It was a day like any other in Ponyville. While the pegasi were tending to the weather up above, the other ponies were busy going about their business. Some were selling and buying goods while others were just out to enjoy Celestia’s summer sun.
Among these ponies were a pair of farmer Earth Ponies and two white Unicorns: Applejack and her younger sister Apple Bloom, and Rarity and her younger sister Sweetie Belle. As the younger ponies are on summer vacation, their older sisters arranged a trip out to the beach. Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash were also supposed to come, but the two pegasi already made plans. Both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were disappointed by this, but Scootaloo assured them that they'll hang out tomorrow.
If only fate allowed that.
The four fillies were passing through the town, heading to the train station, as it's the fastest way to get to the beach in Puerto Caballo. Both ponies hadn't heard of the place until Twilight mentioned it to them one day when she was going over ideal holiday locations in her studies. Neither the fashionista or farm pony knew why Twilight was looking into such a topic, but both were swayed by the soft sand and tropical climate. Rarity immediately decided to make plans for a holiday and wanted to bring Applejack as she believed “The tropical heat and soft sand would do wonders for your completion, dear!” At first Applejack was reluctant to go, but Big Mac assured her that he and Sugerbelle were able to tend to the farm while she and her younger sister were away. Plus, he said she needed a break, considering how hard she's been working recently.
Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were carrying the luggages (at least Sweetie got some help this time, and with a lighter load, fortunately) while Applejack was walking their spaniel, Winona, and Rarity was carrying her white cat, Opalescence - Opal for short - as they thought their pets could enjoy the sun as well. However, both Open and Winona, as you would expect, didn't get along very well. If Fluttershy were to have them in a therapy room for an hour, she would find out it's because Winona found Opal too prissy and rude while Opal detests Winona’s carefree nature and obedience to the Apple family.
As it's the school holidays, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle came along as both fillies haven't been to the beach before (unless you count some of their crusades for their cutie marks). Both are looking forward to swimming in the cool sea and making the best sandcastle ever! Of course, both have their individual ambitions as well, Apple Bloom wanting to study some of the local flora and fauna, while Sweetie Belle wanted to admire the scenery and find inspiration for some of the songs she's working on.
“I can assure you, Applejack, this trip will benefit you in the long run.” Rarity stated. “Like Big Mac said, you could do with a break with all the hard work you've been doing lately. Plus, it will help keep your mind off… you know. Granny's passing.”
As depressing as the topic is, it was just over a month since Granny Smith, the Apple's grandmother, had passed away. Applejack wasn't much for crying, but no pony could blame her for letting many tears flow. Despite this setback, she, the rest of the Apples, and Sugarbelle, continued hard at work at the farm. However, Applejack caused her family and friends concern when she worked extra long hours bucking apples while also teaching at the School of Friendship. Just a few days ago, Zap Apple season had come to a close, awaiting another year before going through the tree's crazy cycles once more.
Applejack chuckled. “Ah appreciate that, Rares. Ah do agree that we need this. If this trip happened a few months ago, I would have trusted Sugarbelle at the farm, but that filly managed to quickly get used to the country life; Earth Pony style no less! ‘Course, her magic has been handy wi-”
“Oh, Applejack! You need not masquerade your grief, especially around us!. This trip is to help you be at peace with your grief, not an excuse to bottle it all up. Seriously, Applejack, your honest policy still needs work.” Rarity said, cutting Applejack off.
The orange mare’s posture sagged just a little. “Ya right, Rarity. Ah know it's been a month now, but Ah still can't believe she's gone.”
“I understand, dear. Not only was she your grandmother, but your adopted parent after your parents died. I just thought this holiday would help you come to accept that. That, and you deserve a break from all that work. Your brother was worried about you.”
“Again, Ah appreciate that. And I do agree. I don't think Granny would've wanted me to push myself too hard. She was such a free spirit right up to her ripe old age. Still can't believe how much she's done in her life.”
“Includin’ help found Ponyville!” Applebloom interjected, who started listening in on the conversation when they started talking about her grandmother.
“Yes, Apple Bloom, she did.” Applejack replied and turned to Rarity. “Anyways, Ah think we should change the topic. As ya said, Rares, this is supposed to be a fun holiday.”
“Of course! But don't be afraid to take the time to manage your emotions, dearie. We have three days on this trip! And we can have a couple more if you need them.”
“We're here!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, also feeling a bit left out of the conversation.
While more modern trains do come through Ponyville Station, the classic steam engine stands proud, patiently waiting for its passengers to board while letting off steam.
“Ooh! And I better make some notes!” Sweetie Belle levitated a small pad and pen in her mint aura and scribbled a few notes.
“Watcha writin’?” Apple Bloom asked Sweetie Belle while peering at the note pad. “The train noises?”
“Of course! The bold whistle, the hissing of the steam, clunking of metal! This traditional locomotive is an orchestra on wheels!” Sweetie Belle enthusiastically stated. Apple Bloom was still getting used to this side of Sweetie Belle but is intrigued by her newly sparked passion.
Rarity turned towards the other three ponies while passing Opal to Sweetie, who small filly having to drop her pen and pad so she can hold Opal's basket before it dropped to the ground.
“Are ya sure ya wanna pay for all of us? Ahm happy to pay for me and Apple Bloom if-”
“Don't even bother, dear, I have already paid for everything. All you need to worry about is having a good time! Of course, I just need to show the vendor our tickets and then we can board the train.” Rarity cute off Applejack before the farm mare could make her offer.
“Of course, I just want to emphasise that I do have some fine clothing in my case, so please be careful with it! Especially you, Sweetie!”
“Rarity, that was only one time! And that was YEARS ago!” Sweetie Belle retorted.
“Well, the event is still fresh in my mind. Anywho, I would like to encourage you all to just make final checks that you have everything. I may be able to teleport now, thanks to Twilight teaching me, but I don't want to waste my magic before we even get to the hotel.” Rarity lectured, her attention mostly on her sister.
“Ah think I forgot mah wash kit?” Apple Bloom said while looking in her suitcase.
Rarity rolled her eyes. “Good thing I've not done much with my horn this morning. Where do you keep your wash kit de-”
“Ah! Found it! Sorry, Rarity. I swear ahm quite organised.” Apple Bloom stated, her cheeks slightly pink.
“That's quite alright dear.” Rarity replied, relieved she doesn't have to risk teleporting inside the Apple's bathroom, or worse, their outhouse.
“Oh, and I wanted to say somethin’ if that's okay with ya, Rares?” Applejack interjected. Rarity nods in reply, letting Applejack say her piece. “As y’all likely aware, there is a sickness goin’ around at the moment. So, while we're unlikely to catch the illness as it prefers colder places, Ah suggest we still make sure we keep our distance from anybody who's exhibitin’ symptoms.”
“Yes, AJ.” Both younger fillies monotonously affirmed as if greeting their teacher.
Applejack rolled her eyes and smiled. “‘Kay, that's all I needed to say. Ya can get them tickets now, Rarity.” She suggested.
Unbeknownst to Equestria’s saviours and their younger sisters, a young Colt was giving out newspapers, each with the headline, “New creature reportedly spotted near Yakyakistan (And it's NOT the Yeti)”.
Author's Note
This is the first chapter of my submission for the "Tropical Apocalypse" competition. To be honest, I just wanted to try and make something along the lines of the concept. This chapter doesn't have any clear elements of the competitions theme yet, but I should be able to rectify that in the next chapter.
Anyhow, any feedback would be cool as I'm always wanting to improve.
