It was a brisk spring morning of the air docks of Southhoofton. There was a loud bustle coming from the ports. Carriages of all sizes and colors pulling up to the terminal, and a train just dropped off a few hundred equines. Shouting, whistling, and cheering all mixed in. But for what you may ask? Well the grandest airship ever to take flight! The Hindentanic! The elegance of the outer exterior of the airship was magnificent! Gold trimmings, streamers, and flashy windows! The awe of every pony that got to glimpse this marvel of pony achievement. Any pony that was any pony was there! From the princess of Equestria to the poor paupers of Ponyville could be seen! This airship was many years in the making and finally came to life by the design work of Richard Hays. Hays was the front head and designer of this magnificent glory of airship travel. Now the rich of Canterlot finally had a form of travel other than train. The ship floated with such grace it seemed like it never moved but the world around it did.
Down at the docks, luggage, colts, ponies, fillies, goods, mail, and everything in between were being loaded on to the ship. A humble whistle blew and all who heard suddenly got silenced. Then the doors and gangways opened to the world to enter the magnificent ship. The crowd cheered again at this beautiful ship. This cheer could be heard all the way to the pub a few blocks down from the Southhoofton docks.
“Ya hear that? That’s the sound of my future!” proclaimed a small purple green dragon.
“Well peewee, it isn’t yours to follow, your down 300 bits and you still have tables to clean here” said a large red dragon tending the bar.
The dragon gave the bar tender a stare and went back to cleaning the tables. The crowd cheered once more and it could be heard at the pub again. The dragon looked out the window where he could see the top of the Hindentanic. It was his only hope to return to his master and scholar twilight in Amareica. He wished many times that he never went to Southhoofton to strike it rich, but found himself out of a job when working on the Hindentanic finally completed. He, like many others, we forced to find work or gamble their savings, which this little dragon did.
“SPIKE! Finish cleaning them tables!” shouted the red dragon tending the bar.
Spike looked down again at the tables were he spilt some water… He could see his reflection and it made him cry a little… He could see Twilight and her other scholars now…
The red dragon grabs Spike by the shoulder.
“WHAT ARE YE DO-ING LADDY?!” Shouted the red dragon
Spike snaps out of his dreamy state and looks at the red dragon. The red dragon blew a puff a steam into Spike’s face.
“Wanna play a game?” asked Spike
“I’m in no mood for games!” Shouted the red dragon
“Then a gamble?” questioned Spike
The eyebrow rose on the red dragon. Spike knew the dragon couldn’t resist a bet. After all, that’s how he ended up here…
“Aye, but what could you possibly want and what could you have when you lose?” asked the red dragon with interest.
“If I win, you give me the three hundred I owe you and I leave, and shall I lose, then you may have me as a slave!” answered Spike.
The red dragon laughs to the point of crying! He couldn’t make out a single word. Spike knew this wasn’t going to work.
“How about this lad, I give you your freedom and 100 bits, and if I see you around Southhoofton again ill gut you, if you win… If you lose however, I serve you as stew? Fair?” probed the red dragon
Spike gulped. Was this a life or death bet?
“Agreed.” Spike answered with no pause
Death was better than never seeing Twilight ever again or staying in this pub.
“So what game did you have in mind lad?” asked the red dragon
“Simple, tail wrestle, one time, no redoes.” said Spike
Spike was out matched by every means.
“Ok peewee…”
They tied their tails together and the others in the pub gathered around. The all stood with astonishment.
“GO!” Shouted a dragon in the back
The two wrestled. Spike had what looked like a lead on the red dragon. Then the red dragon jerked back and began taking the lead. Spike skidded across the wooden floor of the pub. The pub goers hollered and laughed but Spike had a dream. A dream that fueled him. Spike pulled his very hardest, but couldn’t pull the red dragon down.
*Snap*
The scales on the red dragon broke and the red dragon fell to the ground. The crowd cheered and raised Spike on their shoulders. They carried him to the register to claim his reward. The red dragon laid there.
“Don’t be a poor sport and get up!” Spike exclaimed
But the red dragon did not move. Neither a sound nor a motion. A pub goer went up to the red dragon and tried to wake him up. But, the red dragon lay there, lifeless. Spike and the pub goers bowed there head. But Spike wasn’t honoring the dragon, but crying. Now his only hope to return to Twilight had gone. Spike then hopped over the counter and tried to break open the register. But it was pointless. It was sealed shut. He tossed the register across the bar. But a letter was found where the cash register once was. It was titled Spike. He opened it.
