//------------------------------// // Welcome to Port Jonagold // Story: La Mer // by Twinkleshine //------------------------------// The mares and Spike arrived in Canterlot late in the afternoon, landing on one of the royal palace’s many spacious balconies. Both princesses were waiting for them there, their royal guards surprisingly absent. “Princesses Celestia and Luna,” said Rarity, bowing. The rest of the mares did the same, and the princesses gave them nods in response. “There’s very little time for formalities if what your letter said is true,” said Princess Luna, motioning them over with a hoof and beginning to walk back into the palace. “‘Very little time’?” asked Spike, having to jog to keep pace with the princesses. “What do you mean?” “What my sister means,” said Princess Celestia, “is that we must act quickly if we are to save Twilight.” “Save her?” asked Fluttershy. “Is she in danger?” “Very much so,” said Princess Luna simply. The group continued to walk through the halls of the palace, their confusion only growing with every second that their questions were unanswered. Eventually, they arrived at an enormous set of ornate, white doors. “Ever since the wedding,” said Princess Celestia, placing her horn on the doors’ simple lock, “we’ve had to move the Elements of Harmony to a position where they can be easily obtained, yet safe.” Princess Luna placed her own horn against the lock and said, “So we both decided that the best place to hide them would be in a place that only the two of us together can access.” There was a stillness in the air as the princesses took a deep breath. “Are you ready, sister?” asked Princess Celestia. “I am ready.” A silence fell over them as they closed their eyes. There was a blinding light for a split-second, and then Princess Luna pushed the doors open with a single hoof. Behind them was a simple white-washed room, in the center of which was a wooden table. On the table was a wooden box. Princess Celestia stepped through the doors, and a shiver seemed to run through the air. Once inside, the princess looked as if she was underwater, her form distorted and strange. Spike stepped forward and reached out a claw. “No!” cried Princess Luna, pulling him away with her magic. “You must not touch the threshold while my sister is inside. There is a powerful spell guarding everything that enters that room, and it would surely kill you were you to disturb it.” Spike nodded and took a step back. They watched as Princess Celestia picked up the box with her magic and walked slowly, as if in the thickest of quicksand, back towards the doors. There was another shiver, one that seemed to come from everywhere at once, as she crossed the threshold. The princess’ eyes looked tired for just a moment, but she quickly regained her regal composure. “Come,” she said. “There is much to do.” As the ship approached Port Jonagold, Twilight Sparkle was surprised to discover that it wasn’t really a port at all—at least not in the traditional sense. It was more of a haphazard collection of buoys, ships, and planks that all seemed to be held together by rope and hope. “This is Port Jonagold?” she asked Hawkeye, who had slunk back above deck. “What?” he snapped. “Not good enough for ya?” The yellow stallion grumbled something she didn’t catch and stormed off, pushing past her. “Don’t mind him,” said Lady over her shoulder, standing at the helm. “My brother is a ‘lil bit... um…” “Cranky?” They shared a laugh, and Lady answered, “Yeah. He’s just not used to things not goin’ his way. Give him a bit ‘o time, and he’ll warm up to ya.” “Hopefully not too much,” said Twilight, giggling. Lady chuckled and said softly, “Ain’t that the truth. Not to be rude or anythin’, but any mare that gets too close to my brother either ends up heartbroken or… uh… pregnant. But ya don’t have to be with him in… um… ‘that way’ to get along with him.” “Let’s hope not,” said Twilight, turning to face Port Jonagold again in embarrassment. “You and me both,” said Granny Applejack, letting out a barking laugh before spitting out an apple seed. “Like I need more bastard grandchildren.” “We’re almost there, Granny,” said Lady. “Is the cargo ready?” “Should be.” “What’s your cargo?” asked Twilight. “Zap apples, ‘o course!” exclaimed Granny Applejack. Twilight was silent for a moment, puzzled, and then asked, “But is there any land for them to grow on in this area?” “Nope,” said Lady, “we’ve been on the sea for a long time to get these zap apples.” “But the only place they grow is… Ponyville,” said Twilight slowly, turning to Granny Applejack. “Yup,” said Granny Applejack. “But, like I said, it’s a nasty place, especially fer a unicorn like you.” “A unicorn like me?” “Well… For one,” said Lady, staring straight ahead with her hooves still at the helm, “yer a unicorn. They don’t much like unicorns in those parts, to put it kindly. Two, and don’t take this the wrong way, ya don’t exactly look…” “Look what?” Granny Applejack cackled and said, “Well, dear, Lady isn’t one to point this out about other ponies, but ya ain’t exactly the most intimidating pony we’ve ever seen.” Twilight frowned and said, “If you knew me, you might think I was pretty intimidating.” The old mare laughed again. “Sure, sure. Ya might know a couple spells that can rip the flesh right off our bones, but I haven’t seen you use any magic since we fished ya out of the sea.” Twilight paused for a moment and brought a hoof to her horn. It felt normal enough, with no pain coming from it or any noticeable cracks that she could feel. “Woah now,” said Granny Applejack, still chuckling, “I didn’t mean to give ya any ideas.” “Here we are, Granny!” shouted Lady. “Can ya call up Hawkeye from the hold?” Twilight dropped her hoof and closed her eyes. She took a couple of breaths, in and out. On her third breath in, she focused her magical energy on something that every unicorn knew—the illumination spell. She felt Granny Applejack brush past her and heard her say, “Is yer horn supposed to be doing that?” Twilight saw a comforting glow from behind her eyelids and smiled. There was no pain, no confusion, no ocean. All there was was Twilight Sparkle and magic. Everything’s going to be just fine, she thought, feeling the sun soak into her coat. “Hold it!” shouted the burly earth pony stallion as he boarded the Honeycrisp. “Oh, shush,” said Granny Applejack, hobbling over to face him. “Ya know exactly who we are, Alderman. Goodness, I remember helpin’ yer ma push ya out of her!” The stallion looked embarrassed but quickly regained his composure and said, “Of course, Granny. Sorry. But, uh…” “Spit it out! I don’t have all day!” barked Granny Applejack. “These zap apples might last forever, but I won’t!” He pointed a hoof at Twilight and asked, “Who’s she?” Twilight took a step back and readied herself just in case. In case what? What could you possibly do? You can’t teleport anywhere, and if you’re thinking about that concussive spell— She silenced her inner monologue for a moment and managed to stutter out, “Ah-I’m… I’m—” “She’s Sunset Shimmer!” shouted Lady, stomping her large hoof against the deck with such force that Twilight thought the ship was going to break in two. “Sunset Shimmer?” repeated Twilight, confused for a moment before bouncing back. “Yes! I’m Sunset Shimmer!” The burly stallion rolled his eyes and said, “Good for you. I was askin’ more about yer business here in Port Jonagold.” Granny Applejack tutted and shook her head. “Did ya even look at the mare’s cutie mark? It’s pretty darn obvious that she’s the Honeycrisp’s new navigator! I mean, check out the size of that north star on her flanks!” Twilight blushed a little as the stallion’s eyes moved to her cutie mark. “Well, if ya say so, Granny,” said the stallion, shrugging his shoulders. “I know so, Alderman. And don’t think I won’t tell yer ma about this.” The stallion looked exasperated and said in a defeated tone before walking the gangplank back onto his own ship, “Go right on through." “Welcome,” said Granny Applejack to Twilight, “to our home sweet home.”