Shining Armor considered himself a relatively calm and collected person. Even when under fire from enemy ships, he didn’t panic. Panicking only incited the crew to follow in suit, and soon, nothing would get done. Then there’d be a real reason to panic.
So, he gave his orders with strong command. Sometimes he hurried, but he never rushed. Rushing would make things sloppy, giving more opportunity to mess it up. No matter the situation, he tried to remain strong, diligent, and thorough.
When Shining got the letter from his baby sister, he’d thrown all that away in an instant.
He sprinted through Canterlot Castle, letter clenched in his hand. Pirates! Pirates in Pony Bay! Why? What do they want with Mom? What do they want with Twilight?
He had been rudely awakened in the early hours of the morning, just as the sun rose out of the eastern horizon, by a plump and noisy owl. All of his grogginess faded in an instant the moment he read Twilight’s letter. Now here he was, racing through the castle at top speed. His naval uniform had been hastily put on, with two of the buttons on his red shirt still undone, and the silver chestplate crooked. Likewise, his sapphire hair was only combed in the front, leaving the back a shaggy mess.
There was no time to take things slow, there was no time to be thorough and diligent. His sister had been kidnapped by pirates and could be anywhere by now! Cold sweat mixed with the warm sweat running down the back of his neck. Shining couldn’t bare to think about what those pirates could be doing to Twilight.
The marble hallway became a blur as he sped up. Some of the station guards shouted at him to slow down, but they fell on deaf ears. Shining refused to slow down until he reached the throne room.
Fortunately, fate decided to meet him halfway. Shining rounded a corner and had to ground his heels into the carpet to force himself to stop before he crashed into a company of guards.
“Woah, there, soldier, what’s the rush?” one of them asked.
Shining doubled over, hands on his knees as fatigue caught up to him in his brief respite. “I… I’m sorry,” he said between pants. “I just… need to see…” He looked up in between the narrow gap in the guards procession and caught a glance at the well-garbed and beautiful figure standing in the middle. “Princess Cadence!”
With a wave of her hand, the two front guards stood apart, allowing Shining to fully view the princess. She wore a long purple gown with diamonds embedded into the hem, and a tiara sat neatly placed in her three-toned pink, purple, and gold hair. “Good morning, Captain Armor,” she said, a smile lighting up her pink, heart-shaped face. It quickly flipped into a frown. “You seem distressed.”
Shining straightened up and adjusted his naval uniform. “I-I am, Your Majesty. I just got a letter from my sister. She said pirates attacked Pony Bay.”
Princess Cadence covered her mouth with a hand. “Oh my goodness!” She turned to one of the rear guards. “I want two cruisers out there immediately, along with a supply ship. Send a scout back with a full report of the damage as soon as possible. Double patrols around the island.” She raised her hand as the guard motioned to leave. “Try to be subtle about it. I don’t want the civilians panicking.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
She faced Shining again. “Did your sister perchance identify the pirates responsible?”
Shining shifted his weight from one leg to the other. “Well, she did, but… she thinks it was… the Crimson Heart.”
“The Crimson Heart?” Cadence repeated. “But no one has seen that ship in a century. I would be amazed if it even lasted this long.”
“It’s possible she was mistaken,” Shining said quickly. “But whoever they were, they were looking for my mother, and chased after my sister instead. I think they’ve kidnapped her.”
A grim shadow crossed Cadence’s face. “I understand how that would be quite distressing. I believe I would be correct in assuming you came to see me to get permission to give chase?”
Shining bowed. “Please, Your Majesty. Twilight is the only family I have left.” His stomach knotted up at the thought of never seeing her again. He had promised to protect her and he had already failed.
Cadence made a quiet hum. “You and your soldiers are quite adept, Captain. But, for argument’s sake, if it really is the Crimson Heart, and if Sunset Shimmer is still at the helm, she’s not to be taken lightly.”
The hope in Shining’s eyes flickered. “Your Majesty, you don’t actually believe that fairy tale, do you?”
“I’ve heard stranger things, Captain. Contrary to popular belief, there’s still some magic left in this world.” She shook her head. “But, I digress. You’ve dealt with pirates before, though your last rescue mission had… less than favorable results.”
Regret clawed at Shining’s heart, making him wince, but he held his ground.
Cadence yielded a sigh. “You’re one of the navy’s best captains. But, let’s err on the side of caution for this.” The hard look in her eye told Shining there would be no room for arguments. “You’ll go with the ships to Pony Bay and gather what information you can. Afterwards, Crimson Heart or otherwise, you’ll take one of the cruisers along with your crew and give chase. Full reports whenever you can, Captain.”
