Chapter 11
The Storm
As the group of fellow Equestrians walk onto the dock of Shores-a-lot, they all were astonished as they marveled each huge ship they found. Twilight has studied small boat sailing before, but ships? She had Spike take notes as she tried to name each part of each vessel’s exterior. “Ugh!” Rarity stopped disgusted by two rats in her path. “Go away! Shoo! Shoo!” The rats dashed away from Rarity into a ship. “Oh! These ships are filled with nasty vermin. I will not stand riding in a filthy dump, like that!” Fluttershy walks over to Rarity concerned.
“What’s wrong, Rarity?” Fluttershy asked the White Unicorn concerned.
“That is what’s wrong, Fluttershy!” Rarity pointed at the ship that the two rats ran into.
“T-the ship?” Fluttershy tried to clarify.
“No! Rats! These ships are infested with disgusting rats, and I will not take part in any sailing with those…things.”
“Well, you’ll be pleased to know that we’ve cleaned out the Tide Churner last night.” Slipknot’s voice came from behind Rarity; who was surprised and excited to see him as she jumped around.
“Well, hello, Slipknot!” Rarity greeted in a sing-song voice as she blinked her eyelids several times rapidly; making the Unicorn stallion strangely uncomfortable.
“Uh, hello, Rarity.” Slipknot tried to keep his smile.
“Don’t tell me you didn’t clean the entire ship for me, did you?”
“To be honest, we only cleaned the entire ship for all of you.” Slipknot tried to explain. “I can take you all there personally. I was on my way back anyway.”
“Well, I’d--I mean, we’d love that. Thank you!” Rarity smiled at Slipknot greatly; making the others exchange looks of confusion. The fellow travelers follow the First Mate back to Luckyshoes’ ship; the Tide Churner. It was several feet high and wide. Like all ships, it was made out of wood. The bow of this vessel had a wooden Sea Pony mare pointing straight in front of her. There was also one mast that rose from the deck of the ship, it held three sails, and at the top of the Main Mast, held a Crow’s Nest which the Pegasus stallion Lantern Light worked at. Finally, at the back of the ship sat the Captain’s Cabin. They trot onto the ship and find the burly sailors from last night pulling ropes to load cargo into the ship. The deck was nice and wide, and they could see the wheel of the ship where the Earth Pony stallion Calm Water was stationed. Rarity was felt like she died and found herself in Stallion Heaven; she was so dumbfounded by all the strapping and adorable stallions working hard for the voyage ahead, that she caught the hic-ups. “Seems like this’ll be a fun trip,” Applejack remarked gladly. “Eh, Rarity!”
“Wahahaa!!” Rarity exclaimed in excitement with a crazed look followed by a hic-up.
“Uh, okay?” Applejack replied confused and creeped out a little, and then Luckyshoes noticed them and trotted over to his guests satisfied that they’ve arrived.
“Ah, Helpful, Twilight, and the rest of their jolly group,” The Sea Captain grabbed their attention. “It’s great to see you’re all here before we set of into the sea.”
“Hello, Captain.” Twilight greeted back. “I see you’re all almost ready to set sail.”
“Aye, Lass. All the cargo’s almost in stock.” The Sea Pony explained. “Just need to load in some ‘special’ cargo.” Then a few cannons were loaded into the ship for reasons unknown to the Fellow Equestrians.
“What’s with the heavy artillery, Captain?” Applejack pointed toward a few cannons being attached into the ship’s port side.
“Well, Lass…” Luckyshoes thought for a second. “The sea isn’t always, uh…trustworthy. There’re dangers in times you least expect it, and other things that will make all seem lost…but don’t worry, Lass. We know this ocean like the back of our hooves. We’ll get you all there in no time.”
“I do feel completely safe in your ar--I mean ship.” Rarity giggled with an abnormal, mentally ill smile. Later, Luckyshoes and Twilight begin plotting their course through the sea on some sea charts in the Captain’s Cabin, while outside the crew began to prepare the ship.
