//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Two ships set sail (Edited) // Story: High Seas of Adventure // by Silver Dragon Blade Wing //------------------------------// Manehatten The port of Manehatten was busy as usual, creatures boarding and disembarking ships, ships leaving and entering port, cargo being loaded and unloaded, and so forth. On one section was a large group of Ponies entering an anchored cruise ship. One Pony, a mare, the horn and wings marking her as an Alicorn, was looking over a cruise activity schedule. Her name was Twilight Sparkle, Equestria's newest Alicorn and now Princess of friendship. Next to her on her left were two Unicorns; a mare and a stallion. The mare was her mother Twilight Velvet, writer and editor. The stallion was Twilight's father Night Light, a now retired battlemage and loving husband to Velvet. On her right were a Unicorn stallion and a Alicorn mare. The Unicorn was Twilight's brother Shining Armor, former Captain of Canterlot Guard and now Prince of the Crystal Empire. The Alicorn was Cadance, Twilight's former foalsitter and now sister-in-law being Shining's wife and Princess of the Crystal Empire. "What's on the schedule for the cruise Twilight?" The Night Light asked. "Well dad, there's a bingo game at 5:00, a movie at at 7:30, dinner at 8:00, and a deck party from 9:00 to 12:00 today." Velvet smiled and let out a happy sigh. "Well I'm looking forward to a relaxing vacation cruise with family and friends." "Mom, the last time we had a "relaxing vacation" you went bungee jumping over Luna Bay." The white Unicorn said with a laugh. "Well they do have a number of activities on this cruise I can't wait to try." The mare said back. Then Cadance chuckled. "Are you sure you wouldn't get sea sick Shining?" "Oh please Cadance, I can handle the waves just fine." Velvet rolled her eyes with a smile. "Think our son can, Night Light?" "I don't think so Velvet." Night Light whispered to his wife. A yawn came came from Twilight's back, a young Dragon rubbed his eyes and leaned up. "Have a good nap Spike?" Cadance asked. "Yea, I slept great." Behind them were three Pegasus Ponies; one stallion and two mares. The younger mare as Rainbow Dash, self-proclaimed fastest Pegasus in Equestria and now a member of the Wonderbolts. "This is going to be awesome!" Rainbow said flying a few feet off the ground. The other two Ponies just smiled and chuckled. "I can't wait to fly the races and show them my stuff. Mom, dad, can you please turn down the cheering a little? I don't want to get embarrassed while on the cruise, okay?" Her parents, Bow Hothoof and Windy Whistles, nodded yes. "Okay Rainbow Dash, we'll tone it down a bit." Her mother said, with a hidden smile. Next up was two Earth Pony mares, Applejack and Pinkie Pie, two Unicorn mares, Rarity and Starlight Glimmer, and a Pegasus mare, Fluttershy. "It was very nice of Princess Celestia to offer us, our families, and the rest of Ponyville this all expenses paid cruise after that storm." Starlight said. A few days ago, Ponyville had been badly damaged by a sudden intense, out-of-control storm for the Everfree that had combined with the local weather that was being gathered and had formed into a powerful supercell. Thankfully nopony had been hurt because everypony had taken cover in Twilight's castle, but the town had suffered heavy damage to the point that some houses had collapsed. Everypony had manged to move everything they owned into the castle before the storm hit so they didn't lose anything they couldn't replace, Sweet Apple Acres had survived the storm unharmed but had been flooded afterwords so the Apples couldn't harvest until the water was drained, members of the Apple family would look after the farm while Applejack and her family were recovering from the storm. After the storm had ended, Princess Celestia had given the townsfolk an offer for an all expenses paid cruise while the town was repaired under her and Princess Luna's supervision. The ship they were going on was named the Traveler A Pegasus stallion walked up to them followed by a group of foals. "Think this going to be fun little brother?" He asked a Pegasus stallion foul next to him. "Definitely big brother." "This is so exciting!" A Earth Pony filly with a large pink bow exclaimed jumping about. "Yea!" the other two fillies shouted in excitement. Rainbow smiled at the three's cheer, She then heard, "Hey Crash, looks like we're taking the same cruise. Turning around Rainbow saw; "Soarin!" And he wasn't alone, with him were two mares and one stallion. "Angel Wings, Vapor Trail, and Sky Stinger. You guys got tickets to huh." "We did, all the Wonderbolts did but most had other arrangements. So Spitfire more or less "ordered" me to take the cruise so I decided to bring these three along as they had been working hard at the Academy." "Good to see you again Rainbow Dash." Vapor Trail said. "You guys too, great to hear you've been working hard. Cloud Chaser and her twin sister Flitter are coming too." Near them