Author's Note
CrystalSeeker: Hey guys, here's Chapter 1 of Requiem's and my story. Hope you all enjoy, and give a lot of thanks to Requiem for helping out a LOT. He did more than you'd think, and he also gots great stories too, so go and check those out if you get the chance. Hope you all enjoy, and as I say for m stories now, any form of criticism is welcome, just please don't be too harsh.
Requiem17: Req here! Crystal and I had a great idea and I decided that I would take on the challenge of another collab! Especially one that uses a fan base I've always found underused and a possibility land fill! For those of you who know me and are concerned about my other stories just remember this, collabs require the other person to do. So Crystal and I won't be able to meet up all the time, meaning I'll have plenty of time to keep Ale and Adam in their place. Anyway's I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 1
Minecraft: New World
CrystalSeeker and Requiem17
Chapter 1
A dull roar echoed throughout the air, the voices creating it indistinguishable. Ponies of all types were rushing up the streets of Canterlot, speaking with each other in excited tones. A large crowd surrounded the front gates of Canterlot Castle, ponies desperate to get inside. It was a slow process as the entire courtyard was already packed. These ponies were here to witness history in the making. Those that could fly were also barred, Canterlot and its surrounding area dubbed a no fly zone on this particular day. The guards glowed brightly, their golden armor polished to a shine.
The announcement room inside of the castle was filled with reporters and new video camera’s. Unlike outside, the noise level in the room was low, murmurs being the only mode of communicating. A large wooden podium with several microphones was standing on the edge of a marble stage, the seal of the Royal Sisters sitting in the background. Two red curtains hung on either side of the seal, separating the occupants of the room from the Elements of Harmony. The six mares, while speaking excitedly, extruded an obvious sadness judging from their postures.
“... back in time for my party!”
Rainbow Dash smiled at Pinkie, “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. We’ll be back lickity split.”
Pinkie squeed loudly, prompting the others in the group to chuckle. Twilight nodded, “We’ll only be gone for seven months, that is, if everything goes as planned.”
Pinkie frowned glumly, “You’ll be sure to communicate right?”
“Yes Pinkie, just don’t expect it to be every hour okay?” Rainbow Dash commented, well aware that Pinkie could be a tad over exuberant.
Applejack rubbed Pinkies back. “She’ll be right as rain with us. Don’t ya worry at all.”
“Be a dear Twilight and bring back anything special or visually appealing. I really could use some inspiration for the upcoming winter fashion line,” Rarity commented.
“Oh, and can you bring back any cute cuddly creatures? That is… if it’s alright with you… I mean-,”
Twilight giggled, “While I can’t promise bringing any creatures back, I can bring back pictures.”
Fluttershy nodded, peaking out from behind her mane. “O-ok.”
Twilight glanced at Rarity, “And, I’ll be sure to find something for you Rarity.”
Rarity clopped her hooves together, grinning excitedly. Applejack nodded with determination as she addressed Twilight, “If’n something hostile crosses your path, give it a good ol’ Apple Family greeting.”
“I got her back AJ. As head of the security team I got her back,” Rainbow exclaimed, punching the air in a boxer's stance.
Twilight was going to insist on her ability to defend herself before two sets of hooves entered the room. “Are you ready Twilight?”
The six mares turned towards the voice of Celestia, watching as she and her sister Luna approached. “Just about Celestia.”
Celestia nodded gently, “We understand. We shall wait until you’re ready.” The two sisters stepped away to a respectful distance to give them their privacy.
Twilight smiled gently before turning back to her friends. “Well, this is it.”
Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie all looked at Twilight and Rainbow with saddened expressions. No words were spoken as they all hugged each other, the next available chance to contact each other in such a way being seven months away.
After separating the other four turned and walked away, Pinkie giving one glance behind her before disappearing. Breathing heavily, Twilight turned back towards Celestia and nodded, her face straight and her stance tall. They had a nation to address.
The three princesses and Rainbow walked through one of the curtains, the crowd of the reporters on the other side cheering loudly. Camera bulbs flashed, lighting up the room brighter than it already was. They quieted down as Celestia approached the pedestal, waiting for her speech with baited breath.
