Having finally escaped from the corrupt Neptune’s kingdom, Celestia and Luna quickly found themselves once again lost at sea, though now in the company of the captain and his crew, finally returned to their previous skeletal, seapony forms.
Regrettably, despite their prior victory over the Sea King and returning to the crew’s ship, they quickly found themselves without any form of navigational equipment, whilst being tossed around by the harsh currents of the ocean. The simple concept of trying to get back to Seaquestria had effectively turned into a battle against the ocean waves, whilst also being hopelessly lost in the middle of a vast, empty abyss. The lack of any distinguishing landmarks didn’t help, with every direction being little more than miles of sand and dark ocean corners. All in all, it seemed like they were better off in the King’s castle.
The group had been left in this situation for some time and Celestia, still less than chipper after all that had transpired, had become rather vocal in her frustrations. “Captain! You said you knew this waters like the back of your hoof, why are we having so much difficulty navigating?”
The captain just shrugged, more interested in enjoying his freedom and sucking down on a bottle of rum...with the liquid immediately leaking out of his exposed ribs and lack of a neck. Yet, he continued in spite of this, all the while scoffing at the Princess’s anger.
”For someone whose been a ruler for over 1000 years, you whine like filly. I’ve sailed these waters my entire life, I know the seas better than most ponies, it’s practically my life’s pursuit. So, you can trust me when I say you and your sister will be fine, so just relax. Also stop calling me captain! My name is Nemo!”
At the mention of his name, Celestia’s expression immediately shifted from frustration and anger, to barely contained mirth, practically holding her breath as she tried not to laugh, only to immediately fail and let out a snort and chuckle. Captain Nemo immediately growled in response.
“And what in the seven seas is so funny?”
Celestia tried to recompose herself, letting out a few more snort filled chuckles before she managed to collect herself. “Apologies captain, it’s just that your name sounds like something out of a little filly’s story.
Luna, who’d been listening not far away, nodded in concurrence. “Indeed, I do believe I recall hearing a name similar to that one in a particularly engaging tale. Though I also recalled it involved fighting a giant squid. Captain, will we also be fighting a giant squid?”
Captain Nemo merely offered flat gaze at the Princess’s question, not the least bit amused. “I’m almost wishing a giant squid would attack us if it would quiet you two,” He said quietly as he swam across the deck. “You two should be a little more grateful, I’m trying to help you get back after all.”
Celestia in turn offered a dull thanks, “And we appreciate it, and will happily thank you in kind when we finally reach our destination. Assuming we ever arrive.” She quietly muttered out the last part.
Luna meanwhile, in spite of her earlier jab at the captain, had long forgotten the conversation and turned her attention to the night sky, still visible through the otherwise inky depths of the sea. And it was during this brief reprieve that she remembered something and her eyes zeroed in on a particular location.
“The North Star! I see it! All we need to do is follow that and we’ll be fine!”
Both Nemo and Celestia turned to Luna, now pointing up towards the skies above, only for the captain to immediately break out into laughter.“What a load of nonsense! We were heading in the opposite direction. We don’t need a North Star to tell us where to go.”
Luna immediately huffed at the captain’s rather obvious insult and was quick to fire back. “Nonsense? What kind of captain doesn’t even know the most basic part of navigation and cartography?” Her expression turned a little smug as she got closer. “Also there’s only one North Star, even fillies still in school know that much.”
“Why you arrogant little stargazer. Don’t you be getting a swelled head just because you’re a princess. Down here, that title don’t mean nothing to me or my crew. Far as I’m concerned you just excess baggage with a smart mouth that’s already wearing out its welcome.”
Both Nemo and Luna were practically on edge, faces mere inches from each other, each trying to tower over the other as a sign of intimidation. It almost looked like a fight would break out, before Celestia got between them.
“ENOUGH! You are both adults and we have enough issues without your childish bickering.” She first looked to Nemo. “You should take my sister’s advice, no pony knows more about the stars in the sky than she does, so get over your ego and do you job.” She then turned to Luna.
“And sister, I’d like to think that after all the time you spent in Canterlot you’d have learned how to compose yourself around others, even if they are occasionally unpleasant.”
Both the Princess and Captain looked down shamefully, though more Luna who looked like a child just scolded by their mother as Celestia continued.
“Now then, the best thing we can do is work together and use our respective talents to navigate back to Seaquestria. As such, there will be no more arguing from this point forward. Is that understood?”
The captain, not wanting to argue, promptly turned the ship around, quite grumbling in annoyance at being basically usurped as the main authority on the ship.
