Between Equestria and Saddle Arabia, a darkness was gathering. Fifty stallions strong and armed to the teeth for battle.
Aboard a black airship that was invisible in the moonless, cloudless night, ponies who were willing to spill the blood of the innocent lives that stood in their way of progress.
The ship creaked every once in awhile as a breeze moved it ever so slightly.
This was, of course, a tactical advantage for a stowaway. Like a rat, a pony unknown to the warriors slunk around. Eager to find what his mission had been.
He'd gotten Intel a year before that the Saddle Arabian's had some sort of secret weapon they'd use to overthrow the princesses. His mission, steal the weapon if it were portable and disarm the airship.
Simple enough on paper. But Dagger Shine knew it would be a lot more difficult. Fifty heavily armed ponies who didn't have the slightest reservation about killing made this operation even harder.
He moved through the shadows keeping his wings open to keep movements timed to the creek of the ship as much as possible, and sought his prize. His wings kept his balance relatively distributed, making it harder to move swiftly, but made his progress muffled.
He'd been searching nearly two hours and had been on this infernal ship for over twelve. This wasn't his idea of a good time, but for the sake of Equestria, and all the innocent ponies he'd have to live with it.
Now, he was by no means a bad pony in his book. However, the overwhelming goodness, cuteness, and friendship blather made him ill. He nearly gagged.
The hallway he was walking was narrow, filled to the the brim with boxes big and small. He weaved through them trying to avoid making any unnecessary noise. So far his mission had been successful. Laying in the cargo hold, munching on some of their food until the majority of the guards had fallen asleep was the easy part. His neck disagreed, with the height of the food storage. The stallion was forced to stoop behind boxes to remain hidden. But now there were fewer guards to be concerned with.
His slinking lead him to a door, that concealed a large room behind it, at least in comparison to other rooms on the ship. Leaning in, he saw mostly shadows. Very little light was visible. No candles or lamps. Perhaps it was time to move on. He took one more moment to look in this room. Explosive sticks of dynamite, which could prove deadly for any pony who crossed these Saddle Arabians.
He sniffed, and turned. Nothing of interest to him in this room. His search continued through the corridor. Looking through living quarters, the galley, and the armory.
The corridor lead to him to what must have been the captain's chambers. What better place to hide a unbelievably powerful weapon? He smiled a little to himself. That must be where it was. He now had to find a way to get in, grab it, and go. But it struck him, he didn’t even know what this weapon looked like… Was it big, with daggers on it? Was it small and explosive? No, if it were it would be with the other explosives. Instead it had to be something unusual, something that stuck out like a sore hoof, or something unexpected.
Dagger followed his instincts, passing the columns of iron holding the structure together. He was pleased to see the metal was rusting and had a few cracks in the beam. Obviously this was not a new ship. This amused him. The bolts holding the beams were corroding and gave off a very rusty odor. It made his nostrils flare with the almost bloody smell. This piece of junk might actually be well on it’s way to disaster without his intervention.
His hoof steps were slow and careful. He placed his hoof on the deck, easing his weight into it, before moving his next hoof. This was slow, but as far as he could tell, he had all the time in the world. Well at least the next four hours.
When he reached the door, he jiggled it softly to see if it were unlocked. Unfortunately for him. It wasn’t. He’d have to pick the lock.
He rolled his eyes, nothing was ever so easy, was it?
He pulled out a long and delicately curved dagger, its blade seemed to shimmer in the almost complete darkness, it’s edge seemed to go on into infinity. This was his favorite weapon and multitool. It would serve as his tension wrench.
He turned his head and pulled a silvery feather out of his wing, putting it in the lock along with the tip of the dagger. His work was only just starting.
He gently moved the dagger, holding it to the side and applying pressure to the lock, while moving the feathers shaft closer to the pins within, raking it across gently. His tongue was sticking out in concentration, when he felt the dagger move an inch, and the locking mechanism with it, Dagger knew he was in.
Behind him he hadn’t noticed two ponies stood watching him, they’d gone undetected. Entertained they were content to watch his actions play out. The larger of the two nudged his partner, whispered, “Fifty bits he doesn’t get out of the room alive.”
“You’re on.” His companion said, nodding.