“Hello my little ponies. I, as much as anypony, am incredibly proud in all you. The events that led up to this day would not have been possible without your hard work and dedication to such a bold endeavor.” Twilight watched her fellow princess with admiration, amazed with her ability to address everypony in the nation. Most may have been watching from the broadcast, but just the thought alone of millions of eyes watching almost made Twilight melt into a puddle.
“After three years of hard work and tirelessly researching we now have the means of exploring beyond our solar system, more specifically the planet Trevelyan. For the first time in history ponies shall set hoof on a world capable of sustaining life. Project Leader Princess Twilight Sparkle will be leading the mission.” Luna nudged her sister, pointing at a clock on the wall. Nodding gently, Celestia turned towards the crowd once again.
“Our time is running short. Are there any questions?”
All the reporters raised their hooves, yelling loudly to gain the princess’s attention. Pointing at random, the crowd quieted down to hear what was said.
“Is there a chance of sentient life on the planet?”
Celestia looked to Twilight and gestured for her to answer. Gulping audibly, Twilight spoke aloud. “There is a possibility. But it is more likely that we will not find sentient creatures.”
The crowd began talking loudly again, Celestia choosing ponies here and there. The questions ranged from the benefits of the trip, to the dangers it could be hiding. Twilight and Celestia answered respectively, appeasing the curiosity of the crowd. The urging of Luna finally signalled that it was time to leave.
Celestia addressed the crowd, “That will be all for today. Thank you for your participation and I wish Twilight and her team the best of luck.” She stepped away from the pedestal and headed towards a side door with Luna, Twilight, and Rainbow in tow.
The doors opened and allowed them to step through. A team of scientists, engineers, and a special forces squad consisting of a few select Wonderbolts converged on the group. Needing no introduction, they continued walking through one of the side courtyards, devoid of a large crowd. They could hear the loud cheering and whistling of the city of Canterlot on the other side of the towering stone walls. They walked through a heavily guarded gate, revealing a long steel platform. On the other side was the hopes and dreams of millions.
The craft was large, easily dwarfing any of the biggest airships in the Royal Fleet. It was very angular with only a few blue windows to see out of. The material was grey and highly durable against impacts and heat. It was attached to three white rocket engines that towered over the already immense craft. Gases hissed from various spots on the space vehicle, billowing small plumes of white. Twilight stared up at her creation, stepping into the shadow of it. The name of the ship became visible and read in large black letters, ‘Pony Express’. They reached their destination far quicker than she would have liked, gulping nervously as the elevator began to climb.
“You’re shaking Twilight.”
Twilight laughed nervously as Celestia pointed this out. “A-am I?” She looked down and saw that her forelegs were trembling slightly.
Celestia smiled gently and laid a comforting hoof onto Twilight’s back. “Everything will be fine. You have gone through the simulator hundreds of times. Not once did you make a mistake.”
“I know, but the real thing is much more nerve rattling then I expected it to be.”
Celestia nodded, “Have faith Twilight.”
The elevator clicked to a stop, the cage doors opening next to the external hatch of the ‘Pony Express’. The team of ponies began climbing in, rapidly performing final checks in preparation of the launch. Rainbow glanced to Twilight and nodded, leaving Twilight alone with the two sisters.
Luna and Celestia smiled fondly at Twilight. “Do not fret Twilight Sparkle. I am confident in your abilities in representing Equestria.”
Twilight nodded at Luna’s encouragement, appreciating her input. Celestia unexpectedly embraced Twilight, easing her fears. “Be brave Twilight. I am counting on you returning safely.”
Twilight kept back a sniffle, squeezing Celestia tighter. After a few more seconds they stopped hugging and, with wishing her the best, the sisters left. Twilight stayed standing still, gazing in the now empty space.
“Twilight? Twilight! We gotta go. Our window is closing and we’ll miss our rendezvous with ‘Star Blazer’,” Rainbow called, gesturing Twilight to hurry inside.
Looking around forlornly, Twilight sighed and climbed into the ship, the airlock sealing behind her with a hiss. She watched Rainbow climb up to the seats using hoofholds built into the floor. Following her lead, Twilight climbed up to the pilots seat, settling herself in before securing the harness around her. She heard Rainbow huff loudly as she flopped into her seat.