a Pegasus stallion approached Cadance. "Princess, are you sure the guards coming along won't need their armor?" "Yes Flash, this is a relaxing cruise, we wouldn't need to worry about any threats." "If your sure..." "Hey Flash!" a voice called out. He turned around. "Oh, hello Starry Eyes, Dark Moon." Good to see you two again." "You too Flash, is your sister, Flare Warden, coming as well?" Starry asked. "She will be, along with a butch of Nobles from Canterlot." Flash said the last part with a frustrated sigh. The sound of a horn drew their attention to the ship. "That means we need to get abroad right away, the Traveler will be underway soon." Shining said. Twilight turned and addressed their group. "Alright everypony, ready to go on a cruise and have a great time?" Many sounds of agreement was her answer. "Then let's go!" With that, they all boarded the Traveler. Soon the ship launched with many Ponies waving from the docks as the Traveler sailed out to the open sea. Meanwhile Sea of Legends Imperator's Grave Imperator's Grave was the main port in the Sea of Legends, named so do to the Island being made from the wrecks of ships and bones of leviathans besides rock and sand and the large number of wrecks and skeletons of leviathans that littered the island, including the truly massive skull and giant ribs of one of the dreaded Imperator Leviathans. The ribs had been set up in two rows of five where the dock boardwalks meet the sandy beach while the skull sat as the entrance to the town. The port was a haven for pirates, privateers, smugglers, and all manner of sailors that the tides seem to sweep up. Merchant ships would come here to make quite a nice bit of profit as the merchants here offered great prices for certain goods such as Sugar, Spice, and especially Luxuries were worth a lot on Imperator's Grave. It was also the port used by the largest faction in the Sea of Legends; The Outcasts of the Abyss, or the Outcasts for short. Ruled by the Kirin Archduke Razor Tail, the Outcasts used the port as their main fixed base of operations while Razor's ship; the Dragon of the Depths, was used as their mobile base to roam the Sea of Legends, as long as those who sailed these waters respected the Outcast's authority, they were free to do as they pleased. The only trade that the Outcast's forbade was slavery, for good reason as most of the individuals in the Outcasts were former slaves, and they would attack any slaver ships that entered the Sea of Legends without any mercy to the crew while any slaves found were freed. Currently in the mapmaker's building a large Griffin dressed in an odd mix of pirate and Nobel attire sat in front of a large table with a map set atop it. Flanking the Griffin was a Pegasus stallion, a male Changeling Drone, a male Diamond Dog, and a Longma wearing various pirate attire along with a skull mask covering their faces leaving only the jaw exposed. Sitting across from the Griffin was the Mapmaker, an old graying Griffin, who was looking at the map and speaking. "So the Outcasts seek the Lost Tombs? Your faction has made many great tales in these water. The question is, why." "The Caribou are searching for it, if they want it, it must be something of great power that can not fall into their hooves. And our lord has a personal reason for seeking the tombs" The Griffin said. "The Lost Tombs are well hidden from those who seek them, to find them one must search for the key." "And what is this key?" "A ring with six crystals of the Rainbow, while this map would show the way to the tombs, it will help find the key's crystals." The Griffin raised an eyebrow. "How so?" "This map tells of a gem that will detect the key crystals, just attach it to your lord's compass, and it will alert you when one is close." Looking at the picture of the gem, the Griffin said, "I know that crystal, we've seen the Mysterious Traveler that lounges in the tavern here has it for sale." He then looked at the Mapmaker. "Think you for your services." He set a bag of gold on the table, picked up the map, and walked out with his company. Later The Griffin walked away from the tavern, his group with him, having got what they came for. The crystal had cost a fair bit but it was of no concern, it was easy to get rich in the Sea of Legends if you knew where to look. They walked over a lesser used path til they reached their destination; a well guarded dock used by the Outcasts. Tied to the docks was their ship, the Dragon of the Depths, being loaded for a long voyage. The ship was quite massive for a pirate ship, actually calling it a mere ship was an insult, it was more of a mobile port. The Dragon of the Depths was 458.45 meters long not counting the bowsprit, 60.5 meters in width, and it's height not counting the masts was 72 meters tall, the decks (Full, not walkways and castle structures) numbered at 34 total decks, with 7 below the waterline and 28 above , making one of the largest ships to ever sail the seas. The most forward section had nine decks removed to hold a massive cannon, known by the crew and enemies as the Dreadhammer, that retracted into the section when not in use. At the very bow was a huge dragon head with it's gaping maw open.