//------------------------------// // Chapter 12: Revealing // Story: Treasured Moon and Stars: Vol. 1 Luna's Treasured Moon // by TigerSwirl448 //------------------------------// Chapter 12 Revealing Twilight ran past two wagons, leaping over a napping mare. “Watch it!” The mare screamed out, waving her fist in the air. Twilight pushed past a couple of merchants taking a corner seeing the masts of the ships past a building. She took an alley way then reached the docks. She ran down the large wharf and soon found the Fancy Flute docked nearby. She started screaming and waving her arms, trying to get somepony’s attention. “Huh?” Derpy woke up from her nap hearing the shouts. She sat up pushing the brim of her cap from her eyes to look over the rail to see Twilight running towards the ship. “Twilight, what are you doing?” Derpy called back as Twilight ran up the gangplank. “Start the Fancy Flute now!” Twilight screamed out stopping near the pegasus panting. “Huh? Why?” Derpy asked standing up holding her musket looking for enemies. “We have trouble! Canterlot somehow got a picture of Vinyl and calling her Octavia’s kidnapper!” Twilight said quickly. “What did you just say?” A small voice asked. Twilight turned to see Spike and Sweetie Belle coming out from the mess deck. Twilight groaned. “We have bounty hunters on our tails if we don’t get out of here fast.” Spike ran back down, heading for the kitchen to grab some weapons. Sweetie Belle was shaking. “But we can’t start the ship without getting the others first.” Twilight quickly walked over to Sweetie Belle, she kneeled down, placing her hands on her tiny shoulders. “I know that, but we need to get the ship ready for a fast getaway. They’re coming.” Sweetie Belle nodded. “I’ll go tell Apple Bloom to get the engines started.” Twilight nodded, patting on Sweetie Belle’s shoulder allowing her to head down the second hatch to the engines below. Twilight stood up turning to Derpy. Derpy nodded, placing her rifle by the helm turning back to the unicorn. “Come up to the masts with me, we have to get the two solar sails down.” Twilight didn’t argue as she reached the ratlines as Derpy flew to the top and started undoing the knots to get the top sail loose. Twilight took on the first yardarm as Derpy took the top. Twilight slowly made her way through untying knots with shaking hands as she started hyperventilating, trying to get under control. Swipes of memory popped through every time she blinked. Twilight gasped, squeezing her eyes tight stopping. Twilight opened her eyes watching the blue sky change to a dark red and her hands were chapped and bloody as she tries to untie knots on a yardarm as lasers and rocks fly everywhere in the air. ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ Twilight was back to being thirteen years old in the Discordian War. The giant ship beneath her shook violently, causing her to fall to the side screaming. Twilight grabbed hold of the ropes on the yardarm shaking hard. She groaned, pulling herself up, wrapped her leg, over then pulled herself back up, laying on her stomach on the yardarm. She wrapped her legs and arms around the pole, hugging it tight, starting to hyperventilate with fear. Twilight turned, hearing the explosion above her. She had to duck as a limb from a spacer flew past her head. She heard a scream and looked up. She gasped, flinching as the poor pony with a missing arm fell past her to the deck below. Twilight stared with fear, watching the poor pony crash onto the deck to die on impact. She saw the blood spatter from the impact and turned away, crying, hugging the yardarm tighter, begging to go back to Canterlot. Back home with her family, back home with her best friend, back home with her mentor, anywhere than this living hell! “Get those sails loose!” A commanding voice screamed out. Twilight turned to see an orange mare with an old Stetson hat on her head, completely unusual in the old red uniform on her body and torn pants on her legs. The mare was untying two knots faster than Twilight could untie one knot. “Hurry up!” The mare screamed out again, then turned to see Twilight. “Hey! Are you hearing me, girl?” Twilight stayed stock still with her arms and legs, tight around the yardarm. She was going into shock. “Dammit, where’s Fluttershy!” The mare screamed out. “We need ‘er up ‘ere now!” “I told you she was too young!” A rainbow mane pegasus called out from behind the orange mare. “She’s just a stupid filly in this stupid war! Kill her now! Or she’s going to be causing more casualties!” Twilight could only stare with fear as a group of giant enemy ships were flying towards them. She couldn’t move or speak, but she could hear the two older teenage mares argue at one another. “No way, she’s the best unicorn we have.” The older mare said, glaring at her partner. “I say kill her now or lose hundreds just for trying to help the filly!” The rainbow pegasus snapped, pulling out her pistol and pointing it at Twilight’s head. The orange pony grabbed the pegasus’ arm, pushing it away. “We were put together on this team for a reason, Corporal Dash. I’m a rank higher than you and you do as I say!” The argument went tensely quite over the booms and screams of dying spacers around them. “Now do as I say and get this filly to Fluttershy.” The orange pony ordered pointing to Twilight. Corporal Dash stuck her pistol back in her holster glowering at her. “Yes, Sergeant Apple.” Corporal Dash said through gritted teeth. “Now get goin’!” Sergeant Apple ordered before running to the ratlines and