Joe’s eyes stung red hot as they were assaulted with ocean spray and chilling wind. The rev of the speedboat as it tore through through the ocean waves messaged Joe’s body with its steady vibrations. His simple white collared, short sleeved vacation shirt fluttered against his chest. Looking over the sides of the boat, Joe appreciated the ocean’s grandeur, unhindered by the clear the sunny sky. The sky’s blue was merely a lightly tinted canvas compared to the pastel masterpiece that was the sea. the lights patches of coral painted the water with a landscape of blues in every shade. It wasn't just a static blue floor, but instead a window into a whole new world with its own peaks and valley and dangers which Joe could appreciate from above the waves. Looking down into to the world of the sea, Joe felt like a Pegasus in flight. Such a thought reminded him of his recent trip to the skies of Cloudsdale and so Joe decided that he was becoming seasick.
He instead looked out to the horizon. Across the blues within the blues, the blueness reflected the brilliant, beating sun up above. The blue water rippled into tiny bands of white like sprinkles on a glazed donut. Tiny pepper speck of other boats and swimming ponies interrupted the white frosting. Realizing he was getting hungry, Joe was forced to think of something else, so he turned his attention to the only other thing he could: The pony sitting next to him, behind the wheel.
“Has anypony ever told you, you look like a walking banana?”
It was true. The pony steering the boat’s motor has a distinct yellow coat. She was yellow, but a fair, delicate canary yellow nor a cheery sunshine yellow. Her coat was bright, loud and offensive. she had freckles and large brown eyes that looked like the bruising and ripening of the peel and her hair, tied into a ponytail, was palm leaf green.
“I’ll have you know my looks are considered very fetching back on the islands.”
“But that mane sure ain't doing you any favors. Paradise, was it?”
“Tropical Paradise.”
“Yeah, I’m sure you are. So you’re supposedly an expert on Aquastrian culture?”
“I've lived my entire life on the islands above the Sparkling Sea.” Paradise stretched her neck out to the sky and closed her eyes to the relaxing, salty breeze. “The Seaponies and Mermares are for the most part friendly to our colonies. Have you ever been to the Ponibean?”
“One. Janeighca.”
“You won’t find very many Zebras out here, unfortunately. Most of the islanders are wealthy Unicorn elites with large yachts and massive mansions.” Paradise scoped around the waters and steered the boat to a smaller, but similar, vessel anchored just twenty minutes off shore. She took a photograph from under the wheel dash and compared it to the the boat as they approached. “We’re here.”
Paradise killed the engine and the boat came to a stuttering halt mere hooves away from the other vessel. The waters were calm, so she didn't bother dropping anchor. Joe got out and stretched his muscles as he balanced himself on the bow. He examined the boat before him. It wasn't very distinct in terms of looks, but Joe could tell by the shape and lines of the craft that it was built for performance and of quality make. Not the type of craft your average beachcomber could hope to afford.
“That’s Miss Heartstrings’ boat.” said Paradise.
“Yeah, but where is she?”
The boat was empty. And could not see any pony swimming in the immediate area.
“She must be underwater. We’re right on top of Aquastria’s famous coral gardens. Popular spot for divers.”
Joe peered into the depths of the sea and tries to peer beyond the coral canyons below. He saw no scared fish, loose dirt or bubbles rising to the surface.
“She must be one heck of a diver to be down this long. Plus I don’t see any signs of extra oxygen tanks aboard her boat.” He turned to Tropical Paradise. “Pass me that underwater scope. I’ll try to find her.”
Paradise gave Joe a large cylindrical telescope, wide enough for Joe to see through with both eyes. He stuck the other end of the scope into the water and turned the dials to focus and see into the coral unobstructed.
“You’re right,” Joe said, “the coral is very pretty.” Through the scope the coral no longer looked liked blues within blues. An underwater forest of rainbows was sprawled out before him. Spires of pink were embedded in swirls of yellow which bled into sharp, jagged, blades of green and purple. shadows of seaweed danced against their rough surfaces as fish of every color conceivable darted through the porous confined of the monument to natural beauty. Joe understood why the coral reef was called a garden. And the colors stretched out for what must have been miles and miles of coral. As the underwater rainbow tantalized Joe’s vision, a new color blurred past the corner of his vision. Joe quickly scanned the garden until he saw the color again. A most peculiar green danced through the vibrant branches of the coral. The green was so vibrant and eye catching that Joe couldn't lose sight of the thing again if he tried. Joe couldn't recall ever having seen a shade of green that precisely matched what he saw, nor could he imagine any other thing in the world possessing such an odd but beautifully pleasing hue.
Joe zoomed in on the swimming figure. At first he was sure it must have been a fish. But as he looked closer, he could make out the distinct swirl of the tail, the flowing mane and distinctly equine face. As the spritely creature dance and played around the seaweed and schools on tiny fish, a great sea-turtle swam by. The green Seapony playfully clung to the turtle's back and allowed it to shuttle her around. There was a therapeutic quality to the sincerity of her play.
“You found her?” Paradise asked.