“Hoist the Main Sail!” The crew immediately began their work as Slipknot gave the orders, and then he notices Luckyshoes and Twilight exiting the Cabin. He trots over to them “Do we have a heading, Captain?”
“Aye, Lad. Seventy-five degrees north of here.” The Captain pointed out.
“Aye, Captain!” Slipknot replied with a salute. They soon began to sail out into sea. Twilight began to grow curious on where her friends and she were sleeping in the ship.
“Captain?” Twilight cleared her throat.
“Aye, Lass?” Luckyshoes replied politely.
“Just where are we sleeping tonight, Sir?”
“Well, all y’all are goin’ to sleep in my Cabin.” The Sailor answered. “I have many hammocks for you to borrow. As for the Lads, they’ll be sleeping with the rest of my crew.”
“You mean Helpful and Spike?” Twilight tried to clarify.
“Aye, Lass. There shouldn’t be anything wrong.”
“Yes, Captain.” Twilight agreed. “I’m sure they won’t complain.” Down on the deck, the Earth Pony named Calm Water tied down a rope in order to tighten the Main Sail more so it wouldn’t fall, and then Rarity trotted over to him quite fixed over his charming looks. The Earth Pony was indeed very charming. His coat was a perfect shade of gray; like Tottie Hottie’s, and his eyes were a sea green. His mane was a Light blue color with white highlights. “Oh, my.” Rarity exclaimed of astonishment as Calm hauled up a barrel of flour.
“Oh, Ms. Rarity.” The Kind Earth Pony greeted the Unicorn mare gladly. “How are you enjoying your ride on the Tide Churner?”
“Oh, well, you see…” Rarity thought for a second flipping her hair with her hoof. Calm began to worry.
“Are you not satisfied that we are giving you a generous ride toward Mt. Joysong?” Calm asked confused.
“Why would I ever not?” Rarity gasped shocked. “I am very pleased that you would give me, I mean, us…a ride on your fine fetching vessel.” Rarity finishes with an awkward smile; making Calm Water look at her oddly.
“If you say so, Ms. Rarity.” Calm Water then leaves. “I must bring this barrel to the cook, and then return to my post at the wheel.”
“Oh, o-of coarse, sir.” Rarity watched disappointed as the stallion of her dreams continues his work. “Sooner or later, I’ll get some attention from these…these b-burly boys.” As Rarity continues on grabbing attention from the crewmates, downstairs, Applejack and Sunny are in the kitchen working with the cook. “So, you say you’re good at makin’ great food?” The cook asked his two guests.
“Yes, sir.” Applejack assured gladly.
“Let’s see what y’all can do at dinner tonight for everypony.” The red maned stallion explained. “If you can make a good enough dinner, I’ll consider you two workin’ in the kitchen.”
“You got it, sir!” Sunny saluted to the fairly obese stallion.
“We’ll be on it like mice on a hunk of cheese.” Applejack assured him as the cook left them in the kitchen. The hard-working mare turns her gaze over to Sunny concerned. “You sure you know how to cook, Sunny?”
“Of coarse I know how to cook, AJ.” Sunny assured her friend as she picked up a pot and spun it around like a ball. “Besides, how else would I survive alone?” Then thunder surprised them both; making Sunny drop the pot on the floor.
“Sounds like a Thunderstorm are goin’ through here.” Applejack remarked as Sunny and she ran up to the deck to see a huge, black Thundercloud coming toward them; making a harsh wind blow through the ship, and the water toss and turn under it; making the vessel swing back and forth. Lantern Light jumps down from the Crow’s Nest and lands beside Luckyshoes.
“Captain, we have a problem.” The blue and yellow maned Pegasus stallion saluted to his Captain.
“What is it, Lantern?” Luckyshoes asked.
“There’s a Thunderstorm, and it’s coming toward us fast, Sir.” Twilight answered before the white coated Pegasus as she looked through her spyglass.
“Aye, I’ve noticed.” The Captain replied with a smile. “We’re headin’ right into a hurricane.”