“Of course, Your Majesty. Thank you so much!” Shining turned on his heel and took off down the corridor again.
“Good luck!” Cadence called after him.
Shining gave her another silent ‘thank you’ as he sprinted out the castle. He would have to be diligent and thorough after all, but the faster he got to Pony Bay, the faster he could get on the trail of those pirates, whoever they were.
The sun shone brightly over Canterlot, bathing the marble and brass city in its warm glow. The gulls flew on the sea breeze drifting in from the northwest. A group sitting in the courtyard scattered with angry cries as Shining barreled through.
He got off the castle grounds and was halfway down the first hill when he realized he’d be better off catching a taxi carriage. With the sun only halfway through its ascent, hailing a carriage proved to be an easy feat. As it bobbed along the cobblestone road that snaked down the hills of Canterlot, Shining tried to gather himself again and form a plan of attack.
First thing’s first: why? Why would pirates attack Pony Bay? Why would they be looking for his deceased mother? Why would they take Twilight instead? Was she okay? And was it really the Crimson Heart that darkened Pony Bay’s shores?
He rested his head against the back of the seat. Gathering information would be tedious work and only widen the gap between him and whoever had the guts to steal his sister away. But orders were orders. He just hoped one of the faster cruisers had been assigned to Pony Bay.
The sounds of the sea grew louder as the carriage came to Canterlot’s oceanfront. The gulls were much noisier here, their cries mingling with the calls of fish and produce merchants and the slapping waves against the stone pier. Dock workers and passing peasants filled the streets at this early hour. Shining watched the commercial ships and fishing boats pass by his window as he continued down the street.
The carriage came to a stop at the gate to the Naval Yard. Cut off from the rest of the docks, it housed many of the ships in the Equestrian Armada.
Shining stepped out and paid the driver five silver coins. He flashed his badge to the guard at the gate, who then pulled the chain mail back to let him into the yard. The stone pier curved with the island, creating a large crescent that cradled all of the Princess’ ships. They ranged from small, private merchant ships, to powerful frigates with tall masts reaching for the sky, and webs of netting catching the sea air.
The Defender was halfway down the marina, its silver hull sparkling in the morning light. Two decks armed to the teeth with cannons, the bowsprit tipped to the sky, and three masts, naked with their dove white sails rolled up. From the tip of the main mast, the Equestrian flag blew, two winged unicorns circling the sun and moon.
The gangplank was down, and as Shining approached, he was surprised, and a little annoyed, to see his chief officer, Fluttershy waiting for him at the bottom. She was dressed in her white naval uniform with matching slacks and a blue navy neckerchief.
She saluted Shining as he drew near, knocking off her white cap. “Oh no!” She quickly grabbed it and dusted it off before resuming her salute. “G-good morning, Captain.”
“At ease Miss Shy.” Shining stopped and sighed. “I hate to ask this, but where is Lieutenant Dash?”
The look in Fluttershy’s eye told him everything he needed to know before she said it. “Umm, well…”
Shining ran a hand down his face. “Uuuugh! Fine.” He looked over his shoulder, growing further perturbed by the long walk ahead of him. He looked back at Fluttershy, who flinched from his intense stare. Normally, he would apologize, but he had neither the time nor the patience. “Fluttershy, you’re in charge until I get back. This morning’s wakeup call was not a drill. Tell the crew to prep and be ready to sail by high noon.”
Fluttershy gave a shaky salute. “Well, i-if you think I can do it…”
“You’ll be fine. The crew knows when to listen to you.” Shining gave her a supportive pat on the shoulder, then began his brisk walk back out the Naval Yard. I ought to ring Rainbow Dash’s neck this time.
The cool ocean air kept him from getting too warm in his uniform, but as the sun rose higher, he could feel himself beginning to sweat.
It was a twenty minute walk to the Prancing Pony, the closest bar and frequent hangout spot for sailors. It looked like an old wooden shack on the outside, with a statue of a rearing pony next to the door. The inside was better taken care of, with polished tables and booths, and two large chandeliers that provided cozy lighting. It didn’t take Shining long to find Rainbow in her rumpled uniform.
In a booth near the back, a rainbow-haired woman arm wrestled with a young man wearing a stetson lowered over his eyes. They were evenly matched, their muscles bulging and straining against the other’s weight.
