Midnight Star stood near the helm of the ship, as he glanced out with his solid green hues towards the horizon. The view was breathtaking He couldn’t help but stare into the distance. The golden sun shimmered with it's rays of red, orange and yellow as it was just now started to set in the distance. Midnight found himself staring in awe at how something could be so gorgeous. Derpy was out there, waiting for them to find her. Midnight ears flattened to the sides of his head, as he sighed gently. There was no way he was going to let her down. Not when he knew she was counting on them to save her. Derpy needed all of them to work together in order to get them back.
Midnight shuddered when he felt a familiar hoof on his shoulder, and a soft nuzzle from his special somepony. “Midnight, you look kind of gloomy, is everything alright?” she asked concerned. She wrapped a forehoof around his neck. Emma Flower didn't even need words to be able to soothe him.
“Emma....listen. Derpy isn't here. I need to step up as a leader.”Midnight paused mid thought, lowering his snout a bit. “However...I’m not sure I can lead anyone after everything I’ve done. I’m not a good pony.” he sighed, his ears flattening at the sides of his head, as he glanced away from his special somepony, biting his bottom lip, letting out a gentle sigh.
“I know you can do it. After all, there's no one quite like you, Midnight.” replied Emma softly.
Midnight Star smiled ever so softly, leaning against her. Her being here was as if a part of him that had been missing, was whole once more. He felt reassured by her presence that everything would work out, somehow.
“It's just...how do I really know I've changed? What if I'm just the same rotten pony I was before you.” stated Midnight sighing heavily, leaning his forehooves onto the railing of the ship. He closed his eyes, and tried to calm his breathing. Nuzzling his head against his special somepony as he relished her embrace.
“Midnight...honey of course you've changed. I can see it in how you act. You care again, you want to help others, without having to gain something for yourself. You just need to believe in yourself again. The way I know Derpy believes in you. I bet right now, she's counting on you to take the helm as Leader and rescue her from those awful pirates. You're not the same pony you once were. You are Midnight Star, and you've changed. You just need to keep moving forward, and put the past behind you.”
Midnight lips rose into a soft gentle smile, as he wrapped a wing around Emma and pulled her tightly against his body. His eyes shimmered like the stars, whenever she was near. He knew what he had to do. Now he just had to make this rag tag bunch of mares into a well oiled machine. After all, if any pony knew how to find a bad guy, or group of ponies it was him.
Emma Flower leaned against Midnight, her own wing wrapped over his, as she continued nuzzling against him affectionately.
“Get a room lovebirds.” spoke Crimson Skies with an annoyed sigh. “Making out is not permitted on deck!”
Emma Flower flushed darkly, as she tried to hide her face under Midnight's strong wing. Midnight Star, turned his head in the direction of the voice, and gave a slight snarl.
“I'd suggest you mind your own business.” spoke Midnight. He tapped his front forehoof against the floorboard of the ship.
“Crimson I reckon they have a right to do as they please. It's not polite to interrupt ya'know?”
“Ah come on Berry, you're too soft for your own good sometimes. Blargh!” with that Crimson Skies trotted over to the wheel of the ship, and took over steering for now, grabbing onto it with a firm grip. Crimson Skies let out a huff, rolling her eyes a bit. Bleeding cowards...
*****8
Holy Leaf sighed gently, looking out to the ocean beyond. “I wonder what she is doing...oh dear I hope everything is alright.” She held the last letter Twinkle Star had written to her, close to her heart, and sighed once more, a long lasting one that seemed to carry with the wind. She suddenly felt a hoof upon her shoulder. Causing her to turn and glance in the direction of whom it was to see Berry Delight smiling softly.
“I reckon I don't know much about Twinkle Star, but I assure you if she's a true friend of yours, you'll hear from her again. It may be possible that she simply wasn't home when we were there.”
“It does seem that way. But....what if she just didn't want to see me in person?”
“Honey buns, how could she have possibly known you were coming on this particular day? You're looking into this too much. Just relax. Besides, we've got ourselves a Princess to save.”