climbing up them to help the soldiers get the upper sails ready. Twilight felt strong hands grab her and untangle her from the yardarm. Twilight felt her body being lifted then she watched as Corporal Dash flew through the air and landed on deck. Dash ran past the dead soldier to the hatch stairs to get below decks, past the screaming and dying soldiers. She ran into the engine room where it was silent but the booms from the laser cannons above still sounded. Twilight blinked several times to see that an orange light lit up the room. She could hear the metallic clicks of Corporal Dash’s boots, running down the grate walkway. They turned a corner and into a small room where they stopped. Twilight looked down to see a cowering pegasus holding her helmet over her head, whimpering like a filly. Corporal Dash set Twilight in the corner then walked to the pegasus and knocked hard on the mare’s helmet, causing her to cry out. “It’s me,” Corporal Dash said softly, causing the pegasus to look up with a gasp. “Rainbow Dash,” the second pegasus whispered, smiling a touch. Corporal Dash let a grin slip, but turned to glare at the filly as she shook in the corner. “Sergeant Apple wants you to take care of the pest.” She said, using her name for Twilight. Fluttershy turned to see Twilight shaking hard, looking at her hands to see the blood from the battle outside. “What happened?” Fluttershy asked with worry. “No time, okay,” Corporal Dash said quickly. “She was freezing up and a danger to anypony that stops to save her. Get her fixed.” “She’s in shock!” Fluttershy argued, glaring at the Corporal as Rainbow glared back at her. Rainbow blinked, seeing something on the floor by Fluttershy’s leg. She reached for the pistol that was lying by Fluttershy and stared at her. Fluttershy turned away, pulling her helmet over her eyes. Rainbow sighed. “Right now, the filly needs your kindness.” Rainbow said softly. Rainbow paused to stare at the pistol then back at the shy pegasus. “I’ll borrow this and when we survive this battle, we’re going to have words about being a coward.” Fluttershy whimpered from the harsh words. Rainbow sighed rubbing her face. “Look, just keep an eye on the kid, alright? I have a battle to fight.” Rainbow paused then stroked Fluttershy’s face. Fluttershy blushed a touch looking into Rainbow’s eyes to see that she was blushing too. Rainbow Dash then rushed out the alcove and back to the outside as Fluttershy stared at Twilight. She sighed and crawled over, taking the shaking filly into her arms rocking her. “Now, now, you’re safe now, Twilight Sparkle, you are safe here.” Fluttershy whispered soothingly stroking Twilight’s mane then kissing her on the top of her head. Twilight started to calm down enough to where she passes out against the mare’s breasts. ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ Twilight opened her eyes again, breathing hard after the memory. She looked down staring at the large knot under her hands, starting to shake again. She heard the flapping of the top sail going loose, then she heard the flapping of wings near her to notice Derpy was right above her. “Twilight, are you alright?” Derpy asked. “Yeah, yeah I’m fine Derpy!” Twilight called out, without thinking, and starting to shake again. She shook her head violently. Derpy nodded, flying back on deck and getting the controls ready. Twilight sighed. “This isn’t a battle Twilight, this is different.” She scolded herself. Twilight soon got control of her mind and started focusing at the task at hand. Loose the sail and get ready to run away. “As cowards,” Twilight whispered, squeezing her eyes shut remembering the rainbow-mane pegasus’ words. ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ Octavia jumped over two orphans then turned the corner and slid to a stop, panting hard. Scootaloo slid to a stop, standing next to her, equally exhausted. Octavia panted then peeked out from around the corner and yelled out when a laser zipped past her face. “Run!” Octavia yelled out running through the streets with Scootaloo at her heels. The two orphans screamed and ran away when Lyra barged past them. Lyra turned the corner and ran after the ponies. “Stop in the Queen’s name!” Lyra screamed out, pushing through trash bins and crates. Octavia and Scootaloo turned down another street to see the giant masts of ships ahead. The two spacers ran past all the ponies, leaving the docks to the city. Many ponies screamed out at them as they pushed through the crowd. The ponies turned and dodged away as Lyra sprinted past them. “Move it!” She screamed out causing six stallions to leap aside as Lyra ran through them. “We’re almost there!” Scootaloo cheered, seeing the masts getting closer. She started running faster now, past the older mare. Octavia watched as Scootaloo sprinted a little faster ahead of her. She turned to see Lyra close behind. Octavia groaned out loud trying to think on her feet. She checked the pistol she stole to find out that she still had a few charges left. She stopped and turned to pull the trigger without aim. Lyra gasped and dodged to the wall as the laser hit a store sign. Many ponies ducked and ran away after the wild shot. Octavia cursed and started running again, her body was aching from the running and had started to slow down. Lyra growled and started sprinting again, starting to get tired too. Scootaloo turned the corner heading for the docks. She turned her head around to watch behind her, wondering where Octavia was. She turned in time and screamed out along with the other pony as