I watched solemnly as the remaining crew members of the Ragnarok raised the new tombstones to honor their fallen comrades. The Bearer of Loyalty did Zecora's tombstone personally, as she was one of her longest friends and trusted first mate to Caramel. Not much was said throughout the sad ritual. I could only assume it was due to their pirate backgrounds. No words were needed as their sorrowful hearts displayed their clear mourning. A slow song was sung among the crew and it ended in the same silence it started with.
Beside me was Vinyl, whose wolfish characteristics were still present. During the past week, I contemplated why she still appeared like a Survivor of Chaos even though she no longer was one. I wished to confront Discord about the subject, but he had been busy with Celestia all the while. I could only wait for the opportune moment to bring up such a topic to the Lord of Chaos.
Rainbow walked away from the graveyard to me with her arms uncharacteristically behind her back. Her usual roguish and rude demeanor was not present. Her magenta eyes only glanced my way once as they mostly wandered between the earth and the sky. When she reached me, she lifted her arm up to my shoulder and gave it a friendly, but serious, pat.
"Can't stay in Sepulcher." She said reluctantly. "We got a trip ahead of us. Leads to Canterlot. Hmph, why now?"
Her last words were a question to the air. I placed a hand on hers and gave her a smile which I seemed to have created out of nowhere.
"Don't worry, Bearer. The end is approaching, I can feel it. A victory for the Brotherhood and Equestria."
"Well, I'm not looking forward to it." She sighed.
The response surprised me. All of her confidence seemed to have been depleted and she was walked away with a slow and methodical gait. Vinyl shrugged at me and we followed her. The vibrant colors of the Bearer's hair seemed pale and lifeless at the moment.
"Captain's always this way after the ritual." A crew member explained when he noticed our worried faces. "Ever since Caramel was lost in that storm, she's taken this tradition very seriously."
The Bearer heard this and quickened her pace. I felt a sting of pain when the old captain's name was said. Telling Rainbow that Caramel was alive was tempting every second, but I felt obligated to keep the old seadog's promise. Besides, it was time for her to focus on the task at hand. We must get back to Canterlot and end the schemes of Twilight and Sunset.
Explaining such a betrayal to the crew members of the Ragnarok and her fellow ships was a tough one. Luckily Celestia took that task under her wing. Since the pirates were mostly non-Assassin, their expressions were mostly confused instead of shocked. I could tell they didn't understand most of what Celestia told them, but I doubt they need to anyway.
We made the mildly-long walk back to the village in little time and little words. Rainbow, despite her must faster pace of legs, never grew far from us. That was probably due to our legs being much longer than hers. I digress. The village was informed of the battles near Tirek's Temple. Plenty of the families that lived here were related to the sailors that lost their lives. I felt fortunate to have not been assigned as one to bring such a grave message of their husband to one of the waiting mothers.
Rainbow walked to her ship without a word, leaving Vinyl and I in front of the pier the ship was docked to. Pinkie and Fluttershy chatted away while sitting on some cider barrels. Big Mac's ship was turned around by the hurricane and they sailed to Sepulcher as the island was the only landmark they could rely on. So they had already been on the island for some days.
Thunderlane and Berry Punch were discussing something amusing at a table in the shore's tavern. Thunderlane's ship, Stormrider, was destroyed in the storm. Which was ironic due to her name. Luckily most of his crew survived as they were picked up by Berry and Maud's ships. Somehow Pinkie knew exactly where the waves carried them off to.
Thunderlane was happy when we brought him the news of the Wonderbolts' deaths. Apparently he met Spitfire when he was a young boy in Cloudsdale. He told me he even looked up to her and Fleetfoot. They were the reason he joined the Assassins and became a sort of apprentice to Rainbow though that never took off. He had a mighty grudge against Spitfire when she betrayed the Brotherhood and had only wished ill on her since. It seemed all that wishing paid off in the end.
Vinyl and I went aboard Rainbow's rugged ship. There was no shortage of activity on the main deck as the crew went to work to prepare for departure. I made my way through them to the lonely captain who stood by her wheel in a stoic manner.
"Rainbow, I hope you are not having doubts about the mention ahead." I began.
