//------------------------------// // Riding the Tide // Story: A Passing Through Kamen Rider // by thunderclap //------------------------------// The next morning, the girl’s all groaned as they woke up. Their bodies felt like they were made of lead and they couldn’t force themselves up. “Smaug, why can’t I move?” Twilight managed to ask, fighting to stay awake. She leaned on Rainbow Dash for support, though the pegasus was in just as bad shape. “I’ve never been this tired before. “That would be my use of your essence taking its full effect,” Smaug answered, glancing down at her as he lounged on his hoard. “You will likely be like this for a week or so. Sapphira was kind enough to prepare a meal for you. Eat, please.” With the help of Spike, Sapphira and Wyatt, the girls managed to get seated at a stone table. There were plates steaming bowls of food they couldn’t quite identify, but smelled fantastic set up in front of several expensive chairs that had been taken from the hoard. “Thanks,” Dash muttered, digging in with as much gusto as she could muster. “Stuffs good...” Sapphira bowed her head, taking her own seat and tossing a few gems into her mouth. “Thank you, it was rather difficult to find ingredients suitable for ponies in this area. This is one of Star Dust’s recipes.” “Star Dust?” Spike questioned, his face scrunching up. His eyes then widened in realization. “Is that my dad’s name? What was he like?” Sapphira placed a gem she was about to eat down on her plate and sighed. “I never met your father, Spike. It was before my time.” She gestured to Smaug, who was watching closely. “You’ll have to ask your grandfather.” Smaug blew a plume of smoke out of his nostrils as he lowered himself to look down at Spike. “Your father was an odd one. He was a scholar by nature, asking all manner of questions about us and our culture. He said he wanted to help ponies understand dragons. He took up some of my work; hence the existence of the panda and kangaroo medals.” Spike clutched the chest containing the core medals to his body, looking down at them. “So Dad helped make a couple of the medals? I wish I could’ve met him.” Munching on a few gems, he looked up at Smaug. “I’m going to find out what happened to him.” Smaug’s good eye focused on Spike, sympathy filling his gaze. “I wish you luck in that endeavor. That path will not lead to any easy answers.” He reached out, putting a claw on top of Spike’s head. “But, your father deserves that much at least. When you find something, return here. I will show you how to carve a statue in his memory like I did for your mother.” Shifting slightly on his hoard, Smaug rumbled. “Come here, Spike.” Spike got up from the table, hopping onto his grandfather’s claw so the older dragon could bring him to his eye level. “What is it, Grandpa?” Rising off of his hoard, Smaug carried Spike over to Peridot’s statue. “Something your parents left you. You should take it with you.” Reaching out with his hand, he gently eased a small crystal from it’s socket. “Here.” Placing it in Spike’s hand, Smaug watched him closely. “It is a memory crystal; your parents recorded a message for you.” Spike looked down at the crystal, turning it over in his claws. Tears slowly started to fill his eyes. “So I’ll be able to hear their voices. I never imagined I’d get a chance like that.” He tilted his head back up to Smaug. “Thank you, Grandpa, I’ll cherish this forever.” He glanced at the crystal again. “Um, how do I hear the message?” “Simply hold it to your forehead,” Smaug instructed. Spike nodded, putting the crystal up to his forehead. As soon as he did, his body locked up and his eyes rolled into the back of his head. The world around him changed, taking him to a different place entirely. Instead of a statue, the real Peridot stood before him. Her scales were a light, almost yellow green, and her spines were a whitish green. She stared into what he assumed was the crystal with emerald green eyes. She waved a claw, a slight smile spreading across her muzzle. “Greetings future child. I hope you’ve grown into a fine dragon.” She scoffed, putting a claw to her lime green underbelly. “Not that I’m worried there considering who your mother is.” Her voice was high and somewhat nasally. It seemed so out of place on such a large dragoness. The sound of a throat clearing caught Spike and the recording of his mother’s attention and she glanced down at her shoulder. Sitting there