they crashed into each other landing in a heap on the ground. Some ponies that were walking by were laughing at the poor things. “Scootaloo,” an older voice asked, moaning from the pain in her stomach. Scootaloo looked up to see Daring staring at her. “Where’s Vinyl?” “Professor, we’re in huge trouble!” Scootaloo said completely ignoring Daring’s question. She grabbed Daring’s hand and started pulling her up. Suddenly Octavia turned the corner and screamed, tripping over Scootaloo and landing into Daring knocking the air out of her. Daring gasped out for air as she pushed Octavia off of her and started coughing. She took in a deep breath, turning to Octavia with a glare. “Octavia,” she began panting. But Octavia’s face caused her to pause. Scootaloo ran to the corner and peeked over. “Run! To the ship! Now!” Octavia yelled out, getting up to run. Scootaloo yelped seeing Lyra approaching them. “Ditto!” Scootaloo screamed out, running with Octavia. Daring watched the two run wondering where they were going. Until she looked up and saw Lyra turning the corner and nodded. “Too right.” She stated, getting up and started after the two other mares. Then all three started running for their lives with an angry royal guard behind them. Octavia looked behind her, then looked down at Scootaloo. She turned to Daring with an idea popping up in her mind. She grabbed Scootaloo under her arms lifting her up. Scootaloo yelped out then started flapping her tiny wings. “Professor take Scootaloo back to the ship, I’ll distract her.” She ordered. Daring stared at Octavia as if she was crazy. Scootaloo stopped flapping. “What?” She yelped out, turning to her. “You are always first priority,” Daring started but Octavia interrupted her with a glare. “Damn priority and damn courtesy, get the filly to the ship!” Octavia screamed out handing Scootaloo to Daring. Daring was shocked by the language but did as she was told, flaring her wings open, grabbing Scootaloo, then flew towards the docks over the roofs. Once they were gone, Octavia slid to a stop and turned around hearing Lyra’s boots behind her. “Can’t she give up?” Octavia asked in disbelief. She panted, turning a corner into an alley, leading straight for the docks. Lyra closed in behind her. Octavia leaped over the garbage and the crates in her path until her foot caught onto something, causing her to fall face first in the dirt and grime of the street. She slid to a stop, groaning from the pain on her face. Octavia panted hard, trying to push herself up, but her body finally crashed from the exhaustion and couldn’t get up. She lifted herself up by her elbows trying to get up. She groaned feeling tears in her eyes as she turned slowly to see Lyra coming up behind her. She started to sit up on her hands and knees seeing Lyra slowly running in a trot, breathing heavily, walking toward her. Octavia reached for the pistol, pointing it at the guard as Lyra pulled out a fully charged pistol, pointing it at her. “Surrender yourself, now. You only have one shot left and I doubt you have good aim.” Lyra ordered. Octavia panted hard, trying to stand back up, her legs were shaking from the run. She held her stance, holding the pistol in both of her hands, keeping it pointed at Lyra’s chest. “Lower you weapon, Colonel.” Octavia said boldly, without her voice shaking even though she was shaking like a leaf. She was really hoping the guard was stupid enough to follow that order, but of course every Royal Guard was trained to be excellent. Lyra raised her brow. “You order me to lower my weapon? And who do you think you are to order me about, Earth pony scum.” Lyra snapped. Octavia flinched at the bite in her voice. She flicked her ear to the side, hearing the sound of engines starting. The Fancy Flute was not that far away. She turned slightly then back. “By a direct order from your Princess, lower your weapon now.” Lyra’s eyebrows shot up in shock. This is Princess Octavia? She’s supposed to be dead! For a moment Lyra was beginning to smile. The Princess yet lives and she’ll bring back hope to the galaxy. At the small distraction Octavia pulled the trigger, missing Lyra on purpose. Lyra gasped dodging the laser bolt as Octavia darted away toward the docks. Lyra blinked several seconds then growled and chased the mare. She had to catch her before anypony else does. All Earth ponies and the whole galaxy needed her. Without her, Lyra won’t help the one she cared about most. Lyra turned to the dock and watched as Octavia ran up the gangplank of a rising ship. She gasped and tried to stop her. “Halt! In the Queen’s name I said halt!” Lyra screamed out firing several blasts as Octavia ducked behind the rail, covering her head. “Go!” Octavia screamed out. Daring reached the speaking tube and screamed the order and the ship blasted off. Lyra gasped, feeling the blast and fell hard against the dock on her back. She groaned from the impact, watching the boat zoom off into the stars.Dammit! Damn her! Lyra thought closing her eyes gritting her teeth. The only pony that could help Lyra save her loved one was gone. She sat up slowly just as royal guards ran up to her firing their weapons at the fleeing ship. “Colonel, are you alright?” A pegasus stallion asked helping her stand up. Lyra pulled her arm away from him and fixed her jacket. She looked around and found her hat missing. She cursed and turned to her soldiers. She has to be the Colonel here and keep her cover up. And the only thing to do was order them that Princess Octavia was found. “Send a message to Captain Lulamoon,” she