“Fine, I’ll listen to the Stargazer. If it means being able to see my daughter again, I suppose my pride can afford to sit this one out.”
“You have a daughter?” Luna asked, Celestia similarly intrigued, walking up to the captain who remained focused on the wheel.
“Aye, had to leave her back when she was just a little thing, Not quite sure how long it’s been but I’d wager she’s probably fully grown by now.” Despite not seeing his face, they could hear the sorrow and regret behind each word.
“Does she know you’re….”
“A pirate, not likely. Neither she nor her mother had a clue what I do and it’s best it stay that way.”
Luna took another step forward, trying to get the captain to face her. “Are you worried? About whether or not she’ll forgive you after leaving her alone for so long?
The captain let out an empty chuckle as he kept on steering. “Guess we’ll just have to wait until we get there. Best I can hope for is that she atleast doesn’t hold a grudge like her mother.” He let out another cold laugh at his joke, leaving the Princesses without a word to offer in reply.
For a moment, Luna attempted to offer a comforting hoof to Nemo, but Celestia quietly stopped her. While her interest in helping the captain was admirable, trying to force it would likely prove more damaging than doing nothing at all. Best either could hope would be if the captain wanted to explore the issue further, he’d come to them.
Thus the princesses simply sat on the ship as it continued to rock and shake against the waves of the sea, Nemo taking Luna’s advice and using the North Star as suggested. Much to his own embarrassment and detriment of his self esteem, Luna’s advice proved fruitful and in another two days the group had managed to enter smoother waters and seemed to be on the right track.
Which was a huge relief to the weary travelers now gliding over the ocean like a school of dolphins. Sadly, this momentary victory only lasted a day, before it appeared they were lost again, having not seen a hint of land for what felt like days. Yet, despite the signs, they continued onwards, hoping for a glimmer of Seaquestria on the horizon and for another week, this sense of confidence quickly dried up.
By the eighth day, Celestia had grown slightly restless, concerned both for Novo and Equestria in general, both wondering when, if ever, either ruler would return.
Hoping for some good news Celestia approached her sister, still on deck looking to the skies and stars for answers.
“Sister, while I know the night sky is your domain and I have complete confidence in your abilities, I feel a bit concerned about our situation. Are you sure we’re going in the right direction?”
Luna gulped, now being unsure whimpered, “I…I don’t know…”
Celestia quickly got into her sister’s face, her normal composure threatening to break. “What do you mean you don’t know! I thought you were taught astronomy by Starswirl!”
Luna moaned sadly as she tried to avoid her sister’s judging gaze. “He did sister, it’s just that I didn’t pay attention to everything he taught us. Even you must admit for as wise as Starswirl was his lectures were rather long winded.” .”
Celestia groaned, though silently agreeing with her sister describing the ancient wizard as boring. Truth be told, there were times when even she almost nodded off in his lectures.
Sighing angrily as she knew what was next, approached Nemo, who was singing a tune of some sort.
“Captain, it would appear that Luna may have been mistaken about following the North Star. I fear we may have gotten even further off course than before.”.”
Celestia have expected the Captain to either yell in anger or respond with a salt laced remark, but instead he simply shrugged indifferently, like it was no big deal. , “I had a feel something might have been wrong with her directions, and getting angry about it wouldn’t do us any good now anyway. Best we can do is try to figure something out.”
His eyes turned to the cabin for a moment as he recalled something. “You still have Neptune’s trident right? Maybe we can use it to help us out, figure if anypony knows how to navigate the ocean it’d be the King of the Seas.”
Celestia almost looked stunned at the rather obvious logic, momentarily questioning why she hadn’t thought of something similar before rushing inside to retrieve the item.
Returning to the deck a moment later, she pointed the weapon at the sea and for almost immediately the ocean glistened as it sent a pulse across the water, visible above the waves. The others watched and waited before another pulse followed, the trident glowing bright when the wave contacted with the ship. For a brief moment Celestia’s eye shined bright with yellow light before she pointed the trident due east.
“There’s something in that direction, I don’t know what exactly but it’s large enough to where I think it could be land.?”
Destination now in hand, the ship continued its trek across the ocean until it finally reached the source of the pulse, a rather huge and ominous cave. The opening was huge, adorned with countless enormous stalactites and stalagmites, jetting both upward and downward like rows of gnashing teeth.
However, while some of the crew found the sight terrifying, the captain simply clapped his hooves together excited.“Well, it might not be Seaquestria, but it’s land all the same. And how fortunate for us, caves like these tend to be havens for other pirates to store their treasures. A perfectly find side trip before we reach our destination, don’t you think?”!”