was a green earth pony. His mane was black with green streaks running through it. “Maybe don’t let the child see your ego too much, Peri.” “How are they supposed to know how great we are, if we don’t tell them?” Peridot questioned, frowning down at him. He chuckled and patted her cheek. “Perhaps with our actions, dear? Now, why not make this about our future child. Have anything special you want to tell them?” “Of course I do.” Peridot rolled her eyes, letting out a puff of smoke. “Why do you think we’re talking to this crystal? I’m getting to the special stuff.” Glancing at the crystal, she grunted. “Most ponies, your father included, are so high maintenance.” “Oi!” His father objected, shooting a look at Peridot. “I am not high maintenance.” He smirked and turned to the crystal. “Though I’m sure you’ll find that most dragons are blunt.” Leaning on Peridot’s cheek, he turned his full attention to the crystal. “You’ll be the first of your kind; the first pony-dragon hybrid.” “You’re going to be so special, little one,” Peridot added, giving the crystal a warm look. “There will be ponies and dragons that will ridicule you because you’re different. Just remember that they’re worthless clods that are beneath your attention. Hold your head up high, little one. Your heritage is rich; you will carry the memory of Bahamut, uniter of dragons, the first lord.” “I can’t say you get anything great from me,” Star Dust spoke, shifting a little. “The Dust family has always been poor, but I know you’ll do great things. I don’t want your life to be toiled away on a farm.” Peridot nodded in agreement. “We’ll be by your side through it all. No matter what you wish to do in life, know that we love you with all our hearts.” The world slowly shifted back to normal and Spike pulled the crystal away from his forehead, tears trickling out of his eyes. Wiping the tears away, he sniffled softly. “Thank you, Grandpa. I mean it. This means a lot to me.” Smaug walked back over to his hoard, setting Spike on his shoulder. “There is no need to thank me, that crystal is your birthright. Your parents recorded it so you’d have something to remember your father by. Ponies live such fleeting lives compared to us dragons. Unfortunately, it serves another purpose now.” Reaching into the pile, he dug around until he found what he was looking for. “Ah, here it is!” he withdrew his hand, a sword laying in his palm; though it looked like a toothpick in the dragon’s hold. “I forged this some time ago to go with the belt. In a flash of inspiration, I thought that since the belt uses the power of the core medals, a weapon that uses the silver medals would make the perfect pair. Unfortunately, the silver medals are not as stable as their core counterparts. You will need to find a steady supply of them in order to utilize its full potential.” He held his hand up to Spike, offering him the sword. Taking it from Smaug, Spike slashed the air in front of him. “You sure made a lot of this stuff. Anything else ya wanna give me?” Smaug chuckled, shaking his head. “I believe that will suffice. I have nothing left that could assist you with what lies ahead.” He moved his claw, scratching off a few loose scales beneath his chin. “Though if that changes, I’ll be sure to have Sapphira give you a message.” He took his smallest claw and poked Spike in the chest. “For now make do with what I have given you. Don’t get greedy with your grandfather.” Spike blushed, clearing his throat. “Greedy? I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Smaug smirked. “Oh, so if I told you that I had a fire ruby the size of your head buried in my hoard, that would elicit no reaction from you?” He let out a barking laugh as Spike glanced at the hoard pile, drooling slightly. “It seems you have good taste in gems even at your young age.” A small smile graced his face as he gently patted Spike’s head with a claw. Coming to his senses, Spike quickly wiped the drool away. “Well, Twilight makes sure I’m well fed. Being the Princess’s student has its perks.” “Good, I’d hate to have to burn down a town,” Smaug said, closing his mouth and letting small flames escape the from his teeth. “It has been centuries since I have done such a thing.” He chuckled, though Spike got the sense he was only partially joking. He quickly stopped laughing and his good eye bore into Spike. “I wish I could spend more time with you, but the migration is not over yet. You should