiers climbed scaled the walls as the ship rolled over. Many of the injuries were minor cuts and bruises and an occasional sprained wrist or ankle. The worst came from the ones who fell into the cabins. Fortunately some of the passengers, who actually had some medical training, were already helping out. Flash and Sunset were spellbound at the what happened. Of all the tales they heard of ships lost at sea, they never hear of one that rolled upside down.
"This is insane." Sunset said.
"No shit, right?" Flash added.
Sunset and their friends nodded in agreement. Just then, some one pushed them aside.
"Excuse me. I need to get through. My daughter's down the hall, I need to see if she's alright." the woman said.
It was Derpy, her daughter was several cabins down towards the bow. She was babysitting the Cake's twins while they were up in the kitchen. Not wanting their friend to get hurt, Sunset and Flash followed after her. Flash walked with a limp due to the fact that he twisted his ankle when the ship capsized.
Derpy ran down the hall to cabin E234, an interior cabin which sat on what was the starboard side. She frantically knocked on the door and tried to open it.
"Dinky? Baby it's me, are you there?" She asked frantically.
"Yeah. I'm in here. We're ok." She said. The door opened to reveal Derpy's 12 year old daughter. She was in a grey shirt and blue jeans with no shoes on, similar to what her mother was wearing. Right behind her the inside of the room was a disaster in itself. The beds, the dresser, everything were flipped over. Right on top of one of the two mattresses though, sat the twin toddlers smiling and laughing like nothing happened.
Derpy got down and hugged Dinky. If there was one thing she would rather die than loose, it was her little girl. Flash and Sunny smiled at the scene before walking around them to retrieve the toddlers.
Finally together the six made their way back towards the crowd.
Down below the passengers were still trying to figure out what to do. Twilight and her friends were looking to see if Fluttershy made it back before the disaster and was hiding in a corner somewhere. Those who were injured were receiving help from Redheart, the ship's nurse.
Celestia was with Luna, searching around for anyone else who was injured, when they heard a voice above their heads.
"Professor Aroura" The voice called out.
She, Luna, and several others looked up to see three people standing on the ledge above them. The ledge they were standing on was one of the roofs to the doors that led to the kitchen. On it stood two men and a woman.
"Who is it?" Celestia asked.
"It's Joe, Carrot Cake, and Cupcake." Joe said. "Can you help us down? I've got a gash in my leg."
"We'll be right there." She said. As she and several others grabbed the curtain, she and a few of the group suddenly got an idea. "Hold on a second everyone. Joe, is there anything we can use to get up there, a ladder, rope, anything?"
"All we have up here is silverware, napkins, and table cloths." Cupcake said.
"That's not good enough." Celestia said.
Night Light stepped in. "We can use the tree over there." He said pointing it out. "That looks tall enough."
"Good idea." She turned back to the three above them. "Can you guys get some of those table cloths an see if you can make a small rope out of them."
"Yes ma'am, we can." Carrot Cake said.
"Good, we'll be up there shortly." She then turned and went for the tree. Night Light, Armor, Mac, Velvet, and the girls followed. Luna walked up to her.
"What are you planning to do?" She asked.
"What do you think? Get us out of here. The ship's floating upside-down. That means any rescue is going to come in through the hull." Celestia said.
Blueblood overheard this and didn't like it one bit. Then again he didn't like it when some one disobeyed him.
As the group reached the tree he put his own two cents in.
"Don't you do this! What you're doing is a death sentence!" He shouted.
"It's better than just sitting down here twiddling our thumbs hoping they will come and get us." She said back.
Blueblood continued to protest. But the group wasn't hearing it. They instead proceeded to pick up the tree and move it across the room. It took a few minutes to bring it across but they made it. Finally in position they proceeded to push it upwards to the ledge. Joining with them was Soarin, Filthy Rich, and Granny Smith, the latter of whom everyone was impressed by. It was slow at first but finally the top of the tree moved up more and more until it reached the ledge, sitting at a slight angle with the top almost level with the middle of the door. Wasting no time Joe and the Cakes grabbed the end of the tree and began tying it down with the table cloths.
Now they had a ladder. All they needed was to test it.
Chapter 4: Climbing Up
Now who was willing to test this makeshift ladder? Celestia scanned through the crowd and saw Applebloom, Sweetiebell, and Scootaloo close by. She knew who to use.
"Ok girls', I need someone to help test this out. Are any of you willing?" She asked. together
The girls didn't say anything, they just smiled and went over to the tree and began climbing. Scootaloo went first, then Applebloom, then Sweetiebell. They started at the base of the tree, climbed up through the center, and came out close to the top. When they finally reached the ledge they were greeted by Joe and the Cakes.
"It's easy!" Scootaloo said.
"Come on, let's go!" Sweetiebell shouted.
The group was impressed, Celestia especially.
"Ok now for the rest of us to go." She said.
Luna stepped in. "Where are you planning to go from here." She seemed agitated by her sister's idea.
"We are going up there to them. From there we go through the kitchen, then up any way we can until we reach the hull. What you don't think it's a good idea?"
"No it's not a good idea!" She shouted. "You heard what the purser said, 'Stay here an be calm and help will find us."
"Oh sure they will. And I'm winning the lottery!" Celestia said.
"You really want to start this now?" Luna said.
"No I'm ending this now. And I say 'get the hell up that tree before I kick your ass up there.'"
Luna was shocked. Her sister never acted like this, and it was getting on her nerves that she was. But just as she was about to protest her sister grabbed her and shoved her to the back of the line. Everyone in the group was shocked. But right now the thought of freedom clouded their shock.