‘Spike,
You poor dragon, you did your dues… DON’T ever come back to Southhoofton again!!! I feel awful that I have kept ya here… But, you owed me money… I’m not a bad dragon, you just made me angry that’s all. Well, I heard ye ramble on about your dream and here…
DON’T EVER RETURN’
Read the message. Then a folded paper came out. It was a miracle, a ticket! A ticket on board the Hindentanic!
“Well Spike? What is it?” a pub goer asked
“Its… A ticket to Amareica!” Spike cheered
“Well then you better get a move on ol’boy. The ship is leaving soon!”
Spike sped out the door, not even saying good bye, as the others turned to the body of the red dragon. They all drank to his name!
Down at the docks, the ship was being christened and Princess Celestia allowed one of the most lavish colts do the honor! Sir Fanceypants! But he denied such an honor for he gave it to his mistress, Rarity. The two were the hottest couple of Equestria! Rarity accepted and then tossed the bottle of cider onto the airship. The crowd once again cheered and the couple waved at the passengers and the pony folk below.
“Well hurry on your journey Sir Fanceypants!” said Celestia
“May I ask another time my Princess, please join me along with Rarity on board this voyage!” asked Fanceypants
Rarity tugged on the jacket of Fanceypants to try to get him away from Celestia.
“What about my ticket?” chuckled Celestia
“Never mind that! I know the designer Mr. Hays and the captain! They would love it if the princess would join them on the maiden voyage.” Said Fanceypants
Celestia nodded in agreement and Rarity rolled her eyes.
“ALL ABOARD!!!” Shouted a dock hand and the whistle blew once more
The assortment of ponies walked up to the gangways and presented their luggage and tickets.
The first class passengers were boarded first. Their big floppy hats danced in the breeze. The suits shined in the spring sun. The manes waxed and glistened. A red carriage was being lifted onto the airship.
“Come on Rarity dear, cheer up.” Asked Fanceypants
Rarity just gave a fake smile.
“Now that’s better.” Said Fanceypants and turned around and continued up the gangway
Rarity then glared at him with disgust, but still followed his orders with an evil smile. The princess was chatting with Fanceypants as Rarity just followed along. She looked around while waiting in line on the gangway. She saw the huddled masses below cheering and waving good bye. A train was just leaving, and a below of smoke blew across the docks. She chuckled a little; seeing the poor made her wish she was there. But a brightly colored dragon ran out from the steam from the train.
“Ticket!” asked the gentle colt at the door
Rarity shook her head and then starred at the colt.
‘Ticket, what ticket!’ rushed in her head. She looked for Fanceypants and he was already inside talking to the princess and what appeared to be the captain.
“Ticket, madam!” asked the colt again
Rarity was thinking of just going. To turn around, like she never had a ticket.
“Excuse me sir, she is with me.” Said Fanceypants as he pushed away the colt, making way for Rarity
Rarity cringed as she turned around to find that Fanceypants had been waiting for her. She then stared at him.
“Well?” questioned Fanceypants
Rarity slowly walked to the door and looked down. The second she stepped into the airship her heart sank.
Down below, the crowds of crying families and friends waving good bye to their families as they journeyed to their new home over whelmed many ears. But plenty of spectators were there talking about this marvelous airship. Ponies could be heard saying what a big ship it was and how grand it was. Many waving to those on board blocked the views for the smaller passenger, Spike.
Spike was rushing to the airship as fast as he could. He was filled with happiness. He looked at the ticket and saw third class. But he did not mind, he was going to see Twilight. A few days in steerage was nothing compared to the terrible conditions in the pub. He saw his line and it was long. Then it got even longer. A train unloaded many passengers into the line. Spike did not stress, he thought of Twilight.
“ALL FILLED, HEAD TO STERN!” Shouted a sailor colt
A whole mass of ponies and other Equestrians ran to the stern boarding area. The train was taking off and added to the commotion on the docks. The steam bellowed across the dock and the masses ran to claim their spot on the Hindentanic. A rush overcame Spike to run faster than ever. He blasted through the steam as if he was rebirthed a new! He was running, he did not care who he bumped into. Then he arrived on the Stern of the airship. He jogged his way up the gangplank and saw two pink and blue ponies with hair bands. Quite an odd look, every ship worker had a uniform but they were different. They looked like a few spa workers. But this didn’t faze Spike in the least bit. He ran up to them.
“Lice check!!!” the two said simultaneously
“I don’t have any lice?” questioned Spike
“Well…” chuckled the two “Now you doooo!” as they dumped lice onto is head.
“What was that for!” demanded Spike
“It’s to protect you scalp or something.” Said the blue pony
“Yea, it’s like, funny right?” said the pink one
Spike grew very angry and then looked up to scream to find the rich laughing and pointing at him.
