The journey out of Castle Platinum was filled with what Noble Heart could only describe as powerful magic. They were walking in broad daylight with countless witnesses, but nobody seemed to notice that Cranky even had a companion with him.
“Hey Cranky, where are you going?” a mule shouted from the bushes.
“I’m quitting! I’m sick of this place and the ugly mugs who run it!” he said with a laugh. “I’m going back on the road to find the jenny of my dreams!”
The workers immediately started protesting. “I thought you said you were going quit on New Year’s!”
“Yeah, you can’t go, Cranky! We need to throw you a farewell party!”
“Nope! Sorry! The road’s a-callin,’ and my lady awaits! Bye, guys! It’s been fun!”
“Bye, Cranky!”
“Bye!”
“Good luck!”
Noble Heart waved his servants goodbye, too, even if they didn’t notice him.
Once they crossed the gates, Cranky started galloping ahead. “Come on, kid, don’t tell me you forgot how to run after spending all that time cooped up!”
Noble Heart grinned and ran as fast as his legs would take him.
At last! Freedom! He leapt over hedges simply because he could! He playfully shoved Cranky simply because he could! He bucked in mid-sprint simply because he could!
When had he ever been this happy?
“Hey, kid, come on! The station’s this way!” Cranky called out to him.
Noble Heart galloped to his side, covered in a sheen of sweat. He pranced as they walked through the streets of Mareis, elated to see other ponies aside from his servants and sour-faced tutor.
“Two tickets to Canterlot, please,” Cranky said to the clerk behind the booth.
“Sure thing. You, sir, are really lucky, because the next train to the capital leaves in about three minutes. Hurry up before you miss it!”
“Heh! You got it!” The donkey turned to Noble Heart. “You heard him, son. Let’s go!”
Noble Heart laughed a silent laugh, feeling the sea jostle and foam in his body. Could this day get any better?
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They reached Canterlot by late afternoon.
Cranky sighed as they got off the train. “Well, kid, I’m afraid this is where we have to part ways.”
Noble Heart's eyes widened as he whipped his head around to the donkey.
“I know, I know, but I’m afraid I just can’t be seen with you once that pearl wears off. I just committed foalnapping by taking you, a noble’s son, and if I’m caught— in the capital of all places—, I’ll be locked up in a jail a lot smaller than the one you just got out of.”
The colt looked away and pressed his ears flat against his skull.
Cranky gave him a gentle smile. “Don’t be like that, kid. Maybe we’ll see each other again, but if not, it’s been a pleasure.” And he extended his hoof.
Noble Heart looked at it for a moment, but then he smiled and shook it. Some day, some when, some how, he was going to repay Cranky for his bravery and kindness.
“Hurry up, kid. Time’s a-tickin’ for that pearl.” And the old donkey disappeared into the crowd, off on his next journey.
Noble Heart shuddered in the cold November breeze, despite all the warm bodies around him.
Cranky was right. The pearl's magic was fading, and he needed every ounce of it to get to the princess. He wasn’t even sure if sea serpent magic would do him any good against the enchantments of Castle Canterlot, but he had to try.
He took off galloping to see Princess Blueblood.
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To be quite frank, Noble Heart was very much surprised to see himself in the castle without having alerted the guards.
Maybe Queen Celestia and her mages never thought to insure against sea serpent magic...
He looked to the map on the wall. He didn’t expect to have the princess’ living quarters to be spelled out for him, but he at least hoped the map point him out into her general direction.
He frowned at the layout.
“Are you lost, my little pony?” a mare asked from behind.
Noble Heart stiffened. Even though he could feel the last ebbs of the sea tickling his insides, he supposed the magic had worn off. Well, at least he could play off the situation and act like a lost, confused foal.
He turned around to face the mare.
Noble Heart then sat flat on the floor.
His goddess smiled down at him with her usual magnanimous smile.