//------------------------------//
// Ch13 The Lullaby 
// Story: Under Crimson Sails 
// by Priceless911 
//------------------------------//

The morning was complete overcast, and the air was still thick with tension as the Bloody Tide sailed through the leviathan sea with its captain and his rival’s daughter sitting on the upper deck. As the ship rocked amongst the waves, Siren sat looking out over the sea from port side railing, while Captain Sail sat next to the helmscolt as Pinpoint climbed up from below deck and made his way to the upper deck before talking, “Any sign of him captain?”
Captain Sail shook his head, “None to speak of. Though after his actions a few days ago, I’d hide my face too, less I want somepony pointin’ a cannon at it.”
Pinpoint smiled, “Even if we did, do ya think a single cannon can do anything to the face of a god?”
Captain Sail shook his head, “That wouldn’t stop me from tryin’. Though it is strange it’s been nearly ten hours since we entered the leviathan sea, and our gracious host has yet to show himself. I don’t figure a god having better things to do then pay forward an apology for transporting his guardian two days away.”
Pinpoint nodded as he replied, “Speakin’ of which… are you and Miss Hoof still on… rough seas?”
Hearing his words, Siren turned her head until she could see him out the corner of her eye as she gave Pinpoint an evil glare before turning back to the sea. After seeing this Pinpoint could tell the answer as Captain Sail didn’t bother answering the question. After a few seconds passed, Pinpoint sighed as he looked over the ship with his captain and spoke, “I can recall battles with less tension then this.”
Captain Sail replied, “Oh… name one.”
Pinpoint replied, “The Highlands…”
Captain Sail smiled, “That wasn’t a battle. That was runnin’ away.”
Pinpoint smiled as he replied, “It sure felt like a battle though… I still think it was a bad idea bringing Mr. Keg ashore.”
Captain Sail shrugged his shoulders, “I told him that was no mare… but he had to find out the hard way, and to think it would have ended better if he had just apologized and left. Punching that guy didn’t help anythin’. All it did was anger the Clydesdale and his clan.”
Pinpoint chuckled, “I still have a scare from the bullet I took when we fled the port. Who knew that highland clans were so violent after insulting their princess?... or prince…”
Chuckling at the memory for a few seconds, Pinpoint thought about what was happening now as he looked back at Captain Sail and spoke, “Captain are you sure about this… I don’t mind that you decided to spare the lass, in fact I’m actually proud you did… but must you ignore their threat? It ain’t right to just dump her on Home and leave her to Iron Hoof’s mercy.”
Captain Sail sighed in annoyance, “Mr. Point… Iron Hoof is dead… and though I’m relieved that I got to know the truth… it still pains me that I wasn’t the one to enjoy my revenge properly. So, with this fact in mind, its time I return to the main seas and put this ordeal behind me.”
Powder Keg called from the Crow’s nest, “Land off our bow! It’s the Leviathan’s Isle Capt’n!”
With the call Captain Sail and Pinpoint looked into the distance to see the ice covered island as Captain Sail spoke, “The hole in his dome is gone… and the Iron Wing is nowhere in sight neither.” He looked at the helmscolt, “Adjust a few degrees to starboard and stay the course, Home is just beyond that isle.”
The helmscolt nodded as he slightly turned the helm, “Aye capt’n.”
With the Bloody Tide listing to the side, Captain Sail continued looking at the approaching leviathan island as his eyes started focusing on the dark overcast above it. As he looked at the clouds Captain Sail spoke, “Mr. Point?… Spyglass…”
Curious of his tone, Siren looked at Captain Sail as he was handed a spyglass and looked at the clouds over the leviathan’s Isle. As he looked at the cloud cover, Captain Sail discovered something as he called with an almost frantic tone, “All sails on the wind! More speed!!!”
Confused, Siren and Pinpoint looked at Captain Sail as Pinpoint asked, “What is it captain?”
Captain Sail replied, “Home is under attack, that ain’t overcast… it’s smoke!”
After hearing the explanation, Siren quickly looked towards the Leviathan Island as their approach slowly moved it out of their view revealing the Isle of Home, and its burning town. As soon as the crew laid eyes on the burning island, the crew of the Bloody Tide stared in shock as Powder Keg looked at the isle from the crow’s nest and called, “Capt’n! I see the hippogriffs fightin’ the fires! If they were attacked there are plenty of survivors!”
Captain Sail replied, “Do ya see who was attacking the isle? A ship, or somthin’?”
Powder Keg shook his head, “None to speak of capt’n. look’s like we missed them?”
Captain Sail nodded as he called, “Work smartly lads! We need to get there as soon as possible.”
As the crew rushed to get to the island faster, Siren could only watch in worry as the ship continued to its destination.
Minutes later, As the Bloody Tide approached the dock, Siren didn’t waste any time as she darted across the deck and jumped to the pier as she landed with a roll then took off sprinting into the town in worry for her home. Reacting to the mare’s actions, Captain Sail called his orders as fast as he could, “Mr. Point, you’re in command, I want all hooves inland helping the hippogriffs. Mr. Keg you’re on me, we’ll follow the lass and help her.”
