//------------------------------// // Bon Voyage // Story: Daring Do and the Crown of Corruption // by Dr Dash //------------------------------// “Never in all my years on the sea have I witnessed a pony board a ship of mine in such a ridiculous fashion!” the captain said as he escorted Daring, Sirius, and Azure to their cabin. He was a caramel brown color, and his mane had gone grey with age. He sported a full beard, and a tobacco pipe was clutched in the corner of his mouth. He wore an old naval uniform, slightly faded with age. “Being late for departure is one thing, but falling out of the sky in a carriage like some sort of wayward pegasus transport?” he laughed, “That’s going in the logbook for sure.” They followed the captain down to the third deck. He entered a small hallway to the left of the staircase and stopped. “Here’s your quarters” he said, pushing the wooden door open with his hoof. “Go ahead and get settled, then come find me at the bridge. I’ll give you the grand tour.” Daring closed the door behind him as he left, then turned to examine their accommodations. Three bunk beds were mounted to the wall opposite the door, with a ladder for ease of access. To the left of the beds was an old writing desk, above which a small porthole swung lazily open, the sea breeze wafting in. Opposite the desk was a large sea chest for storing valuables, and a small couch. Azure was once again a hive of unrestrained energy, and she shot around the cabin excitedly, her tiny wings buzzing and lifting her several inches off the floor. “Now, this is a prisoner transport ship” said Daring, “so remember to be careful around the other passengers, kid.” Azure stopped for a moment and turned to her mentor. “What’s the worst that could happen?” After storing their luggage, the trio headed up to the ship’s bridge. It was a hive of activity, uniformed ponies manning various stations and dials. The captain was at the helm, his eyes locked in an unwavering gaze on the open sea. He turned to face them as they entered. “Ahoy mateys!” he said with a chuckle, “All settled then, are we? Report, little one!” Azure jumped slightly before snapping her hoof into a salute. “Yes sir!” The captain laughed. “Ye’ll make a fine crewman by voyage end, little one!” He smiled warmly, and beckoned them over to his position at the wheel. “Now then, for some proper introductions.” He swept off his hat and took a slight bow, revealing a bald sunburnt head crowned with grey hair. “They call me Jolly Roger, but Captain Roger or just Cap’n will suit me just fine. Who might you be again? I’m a wee bit forgetful when it comes ter names.” “I’m Azure, sir!” she said excitedly, “And this here is the one and only Daring Do, the best adventurer this side of Equestria! And our buddy here is Sirius.” “Nice to meet ye! Now then, how about that tour I promised?” He turned to one of the ponies manning the navigation charts, a large silver stallion with a white scar across his nose. “Ironclad! Man the helm!” Ironclad nodded, and took up the same position the captain had been holding. “Ironclad’s my first mate. Known him for years, toughest seadog I’ve ever met. Why, he once saved me and me crew single-hoofedly from twenty pirate raiders, completely unarmed!” Ironclad shook his head with a smirk. “It was only four, sir.” “I know that! I was tryin’ to show you up for our lady friend here!” The captain nudged Daring with his hoof. “He ‘aint got a special somepony, just so’s ya know!” Daring glanced over at Ironclad and winked as he rolled his eyes. “Right then! On with the tour!” They followed Captain Roger out of the bridge and down below decks. The smell of grilling fish signalled their arrival at the first stop on the tour, the galley and mess hall. They entered a large room lined with benches and tables, with enough space to seat at least 20 ponies comfortably. Across the room was a buffet style counter, behind which a full kitchen was laid out. A dark green unicorn stallion in an apron was busy chopping up various vegetables and dropping them into a stew pot. “Hey Cookie! We’ve got some visitors ter see ya!” said the captain as they approached. The stallion turned to face them, an eyepatch adorning his left eye, behind which a large scar protruded. “Well butter me flank and call me a biscuit! Nice to meet ya!” He extended his leg in greeting, to which a carved wooden calf and hoof had been attached with a leather brace. “Whoop! Didn’t mean to toss me timber at ye!” He smiled and switched legs. “Put ‘er there! Name’s Jack Daniels, I’m the pony in charge of feedin’ this ragtag bunch!” “Hi! I’m Azure, this is Sirius and Daring!” said Azure quickly, “What are you cooking? It smells amazing! Can I have some Mr. Daniels? Please?” “Woah! Trim those sails, little’un! Mister Daniels is me father, I answer to Cookie. And I be makin some fresh octopus stew. We just caught the little bugger this mornin’.” He stepped to the side to reveal a mass of tentacles spread out on the counter. Azure