//------------------------------// // Voyage on the Seas // Story: CCC-To Find Her Place // by Fresnor //------------------------------// Dear Twilight Sparkle, Selene, and the other princesses, Since the last letter I have vowed to be much more careful about what I say or write. As I was leaving the place that I wrote to you last I ran into exactly what I mentioned in the letter, a dragon. Luckily the dragoness was rather friendly and she also happened to have met my mother. It’s too bad that Spike is so far away as he could probably learn a few things from her since she looks to have been around long enough to not have the arrogance of the younger generations of dragons. Interestingly enough I think that I may have made a friend of her in the short time we talked and I hope to see her again sometime in the future. Recently I have started to realize how much I enjoy writing these letters as well as reading your replies. Talking with that dragon helped me realize that while I may lose friends due to old age but you all will still be there. Even Celestia mentioned this fact before in her own way but I just didn’t understand at the time. While I have no idea how long I will live it really is reassuring to know that you all will still be around in the future. Still it leaves me something to think on more deeply while I travel around in my search. Of course it makes it hard to think deeply on this when you have an old minotaur rambling on about the origins of a cities name while you pretend to listen and take notes. I have been hearing some interesting rumors lately about some diamond dog pirates and I figured that I should check it out. While it isn’t odd to find diamond dogs doing various jobs around the world it is strange that an entire group of them are running a ship even if it is for piracy. This leads me to believe that they may be more intelligent than the ones I have been used to seeing and means they may have some information that I can use. Your Friend, Flarenza “…and that is why the name of this great city was changed from Cowstantinople to the current name of Istanbull.” It takes me a moment for my mind to catch up on the conversation before I look at the old minotaur bull oddly. “Wait? What does all that have to do with why there are so many turkeys running wild around the city?” I gesture towards all the wild birds that are clogging up the streets right now. “Oh that’s easy; they all had a vote on putting the change into place. In fact more turkeys than anything else turned up for the vote and the change of the name made most of the old laws worthless.” I look between the old bull and the flightless birds and wonder why I was even bothering with this line of questioning. I can’t even remember how we even got onto this topic and wonder why I’m even bothering with questioning him now. Reading back over the letter before sending it reminds me once again of what I had originally asked him about. “As great as that story was, you still never answered my original question about what you knew about those diamond dog pirates I had been hearing about.” The old bull just seems to ignore me as he fiddles with his mug in front of him. I sigh as I slam my head into the table and consider searching for a diamond dog to ask. I had decided to hide most of my tails as well as wear a cloak to hide myself in the off-chance that the griffon empire was still chasing after me this far. I was pulled from my thoughts as a feline-like biped stepped up to the table from behind the minotaur. I can’t tell their gender underneath the cloak they are wearing though from their voice I was guessing male. “I hear that you are looking for information on the dreaded Diamond Dog Pirates. I’m sure we can work out an appropriate trade for such information.” I look him over a bit and try to decide if I would be better or worse off with getting the information from him than the old bull I was directed to. He looked rather shady but considering how the rest of the port looked he wasn’t really out of place here. Thinking on my funds I conclude that I am getting a tad low on funds but information of this kind is probably going to cost me something anyways. Sighing, I pull out a few coins and set them down in front of the feline causing his eyes to widen. “Well, well, well. It seems that you really do want this information badly if you want to spend that much for it.” He pulls up a nearby chair and seats himself between me and the minotaur who seems to be oblivious to everything around him. “Well you did pay a good amount so I guess that means you deserve every little bit that I have. There are many rumors about who they are and where they are from but most of them agree on a few things. They come from some undiscovered land or island across the sea though nobody has seen it before. Also even though they are labeled as pirates the actually avoid taking real valuables and instead take everything else such as food, tools, and materials. The number of pirates is also unknown yet there has never been more than a single ship spotted at a time, yet ships are hit in areas days from each other around the same time.” I start to reconsider having paid so much for this information as it doesn’t tell me much at all. I am about to say something before the felinoid being raises his claws as if he remembered something. “Ah yes, there was also one other thing that came up on occasion. I can’t tell you if this is true or not as there has yet to be a clear sighting but it seems that the leader of the ships is not a diamond dog at all.” My eyes narrow at this and I wonder where he is going with this. “It seems that whatever it is can use some kind of magic and walks on four legs instead of two. The