//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Rum and Stowaways // Story: Heart of the Ocean // by Silentpegasus //------------------------------// Chapter 5 Rum and Stowaways The six mares sat at a table away from the other pirates on the ship and ate their breakfast in silence. They watched each other’s backs. They saw that the majority of the pirates were conversing with one another. The group huddled together and gulped. “So what do you guys think?” Dash asked a she leaned her head over the table. “They seem nice.” Pinkie said in a happy tone. “They could learn some manners in my book.” Rarity said in a rough tone. “I think I got a stiff neck from those cots.” She whined. “Look y’all, we don’t have to like em. So long as they keep their word and we’ll just have to endure em till we get Twi back.” The farmer said as the mares nodded. The mares then saw Stitch trot over to them. “How are you all adjusting?” He asked in a cheery tone. “Fine.” The farmer said in a flat tone. The cyan mare let out a heavy yawn. “Are you sure?” “We slept in shifts last night just in case one of you guys tried anything.” Dash said in a cold tone. The green stallion frowned at the mares. “Look, we may not be the nicest bunch, but if there’s one thing the Captain despises it’s rape. He’s killed stallions that have tried to force themselves on female crew members.” He said in a serious tone. “R-really?” Rarity said with a gulp. “Yeah and no one on this crew would dare lay a hoof on you.” He said as he ate his rice. “We follow the Captain’s orders without question.” “Why?” “We respect him and he’s saved most of us so many times I’ve lost count.” He said with a smile. The stallion looked up to see the large griffin coming down from the deck. “Land ho!” He yelled. The rest of the crew yelled in excitement at the news. The mares got up and looked out on the deck to see a port that looked like it had been hit by three hurricanes at once. “Coltuga. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.” The ponies looked to their left to see the grey stallion wearing his coat. “Home sweet home.” He said with a smile. “We aren’t going to land there are we?” Rarity said in a concerned tone. “Yes, we need to resupply and we need to make you guys look and act like pirates.” He said in a flat tone. “Oh which reminds me, put these on.” He said as he withdrew five steel bracelet’s with the flag’s emblem on them. “What are these for?” Dash asked. “They let other pirates know that you’re with me and improve your life expectancy from zero to slim.” He said in a flat tone. The mares gulped and put them on their fore arms. “They also cast a low level illusion around you so you look tougher.” “Ah don’t need no fancy jewelry to look tough.” AJ said in a flat tone. “By tougher, I mean it makes you look like a stallion.” The mare’s let out a gasp and rushed over to a barrel of water. Their jaws hung low as they saw stallion versions of themselves. “It’s only temporary and only lasts for a few hours.” He said in a flat tone. “Why’d ya go and make us look like stallions?” The farmer asked. “Let’s see, who’s more likely to be kidnapped? A group of mares or a bunch of stallions?” He said as he cocked an eyebrow. “Good point.” Dash said with a sigh. The grey stallion walked over to the helm and looked down at the crew members. “Okay everyone get in your groups and-” He was cut off as the pirates heard a loud explosion and smoke coming from below. “Oh for the love of Luna. Scotty, are you okay?” “Aye captain.” The ponies turned to see a dark green Unicorn stallion with an orange mane, tail and beard. A pair of odd looking goggles rested above his horn. “Bad news sir the ship-” “Captain!” Razor looked behind him to see the worried cook racing towards him. “Horrible news sir we-” “Oi! I was talk’n to the captain first ya two bit cook.” The green stallion said in an scottish accent. “Shut your mouth trou de complot!” *Plot hole “Can it!” The two stallions looked between them to see the annoyed Pegasus stallion glaring at them. “Scotty, what’s wrong?” “The power source is gone. We can’t jump.” He said in a thick accent. “We’ll look for something in the market.” He then towards the cook. “What is it Hazel?” “WE’RE OUT OF RUM!” The captain and every pirate on the ship let out a gasp of distress. The grey stallion grabbed the cook and started to shake him. “WHY IS THE RUM GONE?” Razor said as she shook the cook’s shoulders. “Breeze, I thought that last