//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: The Shipmare of Great Harmony // by Dwindle //------------------------------// Ever since the day she had been born her family had always lived near some form of lake, which naturally led to her developing her love of the water. She had been swimming for as long as she could remember, and likely had floaties attached to her arms before then. She had learned to water ski practically before she had learned to ride a bike., and had far more of a sense of balance on the water than on land if she was being honest with herself. The first time her family had visited Florida, she had been more excited to spend her time at the beach body surfing the waves than visiting any of the parks that one would normally go to when visiting the sunshine state. Yes, she had always loved the water and with anything that had to do with being out on the waves. But by far the water sport she enjoyed the most was the one she was presently enjoying, sailing with her father on their family’s Sunfish sailboat. It was a smaller boat, only big enough for two people at most, but it had been in her family since her dad was a kid and she used it constantly every time they went to visit her grandparents who just so happened to live off a lake. She had spent so many summers playing in this lake, and even a few winters when the ice wasn’t too thick, and today was no exception. She had let her brothers go sailing before her, choosing instead to help her younger cousins build a sand castle, but it was finally her turn to go out on the lake. Which was why she was grinning like a madwoman from her spot on bow of the sunfish and enjoying the sight of the small waves breaking against her ship. “Puff in six! Get ready with the sail!” Her father, the other person sailing with her, called out from where he was manning the rudder, causing her to giggle at their family’s slang term for an oncoming gust of wind. “Ok dad! I’ve got it!” She shouted back as she reached down to pull in some of the slack, only for her hand to smack into the rope due to the fact that she no longer had any fingers with which to grab it. only a gunmetal gray furred hoof. “____, grab the rope or the sail is going to swing around.” Her father repeated, sounding slightly more concerned now than before, the previously calm waves of the lake growing in their intensity and causing the small sailboat to rock violently. “I-I’m trying!” she shouted as she fumbled about with the rope, trying desperately to use her mangled limbs to grab the line, but she couldn’t help but freeze when she realized that she hadn't heard her father say her name. An oddity that cut through her panic momentarily. “Wh-why didn’t you say my name?” she couldn’t help but ask as she turned back to her father, her sight being blocked for a moment by the large amount of brown, coarse, hair that whipped across her face and smacked into her muzzle. “Really, ____? Grab the line now or we’re going to capsize! Hurry!” Her father continued finally getting angry with her, causing her to flinch and nod her head. She turned back to the rope and, seeing no alternative, grabbed the rope in between her teeth and pulled as hard as she could, but the wind suddenly grew far beyond anything she had ever encountered on the small lake she had spent so much time on, violently ripping the line from her mouth. It was almost as if the lake itself had come to life and was doing everything it possibly could to sink the sunfish. Waves crashed against both sides of small boat, causing large amounts of water to flood into the little alcove where she was sitting. The wind, having rising to hurricane force strength, caused the sail to whip around with enough force to injure her if she stood up even a little, forcing her to duck low to avoid being incapacitated. “Dad! What do we do?!...Dad? Dad!” She cried out, having just noticed that her father was no longer steering the ship and in fact was nowhere to be seen. Did he fall off!? She thought in a panic as she rushed to the back of the boat and tried to peer into the water to see if she could make out her dads form in the water. But as she leaned over and peered into the chaotic water, all thoughts of helping her father vanished from her mind. After all, when she peered over the side of the ship, she failed to see her own warped reflection, nor did she see her father treading water like she had been hoping for. Instead, it looked almost like her corpse was sneering back at her. Whatever it was, it had her face, at least her pony face, but it was…wrong, oh so very wrong. Her gray fur as far paler than her own, to the point where it was practically white, and was covered in black growths that looked like some horrifying amalgamation of seaweed and coral. Its hair, which fell limply around its face like a creature from a horror movie, was now bone white. The cherry blossoms having been removed and replaced with a number of Lycoris flowers, their blood red blossoms a stark contrast to the paleness that defined the rest of her reflection. But by far the most horrifying aspect of her double was the look on its face, a look of smug superiority mixed with sadistic cruelty all in one horrifying package. A look that spoke volumes of its contempt it held for everything before it, and ____ had no doubt that it could indeed see her just as easily as she could see it considering how its gazed was locked on ____'s own. She reared back, crying out in both shock and a primal sort of fear, as she attempted to get as far away from her double as she could get on the tiny boat. Unfortunately, by rearing up she brought herself right into the path of the still out of control sail, the boom of said sail striking her in the back of the head with enough force to send her flying off the side of the ship. Almost immediately