only times it has been seen though is with it hiding in a shadowy doorway while covered up by a cloak. Strangely enough while using magic there is no light from under its cowl like should happen with a unicorn.” My eyes widen at this information and I wonder if this information is truly accurate as there aren’t many races that use magic. I nod to the feline and turn away from the table, leaving him to the money I had left him. Could that rumor actually be true; and if so could it really be another kitsune? I can’t think of any other races that would be able to not only control a group of diamond dogs and also use magic as well. This is actually the first I’ve heard of any rumors that would even remotely match what I look like and it not be because of me in the first place. There wasn’t much else I could learn in the town that wasn’t either a wild speculation or an obviously made up rumor. Though with it being a major trade port it did allow me to restock up on supplies for a potentially long trip across the ocean. I didn’t expect that any of the ships here would actively search for the pirates, no matter how much they got paid. Luckily I had some ideas as to how to cross by myself though it would be a bit more wearying than getting a boat. I waited until early the next morning so that I was well rested and unobserved for what I had planned next. The clouds were rather light and wispy but there were still enough to gather up with my magic and compact them into one of a decent size to ride around on. After casting a cloud-walking spell on myself I leaped up onto it and started floating it out across the waters. “I would never have thought being injured and being forced to learn how to travel around on a cloud would come in handy again.” Sailing through the air like this leaves me plenty of time to think and it’s not as hard as I remember from before. “It’s nice to be able to relax for a bit at least. I’m not sure how long that will last though, since I’m not sure how those diamond dogs will react to me. I can’t expect them to act the same as all the other packs I’ve seen since they don’t seem to be acting the same as all the others. That’s especially true if there really is another kitsune that is leading them.” I try to imagine what another of my kind would even be like as my mother was the only other one I had met. There must have been a reason for her to have been out on her own but she never told me what it was. “There isn’t much I can do until I actually meet one anyways. But I can at least I can throw them off a bit by keeping my abilities hidden until I need them. I’m really not sure what I can do if I push myself to the fullest of my abilities but I’m pretty sure I can do a good amount of damage.” I pause in my thoughts as I truly think on what I may be capable of with my full strength. “I remember Twilight saying that she could wipe out a good sized city if she poured everything into one large blast. I’m not sure how close I am to her in strength but I do have a bit of an edge when it comes to technique. At the very least I could probably fight her to a standstill at the very least if neither of us catches the other completely off-guard. As long as I don’t find anything as strong as her I should be fine, and even something as strong as Celestia I can surprise enough to overwhelm them if I downplay my powers. If all else fails though I can always attempt using some chaos magic, though it is always risky to use it and controlling it is near impossible while guiding it is hard enough.” I float through the skies over the ocean for a few days without any sign of land or the ships I am searching for. I had enough food to last me a few months and water was easily obtainable using a gem enchanted to gather moisture from the air, while shielding the cloud from its effects. The pulling feeling I had been feeling was still as strong as ever though I was starting to lose track of the exact direction it was guiding me as I got closer to wherever it was. With all this extra time on my paws I was able to catch up on my studies a bit, though I almost lost a book after forgetting to enchant it so that it didn’t fall through the cloud. It took over a week to finally catch sight of something that looked suspicious enough to investigate. On the horizon were two ships that were moving around oddly and when I got closer I found that one was attacking the other. I kept myself well above them and just observed what was going on. While I remember that Equestria was working on metal sea ships the two below me were still of the wooden varieties. I couldn’t identify what kind they both were as I had no knowledge of such facts but the one being attacked looked to be of a fatter variety meant for trading. The other one was sleeker and obviously meant for speed but it looked as if it could still carry a good amount on board. The smaller vessel looked to come out on top during the battle yet it soon pulled away leaving the other one intact. Taking this as a good sign I floated down slower while staying above it and eventually was able to pick out a few figures aboard it. “Well, looks like I found those pirates I’ve been hearing about. I don’t see anything except diamond dogs aboard the ship from here. Funny how there doesn’t seem to be a flag of any sort flying from the mast like is usually done. I guess it can’t be much stranger than a group of diamond dog pirates I guess.” I follow along above the ship for a while and just observe it to see if I can notice anything else about it that may help me. There wasn’t really much to see though other than that they also suffered from one of the usual common problems I’ve seen in the ground-bound races that even I’ve been