Shining marched over, though Rainbow Dash took no notice. She kept her teeth clenched so tightly, Shining wondered if she might shatter them. From under the stranger’s hat, Shining could see an amused grin.
“Ahem,” Shining said rather than actually clearing his throat. Rainbow turned toward him, turned back, then snapped her neck around again, violet eyes wide with panic.
“Captain! Aaagh!” In her moment of distraction, Rainbow’s competitor had decided the match was over, and slammed Rainbow’s arm down. “No fair! I was… that was…” Rainbow’s face matched the shade of red in her hair.
The stranger stood from the booth, chuckling. “You put up a decent fight,” he said in a gravelly voice. He tipped his hat down to his nose in Shining’s direction. “All yours, partner.” As he sauntered off, Shining couldn’t help but feel a sense of familiarity from him.
More pressing matters stopped Shining from pursuing the man. Instead, he sat down across from Rainbow, still stewing in defeat, arms crossed and lips pursed. She looked more like a child than Shining’s First Lieutenant.
“Dash, it’s not even noon, and you’re in here drinking and fighting.”
Rainbow sat up. “I was not drinking! I came in here for breakfast.”
Shining stared, his face expressionless.
Rainbow wilted and bit her lip. “Okay, maybe I came for one drink. But then some punk who was already drunk was getting all handsy with me, so I decked him! Then that guy challenges me to an arm wrestling contest! I was just minding my business.”
“Lieutenant, if I wanted a story, I would have asked for one,” Shining said cooly.
Cheeks turning red again, Rainbow bowed her head. “Sorry, sir.” She began fixing her crooked neckerchief and straightening out her shoulder boards.
Shining put his hands on the table, cupping them together and leaning forward. “Rainbow, I made you First Lieutenant because you work hard and you know how to inspire others. But you can’t do that if you’re drunk half the time.” He tapped his knuckles against the table, startling her enough to raise her head. He locked eyes with her. “There are better ways to cope.”
“I know. I…” Rainbow’s voice caught, and she looked at her lap again, her spiky bangs falling over her face. “I’m sorry.”
“You can apologize to me by getting up and getting back to the ship, double-time. We’ve got a mission.” Shining stood and looked down at her. The cloud over her head was thick today.
“Another scouting mission?”
Shining shook his head. “Chase and rescue.”
Rainbow snapped her head up, the cloud beginning to dissipate. “Who are we rescuing?”
Shining set his mouth in a grim line. “My sister.”
Just like that, the cloud was gone. A determined fire replaced the moisture in Rainbow’s eyes and she leapt to her feet with a vigorous salute. “First Lieutenant Rainbow Dash, reporting for active duty, Sir!”
******
One guard stood at Canterlot’s east gate. His gold painted armor reflected the sun and shot a beam right into Applejack’s eye. She grunted and brought her stetson lower.
The guard held a hand out as Applejack crossed under the threshold. Applejack stopped and reached into the pocket of her trousers, pulling out five gold coins. They slid hands, and the gold vanished into the guard’s armor.
“Supplies should be there just after sundown,” he whispered. “Be careful getting out though; they’re doubling patrols.”
“Thanks, Loose Lips.” Applejack flashed a grateful smile and continued on her way. She kept her stetson on until she was a good two miles away from the city. . Her ponytail fell from its coil atop her head and swung side-to-side like a blonde pendulum. The sun warmed her freckled face, teasing a smile out of her. Tiny puffs of dust kicked up in her wake as she traveled along the country road.
Reconnaissance was always fun. Whenever she wasn’t caught at least. Bar patrons always had the best stories, and the most action happened in bars and taverns. While Applejack hadn’t gotten into a fist fight this time, she had met a worthy challenger in the noble sport of arm wrestling.
She had also picked up some information she was sure the captain would love.
Applejack’s long legs and athletic build gave her quick and long strides. Even so, it was nearly dark by the time she reached the back of the island, despite the numerous shortcuts she had found. She pushed her way through a thick set of foliage, escaping the small forest that bordered the inner hills of the large island from the secluded beach. The sun melted into the waves, setting them on fire as Applejack walked along the beach, whistling a nameless tune.
The hills rose up on her left, turning into tall cliffs that the ocean had buffered for millennia. The beach thinned out until Applejack was waist deep in the water, following along the cliff face. She came upon a narrow ledge and hauled herself onto it, pressing her back into the wall and shimmying along until the path widened out so she could put one foot in front of the other.