Jumping onto the dock, Captain Sail started chasing after Siren as Pinpoint asked, “What about the Tide?”
Captain Sail called as he ran up the pier, “Anchor her! The town is more important!”
As Captain Sail vanished into the town, the crew looked to Pinpoint in confusion as Pinpoint nodded, “You heard him lads! Get this crate tied and then get your plots ashore!”
Following their order, everypony aboard the Tide tried to get the ship docked as fast as they could while Powder Keg rushed down the Jacobs ladder then went ashore to try to catch up to their captain. 
In the damaged town of Home, Siren made her way through the rubble littered streets as many hippogriffs scrambled to put out fires, save those still trapped in buildings, and help the wounded. By the time both Captain Sail and Powder Keg caught up to the mare, she spotted Queen Novo as a few of her guards helped the pregnant mare out of a partially collapsed building. As soon as she saw her foal hood friend, Siren rushed over, “Novo!”
Seeing Siren approach, Queen Novo smiled, “Siren, thank the leviathan you’re here. What happened?”
Siren replied, “I should ask the same… what’s going on here?”
With a guard helping her stand, the queen replied, “Its Iron Hoof… He was here…”
Siren replied, “When?...”
The disoriented queen placed her talon on her head, “A few hours ago… he hit us hard with volley after volley of cannon fire, then he and his pirates charged the docks and raided the town. Some of us tried to fight back, but I was stuck here when the house supports gave way. That didn’t stop me from seeing him though… that one eyed pirate let his crew raid the town as he made his way t-”
Before she could finish, Queen Novo’s expression became nervous as she turned her head to look up the road, “The temple…”
Realizing the same thing, Siren replied, “The pearl…” she looked at the guards, “Stay with her, and see that she gets medical attention.”
The guard nodded, “Yes ma’am.”
With that, Siren started rushing up the street as Queen Novo looked at Captain Sail and spoked, “What are you waiting for captain?… follow her…”
Captain Sail could only nod slightly as he and Powder Keg rushed up the road following Siren to the Leviathan Temple. By the time they arrived, half of the temple was already on the ground as the other half was still standing but on fire. As he saw the situation, Captain Sail looked to Siren who was frantically trying to get information from another hippogriff in the area, “Where is she? Where is Aqua?”
The hippogriff she was talking to continued trying to move the rubble as he replied, “She’s still inside! Help, we need to get her out before it collapses!”
With that Siren started trying to move the rubble as she looked at Captain Sail, “Help us! The priestess is still inside!!!”
Reacting to the frantic mare’s plea, Captain Sail and Powder Keg started picking up rubble as they all tried to move the rubble clear so that they could get inside. As the group of hippogriffs and ponies tried to move the rubble out of the way, it wasn’t long before they cleared it out enough to reveal a small opening in the debris. Without warning, Siren wasted no time in squeezing herself into the small crevice and into the condemned building.
As soon as Siren vanished into the rubble, Captain Sail squeezed himself into the hole as he quickly tried to catch up with the frantic mare. As soon as they were inside the temple, the small hole in the rubble widened into a large chapel like room that held many pews lined up on both sides of a long isle. At the end of the isle stood a large bronze statue of the leviathan that sat a few feet behind an altar. As Captain Sail marveled at the place of worship, he could tell that what was left of the ceiling which was supposed to be ten feet over the statue was actually laying on top of the large idle and was soon to collapse. Seeing that the only thing holding up the roof was the statue, Captain Sail looked to the front of the room as he saw Priestess Aqua laying between the alter and statue with Siren trying to wake the unconscious mare. Trying to help, Captain Sail rushed to the mare as Siren spoke, “She’s still breathing… but her throat was cut.”
Captain Sail looked at the wound and spoke, “No lass, it’s not. Look at the angle, a blade was held to her neck, but it only cut the flesh. This wasn’t an attempt at her life, look here… somepony knocked her unconscious with a blunt instrument.”
Siren asked, “W-will she be alright?”
Captain Sail shook his head, “I can’t say, but this cut isn’t fatal. All we can do is get her out of here.”
Siren looked at the statue as she spoke, “Wait here I'll be right back.”
Without waiting for a response, Siren rushed around the statue to a hidden stairway that sat behind the large idle as she rushed down the stairs as fast as she could. Curious, Captain Sail left the Priestess on the ground as he followed Siren down the stairs as the hidden stairwell led to a large underground cavern with a pool in the center and a tall stalagmite sticking out as if to present something of great importance, however what the stalagmite was presenting wasn’t present as Siren spoke, in shock, “No… he took it…”
Siren looked at Captain Sail as she spoke, “Iron Hoof took the pearl… it’s gone!”
At that moment, the sound of the shifting rubble echoed through the stairway as Captain Sail spoke, “One thing at a time lass. We need to get the priestess outta here now!”
As Captain Sail started back up the stairs, he made it halfway up before realizing that Siren was still looking at the empty stalagmite as he called, “Now lass! While we got time to save her!”