guilty of. “They should have noticed by now that a cloud has been following them for a while now and it isn’t going the same direction as other clouds. That’s probably the biggest reason why the gryphons and pegasi were such successful warrior races.” Near the end of the day I decide that I had been following them for long enough and decided to try and make contact. I wasn’t stupid enough to do it without being safe about it so I slowly float down towards the crow’s nest while maintaining a light shield to stop projectiles. Getting close to my destination I find that none of the crew have bothered looking up yet and the one in the crow’s nest was asleep. Deciding not to actually board the ship for the sake of politeness I just float there above the diamond dog and wait for him to awaken. After sitting there for a good while with no response from the sleeping dog and the rest of the crew still not noticing me I decide to try and hasten things. Turning to my side a bit I unveil one of my tails and bring it down to the diamond dog’s nose and start tickling it. At first I think that it isn’t working but when he lets out a large sneeze I find that it worked a little overly well as I am forced to shake my tail dry. “Huh? Wuhza? Who’s there? I wasn’t asleep, honest!” The diamond dog looks around in panic and looks confused when he doesn’t see anyone before sighing in relief. I shake my head as I lower my cowl before clearing my throat to get his attention as I float above him. “You know, you really should look up more often so things don’t sneak up on you.” The canine’s head immediately swings in my direction and his jaws drop at the sight of me sitting on a cloud above him. It isn’t until I wave a paw in front of his eyes that he realizes that I really am there. “Who are you? The Captain said nothing about another High One showing up during this trip.” I take note of his odd accent and rather polished speak as I mentally thrill at his words. He said ‘another’ High One. That must mean that the rumor really was about another of my kind being in charge of these pirates. “Well it would be interesting to see another High One as it’s been a couple centuries since I’ve seen one and that was my mother.” His eyes widen when I finish speaking as if I said something he never expected to hear. With something like fear in his eyes he scrambles down the mast at a quick pace leaving me alone up in the crow’s nest. “Well that was an odd reaction but rather refreshing in a strange sort of way. I wonder what caused him to panic like that to just leave the ship without someone to keep watch.” Looking down I notice that the others had finally noticed me and some were even pointing up at me now. It doesn’t take me long to notice another figure moving across the deck under a large cloak similar to mine own. I watch as he bounds up the mast to where I am and I admire their style while catching sight of fox tails under the cloak. I wonder what they are using to jump like that. It could be a rather useful spell to know if it is one. If it’s all physical strength then I really need to start working out more in the future. Soon enough the figure reaches the crow’s nest and looks up to observe me and I lower the cloud so they don’t have to crane their neck up so much. “Well look at that. I thought that the crazy pooch was spouting mad-dreams again but he really was right about a wee lass being up here, and a pretty one to boot.” I can feel my face warm a bit at that as I wasn’t used to compliments of the sort having not been around my kind before. “Now what is a cute little vixen like you doing all this way from the kingdom? Did the old Lord and Lady send a message to me about what has been going on back home?” This is the second time that I was thought to be from wherever my kind originated from which causes me to worry a bit. “Um, I actually have no idea where this kingdom place is. I’ve been wandering the world since I was born and much of it without being around other kitsunes.” I think this may have been the wrong thing to say as he rears back in surprise throwing his hood off to reveal his blue furred form. “I was really hoping that he wasn’t correct when he said that you weren’t from the kingdom. You should know that once you are banished from the kingdom or leave without permission then returning is impossible. In fact you being on this boat is enough for me to be forced to kill you.” I just raise an eyebrow at this before looking down at the ship and then back at him. “Well it’s a good thing I’m not actually on the boat so things don’t have to get ugly.” I point a paw down at the cloud I’m on which he looks at in amusement. “Aye, that does be true. I don’t like having to put that order into effect though most kitsune that are thrown out aren’t crazy enough to return and force me to do so.” He chuckles good-naturedly as I ponder something about what he said. “You mentioned that those that leave or are thrown out aren’t allowed back, but what about those that have never actually been there?” He’s about to say something but he freezes with his mouth open in confusion. “That is a good question actually. It has never really come up before and thinking about it if you had gone through the entrance to the kingdom you shouldn’t even be trying to get back due to the geas that is laid upon those that break the laws. In fact when I left I was notified that there were no exiles living on this plane at this time so you being here should be impossible.” I smile at him at this point which causes him to break out into laughter. “In fact out of all of the laws I can think of; then the only one that applies to you is the ancient law when the kingdom was founded that guaranteed safe travel