recoiled in horror, causing Cookie to let out a deep belly laugh. “Don’t be so quick to run little missy! Just ye wait till it’s all done and cooked, ye won't even notice the tentacles!” His brow furrowed for a few seconds. “Wait here a momen’” He disappeared into the large stockroom that adjoined the kitchen before returning, a baking sheet loaded with desserts floating in front of him. He lowered it down to Azure. “I was savin these for tonight, but I suppose ye can steal one now.” Cookie winked as Azure smiled and stuffed a donut into her mouth. “Frnk frw!” she said through a mouthful of pastry. “Would you mind keepin an eye on her, Cookie?” asked the captain, “Where we’re headed is no place for a filly.” Cookie nodded. “I’ve only got me one to spare, but it shouldn’t be a problem.” He smiled and turned to Azure. “Right then, assistant! What say ye grab one o’ them aprons and gimme a hoof with this here stew?” Daring and Sirius left Azure with her new best friend and followed the captain down into the lower decks, deeper into the ship. As they descended, the deep hum of the ship’s engines was joined by a chaotic dull roar. The trio reached a security door guarded by two security ponies in heavy riot gear. They moved aside to allow passage, and a third armored pony led them to a small office. Behind the desk inside sat a dark blue stallion with a large mustache and a ten-gallon hat. Pinned to his security uniform was a gold star. He looked up as they entered. “Evenin’ folks. Who’re yer new friends, Cap’n?” he said sarcastically. “These are two of the three passengers I told ya about ‘fore we set sail. Sirius and Daring Do.” said the captain. “Fan-tastic. As if keepin yer useless crew safe from these lowlifes ain't enough of a hassle, now I godda worry ‘bout some stupid civs! One of em’s a mare fer buck’s sake!” “Dallas! I would ‘prreciate it if you’d watch your language around our passengers!” said the captain angrily. “Whatever. Look, you two. Name’s Dallas, but you’d be advised to call me Warden. I run this freak show we got locked up down ‘ere.” He gestured out the plate-glass window behind him. “Hunnerd fifty of the meanest sumbitches you’ll ever meet, all on their way to...pernament relocation on that godforsaken rock we’re steamin twords.” Daring and Sirius looked past Dallas and down into a large open area. Multiple ponies, male and female, were wandering about, all with closely cut manes and matching orange jumpsuits. The center of the room had several rows of metal tables bolted to the floor, and the entire area was surrounded by barred cells, with a second level above the first attached to a metal catwalk. Several ponies in the same heavy armor were scattered about the group, keeping a close watch on the unwilling passengers. “Now, if ya’ll are done botherin’ me, I have rounds ta make.” Dallas got up from his desk, pushing past Daring into the hall. “ATTENTION SCUMBAGS!” he bellowed at the crowd of prisoners, “CELL CHECK IN FIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE MINITS!” He motioned to two of his guards. One accompanied him as he headed down the hall, and the other escorted the trio back into the hallway. The security door slammed shut behind them. Daring turned to the captain. “Well isn’t he just a ray of sunshine, then?” The mess hall was a bustling center of activity, now that dinner time had finally rolled around. As Daring and Sirius entered, they saw a chalkboard placed on an easel just inside the doorway. OCTERPUS STEW AND MASHED TATERS it read in a scrawling print. They wove their way through the mass of sailors and tables to the counter. Cookie was ladling stew from a large pot into the sailors’ bowls, and next to him was Azure, handing out plates of mashed potatoes and various desserts, a large toque perched upon her flour-stained mane. She smiled broadly as Daring and Sirius made their way over to her. She ran into the back for a second and returned with a small cake, crudely decorated with several different colors of icing. She dropped it on Daring’s plate and smiled. “I made it all by myself! For you!” Daring laughed. “Good job, kid. Hey Cookie! Mind if we steal your apprentice for a few?” Cookie nodded, and Azure grabbed a plate of her own and followed her friends. They scanned the crowded hall looking for a seat until they saw Ironclad waving to them from across the room. The trio sat down next to the first mate, who smiled slightly at the sight of Azure. “Cookie put you to work, eh?” he asked Azure. “Good job on these here muffins, they’re great!” Azure smiled before digging into her stew. Ironclad turned to Daring and Sirius. “Now, forgive me for asking, but what are you three heading to New Zebrania for? It’s not exactly a top holiday destination…” Daring and Sirius exchanged a quick glance. “Well...we’re on a mission for Celestia. Unfortunately, it’s pretty top-secret.” said Daring. Ironclad whistled slightly. “Wowee, the Princess herself. Well, it’s not my place to