"How couldn't l?" She asked back. "Twilight may not have been best buds with me, but she still is a Bearer. I just can't think of why she'd betray us, that's all."
"She's mad. I can't think of any other reason."
"Maybe. Usually I'm one for killing and ending, but are you sure we should assassinate her? It doesn't seem right to just give up on her."
"It may be our only choice, Bearer." I answered softly.
Rainbow was not convinced. The Loyalty that surged through her told her not to give up on her friend. I placed a hand on my hip and could only bite my lip at her. My words were nothing to her and I knew it. The Bearer of Loyalty sighed and rested her arms on the wheel, gazing off into the the green sea.
I turned to Vinyl. My friend was not paying the slightest attention to us and was instead watching some one on the main deck. I thought she would be watching Neo like usual, but instead I was blinded by the glare off the golden imperial armor. I shielded my eyes from the glare to see Trixie speaking with a crew member. She was in a far less haughty pose than usual. Though her loud voice made it to our ears rather easily.
"Trixie is here to see if your captain is preparing to depart. Her Highness wishes to leave immediately." She demanded.
"We just had a funeral, lass." The crew member responded. "Give us a break."
"Trixie will do no such thing. The Royal Guard does sympathize with your situation, but Equestria could be in danger. We must reach Baltimare to commence the journey to Canterlot."
"We're on it!" Rainbow called to her. "Geez! Tell the Empress that we're rushing."
"That is what Trixie wanted to hear." The Imperial Captain smiled. "I shall return! Her Highness wishes for me to attend to you pirates during the sailing to Baltimare."
"What?" I cried. "Why would that be?"
Trixie's eyes fell. "She wishes for me to learn from you Assassins. Trixie does not understand, but I don't need to. It is the orders of the Empress."
I felt an initial wave of surprise, but it subsided quickly as it was not as surprising as I thought it would be. Celestia was an Assassin. It only made sense that she would respect the Brotherhood enough to let her Imperial Captain learn from them like she did. It actually relieved me somewhat as it showed that Celestia trusted us at least a little bit.
Trixie departed from the ship, leaving us again in peace. Rainbow considered just leaving right then and there, but Neo advised her to stay to please the Empress. We might as well take Trixie and then leave. Of course we did not look forward to having the Imperial Captain on board, but we knew we had little choice.
"It's never easy, is it?" Rainbow groaned.
"Well," Neo began, "at least Discord sticks with Celestia. The guy gives me the creeps."
"Doesn't he give everyone the creeps?" Rainbow retorted.
We all fell silent as the conversation faded away. The crew went about their ways in their final preparations for the trip. I leaned on the railing of the ship and watched them. My mind began to wander. Where it went I soon forgot. It seemed like a spell of forgetfulness was upon me until it was lifted three hours later.
"Trixie is experienced in seafaring, Rainbow Dash. I steered the ECS Solaire. She is not an easy craft to steer, I'll assure you that."
Trixie held her helmet under arm and grunted in annoyance. Rainbow rolled her eyes and steered the ship northward. The difference between the two was astounding. Both were arrogant and egotistical, but those were the only similarities. While Trixie was upright and haughty, Rainbow was laid-back and quite down to earth. These differences made it hard for them to get along.
While Vinyl and I tended to some ropes and sometimes the cannons, we also watched the two captains bicker. It was like watching a comedic play in a theater. I couldn't help but think that Rainbow's height made it even more hilarious.
"Trixie, this is my ship. Do as I say. I am the captain! You are not." Rainbow poked the Imperial threateningly.
"Trixie is a trained officer of the Royal Guard!" Trixie gestured to herself. "Do not think I am less experienced than you. Unlike many of my rank, I did not buy it or gain it through heritage. I rose from the bottom to here through duty, diligence, and honor. Something you pirates severely lack. And you Assassins too."
"Good for you." Rainbow replied. "Now shut up and let me handle my own ship."
To my surprise, Trixie held her tongue. I say this metaphorically, but she did open her mouth and then stuff it with her hand. I could only assume she was about to say something even she knew would be inappropriate for the situation.