return to Equestria, your trials will begin once you step out of this cave.” “We can’t stay for the whole migration?” Spike frowned, glancing back at the girls. “I wanted to get to know you more; learn more about my mom.” Smaug grunted, plodding back over to his hoard. “As much as I would like to, my attention is needed by others. Others who won’t come here as long as those medals remain. Which means, you must be on your way.” He motioned Sapphira towards one of his shelf, and she quickly handed him a large scroll. “However, I will sate your curiosity.” He held the scroll out to Spike. “This scroll contains the entirety of our clan’s compiled history. There are journal entries translated from the ancient tongue belonging to Bahamut himself. You’d do well to learn from his code of honor.” Glancing at Twilight, he continued. “Speaking of the clan, I will send for you and your family when I am ready. You are not to delay when I do.” Spike took the scroll with an eager grin, nodding at his grandfather. “Of course, Grandpa! We’ll be here as quickly as we possibly can!” Sapphira pushed away from the table for a moment, flexing her wings. “I spotted a pony ship coming up the coast during my morning flight. Master Smaug has offered to pay for your passage aboard. When you are finished eating, we will escort you to your ship.” Twilight gave the dragoness a tired smile, putting her fork down. “Thank you for your help, Sapphira.” She craned her neck to Smaug. “You too, paying for our trip is too kind.” “Having the Princess of the sun’s student in your debt has its perks.” Smaug laughed, lounging on his hoard. “Of course, I don’t expect a clan member to pay me back. Just keep that in mind, yes?” Twilight’s smile grew and she held a hand to her chest. “You said it yourself, our families are going to be linked from now on. It’d be pretty hard not to keep that in mind.” She picked her fork back up and continued eating. “Though thank you for not beholding me to any crazy favors.” Spike swung the sword a few more times, getting a feel for it. It was just light enough for him to wield one handed, made up of a glittering blue metal. Running along the blade were three slots, obviously meant to house medals like his grandfather described. Giving it another swing, he grinned from ear to ear.  A part of him was still terrified about having to fight monsters like Wyatt did. But the more prominent part of his mind couldn’t wait to test his new equipment and mettle in real combat. He looked over the sword again and an idea popped into his head. He’d need a way to hide it if he wanted to keep him being a rider a secret. “Yo, Equestria to Spike!” Dash called out as loudly as she could manage, though it came out sounding like a Fluttershy shout. “Are ya gonna finally make out with that sword or just keep staring at it?” “Leave the colt alone, Dash,” Applejack muttered, fixing her hat. “He’s gota  new toy, lett im’ have some fun.” Spike opened his mouth to object to being called a colt, only to clamp it shut. His mind drifted to the image of his pony father and realized that he could technically be called a colt. He shook his head, fixing a hard look towards the farm mare. “This isn’t a toy, it’s a weapon.” To punctuate his point, he swung it through the air. “And it’s gonna help me get the rest of those medals.” “I think your weapon needs a name, Spike,” Wyatt offered, picking at his own plate with a grin. “What do you think of, Medajalibur?” “Medajalibur, huh?” Spike asked, hefting the blade up into the air. “Ya, I like that.” Grinning ear to ear, Spike rested it on his shoulder. “I’m gonna put this thing to good use!” Wyatt’s grin matched the drake’s and he extended his fist out across the table. “You bet you will! Team Rider is gonna tear up every monster in Equestria!” Bumping fists with Spike, he began to scarf down the rest of his meal. The meal continued in relative silence, the girls threatening to fall face first into their meals. Somehow, everyone managed to finish breakfast without incident and Sapphira stood up from the stone table. “The ship to take you all home is nearby,” she spoke gesturing to the cave entrance. “When you are ready to leave, the master and I will take you there.” Twilight managed to stand up, using a quick bit of magic to help right herself as her legs buckled. “I think we’re ready. We shouldn’t impose any longer than we have to.” Smaug rose up to his full height, padding