With his call snapping her out of it, Siren quickly followed as the two made their way out of the cavern as the rumbling of the roof started to get louder. As soon as the two reached the chapel, Captain Sail picked up the priestess as he and Siren quickly rushed back to the small entrance to the temple. There they carefully moved the unconscious priestess out of the small opening in the rubble before exiting the temple themselves just as the statue gave way leaving the crumbling ceiling to collapse behind them, as the last of the leviathan temple fell to the ground in rubble.
As soon as they were safely outside the ruined temple, the Crimson Pirates’ surgeon was waiting as he approached the priestess and spoke, “Let her to me so I can see…” He studied her wounds, “She’s unconscious, probably concussed, but her wounds are miner. She should be fine.”
Captain Sail nodded as he spoke, “Do what you can, and then return to the town to tend to more wounded. I want to help as many of the island residents as we can.”
The surgeon smiled, “Aye Captain, I won’t let ya down.”
Captain Sail looked at Powder Keg, “Go back to the Tide and gather all the medical supplies we have, then divvy them out to anypony who needs ‘em.”
Powder Keg nodded, “Aye, aye capt’n.”
With that Captain Sail and Siren stayed with the priestess as the Crimson Pirates worked to help the rest of the residents of Home.
Hours later as the crisis came to an end, Captain Sail, Queen Novo, and a few of her guards were trotting down the pier towards the Bloody Tide as the queen spoke, “I cannot thank you enough for your help Captain, without your assistance I’m afraid casualties would have been much higher.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Considering what happened here, it’s not easy to turn a blind eye to an island that tried to help me fulfil my two decade long task.”
Queen Novo smiled, “Whatever your reasons, we still thank you.”
At that moment, Siren approached as she spoke, “Captain?...”
Captain Sail turned to her as he spoke, “Hey there lass…”
Queen Novo asked, “How is Priestess Aqua?”
Siren replied with a sigh, “She’s fine. The Crimson Pirates’ surgeon says she is stable but she still hasn’t woken up yet.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Rest assured lass, with him there, she’s in good hooves.” 
Siren gave a joyful smile as she replied, “I wouldn’t doubt it…”
After that Siren’s smile faded as she became silent for a few second as if she was trying to figure out how to word her next question. Seeing this Queen Novo realized what was happening as she spoke, “Oh… um… I’m… going to go check on Aqua myself… you know, in case she wakes up.”
Acting casual Queen Novo and her guards trotted passed Siren as she whispered, “Knock him dead sister.”
Siren whispered back, “Grow up already.”
As the queen and her guards left the port, Siren asked in what seemed to be an embarrassed tone, “So… um… captain? Would you mind coming with me… there is something I should have shown you the moment you arrived here.”
Captain Sail was curious, not by what she wanted to show him, but by the way she was acting as he replied, “Sure lass… just lead the way.”
Siren nodded, as she led Captain Sail off of the dock and out of the town. As they continued across the island, Captain Sail looked at the path they were traveling as he noticed the changes of the road as it went from well-kept brick, to run down cobble, to rotting timber then finally a simple dirt path. With the glowing embers of the now extinguished town vanishing in the distance, it wasn’t long before the road ended at an old metal gate that seemed to encircle a cliffside Cemetery. As they entered the cemetery, Siren spoke, “This way…”
Siren continued leading the way in silence as Captain Sail looked at the passing gravestones. Like all cemeteries, some graves were fresh enough that the dirt over the casket didn’t have any grass growing yet, while others were so old that the names, dates, and markings on the tombstones were completely unreadable. Soon, Siren led the curious captain to a large mausoleum that sat in the center of the cemetery as she approached the metal door and opened it. As Captain Sail looked at the large mausoleum he noticed the carving above the door that read, The Lullaby. As he read these words, Captain Sail paused as Siren noticed this and spoke, “All good captains go down with their ships… but… when the ship is still in service of a higher power. Then they are put to rest in the remnants of another vessel owned by him. Believe it or not… this is one such vessel.”
Without explanation, Siren entered the mausoleum as Captain Sail followed closely before entering a long room that was lined with crypts and tombs. Looking into this room, Captain Sail was surprised. The outside of the mausoleum was made entirely out of marble and granite, but the inside walls were lined with timber and wood that stretched all the way down the line of tombs. Curious Captain Sail passed a few unmarked tombs before approaching the first one with text as he read, “Shanty C. Hoof, AKA Iron Hoof IV.” He approached the next, “Compass D. Hoof, AKA Iron Hoof III.”
Captain Sail looked back at Siren, “These are… were the Iron Hooves of the leviathan seas?”
Siren nodded, “Aye… all laid to rest within the timber of the original Lullaby.”
Captain Sail looked at the last tomb that was centered in the back wall of the mausoleum as he trotted to it, and read the inscription on the stone casket, “Captain Iron Hoof, & Commodore Chrysanthemum. What once was loth, will pass on as Love.”
Captain Sail looked upon the tomb of the one he thought he was hunting as he mumbled, “So… I’ve been hunting a real ghost then haven’t I?”
Siren approached him, “Yea… way to live up to your nickname captain.”
Captain Sail smirked, “I aim to please lass.”
Siren replied with a smile of her own, “Here… this is what I wanted to show you.”
