//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 Shanties and Tales. (Edited) // Story: My Little Pirate. // by Regis Stella //------------------------------// We soon took Rainbow to the local hospital. Hopefully, I did not push her too hard. The doctor said that she's just drained from flying around Ponyville and more at an extreme speed. “Why did you have to do that to her?” Twilight said, mad at what I've done to Rainbow. “I was hoping to see how fast she is. I didn’t think she was that fast enough to break the sound barrier five times over in a row,” I said. "And Rainbow joining your crew?" Twilight said, thinking that she already knew the answer to that. "Yes, she is joining if she wants to, that is," I said, thinking how I'm going to convince the rest of the Mane 6 to join me on my adventures in the Sea of Thieves, maybe after our encounter with Nightmare Moon later. We headed to the town hall where Rarity was decorating the place, "You want to fix your mane, Twilight?" Twilight quickly glared at me, meaning 'touch me, you're dead, which made me raise my hands in defence. "Number three decorations, beautiful," Spike said. "Indeed, the decor is coming along nicely, will be at the library soon," Twilight said. "Not the decor, her," Spike corrected Twilight by pointing at Rarity. Like Applejack, she is a lot more beautiful in person than in the cartoon, and I may have caused more Bronies to be jealous of me if they know where I am at anyway. Rarity was going over some ribbons, which somehow reminded me of a song called 'Six Ribbons' that I used to listen to back in my world. "How are my spines? Are they straight?" Spike asked both Twilight and me. "Here's a tip, Spike," I said, "Just be your normal self," Twilight just groaned in annoyance as she approached Rarity, "Good afternoon-" "Just a moment, please," Rarity interrupted, "I'm in the zone, as it were," She then got out a beautiful big red sparkly ribbon, "Oh yes, sparkle always does the trick. Now how can I help yo-AAAH, oh my stars, whatever happened to your coiffure?!" Twilight looked at her, mane, "Oh, you mean my mane?" Twilight said, "Well, it's a long story, We're just here to check on the decorations, and we'll be out of your hair," But Rarity began to push Twilight, "Out of my hair? What about your hair?" "Wait, where are we going? help!" Twilight called out, but no one came. "Oh, you two also must come with me. I must make some outfits for both of you," Rarity said, "Especially you, Mister, what's your name?" The question pointed to me. "William Hunter, at your service," I said with a bow. "My, my, a gentle-colt," Rarity said, "Such a rare thing these days. I'm Rarity, by the way," I chuckled and turned to Spike, who was giving me a death glare at being kind to Rarity, "Just being nice," I mouthed to Spike. We soon entered a carousel looking building and placed Twilight on a stage with three large mirrors around the stage. "No, no uh-huh," Rarity said to herself as she went through some dress and different mane styles for Twilight as myself and Spike stood by, but I was thinking about how many great outfits Rarity could make in the Sea of Thieves. "Now go on, my dear," Rarity said, at last, settling on an outfit for Twilight, to which made me think that she looked beautiful, "You were telling me where you and your good friends are from?" "I've... been sent," Twilight strained from the tight dress being tightened from Rarity, "from Canterlot... with... my-" Rarity let go of the straps on Twilight's outfit, "Canterlot?! Oh, I'm so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I can't wait to hear all about it! We're going to be the best of friends, you and I. Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!" "You said you have some rubies, Rarity?" I asked her. "Why yes, I do," She replied, "Well, I have seen rubies a big as four hooves," I said. "REALLY?!" Rarity screamed, "WHERE?!" "WILLIAM HUNTER!" Twilight yelled to get my attention. "Coming Twilight!" I called back, "Sorry, Rarity, see you soon?" Rarity nodded as I left the shop, "Rubies the size of four hooves?" she said, "No wonder he's a Pirate," "Wasn't she just the best?" Spike said with a dreamy smile on his muzzle. "Focus Casanova," Twilight joked sarcastically. "Now, now Twilight," I said in a knowing tone, "Here's no reason you need to get into a dragon love story," "Whatever," Twilight said, "What's next on the list?" Spike snapped out of his trans, "Oh, number four, music, it's the last one," We soon heard some birds singing together, we peaked out of the nearby bush to see Fluttershy conducting the birds, but something caught her attention. "Oh, my," Fluttershy said as she flew up to a bluebird, "Um, stop please, everyone, umm. Excuse me, sir? I mean, no offence, but your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off. Now, follow me, please. A-one, a-two, a-three-" "Hello!" Twilight said, scaring poor Fluttershy, “Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you or your birds. Your birds singing is beautiful. We’re just here to check on the music. I’m Twilight Sparkle. What’s your name?” “Um. I’m Fluttershy,” Fluttershy said in a small, shy voice that made me smile in happiness from the cuteness of the little yellow Pegasus. “Sorry, I didn’t hear that,” Twilight said to which Fluttershy reply’s but in a softer voice as her birds came back to their tree. “Oh, your birds are back; I’ll just be going now,” Twilight said as she walked back to Spike and me. “Well, that was easy,” Twilight told Spike and me as we walked out of the bushes. To which Fluttershy turned and saw me. ”A REAL-LIFE PIRATE!” Fluttershy exclaimed in happiness as she tackled me like Tigger. ”Oh, I've never seen a real Pirate before, ” to be honest, I was not expecting that from season 1 Fluttershy or Fluttershy in general. But then again, this is not the same world that I have watched countless times over the past nine years of the show’s life, and what Fluttershy is doing is not from it. ”You must know some great tales of bravery, adventure and treasure!” Fluttershy went on hugging me like a teddy bear, ”Oh please tell me some, please?” ”Sure, ” I whizzed, ”but can you get off of me, please?” Fluttershy let me go, ”I’m so, so, so sorry Mister Pirate, it's just that I haven't met a real Pirate like you before, only in swashbuckling Pirate novels,” ”It’s all right, Miss Fluttershy, you weren't the first to tackle me, and you will not be the last.” I said to which Fluttershy giggled. ”I’ve never heard of Pirates being nice like a gentle-colt like you, ” Fluttershy said. ”Well, not all Pirates are cruel and terrible to ponies like you, ” I explained. ”We should be heading to the library now, ” Twilight interrupted us, ”again sorry for interrupting your bird's singing,” ”See you soon, Flutters, ” I said, waving to her as we left for the Golden Oaks Library. ”Well, that was unexpected, ” I said to Twilight and Spike. ”At least we’re done for the day, ” Twilight said as we arrived into the library, but it was pitch black, and I could only see the eyes of Twilight and Spike, ”Now, where is the light switch?” ​ ”SURPRISE!” Everypony went as the lights turned on, and Pinkie Pie is happy as she could be. "Surprise, hi, I'm Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you three! Were you surprised? Were you? Were you! Huh-huh-huh?" Pinkie said at a million miles per hour. "Very surprised," said Twilight, "Libraries are supposed to be quiet," "Well, that's silly!" Pinkie continued to which Twilight groaned and blocked out Pinkie as Pinkie talked and talked. While I was recovering from the surprise of my life, as soon as I recovered, I stopped Twilight from drinking the hot sauce. "Hey," Twilight said to which I said, "You were going to drink hot sauce instead of soda," Twilight looked at the bottle that she poured into her cup, "Thanks, I guess," she said begrudgingly. "Say Pinkie," I said to Pinkie, "Do you know any shanties?" Pinkie shook her head, "No, I'm afraid, Ponyville is a landlocked town, and there is rarely any sailors who come into Ponyville, to my knowledge," "Well, I happened to know a few shanties," I said with a grin on my face. "Really?" a familiar voice came from behind me, which was Rainbow Dash. "I thought you were resting at the hospital?" I asked her. "I regain my energy quickly after a short nap," Rainbow said. "If you say so," I said sceptically, "Anyway I think it's time for a shanty or two," "YEA!" Everypony went. Somepony began to play some piano in the background, and I knew