over to them. “Then, we shall make our leave.” Placing a hand on the ground, he motioned for them to climb on. Wyatt, Spike and Sapphira helped the girls onto the large drake’s hand, taking their time not to rush the sluggish ponies. It took some doing, but the six mares were eventually situated with the others following close behind them. Smaug closed his hand around them, making his way out of his den. Spike adjusted his sword, laying it across his lap as he stared out at the cave tunnel. His mind wandered again, thoughts of his first monster fight running through his head. Running his hand over the blade, he imagined the fanfare and legends that would sprout up around him. A dopey grin spread across his face as he pictured a holiday being made in his honor, with a parade and everything. “Shaman!” A voice cried out, snatching Spike’s attention away from his daydream. All around them, dragons stared at Smaug in awe. Mothers curled protectively around their hatchlings, adults made themselves as small as possible; even the more aggressive teenagers seemed to be hiding themselves behind their parents. Except one. Smaug looked down, finding the red drake that Spike had fought yesterday standing in his way. Agitation was evident on his face, baring his teeth and making himself as large as he possibly could; which in the face of Smaug was still miniscule. Smaug simply stopped in his tracks, gazing down at the dake. “What?” he asked simply, irritation clear in his voice. “That grandson of yours used those cursed medals to attack me yesterday!” he boomed, jabbing a claw at Smaug’s hand while flames licked at the edges of his mouth. “He humiliated me!” “So? Your failings are not my problem.” The drake growled, balling his claws at his side. “There’s no way he could’ve taken me without those; I demand a rematch! No medals!” “I don’t care.” Smaug stepped over him, resuming his walk towards the coast. The drake let out a roar, rushing upward towards Spike with his claws outstretched before him. His rage was interrupted as Smaug blew him away with a snort. The drake crashed in a heap, pulled himself up and tried again. Only to be blown away without a thought again. Smaug paid him no mind, spreading his wings and taking to the sky; his liftoff kicking up a wind storm. This time the red drake seemed to take the hint, contenenting himself with shouting curses after Smaug and Spike. Wyatt stared out at the endless expanse of ocean, the salty air tickling his nose. It had been a couple days since Spike had received his driver and the drake was brimming with energy. Smaug had paid their way with a few golden coins from his hoard. The crew had eagerly taken the payment and set them up with a few spare beds. Pulling away from the railing, he turned to the rest of the deck. Various ponies moved around the deck, mostly sailors performing their duties. He spotted Spike towards the bow, kicking and punching at the air.  He walked over to the drake, holding his hand up. “Hey Spike, whatcha doing?” “Oh hey, Wyatt.” Spike relaxed, getting into a bit of a pose. “Just doing a bit of practice. I gotta be prepared after all.” Wyatt nodded, flashing a smile at the drake. “Gotta love the enthusiasm, buddy. Sounds like you’ve taken to your new role in stride. But, it might be better if you actually practice and not just attack the air like a dork.” Spike looked around the ship, noticing the sailors milling close by. He leaned in close and whispered, “Are you sure that’s a good idea with all the ponies nearby?” “I didn’t say right now.” Wyatt rolled his eyes. “Just trying to help you stop being a dork.” Spike snorted, a puff of smoke escaping his nostrils. “Fine, I guess I can wait a little bit to do some real practice.” Pouting at Wyatt, he socked the human in the arm. Wyatt chuckled, ruffling the spines on the drake’s head. “Come on, let’s go catch up with the girls. Let’s hope they’re among the living again, ya?” Spike nodded, walking to the door that led to the decks below. After squeezing through a tight hallway, the pair found the girls in the room they had been given, sprawled out on their bunks. “Looks like they’re still out. Geez, Grandpa must have taken a lot out of them.” Wyatt rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah, sure seems that way.” He closed the door to their room and turned back to Spike. “Looks like we’re on our own for a while longer. How about we go get some food?” Spike