Soon, she found herself in a wide cove. Anchored in the center was a purple ship with gold trimming, Good Fortune scrawled in fancy letters near the bow. Applejack’s nameless tune became a single high note that bounced around the cove. A second later, a lower note came in reply, and a ladder dropped from the deck.
Applejack leaned back, then threw herself from the ledge, catching onto the ladder with one hand while her boot kicked the water. She frowned at her failure to completely clear the gap, but climbed the rope ladder until a pair of strong hands pulled her the rest of the way.
“Thanks, Big Mac,” she said, wringing out her shirt.
“Eeyup.” The muscular young man named Big Mac nodded.
“Applejack’s back!” a high-pitched voice sang from the crow’s nest. The keeper of the voice scrambled down the rigging and tackled Applejack in a mess of flailing limbs and outrageous pink hair. “Did you bring me a present?”
“No, Pinkie,” Applejack grunted, “I didn’t bring you a present.”
Pinkie rolled off and bounced to her feet. “Bummer.” She cartwheeled across the deck, over to the cabin door decorated with a heart and crossbones. She knocked with her foot and shouted, “Captain, Applejack’s back! And she didn’t get me a present again!”
Applejack rolled her eyes, taking off her boots and emptying the water from them.
The door opened, and the first figure to run from it was a girl no older than twelve, with long red hair decorated with a pink bow. “Applejack, didja at least get me a present?” The girl wrapped her arms around Applejack’s middle and looked up at her with heart-melting eyes.
“Sorry, Apple Bloom, the only present I brought was some information.” She pat her little sister on the head.
“Well, information is as good as gold to the right person,” a refined voice said. A woman with long locks of royal purple that curled at the ends exited the cabin next. As always, she was dressed to the nines in her purple coat with gold buttons that complimented her off-white blouse. Her breeches were a similar white with black knee-high boots. Atop her head was a purple tricorn with a white feather.
“Aye, Captain.” Applejack nodded in agreement. She held her tongue against commenting on her captain’s need to play dress up everyday. That conversation never ended well.
Captain Rarity looked Applejack up and down and gave a disapproving click of her tongue. “A quick report, then go and dry yourself off before you catch a cold, darling.”
Applejack took a seat on top of an empty barrel, Apple Bloom joining her. “Well, I was in the bar—”
Rarity rolled her eyes.
“—and havin’ an arm wrestling contest with this hothead girl. Turns out, she’s part of the Royal Navy, ‘cause her superior officer comes in lookin’ none too happy.” Applejack scratched the side of her face. “Guess the uniform shoulda tipped me off. But she looked so raggedy, Ah didn’t think much of it. Anyway, they start havin’ a conversation, and it starts to get interestin’.” Applejack leaned forward. “Some pirates up and snatched that captain’s sister.”
“Oh my,” Rarity said, holding a hand over her mouth. “Navy or not, that’s absolutely dreadful.”
“Agreed. Which reminds me, gettin’ outta here is gonna be a might harder. They’re makin’ more rounds now.”
Rarity nodded. “We’ll worry about that after our supplies arrive.”
“Right. So, Ah started talin’ them afterwards, tryin’ to see if Ah could find out a little bit more. Apparently, the girl got a letter off before bein’ snatched.” Applejack held a finger up. “Now, here’s where it gets really good. Accordin’ to the girl, the pirates that attacked the island and took her belonged to the Crimson Heart.”
Rarity and Apple Bloom’s eyes widened. From up in the crow’s nest, Pinkie let out a loud, “Oooooooooooh!”
“‘Oooh’ indeed,” Rarity murmured. She paced the deck, her hand pushed against her chin. “Why would Sunset Shimmer kidnap a little girl?”
Applejack shrugged. “Don’t know. That’s what the navy’s tryin’ to figure out.”
“You think it has something to do with the map?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Maybe,” Rarity said. “Regardless, we have a lead again. Applejack, did you learn where the Crimson Heart was seen last.”
“Pony Bay.”
Rarity clapped. “Bravo, Applejack; we’re back in the race! Let’s set a course for Pony Bay and see if we can’t find some clues. The faster we get that map, the faster we get our wish!”
There was a proud chorus of, “Aye aye, Captain!” A flurry of activity started, with crew members running back and forth across the deck to prepare the ship.
As Applejack hopped off the barrel to go get dry, Apple Bloom asked, “So who won the arm wrestle?”
Applejack looked down at her and grinned. “Ah did, of course! Ain’t nobody on the sea stronger than me!”