//------------------------------// // Chapter three: The Sea king // Story: The Sun and Moon Under the Sea // by Foal Star //------------------------------// The captain looked up at the enormous dark blue kraken with his empty eye sockets full of anger, growling to where if he had flesh he’d be almost frothing.“It doesn’t matter what abomination you turn yourself into, I won’t be swayed by petty, idle threats! Do your worst, there’s nothing you can  do to me!” Luna was quick to respond, angrily raising one of her tentacles to strike, only for the sea to suddenly rock and wave violently, even more so than when she had arose from it’s depths. The waves foamed and roared, as a massive Dark Blue figure rose, towering over both the ship and Luna. His form still dripping with water as some of the rays from the sky revealed his form in full. At first glance one would mistake him for simply a giant seapony, however, his appearance included what appeared to be a large horn and finn like wings, more akin with Alicorn, with a long gold scaled tale around his body. Upon his head was a long,  fluffy white mane that swirled around him, almost looking like raging sea foam, a long golden trident within his forefins. While both Luna and Celestia looked merely in awe of the stranger, the pirates reaction was fair less pleasant, gasping and some cowering at his appearance, some even moaning as one of his eyes glared at them harshly. Every pirate gasped as he held his trident up and shouted with a voice that sounded like raging thunder. “You pirates! Seems you still haven’t learned your lesson from the last time we met. And here I thought spending a few centuries trapped beneath the waves would finally set you straight.” His trident quickly began to glow bright yellow as storm clouds and lightning appeared above him, the flashes making his glare look even more terrifying. “Guess I’ll need to try and be a little more creative.”” The pirates were all but reduced to quivering wrecks, the sound of their bones jingling like wind chimes echoed across the ship, even the captain, for all his bravado, looked about ready to fall to pieces. Luna and Celestia meanwhile, simply looked up with disbelief and wonder, all but ignoring the possible risk the stranger posed to themselves. Thankfully  the sea king seemed more focused on the pirates, directing his pulsing weapon towards them as he made his proclamation“I gave you a chance to make up for your misdeeds! Again you have yet to prove that my mercy was justified and now my patience has run out.” With a thunderous cry, a burst of power shot from his trident, enveloping the entire crew with it’s glow. The flash only lasted for a moment before the once firecesome skeleton crew had been now reduced to a collection of small sea creatures, from crabs, to fish, to tiny squids. Some helplessly flopped around the deck, panicking as they made their way to edge of the ship before finally entering the waters below.   The crew now dealt with, the sea pony turned to his attention to the captain and the princesses. “Now then, for you three.” With another burst, a series of magic tendrils swirled around Celestia and Luna, quickly returning them back to their Seapony bodies. The captain however, wasn’t so lucky, as his otherwise firecesome body was shifted into that of a yellow and blue striped flounder, which the Sea King proceeded to shove into a small jar, chuckling the entire time. “And that ends that scourge of the seas.” With another flash, the jar disappeared, to where nopony knew and he returned his attention to the still stunned princesses, his expression quickly shifting to concern. “Now that that is all settled, are you two alright?” Both princesses were confused and blinked at the question, but Luna was able to regain her composure quickly. “Ahem, yes we are otherwise unharmed and we are grateful for your assistance, we’re both just a tad confused as to who you are good sir?” The Sea Pony quietly bowed. “Ah, where are my manners, please forgive me.  My name is Neptune, the Lord of the Oceans.” Celestia, now opting to speak,seemed confused by his statement. “Really, I wasn’t aware the oceans had a ruler.” Neptune gave a deep chortle and boomed, “Ha, yes I wouldn’t be too surprised if you didn’t know me. I tend to be a bit of a shut in and keep to myself most of the time. Still, you’d think after 1000 years, somepony would at least remember me from a legend or two.” Luna gaped with a look of awe, “A thousand years!?” Now she felt even more shocked that neither she, nor her sister had even heard a mention of one who ruled for so long. Then again she at least has the excuse of being on the moon for 1000 years. The giant sea pony nodded and raised his trident, attempting to make himself look more regal as he offered the pair a confident smirk. “Indeed I have, and I must say, it’s been quite a while since I’ve been in the company of such, an intriguing pair of mares. Might I have your names?” Celestial bowed, immediately returning to her normal posture and royal tone. “It is a pleasure to meet you Lord Neptune, I’am Princess Celestia, Princess of Equestria and the Sun.” Luna blushed a little at Neptunes compliment but followed her sister’s lead. “And I am Princess Luna, fellow Princess of Equestria and of the Night.” Neptune's eyes glowed with delight and clapped his hooves. “My word, this truly is an auspicious occasion, I’d never dreamed of meeting fellow rulers. In truth I’d heard tale here and there of ponies who ruled upon the land, but to think you command both the moon and sun, it is truly amazing.”  