gave him a thumbs up, licking his lips. “Food sounds great, I’ve been starving ever since my growth spurt.” Licking his lips, Spike drooled ever so slightly. “I hope they have gems~” Wyatt smiled and patted the drake’s shoulder. “At the very least we know they’ll have fish.” The two navigated the tight hallways, walking into the galley. It was large, with several long tables arranged into two long rows. At the end of the room was a long counter and a clear divider that led into the kitchen where staff could be seen working. “Hey!” Wyatt called, raising a hand in greeting. “How goes it man?” “Same as always,” a gray pony with tuft of white poking out from his shirt said. His mane was sloppily contained beneath a hairnet and his accent was rough sounding. “Scrubbing away at the dishes you lot dirty up.” “That is what they pay you for.” Wyatt stepped up to the counter, tapping his fingers on the warped wood. “Think you can scrunge some up for my friend and I?” The gray pony rolled his eyes, slinging a dish towel over his shoulder. “I don’t see why not, what do you boyos need?” “Got any gems?” Spike asked, tossing one of the medals into the air. “If not, I’ll take some fish.” The pony chuckled, turning to the stoves and starting one of the burners. “Sorry, but we weren’t expecting a dragon passenger, don’t got any gems for eating. Plenty o’ fish though. I’ll make something extra tasty to make it up to you.” He darted around the kitchen, grabbing a bunch of ingredients. He took up a knife, making quick work of a large fish. Spike watched, taking notes of some of the cook’s techniques. “So, how do you want to spend the rest of the day? Not much to do on the ship.” “I was gonna grab the camera and see if I can spot a whale or maybe some dolphins,” Wyatt said. “But that really just equates to a waiting game. You didn’t happen to pack any cards or something in your bundle, did you?” “Well, I actually threw in my table top stuff.” Spike blushed, scratching his cheek. “I could teach you how to play. Making you a character could probably kill an hour or two.” “Sounds good to me,” Wyatt replied, giving him a thumbs up. “How do you do things? Do I have to roll for my stats, or do you just let me divvy out a set amount?” “Roll for stats of course, it’s the only true way.” Spike tossed the medal again, catching it on the way down. “I’m an old school dm, so don’t think I’ll go easy on you.” Wyatt grinned, putting his hands behind his head. “Alright, sounds like I’ll have a good time. What are the classes for the game we’re doing this for? Also, is this your standard fantasy tabletop, or something else?” “It’s Ogres and Oubliettes,” Spike explained, leaning on the counter. “Fantasy all the way.” “And the classes?” Wyatt repeated, leaning on the counter as well. “Are there any interesting or out there ones I should know about? I always liked playing the paladin.” “My main’s a mage,” Spike told him, a smile on his face. “Though you might wanna hold off on locking in your class until after you roll your stats.” Turning his head, he licked his lips. “Looks like our food is ready.” The pair grabbed their plates and sat down at the nearest table. The food looked rather simple, roasted fish with visible bits of pepper and other various spices along its surface. Beside the fish was a medley of steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes. “He doesn’t look like much, but dang if that doesn’t smell good~” Spike took a deep sniff, what sounded like a purr rumbling in his throat. Spearing some on his fork, he took a bite. “Tastes good too~” Wyatt took a bite of his own, humming in delight as the taste spread along his mouth. The cook obviously knew how to take a little and make it work. It obviously helped that there was a steady supply of fresh fish. “Yeah, that guy knows his way around the kitchen.” “Maybe we should pay the guy?” Spike suggested gesturing back to the counter. “Bet he doesn’t get that much, ya?” Wyatt nodded, spearing another forkful of fish. “Even if he does, it’d still be nice to do. We’re not the people he’s paid to cook for after all.” Taking another bite, Wyatt leaned back in his seat. “You might not want to play catch with your medals though.” Sike looked down at the medal he was still clutching, the stylized unicorn head seeming to stare back at him. “Good point, the last thing I need is to lose one of these.” He chuckled weakly and rubbed the back of his head. “Guess I’m