barrel you brought on board was filled with rum?” He asked as he looked at the Unicorn. “It was. I don’t know what happened to it.” She said with a shrug. “That’s kind of my fault.” The griffin said with a guilty look on his face. “Remember those fire bombs I was working on? I needed something a bit more.....potent than just grog.” The captain face hoofed at the information. “For Luna’s sake Ace, we can’t go wasting rum like that.” “Sorry sir.” “Why are you getting so worked up? It’s only a drink.” As the words left the cyan mare’s lips every pirate on board gave her a death stare. She even saw some starting to pull their knives out of their sheaths and bring out their pistols. “Never mind.” “Smart mare. Okay then. Rum is definitely added to the list and it’s coming out of your cut Ace.” Razor said with a sigh. The griffin held his head in disappointment “As I was saying, everyone get in your groups. Who’s staying this time?” “I still got a bit of work to do on the engine sir.” Scotty said with a grunt. “Fine, stay here and get that thing running before we leave. Give me a list of what you need for the fuel.” “It’s not the fuel sir, the power crystal is damaged. I need a replacement.” “Fine, write it down and I’ll see what I can dig up.” The Unicorn nodded and quickly drew him a picture of a small crystal. “Engine?” Applejack asked. “How in the hay can ya fit an engine on this ship?” “It’s bigger than you think AJ.” Razor said with a grin. “As I was saying, everyone get in their groups and get ready to go into town.” The pirates all yelled and cheered in excitement. “Groups?” Pinkie asked. “While everyone on the crew is on the same side, there are some of us that either get along better with one another or are extremely strong together.” Razor said as he looked at the pink mare. “You understand?” “Hmm.....nah.” The farmer said as she put a hoof to her chin. Razor then pointed over towards Swarm and Mirage. “You see, Swarm is the pure definition of antisocial when it comes to ponies. He’s also more of an ‘up close and personal’ fighter. While Mirage is a social butterfly and can either stick to the shadows or go in horn blazing.” He said with a smile. “Some of the crew mates you could consider more than friends. If ya get my meaning.” He said with a wink. “You’re okay with that? Won’t it cause friction between the shipmates?” Rarity asked. “You’re forgetting one important thing Ms. Rarity.” The mares all leaned in closer to hear. “We’re pirates. We don’t play by anyone’s rules except our own. I have no problem with it. What’s a good adventure without a little romance?” He said with a grin. “An awesome one.” Dash said under her breath. “Anyway, one rule that we all follow, ‘don’t go anywhere alone.’ Everypony on this ship has at least one or two others with them at a time.” “So who’s your partner?” Dash asked. “Mine? I can go with either one of the crew members.” The stallion then scratched his chin. “Most of the time I go with Breeze.” He said with a shrug. “Why?” “She’s my oldest friend and I trust her completely.” He said as the ship came to a sudden stop. “However, she’ll be with Ace today while I’m equipping you guys.” He said with a groan. The grey stallion threw his hat atop his blue mane and walked towards the edge of the boat. “Okay everypony we’ll meet up at the Raven’s nest by six o’clock. That should be plenty of time for us to resupply and have a little fun.” The pirates all let out a laugh as they trotted off the boat. The smell of fresh fish and vomit hit the mare’s nostrils like a ton of bricks. Rarity was using every ounce of her strength to avoid vomiting in public. “Ah smell that air. Home sweet home.” Razor said with a sigh. “You like this smell?” Dash asked as she coughed. “It’s raw! It’s untouched. It’s beautiful in a way.” The grey stallion said with a smile. As he walked through the market several ponies waved at him and smiled. Some others ran away in fear. The disguised mares gulped as they stopped kept their mouths shut and followed the grey stallion. Razor stopped in front of a small blacksmith shop and motioned for them to come inside. “Ingot! Where are you ya crazy fool?” He yelled. The ponies then heard a series of bangs a few crashing noised. A middle aged silver Unicorn stallion with a black mane came out wearing an apron and a hammer on his belt. “I’ll be a mer-mare’s flipper. Great to see you again Razor!” He said as he hugged the stallion. “What can I do ya for?” “Gents,” The