her lungs began to fill with water, as she had been completely unprepared for her swim and had her mouth fully open when she hit the surf. She attempted to surface, but before she could even get a single kick in, she felt something slick wrap around her back legs. She looked down in a panic to see her corpse-double rising to meet her, a crazed smile stretched across its muzzle as tendrils of inky water lashed out from the depths beneath it and continued to ensnare her, their intention to drag her down clear. She tried to fight them, but no matter how much she struggled they continued to drag her down till she was eye level with the abomination. Its muzzle opened wide, revealing rows upon rows of jagged, broken teeth, as it leaned forward-. But whatever its intentions were, ____ would never know, as it was at that moment that everything around her just seemed to stop, like someone had hit the pause button on the movie of her life. “Thou need not fear the nightmare, my little pony! For the depths shall not claim thee so long as thou dwell within my domain!” A regal voice called out from seemingly every direction at once before the water that surrounded her flowed away almost as if she had been suspended in a water balloon that had just popped. Her double, its jaws still wide open like she was about to bite ____, dissolved into nothing like fog in the morning sun. In its place, she now found herself in the center of a large, moonlit field. The grass gently blowing in a nearly imperceptible wind, creating a soothing sound that combined with the beautiful moon hanging over head created quite the peaceful atmosphere. But despite now knowing that she was in a dream, the knowledge of which returned to her the memories of both her new name and just where she had fallen asleep, the Shipmare couldn't get her breathing under control. The unnatural feeling of having water in both her lungs and filling up her compartments too much for her. And as such Yamato found herself sprawled out on the ground trying to cough out one of her boilers in an attempt to clear her compartments of water, or at least that’s what it felt like to the returned battleship. “Calm thyself, for no harm shall befall thee from thy own subconscious so long as We are present. Thou are safe, my…not so little pony?” the voice from before continued before trailing off in… confusion? Yamato, after finally getting her coughing fit under control, slowly rose back to her hooves and turned to see just what her subconscious mind had conjured up to torment her now. There standing amongst the grass, was the most beautiful pony Yamato had seen and would ever likely see if she had to guess. She stood tall, not quite the height of Yamato herself but still taller than any crew pony of the Wavecutter, and held herself with a noble bearing that matched, nay, exceeded Yamato's own. Her fur was a dark blue color quite similar to the night sky above, a shadowy blue that fit her quite well. Like Yamato she too wore a set of silver hoof coverings and a piece of black armor across her barrel depicting a crescent moon along with an equally as black crown upon her head, a far more traditional sign of majesty than Yamato’s own crown. But by far the most surprising aspect of this mental conjuration of her was both the pony’s mane, which looked to be comprised of the night sky and flowed in a similar manner to Yamato’s own. And her eyes which, beyond the clear intelligence held within, watched Yamato with a look of surprised compassion that gave the shipmare pause. For she could think of no real reason her mind would create such a being that would look upon her in such a way. Regardless, it appeared that this pony, be they a conjuration of her own mind or something else entirely, was responsible for her escape from her abyssal self, for what else could that demonic creature have been? And so, Yamato bowed her head in respect before replying. “I, Yamato, thank you oh Mare of the Night, for your aid in releasing me from that horror. The pain of drowning is something that haunts me in my waking hours often enough as it is, and I have no desire to carry that terror into my dreams as well.” She thanked, grateful that she had this new distraction to draw her from the sorrow that her dream once again brought to the forefront of her mind, the sorrow of everything she had lost from her human life. The mare seemed to study her for a moment, her look of compassion growing at the mention of Yamato’s previous trauma with the water, before she eventually replied. “Thou need not thank me for the simple act of discharging my duties. And while I am grateful for the use of my title of old, thou may refer to me as Princess Luna once more, as I do not expect for ponies of the modern day to remember titles granted in Equestria of old, though I commend thee for your use of old titles nonetheless.” Yamato froze at the now named Luna’s words, her eyes widening in surprise. She immediately recognized the name Luna as the name of one of the two sisters who ruled over Equestria. The one who apparently controlled the moon if Whitecap's words were to be believed. A pony that, even with the description she had been given, was far too detailed to be a simple image conjured by Yamato's subconscious. Which was why Yamato paused to actually consider the situation before her. On the one hoof, it was possible that her mind had simply conjured a thematically appropriate representation of one of the two rulers of the land she would be traveling to soon in order to make her sleep more peaceful…or on the other hoof, this Luna before her was one of the two Diarchs who ruled this land and had somehow discovered her existence through the duty she had spoken of earlier. The rational part of her mind scoffed at the idea that she was currently having a conversation with another pony while still being within her own subconscious, a pony that was miles and miles away. But even her logical side had to concede that, due to her newfound nature as a shipmare, she was now subject to the whims of M.S.S.B, or “Magical Sparkly Shipgirl Bullshit” as it was generally known in the Kancolle community. And so, erring on the side of caution, Yamato decided that she was, in fact, having a conversation with one of the two most powerful ponies in existence. Which was why she continued to keep her head bowed in reverence as she spoke up. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance then, Princess Luna.” Princess Luna nodded her head in greeting before taking a few steps closer before seemingly thinking better of it and stopping. “Likewise…now then, Lady Yamato, while I cannot claim to understand the trauma of nearly drowning, if thou wish to speak of thy pain, I shall be more than willing to listen. For that is also part of my duties to any pony who sufferers from terrors of the night.” The Princess offered with a sincere smile upon her muzzle, a smile that only caused Yamato to flinch. She had absolutely no desire to burden another with her troubles, especially so if the pony asking was one of the most powerful in the world she now found herself in. “While I appreciate the offer, you do not need to trouble yourself with my misfortune Princess Luna.” Yamato replied with a smile of her own, albeit a somewhat forced one. “While it was a truly terrifying experience to be forced below the waves, it is a trauma I suffered a long, long time ago, and since I have recently returned from my violent exile I have been given the opportunity to turn my back on those troubled times. So while I will not deny that I due suffer, I am content to let time heal my wounds. But I thank you nonetheless for your offer of aid.” She finished, Yamato attempting to not outright lie to a pony who could apparently infiltrate the minds of others, but not tell the whole truth at the same time. But unfortunately, Yamato's words only seemed to only worsen her predicament, as Princess Luna’s eyes widened significantly at her words, her shocked expression quickly morphing into one of understanding and empathy. “...E-Exile? I see…thou have suffered just as I have.” The mare mournfully muttered as she once again started to trot forward, a now steadfast expression on her muzzle. Yamato opened her mouth in an attempt to correct the misunderstanding, but before she could the sound of a trumpet begin to play Reveille from somewhere in the distance. It was then, almost as if due to the call of said horn, that the landscape around the two mares began to fade. “Nay! Nay! Thou cannot awaken now! Not when I have finally found a kindred spirit!” Princess Luna shouted as she began to gallop forward, though Yamato noticed that she didn’t seem to be getting any closer as their surroundings began to fad dissolve like running paint. “…!” She shouted something else, but the sound of the trumpet was so loud at this point that Yamato couldn’t make out a single word. And just like that, Yamato’s surroundings faded into nothing, Yamato shutting her eyes in unease at the blackness surrounding her. Only to open her eyes a second later to find herself laying on her side in the cabin she had been granted, a pony fairy standing only a few inches from her muzzle with a trumpet in its hoof and a grin on its face. “…I would question why a pony Fairy from a Japanese ship would be playing a tradition U.S. Navy wake-up-call…” Yamato moaned out before pressing her face deeper into her pillow in order to hide the tears that were now flowing freely from her eyes, her regal mask shattering under the weight of her home-sickness. “…But please, just…give me a moment of silence, please?” she whispered her plea, the fairies smile vanishing as it nodded solemnly. Whitecap stood just to the side of the steering wheel of the Wavecutter, one of her favorite places on the on the ship to survey her crew and make sure everypony was performing their tasks as they should be. Under normal circumstances, she would be grinning like a madmare, enjoying the sights and sounds of her ship, the feeling of the wind in her mane, and Celestia's sun warming her fur…but not today. Today, she couldn’t help but frown as she thought about the foreign princess currently below decks, Whitecap having just recently sent one of her sailors to make sure Yamato was awake and ensure that the mare got something to eat before bringing her up on deck to speak to Whitecap. As no pony had seen the mare all morning and it was beginning to worry the Capitan. Yamato was an…interesting mare to be certain. While she was clearly a somewhat private mare, she was still enough at ease around the Wavecutter’s crew to joke on occasion…at least Whitecap hoped they were jokes. It was somewhat hard to tell sometimes when the taller mare casually mentioned her abilities to sleep on the water and summon metallic saddlebags and expected everypony else to have similar abilities. She trusted them enough to actually use her magics around them, clearly believing in them enough to believe in Equestrians not attempt to reverse engineer said magic for the benefit of their nation. Nor did she ask for any form of information that Whitecap would be unable to give, such as their navies patrol routes or about the magical armament of the Wavecutter, and thus she did not put Whitecap in a difficult situation. She was kind, respectful, and clearly a mare of strength beyond the average pony. She was also clearly suffering from an immense amount of pain and sorrow, the depths of which Whitecap could only speculate at. The captain of the Wavecutter had noticed that whenever somepony brought up questions of her homeland, Yamato’s expression would fall into one of both anger and