* One would think that the ship would be an easy target due to it's size and while that might be the case, the ship had a thick layer of armor under the outer wood layer and a number of protection enchantments so hitting it and damaging it were two different things. The Griffin and his group boarded the ship. Dragon of the Depths Captain's Quarters, Level Three Archduke Razor Tail sat at the table in the center of the third level of his quarters reading and trying to figure out the chats in front of him. The Captain's Quarters of the Dragon was quite spacious and was a total of five levels. The first level at the top was his sleeping cabin, the second level held the charts, scrolls and other items, the third level was were his office was, the fourth level held the various magic artifacts they'd found, and the fifth and last level was were he keep his share of the treasure he and his crew had gathered over the ten years they had sailed the Sea of Legends. Razor Tail, just called Razor by his officers, was a silver coated Pegasus-born** Western Kirin with a red, gold-striped mane on his head, neck, and top length of his tail, and red eyes with slit pupil. His back legs had the hooves of his Pony half while his front legs ended in the hand-like claws of his Dragon half with four fingers. His wings showed his Pegasus parentage as his wings were oversized compared to Kirin who were born from either Earth Ponies or Unicorns with a wingspan of fifty feet, at the 'wrist' of the wing arms were small four-fingered hand-like claws similar to the ones on his front legs, the right one holding his halberd. Two fangs stuck out of his upper lips with the tips reaching to his chin, two half-a-meter long black horns jutted out from the back of his head under his very large tricorne hat and on either side of his long mane. His tail was three times the normal length of most Krirns his age, who's tails were normally eight feet long on average, and was tipped with three scythe shaped blades with the shortest on top and the longest on the bottom.*** His tail was twenty four feet long not counting the blades which was four feet on the longest one. Currently he was trying to figure out the charts in front of him on the table, the charts weren't normal map charts but a set of many rings that went lined up right showed the location of many places that regular charts, even the most accurate and modern ones, missed. Unfortunately, the charts were not very clear. Razor had been rotating the rings for five hours with breaks and was no further to finding the Lost Tombs then he was when he started, finally he let out a frustrated snort, with a bit of fire along with it, out of his nose and slammed his claw against the table. " (swearing in Germane) !!" A knocking then sounded from the door. "Yes?" "It's me Razor, may I come in?" "Sure Atlas, come in." The door opened and the Changeling Queen stepped in, she walked next to Razor and sat down. "Are you okay? I was just about to enter when you started swearing." Razor let out a sigh. "Ya, I'm okay. Its these charts, I've been at them for five hours, with breaks, and still can't find the Lost Tombs." "Maybe you should take a rest of them, dinner's ready anyway." "Ja, might be a good idea. I'll be with you guys in a minute." Razor stood up and walked over what was the most noticeable object in the room; a giant pipe organ that took up most of the back wall, leaving only room for a large stained-glass window at the top. Razor played this pipe organ when he needed to vent emotional buildup or to help motive the crew, the crew could also play it when they need to vent as well, giving the organ the name "The Venting Organ". Razor however wasn't going to the organ but to the stairway next to it's left side, as he went up Atlas took a peek at the charts. He really is having trouble with these charts, doesn't help their as clears as mud. But... why is he so stressed at the news that Iron Horn is looking for the Lost Tombs? The Caribou always mess themselves up when it comes to hunting artifacts, maybe I should ask the other Head Officers if they too have noticed this. She turned and walked out the door she came through and into what was known as the Head Officer meeting/dining room. It was a fairly large room with a table big enough to seat twelve comfortably, the seats themselves were large thrones that the Outcasts had looted from the former Royalties that had ruled the Sea of Legends with an iron grip and constantly fought wars with each other. Defeating these Royals had allowed the Outcasts to rule over a good bit of the Sea of Legends but there was still a massive portion of the area left that was uncontrolled an unexplored. The two side walls had windows with arced tops set in two them running from on end of the room to the other, at the base of the windows were shelves holding candles and other odds and ends collected over their adventures. At the wall with the door leading to the Captain's quarters were barrels of cider, rum, grog, and tea with two barrels on each side of the door. At the wall leading out onto the deck were faction banners with six on each side of the door. Hanging from the ceiling were many lanterns lighting the room up well, above the table were two large two-pronged anchors made of leviathan bones with two smaller prongs above the larger prongs.