Tidal Depthsby NexxiusChaptersPROLOGUECHAPTER ONE - Strange TidesCHAPTER THREE - Surface TensionCHAPTER FOUR - Blood in the WaterCHAPTER FIVE - Unlikely HeroesCHAPTER SEVEN - Hotel is ClosedCHAPTER EIGHT - ElevatedCHAPTER NINE - FinalCHAPTER TWO - Call upon the sea poniesCHAPTER SIX - Forgotten DepthsPROLOGUEIt was a gently sprinkling day and Twilight Sparkle was snuggled up in blankets and reading quietly in the library of her castle, she was deep in a book of mythological races that once inhabited Equestria and was completely engrossed in the text that scattered each page. She barely noticed Spike scoot up next to her and gently nudge her. “Hey Twilight, want me to make you some hot chocolate?” He asked cheerfully while holding the comic book he had been reading in the corner. “Hmm?” Questioned Twilight as she sat up to look at the baby dragon. “Oh I'd love some Spike. Thank you!” Spike smiled and walked into the main hall towards the kitchens and he was barely gone a moment before the warm feeling room suddenly felt cold and empty. 'Perhaps I should stick some carpet in here' Twilight thought to herself before she was suddenly startled by a buzzing on her flank. “THE CUTIE MAP!” She gasped pulling herself into a stand, tumbling over the pile of blankets she had set up as she scrambled into the main hall Just as Twilight was about to reach the map room, the doors open and Rainbow Dash burst in. “Hey Twilight! I got the call!” She told her friend as they sat down in their respective chairs and looked at the map. “All of us did Rainbow, look!” She pointed a hoof at the map showing all the mane six's cutiemaps hovering over the ocean south of Baltimare. Rainbow Dash thought about this and looked looked at the map for a moment before speaking. “What? Are we breaking up a beach party that got too rough?” She asked sarcastically. They looked down the hall to hear the clatter of hooves as Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy ran into the map room also. “I was at a superific party! I hope we can get back in time!” Said Pinkie Pie as her and Applejack took their seats. “Yeah and I hate to leave Apple Bloom taking care of Winona unsupervised” Stated Applejack. Fluttershy merely crept into a seat without a word and set herself straight into her chair. “Any of you see Rarity?” Asked Twilight looking about the table to the faces of her friends. “I'm heeeerree” A ringing voice was heard as Rarity trotted in, she clearly had been called in the middle of a spa treatment as he hooves were glowingly polished. She also carried a well packed bag for the trip. “I am so sorry for being late.” Rarity finally sat softly in her chair and Twilight finally spoke. “We've all been summoned to head to Baltimare, it's a long trip so make sure you're all ready.” Rarity immediately put on a summer hat that was clearly a gem studded jewel of work from one of her shops. “Oh I am so excited to go to the Beach. It's been SOOOO dreary here.” “I AM READY!” Shouted Rainbow Dash with gusto as usual. “Um... …. guys.” Was whispered from the yellow pony who had yet to talk. “Uh... What's with the black parts on the map?” She pointed far off on the ocean where there were inky black spots and Twilight glanced down to look. “That's black algae from the dragon waters to the South East, it normally doesn't come up so far but it shouldn't be a problem while we're there. Come on girls we have two trains to catch!” The ponies got up and charged toward the exit of the castle just as poor Spike emerged from the kitchens carrying two mugs of creamy hot chocolate. “... All the more for me.” He sighed as he took a big gulp. Spike took one glance at the Cutiemap when he saw the inky black parts swirl closer to Baltimare. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however! CHAPTER ONE - Strange TidesThe ponies were tired after such a long ride on the train to Baltimare, they stumbled off the train quietly while dragging their bags behind. Just after the Fluttershy, the last pony on board got off the locomotive a sudden wave of ponies charged into the train, fighting for space inside as if their very lives depended on it. “What the?!” Yelled Rainbow Dash as a tiny colt squished his way in through the gaps in ponies' legs just for some space on the train. Pinkie Pie sat up and waved at all the ponies through the windows as the train was taking off but a stallion just shook his head solemnly at her. “Well that wasn't very friendly!” She stated to her friends but they all looked worried. Apple Jack turned around and looked out in the distance. “I don't know about Yall but I think I see what they're afraid of.” The other ponies turned around and the ocean was black and swelling dangerously about, giant waves splashing the coast. “Let's find out what this friendship problem is so that we can get out of here before that disgusting water ruins my hat!” Rarity didn't always have her priorities in order but she had a point, they did need to find what the friendship problem was before things started to get dangerous for them. The group galloped down to Horseshoe Bay where the friendship problem was supposedly at, only to find that the bay was the only part of the ocean that had yet to be touched by the inky black waters. “This is more like it!” Said Pinkie with cheer. The bay however was completely empty of ponies, the winds of the cool day gently blowing the sand about. “Where is everyone? Where are the animals?” Questioned Fluttershy who couldn't hear a single bird on the wind. Twilight was about to open her mouth to speak when she heard a voice yelling on the wind. She turned her head to see a stallion just on the coast waving a hoof and calling them over while standing in front of a small white building that was right beside the water. "Girls you can't be out here!" He yelled and the group approached him slowly. “What's going on out here?” Asked Twilight immediately to the stallion as she reached within a normal conversation distance. “I'll tell you when we're inside, it's too dangerous on the beach!” The stallion seemed trustworthy enough, he was quite tall with a mint green coat. His hair was white with streaks of brown in it. On his rump was a cutiemark of an icecream. The group seemed slightly wary of the invite but still stepped inside only to see a small elevator in front of them as the stallion shut the door, locking it. “Just in time! The tidal wave is due within the next hour and it's meant to hit this bay hard!” “What is this place? I've never seen anything like it!” Said Applejack as she inspected the elevator that was before him. “And what do you mean tidal wave? Cloudsdale wouldn't release tidal waves in Equestria!” “This tidal wave wasn't caused by the pegasi, the tidal wave is caused by a great battle to the south east between the mightiest of dragons. Their breaths tainted the water and their wings billowed it toward Equestria. This usually doesn't happen for thousands of years at a time due to how long dragons sleep.. but something woke them up.” Stated the stallion before stating. “Oh how rude of me, I'm Choc Mint, the owner of this hotel!” “HOTEL?!” Questioned all six of the ponies at once. “Yes. Welcome to 'The Sea Pony Hotel'. Well it will be once I open it next week” Chocmint announced politely. “Ooooh.” Squeaked Fluttershy suddenly. “Do you have real sea ponies here?” She asked before being interrupted by Twilight. “Don't be silly Fluttershy, sea ponies are either a myth or extinct and haven't been seen for ten thousand years or more.” Chocmint chuckled at their banter before gesturing to the elevator and stepping inside. 'Come on girls, it'll be safer down below.” Once all the ponies had boarded started it's journey below the water. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however! CHAPTER THREE - Surface TensionThe lights slowly flickered on. Everything was silent bar a rushing of water outside the building and the sobbing of Choral. Twilight and Apple Jack slowly got up and looked through the glass window in the hatch with the small hopes that there was a sign of the sea ponies who didn't get inside. “I am sorry Twilight I just don't see em.” Spoke Apple Jack somberly while holding her hat against her chest in mourning.Both ponies were silent between the wailing cries of the Seapony present, the lamenting song of the other ponies inside could almost be heard across the entire hotel. It was minutes before Chocmint regained his consciousness and stood up slowly... He approached Choral and wrapped a hoof around her protectively. “I am sure they found cover, we'll go out and look once the water clears.” He spoke with nothing but reassurance. Apple Jack spoke with twilight before getting up and heading down the halls to look for the others. Across the building Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were regaining their senses. “We need to find every pony!' Yelled Rainbow dash while helping her pink friend up. “That wave was huge!” Pinkie wasn't in her pinkerific mood though, she knew something was wrong due to her pinkie senses and they were going off like crazy. The two ponies charged down the halls, swerving corners