sorrow, the thought of her kingdom clearly brining up hurtful memories. When Sundance had been asked about his younger sister, a mare who last Whitecap had heard was planning to join the navy just like her older brother, Yamato looked particularly upset. The larger mare staring off into space with a forlorn look on her face. Did she have siblings of her own? Siblings that she could no longer see? Who had been lost to time? That seemed the most likely reason, as the night shift ponies had reported seeing Yamato openly weeping after Whitecap had left her for the night, the ponies choosing to give her some measure of privacy instead of attempting to offer comfort as they normally would. And that wasn’t even mentioning her admission that she had been apparently away from civilization for so long that she hadn’t even heard of their Princesses or even Equestria for that matter! Did that mean she was somepony who hailed from the time of the three tribes? Or perhaps from an even earlier age? Wouldn’t that make her older than the Princesses? And if that was so, why was she out on the water in the middle of nowhere if she had just woken up? While Whitecap wasn’t exactly very knowledgeable about pre-Equestrian era of pony history, she was pretty sure that none of the nations that existed back in that day had been anywhere close to the sea. And…and considering that the only other example Whitecap could think of where a pony had missed so much of history was Princess Luna…and did the similarity between the two mares mean that Yamato had also been sealed away just like the Princess of the night ? And if she was, then what was the reason for her sealing? It was pretty clear that she was no nightmare moon and wouldn’t need to be removed for the safety of her homeland or Equis as a whole, so then why? Was she sealed away by evil creatures then? So that they could bring harm to her ponies while she was indisposed? And is that the reason she is so remorseful and in pain? Because she failed her nation in their hour of need? Whitecap couldn’t help but consider as she pulled out a pocket watch to see just how close they were to midday, as that was when they would make the turn that would take them back to Equestria.That would explain why she would be so upset, and ignorant of, the modern world. She’s probably lost everypony she ever knew, not to mention her whole nation! The poor mare… Whitecap couldn’t help but think as she saw the door to the lower decks of the Wavecutter open, a nervous looking private escorting a faintly smiling Yamato, though if Whitecap's eyes didn't deceive her it looked like a forced smile on her lips. What she needs is ponies of equal standing who she can speak candidly to about what she’s gone though, ponies who can be her friends in a world where she has none. She needs the Princesses of Equestria. And by Celestia I'll make sure she gets the help she needs. Whitecap’s thoughts were interrupted however when the private lead the massive pony up to where the captain was standing, said private saluting the moment they arrived. “Ma’am! Private Fresh Face, reporting as ordered! I have brought Miss. Yamato as you instructed!” The stallion shouted, Whitecap nodding in response. “Thank you private, you may return to your duties.” Whitecap dismissed, Fresh Face saluting once again before galloping off, Whitecap turning to their VIP once he was gone. “Good morning Miss Yamato, did you sleep well and have a nice breakfast?” Yamato nodded in response, though her faint smile faded somewhat at her words. “Breakfast was delicious, I Yamato, once again thank you for your hospitality. Unfortunately…my sleep was far from pleasant. Nightmares plagued my mind for much of my rest.” The foreign princess admitted, Whitecap winching at her admission. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Hopefully Princess Luna will protect your dreams in the future.” “Actually, she appeared just as my nightmare was reaching its most terrifying moment.” Yamato continued. “I was quite surprised, I did not expect to see another pony within my mind, as such abilities did not exist back when I last ruled the seas.” “Oh…Oh! I’m so sorry Miss Yamato! I failed to mention of one of Princess Luna’s most important duties during our talks yesterday. Once again, I’m very sorry.” Whitecap apologized as she bowed her head to hide the blush of embarrassment that was spreading across her muzzle. How could she be so stupid?! Yamato had admitted that she knew nothing of the modern world and she had failed to mention that the newly returned princess could preform such an act. What if Yamato considered such an act a breach of privacy? Or maybe she was gravely insulted by somepony using magic on her without permission? Stupid, she was so stupid! But her apology was quickly waved away. Yamato only smiling sadly down at her. “You need not apologize, Captain Whitecap. With how much information you were willing to impart onto me yesterday, it was inevitable that some things would fall through the cracks.” Yamato said as she stared out at the sea, her smile only growing even more sorrowful as she did so. “If anything…I am grateful for your princesses’ intervention, as the pain and sorrow of my nightmares are something that I am more than happy to have escaped from. Even if it meant having another come to my aid in my most private sanctuary.” She admitted. Whitecap could almost feel the tears forming in the eyes of the crew ponies that were likely listening in on their conversation, not that she was faring much better as she struggled against the itchiness of her own eyes. A part of her wanted to hug Yamato right then and there, to be the shoulder that the taller mare could lean on for support metaphorically speaking, but a much louder part of her couldn’t help but think about how many codes of conduct she