“Why didn’t you make it so that there was enough room to fly in here Twi?”
Twilight started pressing buttons and flicking switches, ensuring the ship was ready for lift off as she responded, “Because it would have increased the size of the ship to a size detrimental to actual take off.”
Rainbow stared at Twilight with a deadpan expression. “Detrawhat?”
Twilight facehoofed, “Ugh, too much weight. We wouldn’t get off the ground.”
“Ah.”
Twilight shook her head and turned on her monitor in front of her. The navigation systems lit up, calculating her input and providing slight course adjustments.
*Static* ‘30 seconds to launch Pony Express.’
Twilight touched the radio next to her ear, ‘Copy that. All systems green here. How does it look there?’
‘Checking the boards...’ There was a pause over the radio, ‘We are go.’
‘Acknowledged.’
Twilight looked around the cabin, seeing the faces surrounding her locked in determination. “Here we go everypony!”
Dull clanks echoed around the ship as flaps were checked and other systems activating. Small flames began building in the booster engines, signalling the oncoming thunder.
‘10 seconds...’
Twilight grit her teeth, grabbing the steering column in front of her. Rainbow Dash, knowing full well the kind of turbulence they were about to experience, produced a mouth guard from one of her numerous flight suit pockets, placing it in her mouth.
The ship began shaking as a loud roar began emanating from the ground behind them, the clear blue sky directly in front of them seeming a lot more dangerous when not intending on blasting miles above the ground. With a sudden lurch the ship began to shift.
‘3… 2… 1… Ignition.’
The roar intensified to the point that it was deafening, the noise drowning out any beeps the computers strewn about the cabin may have made. Twilight felt her belly drop as the craft accelerated quickly upwards.
‘And… we have lift off.’
Twilight watched out one of the side windows as they cleared the support tower, the horizon quickly dipping below the window pane. Steeling herself against the violent shaking of the ship, Twilight checked and double checked their course. She activated her comm.
‘How do we look control?’
‘Flight is good, thrust is good. You’re making good time Pony Express.’
‘What’s our angle look like?’
‘You’re only half a degree off. You can correct after you escape the thermosphere.’
‘Good copy Control. Will correct after thermosphere.’
Twilight watched as a thin white cloud washed rapidly over the ship as it passed through the stratosphere. The sky began turning black the higher they went, causing Twilight’s already rapidly beating heart to speed up more. The shaking of the ship gradually eased off, the flight becoming much smoother. The roar began quieting down before all together stopping. With three audible thuds the boosters detached, falling back towards Equis’s atmosphere.
The first thing Twilight noticed was how quiet everything was. She could still hear the computers running and the slight shuffling of ponies but it was much quieter than she expected. She couldn’t even imagine how quiet it was outside, the never ending vacuum allowing no sound to be heard. She felt her harness tug on her body slightly, her body now weightless. A few astonished gasps and laughs sounded behind her, Twilight sharing their excitement.
Licking her lips, Twilight grabbed the pilot’s wheel. “Initiating manual control.” With her other hoof she flipped the safeties off, giving her full control of the ship. “Maneuvering to ‘Star Blazer’.” She gently moved the wheel, steering the ship slowly with small bursts of thrusts from the steering nozzles. She lined the ship up with a distant shape. Pressing forward, she coaxed the ship towards it.
“Approach looks good. How’s my speed?” Twilight asked.
“You’re green,” one of the engineers reported.
Sweating slightly, Twilight watched as the ‘Star Blazer’ came closer. It was constructed in a half circle shape with two long rectangles attached to the sides, running perpendicular to the harness. Twilight slowed her speed as it passed overhead. Pulling up a camera on the top of the ship, she lined the reticule up with the small guiding latch. Matching the speed of the orbiting engines, Twilight eased upwards. With a small click and a few dull clanks the ship secured itself to the brace.
“We are locked. Power flooding the systems now.”
Twilight nodded to the same engineer, glad that she had a reliable crew to work with.
“Ugh, I think I’m going to be sick.”
“Hey! Use the barf bag!”
