> The Home Coming
>  by brony114
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hall of the Princesses in the Canterlot palace, was large and vast; It was made up of 24 large stained glass windows spanning the east and west walls. Each Pain depicted a story from pony lore.

From his stroller,  a young unicorn colt with a deep blue coat and light green mane and tail named Nocturne Armor, was staring at the wonders this new room had to offer as he was used to seeing his own small brightly colored room with pictures of stars, moons, clouds with birds and pegasi. He could hear off in the distance his mother talking to somepony whose voice he hadn’t recognized. He couldn't understand everything that they were talking about since he was too young to understand many words yet. He was content to looking around and every once in a while play with his dangling toy of pegasi. 

Suddenly his mother’s face appeared. She was a unicorn who was light green in color with darker pink colors that made up her main and tail. Her eyes were a bright green and she smiled at Nocturne. Then another pony appeared , she was tall, white with magenta eyes and a flowing pastel mane. She smiled at Nocturne who shied away in fear. The Taller unicorn with wings smiled and turned to his mother while saying something. Her words weren't any of the words he was used to like Mom, Dad, or I love you. Then she looked back at Nocturne and smiled again, Nocturne dug his face into his blankie and shield it away. She then nuzzled him. he was shocked at first but then he felt good and safe. Then the pony said, 

" Hello there." softly as she nuzzled him. Then he pulled his face out from under his blankie and with his big green eyes he looked and smiled at her. The taller unicorn pulled her muzzle back a little and smiled again. She said,

" Awe there you are!" Nocturne stuck his little fore hooves out wanting to be picked up, but the tall pony turned to talk to his mother again before she saw nocturne's gesture.

The two talked and every once in a while they would laugh. Nocturne wanted to be held by his new freind who was nice. Nocturne struggled to get up and he was soon on his hooves. The two mares were talking and didn't take notice of his actions. Nocturne concentrated real hard and soon magic flowed out from his tiny horn. He had done this several times when he wanted something like a toy that fell from his crib. With a flash, he disappeared from his stroller. 

The two mares noticed the flash of light and turned to the stroller. His mother had worry on her face and the taller one was shocked. The two looked around frantically trying to find the young colt.  Then The taller mare  noticed she felt something on her back. she turned and saw Nocturne standing  on the middle of her back just between her wings. his bright eyes looked into hers and he smiled. The two exchanged smiles and the tall mare giggled. Nocturne feeling tired from using magic stretched and yawned only to perform a 360 and plopped down and fall asleep nestling into her coat. His mother began to apologize but the tall mare just nuzzled him and said,

" It's ok, he's adorable." Then all the colors of the world appeared to melt and swirl around. Lines were fading away and sense  stopped making sense. Nocturne could feel himself being pulled away from his mother and away from his new friend. He cried out trying to get his mommy to hear him, but she was nowhere to be found. The colors mixed to grey and darker shadows crept into the swirling storm. nocturne could hear a voice laughing. It said

" Alright you drunken fools, take that scurvy dog into the hold!" and then it laughed again. 

Nocturne sprung up from his bed and yelled, 

" Mom! Princess!" His head was dripping with cold sweat and his heart rate was elevated as he searched around his room with wooden floors and walls. He was now wide awake and alone in his bedroom, in his house. Nocturne Armor , Now a stallion, took a moment to collect himself before he got up for his usual morning routine. He looked at his alarm clock and noticed it was seven in the morning. He had about thirty minutes to get to work. 

"Crap...." He said as he sprung out of bed. He knew he didn't have much time so he decided he would skip breakfast this time instead of  his shower. Soon after his shower, he was in his police uniform and was at his door. He levitated a dried piece of pastry from his kitchen table and pushed the front door open. Light flooded into the small cottage and the sounds of gentle waves and seagulls could be heard.  His front yard was a beach  with sparcly growing palmtrees, One of them just to the right of his front door. Then he was out. He galloped down the beach with the sea to his right and the rest of the island to his left. He passed many beach front houses as ponies would wave to him. In turn, he would wave back while galloping on three hooves. His uniform had a patch on the left and right shoulders that read " Parrot Port Police Dept." His collar had his rank insignia that signified he was a captain. In fact, he was the captain of the entire police force of his tiny island. 

Parrot Port is a small island in the south sea, it's a small city state on one of many islands in an island chain. Parrot Port is run by a city council and Mayor Styles Hoofington.  The Island is mostly inhabited by ship wrecked ponies who were unlucky enough to be caught in a current that  pulls ships into the rocky shores. Also there is a barrier of magic that stops all communications from reaching the lands to the east including Equestria. It is a natural occurrence, though very inconvenient and dangerous. The only other neighboring ponies are an Island of pirates that live on the oldest island of the chain which still has an active volcano. They are very hostile to the ponies of Parrot Port so Nocturne and his police force end up doubling as a defence force too. They even have a war ship named the Queen's Pearl. 

Noc turned down a street named Seal Way that lead to the marketplace of his town. On the way there was the public hoof ball field. Down further from there is city hall and the hospital. after that is the marketplace. The police department is located just after city hall. 

Noc made it to the hoof ball field when a whoosh of wind could be heard just above him. A voice called out to him .

" Noc! What are you doing? It's already 7:20! Everyone is waiting on your flank!" Said Nocturne's long time friend, Breeze Sentinel is a pegasus with a white coat, light and dark blue streaked mane and tail  and a cocky attitude. His cutie make is leaves blowing in the wind. 

"Oh, get off me! I'm not late yet!"  said Nocturne. 

"Normally I wouldn't care, but this time Hoofington's there!" Breeze said with emphasis on Hoofington.

" That old geezer's There? I knew something wa swrong!"  Said Nocturne. Breeze started flying upside down  over Nocturne, “ Things are very interesting today!”said Breeze, looking at Nocturne from above.

“ Then we need to get there fast!” After Nocturne said that, he kicked his running into high gear. The two raced down the street, one galloping and one flying, till they got to the police station. 
_____________________________________________________________________________

(The night before)

Twilight was walking with Princess Celestia from the tower that Celestia raised and lowered the sun from every day. The two alicorns were discussing Twilight’s recent trip to Manehattan with her friends. " The mayor was so nice to give us a tour of his city. They even held a parade for us! Rarity seemed to eat it up of course." Twilight said. The two Alicorns laughed at that. " Im Glad you had as much fun as I did the last time I visited Manehattan." Celestia said to her former student. The two made it to her personal chambers and the guards standing at each post opened it for them. They both saluted the princesses.

