//------------------------------// // Chapter ten: Pony napped Princess! // Story: A Derpy Princess // by Nailah //------------------------------// Derpy had a good time at the spa, she couldn't deny she had to thank Heart Stripes when this was all said and done. She would definitely want to take her daughter to the spa, for a mother and daughter pampering. It sounded so sincere, and soothing, that she almost didn't hear the muffled screams of the spa ponies. Suddenly, Derpy dashed out of the spa, wings spreading and looking in the direction of the source of the shouting. It was then that Derpy's eyes grew wide in awe, shock, and somewhat terror. She took a deep gulp, as standing there holding one of the spa ponies hostage was none other than a pirate pony. His black mane and tail were impossible to miss, even the famous eyepatch over his one eye. He held out his rapier with one hoof, being sure the blade was right near the spa ponies neck. “Now....yell welps listen here. We will leave peacefully if you give us the Princess. We don't care about any pony else.” spoke the head stallion, likely the Captain. “Princess?” questioned the spa pony. “I assure you there is no princess here....” “Shut up you!” spoke the stallion. His coat was almost auburn, not quite red, but not quite brown either, somewhere in the middle. He wore a simple white shirt, tied in the front, and a black coat over his body, concealing whatever cutie mark he had. Derpy simply could not allow this stallion to harm an innocent pony. And she knew exactly what he wanted. She knew Heart Stripes would disapprove, but the safety of the town was first and foremost at the front of her mind. Derpy had to step up, she wasn't about to risk them hurting or worse killing ponies. “I am the Princess, and I will come with you willingly, if you promise to let the townsponies go unharmed.” spoke Derpy boldly, spreading her wings from side to side, raising her head proudly, almost as if her hooves weren't shaking from the fear of what they might do to her once they had her. “Derpy! No....Please, there has to be some other way.” spoke Heart Stripes right by her side. “I'm sorry, Heart. Please stay out of this.” replied Derpy softly. She didn't want her friend getting hurt. Who knew how many innocent lives these pirates had already taken in their search for her, but why did they want her? That part she didn't know. She realized if this was just like Equestria, and there were all elements like back home, did that mean there was another Derpy in this world? It was very puzzling, and yet she had to remain calm, despite the tense situation in the air. “But....” began Heart Stripes. She couldn't simply watch them take away Derpy. She had to do something, but she soon realized how outnumbered they were, five hench ponies, and one Captain. She took a deep gulp. Oh dear what were they going to do to them? Her heart raced a mile a second, as she could only watch as they tied a rope around Derpy's neck, tying her wings against her body, and putting some strange device looking ring on her horn. Once she was secured, the head pony looked to the others. “Not a single one of you tries to follow us, or else the deal's off.” he spoke, giving Derpy's flank a light slap. “Now get a moving Princess. We've got a long way to go.” Heart couldn't take Derpy being hit, she charged in, and went to barrel the stallion over, getting rather frantic with her punches. “How dare you touch her!” she shouted as she tackled the auburn stallion to the floor. Her hooves aiming anywhere she could reach. She was furious. It was hard enough for her to watch them tying her up, but slapping her like that. No....she couldn't take it. She had lost her cool. Though the goons quickly grabbed her by the forehooves and held her tightly, so that she couldn't continue assaulting the stallion on the ground. “You'll never get away with this.” spoke Heart Stripes, as they forced her back onto all fours, putting a noose of rope around her neck. “You want her so badly, you can be our prisoner too.” smirked the auburn stallion, tipping her chin up a bit to look into his hazel eyes. “Been a good long while since I had a good whore.” “Now, let's get out of here boys.” spoke the stallion. “Yes, Captain!” they all spoke in unison. Derpy sighed heavily as she looked to Heart Stripes. “Why did you do that? I was trying to keep you all safe.” “By endangering yourself? Your safety is just as important. Don't be a matyr darling, you are SO much more than that.” spoke Heart trying her best to nuzzle against Derpy as the two of them were pulled along by the ropes pulling against their necks. The leader of the pirates was known as Black Mane, and he was leading them back to his giant wooden ship. Of course ensuring the restraints were secure, before allowing Derpy and Heart Stripes on board. He smirked as he pulled up the plank from the dock, and had his crew hoisting the anchor. He looked to Derpy, having her tied to the pole of the ship. “Now....the Princess of Clutziness