stallion said as he looked at the ‘stallions’. “This is Iron Ingot, a master smith.” He said as he looked back to the silver stallion. “I need you to outfit these guys with some good quality weapons.” The silver stallion looked at the group. “Any reason why they’re mares disguised as stallions?” “How did you know?” Applejack asked. “I made those things.” He said as he pointed to their bracelets. “I’m not gonna ask what the Elements of Harmony are doing here and frankly, I don’t really care.” The mares cringed back at the stallion’s words. “Relax, I’m not going to tell anypony that you were here. It’d be bad for business.” “How so?” Applejack asked with a cocked eyebrow. “I’m in the most dangerous part of the world that’s filled with the worst kind of ponies you can imagine. My business would go down the crapper if they found out I was selling to the bad guys.” “We’re not the bad guys.” Dash protested. “To pirates you are.” Razor stepped between the two and let out a sigh. “Putting that aside. Can you get them ready by six o’clock?” He asked. “Give me a challenge why don’t you?” He said in a cocky tone “Course, it’ll cost you double.” “Done.” Razor said as he threw him a bag filled with bits. The stallion caught it in a light gray aura and smiled. “Okay, now all of you hold still.” The mares gulped and looked at one another nervously. “Oh please, if I’d wanted to kill you then you all would have been dead before you entered my shop.” He said as his horn flared. A horizontal line appeared on the cyan mare’s chest and ran up and down before it jumped over to the farmer’s and did the same. After the stallion ad scanned the rest he looked at Razor who nodded. “I’ll have them ready before you leave.” “Thanks Iron and if you ever want to come aboard-” The grey Pegasus was cut off as the stallion raised a hoof. “I’m to old for that sort of thing anymore.” He said with a chuckle. “I like seeing the new era’s replacing the old. I lived that life to the fullest and I’m officially retired.” He said with a smile. “Alright fine. Just thought I’d ask for old time’s sake.” Razor said as he walked out of the shop. “Come along, we still have much to look for.” The mares nodded and followed the grey stallion out of the shop and back out onto the scum filled streets. “Where are we going now?” Pinkie asked. “We need to get you guys some proper pirate clothes.” He said as he stopped in front of a shop that had a few garments on mannequins in the window. “Hello? Anypony home?” He asked as he stepped inside. The interior was decorated quite well and had a nice lavender scent in the air. The ponies looked over to see a light blue Unicorn mare with a purple mane and an eye patch over her left eye. “Razor! Darling it’s been to long!” She said as she hugged the stallion. “How are you Thimble?” He asked with a warm smile. “Oh just excellent. How can I help you my friend?” She asked in anticipation. “I need you to outfit these girls with some gear.” He said as he pointed to the disguised mares. “I disguised them. You know how things get around here.” “Oh trust me I know.” She said in a blank tone. The mare then turned her attention to the mares and adjusted the horn tipped glasses that rested on her nose. “Well, come along then.” She motioned towards the mares who took their disguises off. “Why’d you go and tell her?” Applejack asked. “Relax, Thimble knows better than anypony how dangerous this place is for a mare.” He said with a smile. “I have some business to take care of. I’ll be back for you guys later.” “You’re leaving us here?” Dash said in confusion. “You’ll be fine, so long as you don’t leave here till I get back.” He said as he walked towards the door. “Hey Thimble, make sure these guys stay put!” “Aye sir!” She said as she saluted. The stallion grinned and walked out the door leaving the mares with the seamstress. “Now let me get a good look at you all.” She said as she examined the group of mares. She stopped as she looked at the white mare and gasped. “Oh my gosh! You’re Rarity Belle! I’m such a big fan of your designs!” “Really?” The white mare said in shock. “Oh yes! Those outfits you made for the gala were genius!” The mares held their heads as they remembered the incident. “I’ve studied your works and I must say that they are spectacular!” “Well, it’s always nice to be appreciated.” Rarity said with a smile. “Might I ask what’s a mare of your fashion taste doing in a place so...uncouth?” “It has it’s charms.” The