" I have something to show you Twilight. It was a trinket I had received  from the Mayor of Manehattan." Celestia turned to Twilight and motioned for her to come into her room. Twilight hadn't been in Princess Celestia's Room since she was a small filly so she jumped at the opportunity.

" Of course Princess!" She said as she entered the room.

The oval shaped room had a large ruge in the middle and a beautifully carved bed with pegasi adorning each post.Shelves lined every wall except for a large vanity, a fireplace in the west wall and a balcony on the east wall. Celestia looked through a box on the top shelf and levitated a small snow globe.

Twilight was given a similar one by the Mayor but Celestia's was ten years older. Celestia levitated it to Twilight who took it into her magical hold. Celestia spoke,

" It's a lot like yours, but I received this one from the mayor when he was first voted in. I feel he lived up to his promises and more; don't you think dear princess?" Twilight was admiring the globe and taking note of the differences in the objects that made up the replica city.

" He sure has, Im glad he has done so much for the poor." Twilight said optimistically. 
Then twilight noticed the row of portraits that lined the desk . Many of them were ponies she recognised, including one of her as a filly , yet there was one that she didn't recognise. It was a picture of a very young colt unicorn with a dark blue coat and green main and eyes. Celestia was standing next to him in the picture. 

" Princess?" twilight asked. 

" Yes Twilight?" Celestia responded. Celestia looked at the pictures that Twilight was staring at.

" Who is that colt?" Twilight walked up to the portrait and pointed with her hoof.
Celestia's smile seemed to melt away into a look of sorrow. Twilight noticed and trotted up to her with a look of worry. She knew she hit a sore spot and was sorry for it. Celestia then spoke,

" Twilight,What I'm about to tell you, you mustn't speak of it too Blueblood or any of the court members." Twilight knew this was important so she nodded her head and listened. 

" As you know, I've had many students before you, well this one is just as special to me as you are. His name is Nocturne Armor. He was a very promising student and he was my dearest nephew." Twilight's eyes opened wide in shock. She only knew of one Nephew and that was Prince Blueblood.

" Is ... he Prince Blueblood's Brother?" Celestia looked up at twilight to answer.

" Yes, his younger brother in fact." Twilight was in awe. She knew this was a huge secret.

" Where is he? What happened to him Princess?" Twilight asked. Celestia gave Twilight a more sorrowful look and her lip began to quiver. 

" I.... dont know? When I first took him under my wing he was ......a little younger than you when we first met, and ....He was like a son to me." The princess was fighting back tears and Twilight trotted up to her to put her wing over Celestia. 

" However, one night. he just disappeared." Celestia siad with sadness, Twilight asked her ,

" Was he taken?" Celestia shook her head and answered.

" No I believe he ran away." Twilight then asked

" But why? What would make him run away if you two had such a good relationship?" Celestia looked up in thought, then said,

" I believe he was ashamed of something he did. He may have tried to perform dark magic." Twilight then lowered her head. She knew how Celestia was angry with her when she was a little filly and tried to learn about dark magic. Celestia lectured her but that was it. She was quickly forgiven.

" You two must miss each other, I know I would miss you if I had to run away. I look up to you like a mother!" Twilight knew that only her connection with the princess would help ease her pain, if only a little. Celestia smiled at Twilight and nuzzled her. 

" I miss him so much, If only he knew that, maybe he would come back." 
The two monarchs spent the rest of their nights talking about the past and remembering all the good that had come from their relationship. 

Princess Luna was in her room, meditating in preperation for her nightly dream walk. Her horn glowed as she concentraited on feeling outward with her mind. She could sense the many dreams that were taking place, some of them felt good and calm, while others gave her a sense of stress and doubt. She could feel her self pushing the bounderies of her senses, further and further out. 

" All seems to be calm tonight, maybe I ought to stretch out further this time." Luna thought to herself. Then her horn glowed even brighter and sparks began to spurt out wildly. Luna could feel the boundaries of her senses broadening  in vastness. Soon she was reaching out beyond the shores of Equestria. Still everything was calm and harmonious. Then she felt something she had not felt before. To the south west way out in the ocean, there was something missing. Usually she could only perceive a dark spot in this area, a place she couldn't venture out to in her state of dream walking, yet this night it seemed like the vail of magic had lifted. Luna took this opportunity to reach out past this point. Soon she came across a small town of dreaming ponies, way out in an island chain. Most dreams were calm and peaceful but there was one that caught her attention. It wasn't a nightmare, but she noticed it was more about a nostalgic memory. The emotions were running strong so she dove into the dream.

Suprizingly, she found herself trotting through the canterlot palace. Luna was in the hall comemorated after her and her sister. Of course it looked different and many of the stories of The Elements Of Harmony were missing. Luna then noticed her sister and a familiar looking noble mare conversing on the oposite end of the room. Next to them was a stoller. 

Luna trotted over to the stoller and saw a young colt. She recognised the colt even though she had never seen him in her life. His colors gave him away as a pony her sister had trouble talking about. She watched as Celestia and the mare converesed, Their conversation was muted as the dreamer had no memory of what they said. She also witnessed the colt teleport ontop of Celestia, This made Luna giggle. Then the dream took a turn for the worst as she could feel the room swirling around and turning grey. Her sister and the other mare were now gone and the stroller was flying around . Luna could hear the young colt crying out, 

" Moma...Moma..." Her heart was pounding and soon she could hear the colt's voice sounding older like a stallion, and he was saying

" MOM! Princess!" Then the dream stopped and she found herself back in her room in canterlot. 

" I .... I ... Found him!" Luna said to her self in gasps. Then luna sprang from her rug and galloped through the palace. 

> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

( Later that next day) 

Nocturne had made it to the briefing with time to spare. As he rushed in with Breeze, he was greeted by the Mayor. The old red earth pony tipped his hat to the captain  and said in his familiar Canterlot accent, " Good morning Captain, I was hoping you would make it since my time is valuable.” If Noc wasn’t trying to keep up the friendly facade he would have rolled his eyes. “ I wouldn’t waste it for the world Mayor!” Noc said in a chipper tone. “ Yes..Indeed.” The mayor didn’t sounds convinced. “ Well now, lets get this briefing started!” The mayor said as he moved to a chair that was situated at the end of the table that made up the conference room. It was a U shaped one and in the middle there was a slide projector. Nocturne’s lieutenant,  Pepper Stowaway, a Black and grey pegasus mare with bright violet eyes and a barrel with a pepper shaker cutie mark, was operating the slide projector. She was the one that was conducting the briefing. Nocturne sat next to her placing  his scroll and quill set in front of him for note taking. Pepper leaned over to him and whispered in his ear, 

“ Noc, what's going on with you? You haven't been yourself lately.” Nocturne leaned in and whispered back, 

“ Just another bad night, thats all.” 
Pepper had a look of worry. 

“ Noc, it’s like it’s been getting worse for the past week. Maybe you should take some time off.” Pepper wasn’t usually this concerned with her boss, but his well  being did mean the safty of the Island. It was his magic pylons, which were placed all around the island, that warded off dark magic conjured up by pirate unicorns after all.

“ Relax Lieutenant, Im fine. Now can we get this show on the road?” Nocturne levitated a quill and dipped it in his ink. flicking off the excess, he then hovered it over his parchment, ready to start writing. Pepper was not happy with his respons. 

“ You know Noc, I hate it when you do that!” Pepper glared at him. Nocturne looked up at her and said,

“ What are you talking about?” 

“ You know when you’re so dismissive of every pony when they show you least bit of concern!”

“ Pepper,Look, Im fine! OK?” 

“ Ugh, fine but don't come crying to me when you’re sick or something!” 

“ I won’t.“ Nocturne said with a smile. Pepper shook her head and then focused her attention on the slide projector.

Pepper then turned it on and a slide lit up on the white screen in front of everyone. The lieutenant began her briefing,

“At the beginning of this week we have come across an anomaly regarding the barrier off our east coast. For a week now the barrier that stopped us from contacting the rest of the world, magically or otherwise , has been thinning. Well, last night, it has disappeared altogether and it hasn’t come back. Also, the westward sea current has also decreased in intensity.” as Pepper said this she flicked through several slides. showing a map and various photos of the coast; some of them showed shipwrecks. 

“Due to this strange event, Pirate activity has increased around the main Island. Since we  are no longer protected on the east coast anymore it’s up to use to further secure the island.” Said Pepper.

“ Have the other islanders noticed this change?” Asked the Mayor. 

“ Negative Sir and I suggest we kept it that way for now. We can’t risk everypony trying to get off this island while we have the pirate threat.” Replied Pepper.

“What about any incoming coms? “ Asked a cream colored pegasus with an orange mane and tale highlighted with yellow. Her name was Autumn Bliss with the rank of lieutenant and her cutie mark was a tree with orange leaves.  

“ So far it’s been quite.” Pepper Replied. 

“Looks like we’ll have to beef up our patrols.  Sea Star, I'm going to need you to come with me today; We need to check all the pylons and make sure they’re in working order.” said Nocturn. Sea star, a light blue unicorn mare with a seafoam green main and silver eyes,  is a sargent.  From time to time Nocturn helped her study magic since she is adept to it. Star was also the only pony Nocturn was willing to allow to mess with the pylons.  

“ Ugh, I hate dealing with those things! Boss do we have to?” She complained. She had a pouty face as she asked this. 

“Star, You know as well as I, I can’t be looking after these things all the time. Come on, you’ll get the hang of them!” Nocturn  encouraged.  The mayor was taking a few notes himself when he looked up and asked, 
“...and what shall I tell the public? We cannot keep this a secret forever!” 

“ We’ll have to play it by ear for now Mayor. We cannot risk the pirates taking any more prisoners. It’s bad enough we still have ponies to rescue.” Pepper said. Over the years, The pirates have been able to snatch up ponies who would venture out too far from the protection of the island. Many of them were being used as slaves to produce food or raw materials for the pirates; working in mines and on farms. 

“ Perhaps, Captain, we can ask for help from Equestria.” The mayor suggested. He adjusted his  monocle with his right hoof while focusing on Nocturn. Nocturn was quite. 

“ Sir, the Mayor’s right. We have a chance to contact them.” Said Pepper. 

“ … Captain?” The Mayor asked. Nocturn didn’t give a reply at first. He seemed to be in deep thought. Nocturn was concidering what the Mayor was suggesting. It had been over 15 years since anything had been heard from Equestria and there hadn't been any recently stranded ships. Now That the veil was gone they had the ability communicate, which ment that a letter could reach the Princess.

“ Oh uh, Yeah of course….Why not?”  Nocturn said nervously. The Mayor picked up on this but he didn’t inquire. 

“ Very well, we will try contacting Equestria for support. Until we get a reply, we will keep our current state of affairs confidential.” Said the Mayor while sticking the notes he wrote into his saddle bag. 

“ Right… in that case,  I want patrols on the coasts to be doubled. Breeze, I need you to keep the Pearl ready in case we might need it.” Nocturn looked at Breeze when he said this. 

“ You got it Boss!” Breeze said with confidence and a smile. 

“ Ok everyone, We have a long day ahead of us. lets get to it!” 

______________________________________________________________________________

( That Same day, Las Pegasus Docks. ) 

“Does anypony know where Pinkie is?” Asked a fussy purple alicorn princess. 

“Twilight, will you relax? Shes on her way! She's just packing some snacks for us for the trip!”  AppleJack replied with slight annoyance.  Twilight trotted past her while  triple checking a huge checklist she was levitating in front of her. 

“ Girls please we need to make sure we have every pony and everything accounted for! Once we set sail, we can’t just turn around if we forgot something!” Twilight trotted up to spike who was securing some barrels of apple cider with rope. 

“ Spike when you’re done here, go with Rarity and buy some more produce!” Twilight ordered Spike. 

“ Oh Come on Twilight, we have plenty for the trip! Can’t you just relax? We have everything taken care of!” Spike tilted his head to the right in an exasperated expression. 