is all mine.” he smirked, licking his chops a bit as he couldn't help admiring her. “What do you want with me?” questioned Derpy, struggling a bit against the binds holding her to the pole. If she could just get her wings free she could do something. Though right now she was more worried about Heart Stirpes then herself. “Isn't it obvious? With you in my clutches, no one will be able to stop me, not even Snow Heart will be able to stop me from conquering these lands. Not only will I own the sea, but I will own everything! Every piece of these lands and waters since forever be marked by my name.” Derpy smiled and chuckled, as she couldn't help but laugh. “Ha ha ha ha. You are really funny for a dangerous pirate. You think kindapping me will get you anything you want? You're wrong. Snow Heart's way stronger than I am, and my friends are going to come for me and give you a piece of their minds.” replied Derpy, sticking out her tongue a bit. “How dare you mock me!” replied the Black mane slapping her across the face. Heart Stripes whimpered seeing this, pulling against the muzzle that had been put over her face. It was all she could do was pull against the restraints keeping her tied to a stable like area. She knew they were going to do away with her at some point, but they hadn't thought to stop her magic. She knew she couldn't let on that she had magic right now, or they'd just put the ring on. Maybe if she could swindle them into believing that she had a desire to truly claim Derpy as hers, and help Black Mane with taking over the world, maybe he would untie her. There was no guarantee of course, but she had to try something. Anything to save the love of her life. She'd do anything for Derpy. After all Derpy had a little daughter back home, Heart didn't have a whole lot to lose, other than her heart. Black Mane couldn't believe the oddity of this mare. How dare she try to insult him! He wasn't going to let her get to him. He had her in his hooves now, there was no way she was escaping him, he even had captured one of her so called friends. He stroked Derpy's cheek softly. “Dont' worry lovely, you'll learn to love it soon enough.” replied Black Mane giving orders to his crew to get the ship moving. After all he had a destination in mind after all. He really didn't care about that other pony, but he could use the fact he had her to his advantage. Derpy stayed silent and composed. She wasn't about to start anything now. She couldn't help but keeping her tongue about her, until he was out of sight. She looked over to Heart sighing heavily. “You weren't supposed to get involved. I can handle this. They are just pirates.” replied Derpy. She wanted to reach out towards her fellow friend and hold her close, but she couldn't move from where she was. She knew she was hurting from what had went on, but that didn't mean they couldn't fix this. Derpy wasn't the kind to give up, she was going to figure this out no matter how hopeless this might seem. “I couldn't just stand by and do nothing Derpy....they slapped you. How dare they lay their hooves on you.” she grunted and snarled a bit, wiping her forehoof against the wood floor of the ships surface, her nose scrunching up a bit. “We need to think of a plan.” began Derpy, though before she could speak more, the same auburn stallion before trotted over to the two of them, taking the other end of Heart Stripe's roped leash, and pulling on it. “You're coming with me little lady.” he smirked with an almost sadistic look in his hazel hues. “Oh darling, I'll do anything you want, just let Derpy go....” replied Heart batting her eyelashes at him, trying to use her charms on him. “You think I'm an idiot or something? That's the Captain's property now. I only got you because you decided to play hero. Now you're going to learn what it means to serve ya' little wench.” replied the auburn stallion, giving her rump a firm slap, hard enough to leave a mark on Heart Stripes white rump. Heart Stripes whimpered, tears welling up in her eyes. “How dare you! How dare you tarnish such unblemished beauty. Derpy is the only one allowed to touch me!” she pulled harshly against the ropes managing to pull enough that it knocked the stallion over onto his head, taking advantage of the moment, Heart made her move. It was now or never. She illuminated her horn to get the black ring off of Derpy. If she had her magic, she'd be able to escape. She knew she only had a few seconds. Wasting little time, she went punching the stallion, trying to keep him distracted, hoping that Derpy would be able to get free of her binds to find help. There was no way she was going to let these creeps do whatever they wanted to her sweet precious Derpy. It wasn't like she owned her or anything, but still, she loved Derpy, and that instinct to protect and cherish was strong and foremost in her mind. There was no way she was simply going to let this happen. Derpy was about to free herself from her binds, when the other pirate ponies grabbed Heart Stripes and forced