//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 The Shark Attack // Story: The Seaponies // by opuscon789 //------------------------------// Twilight woke up the next morning to find Numeral. “Numeral?” Twilight asked, shrinking back in her covers. “Sorry, I couldn’t pass up the chance to observe a land pony sleeping,” Numeral apologized, feeling a bit embarrassed. “Um, I guess it’s okay,” Twilight replied, climbing out of the covers. It was a bit awkward since she wasn't used to wading through the water around her. “How about you go wake the others while I throw together some breakfast?” Numeral suggested, gesturing to the still sleeping Pinkie Pie. “Will do, and thank you for your hospitality,” Twilight said. “Anytime,” Numeral said, swimming out of the guest room. “Pinkie Pie, time to wake up,” Twilight said, nudging the pink mare. She shot up. “Oh good, it wasn't just a dream!” Pinkie Pie sighed happily. “What do you mean, Pinkie?” Twilight asked. “I thought being here was just my imagination, but it’s not!” Pinkie Pie swam up and spun around. Twilight laughed. “Come on, let’s go wake up Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said. The two headed to the couch that the adventurous pony had crashed on the night before. “Good morning, Dashie!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. Rainbow Dash yawned and stretched her legs. “Where are we?” she asked, still dazed from waking up. “Atlantores, remember?” Twilight said. “Oh, right,” Rainbow said, coming to her senses. “Mmm…What’s that smell?” “Numeral is making breakfast,” Twilight explained. “Ooh−Yumerific!” Pinkie Pie bounced. Well, more like bobbed. They were underwater after all. Just then, Numeral came in with their meal. “I hope you like it, it’s steamed seaweed with bits of coral,” Numeral said. “How do you steam food underwater?” Rainbow asked. “Hydrothermal vents.” Numeral shrugged nonchalantly and “sat” down to eat. “What’s that?” Pinkie Pie asked, taking a ridiculously large bite of her food. “A hydrothermal vent is like hole in which hot water flows from,” Numeral explained. “Fascinating,” Twilight said. “Oh! So it’s like an underwater oven!” Pinkie Pie said, connecting the dots. “An oven?” “It’s like a box that cooks food,” Twilight clarified. “I don’t care how it’s made, if I can eat it it’s good!” Rainbow said, taking another bite from the meal generously offered to them. The others laughed. “Your world is so intriguing,” Numeral said, cocking his head. “I wish I could visit it as you can mine.” “That would be super duper fun! I could throw you a welcome party and show you around and you could meet all my friends, which is everypony! And−” Pinkie Pie burst. “Well, as fun as it would be, we were wondering if you could show us around your world,” Twilight interrupted. “I’d love to, but I've got to go to work at the lab today. Maybe I can get permission for all of you to watch,” Numeral offered. “Eh, that’s better than nothing I guess,” Rainbow said. “What?! It’s definitely ‘better than nothing’! It’s a great something! I’d be honored as to have the chance to witness seaponies at work,” Twilight said. “Great! Then let’s clean up and head on out,” Numeral said, happy that somepony had interest in his activities. The group quickly cleaned up their dishes and followed Numeral out the “door”. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie all looked around in awe at the strange creatures swimming around them. Suddenly, the group heard a scream. The area exploded with several cries and underwater ponies swimming around in chaos. “Ooh, fun!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, joining in the commotion. Rainbow Dash yanked her tail to keep her from drifting off. Rainbow gave Pinkie a what-are-you-thinking expression while Pinkie just shrugged and giggled. “What’s going on?” Twilight shouted over all the noise. Numeral looked scared. “Sharks.” “Sharks?” Twilight asked nervously. She had read about these creatures. Ponies have gone out to sea and have never returned due to attacks from these vicious animals. “I smell land ponies!” a deep, growling voice roared. Twilight assumed it was a shark and felt her heart beat faster. “We have a smell?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Shh!” Rainbow ordered. “Quickly, this way,” Numeral instructed, leading the friends behind a reef. Their colorful colors would blend in well with the environment. “He wants to mess with us? Why, I oughta show him a piece of my mind,” Rainbow Dash whispered fiercely. “No, Rainbow Dash. You see, sharks are ruthless individuals that are like three times bigger than you with razor sharp teeth…” Numeral explained. “Please, Numeral. I've taken on a dragon,” Rainbow said. “A dragon?” Numeral asked. “It’s a large, brutal, fire-breathing monster that can fly,” Twilight explained. “Unless of course, you’re talking about my baby dragon assistant, Spike. He’s the sweetest little thing, but probably because he’s been raised by ponies.” “You took one of those beasts on?” Numeral asked Rainbow. “Yes, I did. I kicked it right in the face,” Rainbow said proudly. “But, didn't that just make it mad? And wasn't Fluttershy the one who really defeated it?” Pinkie asked. “Fluttershy?” “Our friend. She specializes in animals,” Twilight explained. “Oh,” Numeral said. “Well, this isn't a dragon, Pinkie. I bet I could take it,” Rainbow said confidently. “I don’t think you should risk it. Don’t start the fight, only fight back,” Numeral said. Rainbow sighed. “But−” “Shh! It’s coming closer!” Twilight whispered urgently. The four ponies held their breath as the impending danger lurked about. “I still smell land pony, but I can’t find it. I will find you though, my prey. I will find you.” The shark swam off and the four exhaled in relief. “That was close,” Numeral said. “I still say I could've taken it,” Rainbow muttered. “Seriously, Rainbow. We need to be careful,” Twilight said. “Yeah, I mean getting hurt is no fun,” Pinkie Pie added. “Whatever,” Rainbow said. “I think it’s clear now. Are you all ready to see the lab?” Numeral asked. “I think that’d be the safest thing to do right now,” Twilight said. “And more fun than just being out here!” Pinkie Pie said. Rainbow just looked out at the distant waters. Come at me, shark. I dare you.