“ No Spike, We have only one chance at getting this journey right. We need to make sure we have enough food for the trip and then some. Remember we’re not going to have a lot to do and you know what boredom will drive ponies to do.” Twilight retorted. 

“ Oh yeah.” Spike said with a sense of defeat. 

Twilight was definitely fussy with good reason. It wasn’t every day that a long lost prince of equestria was located. It wasn’t necessary for motivating Twilight to do it on her own, but  Princess Celestia asked her to go to the islands in the south sea to bring back Prince Nocturn Armor. Twilight had a knack for not letting her Princess and former mentor down so it was all hooves on deck. 

The ship they would be taking is  an old wooden vessel that had three main sails. It’s name is “The Griffon King.” It’s captain is an blue green earth pony with a grey mane and tale and a short beard. His cutie mark is a sail ship’s wheel. His name is Captain Nehab. 

" Twilight, I brought the last of the tens. Is there anything else you need me to do?" Fluttershy asked as she flew up to Twilight. 

" Yes, thank you Fluttershy. If you could help check that everything is secure with this Check list, I would be very happy." Twilight said as she gave Fluttershy the huge check list. Flutter shy almost fell from her flight under its weight. Twilight then trotted over to the Captain. 

“Captain, how long before we depart?” Twilight asked the captain who was sitting at the helm just above them smoking his pipe. 

“ We are just about ready to set sail your highness, we’re just waiting on your pink friend and another group that should be coming in any minute now!” He said in a gruff and chipper tone.

“ Another group? We can’t be waiting for somepony else, we have a Island to sail too!” Twilights frustration was beginning to peak. 

“ Relax Twilight, We’re here. “ Said the Crystal Princess as she trotted behind Twilight. 

“ (Gasp) Cadence! What are you doing here?” Twilight was pleasantly shocked by her favorite foal sitter’s arrival. . Cadence was accompanied by a small detail of Crystal guards who contrasted with Twilight’s detail of Canterlot day guards. The two princesses embraced each other. 

“ What, you didn’t think you would be doing this alone, did you?” Cadence nuzzled Twilight which made her blush. 

It wasnt long befor Rarity, spike and Pinkie pie were trotting and bouncing up the street towards the docks. The sun was beginning to set over the sea ahead of them as the group finished securing everything they had brought. Twilight made a fourth check of the list and then she gave the all green signal to set sail. The Captain began  shouting orders to his crew,

“ Alright! three quarters mast! Pull up that ancker and  bring our heading 36 degrees!” 
His crew of experienced sailors repeated the orders and performed them quickly. Pinkie pie  was bouncing around the deck having the time of her life. 

“ Princess, we should be making landfall on the east most island by tomorrow morning.” said Nehab. 

“ Perfect, That should give us enough time to explore the island.” Twilight replied. The captian gave Twilight a somber look,

“Princess, I have to warn you,no ships have made it back from that island for years. The only Ships to have been seen coming from the islands were pirate slave ships and that was over fifteen years ago. The only reason I'm willing to attempt this trip is the waters around the islands  seemed to have calm down. Still, it’s rather risky going. If you want to turn back, now’s the time. “

“ Sorry Captain, but we need to make this trip, There’s a prince who needs our help and I’m not going to turn my back on him.” Twilight replied.

“ Very well princess, let’s hope for the best.” Nehab said.

“Yes, lets!” Twilight seconded. 

______________________________________________________________________________
( sunset that evening in Parrot Port)

“ Star! are you done with that Pylon yet?” Nocturn Yelled for Sea Star who had been checking pylons all day with him. The purplish stones that stuck out of the ground created a magical barrier around the island that repelled dark magic, making it difficult for pirates to create a beach head. Star was next to the last one as her horn glowed a green hue. Checking a pylon was more similar to talking to a system and checking it’s operational status. The last one was working. 

“ Last one Boss! It’s working!” She said in her slightly high voice. She let her magic dissipate and she blinked her silver eyes a few times. 

“ Well done! We’ll head back to the station and call it a day!” Nocturn trotted up to her, his badge shimmering in the sun set. 

“ Looks like we don’t have much to worry about, right?” His green eyes were now bright with the sun behind him. His smile glowed just as bright. A slight breeze ruffled his locks with the sea behind him. Sea Star let the image set for a moment before replying. She did enjoy working with Noc. 

“Uh...Right!” Star wasn't’ sure why but she was happy to work with Noc, not that she would ever let him know. 

“ I don’t know about you, but i'm beat!” Nocturn turned towards the town. He then looked at Sea Star. and said, 

“ Ok lets go!” She nodded her head.

“It’s about time!” She smiled back at him. 

______________________________________________________________________________
( after sunset, on the Griffon King) 

The galley of the Griffon King was full of ponies that night and the cook on board was working as fast as he could. Since the galley was only one large room, every pony would be sharing it, from the royalty to the guards. This was no problem for anyone of course. The girls in particular were having a blast. Pinkie was playing a ukulele with one of the crew members and Rarity was singing.  Nehab trotted over to where Twilight and Cadence were sitting, which was right next to the other girls. 

“ It’s not quite the Canterlot Dining Hall, But it’s the best galley in the south seas!” Nehab exclaimed to the princesses. 

“ It works for me!” Exclaimed an engorged Rainbowdash. Applejack was too busy eating an apple to reply properly but she made some noises and nodded her head in agreement. fluttershy was in the corner playing with a farret that belonged to one of the crew members . 

“ I second that Captain!” Cadence spoke up. 

The seas were calm that night and lunas moon reflected off the water in a silverlight as the tiny ship sailed in the vast sea. 

______________________________________________________________________________

( 8:00 pm Parrot Port)

Nocturn trotted through the oil lamp light streets, still in his uniform. Most ponies were now going about their night lives as bars and nightclubs were alive with music. Many ponies greeted Nocturn on his way to a specific tiki bar at the end of the street, close to the beach. A couple of foals played with sparklers while chasing each other.They galloped past Nocturn, but one stopped and turned to look at him. 

“ Hey Noc!” Said the young red pegasus colt with a black mane and tail highlighted with white streaks.  

“ What's up Red? What are you all doing up so late?” Nocturn asked as he looked around at Red’s friends. 