Holy Leaf smiled slightly. She nodded towards Berry, reaching out a forehoof and gently embracing her fellow pony.
Berry Delight smiled softly in return, wrapping her own forehoof around her fellow pony. She nuzzled against her affectionately. She let out a soft sigh of relief, muttering something to herself. “Oh...Crimson, if only I knew how to help you.”
*******8
The ship suddenly halted, Derpy gasped for breath, had the rope not held her firmly to the pole of the ship, she would've surely went flying. She couldn't help glancing over to Heart Stripes, whom by this point was sound asleep, or perhaps she was just out cold. Derpy couldn't tell. However, she heard the sound of hoofsteps approaching the two of them. Standing there was Black Mane, along with his little crew of stallions. She didn't see Ruby among them. She was honestly glad. There had to be something about that pony. There was just too much similarity to a young filly she had known from Ponyville. Granted, she could be wrong....but that spark in her eyes, the determination, the audacity, reminded her of Scootaloo, a young filly from home that Rainbow Dash took under her wing. What were the chances? 1 in 1000?
“We're here Princess. We do hope you've enjoyed the ride. Now remember, no fighting and Heart Stripes won't be harmed. Is that crystal clear?”
“Crystal.” replied Derpy, as she felt two stallions to each side of her. They started carefully underbinding her. Black Mane never took his gaze off of her for a second. His muscles tensing with his hoof. However, Derpy had no clue how to do that right now. It was best to play along. She knew her friends were on their way.. She was counting on them to save both her and Heart Stripes. She wouldn't leave her behind. She didn't have the heart to do such a thing, to a pony that had been nothing but kind and endearing and a bit....odd to her at times. Derpy felt herself flushing remembering the kiss they shared, her wings tensed up a bit at her sides. She finally was loose from the pole, and stretched out her forehooves, and back hooves, and shook her head.
“I must say Black Mane, it could've been less....bumpy.” admitted Derpy.
“Well that's just how the ocean rolls, Princess. Now get moving.” he pointed towards the wooden bridge that led down the ship onto what appeared to be a deserted island. Derpy gulped, but began walking down, still feeling dread in the pit of her gut. “Just hang in there, Derpy. Be brave for Dinky.”
“Who the buck is Dinky? Keep moving!” spoke a pirate pony giving her rump a light swat.
Heart Stripes groaned, furrowing her brows as the sunlight shone down onto her. She groaned slightly, noticing immediately that Derpy was gone. Her eyes scanned the ship, looking all over, noticing them leading Derpy off the ship.
Heart Stripes scowled. “You keep your filthy hooves off my mare! I mean my dear friend!” Derpy flushed a bit. “Heart...just stop.”
“But...” began Heart Stripes. The stare Derpy gave her sank into the deepest part of her being, and it felt like she was rejecting her. Heart Stripes swooned, wanting desperately to just fall onto her belly, and sulk in despair, yet tied up and led by one of the pirates she had no choice but to be a “good mare” and follow along to wherever they were going. Maybe...Derpy didn't really see what she did. It stung her to the core, but she wasn't going to give up !
Derpy sighed heavily. She hated making Heart Stripes sad, but they couldn't act so foolishly. Who knew what these ponies were capable of, or what they might do to them. Derpy knew they wanted her unharmed, but that didn't mean they wouldn't do horrible things to her friend, and she had to keep that from happening, even if that meant possibly breaking her heart in the process.
Derpy took notice of their surroundings, a sandy beach that led to a forest full of who know’s what. She gulped as she felt a pony shoving her further into the sand. She gave them a slight scowl before continuing on. She still had her wings tied around her body, and the piece on her horn to prevent her from using her magic. Basically, she was defenseless, but that didn't mean she was going to just give up on getting out of here. She knew Midnight Star was coming, but if she had an opportunity, she was going to take it.
“Ugh...how much farther do I have to walk! My hooves are killing me. Can't one of you strong stallions help me?” questioned Heart Stripes batting her eyes.