**** Each throne had been customized to each of the Head Officer's personal preference and profession; the Zebra mare, Zenith, was the Fleet Gunnery Master and her throne had many firearms from pistols to cannons imprinted on it. Zenith had been a former slave to one of the Royals who had met his end at her hooves after she was freed. Unlike most other Zebras, Zenith didn't speck in rhyme as she hadn't been born in their homelands. She loved her job and had made several advances in the faction's weapons tech, including a cap and ball system for the cannons. she had a bit of the attitude of a drill sergeant but could be rather nice when necessary. Her weapons of choice were a custom Jian sword along with a hand cannon, a lever-action blunderbuss, and four cap and ball revolvers. The Minotaur, Steel Mass, was the Fleet Beastmaster and his throne had many creatures of the seas from sharks to leviathans imprinted on it. Steel had been a merchant that specialized in hunting, trapping, and taming the sea's creatures. It seemed that the sea itself had grown tired of his work and had marooned him on an island where the Outcasts had found him. After joining the Outcasts he put his talents to good use hunting, trapping, and taming the creatures the Outcasts used in battle. He was a head taller then most Minotaurs and had more muscle mass to boot. He was something of a ham at times and had a very cheerful and friendly demeanor, though he seemed to enjoy combat a bit too much. His weapons of choice were a massive custom two headed war hammer and five cap and ball revolvers. The Longma, Gold Fire and his quadruped Dragon twin brother, Shadow Fire, were the two Fleet Engineers and their thrones had many things related to engineering imprinted on them. The two had been in the Sea of Legends the longest out of the Head Officers, having lived there with their colony before joining the Outcasts after the latter had aided the former in defending their colony from an attack by one of the late Royals. The two of them had taken to the engineering jobs like bees to honey, having been responsible for a few upgrades the Dragon had; such as steam donkeys to aid with the sails and rigging, steam engines for increasing the ship's speed when wind and sail weren't enough, exploding cannon balls (Which made Zenith really happy), and their most recent invention, a submersible vessel that allowed the Outcasts to attack from underwater. It did have a problem with air when underwater but the Outcasts had fixed that by employing Sea Ponies and tests had shown great promise. Gold fire was a bit of a bookworm (not to the extent of Twilight) and was more likely to hang back and fight from afar while Shadow Fire was more of a doer and like to get in the thick of a fight. Both brothers also had the tendency to finish each others sentences, which sometimes annoyed the others. Gold Fire's weapons of choice were a custom dao and a wide range of firearms while Shadow Fire's were a custom mace and six cap and ball revolvers. The three Thestrals, White Fang and his two younger brothers Night Mist and Dark Rock, were the Fleet Treasurers and their thrones had gold, gems and other treasures imprinted on them. The three of them had lost their family to loan sharks years ago with White also losing his right eye which was later replaced with one made of quatz. The three had been on the run from the law after White had founded and ended the loan sharks and the guard had been after them ever since. They had fled to Imperator's Grave where they stayed hidden and meet Razor Tail who recruited them. White was the larger one and was an albino while Night Mist was what Thestrals called Lightborn; Thestrals who had colors associated with the day unlike regular one who had colors associated with the night like Dark Rock. Night was a Horned and Dark was a Cave. White Fang was proud of being an albino and was the most serious of the three but wasn't a stick in the mud, he was also a former Night Guard. Night Mist was somewhat gruff and bickered a lot with Dark but the two brothers loved each other very much and were much stronger fighting together. Dark Rock was a bit meek but could show surprising bravery when needed, he was illiterate but showed unusual amount of skills despise being unable to read. White was protective of his brothers, not to the point of smothering them but if someone messed with them they would have to deal with him as well. White's weapons of choice were a custom large club with spikes and six cap and ball revolvers