ordered, turning to her soldiers. “Tell her that we just spotted the Hybrid Princess.” Everypony gasped, staring at her in awe. “Wait, are you saying...” The stallion asked worriedly. Lyra glowered at them and let out a yell, kicking a bucket away. Let them confuse her frustration as for being angry letting a pirate escape. She pointed to a soldier, glaring coldly at him. “You! Tell her that she is working for that pirate we were ordered to catch. She’s a criminal now.” Some soldiers grinned at the luck that now they will be given the order to shoot and kill the Princess on sight. While others looked on in concern, as was Lyra. One soldier saluted after writing the message and ran off to deliver the message. Lyra sighed rubbing her snout in irritation. “There goes another good ass royal.” She muttered to herself. “What now Colonel, ma’am?” A pegasus stallion asked. Lyra sighed again. “Just send word to other controlled ports telling them that the Princess is a pirate now and must be found alive.” The soldier saluted and ordered everypony to go about their business. Lyra stared into the sky watching the tiny ship disappear to the stars. “Luna, forgive me.” She whispered walking away. She sighed sadly at the failed attempt to give help to those that needed it most. But one thing remained, she has to send a note to one other pony. “Time to send Kicker a call, it’s her choice now.” Lyra mumbled, hoping her old ally in arms can help fix the problem. ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ The ship shuddered suddenly, and a huge boom was heard, awaking Prince Tick Tock from his nap. He looked around nervously. “What was that?” Tick Tock asked in the darkness. Rainbow grunted, waking up herself. “We must be at a port somewhere.” “You think we can get help?” Tick Tock asked hopeful. “No, I doubt any pony will save a traitor and a Hybrid sympathizer.” Rainbow said with a snort. There was a pause from the Prince, Rainbow sighed feeling like she was a little harsh. “Look, Highness that’s what we are now. Without your brother’s word we are nothing but shit on his boots.” Tick Tock sighed. “You’re right, Captain. I should have thought more-” “Nah, you’re fine, really.” Rainbow said with a smile until she heard the door opening. “Shh, here they come.” The sound of boots grew louder as several sets of feet went down the wooden stairs to the level where Rainbow Dash and Tick Tock were sitting, chained. Three lanterns were brought over by ponies. Rainbow grimaced seeing Applejack standing with the lanterns with a grimace of her own, standing straight like she did as a soldier in the army. Nightmare Moon came down with two other ponies. “Hello, prisoners, how was your rest?” She asked sweetly. “Uneventful.” Tick Tock answered curtly, receiving laughter in response. Rainbow Dash kept her eye on Applejack to see her smirk at her. Rainbow glared harder at her new enemy then turned away. Nightmare Moon chuckled. “Oh, good to hear, I’m actually here to give you two some news. It seems that we received a contact from Prince Blueblood to see us. And he’s on his way to-” “What did I just step in?” A voice shrieked out, causing some pirates to snicker at the girlish shriek. Tick Tock and Rainbow Dash gave each other deadpanned looks. Rainbow raised her brow then turned to see the traitorous Prince making winces and shuddering sounds. Rainbow shook her head knowing that he was losing his sanity over the filth of the vessel. Prince Blueblood fixed his mane and stood by Nightmare Moon smiling at the two prisoners. “Why hello, Brother, Traitor,” He greeted with a sweet smile. “Brother,” Tick Tock said harshly. Rainbow didn’t even bow. She spat at Blueblood’s boots, causing him to yell with fright and causing the pirates to laugh again. “Blueblood,” Rainbow responded with a growl. Blueblood cleared his throat, fixing his suit and his mane again as the pirates still snickered on how Blueblood screamed like a filly. “Well I see that you two are bonding, huh?” Blueblood retorted. Tick Tock sighed shaking his head. “What is it you want, brother?” Blueblood sniffed. “Hmmph, you would be surprised by this bit of news, dearest brother.” He reached in his pocket for a hologram sphere and used his magic to levitate the sphere showing a hologram video he had recorded. The two prisoners, even the pirates, leaned in to watch. “I believe you’ll recognize this pony, now would you?” Blueblood said smiling. Tick Tock and Rainbow Dash watched what looked to be security footage of two ponies running in a skinny alley and turning a corner. “What are we looking at?” Nightmare Moon asked with a smile, already knowing the answer. Rainbow noticed the smug look on the alicorn’s face. Blueblood chuckled and played the film again, but made it stop. He moved a few dials to zoom in to show the two mares and their faces. Tick Tock gasped and Rainbow’s glare lessened and her mouth went open. “Princess Octavia?” She whispered in shock. “She’s alive?” Tick Tock whispered, feeling tears in his eyes. Blueblood chuckled. “Why yes. She’s being kidnapped by this unicorn here.” He said pointing at the white unicorn in the picture. Applejack raised her brow. "That looks more like runnin’ away than kidnappin’.” Rainbow growled, not even noticing the detail Applejack had. “Where is she?” She scowled pulling her chains. Blueblood chuckled a little surprised. “Captain Dash, I thought you hated Earth ponies.” “Buck you!” She snarled back. “She’s the Princess!” “She’s not anymore.” Blueblood said with a sniff, making a face at the scent in