I sat beside Ice Whistle on the Vanhoover train, a beige plush cushion beneath my rear. Toward the left, I peered out the window and saw my parents. The stallion and mare were a beautiful pair. His hair was mud-brown, while his coat was a brownish-orange. The mare had a yellowish-beige coat and an emerald-green mane with fern-colored highlights braided. And their eyes were fixed on me as they gripped each other, tears streaming down their muzzles.

Other ponies were also standing on the train station’s plank platform. Stargazer cried, holding a sign labeled ‘Good luck, and have fun doing your best in Ponyville, Little Star!’. Standing beside Stargazer were two older ponies; they were his parents. Their eyes streamed, too.

Ice Whistle’s mom, Hailstone Rime, levitated a napkin while crying, and his dad, Monolith Kernel, stood there with his usual stern expression. It seemed like he was gazing into the depths of my soul, even with his son sitting beside me.

“Oh, is Whis still asleep?”

“Correct.”

“I’ll come back in a few hours, then.”

“Thorn boy.”

“Yeah?”

“Still lacking a cutie mark, I see. And if you are aware of a particular matter. Heed this. Whatever your future holds, keep it out of my son’s.”

What was with that, anyway?

Scarlet Petals, Hazel, and a handsome stallion stood side by side, creating a family-like scene. Her scarlet stomach protruded noticeably, showing a visible bulge.

Chieftain Page Martinet, Lila Styles, and Brisk Prize were there too, but they blended in, standing behind the ponies who said their farewells.

The parents of Splotch Wing, Mint Spring, and a few other classmates were all waving and voicing how proud they were, their smiles exuding a sense of joy.

The ponies on the train included me, Ice Whistle, Starry Vision, Splotch Wing, Mint Spring, Serene Snowfall, several other ponies from our class, and older residents of Luna Bay. Not to mention the other students and ponies from Vanhoover, too.

Whoooo!!

The shrill train whistle pierced the air and the ponies’ hearts that heard it. Everypony knew what that meant and exchanged knowing looks. Rumbling began, and the train – like the futures of the ponies within – gradually moved forward.

From beside me, a familiar yet deeper voice spoke. “We’re really saying goodbye.”

With scarlet eyes, I stared back at my parents, the weight of their sadness palpable as they cantered along the train to the end of the station, their words barely audible between their sobs. “Nature Thorn! We love youuuu!”

Following a stretch of my cheek, my hoof planted onto the pane. “That we are.” As the scenery shifted, I caught a fleeting glimpse of the glass reflecting the two teenage ponies sitting beside it.

Not long after the train departed, in an instant, a panorama of mountains, dense forests, and endless fields of lush green grass, enthralled by the billowing winds, filled the view from my window. We were surrounded by Mother Nature’s quietude, leaving behind the city buildings of Vanhoover and the abiding silhouettes of our families as distant memories.

Off toward a new ordinary…

Chugga-chugga-chugga!

Author's Note

Ever written a chapter that brought a tear to your eye? I just did. I'm such a sappy wimp. Seeing my characters 'grow up' and leave home for their futures did it. I guess that shows how much I've grown attached to them. Also goes to show that creating characters can create bias.

Also, the first story in 'Tales of Luna Bay' takes place over a year before this interlude. I plan to expand on other characters there, whether past, present, or future. It'll conclude with the origins of Luna Bay and another particular small addition.