while his brother's were custom axes and two cap and ball revolvers each. The Dracony, Fire Gem, was the Fleet Warrant Admiral and head boatswain, his throne had imagery related to his duties. Fire had come from a very wealthy family but had grown bored with what he called "stagnant life" and had craved adventure. He had been in the tavern on Imperator's Grave looking for a job when a bar fight broke out, after holding himself well Razor had approached and offered his current job which the Dracony had taken. He had at first thought his family would have disowned him for working with the Outcasts but to his surprise they had been very supportive and even supplied the Outcast with various things in the past such as money and goods along with their connections from time to time. They had told Fire Gem that they had been aware the life they had was not for him and were happy and proud to see him find his calling, and that they would love him no matter what. Fire had teared up with joy and happiness when they had told him that. Fire Gem was down to earth and was firm but fair when on duty but off duty he loved to play games with the crew and was a bit of a carefree individual. His choice of weapons were a custom basket-hilt sword which was a family heirloom, and five cap and ball revolvers. The Griffin, Apollo, was the Fleet Sailing Admiral and head navigator, his throne had imagery related to navigation equipment. Apollo had come to the Sea of Legends to escape what he called "The bitter disgrace that the Griffins have become." He hated what the Griffins had become after the lost of their idol and and come to get away. After arriving he had sought out Razor and had joined the Outcasts. Apollo was an master navigator and could chart a course through the worst of storms. He could be gruff, serious and was a bit of a deadpan snarkier but was actually a nice guy once you got to know him. His weapons of choice were a custom greatsword and seven cap and ball revolvers. The Pegasus mare, Snowheart, was the Fleet Enforcement Admiral and her throne was covered in the anthers bones, ans skulls of the Caribou she had slayed. Snowheart undoubtedly had the darkest back story of them all, her family had been sold to the Caribou and she had been separated from her husband and foals soon after with them being placed on a ship that had disappeared at sea. She had gone through seven long years of pain and was a broken and terrified shell of a mare when Razor had found her just barely holding on to a rock. Even though she had somewhat recovered she still even these days had nightmares of that time she was a slave. Snowheart wasn't even sure if her husband and foals were still alive, so she had earned a reputation and became feared by the Caribou. Snowheart had become know by a few names to the Caribou; the angel of vengeance, the angel of death, an agent of death, and even death itself just to name a few, as most Caribou who crossed path with her, never escaped alive. Only Caribou of the Rednose Clan (who were against the current ways and wanted to change by helping free slaves) were spared her wrath, she would also always leave one alive to spread the tale. Snowheart was merciless to Caribou, but she did have a softer side. She was very fond of foals or young in general, and could be very nice and friendly. However, she still suffers from her past trauma and would sometimes wake up in the night screaming, along with suffering major emotional breakdowns at times. Out of the entire crew, she was the one who played Razor's pipe organ the most. Thankful she had the crew to help her through her pain and suffering and she was slowly but surely recovering. Her weapons of choice were a custom cutlass and ten cap and ball revolvers. Atlas Moth was the Fleet Secretary and second in command of the Outcasts, her throne was covered in Changeling materials to resemble her old hive throne. She had first meet Razor went she and landed on an island after escaping what was her burning hive. Atlas' hive had been destroyed by Ponies who had also killed most of her subjects and her sister. Fleeing with the hive's nymphs and surviving Drones, low on love they had landed on an unknown island to rest and mourn, and this was were they encountered Razor Tail. They had looked into each others eyes and saw the same thing; they were as lost and alone as each other. Razor had then carefully approached and spread his wings, offering warm and some love. The cold, wet, and hungry Changelings moved into his embrace and had cuddled up to him with Atlas hugging him around the neck and crying into his shoulder. Razor had simply wrapped his wings and forelegs around them and they stayed in the position all night. They hadn't know at the time, but that was the night the Outcasts of the Abyss was born. Now Razor Tail and Atlas Moth were happily married and had been for six years, as the gold and silver hoof ring studded with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies she wore around her left hoof showed. Atlas' hive