Pursuit
Pip was awoken by the gentle rocking of the ship, and the warm breeze that blew in through the open window. He lay motionless in the bed for a moment, just staring at the ceiling, listening to the quietness around him. There was movement to his left, it was Dinky. He continued his ponderous inspection of the roof above, images of the previous night dancing in his vision. He wondered what had become of Quillweave and the Guardians, not to mention the locals.
These thoughts sailed through the channels of his imagination. He was glad to be back at sea though. Its familiar smells, tastes, movement, even the knowledge of its perils. It all worked in unison to calm his battered thoughts. He continued to quietly contemplate what the next part of their voyage would bring. He was startled from his thoughtful stupor by a gentle, warm nuzzle upon his neck followed by a foreleg draped across his middle. He looked over to where Dinky now faced him, her face partially obscured by her pillow so all he could see was one side, a single golden eye looked back at him, an infectiously warm smile greeting him.
His worries washed away at the sight, he leaned over and kissed her gently. She nuzzled closer as she asked, “What’s the matter?”
Pip wanted to tell her nothing, that he was fine, but he’d learned long ago that it would not work on her. She had proven time and again that she possessed an uncanny ability to read him like an open book. It was rare he could manage to hide any of his feelings from her, and when he was able to it didn’t last long.
“I can’t help but wonder what were sailing into. Since we left Jibland things have only grown more complicated, I fear we are out of our element here. I wonder what it is that drives our quarry to such extremes. I can’t help but worry about the safety of our ship and crew, I fear for all our safety.” He admitted quietly.
Dinky looked at him with softness, “You are right to fear.” She said, this shocked Pip a bit, “But,” she continued, “You fear the wrong things. Our ship and crew are strong. We’ve handled ourselves with care and discipline throughout the years, we can hold our own better than many. We’ve all seen a great many things, some kind, many more horrifying. Battles have come and gone and we’ve done our bids when called upon. This is no different, trust in us as much as we trust in you and we’ll all do fine. What you should fear instead is what will become of home if we don’t do something, or our friends safety if we stop now, before we put a stop to this.” She finished calmly.
Pip would never understand how she seemed to know exactly what to say to calm his nerves, it always worked though. He lay there for a quiet moment letting her words echo in his mind. Dinky again pulled him out of his daze, scooting close to him and laying her head upon his chest. She looked at him warmly and asked, “What happened on that island? Who were those other ponies?”
Pip was at first reluctant to talk about it, but she needed to know. He never hid things from her before, he was not about to start now. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before he dove into the story of his adventures on the island.
As he told his mare of the different sides that fought for control of the island and the things he learned of the lost empire where the Guardians and Draquus came from he noticed, like many other times he’d told her of his exploits, that she never once took her eyes off him. She listened in silent fascination through each part, only interrupting him once or twice to ask a question before letting him continue.
Each time he got to a part where he had been in danger he could feel a squeeze around his middle, a sharp intake of breath, as if he might vanish from existence as she woke from a dream. Pip continued onward, Dinky as attentive as a young filly during the stories told on nightmare night. He told her of how the attack began on the port had began, of the Guardians seemingly appearing from thin air to crush the line of Draquus. Pip then doubled back and told her about Quillweave, the Guardian who had once been a member of the very enemy he fought. She was very interested by the story behind the strange pony. He finished his story with the view he’d had as they sailed out of the port, of the final stand of the Guardians of which he admitted he knew not of what had become of them.
Pip lay there quietly once more after he finished his story. He looked down to where Dinky still remained, her head resting on his chest. She was looking right back at him, quiet and content. After a moment she asked in a hushed tone, “Do you think they are still alive?”
It was as if she had read the thoughts directly on his mind, it took him off guard a bit. He didn’t think she’d be concerned about the outcome of the ponies on the island, not because she wouldn’t care, but because she’d had not been there, they were strangers to her after all. He just looked at her, not really knowing how to answer, “Why do you ask?” He replied.
“Well I was hoping to someday thank them for bringing you back to us safely. And for doing what they did to help us all make it out of there.” She replied simply.