the air. “Before I got here, I received a report telling me that Octavia is a traitor now, she has gone rogue.” “What?” The two prisoners exclaimed. “Octavia is a good pony. She would never harm a fly!” Tick Tock growled. “Oh, I assure you, brother. She attacked the royal guards in Hoofington before escaping on a ship into space a few hours ago.” Tick Tock shook his head. “My daughter is no pirate or a traitor to Canterlot! She’s a princess!” “She won’t be a princess now, brother!” Blueblood exploded smiling. “She’s an Earth pony and a Hybrid that deserves to be dead or otherwise be a slave, just like the rest of the trash out in the streets and prisons today.” Applejack glared coldly at the prince, her hands clenching into fists. “He better watch that mouth of his or I’ll punch all those pretty teeth out of his jaws.” Thought Applejack. “When I get out of this, Blueblood, I will kill you!” Tick Tock screamed out. Blueblood sighed. “Tsk, tsk, tsk, you really want to try that, brother? I’m the only one that can reunite the two of you.” Tick Tock’s glare went away with a look of shock. Even Rainbow was surprised. “What do you mean?” Tick Tock asked shaking. Blueblood shrugged. “Well it just so happens that because Octavia was still alive and still in the possession of Luna's Tear, she’ll be very important for me and my colleagues here. I’ll want you to come with me to Luna's Treasured Moon.” “Luna’s what?” Rainbow gasped. “Blueblood, that’s just a legend, a myth.” Tick Tock said shaking his head. “There is no such thing as-” “Oh there is, brother dear. And you’ll meet the last pony alive that has gone to the Moon and lived.” Blueblood turned to Nightmare Moon and nodded. Nightmare Moon wagged her finger then two pirates came over with a struggling unicorn. “Ah, Captain Scratch, it is so nice to see you again.” Blueblood greeted. Captain Scratch glared at the pirates around them then back at Blueblood. “No more words, hmm, I guess Trixie took care of you. Throw him in with his new friends. Brother, Traitor, this is Captain Vinyl Scratch the last survivor of the Luna Moon expedition.” “But that expedition was back in the beginning of the millennium.” Rainbow Dash retorted glaring. Blueblood sighed as Applejack unlocked the cage and led Captain Scratch to the wall by some chains and chained his arms above his head. While she was doing the job, she gave a glaring side long look at the Prince. “Yes, but this one was sent around the time of the rebellion. Celestia wanted it hidden so nopony tried to stop them. Well the ship returned, but only three ponies were left. One’s the researcher, the other the quartermaster, and the third was the researcher’s young assistant.” Blueblood points at Captain Scratch. Rainbow and Tick Tock looked to Scratch then back up at Blueblood. “So tell me, Captain Scratch. Is there anything else you wish to say to me before I leave?” Blueblood asked. Scratch nodded. “Aye, rot in hell for your crimes, Blueblood! If that filly did turn pirate I hope she skewers you good. If not her, then Gracie will!” He shouted. Blueblood sighed shaking his head. “If Octavia did turn into a pirate, I’ll be happy to see her hang with that despicable brat of yours.” Applejack walked back out the cell and locked the door. Blueblood gave Applejack a searching look as she kept her head down. Blueblood thought that he had seen Applejack somewhere before. He turned back to the prisoners smiling, forgetting the strangely familiar mare. “Now if you three excuse me, I have treasure to find. Captain would you like to have dinner in my ship and talk plans for the trip?” Blueblood asked smiling at his accomplice. Nightmare Moon chuckled. “Why yes, that sounds nice.” Everypony left the brig level except for Applejack, who just turned to stare at the three ponies in the cage. Rainbow looked up, seeing Applejack staring into her eyes. Applejack blinked and turned away. She walked away from them, slowly walking up the stairs. Rainbow Dash turned away, hearing the sound of the door slamming shut and everything went back into darkness. Rainbow sighed. “So... How long were you in here for?” Rainbow asked with a smirk in her voice. “Captain,” Tick Tock said. “What?” “Why do you sound happy?” Rainbow shrugged in the darkness. “Aren’t you, Highness? Princess Octavia is alive.” Tick Tock gulp. “You don’t think... Octavia really did go pirate.” “Tick Tock, do you want my true honest opinion?” Rainbow asked. “Yes.” “I say good for her. I just hope her old sword fighting training is still in check.” Tick Tock chuckled. “I guess you might be right. She does have that fighting spirit. But I fear that she was too little to remember everything.” “Forgive me for interrupting you two,” Scratch said, clearing his throat. “But you know the princess that is with my daughter?” “You mean the unicorn, the pirate that kidnapped Octavia?” Rainbow asked glaring. “Gracie would never...” Scratch yelled out but stopped, realizing the unicorn might not be the little filly he left behind. He sighed feeling himself deflate. “Actually I don’t even know if that was my daughter or not. I only went by what that bitch Trixie told me. She could be dead already and I never knew.” Rainbow went silent, feeling a little rotten for yelling. “What do you mean by that?” She asked. “Well you see, I left my family twelve years ago to pursue treasure with some colleagues of mine. But our ship was captured by the royal navy and they said that our licenses were forged. I was taken to Manehattan and went straight to Blueblood and told him everything