With that Siren led Captain Sail passed the final crypt as they approached a shelf with six dust covered vases placed in an orderly fashion. As Captain Sail approached the shelf, he wiped away some of the dust as he read the text on the first vase, “The Waterspout?” he looked at the next vase and wiped the dust from it, “The Vengeful Mare.” Then the next, “The Twisted Knot, what is this?”
Siren replied as she picked up the last vase in the row, “These are the ships that the Iron Hooves have sunken over the years. Since none were sunk out of hatred or grudges, we collected the nameplate of each vessel, burned them, then gathered the ashes so that they could be laid to rest here. Each vase is a tribute to the ships, the crew, and the captains of every ship that we’ve had to sink… which includes…”
Siren handed the vase in her hooves to Captain Sail as he took the vase, then wiped away the dust before reading the name, “The Annabelle…”
although he was able to hold it together, Siren could see the sadness in his eyes as she spoke, “That vase represents the Annabelle her crew and… her captain. It’s only right that we paid her respect along with the others.”
Captain Sail shook his head in disbelief, “But… why?...”
Siren smiled, “Iron Hoof may be a name that is referred to as a notorious pirate on the main seas… but here… he’s a protector, and a hero. And it’s only right that a hero should honor the lives he must take for Home. Though… now that Sabastian has the pearl… it may once again become a notorious name for a murderer.”
Although she wanted Captain Sail to reply with words of advice or encouragement, Siren could only notice that Captain Sail seemed to have ignored her comment as he gazed at the vase in a sympathetic way. Understanding how it felt to lose a father, Siren spoke, “Captain… I want you to take this with you.”
Captain Sail was surprised, “What?”
Siren continued, “We paid our respect to him, so it’s only right that you take all that remains, and lay him to rest back at your home. It’s the least you can do to honor his memory.”
Captain Sail looked back at the vase as he smiled, but then his smile faded as he replied, “A temptin’ offer lass… but I have to decline.”
Siren was surprised, “What?”
Captain Sail looked back at her as he explained, “He was laid to rest already, so by taken him now, would mean I’m robbin’ his grave. So no… I think it will be much better.” He placed the vase back where it originally sat, “If he stayed here.”
Siren replied in confusion, “But… wouldn’t it be better to take him back to your homeland?”
Captain Sail chuckled as he replied with a proud tone, “Lass, I’m a pirate. My homeland is the Bloody Tide, my countrycolts are my crew. Where I’m going there is no earth to bury this in lass. Besides, it’s better he remains here and be honored as a great sailor, then to take him to Equestria, and be remembered as the father to a criminal.”
Siren smiled as she replied, “Then we will give him the honor and remember him as the father to a criminal.”
Seeing the irony in her words Captain Sail smiled as he replied, “And a great honor that is… Thank you lass.”
For a brief moment, the two’s eyes locked as they both smiled at each other, however as Captain Sail started to realize the mood of the moment, he quickly changed the subject as he turned back to the original Iron Hoof tomb as he spoke, “So… uh… Iron Hoof and Chrysanthemum are both in this crypt right?… Funny how two enemies could fall for one another like they did.”
Siren smiled at his attempt to change the subject as she replied, “Actually, I always thought it was romantic. Two bitter foes with goals to kill one another, only to find that the one they were hunting was actually their soul mate. I often imagined finding my love by the same means. Though it’s only a story.”
Captain Sail could only smirk, “Funny, I never figured you for the romantic type.”
Siren smiled, “I may be tough… but I’m still a mare.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye… that ya are.”
After that, the two stared at the tomb of the ancient pirate for a few moments of silence as Siren broke the silence with a nervous tone, “So… um… what are you going to do now captain?”
Captain Sail looked at her, “What do ya mean lass?”
Siren continued, “Well, you said that as soon as I was back here we were done… so… what’s next for you? You going, back to Pirate Cove?”
Captain Sail turned back to the tomb as he replied, “Well… I s’pose I could… but honestly, I don’t know.”
Siren was surprised, “You don’t know?... didn’t you have a plan for what happens after Iron Hoof was dead?”
Captain Sail shrugged his shoulders, “Well I did… I planned to go back to Equestria and do right by a lass I wronged a long time ago… but now that she married another, I don’t see how that’s possible. S’pose I could return to Pirate cove, though I'll spare them the tale of Home and its secrets. I'd rather a place like this has seen enough excitement for a life time.”
Siren gave herself a bracing sigh as she started to ask, “I… I know you probably had enough of us here at Home… but… why not stay an-“
Before she could finish her sentence, the door to the mausoleum flew open as one of Queen Novo’s guards rushed in, “Miss Siren! Captain Sail! The Priestess has regained consciousness!”
The two ponies looked at the guard as Siren asked, “Is she okay?”
The guard nodded, “Yes ma’am she is… but she is asking to see you.”
Siren nodded, “Alright… I’ll get there as soon as I can.”
The guard shook his head, “With all due respect, she wasn’t wanting to see you Miss Siren… she wants to see Captain Sail.”
Both pirates were surprised as Siren looked at Captain Sail as he replied, “Me?... really?...”
The guard nodded, “Aye… uh… yes sir.”