what to sing. (Cue Binks Brew from One Piece dubbed) (I started slow for the ponies in the room to listen to the song that I was going to sing. When I came onto the verses, I danced a silly dance while using my belly like a drum as a beat to get everyone to try to sing along. As the song continued, the Ponies at the party began to dance before the following verses) William Hunter: Yohohoho, Yo-hoho-ho, Yohohoho, Yo-hoho-ho, Yohohoho, Yo-hoho-ho, Yohohoho, Yo-hoho-ho. Gather up all of the crew, It's time to ship out Bink's brew! Sea wind blows. To where? Who knows? The waves will be our guide! O'er across the ocean's tide, Rays of sunshine far and wide, Birds they sing of cheerful things, in circles passing by! Bid farewell to weaver's town! Say so long to port renowned! Sing a song. It won't be long before we're casting off! Cross the gold and silver seas The salty spray puts us at ease! Day and night to our delight, The voyage never ends! (Everyone was now dancing as the next verse came along and was now singing along. And then came Twilights beautiful voice, then Pinkie's voice and then all of the mane Six's voices) Twilight Sparkle: Gather up all of the crew! It's time to ship out Bink's brew! Pirates, we, eternally, are challenging the sea! Pinkie Pie: With the waves to rest our heads, ship beneath us as our beds! Mane Six: Hoisted high, upon the mast our Jolly Roger flies! (Then everyone starts to sing) Somewhere in the endless sky, Stormy winds are blowin' by! Waves are dancing, evening comes, It's time to sound the drums! But steady men may never fear! Tomorrow's skies are always clear! So pound your feet and clap your hands till sunny days return! Yo-hohoho, Yo-hoho-ho, Yo-hohoho, Yo-hoho-ho, Yo-hohoho, Yo-hoho-ho, Yo-hohoho, Yo-hoho-ho, (As the music calms for a few seconds, I sang a sad note before everyone picked it back up and sang the song more happily) Gather up all of the crew! It's time to ship out Bink's brew! Wave good-bye, but don't you cry Our memories remain. Our days are but a passing dream, everlasting though they seem 'neath the moon, we'll meet again. The wind's our lullaby! Gather up all of the crew! It's time to ship out Bink's brew! Sing a song and play along For all the ocean's wide! After all, is said and done, you'll end up a skeleton! So spread your tale, from dawn till dusk, upon these foamy seas! Yo-hohoho, Yo-hoho-ho, Yo-hohoho, Yo-hoho-ho, Yo-hohoho, Yo-hoho-ho, Yo-hohoho, Yo-hoho-ho. Yo-hohoho, Yo-hoho-ho, Yo-hohoho, Yo-hoho-ho, Yo-hohoho, Yo-hoho-ho, Yo-hohoho, Yo-hoho-ho. (End Song) Everypony stomped their hoofs on the floor in celebration and cheered at a song well sung. Even Twilight was clapping her hooves together in happiness. "That was AWESOME CAPTAIN!" Rainbow exclaimed, "What's the name of that song?" "It's called bink's brew. It's an old Pirate song from days gone by," I told her. "I never thought Pirates could sing," Rarity said, "But I guess they like to party after a good haul of plunder," As the praise went on as Twilight went upstairs to be alone after the singing, 'Looks like Twilight wants some alone time,' I thought to myself. "What's the matter, sugarcube," Applejack said, looking at me with a worried look on her face. I sighed, "It's Twilight, the reason I wanted to sing that song is to show that not all Pirates are heartless, bloodthirsty killers, and while I show her the fun side of a Pirate's life, it looks like it's not enough for her," "You like her, don't you?" Applejack pointed out, "It's alright, I won't tell anypony," "Thank you, Applejack," I said with a smile. "Now, who wants to hear my tale of adventure?" Everypony raised their forelegs in the air at the promise of a story, "Yes, please!" "Alright, lads and lasses," I said, as I sat down on the floor, crossed my legs, then I started with, "Who here has heard of "The Sea of Thieves?" Everyone shook their heads while saying, "No," "Well, the Sea of Thieves is a Pirate's Paradise, a place where creatures of all the races on this planet live in a state of, what I like to call, Pirate's peace and harmony, never peaceful, but just enough for Pirates to seek treasure and adventure for everycreature." "The first Pirate to enter the Sea of Thieves is a man by the name of Ramsey Singh, otherwise called, the