“We can only wait and hope they yet live.” Pip replied quietly.
Dinky lifted his hat from the table with magic and set it upon his head, “And until we find out we must continue our pursuit of those who threaten our home. What say you my captain?” She said with a flirtatious smile.
“So we will.” Pip replied, wrapping her in a warm embrace.
-----------------
The sun was warm, the sea calm, but there was not enough to allay their problem. In the night they had lost track of their quarry. Pip knew it could not be by any mistake of his crew. Something else drove the other ship on quicker pace than any other he’d encountered. Their pursuit was lost, but he was determined that they would find it again, one way or another.
As if on cue with his thoughts there was a call from the spotter up front. “Sails!”
At once Pip quickly made his way to the scope. He wanted to see this ship before it vanished again. Glaring through the scope it took him but a moment to spot the ship in question. His momentary motivation at spotting their quarry was quickly replaced with curious wonder. It was not their target, not the ship they were chasing but rather one of their own, a vessel flying the flag of Equestria. He was at least happy word he carried of their recent endeavor would travel back home quickly.
“Radko,” Pip requested, “please fly the banner.”
At once Pip could hear the ropes and bustle as the banner of the Royal Navy was posted. Pip watched carefully for the acknowledgement from the other vessel. It came, their own flag rising into the air to recognize their approach.
They continued towards the vessel, preparing to meet with the crew, as was custom. Soon they were side by side, the sailors quickly lashing the ships loosely together and lowering planks one may trot across.
Pip was at once requested to the Captains quarters. It was warm, the lighting was sparse but not dark, and a warm breeze blew in through an open window. In front of him sat the Captain of the vessel. His host sat before him, he was a grayed stallion, old and wise, his coat was carefully groomed, the dark tan color broken only by streaks of sun bleached hair. The Sailor pony had a short cropped mane, military cut, and a short docked tail. Everything about him was professional military bearing. Pip was sure to be respectful.
The Captain invited Pip to have a seat, which he took promptly.
“You must be Master Pip of the Bonnie Lass.” He said.
“Yes, the very same, your well informed.” Pip replied.
Well one does not serve in the Equestrian Navy for as long as I have without being familiar with the different ships and their respective captains.” He replied with good humor.
This was true, Pip knew most of the ship Captains by name at least, even if he’d never met them personally. Yet something made him question the Captains answer. It was simple, but enough for him to doubt, and so he asked, “If you have been in service for so long why is it I’ve never heard of you nor encountered your vessel myself?”
“Quick and intuitive. I can see why you and your crew are so well known in the various ports about Equestria. But to answer your question, it is a simple thing. As you no doubt know my vessel at least you must know that first and foremost it is a scout ship, we don’t sail with the main body of the navy unless requested to do so. We deal more in the long range deployment. Our duty is to seek out threats that patrol our borders at sea. Often times we are the ones who intercept other nation’s vessels if they sail into our waters without permission or, more rarely, as an act of violence. We also assist our neighboring sister nations with matters of security as well, again, when requested. As this all stands we are rarely in port for long, less than a night most times and we are hard pressed to sail into any one port more than once or twice every year, we make use of any port around that is friendly to the crown.” Replied the Captain.
“I see, and by we I assume there are other ships like yours?” Pip asked.
“Yes, you see, ships like mine while a bit bigger than yours, carry no more armament, I dare say less so even than yours. Our strategy in a fight, if it comes to that, is to out maneuver the other vessel, but with that said, we tend to travel in pairs, safety in numbers and all.” He replied.
“I saw no other vessels on our approach, are you alone this time?” Pip questioned closer.
“And now we get to the thick of my story. I imagine your chasing something, likely the very same thing that passed us just this previous night. I know this simply because of your reputation and your heading, which may I say is still spot on to your quarry. I know this because we are after the same thing, last night we spotted a vessel, my sister ship and I. It is massive, black as can be, sails and all. And so we made to follow, early in the morning we lost sight of it, but not because it outran us, rather because of a decision I am beginning to regret. You noticed the lack of sails upon my vessel did you not?” he said.