Captain Sail looked at Siren as he replied, “Far be it for me to disappoint a mare… lately… let us go see her lass. Whatever she needs me for must be important if she is askin’ for a low-life like myself.”
Later just outside a tent that was being used as an extra infirmary, Siren and Captain Sail approached as Queen Novo met them and spoke, “Captain… the priestess is asking to see you.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye… as I was already told… any idea as to why?”
Queen Novo replied, “I think it has something to do with Iron Hoof’s attack. We’ve already informed her of Home’s situation, so try to keep it short, she needs her rest after all.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye, I’ll keep it quick.”
Captain Sail then moved the flap that was the entrance to the tent as the captain entered the tent and allowed the flap to close behind him.
As soon as Captain Sail was inside, he saw a hospital bed sitting in the center of the tent as the Sky blue hippogriff looked at Captain Sail and smiled, “Captain… you’re late.”
Captain Sail replied, “A thousand pardons lass, but one tends to lose track of time, when your deity transport ya half way cross the sea.”
Priestess Aqua nodded, “I understand… I’ve been informed of your recent voyage and what followed. Now… come here and take a seat captain… we have much to discuss.”
Captain Sail approached the hospital bed as he replied, “With all due respect lass, I'd rather stand… I ain’t some foal approaching his mother on her death bed.”
The priestess replied, “Of course not… my son would be better mannered then to lock Siren in the brig of his ship.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Well it was either that or the alternative. Any other pony would have been killed on the spot. She should count herself lucky.”
The priestess asked with curiosity, “And, may I ask why you spared her? I would guess a ruthless pirate such as yourself would have killed her and be done with it.”
Captain Sail replied, “What ruthless pirate would I be to not remember a conversation whilst being tanked like a sunken barrel or rum? It was you that said, and I quote… the lies your tellin’ me are to protect your livelihood and aren’t meant to disrespect myself or my crew? Or was I more tanked then even I remember?”
The Priestess was surprised he remembered, “It was…”
Captain Sail nodded, “That’s why I gave the lass a chance to tell her side of it. If I didn’t like her story, I would have killed her. And if I did which you can see, I would let her go. That and… I s’pose, I’ve taken a fancy to the lass’s charm.”
The priestess smiled, “Thank you captain. Not just for Siren, but for coming to our aid. You are a stranger to this island, and yet you’ve treated us as if you were a resident of this island. And for that, I and every hippogriff of Home, thank you.”
Bowing her head to show gratitude, Priestess Aqua held her gracious smile as Captain Sail replied, “You welcomed us in peace and treated us as proper guests. For a group of scurvy pirates, that’s a rarity in these waters. I for one know how to return hospitality, so, there is no thanks nessisary.”
The Priestess nodded her head as she replied, “Selfless and modest, you’re the full packages aren’t you, but enough with the pleasantries… The reason I needed to see you is because of Iron Hoof.”
Captain Sail nodded as he replied, “Aye… I’ve already discussed this with the lass. The Iron Hoof I’m lookin’ for is dead, and I don’t want anythin’ to do with the one that’s still about. So after we resupply, I and my crew will be off on our marry way.”
The priestess shook her head, “It’s not that easy captain… as you know, Iron Hoof has the pearl… but that’s not why he attacked the island.”
Captain Sail was confused, “It ain’t?”
The Priestess replied, “No… He didn’t come here to collect the pearl, or to intimidate us in any way… he came here for you.”
Captain Sail was surprised as he replied, “Did he… and why pray tell did he do a thing like that?”
The priestess replied, “I could see it in his eye… He wants revenge. You’ve crossed him in a way that has completely consumed his entire idea of rationality. Now… he will do everything it takes, to find, and kill you.”
Captain Sail was still confused as he sat down and spoke, “S’pose you could explain it a little better to me than that? How do you know he wanted me?”
The Priestess replied, “When he kicked in the doors to the temple, he and his pirates pinned me to the alter, but the first words out of his mouth were, Where is he? I asked who, but he only continued by slamming me against the wall and placing his sword to my throat as he said Captain Sail. He says that you took his eye from him, so he was going to watch as his crew pulled both your eyes from you. He didn’t give details, but that look in his eye… it’s the same look that I’ve seen twice now. Once in Siren’s… and once in yours.”
Although he didn’t like the way she said that, Captain Sail brushed it off as he replied, “Took his eye?... s’pose that’s an injury from our scuffle. If he wants me, he’ll have to find me. He ain’t worth the effort to track down.”
The priestess nodded as she replied, “You won’t have to track him at all… since he will return here.”
Captain Sail replied with a curious look, “Will he? And how do ya know that?”
The priestess replied, “Once he finds out he can’t use the pearl, then he will turn his focus back on this island for answers. Bye then, his thirst for revenge will have aged enough, to demand blood.”
Captain Sail shook his head as he replied, “Wait… I think I missed somethin’, how do you know he can’t use the pearl?”
Priestess Aqua sighed, “Because it’s not as easy as to merely possess the pearl, you must be at peace to control it. If your mind is clouded by strong emotions such as revenge, grief, or shame it will never work. Only a mind at peace can hope to control its power. Although a well suppressed anger may find its way through this rule… but Iron Hoof is well beyond that loophole.”