until they saw Fluttershy sitting at the window still. Rarity was lying on the ground unconscious and tears were felling from the yellow pony's eyes. “F-...Fluttershy?” Questioned Pinkie who couldn't fathom why her friend wasn't looking after Rarity. A sobbing squeaking noise poured out of Fluttershy's mouth as she couldn't find the words to speak in response. “What is it Fluttershy?!” Resounded Rainbow before her eyes drifted to look outside the window at the black murk. She slunk forward towards the pane before suddenly a glassy eyed face of a sea pony slammed against the window staring at them. She screamed in somewhat horror in response. “The sea ponies are still out there?!” “There's something w-wrong..” Squeaked Pinkie while she gently took Fluttershy away from the window. The sea pony just stared at them through the murk until the black swallowed it and it faded from sight. “We need to find T-twilight!” Being alone seemed almost frightening in such a strange hotel though Apple Jack took deep breaths to hide her nerves. The honest pony stopped when she heard an eery tune filling the hall she was in though no pony was in sight. “Well that is weird.” Spoke Apple Jack, trotting a little faster at the tune, turning the corner into a hall that was just entirely windows. Apple Jack was nervous at first, though when she thought about it deeply she realized that if the windows weren't reinforced they would have cracked under the wave. As she took a step onto the glass floor she felt a sudden wave of fear similar to the time she first went into the Everfree forest, in fact the trees of seaweed and the dark waters made it look a lot like the Everfree forest. The thin hall made another wave of fear over take her as she slowly took another step inside. “Apple Jack keep a hold of yourself..” She whispered. Without warning there was a bang against the glass wall above her, she fell to the ground hard and her hat slipped over her eyes. “Land sakes!” She pushed her hat up and looked above, only to see murky black and flowing strands of seaweed above. “Strange..” Apple Jack got up and started running down the hall as her fear got ahead of her when suddenly there was another bang above her followed by a crashing noise. Apple Jack started to panic and the doors at either end of the hall were closing to stem the flood of black water that was entering. She was trapped and the water was rising. The orange pony took a deep breath while the room flooded with water and once the rushing water stopped she immediately swam for the surface since the hotel wasn't that deep in the water... But it was deep enough. Her lungs burned from lack of oxygen as she neared the surface and when her hoof was about to breach the water she felt something clamp down on her tail. Apple Jack looked down to find a glassy eyed sea pony holding her back she began sinking back below though her Apple Family nature kicked in, she narrowed her eyes and delivered a swift apple buck at it's face, throwing it off her... Apple Jack finally reached the surface and took a deep breath of air, wading toward the shore. ...She felt sick. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however! CHAPTER FOUR - Blood in the WaterTwilight was sitting at the hatch staring out at the water and just listening to the sad tones of Choral and Choc mint, Twilight hadn't seen any of her friends in a while and was worrying about them. There wasn't even a spell she could cast here that would help with the tragedy that had happened. Somewhere inside she wished she was back at home drinking hot chocolate with Spike like she was planning. That would be nice. Twilight looked down again and saw something moving in the water. “What's that?” She whispered, using her horn to illuminate below as best she could only to see that swimming below her was the white sea pony who had shut the hatch before, Twilight's expression turned into a grin. “There's a sea pony down there!” She called out and in nearly in an instant was Choral and Chocmint at Twilight Sparkle's side. “My friends? They're down there?~” The mare sea pony asked with some delight in her sing-song voice. The stallion immediately went to open the hatch and the White Sea pony swam up toward them. “Something's wrong with her eyes..” Muttered the icecream stallion who bent over and looked down at the water. Choral however didn't seem to hear his words before shouting. “Rhapsody! You're alright?! I was so worried!~” Twilight however furrowed her brows also noticing the strange gaze and spoke. “Wait a second there is something wrong!” Two hooves reached out of the murky black and suddenly grabbed a hold of the pink and orange sea pony's head, suddenly slamming the side of her skull against the metal edge of the hatch. Choral screamed, letting out a haunting crying noise as her head burst open. “Stop her!” Chocmint suddenly yelled, raising his hoofs and striking them against the arms that clutched choral. The sea pony let go and left Choral hanging loosely half way through the hatch. It's expression going from blank to a malicious grin. “What's gotten into her?! She was trying to protect us before!” Twilight sparkle asked perplexed. She however didn't have long to think on this subject when the sea pony's hoof slammed against the hatch close button. “NO!” They both yelled as blood splattered across their faces, Choral's head was brutally severed from her body by the hatch. A hatch that was designed to push back water pressure and thus struck through flesh like it was butter. Choral didn't scream, she was unconscious.. Perhaps that made her lucky. The white seapony swam forward and took the head in her arms, cherishing it was if it were a child. The black water stained red as it freely drained from the skull .Chocmint sat in silence, holding the bleeding severed body of Choral in his arms, her spine was drooling loosely from her neck but he didn't care in his grief. “The sea ponies were our friends... ...Why did they do this?” He asked half to tears. “Why did they do this to their own kind?!” Twilight tried to think through the tears that were welling in her eyes. She couldn't think. This was worse than Tirek stealing pony's magic, this was worse than Chrysalis sapping the love from her friends. This was MURDER and she couldn't fathom why. “I was just here to solve a friendship problem. That is the least of our troubles... Did the map not see it?” She whispered. Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath and flipped the lock on the hatch so it couldn't be opened. “I need to find my friends and we need to find out more about the black water.” She pushed back her tears with resolve. It was on. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however! CHAPTER FIVE - Unlikely HeroesRarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash kept together, they were frightened by what they saw and believed that if they suck together then no pony would get hurt. “Think we can contact the Princesses about what happened?” Fluttershy asked nervously. “Don't worry, whatever it is we can handle it!” Announced Rainbow Dash with gusto. “We should at least talk to some of the hotel staff and tell them what we saw!” Said Pinkie Pie, she was trying to regain some of her cheerful behavior despite the state in which that sea pony was.. “Right!” Answered Rainbow Dash. “We saw some in the hall around here before the tidal wave. I am sure they're somewhere nearby.” The four rounded the corner into the hall, not seeing the ponies from before. “They went this way!” Pinkie stated enthusiastically. “We should make sure they're alright after such a violent shake regardless.” Spoke Rarity while fixing her hat. They wandered the carpeted halls, this side of the building looked less like a military base and more like a hotel. There was chandeliers and paintings hung up on the walls, but there was also pools of water scattered along the floor. “It's awfully wet around here, there might be a leak.” Fluttershy mentioned to the others before banging strait into Pinkie Pie's flank from the group's sudden halt. “...” Fluttershy rose her head and stared at what the other three were looking at. Sea ponies, three of them standing over the bodies of the hotel staff members that Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie saw complaining earlier. Their bodies were ripped open and their skin was scattered across the red carpeting. Despite the fact the sea ponies had herbivorous teeth, they were digging their maws deep into the flesh of of the corpses, ripping away at flesh and muscle while spitting out bone. The mouths were coated in a ring of blood as they grazed on the corpses of those they had murdered. It was Fluttershy that gave them away, a sudden blood curdling scream in response to the mess that she saw before her. Seeing a stallion's intestines was far too much for a pony that couldn't even stand Nightmare Night. One of the sea pony's raised it's head, dropping a piece of kidney out of it's mouth and staring it's glazed eyes over at Fluttershy. Before she could even react she found herself grabbed off the ground by Rainbow Dash. “RUN!” She yelled but Rarity and Pinkie Pie already were on the right track. Their escape was however very short lived before as two more sea ponies galloped up in front of them, the one with the rainbow scales and the pale blue mare. The four ponies stopped in their tracks and stared at the two before hearing the words from the rainbow colt. “Run, we'll deal with our own kind.” He stated with an element of anger in his voice before nodding at the female beside him. Surprised, the four ran past the two sea ponies smiling in appreciation. “What happened to you?” asked the blue mare. \ Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however! CHAPTER SEVEN - Hotel is ClosedThe two sea ponies fought their corrupted friends, trying to buy some time or stop their terrifying rampage. Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity and Rainbow Dash ran toward the hatch room. Perhaps if they found Apple Jack and Twilight they'd be able to use rainbow power to stop this menace. “Twilight's a Princess, she can fix it.” Cried Pinkie. CRACK! Blood splattered everywhere out of the rainbow scaled pony's body. He was hanging there with a dead pan expression as his vision faded. One of the corrupted ponies had used it's teeth to rip his spine right out of his back. As blood splashed over the Pale Blue sea pony's form she suddenly screamed. “QUAVER NO!” Her screams of distressed were cut out as she was grabbed and thrown against the ground, a hoof pressing hard against her throat. Gurgling noises filled the hall as the four ran though they dared not to make their death's in vain. They had to find Twilight! The mare's body was broken, hooves slamming down against bones in the efforts to break open the pony. All three of them took them up in their mouths, still bleeding and half covered in flesh. The sea pony coughed up blood, still alive despite the violent acts upon her. All she could do was cry at the agony that her body was in. “All my friends..” She wept, her voice being silenced by a bone being inserted straight into her mouth and out the back of her neck. Splurk. Twilight Sparkle walked the halls thinking. 'I wonder where Apple Jack is, she should have found them by now. I hope she's alright.' “TWILIGHT!” Was screamed in the high pitched voice that only Pinkie Pie would wield. “Pinkie?! Fluttershy! Rarity! Rainbow!” She responded in delight while whirring around to see her friends. “You're okay!” “We thought you'd died too!” Cried Fluttershy, hugging her and weeping. “...More people have died?” Twilight grimaced. “Where's Apple Jack?” “She's not with you?” Asked Rarity, her hair was frazzled unusual for her to say the least and Fluttershy wouldn't let go of Twilight as she was still weeping. Twilight stepped back, rubbing the back of her mane as she stopped. “We need to gather everyone up and get them out of here. It's not safe any more. Sea ponies can't stay on land very long.” Twilight took one more deep breath. “I am going to go get ChocMint, the rest of you head to the elevator.” “NOT A CHANCE!” Shouted Rainbow Dash. “I wouldn't be the element of loyalty if I didn't come with you." “Alright Rainbow. You can come with me.” Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie all looked at each other with concerned but headed toward the elevator. Chocmint was sitting on the ground crying still, his friends were dead and his hotel was in ruins. There wasn't much he was living for. He stared down at the barred hatch, the corrupted Rhapsody staring back at him. “She loved you you know. More than I loved her... And you KILLED HER.” He growled. “I should kill you, I want to kill you.” He whispered before he felt a purple hoof on his shoulder. “She wouldn't have wanted that. Choral cared about her and she cares about you to much to let you become a monster.” Twilight spoke to him. “It's time to go.” Rainbow Dash flapped her wings and stared at him. ”Besides, you'd drown in a second.” Chocmint got up and nodded at the two. “You're right. It's time to go.” As they left the room a powerful force pounded the hatch. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however! CHAPTER EIGHT - Elevated“So there's a princess.” “Here's the elevator.” Fluttershy said in a gentle voice as she hopped inside gracefully. Pinkie Pie bounced inside while Rarity gracefully walked in. “Perhaps we should wait for Twilight...” Fluttershy muttered quietly. “She told us to go ahead. We'll send the elevator back down for her and Rainbow.” She said as she pulled the level. The elevator creaked unnervingly as it started. “Stuff must have moved around during the tidal wave” Fluttershy murmured as the elevator brought them up toward the surface. As the ponies neared the top there was a sudden 'thud' on the roof without any prior warning as if something large had dropped down on top of the elevator. “What was that?” Asked Rarity, looking up. “I hope it's just a cute turtle..” Fluttershy piped up. Pinkie Pie thought for a moment before opening the hatch and climbing up top. The silence was penetrating, especially since Pinkie Pie was the noisiest pony she knew. Rarity waited a good two minutes before asking.. “Pinkie darling, are you alright?” Down through the hatch something large and pink was dropped in front of Rarity, Fluttershy worked out what it was within seconds as she let out a horrified scream. The purple haired pony's eyes widened she realized what it was, the decapitated head of Pinkie Pie. “PINKIE!!” She was stunned in horror. “She didn't even scream!” Rarity covered her mouth in horror and disgust as Fluttershy started hyperventilating. When the elevator started shaking did they only start to realize the nature of the danger that they were actually in, it was difficult to process in their grief however. “No! STOP!” She screamed in tears as the elevator cord dropped, sending it to plummet. Twilight, Rainbow and Chocmint approached the hall to the elevator, it was dark and the Princess was alerted to every movement around her. “I think we're being followed.” Whispered the stallion with a nerved expression upon his features. “You're right.” Twilight responded, turning around. “I'll hold them off, Rainbow get him to the elevator.” Rainbow looked dubious about this plan and then nodded. “I'll be back for you Twilight.” Twilight snapped back. “No. If I don't make it back to you it means there's no me left to come back.” Rainbow reluctantly nodded and galloped toward the elevator with Chocmint. The elevator fell, falling stories down toward the ground. “You have to forgive me for what I do.” Rarity shouted at Fluttershy. “Wait what are you going to do?!” Fluttershy responded, but before she got the words out she found unicorn magic teleporting her safely outside the elevator in the path of Rainbow Dash and Chocmint. “RARITY NO!” She screamed as the metal box crashed against the ground, crushing the white unicorn under it's weight. "RARITY!” Fluttershy couldn't contain it any more. All she could do was cry. Blood oozed out from under the metal and Rainbow Dash and Chocmint stood there in horror. Fluttershy hadn't just witnessed the death of her friend, but the death of her best friend and it ripped apart at her very heart. Her hooves tore at the metal desperately as she tried to pull Rarity out but the petite pony's strength couldn't compare and she broke down on top of the bloody metal mess. “How... COULD THEY!” She screamed as anger boiled up within her. There was nothing but sobbing for their two dead friends for a good five minutes. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however! CHAPTER NINE - FinalTwilight Sparkle confronted the four Sea Ponies, Rhapsody standing right in front of her with a twisted grin that wasn't her own. “I don't know why you did this, but you can be sure I'll stop you.” Twilight growled fueled by anger. “Even if you kill me.” At that statement the corrupted sea ponies burst into a fit of laughter. “Oh. We aren't going to kill you.” “Then what?” Retorted the Alicorn. “We are going to make you like us.” Twilight Sparkle growled shooting a blast of magic at one of the creatures, throwing it back against a wall. The other three galloped at her, they charged her down and threw her against the ground pinning her down, struggling against their weight. The Princess summoned her magic to teleport herself out of their grasp and galloped toward the hatch room in an effort to draw them away from her friends. Her eyes widened and she fell to a halt to find the hatch blown wide open an four more sea ponies blocking her path. 