I knew about the researchers. He asked for my name, I told him and then he went crazy saying that I am his missing link. He told me to tell him everything about the voyage to Luna's Treasured Moon and then I could leave and go back home to my family. But I never left, I was tricked. Now he recently told me that he had to use me to find the Moon but I told him about Luna's Tear. The sacred-” “Wait a second, Luna's Tear?” Tick Tock asked, surprised. “What does that jewel have to do with this?” Scratch blinked. “It’s the key to finding the Moon and it was said that it’s the key to unlocking a secret underground temple.” “A temple you say?” Rainbow asked intrigued. “Yes, a giant temple that is said to control the weather, the earth, even the power of the Moon.” The cell went silent after that bit of news. Tick Tock gulped. “I was always told that Luna's Tear can protect the user with powerful magic. Are you saying that Luna's Tear is way more than a family heirloom?” He asked. Scratch nodded then remembered he was in the dark and answered, “Yes.” “So Blueblood has been trying to get the jewel for years? Just so he can find this mythical place nopony has seen except for the ponies that survived the encounter?” The Prince asked. “Yes,” Scratch answered calmly. Tick Tock sighed. “Well I suppose we are stuck together now. I am Prince Tick Tock.” “Was a Prince, thank you,” Rainbow said curtly, getting a snort from the Prince. “I’m Rainbow Dash, once Captain of the Manehattan Royal Guards.” Scratch felt a smile on his lips. Wait the Rainbow Dash? She’s the one that sent my Captain to prison in the early stages of the rebellion. The same one she planned her revenge against? This is way too good. First, Princess Octavia is alive and running amuck in the galaxy, and Captain Rainbow Dash of the Pegasi Order is here with me. But I have to find a way to send the beacon. Thought Scratch. “Well, you already know me, I’m Vinyl Scratch. I was captain of my ship... I’m afraid I don’t really remember what I named her. Possibly from being hit in the head too many times in the result.” Rainbow Dash chuckled. “Join the club. What shall we call you? Captain like Blueblood calls you or...?” “Just Scratch is fine.” “Alright, Scratch, it is.” Scratch smiled. “What shall I call you two then?” Rainbow chuckled. “I like you. You can call me Rainbow.” Scratch smiled at the plan forming in his mind, thankful for the darkness to hide it. He chuckled again. “You might be a little too old for me, Captain.” “Old? Who are you calling old?” Tick Tock only smiled. “This is the first time I actually heard Captain Dash flirt with anypony.” Rainbow chuckled with a blush. “You know nothing about me. I was just being friendly.” Tick Tock noticed the sourness in her voice, causing him to jump in surprise. “Really-” “Let’s not talk about this. Right now we must prepare ourselves like back in the war.” Tick Tock grunted and nodded. The earlier conversation dropped. “What shall we do then, Captain Dash?” I know Rainbow is trying to avoid something... was it the pony she talked about many years ago? The one who she loved before they took him away? The Prince thought to himself. “We must prepare ourselves mentally, Tick Tock. Whatever Blueblood is planning it cannot be good.” Rainbow stated firmly, thinking. Scratch nodded. “Yes, he wants something at Luna’s Moon or he just wants to be there to become a legend or something or another.” He snorted with grunt, feeling his arms start to ache. “Of course being a legend is just as worse as being a demon.” Tick Tock stared at him and blinked a few times trying to understand what was said. “What do you mean by that?” Scratch shrugged. “I only tell it as it is, sir and madam.” “It’s Rainbow or Tick Tock. Don’t be so formal with us.” Rainbow said chuckling. Scratch blinked. Huh, she’s not as stuffy as I would originally think a soldier would act. Still I can’t let her get to me. She is a she-devil herself for what she done to her. Scratch thought bitterly. “So what will the plan be Rainbow?” Tick Tock asked. Rainbow grunted trying to move her numbing fingers above her head trying to get the blood flowing again. “Well, right now we save our energy and rest as often as possible. I doubt they’ll give us exercise time so we must attack at their least expectancy.” Rainbow said grabbing the chain then slowly started to pull herself up as if doing pull ups from behind. “What about Octavia?” Tick Tock asked with worry. Rainbow sighed. “I have my doubts about her right now, Highness.” Tick Tock snorted turning away. Rainbow blushed by her words and sighed again, lowering herself back to her seat. “But I promise you, I will give my life in protecting her like I have promised you on the day she was born.” Rainbow smiled, feeling a light shiver in her body from the damp cool room. Tick Tock smiled in the darkness. “Thank you.” ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ Octavia sat down hard on the stairs panting hard, pulling off her hat, and waving her hat over her neck and face. She was still shaking all over from the rush she had ten minutes ago. “What were you thinking?” Daring scolded silently, staring down at her. Octavia looked up, seeing Daring’s glare. “I thought Captain Scratch and I made it clear that you cannot leave this boat! And look at what happened? You left the boat. What possessed you to do such a dangerous act?” Octavia blushed from the scolding and turned away, placing her hand over her chest where she can feel the Luna's Tear warmth. She closed her eyes, trying to calm herself down. “Well? What was the reason?” Daring asked, crossing her arms across her chest. I'm getting too old to scold children. She thought to herself as she watched Octavia. Octavia stood up slowly, staring at her with worry. “There is something I need to tell you Professor, to you and everypony else on this ship.” Derpy looked over the rail to watch them from the wheel. “What’s up?” Scootaloo was standing behind Twilight as they turned to look at her. Vinyl was snoring loudly on the floor as Cloud Chaser and Flitter were trying to put some water down her gullet without choking her. Apple Bloom was holding up Vinyl’s head, her face shown that she didn’t like Vinyl’s breath. Sweetie Belle placed a cool rag over Vinyl’s eyes to help get her cool. Spike approached with worry as well. Octavia sighed as she stood up. She reached into her shirt and pulled at the chain revealing the lilac purple tear shaped jewel with Octavia’s cutie mark in deep purple in the center. The stone started to glow gently in Octavia’s hand as she shown everyone the jewel. Everypony stared in shock at the jewel. “It can’t be.” Daring whispered in shock. She had only seen drawings and had heard from Professor Star Burst about the Tear. And now the jewel was actually floating right in front of her. Daring reacheed forward but stayed her hand looking to Octavia for permission. Octavia held it up nodding, allowing Daring to touch it. Octavia held it up higher without taking it off. Daring gently took the stone in her fingers, watching it slowly glow brighter and brighter. “Is this the Luna’s Te-oowww!” Daring yelped from the burn on her skin from the glowing jewel. She dropped the jewel, flapping her hand then sucked on her fingers. Octavia was shocked, feeling the Tear hit her chest, but it didn’t burn her like it did with Daring. “Professor, are you-?” “I’m fine,” Daring chuckled, watching the Tear slowly return to normal color, glowing slightly in the light. “Incredible,” she whispered, shaking her head. “What is it?” Apple Bloom asked, standing up fast and trotting over to get a look. In doing so Vinyl's head hit the stair, causing her (and Flitter) to wince. Vinyl woke up and began to curse, covering her eyes and head with her arms. Cloud Chaser was snickering behind her hand. Octavia kneeled down to show Apple Bloom. She held the stone up so Apple Bloom could get a look. “Oooh, it’s so pretty.” Octavia smiled. “It is, isn’t it?” Sweetie Belle gasped, “Let me see!” She ran off, letting Vinyl hit the deck again, causing her to yell out. The twins both winced sharply at the sound. Flitter had to dodge the captain’s wayward arms as she flipped out. “Dammit, why are ponies dropping my head!” Vinyl’s whimpers were ignored as everypony turned their attention to Octavia. “What is it called?” Sweetie Belle asked standing behind Apple Bloom. Octavia smiled at the two fillies. “This is called Luna's Tear, it's a family heirloom only given to Luna’s decedents.” Flitter and Cloud Chaser gave each other a look then turned back to helping Vinyl sit up. Daring was interested. “Yes, but it was said that Luna's Tear disappeared after the first Discordian War.” “Really,” Sweetie Belle asked intrigued. Daring nodded. “Yes, tell me Octavia, how did you come by the jewel?” Octavia smiled sadly, standing back up. “My father gave it to me before... Nightmare Moon came.” “Did he say anything about the power the jewel possesses?” Daring asked with a nervous smile. “No... Not really, only that the Tear has the power to protect the user and that I must never take it off for anything or for anyone. The only time I can take it off was only if I have to pass it to my child or to another decedent of Luna.” Daring scratched her chin, thinking. “Hmm, this is fascinating.” Twilight walked over with worry. “Why didn’t you tell us?” Octavia sighed, sticking the Tear back into her shirt. “I didn’t know Luna's Tear was that important, I just assumed it was just a family heirloom and nothing more.” “But how did that burn you?” Scootaloo asked pointing to Daring. Daring nodded just as curious though she already knew the answer. “Magic,” she answered softly. “Luna's Tear is known for the magic power within. Octavia, would you mind showing me the jewel again?” Octavia nodded, pulling it out from her shirt again. “See how it glows to her touch?” Daring asked, pointing at it. Everypony stared at the jewel with fascination. “Now since Octavia is a mixed pony, both of her parents are Unicorns correct?” She asked, watching Octavia nod. “My father is a Unicorn, my mother is a mixed Unicorn.” She answered. Daring nodded. “You see, so if I could be so bold as to suggest this, it’s possible that Octavia might use magic.” Twilight gasped. “But that’s impossible, Earth ponies can’t use magic, in a Unicorn sense of course, but they can’t!” Daring chuckled at her assistant’s outburst. “Twilight Sparkle, it is possible. If the magic in both parents are strong enough their child will surely be able to use magic. It was done before.” “Really?” The three fillies and the dragon exclaimed in awe. “But of course since the revolt years ago unicorns had the idea of destroying or locking away such information to not give rebellious ideas to the young.” Daring gave a sour look with a raised brow. “I do not believe to keep that type of information into hiding.” Cloud Chaser stood up walking over. “So you’re a Princess and you have a special jewel. What’s so important about that?” She asked crossing her arms across her chest. Daring was eager to answer. “Well, you see young