The passengers then began climbing up the tree. First it was Rainbow Dash, next was Spike, then it was Rarity's turn. Already there was a problem. Her dress got caught on one of the trees many branches and now she was stuck. Luckily Applejack had a solution, she tore off the skirt of her dress to just above her knee and quickly went up after her friend. Once she was below her she unhooked the dress from the branch. Then she tore her skirt as well.
"WHAT IN THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT FOR?!" She practically screamed. "You've ruined it!"
"Sugar, it was already torn. Plus you won't get another 5 feet with that on." AJ said.
The women knew she was right. The ones who had on long gowns and dresses started tearing at them just at the knee. Soon they were all in with this new fashion craze. Now it was Granny Smith's turn. Some were a bit skeptical if she really wanted to go through with it. She insisted.
"I have been trough war, hunger, poverty, disaster, and loss, all in my lifetime. Besides, my husband, son, and his wife would have wanted me to go up that tree. And that's what I plan to do. I'll do it for them and my grandkids."
Gathering up her strength she climbed the tree through the same route. She reached the top with ease.
"You see, it's easy, child's play." She said.
Pretty soon the group began moving one by one up the tree to the ledge. From there they moved into the room just beyond the ledge where the spilt silverware and cloths were. Back down below some of the group members split off to see if they could convince anyone to go up with them. Most of them weren't hearing it. They felt they trusted Blueblood more than some Science Professor, her sister, and a bunch of daredevil passengers. However a few were convinced that they could try to break for it. Filthy Rich, his brother Money Bags, their wives Ruby and Crystal, and their daughters Silver Spoon, and Diamond Tiara got in line for their turn. Soon, the Sparkles, the Apples, Rarity, Sweetiebell, Scootaloo, Soarin, Lightning Dust Rainbow Dash, and the Rich Families were up the tree.
Now it was Pinkie Pies turn. She had and Cheese Sandwich tried the entire time to keep the passengers spirits up, but to no avail. Now they gave up and proceeded upwards. Pink went first, her boyfriend a few feet behind her. The count was now at 26. 26 people were willing to risk their lives for their freedom from this upside down hell. About 40 people were still unwilling to go. Luna, Celestia, and Shining Armor stayed down to see if they can still convince anyone else. Soon Armor was approached by someone, it was the band's drummer Discord. He was a older man, just in his early 30's. He loved the thought of anarchy and chaos, and usually expressed it. However when it came to his band, he set those thoughts aside. And now he even thought this type of chaos was too much. He approached Armor hoping for his help.
"Hey can you help me out with my friend over here. I've been trying to convince her to get out of here with you guys but she refuses to leave." He said.
"Is she hurt or something?" Armor asked.
"No, but...she refuses to leaver her brother. He's...he's dead."
Armor knew this was going to be difficult. Just the thought of having someone close to you die like that, he couldn't even stomach the thought. He walked over to the remains of what was once the stage and saw the young singer and guitarist, Cadence. She was holding her brother Sombra in her arms. Near by was another woman, Chrysalis, the bands keyboard player. He could tell, by the look in her open eyes, that she was dead along with Sombra.
"Come on buddy." the singer said "We have to go now. Everyone's leaving. Please open your eyes Sombra, for me, please." Armor could tell that she was desperate and on the verge of crying.
"Hi." He said making her jump a little. "Are you ok?"
"Yes" She said, her voice a little weak. "I'm just waiting for my brother to wake up. That's all."
"What's your name?"
"My name? Cadence. This is my big brother Sombra." She almost seemed in denial. But Armor knew that she knew he was gone. Still he had no choice, no matter how much it killed him inside, to jolt her back to reality.
"Cadence. I'm sorry to say this but...your brother's dead." Cadence looked back at her brother. She knew what he said was true but she couldn't find a way bring herself to fully realize it. She started to cry a bit.
"I just don't know what to do." She said. "He's taken care of me since our parents died. I don't know what to do now that he's gone."
Shining Armor got down and held the poor soul. He tried as best he could to comfort her.
"I'm sorry." She said.
"Don't be" He said. "it's not your fault. No one could've thought this would happen."
The two looked at each other for a second before Cadence broke the silence.
"What's your name by the way?" She asked.
"Shining Armor."
"Thank you Shining Armor." She said smiling. "Um...would you mind if I came with you and your group?"
"Not at all. In fact that was the initial reason I came over to you. Do you want to come with us?"
Cadence looked back at her brother and looked over to the people up on the ledge, including Discord, who just made it up.
"Just give me a moment. Just to say goodbye."
"Alright. I'll wait right here." He said.
The young singer went back over to her brother and gave him one last hug. She then proceeded to take off the necklace he was wearing. It was a small blue crystal in the shape of a heart in a gold necklace. Cadence put the necklace around her neck.
"Goodbye Sombra. With this I know you'll always be with me." She gave him one last kiss on his forehead and joined up with Shining Armor.
"You ready?" He asked.
"I'm ready. Let's go." She said smiling lightly.
The two then proceeded over towards the tree where Celestia and Luna were waiting.
"This is Cadence, she's going with us."
"Ok good. Anyone else?" Celestia asked.
"No. No one else want's to come. What about you two. You have better luck?" He asked.
"No. I talked to everyone. Redheart wanted to go, but she said she needs to take care of the injured."
"I suppose we should go then." And with that Armor and Cadence moved up the tree. The total in the group was now at 28. Celestia turned to her sister.
"Ok you head up. I'll be right behind you." She said.
Luna just nodded and climbed the make shift ladder. Celestia wanted to try one more time to convince the others.
"Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention please." The crowd looked at her. they all knew what she was going to say and they sure weren't going to listen. But Clestia felt it was worth a shot. "That's right there, is our only way out. It's our only chance for survival."
"No one listen to her!" Blueblood imputed. "Our only chance is to stay here until the rescue comes."