mare said as she summoned a needle and thread. “Charms? This place is smelly’er than a pig stye in the middle of Summer.” The farmer said as she scrunched her nose. “Ah’d even take bathing in Rarity’s Canterlot perfume than smelling the stuff out there.” “It’s not so bad once you get used to it.” The mare said as she worked. “So Thimble, how do you know Razor?” Dash asked. The seamstress stopped swing and looked at the cyan mare with a saddened look in her eye. “It’s not exactly a...happy story.” She said with a sigh. “I was around six years old when I was abandoned by my parents.” The mares looked at her in shock. “I didn’t have any money or anything to my name. I was picked up by a pirate vessel and they sold me into slavery as a...’performer.’” She said with a shiver. “Then one day when I was fifteen, I was performing in a pub. Apparently I caught the eye of some pirates and they wanted a.....'private show' that I wouldn’t give them.” “Was Razor one of the-” “Good heavens no! That stallion would never do something so horrible!” She said in a defensive tone. “Razor saw the stallions trying to force themselves on me and he took them down without breaking a sweat." The mares's jaws dropped. "After dealing with them he offered me a way out, start a new life.” She said with a smile. “He brought me here and I’ve been happily sewing ever since.” The mare said with a smile. “So how do you deal with stallions like that now?” Applejack asked. “That’s why I have these.” Thimble’s horn glowed and a massive pair of serrated scissors appeared before her. “My own design. Ingot was kind enough to make them for me.” She said with a giggle and a blush. The mares looked at her in astonishment. “What? Every mare should carry protection.” She said with a smug smile. The mares all let out a sigh and face hoofed. “So, he saved ya?” “If it wasn’t for him then I’d still be shaking my flank for two bits an hour in some scum ball of a place.” She said in a stern tone. “Isn’t this place a scum ball? No offense.” Dash said. “Yeah, but we all look out for each other here and Razor protects this place.” She said as she continued to sew. “Just ask his crew, I bet they could tell ya some real stories.” “Were you on Razor’s crew?” Pinkie asked. “Only for a little while, but I’m still part of it.” The mare got to her hooves and extended her right fore arm and parted the fur. The mares looked to see a tattoo of the symbol on the grey stallion’s pirate ship. “We’re kind of like a family to one another.” She said with a smile. The five mares looked at one another and fell silent as she finished her work. “And done!” She said with a smile. The mare’s jaws dropped as they saw each outfit. Pinkie’s was a pink vest with frills and pink dots that matched the bandanna that went on top of her head. “I styled it after some Gypsy outfits.” She said with a grin. “From what I’ve seen and heard of you I think it’ll be a perfect fit.” “This is so cool.” Pinkie said as she donned the outfit. The mare’s then looked at the next ensemble. Rarity was sporting a frilly white blouse with puffy sleeves. A dark purple handkerchief was tied around her neck. “This is marvelous!” Rarity chimed. The mares all nodded in agreement. Applejack was sporting a brown leather vest that matched her hat. The stitching was done with jade colored thread that set off her emerald green eyes. “Not too shabby.” The farmer said as she walked around in the outfit. The next one to go was Fluttershy. She was donning a light yellow shirt with a pink hood attached to the collar. The yellow mare put it over her head and found that it covered her entire face and mane. “It’s...nice.” “What about me?” Dash asked in an impatient tone. “Easy, I was just about to get it.” She said in a rough tone. The Pegasus looked over and saw a dark blue vest with a hood colored in white. Dash tried it on and found that there were holes in the side for her wings. She flexed them twice and hovered. “All of your outfits have a lightweight metal. It’s strong enough to hold up against some sword play, but it won’t deflect bullets and close range knives.” The seamstress said with a smile. The door to the shop suddenly opened to reveal a large brown earth pony stallion with a smirk on his face. “Hello Thimble, time to pay up.” He said with a smirk. “Scram Lug nut. You don’t own this place.” She said as she trotted up to the large stallion and scowled. “Well, that’s just too bad.” He said as he slammed his hoof