Understanding the situation, Captain Sail replied, “Well I suppose your next action will be to set a trap and wait till Iron Hoof returns. Then you and your guardian can get back the pearl and save your home.”
The priestess nodded as she replied, “I agree… But I must ask.” She sighed in preparation before continuing with an official tone, “Captain Sail, would you stay and support us in this time of need?”
Captain Sail didn’t reply instead he just gave her an expressionless stare as she saw his hesitation and continued, “Please… it’s obvious that the Leviathan isn’t willing to help us. And we have already tried and failed to fend off the Iron Hoof Pirates on our own. So I beg of you, help us to stop Iron Hoof if he makes it back here… more of my fellow hippogriffs will die, and… I can’t bear any more loss.”
Seeing that Priestess Aqua was desperate Captain Sail replied, “I would lass… but is there any chance your god could take action… for once?”
Priestess Aqua’s expression went from worried to offended, as she replied, “Seeing that you’re not from here, I'll overlook your blasphemous tone. The Leviathan may seem idle, but he sees to our survival by ensuring we settle all of our internal disputes without his aid.”
Captain Sail wasn’t convinced, “Even if his priestess is layin motionless in his own burnin’ temple?”
The priestess nodded, “His actions may seem cruel, but it is his will. And his will be done.”
Captain Sail became increasingly annoyed, “So you’re willin’ to accept that he will watch his subject’s burn and ignore their plea for help?”
The Priestess sighed, “I know it’s hard to understand, but we have relied on his protection for centuries. So in this matter, yes, we must tend to ourselves in order to grow stronger. This is how things must be settled.”
Captain Sail shook his head in irritation, “Only if you chose it to be, But I am not convince enough to allow him to continue like this.”
Captain Sail turned towards the door as Aqua asked, “Wait… what do you mean by that?”
Captain Sail replied, “I think it’s time I speak to this lord of the sea.”
Priestess Aqua got nervous, “What are you going to say?”
Captain Sail smiled, “My opinion… and that’s all.”
Without letting her reply, Captain Sail stepped out of the tent as he stopped in front of both Siren and Queen Novo as Siren asked, “Captain, is she alright? What did she say?”
Captain Sail replied with a serious tone, “She’s fine lass… listen, you want to settle this matter with Iron Hoof right? Get back the Pearl and whatnot?”
Siren didn’t like the sound of his tone, “Y-yea… why?...”
Captain Sail nodded, “Good… then come with me… we are settling a matter that will speed this up.”
Captain Sail trotted passed Siren as she hesitated before following, “D-did I miss somethin’ what are you going to do?”
Captain Sail replied, “Somethin’ that needs to be addressed.”
The Queen Stepped forward, “Anything I can do to help Captain?”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye, gather as many able bodied hippogriffs you can and meet me at the docks, I’ll explain everything when they get there.”
With that Captain Sail trotted away with a dominant attitude. As he trotted away, Siren spoke, “What could the Priestess say that has gotten him as riled up like this?”
Queen Novo smiled, “I don’t know… but I like it. You really picked yourself a keeper with this one. Mama likes a stallion who takes charge.”
Without giving her time to respond with what would be an annoyed tone, Queen Novo trotted off to gather the hippogriffs as Siren mumbled quietly, “I… I hope so…”
Hours later as the sun started setting on the horizon, Siren, Captain Sail, Pinpoint, and Powder Keg were in a long boat as Powder Keg rowed the boat and spoke, “Capt’n did I tell ya how crazy this is?...”
Captain Sail replied as he looked forward, “Aye… three times now.”
Powder Keg replied, “Well, let’s make it four. Cuz this is crazy.”
Pinpoint replied, “I have to agree with Mr. Keg, Captain… As surprising as this day has been, I didn’t expect it to end with you threatening a god.”
Powder Keg nodded, “Aye… you don’t pay me enough for somethin’ like this capt’n.”
Captain Sail sighed, “I told ya that if ya wanted to stay on the ship you were free to.”
Powder Keg shook his head, “I would have, but Mr. Point wanted me to be the one to row the boat.”
Pinpoint smiled sarcastically, “What can I say Mr. Keg, you row better then the rest of the crew.”
Powder Keg gave him a dull look, “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”
Pinpoint smiled with sarcasm, “Nah, not even close.” he turned to Captain Sail, “Are ya sure ya want to go about this like… this captain?”
Captain Sail replied, “Of course… nothing gets a gods attention like blasphemy of the highest order.” He looked at Siren, “Ain’t that right lass?”
Siren didn’t answer him, instead she just continued watching the water in front of the boat as she mumbled, “It’s for the good of Home… it’s for the good of Home…”
Hearing her nervous mumbling Captain Sail spoke, “Calm down lass, it’s kinda funny seeing you all shaken up like this. First a romantic side, now a divout side. Seems your more a mare then I thought.”
Siren glared at him out the corner of her eye as she replied, “Careful captain, this mare can still take you down a peg or two.”