would be breaking by being overly friendly with a foreign dignitary. Even if said dignitary was a pony herself. But before she could make a decision Yamato shook her head slightly, almost as if she had felt a fly buzzing around her ears, before turning her attention back to Whitecap. A clearly false smile on her face. “I apologize for speaking of such sorrowful topics so early in the day Captain. Was there something you wished to discuss with me?” Yamato prompted, clearly trying to change the subject. Whitecap startling slightly as she remembered just why she had called for the taller mare. “Ah, yes…I just wished to inform you that we will be turning back towards Equestria later today. As we have reached the edge of our patrol route.” Whitecap explained, Yamato nodding in confirmation as she turned to examine the ship before staring up at the sails, a look of surprise crossing her face. “If I may ask Capitan Whitecap, why do you have so many Pegasus next to the sails? Is that standard practice on Equestrian ships?” “Only when the wind dies as it did last night. We still have quite a ways to go in our patrol after all, and without a tailwind to help, we will just have to create one ourselves.” Whitecap explained, a proud smile on her face as she stared up at all the pegasi currently working to create a strong enough wind to keep the Wavecutter sailing straight. “…How novel. No such techniques existed back when I sailed the seas.” Yamato admitted before returning her attention to Whitecap. “Now then Capitan, I do not wish to interfere with your duties too much, but if it is at all possible, would you allow me to remain above deck for now? While I do not have any issue spending my time below , I do quite enjoy the sounds and sights of the sea and would prefer to see it from here…if that is alright with you.” “Oh! Of course, that’s perfectly fine.” Whitecap agreed easily. “I only ask that you try and stay out of the way of my crew ponies going about their jobs, we are still on patrol after all.” “I understand, your request is perfectly acceptable.” Yamato acquiesced before turning away. “Well then Capitan Whitecap, I Yamato, will hereby take my leave.” Whitecap watched the princess slowly walk off towards the bow of the ship, a heavy sigh escaping from her lips. She had missed her chance to comfort the mare directly, but if the majesty of the Celestial sea could help ease her troubles then Whitecap would let her stay out here as long as she wished. The next few hours passed with relative ease, the only real issue being the continued lack of any wind with which to fill their sails . Sure, the pegasi were picking up the slack, but this far from the coast the seas weren’t all that different from the fabled Everfree forest in the fact that it the weather was quite difficult to manipulate for Pegasi. Not that Whitecap had ever seen the place herself to confirm the stories, but from what she had heard it was a place of pure chaos so she wasn't about to complain about never getting the chance to see it for herself. And thankfully, nothing of note happened by the time noon came around and the time for them to turn back. “…Alright then, considering the time, it's about time for us to return home.” Whitecap muttered to herself as she once again checked her pocket watch before slipping the device back into her saddlebag and nodding resolutely. “All ponies, we have reached the halfway point of our patrol and will hereby turn back towards Equestria! Helmspony! Turn the ship eighty degrees in preparation for our return trip. All other ponies, ensure that there is nothing to interfere with our turn!” “Aye aye Capitan!” The Helmspony replied as she began to turn the ship, Wavecutter beginning to turn to take them back west, while every other pony moved to make the ship ready. Whitecap smiled in satisfaction as her fellow sailors expertly maneuvered the Wavecutter, actions that were sure to impress their exalted guest who was clearly a pony of the sea who would appreciate their precise actions. Heck, Whitecap half believed that the Wavecutter itself was pulling out all the stops to impress their guest with how well everything had been going . But regardless, it was finally time for them to begin returning home, and soon Whitecap would be able to get Yamato the help she so rightly deserved. “Alright then…all hooves! Ensure that we are on course for returning to Equestria! All Pegasi are to change shifts in order to conserve energy! I wan-!” “Captain! Pegasus approaching off the Stern!” The lookout from the crow’s nest interrupted, Whitecap blinking in shock for a second, before the pony’s words fully registered and her blood ran cold. No Pegasus should be flying this far out at sea without good reason…or a very, very bad one. “Storm Surge! Fly out and aid the Pegasus in landing! Get the medics up here right now! All Pegasi, pause all wind production for now until the situation is understood! Everypony else, clear a landing zone for the Pegasus and somepony get some water! they're bound to be dehydrated!” Whitecap ordered, the ponies of the Wavecutter rushing to follow her orders. Not a minute later, Storm Surge guided a thoroughly exhausted looking Pegasus down onto the ship, said pony stumbling and falling the moment his hooves touched the deck. Whitecap rushed over, her crew making a path for her, as she knelt down next to the barely conscious pony. The Pegasus was clearly exhausted from his flight based off of the sweat rolling off his bright red coat as his sides heaved with effort as he tried to refill his lungs. His cutie mark depicted an abacus along with a piece of paper and a quill. A mark that, while vaguely familiar to Whitecap, wasn’t enough for her to identify the lone flyer, though one that likely marked the pony as somepony who wasn't exactly a trained athlete. “What