Spike’s heart sank. He also scratched his head. But, remembered Twilight… She could make a spell to help this when he sees her.
Spike continues into the airship. He was pushed left, but he glanced right. He saw an elegant stair case, brimmed with wood and stained glass. But, he went down a narrow hallway and a blank stairwell. It ultimately ended up in a huge room filled with boxes and pipes along the walls, Along with 500 other passengers. It was a cramped space with the poor and the optimistic. Spike picked a spot and sat down. Spike started itching his head.
“Darn lice… Darn the rich… It will… be worth it when…. I see Twilight.” Spike struggled to say.
He found some paper and ink and started to doodle. He was very educated because he had to write and draw for Twilight for record purposes. He drew a family huddled in the corner and a little filly walked up to him.
“What are you drawing?” asked the little one
“Oh, nothing important…” replied Spike
“Can you draw something for me?” begged the filly
“Well…” pondered Spike
“Please!!!” pleaded the young one
“Alright, what did you want me to draw?” asked Spike
“My mommy!” happily said the filly
“Ok bring her over her.” Said Spike
The filly trotted across the room and disappeared for a moment. Then returned with a picture frame. She gave it to Spike. Spike was puzzled, but then realized what the picture was. It was her mother holding her as a baby.
“Well mister?” asked the filly
Spike glanced at the little girl with a grin and said
“Sure.”
The ship was filled with all walks of life. The glorious airship gleamed in the spring sun and was about to set sail on the maiden voyage. The gangways were pulled away, and the lines cut, and the whistle blared. Those left behind waive good byes and sent their adieus and bon voyages. And many on the deck waived and cheered back. For once, many on board finally felt that their dreams where going to come true! And none more than Spike, finally was going to meet Twilight.
“Captain, I’d like you to meet my Rarity!” introduced Fanceypants
“Charming, more than you described Sir Fanceypants!” said the captain humbly
Rarity smiled for the first time in a while. Some pony enjoys her beauty.
“Why, thank you captain!” exclaimed Rarity “And may I say, what a grand ship this is!”
“Ah, yes she is! And Mr. Hays would love to hear that! You shall meet him sometime will you not?” asked the captain
Rarity nodded with much pride. Someone actually cared for her opinion. She then saw Fanceypants talking to Princess Celestia… Again…
“So captain?” asked Rarity
“Yes?” he replied
“Any other VIPs aboard?” she questioned
“Uh, I believe the Wonderbolts are on board and a few fashion designers are onboard as well… Maybe you should check them out. Fancey has told me about your passion for fashion” chuckled the captain
Rarity then grimaced a little it turns out; she can’t break free of these misconceptions of her. The captain left, and Rarity went out onto the crowded deck. Ponies cheering and waving good bye! She looked out onto the dock for a second… She was wishing she was down there… Then the airship started to take off. Ponies began returning to their rooms and exploring the new and grand ship. So Rarity did so as the rest. She wondered on the decks of the Hindentanic and felt the breeze in the air through her mane. She closed her eyes and drifted into a door…
“OH, MISS RARITY, do be careful on the decks! They aren’t the safest place for a mare!”
It was the captain. He truly was sorry about opening the door on her. Rarity was still in a daze.
“Would you care to come into the wheelhouse?” asked the captain
He was trying his best to comfort her.
“Uh, yes, sure…” muttered Rarity.
They both enter the wheelhouse. It overlooked the lands in front of the ship and offered a spectacular view! Rarity was amazed. A few other colts walked in, discussing navigation and the like. Rarity did not pay much attention, she just watched the scenery.
“This is truly a magnificent ship…” she whispered
“Why thank you!” A voice stated
“What?” jumped Rarity
“I am the ship’s designer, Mr. Hays, It’s nice to meet a colt with such fine taste…”
“Mare!” hinted the captain
“Whatever…” Mr. Hays rolled his eyes “Surly this will be a glorious voyage!”
Rarity wanted to smack him across his face; clearly he wanted to talk about him and his ship… She decided to be a smart independent woman that she is by asking an intelligent, well thought out, question.
“Is the ship safe?” asked Rarity
‘Come on Rarity, you could asked a better question than that’
Surprisingly, Mr. Hays did not have a response, but he muttered and chuckled. Then the captain joined in nervously. Rarity had an inquisitive look on her face. Why were they muttering and laughing nervously?