The chuckle from Vinyl made me turn in her direction. Her mask covered her face, but I knew she had a large smile beneath it. Behind Vinyl was one of the Equestrian frigates that escorted us. I felt like I was a part of a fleet with the ECS Solaire and her frigates following us. We weren't supposed to be leading the fleet, but we could not help it since the Ragnarok was faster than any of the others.
"I think the Empress just wanted Trixie to annoy us." Vinyl suggested. "I mean, she does seem to have a trickster in her, ya know?"
"I doubt that. Maybe Trixie has annoyed her too much. She just wanted to get rid of her." I said playfully.
"That isn't far from mine." Vinyl chuckled.
I did not answer, but instead leaned on the railing, gazing out into the sea. Vinyl soon joined me. At these times I always felt lazy as my fellow crew members would continue to work as I laid on the job. They never gave me a hard time about it, so I assume they didn't mind. Despite the month I had shared with them, my seafaring knowledge was still limited.
"So what are you going to say to Twilight?" Vinyl asked.
"I think it's a little early to say." I answered.
"Well, let's see what's she has done. Um, oh yeah, she left me with Spitfire. She kinda lied to the whole Brotherhood. Well, that's about it."
"I bet she tried to kill me once or twice." I said. "She did pin me to a wall one time. Do you remember that?"
"I remember you deserved it." Vinyl nudged my shoulder.
"Yes, I think I did." I paused. "She also taught me to read and write. She....She helped make me into the person I am today."
"You were her special Den Master." Vinyl huffed. "You're probably her numberone1 enemy now. I mean, who else knows about her betrayal than us?"
My heart jumped. "Do you think our Brothers in Canterlot will defend her?"
"No idea."
"Well, hopefully we can convince them. The Bearer of Honesty would know. She can deal with lies and truths. And I have Valor, to show them about shards. Vinyl, it amazes me how well she kept us in the dark! Almost a year ago I was ignorant!"
"Seems fishy, I know." Vinyl nodded. "But she is the most powerful Bearer. There's been some cool legends of past Bearers of Magic. Maybe she mind-controlled all of us?"
"No. We would still be under her spell now." I told her.
"Ya right. Hey! We'll get Twilight. Maybe ya will have the honor of..."
"It's not an honor, Vinyl. We may have to kill her, but I hope it won't come to that."
"I think it's already come to that. I mean, we don't compromise the Brotherhood. She did that and more, Tavi!"
"I know. I know. Just the thought of assassinating our leader..."
"I get ya mean, Tavi. Best thing is to not think about it. We aren't even in Baltimare yet. Canterlot is a long ways away."
"Hopefully we all make it there."
"We will. It's hard to kill people like us."
"If only that was true..."
As the sun was setting, I fastened the ropes tightly. I was about to call it a day and go beneath deck for rest. Vinyl had already fallen asleep down there. Luckily her snores did not reach me there. Trixie had calmed down for the most part. I had barely interacted with her that day as she kept close to Rainbow. The Bearer tolerated her for the most part, but often fumed at the Imperial. Trixie occasionally fumed back and then they would be separated by Neo.
When I was satisfied with my work, I dusted my hands and turned to the latch. The ship rocked on the waves as I made my way across the main deck. It was a lovely evening. No clouds and the wind was favored our direction. By this time we were far ahead of the Equestrian ships. Only the Solaire's masts could be seen behind us. She was a massive vessel, but she moved far better than I had anticipated.
"Ship sighted! Bow way, Captain!"
The lookout pointed directly in front of the Ragnarok. A smaller ship that looked much like a brig was on the horizon, sailing towards us. We had not seen many ships thus far, only fishermen vessels and some trading boats. Everyone on board knew instantly that this ship was unlike the rest.
"We'll keep heading for her." Rainbow called out. "She's probably just headin' for the Isles."
After Rainbow said this, the other vessel released all her sails and began speed to us. I thought I even saw oars come out the sides. I looked to see Rainbow's reaction to this. Like I expected, she raised an eyebrow. Trixie took out a small looking glass and spied at the ship. Rainbow noticed this and took the glass.
"I'm the captain! I'll see who these fools are." Rainbow said authoritatively.
"That is Trixie's! Give it back."
"You'll have ya turn." Rainbow pushed her away.