Pip had admittedly not noticed, he looked out the doorway quickly and down to the front of the vessel, no masts blocked his vision. Steam ship he realized.
“I can see on your face you know what I speak of. Yes, my ship is steam powered. A great thing, or so I had believed when I decided to take them on, they’ve proven all but perfect since. They are the very reason I remain here, dead in the water so to speak, we are not stranded, but repairs take time, so we wait. And as for my sister ship, they elected to continue the chase as they are still under sail, I must admit her captain made a better choice to stick to sail, mainly at least, his ship is outfitted with a smaller version of my ships engine, more of an accent to the sails than the whole propulsion system. Much more efficient if you ask me.” He replied with just a touch of self loathing.
“I see. Do you need anything? We may not have any of what you need to repair your engine, as we are sail only, but we can help with most anything else if you need.” Pip replied.
“Very respectful of you friend, but were well in supply on both parts, our sister ship saw to that before heading out. We will be operational again within a day or so, after that we, to my chagrin, will be returning to port to undergo more detailed repairs.” The captain said.
“Well, then in that case there is something you can do for my crew and I.” Pip requested.
“Very well, I imagine I can help you out, but in return I want you to send word to my sister ship of our return to port when you catch up to her, as I imagine you will. Now, what is it I can do for you, Captain Pip.” He replied.
“The same. Information. We’ve been following this ship since we left a port south of here. That port, its part of a community, Gallopfry. They’re a peaceable people, but the ones were after have taken control of their island. They’re using it as a launch port for their attacks on the coast of Equestria, and possibly Cervidas I would imagine. We were there for awhile, a group known as the Guardians were there combating an enemy they know simply as Draquus, whether or not that is what they call themselves as a whole I don’t know, but I know that they are a force to be reckoned with they are who we are in pursuit of now. Our escape was only possible by the efforts of the local Islanders and the Guardians, all in hope that we would get word to the crown. The last we saw of them as we sailed out of port was their lines being overrun. I don’t know what happened after that. But I promised to send word for help.” Pip replied in length.
The ship Captain stared at him for a moment, obviously gauging what he’d just told him. He stood and walked out on the deck, Pip followed him. The wind was picking up.
“Very well, I’ll send word, you should go though, every moment you are here is a moment our enemy gains distance. Don’t forget your word to me. Find the other ship and either help them or send them back my way, it’s up to you. You’re looking for a ship called the Horizon. Now go, time is short.
With that Pip and his crew cast off from their short meeting with the long range patrol vessel. He now noticed the ships name, The Charger. Seemed fitting he though. They pulled away quickly, the sea was a bit choppy but the wind was good and strong to their backs so they were making good time, no doubt they’d catch up with the Horizon in fair time.
Soon the Charger was far behind them as they made way through the sea. Pip stood at the helm next to Dinky as she steered the Bonnie Lass through the roughening waters. There was a voice from above Pips head, it was Stormwing, she hovered just above them, keeping pace with the ship like it was no task at all.
“What can I help you with Storm?” Pip asked.
To this she gave a strong push with her wings and landed abruptly upon the deck, a rare thing for her, as normally she would glide about the ship for most of the day, pausing only to eat or sleep. She only landed to address him in case of one thing. Weather.
“Captain, the wind is getting devilish out here, ahead the sea is getting harsh, I think we’re in for a gale. I can smell it in the air as much as see it. Best start preparing for a good one.” She said, before walking down to the deck, another rare sight as usually she’d have just flown off, if she had decided to walk and remain on deck things indeed were bound to get rough.
Pip at once set to giving commands to prepare for rough seas. The crew started in due time, then some of them, the ones who’d been with him for awhile, noticed Stormwing on board among them, they then started to work in double time, checking and rechecking everything they did. Soon the entire ship was a bustle with motion and action.