'How are they so strong?' She wondered. The seaponies suddenly ran her down, each one corralling her toward the water, each spell she cast was interrupted by relentless attacks or accounted for as each of them operated almost like they had a hive mind. If her friends were with her she'd have more hope perhaps... But it wasn't long until she fell into the water where the sea ponies had their advantage. Twilight swam for the surface, she had conjured a bubble with her magic to give her air, but there wasn't much. Each of the ponies started grabbing hold of her, suffocating her ability to get to the surface of the ocean. She teleported up and was dragged down again, she teleported up and was dragged down again. Eventually she was exhausted from the drain of her magic and as she sank she saw the sunlight sinking away into a coat of inky black ocean. Rainbowdash placed her hoof on Fluttershy's back, attempting to console her. “I know it's not the time Fluttershy but we need to go” Rainbowdash spoke to her friend. “Rarity saved you, you can't waste that.” Fluttershy turned her tearful face to the blue pony and nodded while letting out a sob while she nodded to her friend. “Alright Chocmint time for a ride!” The stallion looked like he didn't want to get involved but before he could complain he was lifted up the elevator shaft by both Rainbowdash and the sobbing Fluttershy. As the elevated there was no talking, no speeches of thinking on the bright side. Nothing. That silence didn't last long however as a rustling sound above them broke them out of a trance. The Sea Pony that had killed Pinkie pie and Rarity leered in the shaft just above them with a broken bone for a weapon. “How are we going to get past that?!” Yelled Chocmint in horror, not desiring to be dropped when it came to blows. They hovered there in worry before suddenly two orange hooves bucked the creature straight in the face, crushing it's skull against the wall behind the elevator shaft. “COME ON EVERY PONY! Let's get you outta there!” A familiar voice announced. “APPLE JACK!” All three shouted in relief, their friend was alive. After explaining everything that had happened between each other, the group wandered down the beach. “I enlisted a few of our friends to help us with this problem.. if we're lucky Twilight can be still saved yet.” Applejack stated gesturing to the three princesses and their royal royal guards. Somewhere in the dark Twilight was alone and frightened. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however! CHAPTER TWO - Call upon the sea poniesAfter the elevator finished it's trip down there was a hall, a long one.. Empty and windowless. The ponies wandered it for a long time before Pinkie Pie decided now was the time to get to know her new friend. “So. Why did you stick a hotel so hard to get to!?” She asked while bouncing spryly around the stallion. “It's a special hotel. It's not just for ponies.” He told her with a smile. “Why did you come all the way up to call for us?!” She immediately followed with her new question as she barely noticed they were finally approached the end of the hall. “My friends said there were some ponies on the beach.” He replied as he pushed open the door. “Who are your friend-” Pinkie stopped and her jaw dropped as the door was opened and for good reasons. In front of them was a pink and orange pony on four legs, it fins up it's front and hind quarters, a luscious mane and scales running down it's back toward a dolphin like tail. “Hello there~” It spoke to them. “It's a sea pony!” Squeaked Fluttershy with happiness before shrinking under he mane slightly at her sudden burst of joy. Twilight however looked concerned as she felt something was wrong, she used her magic to lift a book out of her bag and open it. “My book described sea ponies nothing like that. They didn't have legs in the pictures!” She shows her book, it showed a picture of a sea pony. The picture had no legs and a coiled tale and certainly no luscious mane. “It's been ten thousand years, of course they've changed” Answered Choc Mint. Twilight Sparkle didn't seem convinced, no other species she knew of have ever changed so swiftly. The sea pony smiled sweetly at the six ponies who had arrived before trotting over to Choc Mint. “We have to get the others out soon, the tidal wave will be here any moment and we can't spare any time!” She told him. “Ah of course.” He responded before looking over at Twilight first before at each pony respectively. “Please excuse me. I have to let the other Sea Ponies in before the tidal wave hits as it's really not safe in the water for them. Feel free to take a look around though.” As the two ponies left, the six remaining looked at each other. “Well girls, we may as well take a look around as he said. We don't know how long we'll be stuck down here. After all we still haven't found any kind of friendship problem.” Twilight spoke to the group. “Let's split up and see what's wrong around here.” The ponies split up into three groups. Rarity with Fluttershy, Twilight with Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash with Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash flew along the cramped halls with a grumpy expression on her face. “I hate that we aren't somewhere where we can't fly!” She complained to Pinkie who was bouncing along the halls with glee. “Don't worry Rainbow Dash, this is a super duper adventure. Aren't you excit-” Suddenly a blue hoof was stuffed in Pinkie's mouth to make he be quiet as they hid around a corner. Pinkie could hear now that there was arguing around the corner. “I can't believe we're letting those things inside the hotel!” A mare's voice spouted. “We don't know anything about them!” “Chocmint seems to like them so we'll have to cope with them inside for now. Don't worry, once the storm is over they'll be out of here. Just don't start any fights!” Spoke a stallion. Pinkie rubbed her chin suspiciously as the two ponies went further down the hall. “I think we've found our friendship problem.” Whispered Rainbow to Pinkie Pie. “We need to stop them from fighting.” Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie sneaked off to do some more reconnaissance. Fluttershy was wandering the stale halls mystified when she saw it, glass windows looking out into the open ocean. She stared out into the water as a seapony with glittering rainbow scales darted past the window, waving a hoof at her only for the mare to wave a hoof back at him. “Oh how marvelous!” Rarity stated. “Imagine the gowns I could make inspired by such beautiful ocean colours?!” Fluttershy and Rarity laughed happily as they watched the beautiful scene through the window. The scene however ended quickly, the sea pony swam off in a panic as the water started to go from a pale shimmering blue to a dark murk filled black. "Poor thing, I bet that algae is just horrible for him." Fluttershy sighed. "And tidal waves even worse!" Twilight and Applejack went the opposite way to the other four ponies, only to find Chocmint and the Mare Sea Pony again, they had an open hatch into the water in which they were pulling a pale blue sea pony mare through, trying to get her inside before the Black Tide sets in. "Hurry, there's not much time left, the water is going dark faster than I thought~" The sea pony mare sang. “Need some help?” Asked Applejack, not making any effort to hide her presence. “I'd appreciate that~” Spoke the Sea Pony as she hefted one of her brethren inside. “I am Choral by the way.' “A pleasure to meet you Choral.” Spoke Twilight as she used her magic to levitate the Rainbow Coloured sea pony Stallion inside. Chocchip looked at the ponies that had been lifted in before pointing a hoof down one of the many halls. ”There is a pool full of water down the hall for you if you feel dehydrated.” The two ponies trotted in that direction eagerly. Suddenly a pure white sea pony mare stuck her head through the hatch. “It's early! You need to shut the hatch!” “No I can't leave you all down there~” Sang Choral with an air of panic but it was too late, the white sea pony had already pressed the hatch button to close it. It was seconds before a pounding rumble filled the complex and the lights went out. “NO!~” Being screamed was the only thing else Applejack and Twilight could hear over the thunderous noise. The hotel shook and objects fell around knocking ponies unconscious, there was nothing but overwhelming fear but not a single scream was heard over the horrifying sounds. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however! CHAPTER SIX - Forgotten DepthsThe Prison has been breeched. Rhapsody pressed her hoof against the hatch button and watched it close between her and who she truly cared for. She felt it coming, approaching and then it struck. A massive tidal wave that collided with her very being. In her heart she knew she was going to die, but she didn’t' expect what was going to happen. She felt herself falling, deeper and deeper into the ocean. She had not gone this deep before... It seemed deeper that the ocean she knew and there was no light. “Finally a vessel” The words echoed in her head. “Hello little ponies. I hope you don't mind if I use you.” Rhapsody looked up, she wasn't in the ocean any more... there was no sun and no light and there was something huge over her, dark and monstrous. “A shame the breach is not big enough.” Wait? Ponies? She suddenly realized she wasn't the only one who had fallen down here. HER FRIENDS WERE HERE! “No... Don't please..” She begged though the sound of her voice didn't seem to penetrate the lifeless place. There was only one place she had heard of that was this dark and this foul, the tidal wave had breached Tartarus. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however!
