private A Temporal Odyssey

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling walked from Manehattan's station towards the harbor to see if there was any way to get any method of transportation down to the island that Celestia spoke of. While walking, Sterling absorbed everything that @lincolnshirepony Blue Note was saying about her time in Manehattan. She sounded so... disgustingly bright about her time there... Sterling couldn't say the same. He had been mocked by his friends and tattered to his pieces over every little mistake he made at medical school, so much that he nearly chose to drop out of their medical school! To top off the situation, he had little to no support from the few friends he did have at Manehattan! 

 

"Well... I don't know that much about it because I was only a music minor... but I guess it was nice..." Sterling, trying to hide as much of his grudges against the University of Manehattan as he could. Their music program was certainly a redeeming factor in his time there, but it couldn't reverse the terrible experiences he faced... It was that moment that Sterling suddenly realized that he had to gather supplies! He asked Blue Note,

 

"Hey Blue Note... you wanna come with Evening and I to get some supplies for our adventure?"

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

Blue Note took in the Manehatten air. The familiar shops and sights around her made her feel at home. It was the only place she ever truly felt a sense of belonging. Canterlot was full of bad memories, but Manehatten would always stand for hope to her. She continue to talk about the University of Manehatten with Sterling. He seemed a bit restrained in speaking about it, but Blue Note knew better than to question it. "Oh, that sounds lovely. I minored in magical studies myself."

 

Gathering supplies sounded like a nice excursion, and she definitely would love to walk around the city. "Sure, I'll lend a hoof," she said. "I'd love to get around the city again. I miss it so."

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@Budding Night

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@lincolnshirepony

 

The guards turned, as one of them announced, "Follow us please. We must make haste." DJ was still was still a little unsure why they would have to hurry, but as if the guard had read his mind, he added, "The captains will not want to be kept waiting..."

 

"Captains...?" DJ whispered to Vinyl as they followed the two guards away from the station and towards the harbour. "I thought Shining Armour was the captain of the Royal Guard. But I'm certain he said captains..."

 

Vinyl shrugged, just as confused. "I thought so too! I guess we'll find out when they get there..."

 

As they trotted through Manehattan, DJ looked longingly at all the tall buildings, sights and shops that covered the city. He had to painfully pull himself away from his favourite shop, something he usually was unable to do. This was the Royal Guard though, and orders were orders. He certainly didn't want to anger them! Maybe the shopping for supplies would come after..?

 

Nearing the harbour, DJ saw it from up ahead. "Wow.... Wow... WOW!" he cried. Dashing past the guards, he ran up to it and sat down in disbelief. "This... this is wonderful!"

 

The galleon was quite a bit larger than Dawn Trotter had been, with two sails rather than one. The hull was painted a beautiful deep crimson, with gold outlining the gunwalls and other key outlining features of the ship. On the front, the figurehead was a majestic alicorn rearing on its hind legs and with its wings spread. The two sails had a different picture on each. The smaller front one had the cutie marks of Princesses Celestia and Luna side by side, will the second and larger had a picture of Clover's cutie mark, the two crossed wands, on them.

 

While DJ was still staring in awe at this massive vessel, he heard a voice. "Ahahahaha! She's quite a sight, eh?"

 

Another voice sighed, before saying to the first, "How many times do I have to tell you, we have to keep it professional!"

 

Looking for the source, he saw two unicorns approaching. He was more than a little surprised to see them. "Hey! You're those two clowns from the coronation!" DJ cried. "Why are you guys here?"

 

Once again, Burning couldn't help laughing, while Glimmering frowned a little. "Actually, that was merely for entertainment purposes..." Glimmering replied. "And mainly Burning's entertainment at that..."

 

Burning chuckled. "We certainly aren't clowns, boy!" He puffed out his chest. "You happen to be looking at the two captains of the Royal Guard!"

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@, Clover stopped short as the shop came into view. She could hardly believe it, but there it was, right in front of her. A ship! and one that surpassed the ship that they had all travelled in before. Clover took in the beautiful figurehead, and the sails. Especially the second sail which had her cutie mark on it! She blushed and turned to the others.

 

"It's just amazing," she said. "I never thought that we'd ever get a ship again."

 

When the royal guard captains introduced themselves, she said to them, "Thank you so much for arranging this for us. What's the ship's name?"

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Steel was just as impressed by the ship as DJ was.

 

"Quite impressive. We truly are agents of the Princesses' divine will now to be granted such a boon. Now wherever we go, our cause leads!" He said pointing to the alicorn figurehead.

 

At the approach of the military performers, Steel briefly saluted.