had taken a few of the ship's cargo holds as hive space and had grown fairly large in the time since, the hive also recognized Razor as their king. Atlas' weapons of choice were a custom claymore and four cap and ball revolvers. If only you could see us now sis, I know you would loved Razor and the rest of the crew. Walking up to her throne she sat down and addressed the other Head Officers. "Everyone could we talk before Razor gets here and we eat?" "Sure Atlas, what up?" Gold fire asked. "Have any of you noticed that lately Razor seems a bit..." "On edge?" Fire Gem asked. "Stressed?" Apollo added. "Ready to smash some Caribou heads?" Snow supplied. Everyone looked at her with a deadpan look. "What?" Snow asked. "That's you Snowy." Steel Mass said. "Anyway, we have noticed he seems more jumpy lately. Could it have something to do with the Lost Tombs?" Zenith said. "I admit I have been those things and not as patient as normal lately." Everyone jumped in surprise and turned to see Razor standing in the doorway to his cabin. Before they could say anything Razor continued. "I know you guys are just concerned about me since I haven't been myself after hearing that the Caribou are searching for the Lost Tombs." He walked up and sat in his throne, which had imagery related to dragons, ships, and magic imprinted on it along with runes. He pulled out a scroll, opened it and laid it out to show his Head Officers. "This is what the Caribou want." On the scroll was what looked like a harpoon and trident mixed together. "What is that Razor?" Zenith asked. "It's called the 'Trident of the seas'. The stories say that whoever holds it will have complete control over the Sea of Legends." The others looked at each other with various expressions of worry before looking at Razor again. "It's quite understandable then why you've been so stressed lately." Apollo said. "But the Caribou always bucks themselves over with hunts like this," Night Mist said, "their greed always bites them in the flank." "I rather not take the risk of them finding it, who knows how much damage they could do. Iron Horn and Blood Fang are already lending their add in the search. That and," Razor paused for a minute. "...my personal reason for seeking out the Lost Tombs." "You know you can tell us Razor." Atlas said gently as she reached over and rubbed her husband's neck. "It's obviously important to you and we want to help anyway we can." The others voiced their agreement with Steel putting his big arms around Zenith and Gold Fire. Razor just smiled. "Thanks guys. words fail to express how thank thankful I am to have a family like you." Snowheart spoke next. "You did find and helped us, in truth many of us probably wouldn't have survived long if you hadn't found us when you did; The former Royals and false Pirate Lords would still be ruling." She then waved her forelegs around her. "Zenith would most likely still be a slave," The Zebra lowered her head with a sad nod. "Steel would have run out of food and water on that island," The Minotaur crossed his arms on the table and shuttered at the memories. "And I would have died after... finally... escaping..." Snow shut her good eye tight and tears began to flow as the horrible memories began to surface. Immediately, the others were out of their thrones and had wrapped her in a group hug, shielding Snow from the outside world as she let out her pain as the others whispered soothing things to her. After a short time Snow give the okay, the others slowly let her out of the hug as Snow took a shaky breath as she calmed down. "Thanks guys." she said softly wiping her tears, after she had finished she continued. "As I was saying, you have helped us through our troubles Razor, I for one think that its time we help you." Razor smiled at them. "Thanks my friends, as for what my reason is," He reached into an inner pocket of the coat he wore and pulled out a small picture in a plastic case. Showing them it they saw what they could only guess was a very young Razor Tail being held by a young adult Pegasus mare that had the same colors as him, though her eyes were emerald green instead of red. The mare had a loving smile as the young Kirin licked her face. "This is my reason, my mother." Snow couldn't help but, "Dawww, you look so cute." Razor blushed, "Thanks Snowy." "Well I can see where you got your looks from sweetie." Atlas said with a smile. "What was her name?" Shadow Fire asked. "Her name was Silver Winds." "What was she like?" "You guys would have loved her, total sweetheart, and she made awesome cookies. Despite the... conditions under which she had me, she loved me with all her heart. Those five years she was with me were some of the best of my life." "Ah... I'd hate to ruin the moment but... what happened to her and what does it have to do with the Lost Tombs?" Apollo asked. Razor let out a sad sigh looking at the picture, his thumb gently rubbing it. "That was were my father cast her to the waves, while I very seriously doubt there'll be anything left of