PROLOGUEIt was a gently sprinkling day and Twilight Sparkle was snuggled up in blankets and reading quietly in the library of her castle, she was deep in a book of mythological races that once inhabited Equestria and was completely engrossed in the text that scattered each page. She barely noticed Spike scoot up next to her and gently nudge her. “Hey Twilight, want me to make you some hot chocolate?” He asked cheerfully while holding the comic book he had been reading in the corner. “Hmm?” Questioned Twilight as she sat up to look at the baby dragon. “Oh I'd love some Spike. Thank you!” Spike smiled and walked into the main hall towards the kitchens and he was barely gone a moment before the warm feeling room suddenly felt cold and empty. 'Perhaps I should stick some carpet in here' Twilight thought to herself before she was suddenly startled by a buzzing on her flank. “THE CUTIE MAP!” She gasped pulling herself into a stand, tumbling over the pile of blankets she had set up as she scrambled into the main hall Just as Twilight was about to reach the map room, the doors open and Rainbow Dash burst in. “Hey Twilight! I got the call!” She told her friend as they sat down in their respective chairs and looked at the map. “All of us did Rainbow, look!” She pointed a hoof at the map showing all the mane six's cutiemaps hovering over the ocean south of Baltimare. Rainbow Dash thought about this and looked looked at the map for a moment before speaking. “What? Are we breaking up a beach party that got too rough?” She asked sarcastically. They looked down the hall to hear the clatter of hooves as Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy ran into the map room also. “I was at a superific party! I hope we can get back in time!” Said Pinkie Pie as her and Applejack took their seats. “Yeah and I hate to leave Apple Bloom taking care of Winona unsupervised” Stated Applejack. Fluttershy merely crept into a seat without a word and set herself straight into her chair. “Any of you see Rarity?” Asked Twilight looking about the table to the faces of her friends. “I'm heeeerree” A ringing voice was heard as Rarity trotted in, she clearly had been called in the middle of a spa treatment as he hooves were glowingly polished. She also carried a well packed bag for the trip. “I am so sorry for being late.” Rarity finally sat softly in her chair and Twilight finally spoke. “We've all been summoned to head to Baltimare, it's a long trip so make sure you're all ready.” Rarity immediately put on a summer hat that was clearly a gem studded jewel of work from one of her shops. “Oh I am so excited to go to the Beach. It's been SOOOO dreary here.” “I AM READY!” Shouted Rainbow Dash with gusto as usual. “Um... …. guys.” Was whispered from the yellow pony who had yet to talk. “Uh... What's with the black parts on the map?” She pointed far off on the ocean where there were inky black spots and Twilight glanced down to look. “That's black algae from the dragon waters to the South East, it normally doesn't come up so far but it shouldn't be a problem while we're there. Come on girls we have two trains to catch!” The ponies got up and charged toward the exit of the castle just as poor Spike emerged from the kitchens carrying two mugs of creamy hot chocolate. “... All the more for me.” He sighed as he took a big gulp. Spike took one glance at the Cutiemap when he saw the inky black parts swirl closer to Baltimare. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however!
CHAPTER ONE - Strange TidesThe ponies were tired after such a long ride on the train to Baltimare, they stumbled off the train quietly while dragging their bags behind. Just after the Fluttershy, the last pony on board got off the locomotive a sudden wave of ponies charged into the train, fighting for space inside as if their very lives depended on it. “What the?!” Yelled Rainbow Dash as a tiny colt squished his way in through the gaps in ponies' legs just for some space on the train. Pinkie Pie sat up and waved at all the ponies through the windows as the train was taking off but a stallion just shook his head solemnly at her. “Well that wasn't very friendly!” She stated to her friends but they all looked worried. Apple Jack turned around and looked out in the distance. “I don't know about Yall but I think I see what they're afraid of.” The other ponies turned around and the ocean was black and swelling dangerously about, giant waves splashing the coast. “Let's find out what this friendship problem is so that we can get out of here before that disgusting water ruins my hat!” Rarity didn't always have her priorities in order but she had a point, they did need to find what the friendship problem was before things started to get dangerous for them. The group galloped down to Horseshoe Bay where the friendship problem was supposedly at, only to find that the bay was the only part of the ocean that had yet to be touched by the inky black waters. “This is more like it!” Said Pinkie with cheer. The bay however was completely empty of ponies, the winds of the cool day gently blowing the sand about. “Where is everyone? Where are the animals?” Questioned Fluttershy who couldn't hear a single bird on the wind. Twilight was about to open her mouth to speak when she heard a voice yelling on the wind. She turned her head to see a stallion just on the coast waving a hoof and calling them over while standing in front of a small white building that was right beside the water. "Girls you can't be out here!" He yelled and the group approached him slowly. “What's going on out here?” Asked Twilight immediately to the stallion as she reached within a normal conversation distance. “I'll tell you when we're inside, it's too dangerous on the beach!” The stallion seemed trustworthy enough, he was quite tall with a mint green coat. His hair was white with streaks of brown in it. On his rump was a cutiemark of an icecream. The group seemed slightly wary of the invite but still stepped inside only to see a small elevator in front of them as the stallion shut the door, locking it. “Just in time! The tidal wave is due within the next hour and it's meant to hit this bay hard!” “What is this place? I've never seen anything like it!” Said Applejack as she inspected the elevator that was before him. “And what do you mean tidal wave? Cloudsdale wouldn't release tidal waves in Equestria!” “This tidal wave wasn't caused by the pegasi, the tidal wave is caused by a great battle to the south east between the mightiest of dragons. Their breaths tainted the water and their wings billowed it toward Equestria. This usually doesn't happen for thousands of years at a time due to how long dragons sleep.. but something woke them up.” Stated the stallion before stating. “Oh how rude of me, I'm Choc Mint, the owner of this hotel!” “HOTEL?!” Questioned all six of the ponies at once. “Yes. Welcome to 'The Sea Pony Hotel'. Well it will be once I open it next week” Chocmint announced politely. “Ooooh.” Squeaked Fluttershy suddenly. “Do you have real sea ponies here?” She asked before being interrupted by Twilight. “Don't be silly Fluttershy, sea ponies are either a myth or extinct and haven't been seen for ten thousand years or more.” Chocmint chuckled at their banter before gesturing to the elevator and stepping inside. 'Come on girls, it'll be safer down below.” Once all the ponies had boarded started it's journey below the water. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however!