 

"Gentlecolts." He greeted. "That was quite a show you put on. You were better than the Wonderbolts in my opinion."

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Pripyat Pony

 

"She's called the Celestial Alicorn!" replied Burning with a chuckle. "Incorporated a bit of Luna and Celestia into the same name, so it does. We've got her all set for you! We even took the liberty to stock up on any supplies you'd need on the journey! We've put them all below deck, and I must say, below deck is quite a spectacle too! You've got Celestia's colours on the outside of the ship, while the inside is mostly Luna themed! It makes for peaceful nights I tell ya!"

 

@@Steel Accord

 

"Why thank you, sir!" Burning replied. "It was a good bit of fun! Haven't had a chance to do something like that for a while!"

 

"He's been itching for a spectacle for quite a while," Glimmering explained. "Burning does enjoy displaying his strength to the public! I suppose it helps to make the citizens feel safer too, which is particularly helpful in times such as these."

[Inactive01 5,299]

(I am making this post because of what our Budding Night has written on this blog... I presume she has left the forums... forever... )

 

Sterling walked back to his apartment with Blue Note, beginning to notice Evening having a cough... It was sudden, and Sterling gave out a worried look to Evening, not even noting that he was conversing with Blue Note @lincolnshirepony...

 

"Evening... are you alright? You've been coughing pretty hard just now... and you looked tired when we walked from Canterlot to Manehattan" Sterling asked of Evening. Evening was indeed feeling tired, but at the same time, she wanted to hide it as much as she could... She wanted to come with her husband for the adventure... 

 

"No Sterling... I'm alright... I can come with you on our adventure... I insist..." Sterling then noticed Evening's coughing getting worse and worse as she struggled to speak those words... He had noticed coughing from Evening just before their encounter with Raven... but he didn't think it was anything serious given that it was a while back and that it was from all those fumes... but now that he thought of it, Evening did look weak soon after the adventure... did something happen from all that?

 

"Evening... you don't look well at all... Look, I'm going to get you to the hospital besides our house once we get our stuff packed. We need to see if you're alright!" Sterling looked on at Evening with growing fear as he touched her forehead... it was a fever. And it was getting worse and worse... He noticed Evening feeling faint at the train, but he thought it was just the prospect of another adventure shocking her... Evening tried to protest again, but her continual coughing left Sterling unconvinced. She wasn't well enough to come on the adventure...

 

------

Sterling already got all his items ready for the adventure. 2 medical kits filled with the basics and some herbs, bunches of leaves and other things he found in his refrigerator as food, bottles of water, and a pillow to rest. Last but not least... Sterling had the sudden urge... to bring the gems with him... the ones that both he and Evening had... he didn't know why he did it, but he just felt the urge... He went down to his drawer and took out the pink gem and the crimson gem he got from his first adventure... and hid it away in his bag. Evening was lying on her bed the whole time Sterling was preparing, and Blue Note had also waited by to see what was wrong with Evening... She didn't know what to say to all this, thinking that Sterling would interject if she suggesting anything regarding his wife... Sterling then quickly trotted with Evening and Blue Note to the hospital where the diagnosis was made clear in the next hour...

 

"Sterling... I'm truly sorry to say this... but from our tests, Evening Glory has tuberculosis. It must have been caught into her lungs while fighting hard against Raven... it seems the mycobacteria have dwelt here for quite some time without detection." Nurse Redheart spoke. She was Sterling's guidance during his internships at Manehattan's hospital, which quickly explained her diagnosis... Sterling quickly placed his mouth down, upon hearing her diagnosis. Noticing Sterling's panicked face, Nurse Redheart did her best to assure Sterling...

 

"Sterling, as you know from your medical school education, Evening's condition is perfectly curable. We just need to place her on bed rest for a few weeks and give her some streptomycin... The worst case scenario is that the bacteria will never leave her lungs completely, but enough of the antibiotic should cure her." Sterling still looked on with a concerned face as he replied...

 

"But... I... I have to go somewhere for a long time... and she needs me!" Nurse Redheart noticed Sterling's panicked expressions, clearly not even caring that Blue Note was standing by them as well...

 

"Sterling! Evening needs her rest! She cannot come with you on whatever you're doing... I'm sorry. If she is to get better, she needs the proper treatment..." Sterling gave a concerned look once more, but she was right... Once Sterling was on his adventure, there was no way to seek any sort of medical help... Sterling nodded in reply, and Nurse Redheart took Evening in, albeit with tears from Evening... She wouldn't have believed that she wasn't allowed to come with Sterling... but she was feeling faint again... perhaps she would be an obstacle to Sterling and her friends anyway... With that, Sterling was left alone with Blue Note... Sterling gave out a deep sigh at all that suddenly transpired... Who would have thought... Evening with tuberculosis... and unable to come with them on their adventure...? Sterling turned to Blue Note, motioned her to walk away with him, and they both trotted slowly towards the harbor for their adventure... without Evening...