"Where are they going to come from? No one's going to come here. The Captain's dead and so is anyone who was on the upper decks before we capsized. Those decks are now flooded and anyone there is dead."
"YOU'RE A LYING INSANE FOOL!" Blueblood yelled.
"I am not you son of a bitch!" She yelled back. "The only chance we have is up there. The water will come in here and drown all of you. Up there you will have a chance. Please for goodness sakes come with us."
Blueblood and the passengers began yelling at Celestia, shouting out that she's crazy, her followers were crazy, and what she was doing was insanity. Celestia decided to leave the fools behind and join up with the rest. She followed the same route up the makeshift ladder just like the others. Finally getting to the top she met up with Joe. Everyone else stood just inside the doorway, mostly against the walls.
She knew it was futile, but it was worth one last shot.
"This is your last chance to come with us!" She shouted.
"Your a crazy bitch you know that?!" Someone below shouted.
"Maybe but I do know this; this ship's not going to stay afloat forever. Eventually this room is going to flood, just like every other room on this ship. Hell she may go under before we reach the hull. But it's at least something to try. I you stay here and do nothing you're definitely going to die."
The passengers were still having none of it. Finally, Celestia just gave up and joined up with the others.
"Well," she said, "it looks like it's just us." She paused for a second. "Which way to the kitchen Joe?"
"It's this way." He said, pointing around a corner and down a, small corridor towards a two wood double doors. Celestia and Joe both led the way as the others followed. After going through the double doors they came upon a large red steel door with a red light just below it.
"What does that mean?" Night Light asked.
"Fire. Those doors are meant to close when a fire occurs."
"So no air could get in." Twilight added.
"That's what they say." Joe said.
"Well, let's test it then." Celestia said.
"Hold it lady!" Money Bags butted in. "You ever heard of a flash fire? Now we didn't come up here just for you to kill us."
"Like the rest of this journey Mr. Bags it's worth a try. Now are you going to let me go?"
Money Bags looked at her and just backed up a bit. "Alright, try it out."
Celestia the took off her jacket, wrapped it around her hands, and grabbed the door handle. She looked back and saw everyone in the hallway. "Could you all move back against the wall please?" The passengers did as they were told, some of them moved around the corner. Soon the door was opened, just enough for her to pass through.
"I'll be back in about 5 minutes." She said.
Soon she was through and the door was closed again. Now all everyone had to do was wait.
Chapter 5: The Kitchen
The wait felt like an eternity. Everyone chatted to one another to keep themselves occupied. Over with the Sparkle Family, Shining Armor introduced Cadence to his parents and siblings. They immediately took a liking to her as did she. Twilight however decided to slip away and talk to her friends. They were all nervous and worried just like everyone else. Wondering if Celestia was going to come back, if they were going to be rescued, if rescue did come. However there was one thing worrying them the most.
"Guys" She said, "I'm worried about Fluttershy. What if she's hurt, or if she's trapped? She must be so scarred right now."
"Oh sugar" Applejack said "I'm sure she'll be fine. She might be scarred of the smallest thing, but I'm sure she'll find her way."
"I bet she's freaked out and hiding in a corner somewhere." Rainbow Dash said "OW!" She yelled. Rarity punched her in the arm.
"Don't you talk about Fluttershy like that." Rarity said angrily. "I bet she's on her way up here right now, or with a whole other group making their way up."
RD realized that she made a mistake. "Alright I'm sorry. I'm just as afraid as you guys are. I'm just worried about her that's all."
"She'll be fine RD" AJ said "Who knows we might run into her on the way up."
Suddenly the door opened and a sweat covered Celestia stepped out still holding her jacket. Everyone stood up and at attention.
"Alright, I got through. There's a stair well on the other side." Celestia said. "Joe where does it lead to?"
"It leads to the bottom, or I should say top, two passenger decks." Joe said.
"Is there any other stairway up?"
"No everything is carried up from Broadway by elevator."
"Broadway?"
"It's the crews service corridor." Twilight said. "It runs from the bow to the stern."
"Are there any places Broadway leads to?" Celestia asked.
"Yes, almost every section of the bottom. The anchor lockers, boiler rooms, cargo holds, and the engine room."
"Ok so we get up the stairs, where do we go from there? How do we get to Broadway?"
"We can go through the passenger decks to one of the five crew access stairwells. They all go down the center of the ship."
"Alright let's go then." With that everyone began walking towards the door. The horrible smells of burnt food, medal, and flesh came through the open door.
"Be careful there's a lot of dead bodies in here and everything's hot." the group leader said. And with that they all began walking through the door into what was once the kitchen. Flames from burners and ruptured gas lines jetted out in all directions. Pots, pans, plates, silverware, bodies, and food lined the floor. The only thing still attached to the floor was the counters, most of the ovens, and stoves. It actually made the ballroom look like paradise. Members of the group were horrified at what they saw but pressed on. After going in a straight line for a few feet she made a left turn through one of the alleys that were lined by counters on both sides. At least 10 bodies lined the alleyway and everyone tried their best to step over them. Applebloom, Rarity, and Money bags ended up tripping and nearly falling on them. Finally through the alley way and in the center of the kitchen Celestia took a right and began walking straight again. Right up ahead of her was the open door to the other side.
There was a sudden 'BANG' that made everyone jump. Two more followed suit.
"The ships blowing up." Applebloom screamed.
"No it's not." Cheese said "But something over there did." He pointed out the fire on the other side of the kitchen was larger than it was before. Another gas line had exploded. They all knew they had to get through the other side before another one exploded.
"No body panic." Luna said. "Everyone just keep going and don't push."
Celestia was glad her sister was being helpful, a complete change in attitude from earlier.
Finally the first of the group was through the door. As they proceeded through to the hallway beyond the door the Professor looked to her sister.