pry. However, I figured you might be interested in a bit of New Zebrania’s history.” “Certainly can’t hurt.” said Sirius, “Knowledge is a powerful weapon.” Ironclad finished off his muffin in a single bite before beginning. “Well, the island itself was discovered several hundred years ago, and some very brief exploration discovered evidence of civilizations dating several thousand years in age. Now, you all might not be too aware, but we have a severe crime problem in Equestria, mostly in the bigger cities. Celestia made the decision to send prisoners there shortly after its discovery. The island’s native inhabitants, Zebras, weren’t all too interested in making contact with anyone from our side of the pond. So, we started taking convicts out of our jails and bringing them on one-way trips to Zebrania, just like this here cruise. After they get off this ship, I’ve got no idea what happens to ‘em.” “That’s where I take over.” said Sirius, “The prisoners on the island started working together with the Zebras to survive the harsh environment they now called home. The general population began to support Nightmare Moon, in opposition of Celestia and their banishment. After several decades, the Zebras accepted these ideals, and slowly the message of the prisoners began to spread until it reached back to Equestria. Ponies began committing crimes just to be sent to Zebrania to follow this newfound movement, which was dubbed a cult by those too simple-minded to understand it’s message.” “Hold on a second. How did YOU end up there in the first place, Sirius? It’s not like you can up and get on a boat to New Zebrania to go join a cult without some serious leverage!” Daring exclaimed. “I am no criminal.” said Sirius, “I was born on New Zebrania. It is my home. I have been a member of the Children of the Nightmare my entire life, and I regret none of it.” Ironclad eyed him with suspicion. “So….you’re one of them? I’m keeping my eye on you, bub.” He got up from the table and left the mess hall. Sirius looked at Daring and Azure. He shook his head in frustration. “Can we just go to bed, please?” Daring was running from something, but she didn’t know what. She skidded to a halt in a large courtyard of a long-since abandoned temple. The walls were crumbling under the weight of twisting vines and plants that had interwoven the masonry with decades of growth and death. The ceiling had collapsed eons ago, and through it Daring saw a full moon in the purple sky shining down on her face. An elegant throne sat at the far end of the room, its gilded surfaces tarnished with filth collected over hundreds of years of disuse. In the center of the room sat a carved stone altar, chipped and cracked with the weight of time itself. Upon it rested a marble bust, wearing an ornate dark blue helmet. Daring slowly approached the altar. Just as she went to touch the helmet, a deep maniacal laugh echoed through the cavernous room. The helmet shot off the stand and into the air, and the night sky itself coalesced inside of it, sucking in stars and moonlight and forming them into the shape of an alicorn. After several seconds, the Queen of the Night stood before Daring in all her fearsome glory. “WHY DO YOU SEEK ME?” shouted Nightmare Moon at Daring, “IT IS A FOOL’S ERRAND TO HUNT THE QUEEN OF THE NIGHT’S POWER!” Nightmare Moon’s horn glowed, and Daring was lifted into the air before being tossed into a nearby column. “YOU WILL FAIL IN YOUR QUEST, FOR YOU ARE UNWORTHY!” Daring was lifted and thrown again, this time into the side of the room. She struggled back upright. “AND THOSE WHO ACCOMPANY YOU?” She was lifted into the air a third time and slammed down onto the altar. Daring let out a cry of pain as she felt her wing snap from the impact. She raised her head and found herself face to face with Nightmare Moon. “WILL….DIE!” Nightmare Moon laughed once more, before opening her mouth to frightening proportions. Daring’s weakened cries for help were to no avail, and she was swallowed whole by the darkness within the Queen of the Night. “noooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!” shouted Daring. She sat bolt upright in bed, screaming at the top of her lungs, drenched in sweat. Her eyes shot around the room, and her racing heart began to slow at the sight of Azure, curled up asleep on the couch where she had passed out after dinner, too tired to make it into a bed. She smiled. “It was a dream….only a dream…” she whispered. Daring got out of bed slowly, as not to wake Azure and Sirius. “I just need to get some air.” As she reached for her helmet, she noticed rain coming down in sheets outside their tiny porthole, and felt the ship creaking up and down under her hooves. “Wow, rough weather tonight.” Daring made her way to the top deck, but her progress was halted abruptly. The rain had intensified beyond belief, and the wind whipped by at frightening speeds, threatening to whisk her precious hat away. She slipped the cord attached to the helmet under