Captain Sail replied, “Don’t threaten me with a good time lass.”
not in the mood to reply, siren held her silence as the boat tilted upwards when it slid a few feet onto the beach. Captain Sail looked at the large shell of an iceberg that sat on the island as Pinpoint spoke, “Okay… who wants to be the first to step on the isle and threaten the titan?”
Captain Sail rolled his eyes as he stepped onto the beach first, then one by one the rest of the ponies stepped off the boat as they trotted a few steps onto the island. As they looked at the Ice wall that stood in front of them, Captain Sail heard Siren mumble again, “For the good of Home… that’s what it is…”
Captain Sail turned to her again, “Lass calm down.”
Siren replied in anger, “How can I?... I’m going against everything I’ve been taught since I was a filly.”
Captain Sail replied, “The leviathan is a deity… but if he wants to rule his subjects then he needs to start actin’ like they matter.”
Captain Sail looked back at the icy shelter as he continued, “Mr. Keg… why don’t you knock for us.”
Powder Keg gave Captain Sail a nervous look, “Are… ya sure that’s a wise idea captain?”
Captain Sail gave him an annoyed look, “Did I ask for a second opinion?”
Powder Keg shrugged his shoulders as he pulled the hammer back on his musket, “Aye, aye capt’n.”
As Powder Keg raised the Musket, he pointed it at the large dome of ice as he steadied his aim. However, just as he started to press the firing lever, the massive wall of ice exploded outward as the shockwave knocked Powder Keg to the ground as large chunks of ice rained down crushing everything around them as the Siren and Pinpoint flinched at the falling ice sleet and snow that fell from the explosion with only Captain Sail standing his ground as he looked into the foggy hole left behind. As soon as the falling ice started settling, Siren looked at Powder Keg as she yelled, “How about a little warning next time Keg!”
Captain Sail stared into the foggy entrance as he replied, “That wasn’t Mr. Keg lass…t seems we were expected.”
All of a sudden, the massive Aquatic titan slowly emerged from the entrance to the icy shell as he raised his massive head high over the unwelcomed visitors before looking down at them with the light of the setting sun cascading a red hue that made half of his serpent-like scales glow red. Glaring at Captain Sail in anger, the titan spoke, “Insolent fool… how dare you trespass on my personal sanctuary! I don’t know what you are thinking, but my advice to you is to choose your next words carefully… they will be your last!”
With that Siren, Pinpoint, and Powder Keg looked at Captain Sail as he replied with a sinister smile, “Alright… listen carefully titan… cuz I ain’t repeatin’ myself…” He cleared his throat before yelling in an angry and disrespectful tone, “YOU ARE THE BIGGEST WASTE OF USELESS SELFISH SCALES THAT I HAVE EVER HAD THE MISFORTUNE OF GAZIN’ UPON!!! What sort of pathetic excuse for a god to you claim to be!?! I’ve scraped barnacles from my keel that seemed more reliable then you!!!”
Everypony including the Leviathan gave Captain Sail a surprised look as Captain Sail glared at the god with an expression that showed he stood behind every word. Seeing this the leviathan spoke, “It’s apparent to me, that you are not in the right state of mind… perhaps I should spare you in the assumption of insanity. Or perhaps an irresponsible amount of rum.”
Captain Sail replied, “Oh I think I’m in the perfect state a mind here, Fish… in fact, I never saw things clearer.”
The leviathan sighed in disappointment as he replied, “Then tell me… before I end your life, what brought on this fit of anger?”
Captain Sail replied, “You’re pearl… it’s been stolen…”
All of a sudden the leviathan narrowed his eyes in anger, “WHAT!?!” his eyes shifted to Siren as he spoke, “Is this true!?!”
Siren tried to show no fear as she stepped forward and bowed in respect, “Yes, he speaks the truth. Captain Iron Hoof attacked the Isle of Home while I was gone… he took the pearl, and made off with it after layin’ waste to the island. Many are dead, and even more are severely wounded.”
The leviathan replied with an angry tone, “How could you let this happen?... Was it not you who was appointed as guardian by your predecessor? How could you fail where so many have succeeded before?...”
Since she didn’t know how to respond, Siren decided to hold both her bow and her silence in shame, however before the titan could continue, Captain Sail spoke up, “If anypony failed anypony… it’s you!”
The leviathan’s eyes shifted to Captain Sail, “Me?... it is she who failed to protect the pearl as her title dictates. She who has failed to do the one thing I ask of her family in exchange for their livelihoods.”
Siren looked up from her bow as she looked at Captain Sail in surprise as he shook his head, “And yet it was you who transported her clear across the sea so that protecting said pearl was impossible!”
The leviathan replied, “It is no fault of mine that she chose to be aboard a foreign ship who attacked my sanctuary.”
Captain Sail replied in irritation, “And what proof do ya have that is was I who attacked it? See, you’re so full of yourself that you didn’t even consider the fact that a ship appointed by yourself centuries ago would have the audacity to attack you to save their own skin?”
Hearing this, the leviathan silenced himself as Captain Sail continued, “We arrived this mornin’ less than five hours after the attack ended. You call yourself a god… and yet you’ve done more bad then good.”