just excitable right now.” “Who wouldn’t be?” Wyatt gave him a smile, winking at him. “I’m in the same situation, remember?” “That’s true, though I think mine’s better.” Spike grinned and puffed up his chest. “My main look doesn’t have pink after all.” Gesturing to himself, Spike grinned. “Ain’t that right, Pinkie?” Wyatt snorted, rolling his eyes as he took a bite of his vegetables. “Yuck it up, scales, but I’ve got twelve full forms to work with while you’ve only got a handful of medals.” Pointing his fork at Spike, he smirked. “Besides, look who's talking, purple boy.” “Hey, purple’s a fashionable color,” Spike retorted, motioning like he was slicking his spines back. “And I rock these scales. Much better than being a bald ape.” He smirked and waved his claw over Wyatt. “Don’t pick a fight with me, Spike.” Wyatt took another bite of his food, giving Spike a look. “I still have more experience than you.” Spike held his hands up defensively and chuckled. “I wasn’t trying to pick a fight. We were just teasing each other, right? Right, Wyatt?” Wyatt’s look hardened as he reached across the table. It then softened and he flicked the drake’s snout. “Yeah, it’s all good.” Pulling his hand back, he focused on eating the rest of his fish. Spike’s muzzle scrunched up for a moment before he rubbed it and went back to his own meal. Pushing the bowl away, Spike relaxed in his seat. “So, uh when do you think another monster will attack?” Wyatt sat his fork down on his plate and tapped his fingers on the table. “I hate to say it, but we’re kinda due for one. I’m just hoping that we don’t find out that there was one in Ponyville while we were gone.” “I think Celestia would have sent me a letter if there was an attack,” Spike pointed out. “Since she hasn’t, I think we’re in the clear.” Wyatt thought for a moment, he had to admit that Spike had a point. He let out a sigh of relief, relaxing in his seat. “I gotta say, Spike, I’m glad to have another person to help me with the monster problem.” Tossing the coin up again, Spike made a show of catching it. “Well, now the monsters have two riders to mess with. I got your back buddy.” Wyatt held his fist out, letting the drake bump it. “Yeah, monsters better beware when the rider duo is there.” Getting to his feet, he took his bowl back to the counter. “We totally know what we’re doing.” Spike followed after him, put his bowl down, thanked the cook and tossed him a few bits. “And if we think we don’t, we can always practice. Ghastly Gorge would be a good place for it. As long as we avoid the eels.” “Eels?” Wyatt repeated, quirking a brow. “So this gorge is near water?” “Uh no. These big eels live in the gorge walls. They can swallow a pony whole.” Wyatt’s eyes widened as he imagined the size of the creature. He sighed, rubbing his temples. “Magic pony land is crazy. At least it isn’t land sharks,” he muttered. Looking at Spike he added. “There aren’t land sharks, right?” Spike scoffed. “Those are just an urban legend. Nopony’s ever seen a land shark. Next you’re gonna ask if there are sewer gators.” Nodding at the cook, he made his way back onto the deck. “You have the strangest ideas sometimes, Wyatt.” Wyatt sucked in a sharp breath through his nostrils, biting back a retort. After a moment, he let it slide. “So, let’s make Decker Aiden the paladin a thing.” Spike nodded, a wide grin on his face. “Yeah, I’ll cook up a cool encounter to show you the ropes of the game too!” The two quickly retrieved Spike’s gear, finding a secluded spot where they could set everything up. Once Spike was done pulling up the correct spot in the class and player manual, he offered Wyatt one of the dice. “Alright Wyatt, are you ready to roll for stats? There won’t be any takebacks.” the drake asked, putting on dramatic airs. “ Ya know, point buy might work better for your first time.” Wyatt gave the drake a cocky look, taking the die from Spike’s claw. “I dunno, Spike, I’m feeling pretty lucky. I think I’m gonna try my hand at rolling. If it doesn’t work out, this can be a joke character and I can point buy for the real one.” He closed his eyes, shook his hand and released the die onto the table they were sitting at. “That’s a one, Wyatt,” Came Spike’s flat response. Wyatt groaned, facepalming. “Seriously?” He made a window between his fingers to confirm what Spike said was true. He had to resist the urge to groan again when he saw the number. “Okay, first stat roll was