her chin, and was about to return to her room when she heard an unusual sound. A high pitched whine was clearly audible over the wind and rain. Daring fought through the storm towards the noise, leading her to the ship’s railing. She scanned the choppy water for movement, and something close to the ship caught her eye. A zodiac raft with an outboard motor was speeding along, dangerously close to the side of the ship. Daring strained her eyes through the sheets of rain, and what she saw was not a welcome scene. Two all-too-familiar unicorns, one dark grey, one black and scarred, wearing matching suits, were aboard the tiny craft. She tried to shout at them, but her voice was lost to the howling wind. As Daring watched, the unicorns pulled a square package out of a bag in the raft and affixed it to the side of the ship before speeding away into the night. A red light began flashing on the small package, quickly speeding up until it was a solid color. “Oh you’ve gotta be-” Daring’s sentence was cut short as a massive explosion rocked the ship, tearing a hole in the side and throwing her to the deck. She jumped back up and ran to the railing again, to see water rushing into a gaping wound in the metallic side of the vessel. Daring raced across the soaked deck and up the catwalks to the bridge. She threw the door open to a cacophony of sirens and alarms, with the entire bridge crew running around in a panic. The captain was gripping the wheel with a grim look on his face. “CAN ANYPONY TELL ME WHAT IN THE NAME OF TARTARUS JUST HAPPENED?” he shouted furiously. “YEAH I CAN!” said Daring as she galloped across the room. “TWO UNICORNS JUST BLEW A HOLE IN YOUR SHIP! WE NEED TO EVACUATE!” “Oh Celestia…” said the captain, “No wonder we’ve lost power. Had to seal the lower decks immediately, lest the...cargo get too restless.” “YOU WHAT!?” shouted Daring, “AZURE AND SIRIUS ARE STILL DOWN THERE!” “WHAT!?” yelled the captain, “GET TO THE AFT PORT DOOR ON DECK C, IRONCLAD WAS HEADING THERE TO SEAL IT!” Without warning, a massive wave struck the side of the ship, knocking the crewmen to the floor and sending several instruments flying through the glass windows in front of Daring and the captain. He helped Daring back up, and she leapt out of the shattered window to the deck below, before galloping to the back of the ship. “IRONCLAAAAAAD!” she shouted at the top of her lungs, “IRONCLAD WAIIIIIT!” She rounded the corner just in time to see the stallion pushing a large crate of supplies towards the door. He looked up in surprise as she skidded to a halt in front of him. “AZURE AND SIRIUS ARE STILL DOWN THERE! WE HAVE TO SAVE THEM!” she shouted over the storm. Ironclad nodded and they sprinted down into the darkened ship. Ironclad led the way through the darkness, his numerous voyages guiding him by memory. They rounded the corner and saw four prisoners attempting to smash in the door of the cabin. Ironclad leapt forward and sent them flying. He dove onto the nearest convict and smashed his face in with one blow of his hoof. Daring ran to the damaged cabin door. “AZUUURE! SIRIUUUS! GET OUT HERE WE’RE IN BIG TROUBLE” she shouted as Ironclad bucked the second convict back down the stairs, where he sailed into three more of his accomplices. The door squeaked open on broken hinges, and her two companions burst out into the hall, Azure stumbling directly into Daring in the near pitch darkness. “What’s happening?!” asked Azure, terrified. “No time, kid!” Daring said, turning to Ironclad. He was busy bucking yet another convict down the stairs. “TIME TO GO! WE GOTTA MOVE!” she shouted. He turned to the trio. “GO, THEN!” “NOT WITHOUT YOU!” yelled Daring “WHATEVER MISSION YOU HAVE TO DO, GO DO IT!” replied Ironclad “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! WE HAVE TO GO!” she shouted as Azure and Sirius ran towards the upper decks. Ironclad turned to look at her. “My mission.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a moon shaped necklace bearing the likeness of a unicorn. He tossed it to Daring. “Get that crown back. For the Queen. For me.” Ironclad turned and leapt down the stars after the prisoners. Azure turned back and grabbed Daring’s tail in her teeth. “WE HRF TR GO! NW!” she shouted, her voice muffled by hair. Daring nodded slowly, then turned and ran with her friends back to the top deck. Sirius stopped dead in his tracks just outside the door, causing Daring and Azure to run into him. “Lets move it, Mr. Nightmare…” said Daring. Her voice trailed off mid-sentence as she saw why Sirius had stopped. A wave the size of Canterlot castle had risen directly in front of the crippled ship, and it bore down upon them with terrifying speed. Daring grabbed Sirius and Azure, holding them closely together against the wall as they braced for impact. Daring caught one final glimpse of the massive wall of water, the reflection of the night sky on the wave forming the shape of a unicorn, her jaws open wide. And then, there was nothing.