With the door open, Dagger snuck in, leaving the door open just a crack. This room had a gentle lamp’s glow illuminating every surface that he noticed was covered in lavish designs, pretty things, and even golden statues. The Captain must be quite wealthy and proud of his conquests.
Dagger ignored the gems, gold and trinkets. Instead he kept his eye for something that obviously didn’t belong.
There were crowns and breastplates that clearly could buy Dagger an equally lavish lifestyle as this stallion.
Every corner of this room was cluttered, every free space taken up by some gem, gold coin or even scrolls. Perhaps treasure maps? Dagger didn’t dare look.
The room was illuminated with just the single lamp, but that was enough to cast the whole room in a shimmering, glittering golden glow.
Carefully stepping between piles of treasure he kept searching, mindful never to touch anything that wasn’t his target. He didn’t want to accidently send a pile of coins scattering noisily across the space.The room wasn’t terribly big, but the excess of junk and valuables made it feel even smaller than it was, making easy passage difficult.
He was beginning to have doubts about this being the resting place of this object. Maybe he was wrong, since there didn’t seem to be anything worthy of being dubbed the weapon. All that was here was objects of material value. Nothing weapon-ish at all. Well, perhaps a golden dagger or two, which caught his eyes.
The two stallions still waiting outside the chamber exchanged glances. “Do you suppose his after Valiant Spice’s treasure?” The shorter guard asked.
The taller of the two shrugged. “If it’s his aim, he’s got another thing coming.” He laughed, watching the door.
“If he really is here for the gold, Spice will annihilate him.” The other chuckled getting his coin purse open, ready to get his payment.
Dagger meanwhile had explored nearly every corner of this damn room, but still nothing. As he was moving to look in the last place he had to look, he stopped short.
His heart was suddenly in his throat, and his hooves were glued in place.
He found the object he was looking for, but there was just one problem. The Captain had it right on the bedside table resting on a satin curtain wrapped around it’s base to keep it standing up, and protecting. Not only that, but the Captain was a she…
Cold sweat ran down his back. He knew this mare, he knew her all to well.
She was Valiant Spice, the most feared military commander ever. No pony in Equestria had such a bloody reputation.
The object beside her was rounded and shiny. It was different in that it was not gold, a gem or trinket. Instead it looked like something organic, natural and even alive. It looked like trouble, and that’s what he went through to get here. That was the object’s designated name now: Trouble.
Taking a big gulp of air, he tip toed over he stretching out his wings reaching for the object. Now that he was closer it appeared pearly white, but it wasn’t, just an illusion with the lighting. It actually had a shimmer of every color under the sun. It was gorgeous. It also looked delicate, helpless and rare. But unlike the treasure surrounding him, this was a different kind of rare.
His wingtips began to close around it, his hoof knocked a single coin from a tower he hadn’t seen at his hooves. It clattered to the ground. He froze and glanced up at Spice.
He grabbed the sphere and clutched it to his breast. It was heavier than it looked and radiated a gentle warmth. To his horror Spice’s eyes were wide open watching him, her lips curving into a snarl.
Dagger didn’t need to wait to see her further reaction, he turned and held the sphere in his hooves. He took off into the air, and shot out of the chamber, knocking the two stallions to the side.
Both looked in shock at the pony’s tail. “Was that the stallion we saw?” The small one asked.
“I don’t know, but should we follow?” The tall one added, unsure if they should follow.
The orange maned, cream coated Spice came crashing out. “You buffoons! Get him! He has the cargo!” She bellowed. Her horn snapping angrily. She charged past them, running to a pipe, unlatching the top she screamed at top octave. “WAKE UP! WE HAVE AN INTRUDER! HE”S STOLEN OUR CARGO! GET HIM, DEAD OR ALIVE, BUT BRING ME BACK THE CARGO, INTACT!” she paused for a moment. “...And if it is not returned to me in perfect condition, I will kill each and every one of you!”
Dagger sped past beam after beam, looking for a secure exit. He’d snuck on when they were docked, this now was completely different. He didn’t recognize anything. Instead everything was dimly lit, and all looked the same. Every beam was rusted, every gap between them also looked the same. He heard Spice’s voice over the speakers and shuddered. He was lucky if he got out at all.