“ It’s summer, we don't have to go to school you know!” Red replied. 

“ Oh, well have fun!” Noc said as he ruffled up Red’s mane with his hoof. Red slicked it back fervently. 

“ Hey Noc, can you play hoof ball with us tomorrow?” Nocturn looked at red as he thought. Noc was like a big brother to Red, but Noc knew the possibility of him having any free time outside of work the next day was little to none. 

“ If it’s in the cards, I will!” He said after thinking about it. 

“ All right!” Red said as he then turned to run off while yelling to his friends,

“Hey guys! He said yes!” Red galloped off quickly.

“ Hey, thats not what I said!” Nocturn yelled in vain. Then after seeing the young colt was gone, he shook his head, smiled and trotted off. 

soon he came to the tiki bar that was brightly lit with a neon sign reading “ Tiki Sue.” It’s owner was working the bar that night. Noc Trotted up to the bar and sat in one of the stools. 

“ Hey Moma.” Noc said to the Zebra. 

“ Boy you look like the surf spat you out!” Said the Zebra in a loving tone. her jamaican like accent was there but it wasn’t thick. Takola is a middle aged Zebra who came to the island as a little filly. She is one of the longest stayed residents of Parrot port. From the time she was sixteen she began her tiki bar. When Nocturn washed ashore fifteen years ago with several foals including Breeze Sentinel and Pepper Stowaway, Takola was the one to take him in as a surrogate son.  

“ I saw you out there with that Unicorn. Whats her name? The blue one!” Takola asked. 

“ Sea Star, why do you ask?” Noc hated hearing his mother talk about finding a mare friend and he knew where she was going with her question. 

“ Shes very pretty, you two look real nice together.” Takola said. 

“ What? No way Moma, its not like that! She’s my understudy, Thats it!” Noc was looking away, Takola moved to look him in the eyes with an expectant look. then after a moment of silence she sighed and asked, 
“ So what will it be son?” Noc then remembered why he was there, other than paying his mother a visit.

“ Oh yeah, Apple jack  on the rocks. Thanks Moma.” He said. Takola grabbed a fresh glass, filled it with crushed ice and the expensive Apple Jack that Nocturn grew a liking to. A few years ago a huge shipment of the stuff washed up on shore in several crates. There were many bottles that would last for a while. 

“ (Sigh) I remember you as a small colt, playing on the beach with your friends. It seems like it was only yesterday. Now all you do is over work your self.” Takola said as she gave Noc the drink. 
“ Well someone has to Moma.” Noc said

“ I was really hoping you would date Pepper.” Takola continued

“ Mom She’s married now and besides we’ve always been friends!” Noc said with a hint of annoyance.

“ Well she was interested in you before she married.” Takola said with one eyebrow up. Noc stuttered with his response. 

“ …..That was a long time ago Ma. Do we really need to talk about this now?”

“ Boy, I just want you to be happy is all. You can marry who ever you wish, just don’t waste your life away, Those rocks won’t bring you happiness.” Noc slammed his hooves down on the bar.

“ Those Pylons keep us out of slavery!” Noc felt the harshnes of his tone and Calmed him self down a little. Takola wasn’t a stranger to his smal outbursts and she knew he was under a lot of stress lately. 

“…..Oh Moma I wish I could, I really do, but I can’t quit my job and I can’t stop protecting this island. There’s just too much at stake.” 

“ I know Boy, Just make plans to let it go some day, and soon!” 

“  I will Momma, I promise.” Noc took a sip of his Apple jack. 

______________________________________________________________________________

( 10:30 Nocturnes Home.)

Nocturn Armor shuffled into his home levitating a bottle of Rum that his mother gave him to relax with. He left his door open  as he trotted over to his desk. With his magic he lit an oil lamp that sat on his desk. He sat down and put the bottle on his night stand. The small flame flickered casting shadows all about the room. Noc scratched his head and then levitated a piece of parchment from a stack in his drawer. He set it down and pulled a quill out from his collection and began to write,

“ Dear Princess Celestia,

I know it’s been a very long time since You’ve heard anything from me and im sorry. These past fifteen years or so have been trying for me and I’ve had a lot of time to think, yet, I have nothing to show for. I have so much to say and so much to apologize for , yet I dont even know where to begin. I wish you could forgive me. 

In any case, As Captain of the Parrot Port Police dept., I write  this letter as a formal request for support from the Equestrian nation. Parrot Port is under a constant siege from Pirate forces that intend to enslave our citizens. We need your your help, Militarily and otherwise. I Wait expectantly for your reply, 

sincerely,
…..”


Nocturn was having trouble finishing that last part of the letter. The part where you write and sign your name and title. His quill trembled  dropping tiny splotches of ink on the paper. He knew his place and his title, but writing it seemed so final for him. He wasn’t sure why, but he didn’t want to, he couldn’t. His will failed him. As he realised he wouldn’t write “Captain Nocturn Armor,” He crumpled the letter and threw it to his trash bin, which was overflowing with similar letters. 

Frustrated, He blew the oil lamp out and trotted over to his bed where he slumped into it. He fell asleep, not even bothering to close his front door. 

______________________________________________________________________________

(10:30 pm on the Griffon King) 

Twilight was on the bow of the ship looking out on the sea with the moon shining of it’s surface. Cadence trotted up next to her. The two exchanged smiles and then Twilight spoke,

“ So why did you decide to come? Im sure It was hard leaving my brother behind to look after the Crystal Empire.” Twilight was looking out over the sea as she asked this. Cadence stared out over the water as well. 

“ Yes it was, but this trip is just as important to me as it is to Celestia. It’s been so long since I’ve seen Nocturn. He was like a little brother to me before I met you. He is important to me like you are.” Cadence explained to Twilight.

“ He seems really special to every pony. I hope I really get to meet him.” Twilight said with a smile. 

“ Yes I hope so too. I really wonder what he is like now that he’s grown up. I hope he’s alright!” 
Cadence sighed as she continued to stare out at the ocean. Twilight Sighed as well. 
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

(7:30 the next morning, Parrot Port Island)

Seagulls squawked off in the distance. They glided into the wind catching an updraft that made their flight effortless as the day was bright and sunny, perfect for seafaring. Many of the Parrot Port islanders were out and about taking care of their daily business as they usually did.