Edited July 2, 2014 by Sterling Crimson

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@

@

@@Zhooves

 

DJ had finished inspecting the ship, and it was certainly impressive! He couldn't believe the Princesses had given them such an amazing gift! "I think it's time we were heading!" DJ announced to the group. "We've got all we need, so let's set sail! Everypony's here, right?"

 

He then noticed Sterling and Blue Note arriving. "Oh! Hey you two!" he said cheerily. "We nearly left without y... Where's Evening...?"

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling walked slowly to the harbor with Blue Note... Sterling was unsure of what to say after having to leave his dear wife. He remained silent through the whole long walk towards the harbor... He didn't want to be cold towards Blue Note, even with her tainted history. But at the same time, his sudden loss was already very painful... Even if she was probably going to get better. Sterling sighed throughout the walk, worried about his dear Evening... and what would happen to her...

 

When Sterling and Blue Note @lincolnshirepony arrived at the harbor, DJ rushed out to meet them all, urging them to get on the boat. Blue Note rushed onto the boat as quickly as she could, leaving Sterling to trod slowly to the ship, barely hearing DJ's question about Evening...

 

"Evening... she's in a hospital... She has tuberculosis... Should be curable, but she won't be coming..." Sterling replied solemnly. He didn't want to be sad, but he couldn't help it... He was going to be without his wife for an extended period of time... And he couldn't dare think the unthinkable as he sluggishly got on the ship...  

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

 

"What? Tuberculosis?" DJ couldn't believe he was hearing this. Not kinky was Evening sick, but the couple were parting ways over this quest. What a horrible time to need to save Equestria... DJ have his friend a comforting hug as he came aboard. "Wow... I'm sorry Sterling..." He smiled reassuringly. "I'm sure she'll be right as rain by the time you get home though!"

[Inactive01 5,299]

 

Sterling gave a weak nod when DJ replied in complete shock over all that had transpired so quickly... Sterling could only reply,

 

"Raven... something happened to her there... doctor says... Should be better, but I'll miss her for sure..." Sterling continued to trot towards the outer deck, looking out to the world that lay ahead of them as they prepared for the first leg of their journey...

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

 

DJ wasn't quite sure what to say to help his friend. He could see Sterling was very distressed by Evening's illness, and he could understand that. If Vinyl fell really ill, he wouldn't know what to do! As the guards finished off te last few jobs around the ship, he noticed Burning and Glimmering leaving quietly. DJ was glad they were so considerate of other pony's distress but was sad to see them go nonetheless. Burning turned as they left, giving DJ a solemn nod. "Good luck, and may you return safely to Equestria, successful with your voyage..." The captain said as they left.

 

Turning back to the ship, DJ reasoned it would be best to head off. At the helm, he could see all his friends already getting used to their life back on deck. Chronos had gone to investigate inside, so had been quiet for quite a while. As he looked out at the vast ocean, DJ sighed. He was back to a time long gone, with two new friends and one absent from their adventures. He felt a hoof round his neck, and looked over to see his beautiful marefriend smiling comfortingly into his eyes. Giving her a silent kiss, he smiled back. "We can do this... We'll be back soon Evening; we'll be back soon Princess Twilight. Just hang on..."

 

With that final thought, he have out the cry, "We're setting sail!" before he raised the anchor and started to sail the ship away from Manehattan. The large galleon glided smoothly through the calming waters, off towards adventures as yet unknown...

 

*end of chapter 1*

 

(OOC: As this is a break between chapters, it's mostly just going to be milling about on the ship for a few hours. Then I'll start us off on chapter 2, when we reach the first island... )

[Zhooves 843]

"See? What did I tell ye?" North said as they reached the harbour and was presented with a ship. He had had to drag her along as he had recovered much quicker form the train-trip.

 

"Oh look, it be that frozen unicorn, and that other burning one..." he noted as they saw them both aboard the ship. As soon as he said this, Midnatt suddenly recovered. "Where?" she said, looking around. "Ah, there." she finished, as they both passed them on their way off of the ship.

 

Soon, they got on board, and begun exploring the ship together, seeming to like what they saw on the ship.

"The inside looks like night... Even though it be in the middle of the day..." North exclaimed as they entered below deck, a somewhat amazed expression on his faze.

"This a dream come true for ye?" his sister asked him.

"I guess... Though when will I sleep now?" he said, before practically dozing off on the spot he stood.