“You can walk just fine. Would you like to know what it’s like to be tortured day in and day out? Keep being difficult and ye find out.” spoke Black Mane, giving her white rump a firm swat. “You will learn the hard way it seems, we don't give a gosh darn lick about you. Now keep moving and shut that trap of yours before we do it for you.”
Heart Stripes whimpered, feeling the sting of tears streaming rapidly down her face. She pouted, how could they be so cruel? What had she ever done to them? To be disregarded as....filth. The audacity! She rolled her eyes. “Pirates....”
“Shut ye darn trap, speak again I’ll make sure ye regret it.” Black Mane said as he puts his hoof around the handle of the cutlass.
Derpy sighed gently. She didn't want Heart to get tangled up in this mess, but yet here they were. Traveling into the forest, she was careful to avoid any limbs that might be dangling down from the trees, and watching for any rocks in front of her. She didn't want to end up face planting. That would just be embarrassing. She could feel the pony behind her urging her forward. Derpy wanted to give them a look, but out of concern for her friend, she continued on-wards to wherever they were taking the two of them. Hoping, Midnight Star and the others weren't too far behind. She was relying on her new found friends to help her out of this mess.
******8
Midnight Star glanced at his special some pony, Emma Flower, and nuzzled against her softly. It was getting dark. He knew Derpy was out there, but traveling at night could be hazardous to them all. He noticed that even Crimson Skies had agreed to drop the anchor for the night, and adrift at sea. He had one black wing firmly secured around Emma. He nuzzled against her, over and over as if he was desperately afraid that if he let go for even a second, that she might vanish again.
Emma Flower nuzzled back against him, her own wing wrapped over Midnight's wing, intertwined together. She wasn't about to leave him. She was grateful to have the Midnight she knew back, and not the shell of himself he had become in her absence.
“Let's get some rest, love.”
Midnight sighed a bit. “But Derpy is still out there and we haven't a clue where.”
“Listen, Midnight, you can't run yourself ragged. You need to sleep. We'll find Derpy. She's a strong mare. I'm sure one more night won't dampen her resolve any.”
“I hope you're right.” Midnight replied, letting out another long sigh, before following Emma to their bunker for the night. Each pony was lucky that Crimson Skies had enough room on her ship for each of them to have a bedroom of their own. Of course Midnight and Emma shared theirs. Midnight Star, latching toe door shut, before walking over, and nuzzling his snout against Emma's, before their lips interlocked into a deep and passionate kiss. Midnight was unsure of so many things, however the one thing he knew for certain. He loved Emma Flower with all of his being. And he gave him reason to keep his own resolve never to go back to the way he was before.
********8
Berry Delight decided to spend the night with Crimson Skies, it wasn't like this was the first time the two mares had shared a bed. No...not like that.
“Crimson....have you had any luck tracking down those pirates?”
“If I had do you think I'd still be out at sea so much? No...I haven't. It....frustrates me to the core. I've searched every corner of this darn ocean that I could think of, and have yet to find Ruby or traces of the ones that stole her from me. When I find them...they'll pay.”
“I know Honey Bun, and you get bet you're flank that I'm going to be right there with you. I can't stand to see family divided like that. Right now, we both need our rest. We've got to stay strong for Princess Derpy.”
“You know I don't really care much about Princesses. My only reason for helping you, is your my friend. I don't really care about these other ponies, or their problems for that matter. All I want, all I've ever wanted was to find my little sister and tell her how much I love her. I'm still too darn soft damn is all.” replied Crimson Skies as she tried to bury her face in her wings.
“Hey...there. It's okay to cry. It's not a sign of weakness. It's a sign of how much you love your sister. Ain't nothing weak about that at all. Come on Crimson. We'll find her.” Berry Delight spoke, gently smiling, and sitting closely to her best friend on the bed.
“I truly hope you are right. You always did have a knack of knowing things would go right, even when everything was falling apart. How's the fruit business going?”
“Aye, I'm making quite a name for myself in Sebria. However, I must admit, I have missed you a lot. How come you never thought to drop by?”