lady, have you- Wait a second, who are you?” Cloud Chaser smiled. “Name’s Cloud Chaser, that’s my sister Flitter.” Cloud Chaser pointed to Flitter as Vinyl pulled off the cool compress and yelped out seeing the bright light from the sun, blinding her. Flitter made a wave trying hard to keep Vinyl still. “We saved Princess here before she got raped by some cyborg thugs.” Daring and Twilight gasped, turning to Octavia. Octavia blushed. “And I’m very grateful for the help. These two also helped me get Vinyl here.” Daring thought for a moment then turned to Octavia. “Forgive me, your highness, but we can’t trust everypony you waltz into. Considering what we are now stuck in.” “Right,” Octavia whispered with an embarrassed blush on her face. “What happened?” Spike asked. “Yeah, we heard so much commotion and all.” Apple Bloom said scratching off some crude oil off her elbow. “We had to blast it off without Scoots’ help.” Twilight sighed. “It turns out that Prince Blueblood has put a bounty on Captain Scratch’s head.” The four spacers on the ship gasped. “On what charge?” Spike yelled out glaring. “Kidnapping a Royal.” Twilight answered bluntly. “Somehow my uncle must have seen Vinyl save my life at the ERS Cadenza. He must be confused.” Daring scratched her chin, thinking but kept her mouth shut. Something didn’t seem right. “And now the Royal Guard knows you’re alive.” Scootaloo said worriedly. “At least what that unicorn might have figured it out.” Octavia sighed rubbing the back of her head. “Yeah,” “What did you do?” Derpy asked cautiously. “Uh... I ordered the unicorn to lower her weapon...” Daring gasps out of her thoughts hearing this. “You did what?!” “I thought she might follow my orders...” Daring groaned placing hand to face. “Octavia, dear, please listen to me. Unless you have forgotten about Fillydelphia,” “No,” “Good, then listen carefully, all Royal Guards are trained to hate Earth ponies and mixed ponies like you. Sure they might salute or bow to you in front of your father and mother even, but remember where you are right now.” Octavia sighed and nodded. “I just thought that...” Twilight sighed. “Look, I know this is hard to understand. But trust me on this, not all of those working in Queen Celestia’s military are all bad. There are good ponies that would rather help you than kill you.” She sighed again. “Why don’t we head back into my room and we’ll talk.” “Good idea,” Daring said quickly. “You two have a nice chat. I’ll stay here with Captain Scratch.” Daring turned to the fillies. “You three might have some cleaning and fixing to do in the engine room right?” The three fillies nodded at once saluting. “Aye, aye!” They said running off. Daring then looked to Derpy. “Maintain the current course Spacer Hooves.” Derpy nodded saluting. “Aye, aye, Professor Do. Keeping course due north of Gretel Sun!” Daring nodded, she turned to Spike. “Go ahead and start dinner and possibly a hangover remedy for Captain Scratch.” “Alright,” Spike said, leaving to glare at the twins as he disappeared down the first hatch to the mess deck. Daring sighed then turned to see Vinyl slowly, standing up clutching her stomach. Daring turned to the twins. “And you two, I’ll like a word with you later. Please stay up here until I return.” Daring went over to grab Vinyl’s arm and help her down the second hatch to her hammock. The twins sat on the stairs waiting for Daring. Daring helped Vinyl down the steps then helped her into her hammock. “Ugh, my head,” Vinyl groaned, rubbing her forehead as Daring placed Vinyl’s legs up on the hammock. “Where am I?” “You’re back on the Fancy Flute, Captain.” Daring said reaching for a bucket, dumping trash out of it, and handing it to Vinyl. “What’s this for?” “You’ll thank me later.” “Why... Urk-!” Vinyl paused making a face then vomited into the bucket as Daring sighed, shaking her head. Once Vinyl was finished, Daring took the bucket and set it aside to take care of later. Vinyl groaned, curling up in the hammock. “That tasted better coming down than up.” Vinyl grumbled, rubbing her eyes. “Yes, we all went through it Captain.” Daring said softly. “Are you alright?” Vinyl sighed. “Yeah, how did I get here?” “Octavia made sure to save your tail.” “Save me?” Vinyl asked with a raised brow. “I kind of remember seeing Sweet Cheeks in the bar. But I thought I was dreaming.” Daring raised her brow. “Well you did drink a hearty amount of whiskey at the bar, Captain.” She stood up to find a blanket. Vinyl sighed. “Well, what did she save me from, alcohol poisoning?” Vinyl smirked at the joke. Daring wasn’t laughing. “No something far more serious I’m afraid.” “What’s more serious?” “Let’s just say that now until the day of your possible execution, you now have a bounty by Canterlot for kidnapping Princess Octavia.” Vinyl blinked and sat up, “Wha-!” She groaned out from the horrible pounding in her head, laying back down, holding her head. “What did you just say?” “You’re now enemy number one by Canterlot. All bounty hunters everywhere are now searching for you. Your body breathing cost two hundred fifty pounds.” “Two fifty... P-p-p-” “And with the Princess alive with you, it’s doubled to five hundred.” “F-f-five hundred pounds!” Vinyl yelled out in shock as Daring unfolded the blanket and set it over Vinyl. “Talk later, alright, it looks like Octavia hired two new spacers for you while you drunk yourself silly.” Daring scolded as she stood back up, grabbing the bucket, and headed up the stairs. Vinyl laid back in her hammock as her eyes grew heavy. “Damn, Princess.”