her I do want to at least give her a proper burial, even if it is long overdue, and finally get some closure on that chapter after all this time." He paused, then finished with, "I never even got to say goodbye." as tears started to fall. The others wrapped him up in a hug, with Razor sighing and melting into it. After they parted they had their dinner, just as they finished a knocking was heard from the door leading to the main meeting area. "It's open." Atlas called out. The door opened to reveal a young creature that looked like a Kirin but had the leg holes and back plate of a Changeling with it's wing membrane looking like the wings of a Changeling's own wings. The newcomer hadn't even taken three steps into the room when it was scooped up in Steel's arms and placed on his shoulder. "Hey there nephew, what's up?" "Hey Uncle Steel, I came to let you guys know the ship has been loaded and is ready to sail at my father's orders." The hybrid said with a laugh after he was scooped up. The hybrid, named Silver Moth, was the ten year old son of Razor Tail and Atlas Moth and was so far the only known offspring of a Kirin and Changeling pairing. The little guy had been born two years before his parents had married and was mature for his age. He had a silver coat like his dad, a purple mane like his mother, a red back plate, gold wing membranes, green eyes, and tail blades like those of his father's. At first his parents had been worried about how the crew would have reacted to having him on board, but to their surprise, and relief, the crew had taken to Silver like moths to a bright light. Silver was well liked by the crew for his cheerful and friendly personally and from the fact he could cheer them up if any of them felt down. His ability to make very good sweets were a bonus as well. Currently he didn't have a cutie mark but no one was sure if Silver could get one due to his genes, only time would tell. He didn't mind however and did what he could to help out around the ship. Silver was plucked off Steel's shoulder only to find himself in an embrace from Snow, who fell in love with the "little cutie" as she called him, immediately after meeting him. Snow had taken the most time rising Silver went his parents were busy, having been denied that joy herself long ago, as a result she had bonded with him the most out of the Head Officers. Silver happily returned the embrace. The other Head Officers joined in on some play time with the Silver, while his parents watched with pride. After a noogie from Gold and some belly tickling from Apollo, Razor called them off. "Alright everyone let him breath." He turned to Silver, "Did you have supper son?" "Yes dad, I had an early supper with the crew." Razor smiled, "Alright, tell the crew we'll set sail in the morning, can you do that?" "Yes dad." With that, Silver turned and left to tell the crew Razor's orders. "Such a sweetheart." Snow happily said. "Okay everyone, get some rest. Tomorrow we sail for our first stop." Razor said show them their course. "The Jagged Pillars sir?" Fire Gem asked. "Aye, the Jagged Pillars." The next morning The Pegasus Stallion up in the crows nest lowered his spyglass and turned to his voice pipe. "We are all clear sir." Atlas looked about. "The wind seems to be picking up, and the tide is with us. We're good." Razor smiled and took the helm. "Well my friends, shall we launch this beast?" "Our pleasure Razor." Apollo said as Fire Gem walked to the railing overlooking the deck and shouted. "All hands to stations!" Crew rushed about, climbing up into the rigging and so forth, readying the ship. The gangplanks and docking supports detached and pulled back while magic users handled the lines as the anchors raised out of the water. Up on the masts the crew deployed the sails as Fire Gem's orders. Down in the engine room crew picked up shovels and went to work shoveling coal into the boilers, the pressure gauges steadily building. The Dragon of the Depths caught the wind in her fully deployed sails and moved out of her dock, into the open water. Once they were far enough form the dock Razor spoke. "Full speed Apollo, if you please." Said Griffin leaned over to one of the voice pipes, the one marked with a steam engine, and said. "Take her away." The Diamond Dog smiled as the pressure reached the right level and the crystals glowed brightly. "Aye aye boss." He said pulling the lever in his paw. The steam turbine engines rumbled as power built up, the three propellers at the back of the ship started to spin, picking up speed as the turbines' power climbed. Within a few minutes the Dragon traveled at a steady pace, moving away from Imperator's Grave. Once they were a few miles out the crew started to sing. (A/N: I do want an original song with the crew singing it, but songs aren't a strong point for me so I think these two videos should cover it, at least for now.) Razor smile as the crew finished and laughed as they went back to work. He looked out over the water, wondering the adventure that awaited them.