The Police, however, were out in force. Every inch of beach was being watched  and the town was being covered by roaming patrols as well. Still, the townsfolk were none the wiser about the change in their environment. 

Nocturn Armor was on the east beach near the docks where The Queen’s Pearl made birth. He was accompanied by his constantly complaining sergeant Sea Star as they once again checked the pylons. 

“ Oh quit your whining, we’re only checking the east shore today, we’ll be done by lunch!”

“ Ugh, I hope so! I think I’m starting to get a headache!” Sea Star exclaimed. Nocturn was beginning to feel annoyed by his understudy. 

“ You’re a headache.” He said under his breath. Star looked up at him with a look of confusion. 
“ What?” She asked. 

“ Nothing Sargent, just keep checking, We only have twenty more to go.” Noc turned to look away from Star hopeful that she didn’t hear enough of what he said because that would be a whole morning of annoyance. Little did Noc know that his morning was about to get really annoying. 

______________________________________________________________________________
( 7:30 am, The Griffon King)

Rainbow dash was perched on top of the main mast looking down on the ocean with a land mass slowly coming into view in front of the ship. Rainbow had been flying with the seagulls since six that morning and she was the first one to spot land. All the girls were below deck getting ready for getting off the ship. Twilight was double checking provisions , tents and other equipment for living in the wilderness. It wasn’t apparent how civilized the islanders were so she needed to be able to fallback on contingencies. Captain Nehab came down to talk to Twilight from up top, leaving his first mate in charge of bringing the ship in as close to the shore as he could. 

“ Princess, we'll be making landfall in about 10 minutes.” He told her. Twilight was trotting around with spike oh her back reading off the list she compiled. Cadence was on the opposite end of the boat checking the equipment as well. 

“ Thank you Captain, We should be ready by the time we reach land.” she said confidently. 

______________________________________________________________________________
( East beach Parrot Port Island) 

Nocturn Armor took a small break from checking pylons as he sat on the cool sand that had yet to heat up from the sun. He took a swig of water from his canteen when he noticed something on the horizon. He lowered his canteen that was in his ethereal hold and took a better look at the object. It was large and had masts. His eyes grew wide . 

“ Star, can you see that?” He asked as he turned to star who was finishing checking a pylon. She looked up at where Noc was pointing. She squinted her silver eyes until she saw something out on the horizon. 

“ What is …..It that a ship?” Star asked shocked. Noc nodded his head and stood up. Then he noticed that there was a second vessel, a vessel he knew all too well.  It was dark with black sails and very well armed. It was heading east towards the new ship, most likely to intercept it 

“ Ugh, of course!” Noc exclaimed with slight frustration. He knew he had to do something to stop the pirates from getting to the new ship which may not have been armed as far as he knew. At that moment Breeze Sentinel swooped in. 

“ Noc, did you see….” Breeze was cut off by Nocturn.

“ Yeah I see it! Get the pearl ready, I'm going to take my boat!” Noc rebuilt a row boat from a ship that crashed ashore and added an invention to it which he created, a magic powered motor. The boat was small but it was fast enough to avoid the guns of the pirate ships. Nocturn then looked at Star. 

“ Watch over the Pylons, I don’t need any pirates making it to shore while I'm out there.” he said calmly to her. 

“ Noc, Isn’t it going to be dangerous?” She said with a hint of worry. 

“ What are you talking about? Of course it is! Those are pirates!” He said confused.

“ But What if you get hurt?” She asked even more worried,. 

“ What? I….look we need to help that ship out, We can’t afford to let the pirates take more prisoners!” Noc said irritated and still confused as to why Star was acting weird.

“ But Noc, what if….” Noc cut her off. 

“ Star you have your orders, I need you to take care of these pylons. You know what to do!”  He said as he galloped off to the docks. 

“ But Noc…?” Star called out in vien. She was now looking down at the sand wondering if he was going to come back.  She knew first hand how vicious the Pirates are, she watched her own parents get captured. 
______________________________________________________________________________

( top deck of the Griffon King) 

Twilight was now up top chatting with her friends and Cadence. The guards were in their armor and ready for the day. Pinkie was playing go fish with Rarity as they waited to go ashore. 

“ Captain, I think I see docks.” Twilight told Nehab. 

“ Oh yes I see it too Princess. Thats good news!”  He said in return. 

“ Oh look I think a ship is headed our way!” Twilight said. Nehab took one look at it and turned pale. Twilight noticed the change. 

“ Captain?” she asked.

“All hands on deck! Guests get down below! We’re under attack!” Nehab Yelled at his Crew and the passengers. Twilight continues to look at Nehab in confusion. 
“ Whats going on?” she demanded. 

“ Princess! Please get below deck! We have pirates coming our way!” He said shivering with fear. 
“ Pirates? We can take them on!” Rainbow said as she swooped down to land on the deck.

“ Please Princess You should get below deck! I couldn’t forgive myself if you or your friends were hurt!” He said pleading. Just then a barrage of cannon fire could be heard off in the distance. 

“ Incoming!” Said the helms pony.

“ Hit the Deck! Yelled Captain Nehab while tackling Twilight. 
Just then a hail of cannon balls hit the water just next to the ship. Twilight pushed Nehab off and got up to peer over the side of the ship. The pirates had  almost caught up. 

______________________________________________________________________________

( One mile out to sea)

Just as Pepper had reported, the waters were calm almost as if the current had vanished completely, which made it easier for Noc to pilot his boat east ward. He could see the Pirate ship engaging the smaller ship and the crew trying their best to avoid the waves of cannon fire aimed at them. He could also see armored ponies. .  

“Crap, almost there!” He said to no one in particular. The motor buzzed erratically as it pushed the small boat through the waves with sparks shooting out every once in a while. He aimed the boat for the pirate ship trying to get on the starboard side of it. A few arrows landed in the water next to him so he swerved the boat trying to throw off the aim of who ever was shooting at him. 

“ What in the name of Celesta am I doing?” he thought to himself.  Then he saw something that almost made him crash into the ship. A large shield bubble formed around the civilian ship deflecting the cannon fire. 