The ships went almost full speed towards each other. I began to worry as there was no sign of either slowing down. As the other vessel approached, I could tell it was smaller than the Ragnarok. Despite this, her sails and oars moved her swiftly.
"Huh, if that's who I think it is..." Rainbow began. "Oh, you magnificent bitch."
"Excuse me?" Trixie growled.
"Not you!" Rainbow lowered the looking glass. "Her!"
The captain pointed at the oncoming ship. Rainbow tossed the eye glass to Trixie before steering the ship to the left. She then ordered for the sails to be lifted, which made me groan since I had just tied them down.
"Slow her down boys, this ship's an ally!" She called out.
We did as she wanted, coming to a standstill upon the drifting water. The vessel came to us quickly and halted in a similar manner. Since the sun was setting, I could barely see the crew on the other ship. Rainbow, however, knew who it was and came running to the side where I stood.
"Haha!" She exclaimed. "What brings a girl like you all the way out here?"
"Oh nothing, darling. Just some important business." The other captain replied.
"Naw. So it wasn't that ya missed me?"
"Missed you? Wouldn't dream about it, dear."
I looked at Rainbow's smiling face. "That can't be who I think it is..."
"It's exactly who you think it is." Rainbow answered.
"Is that Octavia?" Rarity called from the other ship. "How have you been faring, darling? It's been a long time since I saw a fellow Canterlotian."
"You're not a Canterlotian, Rares." Rainbow said.
"Close enough to one." The Bearer defended. "Now may I hop onto your ship? I actually do have a reason to be here. You may not like it...or you may love it. I'm not entirely sure what side of you I will find."
"Come on board." Rainbow urged her.
The ships were now close enough that Rarity could simply jump to the Ragnarok and climb up over the railing. She was, as usual, wearing her extravagant Assassin robes that did not belong at all on the sea. Once she was on the Ragnarok, Rainbow and her shared a hug.
"Oh Rainbow, you still have ease up on those hugs. You give Pinkie a run for her bits."
"It's been so long!" Rainbow said as she left Rarity. "You never leave Canterlot. Why are you all the way out here?"
"It's a rather long story. Unfortunately, it's not a pleasant one. It actually starts with Twilight..."
"Yes, we know." I jumped in. "Twilight has betrayed us."
Rarity blinked at me. "No, that was not it at all. What are talking about? She only sent me to Manehatten."
"Twilight's evil, Rares." Rainbow put it plainly.
"I can't say that the past days haven't made me think of her that way. This is confirmation then of my worst fears. However, no that was not the reason at all. I was an Manehatten when I was informed of a Gryphonian fleet coming your way. I immediately set sail for you to warn you. My crew have been sailing none stop from Manehatten to here."
"Your crew? Rainbow asked. "You don't have a ship."
"I do now. I 'borrowed' it from a fine gentlemen. He was clumsy though and 'fell' off one night. The crew made me captain when that happened."
"Didn't know you had it in ya."
"I did."
The two Bearers shared a laugh while I was stunned by the news. We were going to be attacked? Was the Bearers' conversation more importance than this startling news? I threw my hands up to get their attention.
"There's a Gryphonian fleet coming after us? When do they arrive?"
"Good heavens, Octavia!" Rarity jumped back. "What are you wearing? It looks like the sort of apparel one would find in a Ponyville ditch. Where are the robes I made for you?"
"I...uhh...They are in my drawers below deck."
"Then go put them on! No Assassin Den Master is ever going to look as uncouth as you. I feel insulted that you refuse to wear what I made for you."
"Bearer! The robes are too thick to wear out in the sun. This isn't cool Canterlot."
"Never mind that. As you can see, I am wearing my robes and I am perfectly fine."
"Octy," Rainbow began, "do as she says. I can tell she won't talk to you otherwise."
"But..."
"Octavia." Rarity said sternly.
"Of course. Right away, Bearer."
I gave her a mock bow and reluctantly went below deck. The two Bearers watched me until I disappeared down the stairs. When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I was met with the sounds of my friend's snoring. I sighed as I approached the loud noises. I didn't want to go through all the troubles of putting my robes on. It was late. I was tired. Instead of bending over my drawers and rerieving my robes, I fell in my hammock and dreamt of morning.
~