into the side of the mare’s face. The mares all let out a gasp as the seamstress cracked her neck. “That was a bad move.” “Why’s that?” “Just wait till my husband get’s here.” She said with a smirk. As the stallion took a step forwards a large silver hammer swung down on the top of his skull. The ponies all heard a loud crack coming from the stallion’s head. The ponies looked up to see Ingot holding the hammer. “That’s what you get when you touch another stallion’s mare.” He said as he levitated the body off the floor. A low groan could be heard from the beaten stallion. Ingot tilted his head and threw the assailant out into the street. “You okay dear?” He asked as he helped the mare to her hooves. “I am now that you’re here.” She said with a smile. The farmer trotted up to them and smiled. “Ah didn’t know ya’ll were a couple.” “Yup, married three years now.” The stallion said as he put a hoof around his wife. “We’re actually expecting.” “Well, congratulations.” Rarity said with a smile. “Yeah....thanks.” The seamstress said in a low tone. The ponies looked at another in confusion. “Um, shouldn’t you be happy?” Dash asked. “I know, but I’m worried about raising a foal in a place like this.” She said as she held her head in shame. “We’ve been saving up so we can move to someplace far away from here and the child can actually have a foalhood.” She said as tears started to form in her eyes. Ingot sighed and comforted the mare. “Forgive my wife. Ya know, hormones and what not.” He said with a shrug. “Oh it ain’t nothing.” Applejack said with a sigh. The orange mare scratched the back of her neck as a thought came to her. “Look, ah know that we ain’t exactly friends and what not,” She said with a sigh. “but Ponyville is a nice town and is a nice place to raise a foal.” The group of mares looked at her in shock. “I’ve heard of it.” Ingot said as he put a hoof to his chin. Dash and Rarity pulled the farmer aside and they huddled. “Are you crazy?” Dash said. “These guys are nuts.” “I must agree with Rainbow Dash darling. We know nothing about these ponies.” Rarity said with a sigh. “Look, you all saw what we walked through to get here.” She said as she pointed out the window. “Can you live with yourselves knowing that an innocent foal is gonna live in a pit like this?” The mares thought for a moment and let out a sigh. “How far away is it?” Thimble asked. “It took us about a day by boat.” Dash said. “Thank you.” Ingot said. “I know that you think that we’re no good. Frankly I don’t give a damn about my reputation.” He said in a strong tone. “The only thing that matters to me is my family’s safety.” “Ah understand that.” AJ said with a smile. “I’d better start planning your welcome party then!” Pinkie said with a smile. “Pink’s, lets just focus on getting through this first.” Dash said. Ingot then perked up and smiled. “Ah yes your weapons.” He said as his horn flared and five cases appeared in front of him. “Ms.Rarity, here’s yours.” The stallion withdrew a silver rapier with a decorative handle that wrapped around her hoof. “This isn’t meant for slashing like a normal sword. It’s more for poking.” “It’s magnificent!” She said as she felt the light weight. “It’s name is ‘Needle’, she may be small, but will go through light armor like warm butter.” He said with a grin. “Why name it?” Dash asked. “It’s bad luck and insulting not to name something you made.” He said as he walked over to another case. “Ms. Dash, these are yours.” The stallion then withdrew two sleek daggers. One was jagged and had rainbow paint across the metal while the other blade was circular and looked more like a cloud. “Say hello to ‘Nimbus and Cumulus.’” “So awesome!” She said as she picked them up. The stallion then approached the third case and withdrew two six shooter pistols with brown handles and orange barrels. “Ms. Apple, these are yours. I came up with the idea of a pistol that holds more than one shot. I call them ‘Flint and Strike.’” “Thanks....ah guess.” She said with a gulp. The next one looked like a large pink shoulder mounted cannon. “Ms. Pie, yours is a new and original design. This is more for dealing with large crowds. It’s name is ‘Splash.’” “Sweet!” Fluttershy gulped as the stallion pulled out a long light green whip with a yellow handle. “Ms. Shy, since you are a gentle soul, I took great care in designing this whip for you.” He said with a smile. “It’s name is ‘Ivy’ and will be able to wrap around anything. She also has a