Rainbow Dash snickered as one of the scientists desperately fumbled for said bag. Twilight just shook her head and admired the twinkeling stars through the front view windows. A low beeping emanated from the monitor in front of her. Bringing up the notification a bright pink face greeted her vision.
“Hiya Twilight!”
“Hey Pinkie.”
Low murmurs could be heard behind Pinkie as the mare continued to speak. “So, what’s it like up there?”
Twilight looked around her in appreciation, “Unbelievable. I can’t quite explain it.”
Pinkie was pushed away from the camera as three other faces filled the camera view.
“Are you okay dear?”
“I’m fine Rarity. A few of the scientists aren’t feeling well, but other than that everypony is just fine.”
“Oh, tell them to try eating ginger. It might help.”
“Will do Fluttershy.”
The farm mare took her hat off and spoke quietly, “I meant what ah said earlier Twi. We don’t rightly know what’s out there.”
Rainbow Dash huffed from her seat, puffing up her chest in a show of bravado. Nodding, Twilight assured Applejack. “Understood.”
The mares stepped back as a technician whispered to them off screen. Nodding glumly, they waved goodbye. Twilight waved as well before the screen went black. Calming her nerves, Twilight checked the crew.
“Are we ready for ignition of the ‘Star Blazer’s’ engines?”
“Yes ma’am. waiting on your command.”
Twilight steered the ship out of Equis’s orbit and faced the direction of Trevelyan. “On my mark…” Twilight double checked her heading before commanding, “Initiate.”
The ship stopped for a second before the engines on the ‘Star Blazer’ activated. The ship lurched forward, carrying them into the black of space and away from their home. Twilight unstrapped herself, floating in the cabin as she headed towards the lab. They had two months before arriving at their destination. And in these cramped conditions, it was going to be a long two months.
Across a massive desert that surrounded a small oasis, a large hole, much like a rabbit hole, laid in silence, covered so that nothing could be heard or seen under it. There was also a sign nearby that read ‘Keep Out’ for those pesky villagers that tended to come by from a far village.
Just then, the iron cover on the hole popped open, and the head of a black haired man with golden irises peeked out, revealing to have a very large and bushy beard, which was very glorious in a way. He began to mumble to himself as he tossed out the bones of his late lunch, a fish. He then began to hum a tune as he pulled the iron cover back over the hole, which led to nothing but silence.
Inside the hole, it was much like a wooden house, with a bed, a living room, and even a kitchen and workbench to the side. A long staircase led down to a massive mine, which the walls were covered in diamonds, iron, coal, and many other ores that were unknown to the villagers. The tall man whistled to himself as he grabbed a nearby Diamond Pickaxe, held it against his shoulder, and continued to whistle as he walked down the staircase, deeper and deeper into the massive caverns that lay under the desert.
Once he reached a spot where there was a massive vein of gold, he began to hit it with his pickaxe, picking off the gold that was in it, and also going deeper in for the rest of the vein. He whistled even more so to himself, and soon had the ore dropping into the minecart beneath it. And with that done, he gave a small cheer as he put the pickaxe down and began pushing the cart down the long caverns; the scent of molten lava and smelting ore emanating from deeper within.
Once he came out to the large cavern, he headed straight for the large row of furnaces, tossing the gold ore into one of the furnaces. He grabbed a bucket, dunked it into the lava, and then poured it below the gold in the furnace to give it a good smelting.
And with that, he dusted off his hands, whistled a little more, and headed back to continue working.
Weekly Journal Entry No. 1-3
Hello, my name is Desmin. At least, I think that’s my name. I was able to create this journal today after two other attempts. I plan on writing weekly updates in here. This will be a fairly lengthy entry compared to the future ones to make up for the three weeks that I’ve been here. Let’s start from the beginning…
All I can remember is the sun. It was a harsh way to ‘wake up’ as I call it. The first thing that came to mind was, ‘Where am I?’ It then occurred to me that I didn’t know who I was. Failing to remember anything I looked around and found my surroundings to be extremely lush. A swamp. I stood up, looking down at my body. I was wearing a simple blue t-shirt and brown trousers.
I noticed a piece of paper laying on the ground. I picked it up, noticing that it was slightly scorched and found one word written on it.