“Well....the ocean is a big place. I only stopped by the port town for repairs. I had originally planned to write you...but honestly, I lost your address.”
“YOU LOST IT? Oh, Crimson Skies, what am I ever going to do with ya.” Berry sighed softly, then felt Crimson's wing wrapping around her.
“Love me anyways?”
“Um...woah. Let's not get awkward now.”
“Sheesh. Can't even josh around with ya nowadays. You need to lighten up, Berry. Not everything has to be so serious all the time.”
Berry Delight shook her head, and rolled her eyes a bit, before letting out a huff, and chuckling ever so slightly. “Yeah...I know. Now let's get some shut eye, alright?”
“Right.” and with that Crimson Skies and Berry Delight drifted off to sleep together in the same bed, but not with the implications that Midnight Star and Emma's bed were filled with. No, this was just a simple bonding of two long time friends that had known each other for many years. Berry Delight couldn't have asked for a better friend, and she was determined to help her find her little sister Ruby. She had to be out there, and hopefully still alive...
*******
Black Mane finally approached the massive stone structure, covered almost head to hoof in moss. He couldn't help but grin. He had his men push Derpy up to the pedestal area. A sacred area indeed. Finally he approached Derpy himself, taking the ring around her horn off.
“Use your magic. No tricks. Supposedly only the Princess of Clutizness can open the key to unlock these ruins. And I want whats inside. Now....let's see what you're made of.”
Derpy gulped, a drop of sweat running down her face. “Of course. As you command.” though she took a moment to glance over at Heart Stripes, whom was held against her will by ropes, and had two stallions to each side of her. This was her chance. She could at least get her out of here. She noted that look in Heart Stripes eyes, it wasn't a look of a mare whom had been defeated and reduced to nothing. She was a mare with a pride so strong, she stood up tall and proud despite her restraints, cocking her head to the side, huffing.
“You stallions are so uncivil. This is why I prefer mares.” spoke Heart Stripes with a huff.
She ordained to look up noticing the way Princess Derpy was looking at her. She bit her bottom lip. She desperately wanted to say something, do something, but against these brutes, she felt trapped, however she would not simply be silenced. Oh no...
“Derpy, my dear Derpy. Get out of here while you can! Don't fret over me, you've got a daughter to think of.”
“Shut up, you stupid piece of trash.” spoke one of the stallions beside her, pulling at the rope around her neck, and practically making her gag in response.
“Stop! I'll use my magic. Just....first I have one request.”
“Make it quick. We ain't got all day.” replied Black Mane, noticing that it was getting dark. They wouldn't be able to explore the ruins tonight if these idle distractions kept preventing the Princess from doing what she was told to do.
“Untie her.” she pointed to Heart Stripes. “She has no part in this. I swear, I'll use my magic for you, and I won't run away. Just let my friend go.”
“Oh Derpy....” whimpered Heart Stripes, feeling the sting of a teardrop forming at her eyes, she quickly rubbed it out of her eye, smearing her makeup ever so slightly, but she didn't care. Derpy still cared about her. There was hope yet for them. Heart Stripes clung to this hope with all she had. She then felt the stallions beginning to untie her. She blinked.
“Run.” Derpy spoke softly.
Heart Stripes froze in place. How could she possibly think she would simply abandon her? But when she gazed into the soft, compassionate, loving eyes of the Princess, she knew she had to run. She had too, because Derpy was risking her own life in order to save hers, if that wasn't a sign that Derpy cared, she didn't know what was. She ran. She ran, and she didn't dare look back, for she knew if she did, she wouldn't have the heart to leave Derpy behind. But in the back of her mind, Heart Stripes knew, she was a Princess, she hadn't gotten that horn for nothing. She had earned it, and surely she would find a way to get away from the baddies. She just had to bide her time in a forest of who knows what, until then. She'd endure, snakes and other dangerous creatures all for her. Heart Stripes loved Derpy, and even getting herself covered in mud was a small price to pay for knowing she would be able to see her again.