“A Hurricane, Sir?” Lantern gasped.
“Aye, and this is the roughest of them all.” The Sea Pony answered, and then he turns over to his crew working on the deck. “Tie down the sails and ropes good and tight, and fasten your Life Lines!” The crew immediately did as they were ordered by the Captain. Luckyshoes turns his gaze to Twilight. “Get your friends together and hide inside my Cabin until it’s over.”
“Yes, Captain.” Twilight replied as she ran down to gather her friends. The Sea Captain turns his attention to Helpful and Rainbow Dash down below on the deck.
“Helpful, Rainbow Dash!” Luckyshoes grabs their attention.
“Aye, Captain?” Helpful saluted.
“What’s up?” Dash replied.
“Rainbow Dash, I need you to help tighten the Main Sail with the rest of the Pegasi!” The Captain ordered. “Helpful, I need you to secure all Life Lines!”
“Yes, Sir!” Rainbow saluted and flew off to help with Main Sail.
“Life Lines?” Helpful asked the Sea Pony, but then Slipknot ran past him.
“Follow me!” Slipknot beckoned; making Helpful follow him. As Twilight gathered the rest of her friends, the rain started to pour down hard on the deck of the ship making it extremely slippery. Applejack couldn’t stand not helping the rest of the crew with the storm, so she runs over to help Calm Water with the wheel. “We’re being pulled in.” Calm Water grunted as Applejack and he tried to keep the wheel from flying.
“Don’t lose hope, Calm Water.” Applejack encouraged the stallion. Helpful and Slipknot quickly tightened all the Life Lines tied onto the masts.
“Life Lines secured, Captain!” Helpful assured as he tightened the last rope.
“Very good, Helpful and Slipknot.” Luckyshoes replied with a smile.
“What’s got you in such a fine mood, Captain?” Slipknot asked the esteemed Captain.
“We’re speeding up.” Luckyshoes answered, but then a rope above him snapped; letting it fly free. It hits one of the crew mates and tangles him up high above the deck.
“H-help! Help me!” The Earth Pony stallion shouted in fear. Applejack notices and turns to Dashie.
“Rainbow! Help Calm Water with the wheel!” Applejack grabbed the light blue Pegasus’ attention; who immediately flew down to help.
“I got this!” Rainbow Dash assured. “Go!” Applejack dashed from the wheel, took some spare rope, and lassoed the dangling Earth Pony.
“Helpful! I need you to cut the rope!” Applejack grabbed the Tan Pegasus’ attention.
“What??” Slipknot protested as he tried to pull the rope from her. “Are you daft? You’ll get Flyleaf injured!” Applejack pulled the rope back.
“Do you have a better idea?” Thunder exploded as Applejack shot back at the Unicorn; who sighed.
“Fine.” Slipknot agreed. “Cut the rope, Helpful!”
“Uh…” Helpful just stares at the rope questioningly, and then turns back to the others. “How do you do that?”
“Just cut the rope!” Applejack and Slipknot shouted.
“Okay! Uh?” Helpful bites the rope and it breaks; letting Flyleaf fall toward the deck. Applejack pulls the lasso attached to him and braces for impact as the stallion crashes into her and Slipknot. Helpful dashes over to them and helps Applejack up. “Are you okay, Applejack?” Helpful asked concerned.
“I’m fine, Helpful. Thanks.” Applejack replied. Slipknot helps up Flyleaf; who is actually unharmed. “How’s Flyleaf?”
“He’s fine, Applejack.” Slipknot answered relived. “Thanks to you.”
“No problem.” Applejack saluted, but then was surprised to notice a light appear on her neck. It then forms a golden necklace with an orange gemstone shaped like an apple.
“What is that?” Slipknot asked her.
“That’s another Element of Harmony.” Helpful answered.
“The Element of Honesty.” Applejack added. “We need to find the rest of these Elements before the end of the week.”