"You help escort them through. I'm going to go back and see if anyone needs assistance." She said.
"Alright be careful." Luna said.
Celestia walked back to the first door. The only ones left in the hallway were Joe, Night Light, Cupcake, Carrot Cake, Filthy Rich and Ruby. It all seemed to be going as planned. They were all ready for their turns when the ship started to rumble.
'BOOM!'
An explosion rocked the ship, people and objects shifted. Some in the kitchen tripped and fell over as the ship rocked from side to side. On the other side at the stairwell, many fell into one another some nearly falling into the upside down stairwell. Several more explosions followed as Celestia began to hear screaming coming from everywhere, including behind her.
Not taking the vibrations in mind she ran back towards the ballroom. She only just got to the ledge when a blinding light came from behind the forward wall's window pane, just below the passenger door. A boiler crashed through the decks and had exploded. Suddenly the upper section of the window exploded outwards. A gigantic wall of water and oil from the exploded boiler came down on top of the crowd below. Everyone was in a panic, screaming, yelling, pushing, insanity, took over them all in force. They all began running towards the tree as fast as they could. The water was quickly rising, it was quickly getting towards the celling lights. At least 10 reached the tree, they were climbing as fast as they could.
"ONE AT A TIME! DON'T PANIC!" Celestia yelled out, but chaos had taken the crowd. Some at the bottom were being thrown, pulled, and kicked off. The anchor holding the tree in place began to come loose.
Night Light and Carrot Cake came out and saw the mayhem before them. Carrot grabbed the cloth anchor to help Celestia hold the tree and Night Light reached out one hand for the passengers, the other gripping Celestia's leg. The first of the crowd came up the ladder. The trio could see Blueblood reaching out for them, he was soaked in water and fuel oil. Night Light reached out to try to pull him in. He finally caught the pursuer's hand but it was slippery, it was covered in oil. The tree began to pull back from the ledge, Carrot and Celestia couldn't hold it anymore. Night Light was losing his grip as well. Blueblood was desperate, he now knew the error of his ways, and now all he wanted was to live.
"I DON'T WANT TO DIE NIGHT LIGHT! PLEASE PULL ME IN!" He screamed.
Night Light couldn't hold on anymore. The oil covered hand slipped out of his grasp along with the tree, he himself falling over the edge just to be caught by his leg. He could hear Blueblood and several others scream as they fell back towards the rising lake below them. He and several others were flung off as the tree hit the water with a loud splash. Blueblood himself hit the edge of the celling light, snapping his back and neck. Anyone under the tree was either killed or trapped as the water rose around them. Even with his Navy Blue dinner jacket partially obscuring his view, Night Light could see the horrible scene unfold as he was hoisted up by his leg by Carrot Cake.
The three looked at the sight below in horror. The thought of what was to become of those people horrified them to no end. Never the less they began to make their way back towards the others, closing the doors to the hallway, leaving the screams of all those in the ballroom behind them.
When they rounded the corner they saw the shocked looks of the four standing there, who saw the same looks on their own faces. The sever were all silent for a moment. Finally Joe spoke up.
"I guess we should move on?" He asked.
Celestia just nodded and moved back through the kitchen door.
Just as the rest moved forward Night Light pulled Carrot Cake aside and gave him a quick hug. The father of three's eyes were filled with tears.
"Thank you Carrot. Thank you very much. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't caught me."
"What else was I supposed to do?" Carrot said. "I wasn't going to let you come this far to fall back down there. We're in this together, so we need to work together."
"But you nearly fell too. You have two infants that are onboard a-"
"And I have faith that they're alright and in safe hands. Look if we stay positive and work together, we can find others and get out of here."
"Truer words have never been spoken." Celestia said, Cup Cake right beside her. "Well, lets keep our faith in mind and press forward." With that said, the remainder of the group pressed on through the kitchen, which was more trashed due to the explosions. After a minute or two they made it to the other side where the others were waiting. Some were bruised, but others were alright.
But now they had another obstacle in their way; an upside down staircase.
The hallway the group was standing in was big enough for them all. The walls were painted yellow, while the floors were painted brown. the ceilings were white and had several 4 lights that were brightly lit. Opposite the kitchen door was the door to the passenger hallway. On the side of the room was the stairway. Flipped over it revealed aflat bottom that looked more like a slide.
"How are we going to get up there?" Granny Smith asked.
"We can't all climb that?" Money Bags said.
Celesta and the rest walked in, overhearing the conversation. She looked at the stair case and grabbed hold of the railing. She then put all her weight to her feet as she pulled herself up the slide. Mac decided to join in and followed her up. The two looked around for something to use. Something like a rope to pull the others up. Mac a door at the that was a few feet from the stair well. He tried to pull it open but to no avail.
"You're not going to find anything in there. That's the crew's galley." A voice said from behind.
The two looked behind them to see Flash and Sunny coming out of the entrance to the passenger area. Celestia just smilled.
"Glad to see you two made it. Anyone else with you?" She said
"They're down the hall. How about you?" Flash said.
"Yeah. 26 others and we're trying to get them up the stairs. You have any rope or anything."
"Here, wait a second." Sunny said. And with that she went back out into the hallway. A minute later she came back in with a rope in her hands. It was part of the lifelines that hung from the rails. The three looked in wonder.
"Here" Sunset said "Try this."
"How did you get that?" Mac said.
Sunset reached in he pocket and took a small army knife revealing the blade to the trio.
"Never leave home without one." She said.
Flash just chuckled, always aware of his friend's antics. Mac and Celestia each took an end of the rope and tossed it down the stairs. It was just long enough to reach the bottom where the others were waiting.
"Alright" Celestia said "Luna, Joe, you two are first I need you."