Well, the colors match.” Joe pulled his scope out of the water. “Mint green coat and mane. However, that there’s a Seapony.”
“Certainly it’s a coincidence. We’re looking for a Unicorn. I’m all for enjoying the local color, but please try to stay focused, Con Mane.”
`Joe wasn't listening. The scope was back in the water watching the Seapony filly. She had used the momentum from the turtle to spin through the water with gracefulness of a ballerina. Her fins danced jubilantly as she bounced among the seaweed and coral.
That was when Joe noticed something odd. Her fins were no longer dancing to the beat of some tropical beat she was certainly playing in her head. They were fluttering frantically. Her childlike grace was replaced with panicked struggle.
“Hold on, something’s wrong.” Joe continued to watch with mounting tension and investment. “I think she got her tail caught in the coral!”
Joe dropped the scope into the boat and with fluid haste, Joe pulled his shirt off.
“What are you doing?” Paradise said as she inspected the neglected equipment for damage.
“I’m going in after her!”
Before Paradise could object, Joe was already in the water. His body tensed with shock as he was suddenly struck with the spitefully bitter chill of the ocean water. But he kept his eyes and mind of the struggling Seapony to fight against the his muscles’ urge to tense. His hind legs kicked ferociously as he made his way deeper and deeper into the water. He realized he underestimated the depth of the coral garden and his nose lungs yearned for breath. He responded by tightening his throat and slowly exhaled from his nostrils as was drilled into his mind in training.
He approached the reef and he could hear Seapony’s cries for help travelling through the waves. Despite the surrounding water rushing past hi hear creating static in his mind, Joe could hear her pleas as clear an any cry for help he heard on land. Joe finally reached the filly and grabbed hold of the coral the filly was stuck in to avoid drifting away.
The Seapony yelped in sudden surprise as a bulky unicorn suddenly appeared before her, his cheeks puffed out blue with reserved air. Joe nodded his head in assurance at the tiny, panicked creature. Her golden eyes shimmered in what Joe thought must have been an underwater cry. Joe charged his horn and the Seapony squeezed her eyes shut in frightful anticipation.
Joe wrapped his magic around one of the jagged rocks that had held her tail prisoner. He kept his concentration as focused as he could despite the fact that the salt water burned his eyes to near blindness. With a few string tugs, Joe was able to jostle the rock just slightly for the Seapony to escape. Free from the rock, she made a mad dash for the water’s surface and Joe, starved for air and an eye wash, quickly followed suit.
Joe gasped loudly as his head emerged from the water’s surface. As he caught his breath and his vision returned to him, he noticed that the Seapony was already there waiting for him, wading on the surface. He drew back in shock at suddenly being nose to nose with the beaming, happy creature.
“Oh my gosh, thank you so much for saving me, Mister….”
“Con Mane. I showed up just after you went down. I was, uh, admiring your form.”
“Oh?” she giggled innocently, “So I have an admirer, huh? And just what parts were you admiring, Con Mane?”
Joe couldn't help but to laugh back. The youthful vibrancy of her smile was contagious. As he waded there in place, he couldn't help but notice the dimples at the edge of her smile. They were cute and innocent, but curiously inviting, just like her question.
“Us land ponies are pretty useless in the water. Most of us can do little more than paddle around. But you Seaponies swim like fish.”
“So do you.” she giggled as she swam a small lap around Joe, “You don’t swim like a landwalker.”
“I've had a lot of practice.”
She finished her lap and twirled in front of Joe. She jumped out of the water just enough for Joe to be lightly tickled by a stray slash. During her dance, a stray reflection shot into Joe’s eye. She stood still long enough for Joe to focus on the necklace wrapped close to her neck. Stitched into the simple black silk choker, was a half cut pearl that sparkled in the sun. The pearl’s surface had a faint purple tint
“Hey. What are you staring at?”
“Sorry.” Joe quickly looked to the side. “I was just looking at your necklace. That’s an interesting jewel.”
She laughed through a sly smile. The look on her face denoted mischief and ego. “Like what you see, huh? Well, you ain't seen nothing yet! Check it out.”
She ducked down into the what to build up speed, and then leaped out of the water like a dolphin. The sun reflected off her mint green scales. Or at least Joe thought it was the sun at first. Her entire body was engulfed in a flash of light. Right before Joe’s eyes, the shimmering mass before him changed shape. Mint green scales were replaced with mint green fur. The curled fish tail became a long, soft pony’s tail. Where there were two flippers were now four hooves, and a small horn protruded from the pony’s forehead. The poy gracefully landed into the boat just as the magical light faded from her body. She stood their, proud and cocky, with the jeweled silk strap still around her neck. What’s more, she had not a drop of water on her.
Joe’s eyes were saucers of shock. If it not been for his trained instincts he may have forgotten to stop paddling. “You… You’re a Unicorn!”
“Surprised?” She laughed. She strutted her neck out so that the jewel glimmered in the sunlight and she pointed to the gem with her hoof. “This Purple Pearl is magical. With it, I can transform between a Unicorn and Seapony whenever I want!”