Both of the sister’s wanted to argue, but it was the first piece of land they’d seen in a while and with the trident it was likely they could find land again, thus against their better judgment they followed the captain as the ship docked and the all stepped upon the moist stone floors, leaving the rest of the crew behind to guard the ship.
The cave was even more massive than they thought, with the sea water covering most of the ground with only a small pocket of actual air visible above them.. However, as they swam further, they came upon another, smaller cave, and once inside they found something that left all three gasping in astonishment.
Inside there was hundreds if not thousands of transformation pearls, practically covering the floors and even some of the walls.. The two sisters gazed upon the riches with wondrous awe, Celestia looking upon the massive treasure trove with curiosity.
“It truly is impressive, though strange, I was led to believe there was only one Pearl of Transformation, that’s why Queen Novo was so protective of it. And yet,” She paused as she swam closure to the massive pile of pearls. “Now we find there’s an entire room filled with them.”
The Luna nodded and added, ”Indeed, it seems odd that there would be so many of them and they’d be left just laying here for anypony to find.”
However, neither princess had much time to contemplate what they had found, as a loud roar was heard that shook the cave around them, before going silent.
The three looked about the cave, Luna and Celestia on guard with their magic ready to react, while the Captain just stood close to them.
“What in the name of Equestria was that?” Luna question, eyes scanning every dark corner for the source.
“I don’t know, and don’t think we want to know. Let’s forget the treasure and just get out of here.” Nemo spoke, a hint of anxiety in his voice.
Celestia nodded as the group made a move to leave and exited the cave of pearls. However, just as they exited, both Luna and Celestia let out a terrified scream as a pair of massive tentacles appeared out of the dark above them, constricting the two princesses before dragging them deeper into the cave, Nemo only having a chance to scream out for them before they vanished.
The two sisters eventually awoke, finding themselves no longer constricted by tentacles but now locked in a cage, with their own bodies held to the nearby wall with some kind of foul smelling slime. Their heads were just above the sea water as the looked out, spotting the body of their attacker and much to Luna’s own amusement, found it to be a giant, blue and green squid, seemingly in the process of moving several objects just below their field of view.
Celestia, offered a dry look of annoyance to Luna at the sight before them. “Well Luna, you wanted a giant squid to attack us and it seems you got your wish.” All pretense of composure and etiquette was effectively gone from the Princess, now content to go full blown snarky.
“Is now really the best time for that Celestia. Perhaps we should wait until after we’ve escaped from this creature before lashing out at each other.
While Celestia was in agreement, she was far from hopeful. “I agree, but how can we escape. That massive beast is blocking the only exit out of here and if we try to use our magic to free ourselves it’ll just attack again.”
As if to emphasize the hazard of the creature attacking, they both looked over to see the skeletons of numerous other creatures within the cave. Though this also left them with another issue, namely that the creature was likely planning to eat them soon anyway, thus they would need to break out somehow.
Looking around for a possible solution, Celestia’s eyes widened in amazement upon spotting a pair of transformation pearls nearby, having rolled up near the cage entrance. .
Quickly nudging her sister with her head, Celestia directed her gaze to the pearls. “If we can free ourselves from this slime, we can use these orbs to our advantage and escape.”
Luna however, looked apprehensive at the idea. “Sister, you know those pearls transformations are at random. We won’t have long before that creature notices us, what happens if we turn into something that makes our situation worse?”
“If we don’t do anything we’ll be eaten regardless and we can’t allow that to happen, no matter how hopeless things may seem.”
Luna flinched slightly at the stern tone of sister, but still didn’t seem convinced. “Look, I know you might be mad at me for getting us lost, but this is still a massive risk we’re taking here.”
Celestia quickly snapped back at her sister. “Can we please focus on the situation at hand and not on assigning blame right now?”
Luna however, didn’t look convinced. “Oh don’t try to divert the issue. Ever since we left Neptune’s kingdom you’ve been losing your patience with me more and more. I know in some way you blame me for everything that’s happened right now.”
Celestia looked like she wanted to argue but a part of her stopped herself as she looked rather guilty at what she was thinking, which was all Luna needed.
“As I thought, you do blame me for this.”
Celestia however, was quick to rebuff. “Not, entirely everything. What happened with Neptune wasn’t your fault, you were under his influence and I’ve long accepted that fact. However, getting us lost because you couldn’t admit your lack of navigational skill was a blunder on your part sister.”