“I see.” Slipknot replied. “Enough talk. We need to get back to work.” Applejack, Helpful, and Flyleaf all nod as they return to their work on the ship. The storm was perilous, but they managed to pull through the hardships. Finally, after some time of keeping the ship together, the storm left them in the sea and the crew celebrates in triumph as it left them. Luckyshoes walked down to his cabin to let out Twilight and the rest of her friends. Fluttershy was the first to dash toward Helpful concerned. “Helpful! Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked concerned. “You didn’t get hurt, right?” Fluttershy checks around Helpful for injury.
“I’m fine, Fluttershy.” Helpful assured as he yawned. It was night time over the sea, so Helpful and the rest of the crew became very tired after their fight to keep the vessel in good condition.
“Helpful, you look tired. Did you wear yourself out?” Fluttershy gasped even more concerned.
“I’m a little tired.” Helpful replied, but before he could protest, Fluttershy gently pushes him toward the stairs that lead to the barracks.
“You poor dear. You need your rest now. I’ll take you to the barracks for you to sleep.” Fluttershy insisted.
“B-but-.” Helpful began to protest.
“Don’t you ‘but’ me, Mister. You’re going to bed and that’s final.” Fluttershy interrupted as she nudged Helpful down the stairs. Their friends and the crew began to laugh.
“Alright, you.” Luckyshoes grabbed everypony’s attention. “It’s been a long night, and like Helpful, you all need your rest for tomorrow too.” The crew nod in agreement as they trot downstairs. Luckyshoes, the Mane 5, and Sunny return to the Cabin to sleep. Spike follows them, but then Twilight notices.
“Spike.” Twilight glared at him; confusing Spike.
“What?” Spike tried to clarify.
“You’re sleeping with Helpful and the rest of the crew, remember?” The purple mare pointed out.
“Oh, yeah.” Spike replied as he smiled innocently. The dragon walks downstairs to rest for the night. Fluttershy soon climbs back up the stairs and into the Captain’s Cabin.
“Helpful’s asleep.” Fluttershy announced to Sunny. “He seemed pretty peaceful in that hammock. I hope he’ll have pleasant dreams.”
“I’m sure he’ll be fine, Flutters.” Sunny assured comfortingly. “I mean, he’s never had a bad dream.”
“But w-what about the one this morning?” Fluttershy stuttered nervously.
“That was a weird dream, not a bad dream.” Sunny explained a little irritated. In the other side of the room, Rainbow Dash finds a sofa in front of the window.
“I call sofa!” Rainbow shouted as she jumped onto the soft furniture. She tosses around to find a comfortable position and finally finds one. “Ah. This is the life.”
“Aw, but I wanted the sofa.” Rarity began to complain.
“Well, if you wanted the sofa so bad, why didn’t you get it?” Dash shot back.
“Well, I was till you crashed into it.” Rarity pointed out. “So that makes it mine for the night.” Dashie looks around the exterior of the furniture.
“I don’t see your name on this.”
“Why I never…” Twilight jumps in-between them.
“Girls!” Twilight shouted to grab their attention. “We’re not supposed to fight like this. We’ll only be defeated by Envious easily if we keep fighting like this. So please, stop.”
“Fine.” Rarity and Dash turned away from each other aggravated. Twilight sighs. She knew this was gonna be a long trip for all of them. She trots over to Applejack; who packs the Element of Honesty in her saddle bag. “Well, that’s two down four to go.” Twilight tried to make a conversation with her.
“Got that right, Twilight.” Applejack nodded. “But I don’t know how we’ll be findin’ the other ones.”
“Helpful said if we prove our full potential, it’ll return to us.” Twilight explained thoughtfully. “I’m sure they’ll pop up anytime.”