"Now I guess..." his sister spoke with a giggle, before she picked him up and went to look for the others.

[Commander Bubbles 1,343]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@Budding Night

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Zhooves

 

 

As if the train ride wasn't enough time for Red to brood, the voyage would provide hours upon end for such things. He found himself filled with grief instead of his hatred for whoever did this to Applejack. Red knew he was almost alienating himself from the rest of the group in a way, but he found himself so stricken with grief that he didn't even want to bother at the moment. Not even the parade of ponies saluting the group seemed to cheer him up as he halfheartedly waved his hoof to them. The anchor was released, and their journey began, just like old times. But for Red, it sure didn't feel that way. He sat on the stern of the boat, slumping his head against a lifeboat. His mind began to wander again, and he desperately wanted to apologize to Applejack for being stubborn with his feelings. But now, he might never get that opportunity.

[lincolnshirepony 527]

On the brilliant ship, with ponies she barely knew, Blue Note was wondering if this had not been a huge mistake. She could have just walked home and hid like any normal pony. Her afternoon getting supplies with Sterling and Evening had been exhausting in about every way. She wished that Evening would make a good recovery, and she felt sorry for Sterling. This would be difficult on him. She never knew what to do in situations like these. She barely knew any of these ponies, aside from their brief introductions and what she had heard and read about them. Her thoughts weighed heavily on her, threatening to crush her with anxiety. There was only one thing to do. She took out some staff paper from her bag and started writing. Composing music had always helped calm her and keep her grounded. Perhaps it would bring her some clarity.

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

 

Chapter 2: New change on the jungle isle

 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9IFmErBDvM

 

 

After a few days sailing, DJ finally noticed land on the horizon. The journey had been calm and uneventful, with the exception of Chronos feeling pretty unwell from the rocking that the ocean was making on the boat. When the galleon sailed up to the island, they discovered a small dock that lay on the outskirts of a town. Upon their arrival, DJ was first to leave, quickly followed by a relieved Chronos. "Ugh... I'm glad that's over..." the unicorn said, still feeling a little queezy.

 

DJ chuckled. "You do realise we'll be needing this ship a lot more, right?"

 

"Oh boy... that'll be fun..."

 

Looking around, DJ saw that the two was very modernised, resembling similar layouts to the smaller towns of Equestria. As a pony passedby, a basket of fruit on his back, DJ stopped him to ask for help. "Umm... you don't happen to know a zebra called Callaloo, do you?" he asked.

 

The pony looked at him, seemingly a little confused by his question. "You want to see that old quack? You must be as mad as him! If you do want to see him though, he's on the other side of town, near the jungle. In a little wooden hut; you can't miss it!" The pony quickly hurried off, glancing back at DJ as if he'd said something offensive.

"Well... this is interesting..." DJ thought to himself. "Off to see the crazy guy I guess!"

Edited July 3, 2014 by DJ-BRONI3

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@,

 

"Well Equestria's level of tolerance certainly seems to be in short supply." Steel said. "Still we should be cautious, even if he isn't hostile, there could be any number of enchantments to keep away unwanted visitors." Steel had been rid of his formal clothes but kept the hat.

 

"It looks cool." 

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

"Might just be prejudice against zebras," Clover commented. "I know that the residents of Ponyville thought bad things about Zecora at first, when they first saw her. But she turned out alright, so maybe this guy will as well. We ought to not listen to rumours before we meet him in the flesh."

 

Clover thought back to how Zecora's hut had been a refuge for them back when they had been fighting against Raven. She, Twilight and even Trixie had all banded together to fix a forcefield around the hut to keep everypony safe.

[Zhooves 843]

As the ship anchored in the dock and they could leave the ship, Midnatt wandered off of the ship, carrying North on her back.

As she reached the dock, she dumped him onto the wooden surface with a thud. After he had landed on the ground, North slowly rose back up onto his hooves.

 

"The sun be still up..." he said, wobbling from left to right for a bit. "Aye, and everypony else is probably awake already." she replied, helping him stand so that he would not fall asleep again.

"We will soon head out to see this 'see-well' or what they now called it."

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling sat down inside one of the magnificent ship's cabins. He had to admit, the ship looked very impressive, much like the Odyssey, perhaps even grander. But Sterling's mind was still swirling around Evening. Was she truly going to be alright? She was suffering from a debilitating disease, and even though he had faith that the doctors would make Evening better with antibiotics, he still missed her by his side. They had been together for two years after their first adventure and all that happened with Raven. He remembered what Luna told him about marrying Evening... face to face.