happened? why are you out here all by yourself?” She questioned, the Pegasus opening baerly one clearly weary blue eye to regard the Captain. “…G-Griffon pirates…attacked m-my ship…F-flew for half a day to…find you.” The pony stuttered breathlessly, his words stealing all the air from Whitecap’s lungs as well as everpony that was gathered around. “H-Have my wife and daughter and the rest of my c-crew…pl-please…help them.” The pony barely managed to finish, his words clearly taking a toll on the exhausted stallion. Whitecap’s mind raced as the ship's medics rushed in to administer emergency first aid on the pony. If what he said was true, then these Griffons could be anywhere between fifty to one hundred miles out from their current location considering how far the average Pegasus could fly unencumbered. And they had quite the head start if their destination was indeed the coast of Griffonstone, which was the most likely destination of such a pirate gang. Add to that that there was still no wind in their part of the sea, the fact that a Griffon’s wings were naturally larger than a Pegasus' and therefore they could keep their ship moving faster than the Wavecutter, and finally that if she pushed her crew too hard to catch up, they would be in no position to apprehend the culprits of this attack…With all that in mind, the Capitan of the Wavecutter saw no reasonable way for them to save this pony’s family or the crew of his ship. Not that it mattered what the facts of the situation were. They were mares and stallions of the Royal Equestrian Navy, by Celestia they would give it their all to save the ponies . But as things stood, Whitecap couldn’t help but feel an icy pit settle into her stomach at the fate of said ponies. “Helmspony! Turn us back around! Pegasi, I know I’ve been pushing you hard today, but there’s lives on the line if we don’t manage to catch up to these dastards in time! I need all Pegasi who can still feel their wings to get up there and get us moving-!” “Capitan. A word please.” A calm voice cut through Whitecap’s shouting, a voice that, while still holding an edge of sorrow, was now filled with a strength so immense that everpony present couldn’t help but freeze in place at the magical energy that seemed to be pressing down on the entire ship. Whitecap turned slowly to see Yamato standing a good distance away from the crowd. A resolute expression on her muzzle as she slowly approached. “I will bring you to these pirates and aid in the rescue of the victimized ponies. I merely ask for you to trust me and follow my orders.” Yamato made sure to keep her expression as tight as she could despite the butterflies that were suddenly filling her mess hall as she stared down the Captain of this ship. She had heard what the exhausted Pegasus had said, how his family and crew had been taken hostage, and she could practically feel her boilers red line at the thought of what could happen to the ponies that had been taken. Her world had quite the history with piracy, and very rarely did such attacks end well for those who were on the receiving end of such raids. If nothing was done there was a very good chance that those taken could lose their lives, or worse. And she had the power to change that, to save those poor souls from their fate. And regardless of any reason her mind could come up with to hide her strengths in order to keep this Equestria from attempting to force her into service, what was the point of her returning home if she let innocents suffer and die because of her inaction? Whitecap stared back at her, a conflicted but unyielding look on the pony’s face. “…Can you get to them in time? Even without a wind to help?” “I can. I, Yamato, will not fail to find these pirates.” She answered back with just as much force, her own gaze matching Whitecap’s pound for pound. The two stared at each other for a second longer before Whitecap bowed her head. “Then we will do as you say. Equestria is in your debt. Everpony! Until this situation is resolved, you are to follow Lady Yamato’s orders as if they were my own. Is that understood?” “Ma’am yes ma’am!” The crew of the Wavecutter shouted out in response, Yamato seeing out of the corner of her eye Wavecutter herself nodding in agreement, an angrily determined look on the spirits face. “I thank you…All hooves! Secure everything you can that isn’t already tied down! Pull in all sails and ensure they are properly stowed if you do not want them damaged.” Yamato ordered as she turned and galloped for the front of the ship, not bothering to see if the ponies were listening or not. Time was of the essence after all. “When I give the command, weigh the anchor, but be prepared to stop it on my command as well!” and with that Yamato leapt over the side of the ship. However, before her hooves could even get close to the water, a brilliant white light engulfed the mare. Her rigging rematerialized across her back, Yamato smiling faintly as the familiar weight of her armaments settled into their places. She could feel her fairies rushing about the ship as a klaxon ordered them to general quarters, could feel her guns twitch as they moved into position, could feel her awareness expand as her radars came online. The warship Yamato sailed once again. She bounced off the surface of the water with barely a splash as she quickly maneuvered herself to the front of the ship, the shipmare noticing two ponies leaning over the edge of the bow right above where the anchor was. Three ponies actually if one were to count the spirit present, all three with their mouths wide open in shock at her appearance or her magic, she couldn't determine which. She maneuvered herself to the point where she was nearly underneath the anchor, just to the side of where it would fall, before she took a deep breath in preparation for what was about to