for all kitsune-kind to the borders by those with the means to do so. So I guess that means I have to welcome you aboard the Sea Diamond as we return to the kingdom.” He waves a paw down to the ship and I nod and accept his invitation as I step down from my cloud. Without me powering its propulsion it quickly falls behind us to the surprise of the kitsune. “Well that must have been a useful spell to travel around with. How about we go down to my cabin so we can chat in peace while the crew brings us towards the kingdom?” I nod to his idea and follow his leaping down to the deck by walking vertically down the mast. The diamond dogs on the ship watch me as I walk down and I wonder what is up with them now as the other kitsune waits for me at the bottom. “Well you sure do have an interesting bag of tricks lassie. You learned some neat tricks wherever it was you’ve been hiding these past years. Now if you’d just follow me we can get somewhere a tad more comfortable.” I was a little wary about following him into his cabin but I was sure I could handle him if I needed to. On entering his cabin I am impressed by how comfortable it looks without being overdone like I’ve seen nobles do. “Huh, rather cozy looking place here.” He nods as he removes his cloak and tosses it into a corner of the room. This is the first time I get a good look at him and I worry a little bit as his six tails are now revealed to my sight. Okay if things go bad I may have a bit of a problem dealing with him now. My only hope would be the element of surprise but I hope it doesn’t come to that. I pull off my own cloak before placing into one of my bags and taking a seat on the cushions he gestures to across from him. “A two-tail, huh? I’m kind of surprised that you were able to pull off some of those tricks you did then. I would think that it would take at least a three-tail to be able to pull off the things you did and even then with some difficulty.” I raise an eyebrow at his knowledge of magical theory. “Well with over two centuries of practice the spells do tend to get easier.” I once again feel as if I said something wrong as his eyes widen as he stares at me. “Now you are just toying with me. Two-tails don’t live for that long, especially looking as good as you do now, and even three-tails start going a bit grey around that age.” He looks at me suspiciously as I curse my lack of knowledge of how my body works. “Is it really that odd for a kitsune to hide their tails when they are traveling around to make it easier to keep them clean?” I try to act innocently but from the look on his face it’s obviously not working as well as I hoped. His bursting out into laughter isn’t what I expect from him though which leaves me a tad confused. “Well now if you can do that you’re really going to rile up the nobles back home. So how about revealing them so that I don’t have to guess and know how best to treat you?” I sigh as I realize that any chance of surprise now is gone so being honest is the only safe thing to do now. I nod to him as I focus a bit and feel a rush of energy as all five of my tails come into view before I open my eyes to see his reaction. “Well now, a five-tail with only two centuries behind her? You are really going to shake up the court when you arrive and many won’t be happy with the competition.” I groan at his words which causes him to chuckle at my reaction. “What? Don’t care much for politics?” I shake my head. “I’ve come to abhor them after seeing how little they really do and how much they hurt those they are supposed to help. Am I really going to be forced into them when I arrive?” The blue-furred kitsune just nods. “Any kitsune with five or more tails is considered to be a noble and has a place at the court. From how little knowledge you have shown about yourself I’m guessing you have a lot to learn but you seem intelligent enough to learn quickly.” I sigh as I shake my head at the thought of being forced into these things. “You’re right about me lacking knowledge of what are probably simple things to you, though if your reactions to the simple tricks I’ve done is of any indication I bet I can teach them a few things they never would have expected.” This causes him to burst out laughing once again as he rings for a crewman to send in some food. “Aye lassie I really was right about you. You really are going to shake things up and it’s about time it happens. I prefer to be out here on the high seas than back there since they’ve gotten so boring. Usually it’s a punishment to be sent out here but I’m proud to be called Admiral Farraige and whatever happens you’ll have my support at court. I never did ask your name, did I?” He realizes the last bit and asks a tad hesitantly. “While I don’t have any fancy title like you my name is Flarenza.” He smiles as he raises a glass that had been brought in by one of the crew and we continue talking about little things for the rest of the night until I’m shown to an adjoining cabin that was prepared for me. <><><><><><><> It was about another week before we reached our destination and I was surprised with the island that the harbor was located on. There were many vessels there but the size of the island was too small to support anything the size of a kingdom. I was about to ask him what was going on when he waved me along to follow him through the town. I was curious so refrained from saying anything as I followed him to our destination. As we approached what I believed was the center of the island I was about to speak up when he suddenly turned towards me with a smile. Gesturing with a paw to the side I turn to look to see the reason why Celestia never found where the kitsune went as I stare into a large shimmering portal.