her away from the auburn one. Heart Stripes struggled with all her might, but she was overpowered by sheer numbers against her, it was a five to one match. Heart Stripes was knocked out by a female pony, her coat almost seemed crystal, her mane a bright deep scarlet red, deep green hues. Her cutie mark looked like a treasure chest of gems. “The whole lot of you are morons.” she spoke to the others. “Can't even handle one fiesty mare. Pfft. I'll be sure to tell Black Mane about your failures.” “Please....Ruby.....don't.” begged the auburn one clinging to her forehoof. Ruby lifted her other forehoof, and smiled softly patting the top of his head, before kicking him in the muzzle with her forehoof. “I'll be reporting this to the Captain. Now the lot of you better get into shape. You know what the captain does with failures.” “Yes, madam!” they all spoke in unison, rising from the ground, and scurrying off to attend to tasks aboard the ship. “Now as for you....” she turned on her hooves and looked directly towards Heart Stripes pulling harshly against the ropes and pulling her nose to nose. “You are a captive and you need to learn how to follow orders.” explained Ruby, making sure Heart knew just how serious she was by tightening the rope leash around her neck so tight she felt like she was choking a bit. Ruby smirked and loosened it just a bit. “Understood?” Heart Stripes could only nod, choking a bit, and coughing up a bit of flem, and whimpering, as she sat back on her haunches. Derpy was in danger, and there was nothing she could do to help. Heart Stripes felt useless. Heart Stripes could only hope that the others would be able to find out they had been kidnapped and come and save them. Right now, it was all she could do not to start sobbing like a foal. Ruby smirked a grin, as she turned on her hooves. “We're setting sail every pony! Now that we have the Princess, nothing will be able to stop us.” she turned and gave the slightest caress of Derpy's cheek. “I do hope you are comfortable, dear. After all just because you are our prisoner doesn't mean we want to hurt you.” she smiled before flickering her tail up a bit, head raised proudly up into the air, as she strutted off into the distance. ******8 Midnight Star and the others had arrived at the spa. Midnight Star couldn't believe what he was seeing. The spa ponies were still panicking and trying to clean up the mess that the pirates had left behind. It was a chaotic mess, ponies were scrambling everywhere back and forth. However, Midnight Star raised a brow when he saw a familiar sight. “Now come on every pony, calm down! We can't let those pirates take away our pride. This is our home, and Derpy is almost like family to us. We've got to do something, and shaking in our hooves won't help any pony.” spoke Berry Delight. She had two saddlebags over her back as if though she was planning on making a trip. “Care to tell me what exactly happened here?” questioned Midnight Star, glancing around from side to side. It was easy to see how the ponies calmed down at Berry's words, and went about trying to fix the mess the pirates had left behind. The question in the back of Midnight's mind was where was Derpy in all of this? He already had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. “I reckon I don't know exactly what went on here, the thing I do now, is Derpy and Heart Stripes aren't anywhere to be found.” replied Berry Delight, tipping her hat down a bit. “Sorry, I wish I knew more.” “It's fine. I think I know what happened here.” replied Midnight. It wasn't hard to piece it together. Derpy had been kidnapped, probably as leverage for the pirates to use against their world. A gleam shone over his deep green hues, and right there, he knew he had to step up in order to help his friend. At least he considered Derpy a friend, even if at times he felt he didn't deserve it. He had to save her. Midnight Star turned on his hooves, and looked back towards the others, Holly Leaf, Electric Flare and Emma. “Alright, here's the plan. We need a ship. The pirates must be heading somewhere with her, where I don't know, but we won't be able to catch them flying. We're going to need a ship. Now Electric Flare, I think you would know best how to get a light going yes?” questioned Midnight. “Um...yes.” replied Electric Flare softly. She herself didn't really know why she was here anymore, sure she had wanted to help Derpy get home, but what had she really done to help the group so far? Nothing. A boat load of nothing. She knew she had to try her best. “Now Emma Flower, my dearest, I think you should use your charm to help convice whatever pony has a boat to let us “borrow” it for a bit. We don't have time to negiatate there are lives on the line here.” “Of course dear. I would be more than happy to help in any way I can. After all without Derpy, I would've never been able to see my Midnight the way I've always known him to be.” smiled Emma, giving her special some pony a light kiss. Midnight Star looked to Holly