The two got in the loop made by the rope and made their way up the slope while the two at the top pulled them. They got to the top with ease, but Luna didn't feel at ease.
"I take it out of the 30 people here, I'm going to be the bitch who helps you with everything. Am I right?" She said.
"If you want to put it that way 'sis'" Clestia said agitated, "then yes, you are. Now shut up and help out here. Joe, Flash you come with me."
The professor grabbed Joe and put his arm around the back of her neck to give him some leverage. His leg was still in bad shape due to the gash so this assistance was a lot of help. The two then made their out into the passenger hallways. Sunset stood by and watched them go. She then turned towards the stairs and made a decision.
"I'm heading down." She said. "I'm going to see if there's anyone else in the hallway down there."
Before anyone could say anything she sat down and slid down the slope into the crowd. She quickly brushed past them all and walked into the hallway behind the door. Mac and Luna, decided to let it go and get back to work.
"Ok, send the kids up first." She said. "Then we'll work from there. Send them up 2 at a time.
"I'll go help them up." Flash said as he slid down the stairs. As he got to the bottom he looked around at the crowd, thinking how long it would take to get them up. He looked at the 6 younger kids in front of him.
"Alright, like she said, the kids first." He pointed at Sweetiebell and Applebloom, "Alright, you two are first." He pointed out Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara, then Silver Spoon and Spike. "Alright let's get started." He looped the rope behind the backs of Applebloom and Sweetiebell. Soon they were on their way up the slope, the duo at the top pulling on the rope while the two kids held on to it and tried to keep their balance. They mad it up the stairs with almost complete ease. Soon the next two were up, and the next two. Now it was the older sections turn.
The search for a way up was going nowhere fast. The minute they stepped out into the hall they encountered a mass of wreckage on their left. Still they tried to move towards the back, where the next staircase to Broadway was. The stairwell was about 100 feet away from the others. But when they got there they saw a massive hole and a mountain of wreckage that stretched to both sides of the ship. Making things worse was the fact that, peering through the wreckage, they could see the stairwell, torn completely apart.
"Well." Celestia said to Joe.
"That blocks us from the aft one as well. There are three more, but." Joe said.
"But what?"
"But I feel the anchors may have broken away and flooded the anchor lockers."
"So what your saying is that the bow may be flooded by now."
"Exactly. Also I think the boiler that exploded could have rendered the mid-forward staircase useless as well."
"I see. Well that leaves the central staircase."
"Correct. But there's a problem with that too. It stops just below the ballroom."
"Which means it's going to be harder to get on."
Joe just nodded.
"Well, we'll either try to find a way on it, or find an alternate route." She said. The two the proceeded forward.
Back down below, Sunset continued her search through the hallway. It was almost pitch black with the exception of a few dim emergency lights. She walked through with almost complete ease, heading towards the bow. She stopped on the way at the sight of one of the rooms. All it said on it was 'FIRE STATION' upside down. There were three of them on each deck. Hoping to find something to help her see better, she broke open the closet with one swift kick.
"And they said I'm not that strong." Sunset chuckled. "Well I'll have to tell them about this the next time I visit them."
She proceeded into the closet hoping to find a flashlight. She felt around in the darkness for anything. She finally grabbed ahold of something. It had the handle of a bucket, but it definitely felt a little heavier. She felt along the box-like shape until she found the switch. Light immediately flooded the room.
"AHA! Found you, you little bastard!" She said. Looking around she found some more rope, and flashlights. She hung about 5 flashlights on the rope wrapped the rope around her right shoulder. She proceeded back into he hallway with the flashlight in her hands. The light illuminated the entire corridor, revealing debris, small mounds of wreckage, several small holes, as well as over a dozen bodies. She continued forward.
"Hello!" She called out. "Is there anyone down here?" She paused and looked around, she was about 15 feet from where the dim lights suddenly ended. The light sounds of sloshing penetrated the dead silence. Pointing her light down the hall she could see the water slowly creeping towards her. The hallway clutter moved around freely in the rising tide. The one thing that stood out to her was the body she saw. The woman had purple hair, and an orchid colored dress, with an open suitcase with several wigs and dresses in her hand. Knowing she was quickly running out of time, she proceeded back towards the stern. She was about halfway back when she heard more noises. It sounded like footsteps. Then a voice.
"Alright ladies watch you step now." The voice said. Looking behind her she saw a light coming up behind her. She immediately turned around the rest of the way and saw a small group of people, her flash light revealed the man and two women in the group.
"Hello?" She said.
Celestia and Joe continued their way down the hall. They had just passed Sunset's party when they heard the sound of banging. Getting closer the sound was accompanied by the sound of people talking.
"Come on you son of a bitch, give!" A female voice said. The two rounded a corner and saw three people trying to break open a door. Both suddenly feared the worst.
"Is that the door to the stairway?" Celestia said. The three turned around. It was the musicians, Octavia, Rising Star, and Vinyl Scratch. Celestia met them several times on the cruise.
"Yeah, that's the door." Joe said.
"If you're trying to get through that door, forget it." Octavia said.
"We've been trying to get through it for the past hour." Star said.
Celestia suddenly checked her watch. The three weren't kidding, it was now 1:17 a.m. She then walked over to the door. It was open only a crack, but it was enough for her to see partially into the stairwell, just enough to see something blocking the door. Gathering up their strength the 4 decided to make one last attempt to break it open. Joe still sat out due to the gash in his leg
Octavia gave the signal. "Ok 1...2...3!"
The 4 ran towards the door at full speed. They rammed the door with all their strength but bounced off it like a bunch of rubber balls. Celestia got up off the floor and just shook her head at the door.
"Well, what now?" Vinyl said.
"There's no other way up from here." Joe said.