‘Desmin.’
At first I didn’t understand it, but I soon came to the conclusion that it was a name. Perhaps my name.
The rest is fairly straight forward. I explored the land, attempting to find anything that could help me. I searched for hours and didn’t find anything.
The land in itself was strange. It was… a combination of cubes and curves. It was as if it was half real and half dream. While the blocks were complete cubes at times, they could also be more rounded. The land almost seemed like a grid as well. At one point when I learned to make a shovel I could dig in one part of the grid. The block would break and it actually shrinked! I was able to pick it up and place it in a bag. This was a very strange world indeed.
It was at that point that night fell. I still shudder at the thought of my first encounter with what I thought was another person. As I soon found out, it was anything but.
The ‘green man’ which I’ve now realized are called ‘zombies’ attempted to attack me. I ran as I had nothing to defend myself with. Other monstrosities joined in the chase; walking bones with bows, giant spiders that moved extremely quick, and the worst of them all, armless four legged freaks that sneak up deathly silent and with no warning. These ‘Creepers’ exploded when close enough, resulting in grievous injuries or death.
I lasted through the night, running even when I had no breath to run with. Pangs of hunger rippled through my body, making the run even more agonizing. It was inevitable that I would be surrounded. The monsters groaned and hissed as they approached. I closed my eyes in preparation of my imminent doom.
That’s when the miracle of this world happened. A bright beam of light struck my eyelids, prompting me to open them. I watched in utter fascination as most of the monsters started burning alive when the sunlight made contact with them. The spiders and creepers retreated, not because they were burning, but because they feared the sun.
After that night I realized that I would need to work hard to survive in this place…
Weekly Journal Entry No. 13
I died today. I was mining deep in the earth when it happened. In my foolishness I mined right below me, unknowingly mining into a vast cavern. I never saw it coming. The fall was quick and painless, but it was nonetheless terrifying. I was shocked when I woke up in my bed. At first I thought it was a dream. That is until I found the hole that I fell through. I don’t understand this place, but I have to make the best of it.
Weekly Journal Entry No. 18
After much toil I think it’s safe to say that I am for the most part safe. I have completed a large enough home that suits my needs. The mine can still be a dangerous place but I have learned to read most of the dangers within. I have a farm that sustains myself and even produces extra. I’m not sure if it will get cold here but I do know that there are different seasons due to the movement of the sun. Better to be prepared. I’ve also begun the construction of a map. Knowing my surroundings will probably help me much more than I realize in the future.
I’m… rather hesitant to write this. I think it might help though.
I’m alone. I have not seen anyone else here and I’m beginning to think there isn’t. The thought alone is depressing and I don’t know what I should do about it. I do not want to abandon the safe haven I have created for myself to find others when, for all I know, there isn’t anyone else. The wolf I wrote about two weeks back still stops by. Just his presence makes me happy, even if all he does is sit across the clearing and watch me. I feel no negative intentions from him, nor do I harbor any for him.
Is there anyone out there?
Weekly Journal Entry No.24
I’m leaving. Yesterday, I was outside cutting down trees. The tree I had just toppled revealed a piece of the sky to me, and what occupied it. A massive structure that almost looked to be made of iron roared overhead. It trailed fire in its wake. The shockwave ripped through the forest, knocking me to the dirt. My eardrums are still ringing. When I had gotten back up and climbed to the top of a nearby tree I was astonished by what I saw. The object was slowing down!
I may not be a scientist, but I knew that action was not natural. There’s somebody here! I watched where they landed attentively, disappointed that they continued beyond the horizon.
They can’t be far. I’ve packed my things and intend on heading out. Hostile or not, I will find them.
The tall man with a long beard continued to whistle to himself as he cut down one of the few trees that surrounded his little hermit hole, and then planting saplings after the tree fell down. It was simple for him to do this, given he did it every single day, so the process wasn’t difficult.
Just then he heard the sound of a raging roar, which made him cast his eyes upwards, and spotted a massive… thing, in the sky. It was also slowly descending somewhere in the desert, which made him snort, and turn back to the tree.
‘So long as they don’t plan on taking my ore and home, they’re fine by me.’