“ Who in hay did that? “ He asked himself. Powerful magic such as teleporting and transformation spells were a rare thing for any unicorn to perform, but shield spells were in another league of their own. Noc tried to form a shield spell once but it backfired and nearly put him in the hospital. 

The pirates kept shooting at the shield until it broke. Captain Nehab ordered the guards and his crew to form up. 

“Every pony, prepare to repel boarders!” Said Nehab. Twilight was on her knees from over exerting herself from trying to maintain the shield. Rainbow picked her up and flew her to the entrance of the cargo hold. The Guards lined up with the ship’s crew on the port side. They waited for the onslaught to come.

Nocturn managed to tie to the pirate ship. The pirates lost sight of him. He pulled himself up to the side of the deck and rolled on to it. He hid behind a crate. 

“this is stupid, this is stupid, this is stupid….!” he kept telling himself. It wasn’t like he was afraid of pirates, but taking on an entire ship by himself was a little daunting .  This would take some cunning.
“ Ok noc, focus, you have to get their attention!” He told himself. the Pirates were getting ready to board the Griffon King with grappling hooks.  Noc noticed the crate he was behind had bags of gunpowder. He changed his plan from diversion to destruction. One pony aimed a swivel gun at one of the port holes. 

meanwhile the girls were in the cargo hold tending to Twilight. CAdence was healing Twilight with her magic while the others did their best to fan her.  Rarity was close to a port hole thinking about the prospect of being captured by pirates.

“ What are we going to do? We simply cannot just let these Pirates take any of us!” Rarity exclaimed in fear. Pinkie bounced up to rarity with a look of confidence. 

“ Don’t worry Rarity, Spike will protect you!” Pinkie let out a giggle. Spike blushed. 

Suddenly something broke through the port window. it was a grapple hook that latched onto the hole it made. it wasn’t long before a pirate swung in, grabbed Rarity and was out the window with her screaming for Spike. Spike jumped to his feet and ran for the hole.

“ Rarity!” He screamed as he lept for the hole. He barely managed to catch the hook with his claw as it let go of the port hole. both spike and rarity were gone. 

“Spike! Rarity!” all the girls screamed including Twilight. The all jumped for the hole but arrows stopped them from pursuing. 

“ Oh what do we do?” Twilight looked at her friends. Cadence tried casting a spell. Suddenly portal like reflection formed out of thin air and The girls could see Rarity as she was being pulled up to the ship. 

Noc was setting up some bags of powder on the stern of the ship when he noticed a white unicorn screaming  on her way up to the ship. she was pulled from the Griffon King. Then he noticed a small baby dragon hop on to the deck. He was trying his best to look scary but it wasn’t working. The captain, a muscular pegasus grabbed one of Spikes feet with his wing and laughed at him as he dangled trying to fight back. Noc concentrated and teleported closer to the bow.

“Leave him alone you ruffian!” Rarity screamed at the pirate captain. 

“ Ha ha ha, what do we have here? A ferocious Dragon?” The captain continued to laugh along with a few of his crew members. 

“ Alright lads! Get Ready to board!” The captain barked. 

“Maybe you should reconsider you Ugly Mule!” Noc Shouted from behind a tarp . 

“ Who said that?” Growled the captain. His eyes searched the deck for the voice that dared call him a mule. Then a large explosion took out the stern. sending one pirate flying off the ship. 

“ Damn it, we’ve been boarded! Search the deck for the fool, I want his head!” The captain was considerably angry. 

“Crap….” Said Noc. The others didn't’ go off. This was a bad plan and he knew it. 

Pirates Scoured the deck looking for any sign of boarders. one found the Dinky. 

“ We Got a boat here!” he yelled pointing with his hoof  over the side. another pony found where the explosives came from. He pointed at the missing bags of powder to let every pony know. Tarps were beings pulled up one at a time. It was then Noc made his move, jumping from behind the tarp he was hiding behind and galloping past one of the pirates. They all yelled and screamed while chasing after him. Noc jumped over one pirate and bucked another in mid air. Hi was desperate to reach the fuse he thought should have been burning even though that fuse 
consisted of a trail of poured powder. 

after collapsing a stack of crates to cover his path, Nocturn managed to find where the fuse stopped burning. He then set it on fire again with his magic. One unicorn pirate blasted the crates out of the way and charged Noc. Noc shot a few bursts of magic towards them and suppressed their advancement. His next problem was getting away from that side of the ship. 

Rarity watched the chase in shock and confusion. Spike stopped fighting to watch the strange display of chaos. Noc was cornered and was looking for options. 

“ Looks like it’s over for you blue!” said one pirate from behind his cover. 

“No not yet…” Noc said to himself as he watched the fuse burn around the corner. he knew he had about a 20 seconds before he was chum.  Then he focused his magic, trying to cast something he found difficult to do in stressful situation. 

“ Come on, come on!” He said. Then with a flash of light he disappeared. Suddenly he was falling and grabbing onto cloth, black cloth.  He managed to grab hold of a rope on the way down with his mouth. It wasn’t long before the deck exploded and the mast he was on began to fall towards the bow. he tried swinging and barely made it past the burning rubble just inches away. he let go and rolled towards the stern. The crew began jumping off the ship to get away from the fire. The other boat look on in horror. 
Noc got up with a groan, his entire body was in pain. 

“ You! You’re going to pay with your head!” Growled a very angry pirate captain. Noc got up and hid behind a canon. The Captain, his first mate, and two other crew members were still guarding Rarity and Spike, not wanting to lose their prize. 

There was a cross bow left behind by a crew member who abandoned the ship. he picked it up. 

“ Clearly you don’t know how to properly run a ship!” Noc yelled back. 

“ I am Captain Nautical, one of the most feared pirates of these waters! I will have you head as a trophy!” 

Nocturne knew he needed an opening and therefore he began to use taunting as a means of getting the captain to open himself up to being attacked. 

“ Please, you call yourself a pirate! Your Ship is sinking all because of me! I know you're kind, you’re a fake!” Noc retorted. 

“ You’re quite the talker!” Nautical yelled with a laugh.

“ Yeah and you’re pretty ugly and stupid!” Noc said with a pause between each insult.

“ Are They really going to shout petty insults at each other!” Rarity said unamused.