"There's always another way up Joe. We just need to find it." Celestia said.
Octavia looked around, rubbing her head, and saw something that looked of interest.
"You mean like this?" She pointed out. It was a grate with a large grey metal hatch behind it.
In the time the three were gone, Luna and Mac got over half the group up the stairs. There was about 8 left at the bottom, Flash, Night Light, Velvet, their daughter and her friends, the ladder 5 of whom refuse to leave before everyone else is up. Night and Velvet were next in line.
"You'll be right behind us, right sweetie?" Velvet said.
"In a few minutes mom." Twilight said.
"Alright, bring them up." Flash said.
Just as the two began making her way up the stairs Sunset had finally returned from her little journey.
"I found 3 more." she said walking into the room. Right behind her was one man and two women, one of whom looked all to familiar to the girls.
"Fluttershy!" the girl's said in synch. They ran over and hugged their friend.
"Oh were so glad you're alright sweetie." Rarity said.
"It was so scary." Fluttershy said. "I was coming back from my room. The next moment I was falling, then I blacked out. Next thing I know, I was waking up in the dark, and everything was shaking. Oh I was so scarred. Luckily the doctor and his friend found me."
"I was coming back from the bow" Sunset added. "When I ran into these guys. I told them about our little journey and led them back here."
Coco Pommel, the third of the small group spoke up.
"You were heading towards the bow? Did you see my friend Suri? She was heading back to her cabin to get some things."
"What did she look like?" Sunset asked.
"Oh, she has light skin, purpleish hair, usually done up in curls, she was wearing an orchid colored dress, it was almost the shade of her skin."
Sunset froze up for a second. She remembered seeing someone like that floating in the water. She didn't know what to do.
"I did see her and...I'm sorry Coco." She said with a sigh. Coco didn't know what to say.
"I told her not to go back for those damn things." Is all she could say. There was a small moment of silence with the group.
"Well let's not dilly-dally any longer then." The doctor said. "Let's head on up. You girls go first."
"Come on Coco." Twilight said. "You can come up with me."
Flash gestured the two to go first. Both got in the loop and proceeded upwards.
After breaking off the grate and unscrewing the bolts from their holds, the hatch was opened. The 5 looked through the opening to see a small circular tunnel almost 2 yards wide.
"What is this?" Star said.
"It's an air duct." Joe said. "This leads to a central shaft. From there it leads to exit's on each deck."
"So we have our way up." Celestia said. "You guys get anyone who wants to come. I'm gonna go back and get the others."And with that she went back to the stairway.
Rainbow and AJ had just made it up the stairs. Now Whooves and Pinkie were beginning their trek up, the doctor bringing up the supplies that Sunset brought. Next would be Fluttershy, the Flash and Sunset would go last. As the doctor and Pinkie made it to the top the sound of footsteps caught the ears of the three below. Suddenly, out of the doorway way stepped a woman. It was Nurse Redheart, soaked to the bone in a combination of oil and seawater. The three could tell she was in a panic.
"You guys gotta get the hell out of here." She said. "The water's coming u-"
Fluttershy then screamed at the top of her lungs. Sunset and Flash turned around and saw the water rushing through the door and up the stairway.
"HURRY UP WITH THE ROPE!" Flash yelled out.
"THE WATTER'S COMING IN!" Sunset yelled.
Up top the Mac and Luna quickly sent down the rope. Celestia burst into the room.
"What the hell's happening?" She demanded.
"The room's flooding." Someone said.
Fluttershy kept screaming as Flash and Sunset threw the rope around Redheart.
"SHUT UP DAMN IT!" Sunset yelled, trying to get her in the rope. "Get a grip you big crybaby!"
Quickly the two were hoisted up. Now for the last ones. The room was quickly filling up. Supplies from the kitchen littered the water, pots and pans were made into makeshift boats the lights on the celling began to short circuit, giving off flashes like cameras.
"Hurry up and get us out of here!" Flash yelled. The rope came down and the two got in the loop. "Hold on! Pull!"
Finally the two were hoisted up out of the rising water and after what felt like an eternity they reached the crowd. Everyone back together, the professor retook control.
"Alright everyone, don't panic. Follow me, it's this way." She said.
The crowd the proceeded down out of the stairway and down the hall. Sunset and Flash were the last two out. Looking behind them they could see the water rising over the staircase. Hoping to bide more time, the two shut the door.
Every member of the group had one thing on their minds as they followed Celestia down the hall; how long will they have until the ship goes down. Everyone was scarred, even their so-called 'fearless and crazy' leader was taking the stress hard. Even if they did get to the top the could be burned, drowned, crushed, or could suffocate when the air supply runs out. As they passed through the field of debris from the party the group looked around. The wreckage along with the bodies of the injured and dead, added more to their thoughts. They knew that the ones who were unable or unwilling to come were sure to die along with the others.
"How long do we have to stay afloat?" Fluttershy said.
"I'm sure we'll be up long enough sugar" AJ said.
"This ship's like a giant air bubble." Twilight said. "It'll last longer with all the air trapped."
"But how are we going to get out?" Fluttershy asked. "The hull's solid steel."
"A rescue team will cut us out." Spike said.
"But how will they find us?"
"Well." Spike added. "While me and Twilight were touring the ship, we ended up in the radio room. While we were there we learned they send out a message to the International Sea Headquarters in Manehattan every hour."
"But if the 'sparks' in the radio room were cut off," Twilight added, "like if they were sending out a mayday, they will send out a plane to do a flyby of the area we were last heard. Remember the alarms? They had to have sent out a mayday during that time."
"You see Fluttershy," Rainbow said, "We're going to be fine."
The others were impressed by what the two knew.
Celestia made it back to the air duct, where the others were waiting.