As they worked the seas indeed began getting rougher, the wind began to pick up more, they soon pulled the sails close to prevent them from being torn off by the strong winds. Big billowing black clouds started to roll in from their front, soon the rain started, a sprinkle at first, then a calm drizzle for a long while. By then they had secured the deck for storms and Pip had ordered all but what was necessary below decks to help with securing the storage and other loose material.
It proved to be a good call as soon enough the black clouds surrounded them, it grew darker, and the ever present wind was starting to howl. The waves churned and splashed against their hull as Dinky navigated through the rough waters. She was doing fine, but Pip knew before long she’d hand over control to Radko, who was used to sailing in rough seas and was their best at it.
Things would become very rough indeed before long, Pip knew. But they had to continue on. He went into his quarters where Nixx now stood over the charts. “Greetings Captain.” He said as Pip made his way to him.
“Hello, Nixx, where are we right now.” Pip asked the technician.
“Well were right around here, he said pointing with a pencil to an empty space of water between Gallopfry and the coastal town of Stableside. Soon they would be coming across the ruins of the Eternity Bridge, a thought that Pip, and many other sailors, disliked. The waters around the ruins were plagued with strange tales and stranger creatures.
Pip put those thoughts aside quickly; his attention was needed for the task at hand. He could worry about the things that lurked about the ruins later, after the storm.
Presently his attention was drawn away from the charts by a shout, one he’d not expected to hear so soon, as they’d only been back at sea for no more than four hours.
It was a call from the spotter next to the helm, he claimed to see sails ahead. Pip looked incredulously at Nixx, who returned the doubtful look back. Pip quickly worked his way to the helm. The spotter stepped aside as he approached to allow Pip a quick view through the scope. The pelting rain was coming down in sheets, the sea was rough, this made it a bit more difficult to get a bead on what the spotter had called on.
After a few moments though Pip also saw the sails ahead, it was no doubt the Horizon. Pip had doubted they would have caught up with them so quickly, but perhaps the storm had slowed them down as it had his ship as well. Either way it was good to find them so quickly. He could pass the word and be on his way quickly enough.
“I believe that’s our current target, the Horizon. She matches all descriptions. Let’s get to her then, I have word to pass on before we continue, and I’d like to get that chance before the sea gets to angry.” Pip said.
They were currently under storm sails, meaning less material present on the masts to catch wind, the ones up were small, just enough to keep them going and in control of the ship. Pip gave an order to bring up just a few more of their smaller sails to help speed up their rendezvous.
Soon they were under way. Moving at a fast pace and closing on the Horizon quickly. The storm had its own plans as well, as they drew closer peals of lightning and loud cracks of thunder began to flash and crash through the ever darkening clouds. The rain got heavier, but luckily enough the waves had yet to worsen. They drew upon the Horizon just as the wind was starting to pick up more.
“Captain....” Came the broken voice of their spotter.
“Yes? What is it?” Pip replied absently as he prepared himself to send word.
“Captain....” Came the voice again.
“What?” Said the spotter once more, to Pips annoyance.
“Out with it would you!” Pip sniped back as he turned to the spotter.
The pony stood there looking over the scope, his eyes were open wide as he looked ahead. Pip looked to the Horizon as well but could see nothing that would spark such a reaction.
“What is it?” He said as he gave the ponies shoulder a nudge.
“Again....Like the last one.” He said.
“What do you mean?” Pip said as he gently nudged the spotter aside so he could see through the scope.
What he saw made his stomach drop into his hooves. In that instant he knew exactly what the spotter meant.
“Dinky, give the helm to Radko if you would please. And I suggest you steel yourself, your about to see exactly what we found on that last ship.” Pip said calmly. Radko promptly, but kindly, took over for Dinky, who trotted over quickly to Pips side, standing close.
“Bring us close Master Radko.” Pip said above the thunder, wind, and rain.
They shifted quickly in their course, closing with the Horizon with rapid precision. Radko had grown up sailing the rough seas around the Hoviet Union, his skill at navigating harsh seas was unmatched, with him at the helm now it seemed as though the waters had calmed to that of a windy day.