The leviathan stared in rage at Captain Sail as he replied, “Watch your tone captain… you forget yourself.”
Captain Sail took a step closer, “I have done more for this island in the past week, then I’ve witnessed from you at all.”
“You have no place t-“
Captain Sail stepped forward and interrupted again, “If you truly are a god, then you have duties as such! You’re supposed to look after your subjects and keep their wellbeing in mind at all times.”
“My ta-“
“Your guardian did everythin’ in her power to keep the pearl out of Iron Hoof’s… hooves. And in the end, it was your neglect that lead to its theft. Your no god… you’re a burden, you demand their praise and yet you do nothing to deserve it. You may be the creator of the hippogriff species… but you could learn a thing or two about how to take care of your creation. I’m just a simple ship captain, but at least my crew knows that I'll keep them safe… even from their own!”
Angered by his words, the leviathan yelled, “ENOUGH!!!”
With that command, the mighty titan flapped his wings with a powerful force as large spikes made of ice flew down from their tips hitting and embedding themselves in the beach as they created a pike wall on both sides of the trespassing ponies. Powder Keg and Pinpoint jumped back from where the spikes hit as Siren did everything she could to act as unconcerned as Captain Sail seemed. With this anger apparent the leviathan spoke, “You trespass on my island then you speak to me in such a manner?... who do you think you are, pony?”
Captain Sail stood up with pride as he spoke, “My name, is Captain Crimson Bartholomeus Sail! Captain of the Bloody Tide and the Crimson Pirates! And you… you are a god who has strayed on his duties. To be a god is no different from being a captain. You must look after your crew and not only protect them from others… but on the occasion quell the conflict amongst them.”
The leviathan replied, “You think you can tell me how to rule my domain?”
Captain Sail shook his head, “Nah… I can’t…” he gestured over his shoulder, “But I s’pose they could try…”
With that said, Captain Sail pointed across the sea towards the Isle of Home as the Leviathan saw not only Captain Sail’s ship floating between the two with a large number of Hippogriffs aboard watching the conversation, but also the smoldering remains of the Town of Home as more Hippogriffs watched from the town’s pier. Seeing his subjects staring at him in hopeful expressions, the leviathan felt concern as Captain Sail spoke, “They have been through a lot today… and yet you did nothing to help them… how are they supposed to think of their god, when he doesn’t even lift a scale to come to their aid? And yet I, a Pirate from another nation and deity came to their aid when there was not so much as a whisper from your island.”
Seeing the faces of his subjects made the leviathan feel guilty as he tried to defend himself, “Conflicts amongst my subjects must rema…”
“IRON HOOF IS NOT YOUR SUBJECT!!!”
Surprised by her outburst, Everypony looked at Siren as she stepped forward and continued, “My lord… The current captain of the Iron Wing is a mutineer from the main seas. We may have spared him and allowed him to sail with us… but he is a pony from Pirate Cove… an island outside your domain, there for, he is not your subject.”
The leviathan was confused as he spoke, “So… what is the true name of this new Iron Hoof?...”
Both Captain Sail and Siren replied at the exact same time, “Sebastian…”
The leviathan thought to himself as he replied, “I see… then… he is an enemy to Home from the outside seas?”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye… he is…”
The Leviathan closed his eyes and nodded his head before sighing in disappointment as he opened his eyes back up and looked at Siren, “Then… I owe you an apology… since he is no subject of mine, I will allow anypony to kill him in any way they see fit… However, since he still commands the Iron Wing and its crew, who I will assume are still under my protection… I will not harm that ship. However… I am willing to lend my power to assist you in your trial, so long as you are the one to finish him.”
Captain Sail stepped forward as he replied, “Then I'll accept your help, but it’s only a start…”
The leviathan’s expression became unamused as he looked at Captain Sail, “Oh… a start to what?”
Captain Sail turned around and trotted to Siren as he turned back and stood shoulder to shoulder with her, put his hoof around her shoulder and replied, “We lost faith in you, my lord… so to rekindle that faith… we have an idea of how you can help us get the pearl back. Once ya do that… then all will be forgiven.”
Siren was surprised, partially of how he was standing with her, but mostly on his words as she replied, “Wait… we?... Us?... I thought you were going to leave?”
Captain Sail smiled as he replied, “You were goin’ to ask me to stay and help back at the mausoleum weren’t ya? S’pose I can wait till the pearl is back where it belongs before leaving these waters.”
Hearing this made her both happy and a little annoyed as she replied, “Stay and help… yea… that’s what I was going to ask.”
Not catching the tone in her voice, Captain Sail looked back at the leviathan as the mighty god replied, “You have the gull to make demands of me captain?... What sort of ruler would I be to yield to a pirate from the main seas?”
Captain Sail shook his head as he smiled in a clever way, “Demand?... now I ain’t one to be makin’ demands from a titan… no these are just… prayers… and though they are suggested, that’s what the hippogriffs will see them as… just prayers, to a god…”
seeing his clever play on words, The Leviathan smiled as he replied, “I see… then feel free to prey captain. Perhaps, I will answer them accordingly as long as they meet my previously stated requirement.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Then it’s time to get back what was taken.”