“If anything where to happen there are two life ships.” Replied Mr. Hays
The captain stared at Mr. Hays and stopped chuckling…
“Only two?” asked Rarity
“Why yes, one is to hold the 23 key navigational crew and myself, the other one will hold the rest…” Mr. Hays said proudly
“Correct me if I am wrong, but aren’t there over 2000 equines on board?” stated Rarity
Mr. Hays paused for a second…
“Whoa…” he said
”Good day gentle colts…”
“Good day…” Mr. Hays muttered.
The day progressed on, and the ship began to fill with gentle colts and fillies, along with the others in third class… One of which was Spike
Spike was out on deck and finishing the picture for the little filly. The fresh air made him draw a little better… The smoke, odor, and noise down in steerage really drove him to the brink of insanity. He found a bench outside a huge dome of stained glass. He was trying to capture the innocence of the mother when a mare sat down next to him…
“That’s a lovely drawing…” she said
Spike just nodded, he was too focused.
“The sun set is wonderful…” she continued
Spike didn’t even acknowledge her this time…
“HEY! It’s not very courteous to ignore a lady now is it?!” she exclaimed
Spike slowly looked up.
“My apologizes, but who are you?”
“That’s better. I am Ms. Rarity!” she spoke sweetly
“Pardon Ms. Rarity” said sarcastically “I am not a dragon you can call courteous…”
Rarity got fed up with this. She steamed off to the back of the stern of the ship.
Spike finally finished drawing the picture and was heading back to his spot in steerage at the stern. But, he came across a white mare with a purple mane with an elegant dress standing on the back of the airship. Over the guard rail…
“That’s an odd spot to view the scenery…” Spike said
“Stay back, I will jump!” she said disturbingly
“Well, why don’t you?” asked Spike
“What?” she questioned “You don’t tell that to a lady!”
“Like I said, I am not courteous…” Spike chuckled
“So, you remember me?” she said while turning around
“I’m sorry, Ms. Rarity was it?” replied spike
“OH now you will pay attention, now that I am about to kill myself!” she exclaimed
“If you want to fight, let’s do it on the ship, safely… Fair?” Spike asked
Rarity smiled, she realized what a stupid situation she put herself in.
“Come back over from that ledge.” Begged spiked
Rarity obliged and Spike grabbed her hoof as she turned and slipped off the back of the ship! Rarity now dangles by the hand of the tiny dragon!
“I got you! Try, not to tickle me or I might lose my grip!” shouted Spike
“THIS IS NO TIME FOR JOKES!!!” Yelled Rarity
Spike was struggling… Then a few other colts from the ship’s crew and grabbed on to Rarity. They brought her over and she collapsed on the deck.
“MY RARITY!!! YOU UNHOOF HER THIS INSTANT!!!” it was a tall colt, with a suit, mustache, and a monocle.
He came rushing to the aide to his mistress. Rarity kept shouting shes fine and pushing away the colt. Spike stood there puzzled. The crew members explained what had happened to the colt. He then approached Spike.
“Well, uh, thanks, I am Sir Fanceypants…. And they tell me that you saved my Rarity…. I would like to reward you with a dinner. Would you care to join us tomorrow night?”
Spike never turned down a free meal.
“Sure Mr…” Spike was interrupted
“Sir!” said Fanceypants
“Yes, Sir Fanceypants.” Replied Spike
“Great! Meet us at the grand galloping stair case by 5 tomorrow.”
Now many things go on this large airship. But the most has been the exclusive passenger, Princess Celestia. Celestia has been enjoying much of her first day onboard the Hindentanic. She has been see talking with all the wealthy passengers. Majority, Sir Fanceypants.
“I am so glad you came with us my princess.” Said Fanceypants
“Oh, I needed to take some time off; I should meet with others in the kingdom.” Celestia replied
“I wish I knew where Rarity was, I haven’t seen her since we got on here?” Fanceypants questioned
“I believe I heard she went to meet the captain, maybe check the wheel house?” Celestia said
“Ah, there’s that beautiful mind at work! Alright, off to find her. Cheers!”
Sir Fanceypants went to look for his mistress Rarity. She has been ignoring him since they arrived on the docks. He got to the wheel house where the captain was talking to some crew members. But there was no Rarity… But Sorin’ from the Wonderbolts entered and the captain and he were talking. Sir Fanceypants listened in.
“Captain!”
“Yes, Sorin’?” questioned the captain
“I demand we go faster!”
“But we are already going fast?” replied the captain
“Yes I know, but I want to go unreasonably fast, faster than what is safe do you hear me?”
“Well alright…” The captain went the intercom and yelled orders ‘ALL HEAR THIS, INCREASE SPEED BEYOND REASON!’
“Happy?” asked the captain
“Yes I do believe I am” Sorin’ said and then left.
Fanceypants was shocked, how could the captain do such a thing.