That struck Pi as odd though. He’d been in rough seas with Radko at the helm many times before and while it did tend to calm it was not by this degree, nor so suddenly. He looked about quickly, the calmness was not provided by Radko he soon realized, but in fact much of the water around the area was strangely calm around them as they drew closer to the Horizon.
The thought and realization struck him as odd but he’d seen stranger things at sea and soon the strangeness left his mind. It was forced out by the gasps of the crew still on deck, and the strangled yelp from Dinky.
Now side to side with the horizon the scene played out much like the last ship they’d found in similar events. Just as frightful and gruesome.
On deck the scene played out like a recurring nightmare. The crew were again, all dead and gutted. But this time they were not hung from the rigging above. The bodies were, most of them anyway, hung from bow to stern, strung about their hind legs one right after another, side by side, forming a haunting skirt about the ships sides. Each body bled out across the hull of the ship as it swayed in the swell of the ocean. As it moved, so did the bodies, swaying to and fro, bouncing and sliding across the hull. The once white sides of the vessel were now smeared, and painted with red; the blood was spread over every plank that didn’t touch water. The parts of the hull that did contact the water were still white, washed clean by the sea, which ran dark from the blood that flowed into it. One thing Pip noticed past the horrid image was the lack of sharks around the ship. Very odd.
There was a retching sound from the other side of the ship as one or two of the crew lost their meals over the side. All was quiet, even against the thunder, rain, and wind one could hear the ponies vomit splash to the water. Nopony breathed for what seemed like minutes. None of them dared speak, the scene aboard the other ship was just like that of the last one, just as gruesome, just as haunting.
A glint broke Pips riveted stare. He looked up to the ships helm, another glint flashed in the darkening sky. Pip turned the scope and looked through it. The glint flashed again. That’s when he saw it.
The Captains body. Standing at the helm as though still sailing. He was quite dead for certain, the spear that held him up saw to that. The shine that had drawn Pips attention was no less but that of another medallion. It was jammed in the dead captain’s mouth, held in place with a strap that forced the bodies jaw to stay clamped about it, holding it in place. Pip had to stifle a gag. But he knew he had to get that medallion.
“Radko, Get us as close as you can, I have to get aboard her.” Pip said loudly.
Radko looked at him in surprise. But he did so without question. They were soon close enough that one could jump over to the other deck on the upswell. Pip lashed a rope about his middle with some help from Dinky, magic was much better for that tedious work.
“Be careful. Come back to us in one piece.” She said as he prepared to jump over.
Pip gave her a wink as the ship rose in the sea, the deck rising above that of the Horizons. Pip gave a strong leap and cleared the gap between ships without as much as a slip. He undid his safety line and lashed it to a post. Pip walked carefully across the deck, careful not to step on anything or run into anything that he might miss on the floating grave.
Everything was in order on the deck, lashed down for storm weather just like the Bonnie Lass. Only the dents and splintered wood from rifle shot and sword blades showed beyond that.
As Pip continued to make his way to the helm he noticed that most of the lines to the sails had been cut. He was even more appalled to see more of the crew. The few not hanging from the sides were on board, manning cannons and checking charts. All of them dead and held up in gruesome puppet like positions, held up with rope and nails. Every one of them gutted as well. It was all he could do not to vomit as well.
Pip made it to the steps and made his way up to the helm. He looked down at the ship’s deck below; he no noticed it was also awash with blood. Every bit of it not washed off from the rain was covered in the red liquid. The smell mixed with that of the sea and rain, a truly strange smell that permeated ones memory.
Pip looked back up to the helm. The captain of the ship was held in place by lengths of rope and nails. His hooves were pinned to the deck with the nails and the wheel, while the weight of his body and head were held up by a collection of ropes and pulleys. A single spear was punched through the ponies gut and stuck into the deck, holding fast and preventing sway. The spectacle reminded Pip of a nightmarish version of a marionette.