“Uh…okay, Twilight.” Applejack agreed with her old friend. She then laid out a blanket on the floor and made her little pallet. That night in the barracks, Helpful could not help, but stay awake. He has been thinking about what happening so far in his life. He woke up in Canterlot Castle and met Celestia; who gave him the title of Helpful the Selfless. She made him her most trusted servant, just because he helped her servants with their tough jobs. At the time he could not remember his past, but he did not care. He was sent toward Ponyville to finish a few tasks. Help Sweet Apple Acres pick apples, Help taste treats at Sugar Cube Corner, and receive a book from Twilight’s Library. He was supposed to be guided by Twilight Sparkle and Spike, but then everything went wrong, and if was not for that, he would not have met Fluttershy, the Mare of His Dreams, and neither would he have met the rest of their friends that day. After he was finished with his jobs, Helpful returned to the Castle to report back to Celestia, and then he was taught the history of the land he set hoof on. Later that night, he met Luna, Celestia’s younger sister. They had a conversation about the reality of Darkness. The next day, he was sent to Ponyville to stay. Pinkie Pie made him a Housewarming Party at the mansion. The next morning he met Sunny, his latest friend, and he found out she was more mothering than mean. Sure she had an attitude, but she was still reasonable.
They had to find Fluttershy the perfect present for her birthday party Helpful was invited to. After escaping from an Ursa Major, they gave Fluttershy Water Sapphire shards that she loved. Helpful received a hug as her thanks. The next day things seemed to have taken the turn toward this journey. Helpful actually was killed by Envious, but then he was brought back from Fluttershy’s Water Sapphire necklace. Helpful explained to his friends what an old stallion in his vision explained to him. After that, they set off through the Everfree Forest, pass the Edge of Equestria, trotted through a field, and helped the old town Shores-a-lot, and now they are sailing to the next Island. “I did all these things, but there are still questions.” Helpful thought. “How can my wings glow light? Why do I recognize my friends Cutie Marks, but can’t remember where I found them? And how does Envious know me? And that dream I had last night, did it actually happen?” The Tan Stallion sighs as he climbs down from his hammock and went up the stairs to the deck. He looks up into the moonless and starless sky. All he could see was the blackness of it all. He looks out onto the sea as he turned on a lantern to help him see.
He was busy lost in thought as he stared out toward the moving water that swayed the vessel he rode gently back and forth. Soon, his Train of Thought turned him toward anger. He slams a hoof on the railing, frustrated that he does not know who or what he is. “H-H…Helpful?” A soft voice seemed to have reached out to the Troubled Stallion; making him forget what he was trying so hard to figure out.
“F-Fluttershy?” Helpful turned around surprised that she found him out here. “W-What are you doing here?”
“U-um…I was just… I-I saw you on the deck…and I w-wanted to know…w-what you were doing.” Fluttershy explained nervously, but Helpful understood what she meant.
“I was just thinking.” Helpful sighed thoughtfully.
“Oh…what were you thinking about?” Fluttershy continued curious.
“I was…thinking about my life…”
“I-I see…” Fluttershy replied as Helpful leaned his head down sadly; making her concerned. “What’s wrong, Helpful?” Helpful did not answer. “Y-you can tell me. I can keep a secret…” Helpful sighs once more.
“I don’t really remember anything…” Helpful sat on the deck. “Sure, my life has had some happy moments, but I don’t know where I came from, and these wings,” Helpful outstretched his right wing. “They have some weird power and I’m not sure if I even am a pony.” Helpful sighed again. “My life is so…puzzling.” Fluttershy felt sorry for the Tan Stallion. After all this time, she thought he did not care about his past, but the reality was that it really did bother him, he just tried to forget so he would not have his friends worried. Feeling sympathy toward him, Fluttershy hugged Helpful; thinking that it would cheer him up. “Don’t worry, Helpful.” Fluttershy comforted him. “You may be different to yourself, and you can’t remember who you are, or where you came from, and I know that your Cutie Mark being gone isn’t helping, but…the way you act around others…I love it. The playful attitude you have when you’re having a good time…it entertains me. Other foals look up to you Helpful. Some might even say that you favor them. When you help others even though you understand you’re putting yourself in danger…sure it’s scary, but it’s what you are…and to me you always will be.” Fluttershy continued encouraging Helpful. “You will always and forever be my Helpful the Selfless.” After she finished, Fluttershy lets go of her hug on Helpful; who actually seems to feel a lot better.