Leaf, seeming to be lost in thought, to how she could help with the rescue. After all she was a timid pegusus, what could she even do? “Um....I know I'm not very helpful, so maybe I should just stay here until you get back?” suggested Holly Leaf brushing her forehoof against the dirt, eyes starring towards the ground. “No way in hell am I leaving any pony behind. We're a team, and you are part of that team. Besides, you can make sure no one follows us.” replied Midnight. “Excuse me....” spoke Berry, fixing her hat back atop her head. “This is my town and my home, and the pirates have messed with it. Allow me to join you.” Midnight Star sighed, and gave her an inquisitive look. “And what can you do that would actually help us that isn't selling delicious fruits?” “Oh why didn't you ask sooner.” smirked Berry Delight. She looked around, noticing an old house that had been abandoned. Within minutes she had it fixed up. “I'm a really good builder, so if we can't find a ship, I can built one.” “Let's hope that we don't need that talent then. Now if that's everyone let's go. I don't want to even think about what might be happening the more time we waste here.” replied Midnight, though as a former villain, it wasn't hard to imagine what they'd be doing. What he had imagined doing to Derpy. He quickly shook such lewd thoughts out of his mind, he had a special some pony now, and he wasn't bad anymore, but it helped him knowing what to expect. If Derpy could defeat him, surely she had a plan for the pirates right?” ********8 “Derpy what are we going to do?” spoke Heart Stripes, a drop of sweat running down her face, she fidgeted nervously in place as she had given up on trying to free herself currently, however she hadn't given up on them being saved, but who knew how long it would take for the others to find them. She hated to think long on it at all. Who knows what those awful ruffians planned on doing to them. She didn't care what happened to her, she was more concerned about Derpy. She had a daughter at home. She knew the pirates weren't planning on killing them, otherwise they would have done it by now, but then what did they want with Derpy? Derpy glanced towards Heart Stripes, how she was tied to a stable post while she was tied tightly against the mast. She knew no matter how much she struggled against the binds holding her that she couldn't get free. Though, it wasn't like she hadn't tried, but it was clear the pirates made sure she wouldn't be going anywhere. Heart Stripes question rung in her mind over and over. What were they going to do? “I don't know.” replied Derpy. She wasn't sure she could simply talk them into letting her go. She had managed to help Midnight, but these ponies were different. What could she do? She had noticed that Ruby was the only mare on the ship besides them. She paid close attention to the pirates that came and checked on them. She didn't know their names, or anything about them, but she felt if she was going to get anywhere she'd need to start with Ruby, for some reason she stuck out to her. That mare had a fire to her, and for some reason, it reminded her of someone back home....Derpy blinked. Was it possible? She had to learn more. Though right now she had to calm her nervous friend down. “Hey, don't worry Midnight Star and the others will come for us. We just have to hold out until then.” “You really think they'll find us? Who knows where we are. We could be in the middle of the ocean for Snow Heart's sake!” sighed Heart Stripes. Derpy paused for a moment before speaking up once more. “Of course, they'll find us, if anyone can save us it's time. After all...Midnight had a rather interesting past when we met. I'm sure he can find us.” “Interesting past huh? I don't really like that stallion much, but I will take your word for it.” Derpy knew Heart and Midnight had issues, and she hoped to address this at some later point, but right now she was more concerned about getting off this ship. The longer she was a hostage, the more time she'd lose searching for the items she needed in order to go home. She could only imagine how lonely Dinky must be. She hoped she was okay, but she had to get back to her. She had made quite a few friends since coming here, but nothing was more important to her than her daughter. She pulled against the ropes binding her, just as she heard hoofsteps approaching the two of them. It wasn't who Derpy was hoping it might be, standing there was none other than the Captain Black Mane. His long black hair ran down his back, his coat was a light brown. His eyes were a deep dark hazel. He had a jacket over his back, a rapier tied around his waist, and he wore the Captain's hat over his head. He trotted up to Derpy stopping just short of her, lifting a forehoof and caressing her cheek ever so slightly. “Comfortable?” he questioned. “We're almost to our destination Princess. Just know if you even think about trying anything, I won't hesitate to kill your friend. She means nothing to me. Just thought you should