//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Powers of Harmony and Slow Burns // Story: Quarterdeck, Half Size // by Chrome Masquerade //------------------------------// Once at the Quartermaster's... well, quarters, Kydd was aiding the Ponies in getting their kits. Rarity, naturally, enthused about the simple and practical outfits that were available, while reshaping some of them to fit their bodies. Some time during the outfitting, a white flash occurred nearby and another pony fell to the floor, much as before. She was also a light purple, but had hair that was two toned purple, with a light blue streak through it. "Starlight?!" Twilight exclaimed, "What are you doing here?!" Starlight responded, "Put shortly, I had the feeling that I was needed and I used the spell you were working on. It took me here." "Avast, there." Kydd put in, "A spell?" Twilight looked puzzled. "Of course. I told you that Unicorns and Alicorns have active magic. What did you think I meant?" "Nay, nay. I know tha' right 'nough. What I meant t' say was 'a spell brought y'here?'" he clarified. "Yeaaaah..." Starlight said, "Twilight apparently was working on a spell that would take them to wherever -and whenever- they were needed the most. I... think it worked a bit too well. Judging by the setting, this is also rather far into the past." Rainbow Dash injected, "Wait, wait. If we're in the past, how were you even able to get here, before we existed?" Twilight shrugged. "Time travel's complicated." "No argument there." Starlight agreed. "Nevertheless, darlings," Rarity interrupted, "We're stuck here for the near future anyway, so I'd say that it's time we earn our keep." Using her magic she spun the other six ponies in a whirlwind of energy. When it faded, the six dizzy ponies were outfitted appropriately. Rarity repeated the process with herself, coming out noticeably less dizzy. Seriously, Rarity." Rainbow Dash said scornfully, "Warn a mare before you do something like that, will ya?" "Sorry, dear, but I believe our time is rather short." Rarity said, not missing a beat. She turned to Kydd and said, "Alright, darling, we- wait, is it just me, or has your mane gotten longer? And your eyes more... yellowish?" Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "It's probably nothing, Rarity. Now let's hurry, here!!" Twilight stepped over to Kydd. "No, Rainbow, I think that Rarity's right. Let me see here..." Twilight's horn lit up and a purple aura started glowing around Kydd in response. After a few seconds, Twilight reeled. "Oh no." she said quietly. "What? What is it?" the impatient Pegasus asked. "Well, from what I'm getting here... The bite you gave him earlier... infected him!" "Infect? I'm not even remotely sick." Rainbow Dash said, indignantly. "Well, from what I'm seeing here... This man is swiftly turning into a pony!(1)" "WHAT?!?!" seven voices responded. Rainbow Dash had the decency to look apologetic and afraid. "Oh, Celestia! What have I done!?" "Hol' up, there!" Kydd shushed. "Y'had no way of knowin' that would hap'n. I'm not mad. I'll... jes hafta make the bes' o'vit" he sighed. "Well, let's get to the upper deck and len' a hand while I still hav' hands ta lend!" he joked, chuckling. As the ponies filed out, Twilight said, "You're taking this awfully well." "I'd be lyin' ta you an' myself if I said that I wasn' a'least a touch afraid. But judgin' by what y'said before... I'd be able ta serve the crew even better as one of yer kind." Kydd replied. "I can panic later. Fer now, let's get a'deck. The cap'n is prob'ly gettin' impatient." Sure enough, Kydd was right. When they got there, Houghton said, "KYDD! What took y'so long? This here's an emergency, son!" he admonished. "Sorry sir, but we have some... unexpected dignitaries, by the looks." "Stowaways?" Houghton deadpanned. "Not exactly." Kydd said as he stepped aside. Twilight introduced herself and her friends in much the same way as before. By the time she was done, Houghton was blinking, quite stunned. After a time, he said, "Tha's it. i'm quittin' alcohol." "Trust me, captain," Twilight said, "you need us. And in a moment you'll see why." Turning to her friends, Twilight said, "Alright, everypony; we can't afford to take chances. This storm is massive and will likely last for days otherwise. Ergo..." "Ooh! Ooh! Let me guess!" Pinkie exclaimed, "We're powering up, aren't we?" Twilight rolled her eyes. "Yes, Pinkie. We are. But we're only going to Stage One for now." Twilight replied. Facing the bow, Twilight said, "Everypony, take formation!" Starlight nudged Houghton once. "You'd better back up a tad." before joining the others. Twilight intoned, "Elements of Harmony, entering Challenge Phase: 1!(2) Head 'em Up!" she said, as her wings flared and the air started to crackle with magical energy. "And Move 'Em Out!" Applejack and Pinkie Pie added, as they started to glow. "Power Stride!" Rarity and Starlight put in. "And Ready To R-r-ride" Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy finished. Twilight's wings started to change colour at the tips, her primers becoming dark purple and her legs became covered in images of her Cutie Mark. Similar changes started happening to the others, including Starlight. Oddly, Kydd witnessed similar changes start to happen to himself. His arms became covered with symbols of blue lightning bolts and blue clouds. His hair began to grow even more, soon sending his cap flying as his new mane truly entered three dimensions (more so, anyway), in a strange combination of a Dashing Do in front, being more like a Mullet in back. "What in the blue blazes?" he whispered, incredulous. This went unnoticed by the seven current ponies, as Twilight gave out orders. "Alright, everypony, listen up!" she started,"Rainbow Dash, take Applejack over to help the Lord Woolmer over there." "Can-do, Fearless Leader!" Rainbow Dash said as the two went to do just that. "Rarity, Starlight, help the men tie down the sails -and anything else that might slide- and keep them steady. Trust me, this is EXTREMELY important, and shortly will become harder than it sounds." "We're on it, darling." "Pinkie, Fluttershy, heal the wounded and keep the crew energized however you can. This is going to be a long one." "Oui, capitan!" "Okey Dokey Lokey!" "Alright then.. You all have your instructions. Now... Let's Go!"