“T-thank you, Fluttershy.” Helpful thanked gladly. The rest of the night, Helpful and Fluttershy sat beside one another as the vessel sailed across the dark sea, and the only light they had was a lantern and once that extinguished, Helpful used his wings to light the darkness. Soon, the night caught up with them and they went to bed.
In the Chamber of the Immortal Sorcerer, Magi summons a portal before him. It has been three centuries since the return of Envious. Now, he must slow the entity down as much as possible in order for Helpful and his comrades to find his Masterpiece: The Elements of Harmony, and Prince Joyful. They have already found two of the Elements, but they still have some ways to go. Walking through the portal, Magi had himself sent to the Arid Black Lands, a monstrous desert that is rumored that nopony has ever returned alive, but for Magi, he knew the desert and its ways. It seemed that the entire land was endless with dunes and sands everywhere. Focusing his magic, Magi could see thousands of Envious’ minions. The Cursed Prince must have sent a Battery, no, a Battalion toward a town in their direction. If Magi does not stop them soon, more lives could be lost. Thinking, Magi concentrated his power on the sands around him. The grains of rock began to shift into different patterns and pile on top on another the where they could form a singular solid body. Magi had created a Sand Golem with only a fraction of his power. It was humongous. Its entire body was made of ancient stone. It stood on its hind legs and it balanced itself on its feet. It raised its arms to an amazing length above its head. As soon as it was finished, Magi used his magic to create more like the first Sand Golem. Soon he finished six of them, and could see Envious’ Battalion of Minions coming straight toward them, and then the Old Stallion summoned the Ancient Scepter of Kronos. A long staff made out of an unknown metal and embedded on the top was an Ice Diamond; used by Kronos to summon his titans and other impossible spells. The Minion Battalion came closer, but then stopped in mid-air, and then Envious flew out slowly and landed on the sand below with the rest of his minions. “Magi! You dare oppose your king?” Envious laughed darkly. “Seems that your age has taken its toll.”
“Laugh now, Envious, but I will not obey a King of Torture and Sorrow.” Magi protested strongly. “You are not fit to be king. The Star Symbols did not see you ruling in peace, like Prince Joyful will.” Magi pointed upwards, Envious looked up toward the sky and could see the stars which he thought he stole back. “The Stars are more powerful than you think, Envious. You cannot just take them from their home.”
“You were foolish coming here, Magi!” Envious growled frustrated. “You will now be punished for disobeying the crown!” The Armored Entity of Darkness turned his attention to his Minion Battalion. “Attack, my Minions! Crush his puny statues to the sand they were before!” Immediately, the horrid pony-like beings charge at Magi and his Sand Golems. Magi smiled as Envious took the bait. Raising his Scepter, the Sand Golems raised their arms at the Minions; the palms straight toward them, as if they were stopping them. Magi then slung his Scepter to where it pointed at the incoming Battalion. A mysterious power appears in the Sand Golems’ palms, and then a huge bright energy blast shot from the Golems and hit the Minions; making them scream in agony. Once the blast ceased, the minions fell onto the ground unconscious. “No!” Envious shouted in intense anger. “You will pay, Magi!”
“You forget about the Sand Golems of the Black Lands, Envious.” Magi explained. “They are the guardians of this deserted land.” Infuriated, Envious dashed at Magi in full speed, threatening to impale him with his sharp wings. Magi dodges and took this advantage to counter attack. He used his Scepter to control one Sand Golems’ arms to hammer Envious into the sand. The Dark Alicorn was crushed under the Golem’s fist, but when Magi lifted it, Envious was gone. “Envious, you coward.” Magi thought out loud as he turned back to the unconscious creatures, but then they began to stir and awaken. Magi then used his Scepter to send them back to Envious, wherever he was. “This is only the beginning.” The Old Unicorn remarked as he contemplated on what to next.