Once Derpy was certain Heart Stripes had managed to get away safely, she took a deep sigh of relief before using her magic as the pirates wanted. However, she was a bit shifty in that she didn't tell them the spell she planned on using. She had seen Twilight cast it a number of times. Of course she'd never be as good as Twilight, but it had worked once before. Just like that, Derpy vanished, reappearing in the thicket of the forest, landing firmly on her flank on the firm ground. She let out an ommph of slight annoyance, and mild pain, but right there looking back at her was none other than Heart Stripes. Derpy barely had time to take a breath, before she felt Heart Stripes body pressed against her. Her wings were still tied against her body, so it felt slightly uncomfortable, but Derpy didn't care. She embraced Heart Stripes back, a slight teardrop running down her face, she shivered, her whole body trembled.
“I thought they were going to kill you...I'd never be able to live with the guilt if anything happened to you because of me.”
“Darling, I truly and deeply appreciate your concern for my well being and all, but you have to remember you have a little girl back home. No one would really miss me that much, I assure you.”
“I would.” replied Derpy without even thinking about it. She’d never forget her friends from this world, even after she managed to get back to her world. She couldn’t, she wouldn’t forget the adventure she had here. Heart Stripes was part of that, to Derpy she was important. Derpy didn’t understand why Heart would say such a thing about herself. She clung to her, holding onto her, wanting to assure her she was here with her. She couldn’t deny, she’d miss her too.
Heart Stripes felt her heart pounding a mile a second, her eyes glimmered up to meet Derpy’s gaze. She suddenly felt perched, and she swore for a second she might faint.
“Derpy...do you truly mean that?” Heart Stripes daned to ask. Yes, she the one whom had been wanting this for so long, had to be sure what she was hearing wasn’t just a fantasy. Well...in a way this whole adventure was like a fantasy. A princess and the charming damsel in distress. Typically, she didn’t think so lowly of herself, but the thought of Derpy coming to her rescue. Yes, she’d be the damsel any day for that.
“Of course I do.” replied Derpy, her eyes shimmered brightly, and when Heart looked into those lovely hues of yellow. Heart Stripes bit her bottom lip, tilting her head to the right side, looking at the lovely trees. The trees were certainly well maintained for being on a deserted island, but she didn’t care about the trees. She just refused to let Derpy see her cry. She sniffled a bit.
“Heart Stripes…?” questioned Derpy tilting her head, furrowing her brow. She reached out a front forehoof and gently placed it upon her shoulder. Heart Stripes grimaced and tightly lidded her eyes. “I’m fine Derpy, I do thank you for caring, but I am fine. I’m just so…happy.”
“OOOOOOOOOOOOOH…. Did some creature say happy! It’s about time this place got a little more lively. Those ruffians are just a bunch of meanies!” spoke a strong male voice with a slightly feminine charm to it.
Heart Stripes practically jumped straight into Derpy’s hooves, her brows furrowed as she bit her bottom lip, and gestured to Derpy with a silent stare.
“Um...hello there.” began Derpy smiling slightly, nervously approaching the strange tribal pony. He didn’t look like most ponies she had met here so far. No he was different. Bulkier, built like a horse almost, and a horn on his head. Was he a unicorn? But no his tail was more unique than that, and almost lion like. The strange pony had tribal markings all over his body, Derpy couldn’t even count how many there were. His bright yellow mane and tail, seemed to match his personality, whereas the deep coal grey seemed to contrast that. With big bright pink eyes that seemed to get wider and wider by the minute. The strange pony continued to bounce in place while Derpy starred.
“My name is Derpy, and this is my...friend Heart Stripes. I’m afraid we aren’t from these beautiful lands you call home. Might you know how we could get back to where we came from?”
“Oh! I love those names. They are so nicely rolling off the tongue. That they are. However, I don’t know where your home is. Though if it’s beyond the sea, I’m afraid I would not be a good guide. Can’t swim. Can’t deny it’s a weakness I have. However that doesn’t mean I won’t try to help!” smiled the strange pony suddenly realizing he hadn’t introduced himself yet. “My name is Rolling Thunder. At least that’s what pa and ma called me. Though I must say, I could’ve been Bouncing Tiger too, but Thunder is cool.”