stash of healing lotion in her handle.” “Th-thank you.” The stallion then noticed the mare’s un easy looks. “I’m hoping that you won’t have to use them.” He said with a sigh. “Trust me, you’ll need them.” “So did you make Razor’s weapons too?” Ingot let out a laugh at the cyan mare’s question. “No, those are beyond the works of mortals.” He said with a chuckle. The door to the shop opened to reveal a roughed up grey Pegasus stallion. “Ah good to see that you got the look down.” He said with a nod. “What happened to you?” Dash asked. “Business.” He said in a flat tone. “How much do I owe you Thimble?” “No charge.” She said with a smile. “Be safe Razor.” She said with a smile. “Will do.” He said as he tipped his hat to her. “C’mon, we still have lot’s to do.” He said as he led the mares out into the street. Now that you guys look like pirates we need you to teach you how to act like one.” He said as he stopped in front of a pub. The sign read, ‘The Raven’s Nest.’ “How in the hay are we supposed to do that?” The farmer asked. As he opened the door the ponies saw the most rough and raunchy individuals they had ever seen. “Watch and learn.” He said with a smirk. “Hail Princess Celestia!” The entire room grew silent and looked at the grey stallion who smirked. Several ponies got to their hooves and pulled out their guns and swords. Razor immediately shut the door just in time to stop a thrown sword from stabbing him. The group ducked as several bullets flew over their heads. “Class is in session.” Razor said with a smirk. The grey stallion then trotted inside and proved his worth as the manager came down. A dark red Unicorn mare with dark green hair and done up eyelashes. “Ah Scarlet, order a round on me.” The ponies that were trying to kill him immediately froze and sheathed their weapons. “You always like to make a mess don’t you?” The mare said as she chuckled. “You know me.” He said with a laugh. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back on the ship the green Unicorn stallion toiled away at the engine and let out a sigh of relief as he took a break. Scotty took out his own personal flash and took a quick swig from it. The green stallion’s ear twitched as he heard a crashing noise come from down the hallway. Scotty got to his hooves and took out a five foot long iron wrench before venturing out. He checked his corners and opened several doors to find anything empty. He heard another crash and a few voices. “Ow! You stepped on my tail!” A female voice said. “Sorry.” This time it sounded like a male, young. The stallion looked into the room and his eyes shrank as his horn glowed light orange. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back in the pub, the rest of Razor’s crew arrived and were drinking, eating and singing to different songs. The five mares sat in the corner trying to lay low. A tan Earth pony stallion with a black mustache and wearing a white collared shirt. “Would any of you ladies like to sing?” “No thanks we-” “Sure!” Pinkie said as she followed the stallion. The group of mares tried to stop her but stopped as the pink mare got on stage and started to sing. After the song the pirates all laughed and raised their mugs. Razor and Breeze were sitting across from a Griffin with light brown feathers and a dark colored beak “Okay Black Beak,” Razor said in a stern tone. “what do you know about Sun?” “I may have seen him around.” He said with a shrug. Razor groaned and threw a small pile of bits on the table. The griffin smirked. “He said something about an island.” “What island?” “My memory is a little dry.” Razor set another small bag down. “That crazy stallion is going after the Heart.” Razor froze and looked at him. “I’m telling you the truth mate. That stallion’s crazier than me and that’s saying something. Of course I don’t need to tell you that.” Razor looked at Breeze who gulped. “Thanks for the info.” He said before throwing him an extra bit. “Have one on me.” The grey stallion got to his hooves and whistled. His crew members nodded and bid their farewells to the party ponies. Razor trotted over to the five newcomers and motioned for them to follow. “We’re leaving. Get to the Gale.” “The what?” Dash asked. “The ship.” He said with a groan. The five gave a nod and followed the grey Pegasus towards the exit. The ponies made their way back to the ship and set sail. The cool breeze whipped at their coats. Scotty trotted up to the captain and whispered something into his ear. Razor cracked his neck and nodded before handing the stallion a bright blue crystal. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dash and the others were below deck sleeping soundly. Only to be awoken by ice cold water being dumped on them. The group immediately bolted up in surprise. Breeze and Ace were standing there with a few empty buckets beside them. “What the buck was that for?” Dash yelled. “Captain wants to see you all about something.” Ace said. “Why’d ya go and dump water on us?” AJ asked as she glared at the two. “Every recruit is due to go through a good hazing.” Breeze said with a smirk. The five ponies glared at the two. “Just be grateful that it was only water.” “Fine, where’s Razor anyway?” Dash asked as she shook herself dry. “Captain’s quarters.” Ace said as he pointed with his claw. “Last door that way.” He said as he pointed to the far end of the rows of bunks. The five groaned and made their way down the hallway and knocked on the door. “Come in.” A voice said from the other side. The five mares looked in shock to see a room as big as the main floor of Twilight’s library. A large desk sat in the center and a king sized bed was in the corner. “How? What? Huh!” Dash yelled. “Quite the vocabulary you have there Rainbow.” The stallion said as he sat in his seat. “How in the hay does this thing fit in the ship?” Applejack asked. “The ship is bigger on the inside.” He said with a grin. “Granted, I only use this place when I need to talk to someone in private or if one of the crew members are sick.” “So what’s up?” Pinkie asked. “I just have a question.” He said as he got up. “What’s that?” Dash asked. “Do you all think that this is some bucking game?” The stallion said as he narrowed hi eyes. “What are you talking about?” Rarity asked. “This!” He said as he walked over to a wooden barrel and slashed the top off with one of his swords. He then kicked the barrel over and three fillies, plus one purple dragon came spilling onto the floor. “I’m assuming that you know these four?” “Applebloom!” The farmer yelled. “Sweetie Belle!” “Scoots?” “Oh, howdy there sis.” The yellow filly said with a weak grin. “What in the name of Celestia’s royal flank are you doing here?” Rarity yelled as she hugged her sister. “Well, Spike was planning to sneak onto the ship. So we followed him.” The mares then looked at the purple dragon. “I told them that I was going alone but they were persistent.” He said with a grunt. “How did you even get on the my ship anyway?” Razor asked. “I dumped a barrel filled with some weird smelling brown water and hid inside.” He said with a shrug. “I guess I owe Ace an apology.” Razor said with a sigh. “Now what are we gonna do about them?” “We have to go back and-” Fluttershy was cut off as the stallion raised a hoof. “Forget it.” He said in a rough tone. “Sun already has two days on us. I’m not stopping for anything. So unless one of you want’s to bring them back then they’re stuck with us.” He said with a sigh. “Since you know them they’re your baggage. They can sleep in here if they want.” “What about your crew?” Dash asked. “If I won’t tolerate rapists then do you honestly think that I’d let a foal molester on my ship?” He asked in a rough tone. “Granted they won’t be happy about it, but most of them like kids.” “What if one of them tries to get in?”
 “Impossible. Breeze put an enchantment on it so that we’re the only ones who can come in here, unless the door is opened from the inside. So no wandering off.” He said as he looked at the group of foals and the dragon. “One other thing, if we get into a fight then I need you all to stay hidden.” “Why?” “Mainly because you guys can’t hold your own in a fight and I can’s waste time worrying about your safety. So your sisters will have to do.” He said with a sigh. “Mac is probably worried sick about you two!” AJ yelled. “Relax, I got this.” Spike said with a sigh. “Mac knew that I was doing this and the only way that he would let me go was if I promised to keep tabs on you.” The mares all looked at the dragon in surprise. “I’ll send him a letter to let them know that they’re safe.” “How?” “I gave him a gem that works like my messenger fire. It’ll make a letter appear from it.” He said as he pulled out a quill and a piece of paper. He quickly wrote a note and sent the letter. “Done.” “Granny’s gonna kill all of us isn’t she?” Applebloom said. “I’ll leave you all to get settle then.” Razor said as he walked out of the room.