The next morning, Helpful awakened earlier than most of the crewmates. He climbed off his hammock and trotted up to the deck. He found Slipknot jumping from one the masts down to the deck below and tied a rope down. “Whoa.” Helpful exclaimed in astonishment. The Unicorn stallion notices Helpful around and trotted over to greet him.
“Ahoy, Helpful!” Slipknot greeted kindly. “I see you’re up early.”
“Yeah, I’ve just had that type of nature, I guess.”
“Well, that’s good. Could you help me with the lines here?” Slipknot asked him. “They need to be tightened some more over what happened last night.”
“Sure, Slipknot.” Helpful replied as he held up a rope and tightened it hard.
“So tell me, Helpful.” The Unicorn conversed as he worked. “What do you think of Fluttershy?”
“Uh…” Helpful paused in mid-thought. “She’s a very beautiful mare. Why?”
“Oh, I was just wondering.” Slipknot replied as he tightened another rope down. “You see she favors you too.”
“Yes, I’ve noticed.” The Tan Pegasus smiled as he flew up to tighten a line up top. Once he tightened it, Slipknot was beside him; surprising Helpful.
“Why don’t you tell her your feelings for her?” Slipknot urged curious.
“It’s not that simple.” Helpful paused for a moment. “I mean, she has told me about her feelings for me last night, but…”
“But?”
“I don’t know if I can do that.” Helpful sighed.
“You shouldn’t be scared, Helpful.” The Unicorn explained comfortingly. “When a Lass tells you about her feelings for you, you tell her your feelings for her.”
“It’s not that I’m scared. It’s just…” Helpful stomped a hoof on the mast. “I don’t know!” Helpful leans his head on the mast irritated, and then Slipknot pats his back with assurance.
“It’s okay, Helpful.” Slipknot assured; calming him. “Just do your best to try.”
“Alright then.” Helpful replied with a smile.
“Good. Now, let’s get back to work.” Slipknot and Helpful continued their work on the deck almost all morning. Soon, everypony else awakened not too long after they finished, and Luckyshoes was satisfied toward Helpful and Slipknot for having the morning work done. “Good job, lads.” Luckyshoes bragged gladly. “You’ve gotten all the morning work finished. Now the rest of the crew can take a break…for the morning.”
“Land ho!” Lantern Light shouted from the Crow’s Nest above. How he got up there so quickly is one of the many mysteries on the Tide Churner. Immediately, everypony ran over to the railing. They could see a tropical island, which was covered in a dense jungle of tropical trees; there was also a volcano in the center, and they could see smoke coming from the top. “Welcome to Tropical Resort, where our live volcanos will surely incinerate you.” Sunny joked indifferently. “We also hope you enjoy the dangerous natives here too.” Fluttershy began to grow nervous as she stepped closer to Helpful for comfort.
“There aren’t any natives here, lass.” Luckyshoes assured comfortingly. “Or so we think, but we haven’t seen any actual ponies in there, so we think it’s empty.” Luckyshoes turns to his crew. “The tide’s up. What are you waiting for? An order? Get the ship on the Island, now!” The crew speedily began their work on the ship. Soon, they landed the ship on the beach, and they exited the ship once the tide stopped. “Okay, we’ll watch the ship for now. She’s takin’ a break from the sea so we can repair any damages from last night’s storm.” Luckyshoes explained to Helpful and his friends. “You take this time to explore the island.”
“Sure, Captain.” Helpful replied delightfully. “We’ll be back soon.”
“Just be back before the tide comes again.” Slipknot remarked. Helpful and the rest of his friends wave as they enter the jungle. Sunny rode of Helpful’s back as he walks with Fluttershy; who was very excited to see what animals she could find. Twilight and Spike was beside Pinkie Pie while Rarity wasn’t far behind with Rainbow Dash and Applejack. “Oh my goodness, Helpful.” Fluttershy giggled excitedly. “What kinds of animals do you think we’ll find in here?”