happen. “…Weigh anchor!” She shouted up to the ponies above her. And to their credit, they only hesitated for a moment before following her commands. The massive metal weight fell into the sea with a crash, Yamato waiting for just a moment before shouting for them to stop the anchor. The moment the chains ceased their movement, Yamato reached out and bit down on the chain while simultaneously whipped her neck to the side in order to pull the anchor back out of the waves. She could feel the metal of her superstructure groan at the strange maneuver, but an anchor that, at most, only weighed five thousand pounds wasn’t going to stop a ship of her caliber. And sure enough, as she whipped the chain around, the anchor rose with it. wrapping around Yamato’s neck as she intended. There was no time to set up a proper tow line, and even if she did, the speeds they were going to be traveling at would simply rip whatever lines they attempt to tie to her clear off the Wavecutter. “I will be beginning the turn now, all hooves, ready yourselves for acceleration!” Yamato shouted, intending her words for both the crew of the Wavecutter, Wavecutter herself, and her own crew, as she accelerated to one third speed. In no time at all the slack of the anchor was all gone and, with a metallic snapping noise accompanied by the sound of groaning wood, the Wavecutter was pulled along, the physical ship easily following along in Yamato’s wake. It didn’t take long for the shipmare to finish her turn and start to tow the ship in the direction that the pony had come from. And soon after that a Pegasus that Yamato was unacquainted with flew up to her with a shell shocked yet determined expression. “Reporting in Ma’am! All loose items have been stowed away and the sail was stowed successfully! Do you have any other orders for us now that we are underway?” “Just two. I want somepony to confirm the direction that the Pegasus flew from, as any estimations he can give on the heading of the pirate ship will be quite helpful.” Yamato began before grinning widely. “And I want all hooves to brace for acceleration.” The pony blinked in confusion for a moment before nodding and returning to the ship. A shout that all hooves were ready being shouted back at Yamato a few seconds later. “All hooves, all ahead flank! Let us show these Griffons why they should fear the might of the Yamato!” The shipmare ordered, a deafening roar echoing from within her hull as her crew cheered while simultaneously her turbines reached their maximum speed, her screws following suit a second later as Yamato began to gallop across the waves. She could hear the cries of surprise and shock echoing from the Wavecutter as they practically bounced across the waves. The ponies on board clearly not expecting her to be able to go so fast, her twenty-eight knots a far cry from anything the Wavecutter could normally travel. For all the sorrows that had occurred over the last few days, the shipmare couldn’t help but feel ecstatic as the waves crashed and broke across her bow. This is what she was meant for, to punish the true evils of the world, to rush headlong into a battle and show her enemies just what they had foolishly provoked. She could hear the sound of another Pegasus flying out to meet her, though this time Yamato was surprised to see Jade flying off her starboard side. “M-Ma’am! I have a possible heading for you!” “Understood.” Yamato replied, Jade pointing off at the horizon while giving her a heading. “Very well, I will be changing course momentarily. Please return to ship and ensure that everypony is prepared for combat.” She ordered, though she was surprised to see Jade Wing shake her head in denial. “I’m sorry ma’am, but I’ve been ordered to stay by your side from here on out until we sight the griffons. Plus, everypony is already prepared for the fight so they don't need me to tell them...uh, with all do respect, ma'am.” “I see, then I will still need you to clear the airspace, as I need my catapults clear for my own takeoffs.” Yamato returned, Jade wing blinking at the unfamiliar word. “Uhhh…what catapult? And why would you want to be throwing big rocks around when we're trying to move fast?” Jade questioned before squeaking in surprise as two panels slid away from the top of Yamato’s rigging, revealing a long metal poles that extended from both. “Not that kind of Catapult, Miss Jade...These are my catapults.” Yamato answered, an almost predatory smile crossing her face as Jade moved out of the way just in time to avoid two tiny metallic Pegasi being launched into the sky. The tiny pegasi held their form for a second more, Yamato seeing both saluting her as they passed by, before both were engulfed in a brilliant white light very similar to the light that appeared when Yamato's rigging manifested. And then with a roar that had never been heard anywhere in Equis before then, two Aichi E13A planes materialized from within the light and began to ascend into the sky in the direction that Jade had indicated. “…Whoah.” Was all Jade managed to say as she watched the two scout planes climb, Yamato nodding her head sagely at her awestruck expression. “Indeed.” Was all Yamato said in reply as she adjusted her course in the direction Jade had indicated. Not even two hours later, Yamato heard a squeeing voice come through her radio. A vessel had been spotted by her scouts. One that wasn’t flying any colors as far as the pilot could see. “Understood, begin strafing the target. Force them to slow down and try to get them to reverse course. However, ensure that you do not open fire, as we do not want to risk the hostages lives.” Yamato ordered the pilot, the Pegasus who replaced Jade due to the green Pegasus’ exhaustion staring at her curiously. “Did you say something ma’am?” The Pegasus questioned, Yamato turning to look at him. “I