"Alright I'm going to check and see if we can get through here. Joe, Vinyl, keep watch until I get back." And with that she went into the tunnel.
Passing their room Cup and Carrot Cake looked inside to see that their infants were not there. They were worried but were sure they were near by, parent's intuition as they call it. That intuition paid off as they rounded the corner. Standing at the entrance to the air duct was Joe, and the musicians. And standing with them was Derpy and Dinky, each holding the infants. The two little ones giggled at the sight of their parents who immediately pushed through the crowd to get to them.
"Oh there you are my little sweeties." Cupcake said, grabbing hold of the two.
"Thank you so much Dinky." Carrot said turning to the little girl. "I don't know what we would've done if we lost them."
Both mother and daughter smiled. "We were very lucky." Dinky said. "It was a miracle we didn't get hurt."
Derpy just smiled at her daughter, always proud that she was so brave.
Carrot turned back to Night Light.
"Heheh, you were right. I guess I doubt myself too much. I should get more parental intuition." Night Light said.
Velvet gently wrapped her arms around her husband. "You're a fine father. We couldn't ask for more." She said.
Ruby Rich looked at the couple, she could see how happy they were. Then she looked at herself, and her marriage to Filthy Rich. Looking back, she remembered marrying him fresh out of school, they were only 18 at the time. 9 years into their marriage, when she was pregnant with Diamond, she realized what her husband was really like. He was a bore, unappreciative, he wasn't even there half the time since he was always busy with his company. Both Money Bags and Crystal, who was pregnant with Silver Spoon at the time, supported her more than he did. Money actually attempted to bring this to his brother's attention, but to no avail. With this disaster, Ruby thought he could show some backbone. She was wrong. He had been quiet the whole time, and every time she tried to speak, he would silence her. She couldn't take it anymore, she needed to help out somehow.
She then remembered the open cabin the Cakes were peering into and strolled back over to it. Looking inside she immediately found what she needed, blankets. She picked up one of the thinner blankets and tried to tear at them. Sunset Shimmer then walked into the room
"What are you doing?" She asked.
"I'm trying to make some slings for those two infants back there. I'm sure we're going to be doing a lot of climbing tonight." Ruby said.
"Here, let me help." Sunset said, taking her knife back out. After a few quick cuts, Ruby got what she wanted. The two quickly proceeded back to the crowd.
"Hey Cupcake, Carrot Cake. Try these." She said giving them the carriers.
"Oh, thank you Ruby." Cupcake said. The two put on the slings and put their babies in them close to their chests. Carrot took Pumpkin and Cupcake took Pound.
Ruby looked back at her husband and daughter, both of whom just rolled their eyes at her. At this point, however, she didn't care anymore. All she cared about now was helping everyone get out.
Just then Celestia made it back from her little journey.
"Ok everyone. This air duct leads to a main vertical shaft." She said.
"How far do we have to climb?" Cheese asked.
"We can only climb one level. There's a bunch of metal blocking our way to the top. But hopefully when we get up there we can use that stairway there to climb up to Broadway."
Everyone looked at one another and thought the same thing; anything but dealing with the water back at the staircase.
"Alright let's get going then. Luna you follow me."
"Ok? Why?" Luna said.
"Because it's going to take the three of us to help everyone up."
"Who's the third one?"
"Shining Armor." Celestia called out.
"Yes professor." He called back.
"You cover the rear. Make sure everyone's together."
"Yes ma'am"
The first to follow the sisters were the Cakes, then the kids, followed by Spike, Cheese and the 6, after some convincing words to Fluttershy. Next it was Granny Smith's turn. She was about to go in when Lightning Dust pushed her aside.
"I'm going next. I'm not going out getting stuck behind that fat ass hillbilly." She said. Everyone just glared at her.
"Hon that's not nice." Soarin said. It wasn't the first time he had to say something to her. When they were heading up the tree he had to strong arm her to move. And on the stairs he scolded her when she insulted Granny Smith's weight. Soarin was on the verge of strangling her.
Never the less he just breathed in deeply and followed his wife into the tube, turning around briefly to silently apologize to the elder woman.
Smith got into the tube. "Mac" She said, "If I do get stuck, please push."
"Granny you have nuthin to worry about." He said. The two then followed Soarin. Climbing right behind was Crystal, Ruby, their husbands, Velvet, and Night Light then got in, followed closely behind by the musicians and Nurse Redheart. Derpy and Dinky were next, Dinky refused to go without her mother, who was nervous to get in the tube, mostly because she didn't like the dark.
"Excuse me ma'am." Dr. Whooves said taking one of the lanterns. "If it would maybe this would help you out." He turned the light on. Derpy just looked at the doctor and her daughter for a second.
"Alright I'll go. Sweetie, you stay right next to me." She said.
"Ok mom"
The three then followed the rest. As the line moved along Armor and some of the others couldn't help but notice the lights were slowly beginning to dim. He also happened to notice the sound and sight of water trickling down the deck, towards the bow. They finally began to realize the ship was sinking by the bow, and were quickly running out of time.
The first members of the group had finally reached the other side of the tube. Celestia was proceeding out of the opening and up a ladder. Luna sat on the side as the Cakes made their way out onto the ladder. The airshaft was grey and rusty, with several lights heading up the shaft ending with the ladder up one floor, just above the doorway to the next air duct. Two floors below them was the water, bubbling and steaming like it was a giant pot on the stove.
Both parents decided not to make a thought of it and climbed after their leader. The climb was quickly cut short when she stopped at the grate that was blocking them from the duct. After four good kicks the grate was broken open, part of it falling into the bubbling water. She looked back down at the ones on the ladder.
"Keep following up. And don't look down."
The two complied as they moved up the shaft into the tunnel above. Next it was the kids turn.