While Luna quickly began to look downtrodden, Celestia’s face and voice softened as she continued. “I know that we’re Princesses and certain things are expected of us, but you should remember even we make mistakes and there’s nothing wrong in admitting that. If we’re confident in your navigational skills you should have just told me.”
Luna looked at her sister, looking like she would’ve started crying, but smiled instead as she looked down at the pearls. “Thank you sister, I suppose I was a tad bullheaded earlier.”
However, even as she looked at the orbs, she took another glance at the squid below, gulping as she levitated the pearl towards her, Celestia following suit. Once the pearls were close, the two princesses offered each other one last look.
“On the count of three...one...two...THREE!”
They both shot beams of magic at the pearls, leading to a massive flash of light engulfing the two. Much to her surprise, Celestia was suddenly morphed into a giant white whale with a giant sun on the side of her body while Luna was transformed into a long black sea serpent that stretched out a few hundred feet.
Needless to say, the cage couldn’t hold bear their combined size and exploded outwards instantly, getting the attention of the squid. Said beast looked at the pair angrily, it’s pitch black eyes glaring at the two as it lashed out with all eight of its tentacles. The two shot forward at the magical beast,Celestia slamming her massive frame into the squid, sending it colliding hard against the cave walls. Stunned, Luna quickly wrapped her body around the beast, tightly constricting its arrow shaped head and tentacles.
The deep sea beast struggled to get free, only for Celestia to quickly bit down on the tips of its tentacles, not enough to break them but enough to stop them from moving. For a moment it seemed like they had one, only for the beast to turn it’s head slightly before two massive jets of thick black ink flew out, covering the area and sending both Celestia and Luna back.
Neither transformed pony could see anything in front of them, only the brief sound of something swimming away before the ink finally cleared, the squid long gone.
“I guess it must have fled, cowardly beast.” Luna muttered, swimming near the exit of the cave.
“Well, what’s important is it’s gone, now let’s find Nemo and get out of here.” Luna nodded to her sister’s suggestion and despite their size, both were able to exit the cave, quickly finding Nemo swimming towards them.
“Are you two alright!?”
The two transformed sisters merely offered a wave and a smile in responseas the captain came closer, taking another look around the cave.
“I’m guessing Neptune probably was the one storing all these transformation pearls here and used the Squid as a guard for it. Though why he’d want to I have no idea.”
Celestia shrugged. “I haven’t a clue either, but it doesn’t matter, we need to put a end to this.”
The trio quickly swam out of the cave before Luna and Celestia turned to the cave entrance. With a nod, they both slammed their giant bodies gaianst the rocks, causing a mountain of stone to fall onto the entrance, sealing it shut. Captain Nemo's mouth dropped as he whimpered, “B...but…”
Celestia turned around. “I’m sorry captain, but those pearls are too dangerous. We can't let them fall into the wrong hooves, one pearl is more than enough. Now, let’s get going.”
With Nemo taking one last glance at the cave, they all began to swim off, drawing close to Nemo’s own ship, they were about to board when another ship appeared on the surface of the water above. In a matter of moments Twilight of all ponies, was levitated down into the water, protected by a bubble of magic.
Upon seeing the Princesses, she immediately let out of a sigh of relief. “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, thank Equestria I’ve found you. Queen Novo contacted me and said you disappeared, so I’ve been searching all across the ocean for you.” Her eyes drifted to Nemo, who only offered a casual wave, which Twilight awkwardly returned.
“Twilight, while it’s wonderful to see you again, perhaps we could continue this conversation back in Seaquestria?”
Luna nodded eaggerly. “Yes, while this excursion has been enjoyable, I’d much prefer to be back on dry land and in my own body. ”
With Nemo and the Princesses following her, Twilight quickly lead the group back to Seaqestria, earning a few surprised looks from some of the inhabitants due to their new forms.
Thankfully, they didn’t have to wait long before Queen Novo appeared, trying to offer the pair a hug but due to the size difference was met with little success. B “My friends, I’m so happy to see you two are okay! I was worried that you two had perished and I was to blame!”
“It’s not your fault Novo, that distinction lies with King Neptune alone. He was the one who forcibly brought us to his world and all but enslaved the both of us. A situation I hope will not happen again.” Both Celestia and Luna shared glances and grimaces, recalling their experiences with the Sea King. ”
The queen nodded.”Indeed, as much as I appreciate him who helping save my kingdom in the past, I can’t forgive him for what he did to you.”
Luna shared her sentiment. “True, though he shouldn’t prove to be much of a threat now. We relinquished him of his trident and will make it a point to keep a close eye on him.”