He lead the way through the waters, attempting to guide the duo back below it’s waves. “Please, permit me to show you some hospitality to make up for the rather rude company you were forced to endure. I’d very much like to learn more about your world and its rulers.” Neither princess seemed inclined to argue, while apprehensive to an extent, they gratefully nodded and followed him below. The trio of royal continued their descent, made relatively easy given the speed their new forms afforded them and the two alicorns quickly found themselves grateful for accepting Neptunes offer, as they found themselves awestruck by the sight before them. Before them sat another undersea castle, not unlike the Hippogriffs, but seemingly constructed entirely out diversely colored coral, with many towers spiraling and coiling up high towards the surface, with a rather large town of similar coral shaped buildings of various sizes below. The two princesses swam through the streets amazed at all the seaponies that floating about. They were smaller than the Hippogriffs and were actual sea ponies with small fish like bodies going about their business, though  some stopped to gape at the princesses but the majority seemed more interested in cheering for and waving to their king, which he reciprocated. Neptune calmly spoke as he noted some of the reactions from his citizens “Please don’t be alarmed, they mean no offense, it’s just nopony here has ever seen an alicorn before.” Both princesses gave each other odd looks and Celestia, a bit curious asked, “How do you know about alicorns, you said you’ve never been to the surface?” Neptune snickered and turned around. “Well, that’s simple I am one  or at least I was one.” Both Luna and Celestia had to fight to urge to drop their jaws at this revelation. ”You were? But, that’s impossible? True my sister and I had heard tale of other alicorns existing, but until Cadence, we’d been led to believe such rumors were false.” Luna spoke, her attention centered on the king. He only chuckled. “Yes, well, it’s a rather long and complicated story and I fully intend to explain everything to you. However, I feel such discussions should be done in a more private setting.” The trio of ponies finally arrived at the massive sea palace, standing in front of it’s massive, silver doors, guarded by two seaponies covered in plate armor, wielding tridents instead of spears. The two quickly parted, allowing the three inside and allowing the Princesses to gaze upon the main throne room. It was beautifully decorated in a the same silver metal as the gates,  with a lovely red, sea sponge carpet rolled down the main aisle. The throne sat above, made of the same gleaming gold as the tridents. Most enticing however, was the chandelier, for in the center was a massive golden orb filled with bioluminescent lights that circled around giving a beautiful aurora. Neptune turned and laughed seeing Celestia and Luna both practically drooling at all that was before them. The king crossed his fins and smirked, a touch of smugness in his eyes. “I see you are quite taken with my throne, but I assure you there is much more to see here. However, for now, my maids will escort you to the guest rooms. Surely you’d like to freshen up and relax after all you’ve experienced. I’ll call you down when dinner is ready, until then, please enjoy your stay here.”.” The two rulers remained star struck for a moment before bowing their heads again in gratitude to the king of the seas. “We cannot thank you enough for all that you have done, and we look forward speaking with you soon.” The Sea King merely waved off the overwhelming show of gratitude as he sat upon his throne, the fish bowl containing the captain  plopped on a pedestal nearby, leaving the flounder swimming cursing angrily at the king. “Please, raise your heads, you are my honored guests and I’m not one who feels the need to stand on ceremony. Your thanks are all I need.” He then gestured over to some of his sea pony maids, all dressed in elegant clothing of fabrics neither princess could identify, and with scale covered bodies that shined like polished jewels. “Once you’ve relaxed and regained you strength I will answer any questions you may have. Till then, I bid you good day.” The maids quietly guided the two ponies towards one of the many doorways in the throne, leaving the Sea King to watch them, smiling happily as they exited. Both Princesses quickly realized how true the King’s words regarding his castle were. From the elegant throne room, they were led to a bathroom made entirely of white marble, with a massive tub of warm water and soap in the center. Things hadn’t been perfect however, as the maids had originally been insistent on scrubbing their scales thoroughly, though with some push back they were able to get them to settle on cleaning their manes and fins. They proved to be especially gentle and respectful, allowing the Princesses to do most of the cleaning themselves and in no time both sisters sparkled, not unlike the floors they were on. “We shall notify you when his majesty is ready to dine. Please, if there is anything you require from any of us, please do not hesitate to ask.” The maids quietly exited the room, leaving Luna and Celestia alone, finally able to speak privately after all that happened. “Well, this certainly is not how I expected our vacation to turn out sister.” “Yes Luna, being kidnapped by pirates and then meeting another alicorn certainly didn’t cross my mind when I planned this excursion.” Luna gave the room a once over, again admiring the beautiful architecture and material used to create it, though couldn’t help but look uneasy about their situation. “Sister, while the idea of conversing with another Alicorn intrigues me to no end, I’m concerned. Queen Novo is likely worried sick about and has everyone of her subjects looking for us. We really need to head back to Seaequestria.” Celestia nodded quickly. “And I agree, however, we have no idea where in the ocean we even are nor do we have a way to navigate these waters properly or regain our original forms. For now the best course of action is be cordial with King Neptune and hopefully he’ll be able to lead us back to Queen Novo.” Luna expression turned sour, not happy with being so relatively powerless in their current situation, yet she let out a sigh, knowing that what her sister suggested was their best option.