“I don’t know, Fluttershy,” Helpful replied thoughtfully as he scanned the tall trees and vegetation around them. “But if you’re excited, I guess I am too.”
“Aw. Isn’t that sweet?” Sunny teased the two. “Now remember, we still need to get back to the ship before the tide comes back. So let’s don’t spend too much time.” Twilight trotted up to Helpful and Fluttershy.
“The tide will be back before sunset.” Twilight explained gladly. “So we have plenty of time before we continue our voyage.”
“That’s good to hear, Twilight.” Helpful replied with a smile. “So then we don’t have much to worry about except lunch.”
“Hey, Sunny.” Spike grabbed Sunny’s attention.
“Hey, what?” Sunny replied indifferently.
“You think we’ll find any other dragons here?” Spike asked her curious.
“Well, actually Spike, other dragons can have greedy green eyes, and become very mean at most times.” Sunny explained.
“Yeah, I know, but do you think we’ll find a nice dragon?”
“Doubt it.” Sunny replied. “Look, Spike. I know you’re young and all, but the world can be more cold and cruel than you think.”
“Umm…”
“You haven’t been stuck wondering around in Equestria for most of your life, like I have.” Sunny paused in mid-thought; which made the others a little uneasy. Finally, Spike broke the silence.
“What made you start wondering in Equestria anyway?” Spike asked; bringing the other baby dragon out of her thoughts.
“Oh, uh…” Sunny paused for a sec. “Nopony ever asked me about that before. Hmm…” The young dragon tried to remember what happened so long ago. “I was in the care of a rich unicorn named Lord Snowtrot.” Sunny began her life story. “When you’d be born onto a rich pony’s house, you’d think that your life would get be better than other ponies.”
“Well…” Rarity thought out loud.
“But it didn’t. I was forced into strenuous labor as one of Snowtrot’s maids.” Sunny continued. “Day after day after day, cleaning and scrubbing the entire manor. It seemed that Snowtrot wouldn’t help me either. He didn’t care. All he cared about was finding a new mare to call his wife.” Sunny growled in anger as she burned a small tree beside Helpful to the ground. Everypony gave Sunny a surprised expression. She clears her throat. “Sorry about that.”
“It’s okay, Sunny.” Twilight assured still staring at the ashes of the tree. “Please continue.”
“Anyway, one night, there was a massive storm that hit the residence. The winds were so harsh that it flung open my window. So I took this advantage to escape, but I had nowhere else to go. I was lost, cold, scared, and hungry for many weeks and years.” Sunny sighed sadly as she remembered all the hardships she had to endure in her life. Applejack puts a comforting hoof on her friend’s shoulder. Sunny turns her gaze to the honest mare; who’s smile made her feel better. “Thanks.”
“No problem.” Applejack answered.
“Anyway, then I met Helpful; who was kind enough to let me live at his mansion.” Sunny continued. “I’m only paying him back by cleaning his place up, and I also got mixed up in his crazy attempt to get Fluttershy’s perfect present.” Sunny noggied Helpful playfully. “And now I’m here with you all.”
“Well, that makes total sense, Sunny.” Twilight explained.
“It does?” Sunny asked her friend confused.
“Yeah. It explains why you get so cold when you talk some sense into other ponies, and it explains why you work so hard, like a mother.” Twilight explained thoughtfully.
“Watch it, Sister.” Sunny shot back.
“Still our good little Sunny.” Helpful replied as Twilight and the others giggled, but then they hear a snap in the bushes; spooking them. Fluttershy hides behind Helpful in fear.
“You ready, Helpful?” Dash readied to pounce on whatever was coming from the bush.
“Sure.” Helpful assured, but then darts shot from the dense vegetation and hit Spike, Helpful, Sunny and, Dash in the neck; making them fall over unconscious. Helpful hit the ground with a thud. Fluttershy ran over to him concerned and tried to talk to him, but all Helpful could hear was dense sounds and mumbling. His eyesight blurred out as he fell asleep on the ground.