He pushed all the fear and revulsion down, a monumental task at the sight of this horrid concoction of cruelty. He carefully edged closer to the corpse. He could see the medallion now, gripped between the ponies teeth as if trying to bite down on it. Its lanyard was missing. There was no way for pip to pull it out by hoof. A sudden wave of illness swept over him as he realized what he had to do. He took a steadying breath and moved closer. Soon he was so close he could smell the fur on the ponies face, the blood from its wounds. The medallion was sticking out an inch from the ponies gripping bite. Pip took one last breath and leaned in, grabbing the medallion with his teeth. He pulled back carefully and the medallion slid out. Pip quickly set the doubloon in his satchel and promptly threw up on the deck at his feet.
He spit to clear his mouth of the acrid taste of vomit. He looked back up at the body. He was instantly taken back to fear at what he now saw. The ponies eye was looking right at him. Pip at first thought it was just the death stare he’d missed at first, but then the eye blinked. Slowly and with great effort; fear gripped him as he now noticed the pony’s shallow, greatly labored breathing. He was alive. Pip just stood in frozen fear, unsure of what to do.
His horrified stare and fast breathing was broken suddenly by a sharp rock of the ship’s deck. He looked around for the source but could see nothing. It came again, a strong bucking movement as if something had hit the ship. Pip looked to the Bonnie Lass to see if it was rubbing the side. But she still had at least four feet of clearance between them, Radko ever careful to prevent an unwanted impact. They were all watching him intently he noticed.
The ship’s deck rocked again, this time strong enough to make Pip stumble just a bit. He looked back around when a noise pricked his ears. He listened again, it was a whiney of pain, weak and strangled, coming from the still living captain. Pip went to move closer to the pony, unsure what exactally he could do at all to help. The captain’s eyes were now wide with horror, rolling about in his head. Pip didn’t understand, did the pony think he was there to bring him more pain?
He heard a rasping sound from the ponies mouth, he leaned in close on a curious whim. He had heard correctly, a strangled word, a whisper came again, he could hardly hear it but he understood immediately.
“....run....”
Pip was on the move at once, no further debate on if he should try helping the pony or not. Whatever could spark fear in a pony so close to death was enough to tell Pip it was not good. He made it down the stairs in a flash, grabbing the rope he started to fasten it about his middle once more, but was interrupted when the ship’s deck heaved powerfully to one side and knocked him from his hooves. The rope flew free, picked up by the strong winds to a level Pip would not be able to reach.
He gained his hooving quickly as he could; the ship was calm again. He looked and listened as he moved towards the ships side once more. There was a strange noise from the other side of the vessel. A snapping of rope, followed by splashes. He listened closer and could hear a strange noise, as if something like sandpaper was being dragged along wet wood.
Pip cautiously strode to the opposite side of the vessel and stopped at the railing. Once there he took a deep breath and carefully peered over the side. Once again he was shocked to see a new horror, from below the water emerged a number of tentacles, each of them as big around as his body was long, a couple of them were twice that size, they were gripping the side of the ship. The tentacles snaked their way up the side of the ship, the ones that came into contact with the dangling corpses wrapped around them one at a time and began to pull, followed closely by a snap of the breaking rope and a splash as both tentacle and body fell as one into the sea. The tentacles that didn’t touch a body continued along their trail up the side of the ship.
It was enough to get Pip moving, he broke into a gallop, grabbing a length of rope as he went, it’s end had been cut and he promptly jumped as the swell dropped, the Bonnie Lass went up as he went down, it looked as though he would smash into the side of his own ship but the swell changed once more and just as he was about to hit the side the deck sunk just to his level and he released the rope from his mouth. He was in freefall for just a moment before he crashed painfully onto the deck of his own ship.
“Go NOW!” he shouted at Radko.
He’d barely recovered from the crash landing when he shouted this and grabbed up a rifle all at once, the words almost lost as the gripped the gun in his mouth and ran up to the helm.
The others stood there in shock at the sight of their Captains haste and apparent fear.
“What is it Captain?” Radko asked as he began to turn the wheel.
“Just go! You’ll see soon enough! Just get us out of here before it’s too late!” Pip shouted back.