bad, but I’m sure I’ll nail it this time,” he said, trying to psych himself up. He scooped up the die and gave it another roll. Wyatt’s next few rolls weren’t much better, and he was left with a very mediocre character. “Welp.” Spike lifted the sheet up, inspecting it. “I told you you should have did a point buy. But no one listens to Spike.” Wyatt hung his head in shame, grumbling to himself. “I’d like to point buy now please.” He let his head hit the table, glancing over at the die. “I can’t believe I got nothing but ones. That should be super unlikely.” “Didn’t you say something about Decade being unlucky?” Spike asked, erasing all the undesired stats from the sheet. He passed it back to Wyatt, giving him a pencil. “All stats start at 8 and you get 22 points to mess around with. You can’t go lower than 8 or higher than 15.” “Thanks,” Wyatt muttered, taking the sheet and looking over the player manual to see what would be the best stats for a paladin. He tapped the pencil’s eraser to his chin, thinking things over. “Yeah, but I haven’t been unlucky up ‘til now. This is probably just a fluke, nothing to worry about,” he assured, starting to fill in his character sheet. “I dunno, Wyatt.” Spike pointing out a few things on the sheet Wyatt had forgotten to fill in. “You might have inherited more than just the powers.” “Come on, Spike, if I had inherited the bad luck, it would’ve shown up long before now.” He absentmindedly scratched at his bandages as he filled in the race category of his sheet. The flat look Spike shot him was lost as he muttered some min/maxing to himself. “Yeah, getting knocked out by famous authors and accidentally drinking love potions is nothing but the best of luck,” Spike commented, rolling his eyes. “On top of ending up here.” As soon as the words left Spike’s mouth, he instantly regretted them. The tip of Wyatt’s pencil broke and his  expression instantly took a downward turn. He put the pencil down and ran a hand through his hair. He muttered something that Spike couldn’t make out as he stared blankly at his sheet. “I-I didn’t mean that!” Spike stuttered out, his eyes wide in horror. “I’m so sorry, Wyatt!” “It’s fine, Spike,” Wyatt replied, his voice devoid of emotion. “I know you didn’t mean anything by it.” “It’s not okay!” Spike insisted, slamming his hands on the deck. “That’s a terrible thing to say, and I just blurted it out without a second thought!” Wyatt sighed, getting up from his seat. “Don’t worry about it, Spike. I’m the reason that I’m here now. Besides, I’m doing some good here.” Spike rose up as well, trying to come up with a response. Anything he thought of just died in his throat. Wilting slightly, he looked around, rubbing his arm. Wyatt turned around, putting his hands in his pockets. “I’m starting to feel a little tired; I’m gonna go check on the girls again before taking a nap.” Without another word, he made his way below deck. Cursing to himself, Spike whacked his arm against the ship's railing. “You just found your family, Spike and what do you do? You basically rub it in the face of the guy who just lost his. Some friend you are” High Wind stared out at the sea, watching the waves loll to and fro at their leisure. The waters between Equestria’s eastern coast and the dragon lands was as ornery as the aforementioned creatures, which made him grateful for the respite it was giving him. The few ships that ventured out into these waters were trade ships filled with either money or goods. That or pirate ships out to plunder the previously mentioned traders. Which is exactly what his ship was looking to do. High wind turned away from the railing, looking up at the crow’s nest. He put his hand to the side of his mouth and called out, “Riptide! Any sign of a good target?!” “Aye sir!” Riptide called back. “Ah see a fine one up ahead! Should make the king nice n’ happy!” High Wind had no real idea why the king held such a fascination with this stretch of water. Out of all the shipping lanes in the world’s many waters, and the pirate king always made sure to send somepony out here. Of course, the king refused to say why, and nopony was stupid enough to press him for it. Though, there was almost never any patrols by the Equestrian Navy, making all the trading vessels rather easy targets. High Wind’s hand drifted to his pocket, feeling cool metal against his fur. The king had given him something just in case they ran into any complications.