Joe paddled closer to the boat if not to get a better look at the arcane stone around her neck. “Where in blazes did you get your hooves on something like that?”
“Not tellin’!” Lyra stuck her town out at Joe. “A girl’s gotta have some secrets, you know.”
She squatted down and leaned her head out of the boat so that she was more eye level to Joe, who was now clinging onto the boat’s stepladder to give himself a lift and to give his tired legs a rest.
“Say, now that you’re a bit more my type, you’re kinda pretty. You come here often?”
The Unicorn kept her playful smile. Her golden eyes turned coy. “Only when I’m bored, so practically everyday.”
“Oh yeah? What else do you do and where?” Joe answered her smile back with his own charming grin.
“Well you sure don’t waste any time, do you, lover boy?”
“No.”
With the laugh of foal enjoying a new toy, she turned around and reached into her boat. She came out holding a small pink gemstone.
“Here, this is for you. It’s one of the Coral Jewels I was collecting. For your effort. Now if you’ll excuse me.”
Joe took the jewel from the Unicorn and held it out to the light. It did not sparkle as much as the Purple Pearl around her neck, but it did have an ethereal beauty that did indeed reflect the ocean itself. He smile at the charming trinket and then back up at the pony in the boat.
“Thanks. I’ll wear it so you’ll know me next time.”
The Unicorn mare stopped whatever it was she doing up in her boat and her youthful smile suddenly faded.
“I highly doubt there will be a next time.”
“Oh we’ll see about that.” Joe said partly to himself as he kicked off her boat and swam over to his own boat where Tropical Paradise was waiting. She lent a hoof to help Joe climb back into the boat.
“Tell Canterlot I've made contact with the filly.” he said to her in a low voice.
Paradise smiled slyly and crossed her hooves. “Well, that’s not what I’d call contact. I’ll patch it through that you’ve seen her.”
Joe ignored the quip and focused his attention on the engine and yanked out one of the wires. He then continually turned the key in the ignition. Naturally, the engine only stuttered, and refused to spring to life.
“Keep trying. Pretend it’s not working” Joe ordered Paradise. She obeyed and continued to futilely turn the key.
“It won’t start!” Paradise yelled out loud enough for the Unicorn across the water to hear. Naturally she turned her head over, piqued with curiosity by the commotion.
“Ahoy, there!” Joe called out to her, “Our motor’s conked out! You wouldn't happen to be going anywhere near Sparkling Sea Harbor, would you?”
The mare looked around in hesitation, as if expecting to see or hear something that would stop her. She then nervously checked some reading on her dash, possibly fuel or even the time, before finally answering with an uncertain tone. “I wasn't, but I could!”
“I, uh, sorta have a meeting I gotta get to! Would you mind giving me a lift!?” Joe made sure to lay on thick the embarrassment in his voice.
The Unicorn laughed once again, which strangely enough made Joe smile sincerely. He noticed that there was something truly addictive and contagious about her smile and laugh.
“Climb aboard, then!”
“You don’t mind taking the service boat, do you, Paradise?”
Paradise shrugged theatrically. “Not at all.” It was a cocktail of blatant sarcasm mixed with a defeated sigh and venomous reprimand.
“Hurry up, slowpoke!” The other mare cried out with glee. It was the only invitation Joe needed. In an instant Joe had hopped back into the water and was halfway to the other boat. He climbed aboard with the aid of the filly. Now that he was eye level with her Unicorn form, he could take in the full force of pretty she really was. The minty green of her coat was easily her most striking feature. It demanded attention and Joe could imagine that there would be no way this pony could hide in a crowd no matter how hard she tried. But that was a blessing since Joe got the impression that she enjoyed the spotlight as much as her colors. Her eyes were massive and as gold as the sun; even golder. A golden lyre Cutie Mark adorned her flank, and as Lyra bent down to start her motor, Joe caught a glimpse of the final key feature he needed to identify her. Just as he thought. Couldn't miss. There was no doubt in Joe’s mind now. This adorably cute Unicorn, with the power to transform to a Seapony, was Lyra Heartstrings. And she would be his unknowing target.
Lyra revved up her engine and sped towards Sparkling Sea Harbor, leaving Tropical Paradise behind to sunbath and await her own dashing rescue. It took only a few short minute to arrive at the beach. It lacked proper docks and instead had a docking pony who helped dragged the vessel onto the shoreline. Lyra tipped the gentlecolt and joined Joe in walking up the shore where dozens of other ponies were either enjoying the sun on the beach or having tropical drinks under the canopies provided by the local beach front restaurant properties.
“Thanks for the lift.” Joe said, “Hey, that food stand looks delicious. Want to have lunch by the beach?” He put on his favorite charming smile.
Lyra looked at him incredulously “Oh? And what about your big meeting, huh?”
“What meeting?”
And so the two ponies walked side by side to their lunch, laughing all the way. The two reveled in each other’s company so much, that neither one of them noticed that one pony beneath the canopies had a pair of binoculars up to his face. This pony was not watching the surf. His eyes were squarely on Con Mane. As he watched Con stroll into the restaurant, he smiled to himself, pleased that Con had finally arrived.