“I suppose you are right sister, I just hope we don’t run into anymore conflicts while on this trip. The two Princesses sat and chatted for a little longer before they received a knock at the door, inviting them down. Taking a moment to look over themselves in the mirror, both headed down to the stairs, eventually reaching the entrance.. Before the two stood a pair of massive and ornate doors which the maids quickly opened,  revealing a long beautiful dining room. The long golden table was adorned with little lanterns glowing with bioluminescence, plates made of coral laid upon each seat down the table and two massive chandeliers lit by the same bioluminescence hung over head with two beautiful seaponies playing on harps, whilst an underground lava flow, blocked only by a glass like rock underneath them. The two princesses were beyond amazed, completely dumbfounded at the beauty of the place. Taking a seat at one of the plush seats alongside the  table, the two let their eyes wander along the walls and ornaments adorning the room. “Even after all we’ve seen so far, this castle continues to amaze me with how beautiful it is.” “I should hope it looks atleast moderately exquisite, given I had a hand in designing everything.” The Princesses looked to the entrance of the hall and found the king floating towards them, their eyes immediately growing wide with surprise and shock at his appearance. In their first encounter the King had been bereft of any kind adornments befitting his position. Now however, he was clad in a series of robes that was regal seemed a tad….out of date, heavily resembling something like a costume from an old fashioned theater troupe, yet he didn’t seem to notice this, still carrying the same confident smirk he’d had when they met.    Celestia whispered quietly to Luna. “The room may be beautiful but those clothes have been outdated for a thousand years.” Luna chuckled “Indeed, I have to say this king is really old fashioned. I’m certain Rarity would have a fit and a half if she saw these.” Neptune however, seemed to ignore their actions and instead spread his arms wide in a grandiose gesture. “So, be honest, what do you think of my castle and kingdom.” He quickly took a seat at the table, eager to hear their thoughts. Another glance further, the dual monarches saw the walls adorned with many paintings of various seaponies, several clad in armor and jewels, all with beauty that rivaled anything they’d seen. “It is quite impressive, almost reminds me of our palance in Canterlot, though the lava flow I’ll admit is unique even compared to all we’ve seen.” Neptune’s grin seemed to grow brighter at this. “Yes, I’m quite proud of that little detail, some said it was too much but I find it to really help tie things together.” Celestia gave a nod looking around the hall and through one of the nearby windows to the city below. “Your kingdom is quite beautiful, if we weren’t underwater right now I’d swear we were still in Equestria.” “You have no idea how happy your words of praise are to me. But, that’s enough admiration for now, I promised you a feast and I’m nothing if not a pony of my word.” With a light clap the table was quickly adorned with plates containing rich looking seaweed wraps, filled with various cooked sea vegetables of some sort, and glasses of enchanted wine sitting near each plate. They both ate without a word  as classical music filled the air. As they ate, Neptune’s eye remained trained on Luna, and her posture quickly reflected her unease at his gaze, missing a few bites of her food as she tried to maintain her composure. Thankfully, Neptune was quick to pick up on this. “Oh, please don’t be nervous Princess Luna, I meant no disrespect, I’ve just been rather eager to speak with you.” “You have?” “Why yes, after all it is the moon that controls the waves of the sea, why wouldn’t the Ruler of the Seas wish to speak with the Ruler of the Moon.” Luna didn’t quite know how to respond, though she started to theorize what he wished to discuss. “Ah, I sometimes forget about that particular detail. I do hope that my control of the moon hasn’t caused your subjects any discomfort or trouble.” “Not at all, certainly there is the occasional disturbance, but nothing that has caused any kind of harm. Please, do not worry yourself about such matters.” Celestia quickly chimed in, wanting to raise a few questions that had been on both Princesses minds. “I have to ask King Neptune, does your rule extend to all the oceans? If so, then that is rather impressive.” He blushed at the flattery and replied with a hint of pride, “Well, it’s hardly as impressive as controlling celestial bodies like the sun or moon,  but I do control the waves and currents of all the oceans, I mostly keep them tame and assure things like tidal waves and hurricanes don’t occur. And while I’m not one to boast, I believe I've been doing a pretty good job as long as other magical creatures don’t interfere. Celestia blinked. “That is impressive, and you’ve been doing so for a thousand years? I still can’t fathom how we haven’t heard of you until now.” Neptune scratched his beard and explained, “Well it has been a long time since I started ruling the true seaponies and in fact I didn’t know of any other sentient life existed until I saw the hippogriffs by mere chance. Of course I’ve maintained contact with the Hippogriffs and helped them when I could, even providing them with the Pearl of Transformation.” ”So we have you to thank for  saving the hippogriffs. I wonder why didn’t they mention you?” Luna inquired, taking another bite of her food. He sighed, his expression showing exhaustion. “I had thought about revealing myself but I was concerned what would happen if the rest of the world knew. Many I feared would come and try to steal or control my power, can you even imagine what would happen if they succeed?” Celestia now looked confused at his phrasing in regards to his power. “You say, control your power. Are you saying it’s not your natural skill?”