 

Sterling sighed again as he unpacked his essentials. He placed them neatly around the room. Lastly, he took out his picture with Evening... their wedding picture. They looked so happy together, set for a life of happiness... now Sterling was forced to go on adventure without his love... Sterling sighed once more after seeing their wedding picture. He then looked out the cabin window at the endless sea of blue that lay past the horizon. Was Evening really going to get better? Why did he feel so scared about Evening...? He knew that Equestria's medical knowledge was more than enough to cure the disease, but something still didn't feel right...

 

-----

Evening lay on her bed, feeling tears across her eyes... Her knight in shining armor was forced to depart on an adventure without her, and it was all because she was sick... Evening wept on her bed, continually saying to herself on her first night at the hospital...

 

"... Why are I so weak... Why did I have to get this at the worst possible time... I'm a disgrace to Equestria... and my love..." All this had happened after the medical staff employed the first stream of streptomycin on her... they assured Evening that she would be better before Sterling came back from his trip... but she still didn't feel right...

 

"They don't understand... I needed to be with my love... Why me... Oh I'm such a weakling..." Evening continued to speak with tears, her coughing refusing to cease and desist...

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

 

Trotting through the town, DJ looked about him, taking in all the lovely sights and sounds that reminded him so much of his beloved home in Ponyville. This town did seem to be very similar to Ponyville in size, and that made it far easier to get around. After following the pony's directions, he noticed the small wooden hut that he presumed belonged to Callaloo. Vinyl came up behind him and whispered in his ear. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" she asked. "I didn't like the way that pony reacted when you asked about this zebra."

 

DJ shrugged. "Ah, we'll be fine! How scary can a zebra be? Zecora's not scary! We'll be fine!" Knocking on the door, DJ stepped back when it swung slowly open at his touch. "Umm... yeah! Fine..." Trotting inside slowly, he hoped the others were following him.

 

It was dark inside the hut... There were no lights on, and apparently nopony at home. "Must have forgotten to lock his..." DJ began, when suddenly a hideous face loomed out at him. "Ahhh!" he cried, tripping and falling over on his flank. The strange figure began to laugh, before it lifted up its mask...

 

And DJ was face to face with a male zebra, who was grinning ecstatically at him. After trotting over to light some candles, the zebra returned. When he spoke, DJ noticed he had a thick Jamarecan (Jamaican ) accent. "Heh heh heh! Hello der!" he said, still smiling. "I hope I did not scare ya too bad! Welcome to ma shop! Ma name is Callaloo, and I'm happy to be helping you today! Now what is it you fine ponies be lookin?"

[Inactive01 5,299]

Eventually, Sterling reached land... They were apparently in an unknown island... as DJ and Celestia had spoken with much intrigue... He got up from his place, clearly not in the mood for an adventure right now... He took a good look around the ship and noticed that everypony had left. Sterling then realized that perhaps the adventurers were going to do well off on their own, so he decided to stay on the ship for the time being. He trotted around the ship, wondering if any pony else stayed for the ride... He then heard a humming that was gong on at one of the ship's rooms... was he not alone? Sterling knocked on the cabin door where he could hear humming and asked for the pony inside... @lincolnshirepony

 

"Hello...? Is anypony in there?" Sterling asked as he knocked. "We've arrived at the island Celestia wanted us to visit..." Sterling continued, wondering whether the pony inside was friend or foe... and that if they were indeed a friend, whether they would go into the island or not...

Edited July 4, 2014 by Sterling Crimson

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

Blue Note was jarred from her thoughts by a knocking on the door. They had arrived at the island already? She hadn't even noticed. "We landed already? I get so wrapped in writing music sometimes. the world could be be on fire, and I'd barely notice that I was feeling warmer than usual." She opened her door to see Sterling Crimson. "I suppose everypony is getting ready to set out on the island"?"

[Inactive01 5,299]

 

Sterling jumped slightly when he noticed that it was Blue Note who came out of her cabin door. He then chuckled lightly before responding to Blue Note's question,

 

"Well... it looks like that's the case... Everyone's gone off before us it seems... Shall we go as well?" Sterling was feeling very apprehensive about the idea of going out into the jungle, especially when it was alone with somepony he barely knew... But at the same time, they needed to join the rest of the group... they couldn't be on the ship alone.

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@lincolnshirepony

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

 

"Well, we're looking for information on the Darkstar," DJ replied.

 

The zebra was obviously taken aback by the request. "What!?! You sure you be wanting to know about dat? It be one mighty terrifying weapon..." Regaining his composure, he became suddenly very serious. "Well, if you be wanting this information, it'll be costing a lot more than anything else in ma shop. It be very valuable information. If you be wanting it, I need you to do me a favour..."