Sweetiebell was moving towards the ladder when she and her friends were pushed out of the way. It was Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, who some considered were the brattiest kids on the boat.
"Sorry losers. Ladies first." Diamond said. Suddenly she and her cousin were grabbed by their ankles. Both Applebloom and Scootaloo were holding on with angry looks.
"Back of the line bitches." Scootaloo said, throwing the two punks behind them and blocking their way. They got their turn tough, quickly the 5 kids moved up the ladder, Spike and Cheese following closely behind.
Coming up behind them was the Mane 6. Pinkie was the first one out, following her beau. Next was Rarity, surprisingly she didn't complain about the steam in the shaft. Then came Fluttershy who was probably the most stubborn.
"Look Fluttershy" AJ said. "You're going up that ladder and that's final."
"NO!" She yelled. "No means no."
"Do you want to go up there where it's safe? Or do you want to drown?" AJ said. That was all the convincing Fluttershy needed. She climbed up the ladder behind Rarity, AJ, Rainbow, and Twilight followed closely behind.
Just as they were reaching the top Rarity poked her head out of the tunnel and pulled her friend in.
"You see Fluttershy. That wasn't so hard."
"I guess." Her friend said.
Up one level Celestia continued her way through the tunnel. It was pitch black, neither she nor anyone else could see, especially when the group leader bumped her head on something. It was another grate covered by another hatch. Immediately the line came to a halt.
"What's going on?" Applebloom asked.
"The hatch is closed." Celestia said. "Here, I'll try to see if anyone can hear us."
She shifted around to sit. Then using her full force, hit her feet against the hatch. The noise was loud and attracted the attention of everyone in the group, especially the ones stuck on the ladder and stuck back at the entrance to the duct. The agonizing wait went on for what felt like forever, and the professor was feeling the strain of hitting the door. Suddenly there was the sound of clanging followed by the sound of something unscrewing. Then the hatch opened revealing a young woman with blue hair, dressed in a magicians outfit.
"The Great and Powerful Trixie at your service." The woman said.
"Thank goodness you got here." Clesetia said exiting the tube.
"Is there anyone else with you? Maybe Trixie can help."
"We got about 30 plus others behind us." She said helping the Cakes out. Immediately the line began moving again.
Back down below the remainder of the group was proceeding into the tunnel. Armor was making sure everyone was together. He then turned to Cadence.
"Ok you're next."
"No." She said. "I want to go with you." Armor looked at her confused. But knowing they were running out of time he turned to the drummer.
"Um, Discord you can go on ahead, we'll be right with you." He said.
"Alright. I'll see you on the other side then." The drummer said as he climbed into the tube. Joe, Coco, Flash and Sunset quickly followed. Now it was their turn.
"Alright Cadence, lets go, you first." He said.
"You'll be right behind me right?" The young woman said.
"Of course, I'll be with you the whole time." He said. Finally they moved into the air duct, not noticing the water creeping up the deck, meeting with the stream already moving towards the rising tide.
Back at up deck the door to the stairwell was beginning to give. The pressure was too much for it as it was never designed to take the amount that was being put on it. The water leaking out of it wasn't enough to stop it from cracking. It was only a matter of time before it broke like a overfilled balloon.
Inside the central shaft the line was moving smoothly again. Granny Smith and Big Mac had just made it up the ladder, the Rich families were right behind. Soon it was Derpy, Dinky, and the Doctor's turn.
"How are you doing Derpy?" Luna asked.
"I'm doing alright." Derpy said. "I think I just conquered my fear of dark spaces."
"Well I think if you need to conquer anymore fears, tonight's the night."
Derpy got onto the ladder, curiously looking down at the water that was slowly rising.
"Derpy." The doctor said. "Don't mind that. Just climb up and don't look down."
The woman slowly began her climb. Dinky climbed up behind her, the doctor, who at the time was relieved of the rope and lanterns he was carrying to Luna, followed up behind
The last of the group. Flash and Sunset crawled right behind Joe, who was slower than the others due to his leg.
"How you doing Joe?" Flash asked.
"Fine Flash, just wishing I didn't have this gash on my leg." Joe said.
"I'm sure when we get to Broadway Redheart will give you something for that."
"I sure hope so, the poor thing." Joe said remembering she was the only who made it from the ballroom. Finally they made it to the central shaft and all it's humid, ugly splendor. Discord made his accent behind the doctor. Joe, and Coco followed close behind. Sunset had just made her way onto the ladder when the familiar sound of rumbling caught their ears.
"HOLD ON!" Luna shouted.
One by one the explosions went off. The airshaft shook while everyone shouted and screamed. The door to the old stairwell burst open, releasing all the water it held. Hands began to slip, Joe fell against the shaft wall, one hand still holding on. Coco held on with her legs wrapped around the rungs. Joe couldn't hold on anymore, shaken loose by the blasts, he fell, his foot knocking into Sunset on the way down.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!" 'SPLASH'
Joe and Sunset both fell right into the water. Flash panicked and immediately dove in after them. Coco quickly scampered up the ladder as the three below watched in horror. Suddenly Sunset and Flash both resurfaced, followed by a blast and a geyser of water. It immediately began to turn light red. The two made their way up the ladder, passing Luna, Cadence, and Shining Armor, who watched the whole thing.
"OH DAMN IT!!" Flash shouted.
"There's nothing we can do now, just keep going!" Armor shouted.
The young man obeyed and continued upwards. Luna finally went next with Cadence following her. Shining Armor was the last on the ladder, just as the air duct began to flood from both sides. After making the way up he had one last look down. The air duct they just came from was no longer there, as if it just vanished. Armor knew this deck may not last long either. Gathering his thoughts he proceeded to the rendezvous with the rest of the group.