“Of course it is darling. And a beautiful name it is. However...you should really lower your voice. Those awful marauders might hear you. And believe me I’ve had enough adventure for a lifetime.”
Rolling Thunder blinked, and then fell onto his back, bursting out with fits of laughter.
“Hahahaha. You aren’t afraid of them are you? They’re just meanie’s that like to bully others. Once you know how to deal with them, you’ll find their easy peasy to deal with! Believe me, I know.” replied Rolling Thunder.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but what are those markings all over you?” questioned Heart Stripes curiously.
“Markings? Oh that. Don’t know, I’ve always had them, so I think I was born this way. Though Ma and Pa are long since gone. Not dead. Just not here. They had a rock farm now. Isn’t that so cool? I mean I’m sure it does sound boring and all, but they got to get off this island and find their dreams. Oh I’d love to do that. A real grand adventure, where I’d be a key to helping others!” smiled Rolling Thunder bouncing up and down rather excitedly.
Heart Stripes forced a smile, and clung to Derpy. She never thought she’d miss the pirates, but this pony...or whatever sort of creature she was, was a bit strange to put it lightly.
Derpy approached Rolling Thunder, a bit cautiously, smiling.
“Come with us. Embrace your dreams of beyond here and help others. I know a little port town that could use a pony like you.” Derpy explained, hoping he might agree. Besides, they had no idea how to get off this island, having a native like Rolling Thunder aide them just made sense to her. And she couldn’t help seeing a certain pink earth pony in the place of Rolling Thunder. Pinkie Pie. The more and more she traveled, it was starting to come together. Derpy finally realized something and fell back onto her haunches onto the ground.
“The three items I’m to find...what are they for?”
“Why darling they are to get you home. Don’t you remember what the sage told you?
“But...Heart…” how could she possibly explain this to her? “In my world there are six elements of Harmony and each is represented within a pony. You remind me so much of a fashion pony I know from back home. A unicorn named Rarity. And Rolling Thunder here reminds me of Pinkie Pie and earth pony.”
“Darling, what does this have to do with the three items to get you home?”
“I’m starting to feel there was never a need for those items in the first place. I think...I’m not certain. But I think the Sage wanted to test me, and see if I was fit to be the Princess of Clutiziness that I am in this world or if I was just a lost pony with a lost dream.”
“Well...we were lost, but that’s besides the point. Darling, you are really overthinking this. Elements, items, this sage. I’m certain that we aren’t not keys to getting you home. Though...if I was, I’d gladly give all of me to see you reunited with your daughter.”
“Of course you would. You love me Heart Stripes. And it’s time I admit to something.”
“Yes?” replied Heart Stripes.
Derpy thought of the best way to tell her. How to convey the emotions she felt. She felt her chest pounding a mile a second, and it was like somehow knowing Heart Stripes was here, soothed her. She hadn’t really thought of it before. She hadn’t really thought of relationships much since after Dinky’s father had left the two of them. Of course they were still friends. She could never not be friends with him, but it just wasn’t the same as it had been. Derpy felt joy in raising her daughter and didn’t feel a need for more, and yet here in front of her was a pony whom would give her life to make sure she had a happy ending. But Derpy didn’t want her to give up anything for her. She knew that when all was said and done, she’d have to say goodbye. So Heart Stripes deserved to know she cared. She pulled her into a tight embrace.
“I don’t know what love is, but I know I care about you Heart Stripes, and I hated seeing you harmed. Stay with me.”
Heart Stripes swore she wouldn’t cry. She swore to herself, she wouldn’t cry. She bawled as she clung to Derpy.
“Oh! Love is blooming. So…does that mean there will be a party? I love parties?”
“Maybe after we get home Darling. Then you can throw all the parties you want.” replied Heart Stripes.
Derpy knew they had a long way to go yet, and she was finally seeing where exactly she needed to go, and what she wanted, and she knew here and now, she wanted Heart Stripes with her, the entire way there. No matter what, they were in this together.