CHAPTER THREE - Surface TensionThe lights slowly flickered on. Everything was silent bar a rushing of water outside the building and the sobbing of Choral. Twilight and Apple Jack slowly got up and looked through the glass window in the hatch with the small hopes that there was a sign of the sea ponies who didn't get inside. “I am sorry Twilight I just don't see em.” Spoke Apple Jack somberly while holding her hat against her chest in mourning.Both ponies were silent between the wailing cries of the Seapony present, the lamenting song of the other ponies inside could almost be heard across the entire hotel. It was minutes before Chocmint regained his consciousness and stood up slowly... He approached Choral and wrapped a hoof around her protectively. “I am sure they found cover, we'll go out and look once the water clears.” He spoke with nothing but reassurance. Apple Jack spoke with twilight before getting up and heading down the halls to look for the others. Across the building Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were regaining their senses. “We need to find every pony!' Yelled Rainbow dash while helping her pink friend up. “That wave was huge!” Pinkie wasn't in her pinkerific mood though, she knew something was wrong due to her pinkie senses and they were going off like crazy. The two ponies charged down the halls, swerving corners until they saw Fluttershy sitting at the window still. Rarity was lying on the ground unconscious and tears were felling from the yellow pony's eyes. “F-...Fluttershy?” Questioned Pinkie who couldn't fathom why her friend wasn't looking after Rarity. A sobbing squeaking noise poured out of Fluttershy's mouth as she couldn't find the words to speak in response. “What is it Fluttershy?!” Resounded Rainbow before her eyes drifted to look outside the window at the black murk. She slunk forward towards the pane before suddenly a glassy eyed face of a sea pony slammed against the window staring at them. She screamed in somewhat horror in response. “The sea ponies are still out there?!” “There's something w-wrong..” Squeaked Pinkie while she gently took Fluttershy away from the window. The sea pony just stared at them through the murk until the black swallowed it and it faded from sight. “We need to find T-twilight!” Being alone seemed almost frightening in such a strange hotel though Apple Jack took deep breaths to hide her nerves. The honest pony stopped when she heard an eery tune filling the hall she was in though no pony was in sight. “Well that is weird.” Spoke Apple Jack, trotting a little faster at the tune, turning the corner into a hall that was just entirely windows. Apple Jack was nervous at first, though when she thought about it deeply she realized that if the windows weren't reinforced they would have cracked under the wave. As she took a step onto the glass floor she felt a sudden wave of fear similar to the time she first went into the Everfree forest, in fact the trees of seaweed and the dark waters made it look a lot like the Everfree forest. The thin hall made another wave of fear over take her as she slowly took another step inside. “Apple Jack keep a hold of yourself..” She whispered. Without warning there was a bang against the glass wall above her, she fell to the ground hard and her hat slipped over her eyes. “Land sakes!” She pushed her hat up and looked above, only to see murky black and flowing strands of seaweed above. “Strange..” Apple Jack got up and started running down the hall as her fear got ahead of her when suddenly there was another bang above her followed by a crashing noise. Apple Jack started to panic and the doors at either end of the hall were closing to stem the flood of black water that was entering. She was trapped and the water was rising. The orange pony took a deep breath while the room flooded with water and once the rushing water stopped she immediately swam for the surface since the hotel wasn't that deep in the water... But it was deep enough. Her lungs burned from lack of oxygen as she neared the surface and when her hoof was about to breach the water she felt something clamp down on her tail. Apple Jack looked down to find a glassy eyed sea pony holding her back she began sinking back below though her Apple Family nature kicked in, she narrowed her eyes and delivered a swift apple buck at it's face, throwing it off her... Apple Jack finally reached the surface and took a deep breath of air, wading toward the shore. ...She felt sick. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however!
CHAPTER FOUR - Blood in the WaterTwilight was sitting at the hatch staring out at the water and just listening to the sad tones of Choral and Choc mint, Twilight hadn't seen any of her friends in a while and was worrying about them. There wasn't even a spell she could cast here that would help with the tragedy that had happened. Somewhere inside she wished she was back at home drinking hot chocolate with Spike like she was planning. That would be nice. Twilight looked down again and saw something moving in the water. “What's that?” She whispered, using her horn to illuminate below as best she could only to see that swimming below her was the white sea pony who had shut the hatch before, Twilight's expression turned into a grin. “There's a sea pony down there!” She called out and in nearly in an instant was Choral and Chocmint at Twilight Sparkle's side. “My friends? They're down there?~” The mare sea pony asked with some delight in her sing-song voice. The stallion immediately went to open the hatch and the White Sea pony swam up toward them. “Something's wrong with her eyes..” Muttered the icecream stallion who bent over and looked down at the water. Choral however didn't seem to hear his words before shouting. “Rhapsody! You're alright?! I was so worried!~” Twilight however furrowed her brows also noticing the strange gaze and spoke. “Wait a second there is something wrong!” Two hooves reached out of the murky black and suddenly grabbed a hold of the pink and orange sea pony's head, suddenly slamming the side of her skull against the metal edge of the hatch. Choral screamed, letting out a haunting crying noise as her head burst open. “Stop her!” Chocmint suddenly yelled, raising his hoofs and striking them against the arms that clutched choral. The sea pony let go and left Choral hanging loosely half way through the hatch. It's expression going from blank to a malicious grin. “What's gotten into her?! She was trying to protect us before!” Twilight sparkle asked perplexed. She however didn't have long to think on this subject when the sea pony's hoof slammed against the hatch close button. “NO!” They both yelled as blood splattered across their faces, Choral's head was brutally severed from her body by the hatch. A hatch that was designed to push back water pressure and thus struck through flesh like it was butter. Choral didn't scream, she was unconscious.. Perhaps that made her lucky. The white seapony swam forward and took the head in her arms, cherishing it was if it were a child. The black water stained red as it freely drained from the skull .Chocmint sat in silence, holding the bleeding severed body of Choral in his arms, her spine was drooling loosely from her neck but he didn't care in his grief. “The sea ponies were our friends... ...Why did they do this?” He asked half to tears. “Why did they do this to their own kind?!” Twilight tried to think through the tears that were welling in her eyes. She couldn't think. This was worse than Tirek stealing pony's magic, this was worse than Chrysalis sapping the love from her friends. This was MURDER and she couldn't fathom why. “I was just here to solve a friendship problem. That is the least of our troubles... Did the map not see it?” She whispered. Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath and flipped the lock on the hatch so it couldn't be opened. “I need to find my friends and we need to find out more about the black water.” She pushed back her tears with resolve. It was on. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however!
CHAPTER FIVE - Unlikely HeroesRarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash kept together, they were frightened by what they saw and believed that if they suck together then no pony would get hurt. “Think we can contact the Princesses about what happened?” Fluttershy asked nervously. “Don't worry, whatever it is we can handle it!” Announced Rainbow Dash with gusto. “We should at least talk to some of the hotel staff and tell them what we saw!” Said Pinkie Pie, she was trying to regain some of her cheerful behavior despite the state in which that sea pony was.. “Right!” Answered Rainbow Dash. “We saw some in the hall around here before the tidal wave. I am sure they're somewhere nearby.” The four rounded the corner into the hall, not seeing the ponies from before. “They went this way!” Pinkie stated enthusiastically. “We should make sure they're alright after such a violent shake regardless.” Spoke Rarity while fixing her hat. They wandered the carpeted halls, this side of the building looked less like a military base and more like a hotel. There was chandeliers and paintings hung up on the walls, but there was also pools of water scattered along the floor. “It's awfully wet around here, there might be a leak.” Fluttershy mentioned to the others before banging strait into Pinkie Pie's flank from the group's sudden halt. “...” Fluttershy rose her head and stared at what the other three were looking at. Sea ponies, three of them standing over the bodies of the hotel staff members that Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie saw complaining earlier. Their bodies were ripped open and their skin was scattered across the red carpeting. Despite the fact the sea ponies had herbivorous teeth, they were digging their maws deep into the flesh of of the corpses, ripping away at flesh and muscle while spitting out bone. The mouths were coated in a ring of blood as they grazed on the corpses of those they had murdered. It was Fluttershy that gave them away, a sudden blood curdling scream in response to the mess that she saw before her. Seeing a stallion's intestines was far too much for a pony that couldn't even stand Nightmare Night. One of the sea pony's raised it's head, dropping a piece of kidney out of it's mouth and staring it's glazed eyes over at Fluttershy. Before she could even react she found herself grabbed off the ground by Rainbow Dash. “RUN!” She yelled but Rarity and Pinkie Pie already were on the right track. Their escape was however very short lived before as two more sea ponies galloped up in front of them, the one with the rainbow scales and the pale blue mare. The four ponies stopped in their tracks and stared at the two before hearing the words from the rainbow colt. “Run, we'll deal with our own kind.” He stated with an element of anger in his voice before nodding at the female beside him. Surprised, the four ran past the two sea ponies smiling in appreciation. “What happened to you?” asked the blue mare. \ Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however!