?” The sea king smirked, his eyes turning to his trident. “Yes and no I suppose, I am naturally in tune with the ocean and have great power over it, but unlike you, my magic alone is not enough to wield all the oceans of this world.” He grabbed his trident and allowed it to glow with power. “I discovered this trident during my wanderings of the sea and found it granted me power unlike I had ever experienced before, enabling me to control all the waters of the sea. Of course such a matter is a relative secret and I’d prefer it stay that way. Luna decided to speak, “Well, we can promise we will keep your secret. Though I do hope that it would be possible to connect our two kingdoms together.” The king seemed interested as he stroked his white beard and asked, “I think that would be a splendid idea, though how would you propose we do so? Are one of you planning to wed me?” Both princesses blinked and burst into laughter, breaking the king’s composure as he stammered out angrily. “I’m serious, for our kingdoms to unit one of you must wed me? Is that not the tradition of royalty?” Celestia smirked and explained, “That might have been true centuries ago, but things have changed where we live and traditions such as that have long since died out.” The king quickly regained his posture and tried his best to shake off his embarrassment. “Well, that’s fine, though the offer will stand if you change your mind?” Celestia chuckled at the king’s attempts and returned to the topic. “I’m sure we can reach an agreement that is beneficial to all parties.” ”Very well, though is there anything you  want in return for this arrangement?” Luna decided to chime in and  shook her head. “Of course not, our nation is about expanding alliances and forming friendships with other nations. Having you as an ally is more than sufficient.”,” Neptune smiled and  raised a glass. “Alright then, a toast, to your good health and may our alliance be fruitful.” They all raised their glasses and drank the wine as he gave a smirk, unnoticed by either princess. Later that night the two princesses were in soft beds made of bouncy sea sponge and draped over in soft blankets crafted from kelp. While the beds themselves felt wonderful Luna had been feeling queasy for some time as she groaned, feeling odd, like something came over her. She turning to an open window, she quietly swam outside eventually finding a forest of kelp not far beyond the castle. Looking   up to the night sky, she felt her unease settle and now found herself in awe looking at the night sky she’d treasured through a new perspective.. “ Beautiful.” “Indeed it is.” Luna’s face quickly turned red and she found the king, lacking his formal robes, floating behind her with a calm smile on his face. Stuttering and bowing her head embarrassed, she tried and failed to say something to the king, only for him to laugh heartily at her panic “My you land ponies are quite something I must say. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about my dear, I myself enjoy a good night swim every now and again, so please raise your head.” Luna looked upon the king, her blush remaining as the odd feeling return, though instead of nausea, she felt a sense of warmth as her heart started to race. “What is this?” Neptune didn’t seem to notice her state, simply admiring the many stars in the skin above the waves. “It is breathtaking, I’ve spent many a night simply staring at the stars above me, glimmering like jewels more wondrous than the treasures of my kingdom, however...” His gaze then shifted to the moon, full and bright, shining its light down near the pair. “I’ve always found the moon to be the most alluring, like the most perfect pearl ever crafted, forever beyond my reach, only to be admired from afar.” Luna’s face continued to grow redder with each word of praise for the sky she helped create, words she’d remember longing to hear so many centuries ago. Her heart only continued to beat ever faster as the King shifted his gaze to her. “And now, I find myself in awe once again, as if the moon itself were brought to life and all it’s elegance and beauty were personified in a single pony.” Luna’s heart now felt as though it were moving at lightspeed as her as Neptune moved closer to her. “The Pony of the Sea and Pony of the Moon, bound together by nature itself. Like something out of a story book.” For a moment Luna thought Neptune was about to kiss her and for a single instance, a part of her welcomed it. Yet, perhaps thankfully, it never came as the King merely pulled back, continuing to admire Luna. “I am truly grateful to have you in my kingdom Princess, and I hope to know you better during your time here. Though for now, I will settle for admiring you from afar.” He slowly drifted back towards the castle as Luna tried to muster up a response, yet nothing came, leaving her floating under the star, bathing in the light of the moon.