know.” “I promise I won't try anything, just let her go. She means nothing to you, there's no way she'll cause problems.” replied Derpy. Black Mane raised an eyebrow towards Derpy, patting the top of her blonde locks softly. “You really think me so naive, Princess? She will be very useful for making sure you behave and don't try anything.” he spoke before letting go of Derpy, and stopping and looking towards Heart Stripes. He didn't say a word to her, he just gave her a look. She had already tried to break free once, if she tried again she would regret it. He meant what he said, he would kill her if he had too, but for now, she was a useful tool in his schemes. Derpy sighed heavily as she watched Black Mane walk off, not quite sure where he was going, or what exactly he intended on doing with them, but she could tell they were quickly approaching an island, she could see the shape of it forming in the distance. She couldn't really tell where they were. She didn't know these lands like she knew Equestria, she was honestly rather lost and downhearted, and the only thing she could think of was how much she missed her daughter, and how she'd give anything to be home again. She didn't want to show weakness, but a slight tear ran down her face onto the floor of the ship. She hoped Midnight Star and the others would be able to find them soon. She was counting on him. Derpy knew Midnight Star had a bad past, but she knew he was a good stallion at heart, and all he truly needed was guidance to be the stallion he was meant to be. Derpy looked over towards Heart Stripes, who had her head resting against the pole. She seemed to be muttering to herself about how horrible she was, and how she was nothing but a problem. Derpy wanted to encourage her, and she was about to say something, when they arrived at the port to the town, the ship came to a halt all of a sudden. ********8 Midnight Star headed towards the port, he knew he had to find a ship, Midnight Star knew it wasn't going to be easy to find Derpy, the ocean was a rather immense place, and she could literally be anywhere. The port was filled with many ponies going about their day to day lives. Midnight glanced around trying to think of how he could talk a pony into letting them borrow their ship, but before he could even approach them, Berry Delight was stepping forward. “Hey there Crimson Skies!” shouted Berry Delight seeming rather excited suddenly as she burst forward. Crimson Skies was a pegasi pony a lemon colored coat with deep scarlet mane and tail, rather long, and tied back in a ponytail. Crimson Skies wore a badanna over her head, and a piece right on the end of her tail that held her tail up higher. She bumped her head against the inside of her ship she was working on when she heard Berry calling for her. “Ouch. Hey, give me a little warning next time Berry. Who are these ponies?” she questioned looking rather suspiciously towards Berry's new group of friends. She knew that Berry was known for being friends with just about anyone, but usually it was to promote business for their town. She was rather puzzled. “Sorry Crimson Skies, didn't mean to startle you like that, but I could really use your help right about now.” began Berry Delight, tipping her head trying her best not to get more ponies involved then was necessary, though he knew that Crimson Skies would love an adventure, but it was best not to drag her into this if it could be avoided. “What kind of favor?” questioned Crimson Skies, crossing her fore hooves across her chest, and standing on her high legs. “We need to borrow your ship.” spoke Berry Delight softly, there was no sense hiding things from Crimson she'd be able to tell easily if she was lying, it was almost like she had a way of knowing. “Our friend was taken and we need to find her before it's too late.” “And you think I'm just going to let you borrow my ship, and not tag along? This is my ship, and if you want to borrow it, I'm tagging along. Besides it's been forever since I'm been on a thrilling adventure. You and me against the world Berry, just like the old days when we were young.” smiled Crimson Skies. “Things aren't that simple Crimson, this is serious. They kidnapped the Princess of Clutizness.” “Wait what! You're telling me your friend with Derpy? The Derpy? Oh my gosh! I've always wanted to meet her. That's it, come on, the whole lot of you. Let's get this adventure started, we have a Princess waiting on us!” she pushed Berry Delight onto the ship. Berry Delight couldn't help but have a drop of sweat run down her brow. She should have known that she wouldn't be able to convince her not to come along. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing, after all Crimson Skies was one of the most talented pegasi she knew. The two had particularly grown up together. The others got on board the ship. Crimson's skies ship wasn't anything impressive, but it was certainly well built and maintained. It almost seemed as if the ship itself was built all on it's own. “Berry, why don't you introduce me to your friends here.” spoke Crimson Skies pulling at the sails and letting them hang loose. The pattern was rainbow colored with a white skull. Berry Delight looked towards Midnight Star and the others. “Well, I don't really know a whole lot about them, but this here is Midnight Star, Emma Flower, Holly Leaf, and Electric Flare.” “It's nice to meet all of you. I'm Crimson Skies, best pegasi in all of these lands. Ocean or land or sky, no one can outwit and outmaneuver me.” she smirked puffing out her chest a bit with a cocky look. “It's a pleasure to meet you.” smiled Holly Leaf extending her forehoof towards her, with a soft gentle smile. Crimson Skies starred at her a bit. Before finally lifting her hoof and shaking it firmly. “We don't really have time to get to know each other, Derpy is already in danger.” replied Midnight Star with a slight sigh. He didn't see the point of introducing himself, they were just wasting time, when they could be making headway to find where those pirates went off too. “Listen, Midnight Star I understand your concern but a few minutes isn't going to make that much of a difference. We don't even know where they went.” replied Berry Delight trying to reason with him. She could easily see how upset Midnight was by the fact Derpy was gone, it was good to see the Princess had such good friends she could rely on, she had no clue of Midnight's past though or she might not be so sold on it. “My name is Emma Flower, and it's a pleasure to meet you as well, Crimson, I must say this is a rather well built ship you have here. Though, is there really a reason for the skull on the flag?” questioned Emma Flower softly. For some reason the skull reminded her of pirates, Crimson Skies wasn't a pirate was she? She blinked as she gulped down a nervous drop of sweat. She was certain that if Berry trusted her, she would be just fine. “Of course there's a reason! You know not all pirates are bad. And I think I know right where that lot of pirates might be heading too....there's a rumor of this island that is said to hold this special item that could change the course of our world forever. And rumor has it only the Princess can activate the door to the temple.” explained Crimson almost engrossed in the idea of it being a reality. “It's almost just like a Donkey Do story!” “You read Donkey Do too? Oh....his stories are so.....dangerous, but kind of exciting too.” smiled Holly Leaf, finding something she could connect with her over. Though the fact she was a pirate was also kind of scary, and thrilling at the same time. Though she'd never admit it out loud. Electric Flare introduced herself, but didn't say more than she had too. She went off to a part of the ship, leaning against the rails where she could be alone. She sighed heavily. She had wanted to help Derpy get home, but what had she done to actually help so far? She felt so lost and confused. Softly, a single tear ran down her face, as she sniffled, suddenly she felt a hoof on her shoulder. “Hey, cheer up. Derpy wouldn't have invited you along if she didn't think you were helpful, besides it's not like the rest of us have really done that much either. So come on, don't just stand there all along. Come join us.” smiled Emma Flower, trying to encourage the other mare. Electric Flare wanted to believe her, and she forced a soft smile, even if in the back of her mind, she still wondered what her purpose was here. She had to find a way to help Derpy. She could only hope Derpy was okay, wherever she was, she didn't want anything bad to happen to her. Electric Flare knew all too well how painful it was to go through a traumatic experience. All those years trapped with Midnight, she tried not thinking about it, but it still haunted her in the back of her mind, and truly she had forgiven him for it, but she hadn't forgotten her pain and it was something that she had to work on if she ever wanted to truly be herself again. She would stay strong for Derpy, just as Derpy was strong for all of them. This was there time to shine, and for them to show Derpy that she wasn't wrong in choosing them to be a part of her team, her own groups of friends. Berry Delight spent a bit of time reconnecting with Crimson Skies as they made headways towards the island she had spoken of. Of course, they didn't know if Derpy would actually be there or not, but it was a good place to start looking. Berry Delight couldn't help but wonder if the story Crimson had told them was actually true. Was there actually an item like that? If there was, it would be very dangerous if the pirates ended up getting a hold of it. “That story you told earlier is it true?” “What? Oh heck no. I just made that up. I do love quite the thrilling tale of adventure, with a bit of supense. Though, I have no doubt in my mind, that Derpy is on one of these islands out in the South east. I've seen pirate ships docking there before, so it makes sense that that is where their base is located, wherever she is, we'll find her.”