Captain Nemo, in turn swam in, carrying the Trident in his forehooves, laying it down on a nearby table allowing Queen Novo to look at it. “My my, never thought I’d see him relinquished of his greatest treasure. Hopefully some time away from this will teach him some humility perhaps.” Turning her attention back to the princess, she swam out of the room for a moment before returning with the Pearl of Transformation.
“Now then, let’s get you two back to your original bodies. Kind of hard to run a country when can’t breathe on dry land.”
With a nod, Celestia placed her fin and Luna her long snake tail on the orb and in a bright flash of light the two were transformed once again to their seapony forms. Then without warning the Queen poked the orb at the skeletal pirate Captain,transforming into a black silky seapony. His new state actually ressemble a hippogriff, tall and nights with silver fins and a white hair going down his muzzle. Looking at ihs fins and tail for a moment, before letting out a content sigh of relief. “Finally, after all these years. I’m truly free.”
Smiling at the restored captain, Queen Novo turned back to Celestia and Luna, both giving the other a brief hug they’d likely been holding in for some time. “My friends, once again I can’t help but say how sorry I am for what happened. You can here to relax and enjoy yourselves, but because of my negligence you went through so much trouble. I only wish I’d done more to help you.” The Queen of the Hippogriffs lowered her head in shame before the two Princesses, yet was quick to find both Luna and Celestia’s fins on her shoulders. “
“You have nothing to apologize for Novo, inspite of a few issues here and there, my sister and I are perfectly fine. Besides, we’re kind of used to this sort of thing happening.”
“A little too much if you ask me.” Luna chimed in, recalling their experiences with Discord, Tirek, and most recently the Storm King to name a few.
Celestia only laughed at the memories and smiled back at her friend. “Now then, I think maybe it's time all three of us returned dry land, I feel our holiday has gone on long enough..”
Queen Novo nodded. “Right, of course.” The group quickly swam upwards until the reached the surface of the water, just outside of Mount Aris.
“Okay then, I guess this is goodbye...” She looked down in disappointment as she held the Pearl out to them, saddened their time together was cut rathert.
Celestia swam over and hugged Queen Novo. “It’s alright, you don't need to worry about anything. I'm sure we can find a way to set up another vacation soon enough.”
Luna smiled and chriped, “Indeed, don't worry about it. Besides I’m sure Captain Nemo could keep you entertained with some stories of his own deep sea exploits.”
The pirate captain just rolled his eyes as they were escorted to the surface and they all touched the orb at the same time.
Back on Captain Celeano's ship, Celestia and Luna we're discussing what happened, now finally returned to their normal alicorns selves a again.
Meanwhile, Captain Nemo stood before his daughter in his full land Griffon form still nervous over being reunited with her after so long. Of course any kind of ambient silence between the two was drowned out by Twilight all but geeking out about the sister’s exploits. Still, that didn’t help make Celeano’s glare any less intimidating to the old captain, before she turned her back to him. It seemed like an eternity before she finally let out a growl and spoke to him.“So...you were a prisoner of Neptune all this time?”
Captain Nemo nodded. ”Yeah, we were working for him until he decided to kill me and my crew when were no longer useful to him. Those two saved my life and got me back here.”
The younger captain turned,her eyes furrowed as she approached, before harshly slapping him. “You have no idea what my life was like without you! Mom and I had to fight for our survival without you. Heck, I became a pirate just to make sure I had food on our table.”
Captain Nemo slowly came over to his daughter. “Your right, there’s no way you could forgive me for leaving. But, I have to say you turned out pretty well considering everything that’s happened, you even helped destroy the Storm King. From one captain to another, that’s quite impressive and I’m proud that you’re my daughter.”
The griffon teared up, gritting her teeth before wrapping her father in a hug, which he returned, the pair not saying anything as they stood there.
Back in the bottom of the ship, Twilight, stunned over what she’d been told, clearly ha something she wanted to discuss with the two. “Well I’m glad you both are back safe and sound, things in Equestria have been a little more difficult without you two around.”
Celestia only chuckled in response. “Oh, come now Twilight, even if we were indisposed a little longer than we planned, I’m sure you were able to handle everything on your own.” Twilight blushed, embarrassed over something she wasn’t saying. “Well, um, funny thing about that. While you were gone I did almost everything you told me to while on your vacation.”
Luna eyed her suspiciously as did Celestia, and asked, ”What do you mean almost?”
Twilight gave a sheepish smile and threw out a long scroll and sisters groaned. Celestia turned to her younger sister with a deadpan expression. “If I ever mention taking a vacation again punch me in the face.”
Luna looking over the scroll, nodded quickly “I can agree to that.”