was communicating with my scouts. One of them has sighted the target.” Yamato informed the Pegasus, the pony’s eyes narrowing at the thought of the coming conflict. “Please inform the crew that, upon sighting the enemy vessel, they are to retract the anchor. As I will be operating on my own at that point.” Yamato ordered before considering something. “Does the Wavecutter have any means of stopping or attacking the pirate ship?” “We have a few ballistae with harpoons designed to keep a ship from fleeing. But most of our offensive capabilities are concentrated in our unicorns who would teleport over to the ship and attempt to subdue the crew in close quarters.” The Pegasus recited dutifully. “Understood, please inform the unicorns that they are should refrain from boarding until after I have taken my initial actions. If they do not surrender at that point, then it will be their turn to attack.” Yamato ordered, the Pegasus saluting before flying back to the ship. With her target position known it didn’t take long for Yamato to close the distance. As not only was she still pushing her engines to their flank speed, but her other pilot had apparently decided to join their wing mate in harassing the pirate ship , and it wasn’t long before Yamato’s spotters observed two planes diving and climbing in the distance. She could feel her gunnery crew tensing in anticipation, as the pirate vessel was well within her range at this point and she had accurate coordinates due to her planes, however Yamato did not give the order to open fire. If she were to land any blow on the enemy ship, regardless of whether she was using her armor piercing or high explosive shells, she would sink their ship with ease. And so she continued her gallop without firing her opening salvo despite her desire to do so. The crew of the Wavecutter spotted the pirate vessel only a few minutes after Yamato herself did, their frantic callouts and the sounds of hooves galloping across the deck as they prepared for combat. And then, when they were no doubt fully prepared, she heard a voice call out that they were prepared to retrieve the anchor. She shook her head, dislodging the wound-up wight in the process before giving the order to reduce speed, her burring legs thankful for the reprieve. The griffons, apparently having only just now noticing the approaching ship and floating pony. Began to shout and scurry about their ship, Yamato noting grimly that they appeared to be preparing ballista of their own and aiming them at the Wavecutter, their intentions clear as day. And it simply wouldn’t do for her to allow her ticket to shore to be damaged and possibly sunk. So, after taking a deep breath, Yamato began projected her voice at the pirate ship, the shipmare making sure to keep her voice level as she did so. “Pirates! I am Yamato! Ruler of the seas! By my pact with Equestria and my duty to the innocent lives you hold within your ship, I hereby order you to surrender yourselves or face destruction!” She bellowed, her voice echoing across the waves with more force than she would have expected, Yamato silently praying that these nefarious beings would see reason or at least be intimated enough to give up. But of course, she expected too much from such scum, as while she may not know much about griffon culture, it was unlikely that jeers and insults were their way of raising the white flag. “…Very well then. Gunnery crews, put a salvo off the bow and aft of the enemy vessel.” Yamato ordered as she turned slightly, readying herself for a full broadside. A few seconds later, her crew reported that they had their targeting solutions, Yamato nodding her head, an almost feral smile crossing her lips. “All batteries…open fire!” She shouted as she pointed her right hoof at the ship. A boom of never before heard proportions echoed across the seas, causing every living creature save the one who had unleased the salvo to cover their ears at the loudness of the attack. Yamato’s world was covered in fire and smoke as her nine eighteen-inch guns and her secondary six-inch guns unleased their hellish payloads. And after what felt like the span of only a single heartbeat, the seas around the pirate ship exploded as plums of water, each one easily dwarfing the wooden vessel, shot into the air and soaked everyone aboard. The silence afterwards was so complete that Yamato couldn’t even hear the waves lapping against her hooves. No one was moving. Not the pirates, not the crew of the Wavecutter, nor Yamato herself. But eventually the shipmare broke the silence with a single promise. “…I will not miss a second time.” She assured, and before she could even consider what her next action would be, a number of griffons flew into the air, each one holding a white cloth in their claws. A cheer went up from the Wavecutter, the wooden ship slowly approaching off Yamato’s port, the shipmare looking up to see what could only be most of the crew leaning over the side and cheering for her. But Yamato’s eyes were drawn to two distinct figures, Captain Whitecap and Wavecutter herself. The teen ship spirit looked pained, though considering that Yamato had been dragging the smaller ship by her anchor for a good three hours that was to be expected, but despite that still had a look of awe and happiness on her face. While Whitecap…was saluting her silently, a smile of joy stretched across her muzzle. A salute that Yamato returned despite her worries for the future. Now that she had revealed most of her offensive capabilities, it was likely that the Equestrian navy would try even harder to press her into service, that other nations would seek her out for her power, but she put those worries into the corner of her mind. For now…for now she was just happy to have helped others. to have finally used her guns, not to end lives, but to protect them.