Ponies began bounding around, the noise was deafening, shouts and hollers were nerve raising. It was like a whole army was seeking him, and only him. He didn’t have backup, he didn’t have support. He was alone in a sea of malicious intent and it looked like if he didn’t make a quick escape soon, he might never get out.
Down the corridor from him, the shouts of ponies drew nearer. He had to hide. And the only place he could was in the ceiling. He pinned himself up against the wall and right behind a beam as best he could, and held his breath.
He hoped he was hidden well enough. His muscles screamed in agony at the contortion he had to perform to hold his position.
His eye’s snapped open at the sound of a female voice.
“Dagger, so good to see you again, I thought we may never meet again after our last skirmish in Griffonstone.” She smiled viciously. Her voice held a very exotic accent, pleasing to the ears, usually. Today however her words meant to pierce. And pierce they did.
Dagger recoiled.
“Spice, good to see you too.” He rebutted. Trying to keep himself up above them. “How’d you find me so fast?” He asked. Curious as to how they discovered him.
She smiled up at him baring sharpened teeth. “You have wings, I would expect you to use them while hiding. Leaving fewer places to check.” Her horn snapped and crackled with anticipation. “Give me what’s mine, and maybe I’ll let you live.” She said.
“I don’t think so, Spice, this isn’t yours and you won’t be allowed to continue this war game.” He snapped back.
Her horn charged with a spell. “Perhaps you want to think again.” She snarled.
He smiled down at her. “No, I don’t think I will, I’m pretty happy up here, and stopping you. You know, I could drop this.” He taunted, holding the ‘Trouble’, as he named it. Dangling it above Spice and the guards. “Wouldn’t want that, would we?” His taunt seemed to work.
She began to tremble with anger. “How dare you!” She snarled, barking her words at him. “You little worm!” She sent a painful spell his way, but he droppeddown the last second. To her horror, and everyone on board’s horror. The magic ripped through the fragile lining of the skin of the ship. There was a blasting sound, and a deafening hiss.
There was absolute pandemonium. Ponies scattered. The only two standing was Dagger and Spice.
“This is the last time you make a fool out of me, Dagger!” She growled, grabbing for him in the bucking airship.
“I don’t think so, Spice.” He retorted, jumping back and pulling out his dagger. “Don’t come any closer.” He warned.
She eyed him, as the airship began swaying dangerously. She looked at the cargo she’d been charged with. Was it worth her life? No, she decided, It wasn’t. However, her magnificent horde almost was.
She backed off. “You’ll see me again, you can bet on it. Dagger.” Her voice was caustic.
Dagger watched her retreat and took a moment to take a deep breath. That mare really scared him. He had to get out soon, very soon. His hooves were barely able to keep him standing. The ship was beginning to tilt dangerously to the left, making standing more and more difficult by the minute. His wings lifted him, keeping him safe. He had to find an exit and quickly.
The air was getting colder inside. Bitterly piercing cold. His fur fluffed up trying to keep him warm, but it didn’t help much. Where were they? They couldn’t be too high up, could they? His heart raced as he pressed ‘Trouble’ against him and looked for a way out. Moment by moment the airship lost altitude, and the less buoyant it was. It wouldn’t be long before they crashed.
He could still hear the screams and pleas of ponies around him seeking refuge. He pitied them, their Captain was cruel and only thought of herself. Knowing her she went to go get her jewels and trinkets.
A sudden, ear piercing scream caused his attention to snap from his search.
“Ground!” the voice screamed. It was clearly not female. It took him a second to realize the word. Ground. They were about to crash!
He galloped to a corner, pressing his back to the wall, covering his head with his hooves and held ‘Trouble’ tightly against him. He prayed to Celestia, even to Luna, to the stars and moon and to the Princess’s parents, to whatever gods there were that’d he'd make it out.
The impact was like nothing Dagger had ever felt. It was as if all his bones were hit by a bowling ball, scattered and tossed aside like pins. His breath was knocked from him. His head spun and suddenly heat surged around him, singing his fur, making the atmosphere around him intolerable. He was dimly aware that his hooves still held ‘Trouble’ but his awareness was slipping as the ship opened up like a flower in bloom.
And then there was nothing.