CHAPTER SEVEN - Hotel is ClosedThe two sea ponies fought their corrupted friends, trying to buy some time or stop their terrifying rampage. Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity and Rainbow Dash ran toward the hatch room. Perhaps if they found Apple Jack and Twilight they'd be able to use rainbow power to stop this menace. “Twilight's a Princess, she can fix it.” Cried Pinkie. CRACK! Blood splattered everywhere out of the rainbow scaled pony's body. He was hanging there with a dead pan expression as his vision faded. One of the corrupted ponies had used it's teeth to rip his spine right out of his back. As blood splashed over the Pale Blue sea pony's form she suddenly screamed. “QUAVER NO!” Her screams of distressed were cut out as she was grabbed and thrown against the ground, a hoof pressing hard against her throat. Gurgling noises filled the hall as the four ran though they dared not to make their death's in vain. They had to find Twilight! The mare's body was broken, hooves slamming down against bones in the efforts to break open the pony. All three of them took them up in their mouths, still bleeding and half covered in flesh. The sea pony coughed up blood, still alive despite the violent acts upon her. All she could do was cry at the agony that her body was in. “All my friends..” She wept, her voice being silenced by a bone being inserted straight into her mouth and out the back of her neck. Splurk. Twilight Sparkle walked the halls thinking. 'I wonder where Apple Jack is, she should have found them by now. I hope she's alright.' “TWILIGHT!” Was screamed in the high pitched voice that only Pinkie Pie would wield. “Pinkie?! Fluttershy! Rarity! Rainbow!” She responded in delight while whirring around to see her friends. “You're okay!” “We thought you'd died too!” Cried Fluttershy, hugging her and weeping. “...More people have died?” Twilight grimaced. “Where's Apple Jack?” “She's not with you?” Asked Rarity, her hair was frazzled unusual for her to say the least and Fluttershy wouldn't let go of Twilight as she was still weeping. Twilight stepped back, rubbing the back of her mane as she stopped. “We need to gather everyone up and get them out of here. It's not safe any more. Sea ponies can't stay on land very long.” Twilight took one more deep breath. “I am going to go get ChocMint, the rest of you head to the elevator.” “NOT A CHANCE!” Shouted Rainbow Dash. “I wouldn't be the element of loyalty if I didn't come with you." “Alright Rainbow. You can come with me.” Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie all looked at each other with concerned but headed toward the elevator. Chocmint was sitting on the ground crying still, his friends were dead and his hotel was in ruins. There wasn't much he was living for. He stared down at the barred hatch, the corrupted Rhapsody staring back at him. “She loved you you know. More than I loved her... And you KILLED HER.” He growled. “I should kill you, I want to kill you.” He whispered before he felt a purple hoof on his shoulder. “She wouldn't have wanted that. Choral cared about her and she cares about you to much to let you become a monster.” Twilight spoke to him. “It's time to go.” Rainbow Dash flapped her wings and stared at him. ”Besides, you'd drown in a second.” Chocmint got up and nodded at the two. “You're right. It's time to go.” As they left the room a powerful force pounded the hatch. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however!
CHAPTER EIGHT - Elevated“So there's a princess.” “Here's the elevator.” Fluttershy said in a gentle voice as she hopped inside gracefully. Pinkie Pie bounced inside while Rarity gracefully walked in. “Perhaps we should wait for Twilight...” Fluttershy muttered quietly. “She told us to go ahead. We'll send the elevator back down for her and Rainbow.” She said as she pulled the level. The elevator creaked unnervingly as it started. “Stuff must have moved around during the tidal wave” Fluttershy murmured as the elevator brought them up toward the surface. As the ponies neared the top there was a sudden 'thud' on the roof without any prior warning as if something large had dropped down on top of the elevator. “What was that?” Asked Rarity, looking up. “I hope it's just a cute turtle..” Fluttershy piped up. Pinkie Pie thought for a moment before opening the hatch and climbing up top. The silence was penetrating, especially since Pinkie Pie was the noisiest pony she knew. Rarity waited a good two minutes before asking.. “Pinkie darling, are you alright?” Down through the hatch something large and pink was dropped in front of Rarity, Fluttershy worked out what it was within seconds as she let out a horrified scream. The purple haired pony's eyes widened she realized what it was, the decapitated head of Pinkie Pie. “PINKIE!!” She was stunned in horror. “She didn't even scream!” Rarity covered her mouth in horror and disgust as Fluttershy started hyperventilating. When the elevator started shaking did they only start to realize the nature of the danger that they were actually in, it was difficult to process in their grief however. “No! STOP!” She screamed in tears as the elevator cord dropped, sending it to plummet. Twilight, Rainbow and Chocmint approached the hall to the elevator, it was dark and the Princess was alerted to every movement around her. “I think we're being followed.” Whispered the stallion with a nerved expression upon his features. “You're right.” Twilight responded, turning around. “I'll hold them off, Rainbow get him to the elevator.” Rainbow looked dubious about this plan and then nodded. “I'll be back for you Twilight.” Twilight snapped back. “No. If I don't make it back to you it means there's no me left to come back.” Rainbow reluctantly nodded and galloped toward the elevator with Chocmint. The elevator fell, falling stories down toward the ground. “You have to forgive me for what I do.” Rarity shouted at Fluttershy. “Wait what are you going to do?!” Fluttershy responded, but before she got the words out she found unicorn magic teleporting her safely outside the elevator in the path of Rainbow Dash and Chocmint. “RARITY NO!” She screamed as the metal box crashed against the ground, crushing the white unicorn under it's weight. "RARITY!” Fluttershy couldn't contain it any more. All she could do was cry. Blood oozed out from under the metal and Rainbow Dash and Chocmint stood there in horror. Fluttershy hadn't just witnessed the death of her friend, but the death of her best friend and it ripped apart at her very heart. Her hooves tore at the metal desperately as she tried to pull Rarity out but the petite pony's strength couldn't compare and she broke down on top of the bloody metal mess. “How... COULD THEY!” She screamed as anger boiled up within her. There was nothing but sobbing for their two dead friends for a good five minutes. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however!