Pirate Lord, or the Greatest Pirate who ever lived." "Himself, his crew and his first ship The Magpie's Wing was the first to enter the mystical fog called The Devil's Shroud that surrounds the Sea of Thieves and, believe it or not, slowly but surely tears the ship apart, the wood on the ship rot away and the metal nails rust away by the Shroud that surrounds the Sea of Thieves, but the only way to get through the Shroud is by a route that moves and changes for everyone regardless of who or what they are." "Ramsey was the first to enter the Sea of Thieves and plundered as many riches as those islands have to offer. But the thing is, is that a mysterious civilisation inhabited the Sea of Thieves before Ramsey set hoof in the place, know only as The Ancients." "The Sea of Thieves has been under the control of Pirates for 35 years straight, with factions like the Gold Hoarders, the Merchant Alliance and the Order of Souls, with minimal changes to the Sea, but significant changes in recent times in the place, Krakens, Skeletons Pirates, Forts, Megaladons, Skeleton Ships, new islands, new friendly factions like the Sea Dogs and The Hunters Call, a Fort curse with dark magic from the Sea of the Dammed and many more to come in the future for the Sea of Thieves.” “There are six factions in the Sea of Thieves, three of which are required to build a reputation with and become a Pirate Legend. The Gold Hoarders are famed treasure hunters who will gladly send Pirates to find the chests filled with treasure for them. The Merchant Alliance are a faction of traders who wish to see trade grow and prosper in the Sea of Thieves. The Order of Souls is made up of sorcerers and mages, who spend their time learning about the Sea of Thieves' magic and what secrets the undead Pirates have to offer. The Hunter’s Call is a group of hunters who will pay Pirates to hunt and fish for food of all kinds to feed the many Pirates in the Sea of Thieves. The Sea Dogs are a PVP or Pirate-vs-Pirate faction found at the centre of the Sea of Thieves who challenges Pirates to face off against each other in the Arena. The last faction in the Sea of Thieves is also the most legendary of the six in that realm. It’s named Athena’s Fortune, led by the Pirate Lord Ramsey. To enter Athena’s Fortune is to become the most legendary Pirates to sail the world both in the Sea of Thieves and out. To become a Pirate Legend and enter the Taven of Legends, you must gain max reputation with, at most, three of the five factions in the Sea of Thieves.” “And that’s where I’ll leave it for now,” I said to which everypony groaned in disappointment, “But after the Summer Sun Celebration, I will tell you all more about the Sea of Thieves and my tale. From the Sea of Thieves.” “Hey everypony, the Princess is going to raise the sun,” Pinkie said as the ponies in the library went out as they all said, “Thanks for the history of the Sea of Thieves,” “I’ve never heard of the Sea of Thieves before,” Twilight said to me, “It doesn't exist at all,” “I could take you there if you want to, that is?” I said with a smirk. “My studies are more important than someplace where Pirates live," Twilight said as we entered the town hall. "If you say so," I said, taking place in the crowd waiting for the Princess to appear. "Citizens of Ponyville," Mayor Mare announced to the crowd, "In a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honour to introduce you. The ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon every day, the good, the wise, and the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria." "PRINCESS CELESTIA!" as a spotlight appeared, the Princess was gone. "She's gone!" Rarity cried out, and everyone gasped as I griped my cutlass with my hand and out came the black fog, two beings I've seen before, but one is not supposed to be here. Nightmare Moon, and The Gold Hoarder Skeleton Lord Rathbone. This, and what comes next as they exited the fog, got me ready for a fight. Cruel and cold, Like winds on the sea, Will you ever return to me? Hear my voice, Sing with the tide, Our love will never die. Over waves, And deep in the blue, I will give up my heart for you. Ten-hundred years, I’ll wait to go by, Our love will never die. “Oh no,” I muttered to myself in fear. To Be Continued.