He galloped up the stairs and once on the high point of the deck he set the rifle against the railing and took aim. He had to do one more thing before they got too far away. He looked down the sight with practiced ease, he did his best to steady his breath. There was a collective gasp from his crew as they saw what had prompted his haste and fear. There issued forth many shouts from them all as he tried his best to calm his nerves.
The swell picked up again, the Bonnie Lass rising quickly above the Horizon. The wind was whipping into his eyes, rain pelting him from every angle. He ignored the pain and focused on his target as it came into view.
He took a steadying breath and tracked his target as the swell began to shift once more. He breathed in once more and held it for a split second as he pressed the trigger release. There was a sharp and loud crack as the rifle went off, the recoil punching into his shoulder with a heavy nudge. His shot was true as he watched. The captain of the other ships head burst open, spraying brains and blood into the air. Not but a second later a large tentacle wrapped around the body and pulled it from its securing’s with the snaps of rope and audible crunch of bones.
They were pulling away quickly now. As they watched, two massive tentacles emerged from the ocean on the other side of the Horizon, slowly and methodically wrapping around the ships middle and dipping back below the surf. There was a thunderclap of sound as the ship’s hull began to shatter. Planks flew loose, cracking of timber echoed across the sea to play in their ears.
There was a buck that broke them of their show, their own deck heaving, much like had happened while Pip was aboard the other ship. The realization hit him heavily.
“To battle stations!” He bellowed at the top of his lungs.
The crew exploded into action, they were trained well, much to Pips satisfaction, no hesitation.
Soon the guns were brought to bear, guncrews ready both above and below. Others were ready with sword and axe.
There was another strong buck of the deck and in an instant their ships forward movement was arrested. They were caught fast. It grew quiet, then after a moment Pip could hear it. The sandpaper against wet wood sound, it came from all directions.
Mere moments passed before the first tentacle emerged above the railing, followed by a dozen more from all sides, turning their view from stormy ocean and breaking ship to a waving sheet of tentacles.
“Hold steady!” Pip said hastily.
The tentacles rose higher, then bent and formed close to the ship’s deck, they slithered past the guncrews, who promptly sidled away from them quickly. Pip noticed at once that the tentacles were small, barely the same width of one of his legs, long and agile. They were covered in little hairs as well. There were gasps and muffled shouts as they slithered about the deck, often brushing up against a pony’s leg, or side.
Pip was waiting for the right moment to give the order to strike which was rapidly approaching. One tentacle was approaching Dinky, who stood motionless, not out of fear he could see, she did not shake but watched carefully as the thing snaked towards her slowly. Pip took a breath in to give the command, but was promptly interrupted by Nixx who was just behind him.
“No captain, don’t.” he said quietly.
“What do you mean don’t!” We have to get it off our ship!” Pip said in a haughty reply
“I don’t think it’s attacking.” Nixx responded.
“What?! Are you serious? Look at the other ship!” Pip replied.
One could now see the other ship sinking slowly below the surf. The bodies that had been strung from the side were almost all missing now, taken by the tentacles.
“It’s not, I don’t think this is what you believe it to be.” Nixx said.
“It’s a serpent, a hunter; it’s going to do to us what it just did to the Horizon.” Pip spat back.
“No, it isn’t. Yes, your right, it is a serpent, a Kraken if you will, but not like the ones that live in Eternities Crossing. Otherwise I think we’d already be dead.” Nixx said hastily as a tentacle creeped up one of his legs.
“Then what is it! Tell me before I decide! Quikly!” Pip replied in quicker tones.
“I think it’s a Carrion Squid.” Nixx said.
“Carrion Squid? You mean like dead stuff Carrion?” Pip asked.
There was no response from the tech. Pip looked back and could now see a tentacle wrapped fully about the techs body and probing cautiously up to his face.