CHAPTER NINE - FinalTwilight Sparkle confronted the four Sea Ponies, Rhapsody standing right in front of her with a twisted grin that wasn't her own. “I don't know why you did this, but you can be sure I'll stop you.” Twilight growled fueled by anger. “Even if you kill me.” At that statement the corrupted sea ponies burst into a fit of laughter. “Oh. We aren't going to kill you.” “Then what?” Retorted the Alicorn. “We are going to make you like us.” Twilight Sparkle growled shooting a blast of magic at one of the creatures, throwing it back against a wall. The other three galloped at her, they charged her down and threw her against the ground pinning her down, struggling against their weight. The Princess summoned her magic to teleport herself out of their grasp and galloped toward the hatch room in an effort to draw them away from her friends. Her eyes widened and she fell to a halt to find the hatch blown wide open an four more sea ponies blocking her path. 'How are they so strong?' She wondered. The seaponies suddenly ran her down, each one corralling her toward the water, each spell she cast was interrupted by relentless attacks or accounted for as each of them operated almost like they had a hive mind. If her friends were with her she'd have more hope perhaps... But it wasn't long until she fell into the water where the sea ponies had their advantage. Twilight swam for the surface, she had conjured a bubble with her magic to give her air, but there wasn't much. Each of the ponies started grabbing hold of her, suffocating her ability to get to the surface of the ocean. She teleported up and was dragged down again, she teleported up and was dragged down again. Eventually she was exhausted from the drain of her magic and as she sank she saw the sunlight sinking away into a coat of inky black ocean. Rainbowdash placed her hoof on Fluttershy's back, attempting to console her. “I know it's not the time Fluttershy but we need to go” Rainbowdash spoke to her friend. “Rarity saved you, you can't waste that.” Fluttershy turned her tearful face to the blue pony and nodded while letting out a sob while she nodded to her friend. “Alright Chocmint time for a ride!” The stallion looked like he didn't want to get involved but before he could complain he was lifted up the elevator shaft by both Rainbowdash and the sobbing Fluttershy. As the elevated there was no talking, no speeches of thinking on the bright side. Nothing. That silence didn't last long however as a rustling sound above them broke them out of a trance. The Sea Pony that had killed Pinkie pie and Rarity leered in the shaft just above them with a broken bone for a weapon. “How are we going to get past that?!” Yelled Chocmint in horror, not desiring to be dropped when it came to blows. They hovered there in worry before suddenly two orange hooves bucked the creature straight in the face, crushing it's skull against the wall behind the elevator shaft. “COME ON EVERY PONY! Let's get you outta there!” A familiar voice announced. “APPLE JACK!” All three shouted in relief, their friend was alive. After explaining everything that had happened between each other, the group wandered down the beach. “I enlisted a few of our friends to help us with this problem.. if we're lucky Twilight can be still saved yet.” Applejack stated gesturing to the three princesses and their royal royal guards. Somewhere in the dark Twilight was alone and frightened. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however!
CHAPTER TWO - Call upon the sea poniesAfter the elevator finished it's trip down there was a hall, a long one.. Empty and windowless. The ponies wandered it for a long time before Pinkie Pie decided now was the time to get to know her new friend. “So. Why did you stick a hotel so hard to get to!?” She asked while bouncing spryly around the stallion. “It's a special hotel. It's not just for ponies.” He told her with a smile. “Why did you come all the way up to call for us?!” She immediately followed with her new question as she barely noticed they were finally approached the end of the hall. “My friends said there were some ponies on the beach.” He replied as he pushed open the door. “Who are your friend-” Pinkie stopped and her jaw dropped as the door was opened and for good reasons. In front of them was a pink and orange pony on four legs, it fins up it's front and hind quarters, a luscious mane and scales running down it's back toward a dolphin like tail. “Hello there~” It spoke to them. “It's a sea pony!” Squeaked Fluttershy with happiness before shrinking under he mane slightly at her sudden burst of joy. Twilight however looked concerned as she felt something was wrong, she used her magic to lift a book out of her bag and open it. “My book described sea ponies nothing like that. They didn't have legs in the pictures!” She shows her book, it showed a picture of a sea pony. The picture had no legs and a coiled tale and certainly no luscious mane. “It's been ten thousand years, of course they've changed” Answered Choc Mint. Twilight Sparkle didn't seem convinced, no other species she knew of have ever changed so swiftly. The sea pony smiled sweetly at the six ponies who had arrived before trotting over to Choc Mint. “We have to get the others out soon, the tidal wave will be here any moment and we can't spare any time!” She told him. “Ah of course.” He responded before looking over at Twilight first before at each pony respectively. “Please excuse me. I have to let the other Sea Ponies in before the tidal wave hits as it's really not safe in the water for them. Feel free to take a look around though.” As the two ponies left, the six remaining looked at each other. “Well girls, we may as well take a look around as he said. We don't know how long we'll be stuck down here. After all we still haven't found any kind of friendship problem.” Twilight spoke to the group. “Let's split up and see what's wrong around here.” The ponies split up into three groups. Rarity with Fluttershy, Twilight with Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash with Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash flew along the cramped halls with a grumpy expression on her face. “I hate that we aren't somewhere where we can't fly!” She complained to Pinkie who was bouncing along the halls with glee. “Don't worry Rainbow Dash, this is a super duper adventure. Aren't you excit-” Suddenly a blue hoof was stuffed in Pinkie's mouth to make he be quiet as they hid around a corner. Pinkie could hear now that there was arguing around the corner. “I can't believe we're letting those things inside the hotel!” A mare's voice spouted. “We don't know anything about them!” “Chocmint seems to like them so we'll have to cope with them inside for now. Don't worry, once the storm is over they'll be out of here. Just don't start any fights!” Spoke a stallion. Pinkie rubbed her chin suspiciously as the two ponies went further down the hall. “I think we've found our friendship problem.” Whispered Rainbow to Pinkie Pie. “We need to stop them from fighting.” Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie sneaked off to do some more reconnaissance. Fluttershy was wandering the stale halls mystified when she saw it, glass windows looking out into the open ocean. She stared out into the water as a seapony with glittering rainbow scales darted past the window, waving a hoof at her only for the mare to wave a hoof back at him. “Oh how marvelous!” Rarity stated. “Imagine the gowns I could make inspired by such beautiful ocean colours?!” Fluttershy and Rarity laughed happily as they watched the beautiful scene through the window. The scene however ended quickly, the sea pony swam off in a panic as the water started to go from a pale shimmering blue to a dark murk filled black. "Poor thing, I bet that algae is just horrible for him." Fluttershy sighed. "And tidal waves even worse!" Twilight and Applejack went the opposite way to the other four ponies, only to find Chocmint and the Mare Sea Pony again, they had an open hatch into the water in which they were pulling a pale blue sea pony mare through, trying to get her inside before the Black Tide sets in. "Hurry, there's not much time left, the water is going dark faster than I thought~" The sea pony mare sang. “Need some help?” Asked Applejack, not making any effort to hide her presence. “I'd appreciate that~” Spoke the Sea Pony as she hefted one of her brethren inside. “I am Choral by the way.' “A pleasure to meet you Choral.” Spoke Twilight as she used her magic to levitate the Rainbow Coloured sea pony Stallion inside. Chocchip looked at the ponies that had been lifted in before pointing a hoof down one of the many halls. ”There is a pool full of water down the hall for you if you feel dehydrated.” The two ponies trotted in that direction eagerly. Suddenly a pure white sea pony mare stuck her head through the hatch. “It's early! You need to shut the hatch!” “No I can't leave you all down there~” Sang Choral with an air of panic but it was too late, the white sea pony had already pressed the hatch button to close it. It was seconds before a pounding rumble filled the complex and the lights went out. “NO!~” Being screamed was the only thing else Applejack and Twilight could hear over the thunderous noise. The hotel shook and objects fell around knocking ponies unconscious, there was nothing but overwhelming fear but not a single scream was heard over the horrifying sounds. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however!
CHAPTER SIX - Forgotten DepthsThe Prison has been breeched. Rhapsody pressed her hoof against the hatch button and watched it close between her and who she truly cared for. She felt it coming, approaching and then it struck. A massive tidal wave that collided with her very being. In her heart she knew she was going to die, but she didn’t' expect what was going to happen. She felt herself falling, deeper and deeper into the ocean. She had not gone this deep before... It seemed deeper that the ocean she knew and there was no light. “Finally a vessel” The words echoed in her head. “Hello little ponies. I hope you don't mind if I use you.” Rhapsody looked up, she wasn't in the ocean any more... there was no sun and no light and there was something huge over her, dark and monstrous. “A shame the breach is not big enough.” Wait? Ponies? She suddenly realized she wasn't the only one who had fallen down here. HER FRIENDS WERE HERE! “No... Don't please..” She begged though the sound of her voice didn't seem to penetrate the lifeless place. There was only one place she had heard of that was this dark and this foul, the tidal wave had breached Tartarus. Author's Note This is my first story and as such I know it isn't perfect. I would love to hear what I did right and what I could improve upon. I would prefer constructive over toxic however!