Pip turned and made to cut it with sword but Nixx quickly held up a hoof to stop him. Pip could do nothing but watch as the tentacle slithered up to nixes face; it let go with its end and promptly extended this past the techs face and turned to face him. That is if it had a face. There it hung in the air in front of the techs face. Pip could see the hairs it was covered in swaying gently to and fro. Nixx stood still and then just as he would a candle, blew on the end of the tentacle.
The hairs retracted just a bit in response. But then it swayed there for a moment, slowly it began to retreat, unwinding from around the techs body slowly and carefully. Pip looked around the ship, a couple other crew members had had the tentacles wrapped around them as well but were now being released as well.
Pip and the others watched in fascination as the tentacles slowly retreated back over the edge of the ship. He walked slowly to the edge and peered over. The tentacles had stopped just above the water, gripping the Bonnie Lass’s hull. It still was not releasing them. But then to his amazement they began to undulate, front to back, shifting in a wave, the ones at the end dropping into the sea. Pip could feel the ship moving now, slowly at first, but then quickly picking up pace.
“It’s pushing us.” He heard Nixx say next to him.
It was unmistakable now. The undulating movement of the tentacles was pushing them forward at a quickening pace. Soon the last one dropped into the sea and they were moving quickly away from the last throes of the Horizon, which only had a part of the deck and the masts showing above the water now.
Pip trotted up to the helm and looked out over the sea behind them; it was now that he could see the full aspect of the creature that resided just below the surface. A flash of lightning lit the area around them like it was day. In that instance Pip saw the massive monster. It was fully the length of at least three of his own vessel from bow to stern. It’s width was that of at least one and a half of his ship from port to starboard. It was truly a massive animal, masses of tentacles waved about the front, or at least he figured as the front, of its body, some were small like those that had been aboard the Bonnie Lass, and others were massive, as big around as some of the cannons on the ships of the line in the Equestrian Royal Navy. It was a sight to behold indeed. He was at once glad it was not a true Kraken indeed.
The brief moment was interrupted as they were once again swallowed by the storm. The gale hit them full force as they sailed back into the rough of it. The crew quickly retreated below decks to seek shelter, all but the ones needed on deck, those left on deck fastened lengths of rope around themselves to keep from being thrown overboard as they did their work. Dinky, at the request of Pip retired to their cabin, but not before she secured a rope tightly about Pips middle.
Pip handed the satchel off to her, making sure she gave the medallion to Nixx once inside.
As they sailed the storm steadily grew worse. Soon the rain was driving down in buckets, the wind howled in an angry tone, lashing anything and everything in its reach. Lightning tore through the sky lighting the black waves as they broke upon the prow.
Pip was very thankful for the safety ropes more and more after each wave that broke over their ship. The storm had sent everypony below except for Pip, Radko, and Danza. The three of them did all they could to keep the ship on course and in one piece. Radko fought the wheel at every point. He still wore the armor the Guardians had given to him back in Gallopfry, he’d grown accustomed to it and was no longer hindered by any means by it. This proved lucky for Pip at one point in the storm.
He was struggling with a line that had come undone in the gale, fighting to retie the soggy line to its post. There was a clattering of hooves to his side; he figured it was Danza chasing down a rope himself. That was wrong, as it was proved otherwise when an explosion of pain erupted about his head, stars flooding his vision as he was bowled over by something.
Pip looked up just as his assailant was rearing up to deliver a crushing blow. All he could do in his dazed state was watch. Before the pony could strike though he lurched forward as if something had struck him from behind, that was when Pip noticed the single metallic spear tip sticking through its chest. The pony paused before lurching forward, sliding off the spear like rod as it slumped to the deck where it was promptly washed overboard by the next wave.
The next thing the dazed Pip knew was the feeling of being lifted and carried into shelter. Everything was getting blurry and the pain was ever-present. He could hear voices around him. They were insistent, frantic, but still held to some modicum of calm. He could make out the surgeons voice just enough to know he was in good care. He was still unsure of what all had transpired. Pip could hear Dinky talking quietly next to him, but the pain drown out most of her words, shortly after he felt a pinprick on his arm and he was quickly out like a light in a restless sleep.