“ I know who you are Captain. I’ve heard you date ugly old mares!” Said Nautical with a roaring laugh. Noc paused for a brief moment before he replied.

“ … Hey don't talk about your mother that way! Shes a very nice Lady!” This was the cinderblock that broke the camels back. 

“ I’ll Gut you, you wretch!” The infuriated Captain Nautical screamed while he let go of spike and soared into the air. That gave Noc his chance and he took aim at Nautical. Nautical dove straight at Noc who had moved to the middle of what was left of the deck. It was over in less than a three seconds. Nautical took a bolt to his left wing and he veered left into the deck . Noc Shot two beams of magic at the remaining pirates hitting one of them over the side. The rest backed away from Rarity and Spike who were now squaring up to fight back.  

Spike jump on my back!” Rarity yelled. Spike jumped on. Noc Galloped up to them,

“ Come on this way!” He motioned to the side of the ship where he had tied his Dinky. The three lept over the side and Noc cast a spell to let them land softly in it.  once they were in, he started the engine and off they went towards the coast. The Griffon King was now following behind . 
Rarity and spike both stared at a heavily panting Nocturn Armor as he was piloting his boat to shore. Noc eventually noticed and smiled at them. 

“ Welcome to Parrot Port!” He said while grinning. 
______________________________________________________________________________ 

(East Beach, Parrot Port Island.)

Nocturn, Rarity and Spike all made it to shore just before the Griffon King had docked. The Queen’s Pearl swept the waters for surviving pirates to take as prisoners, but Nautical was no where to be found. 

Nocturn was hurt pretty bad as falling from the mast like he did plus the burns he received from the explosion that caused the mast to break and fall was enough to make him walk with difficulty. His uniform was burned and ripped with his coat being black  in some places. Nothing a night of Magic healing wouldn’t cure, but none the less, it hurt. Every pony converged on the east side docks including the Mayor and many of the towns ponies. Breeze flew to Nocturn and landed next to him.

“ What….the hay….are you trying to do? Are you trying to get yourself killed?” Breeze yelled at Noc who was nursing a burn on his left front leg. 

“ Yeah sorry,...I  uh didn’t mean to make a spectacle of things.” he said sheepishly. He looked up to see Sea Star who was avoiding eye contact with him. He thought that was strange but he felt she would get over what ever she was mad about. 

“ Noc, can you please not do that ever again!” Pepper galloped up to him. She was pretty damn angry but she kept her emotions on a tight leash. 

“ Ok,ok, Im sorry! I won’t try to bring in an entire pirate crew by my self! Im sorry!” Said Noc. Just then Rarity’s friends galloped off the boat to reunite with her and Spike. Thats when Noc Noticed the armor of some of the guards. They were Canterlot Royal guards. This made him very nervous. He didn’t recognise any of the faces so they all had to be new within the last fifteen years. They formed a box perimeter around the mares. 

Twilight stepped out on to the ramp trotting over to Rarity and Spike, giving Spike a huge hug. 

“Spike don’t you ever do something like that again!” Twilight said with tears streaming down her face. She joined her friends in a group hug. It was a long hug that lasted five minutes. After they were done, Twilight turned to look at around, trying to find the unicorn who saved her friends. She spotted him staring back. 

“ Hi!” She said enthusiastically. 

“ Hi.” he replied.

“ I wanted to thank you for saving my friends, I don’t know what I would have done if I’d lost them!” She smiled as she spoke. 

“  I’ve lost a few friends to the pirates myself, I wouldn’t want anypony else to go through that. You are Equestrian, right?” Nocturn asked. 

“ Yes, I am Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria! Former student of our benevolent ruler, Princess Celestia!” Twilight said this with a smile.. 

“ Welcome to Parrot Port Island your highness, It seems a lot has changed in Equestria in the past 15 years.”

“ A lot has changed!” Twilight replied. 

“ 15 years?” Twilight pondered to her self.

“ May I be so bold as to ask, your highness, why are you here?” Noc looked at Twilight wondering if she was about to say what he was thinking she would. 

“ I'm on a royal mission to find a lost prince of Equestria, Nocturn Armor!” She proclaimed proudly. Suddenly there were many gasps of shock and Noc received dozens of stares from the ponies that were there. The Mayor’s monocle fell from his eye as well.  Noc  Turned pale as she said his name and former title. A title that he wished stayed seacret. 

Then her eyes opened wide as if she realised something. She looked Nocturn over with scrutinous eyes as she ran through a mental check list. . 

“ Hm, Unicorn Stallion roughly a little older than me, blue coat, light green main and tail, vividly green eyes and a Shield with stars cutie mar!.” She took a step back with her front leg up to her chin. Shocked she then hesitantly asked,

“ What is your name sir!” Twilight asked. 

“ Noc? A Prince? There’s no way!” Breeze said with a chuckle. 

“ Noc? Whats going on? What is she talking about?” Pepper asked her old friend. 

“Nocturne…..Nocturne armor!” Noc replied to Twilight. 

“ ( Gasp) Girls it’s him!” Twilight exclaimed with excitement. 

“ Captain Nocturn Armor!” Noc added , emphasizing the word “ captain” as if to correct Twilight. He was uncomfortable with everypony he knew finding out he was former royalty. 

“ Now we can bring you home!” Twilight stated with joy.. 

“Am I being detained?” Noc Asked worriedly.

“ No of course not Your Highness! We are just bringing you home juat as Princess Celestia has ordered!” Said Rarity. 

“ Princess I don't’ mean to be rude but I'm afraid thats not going to happen.” Noc said as he looked at Twilight. . 

“ What do you mean? Don’t you miss home? Dont you want to go home now that we found you!” Twilight was now confused. 

“ Princess, this is my home and I’m not going anywhere.” Noc said sternly. Then a rainbow colored pegasus landed in front of him. 

“ What the hay do you think you’re doing talking to Twilight like that? You’re coming with us whether you want to or not!” She screamed at him. 

“ Wait! Rainbow!” Twilight called out to her brash friend. Noc however just used his magic to push rainbow back out of his face.. 

“ Yeah good luck with that!.”  were his only words to her. 

“ Hey, don’t do that!” Rainbow Dash yelled at him. Suddenly another voice called out to Nocturne. 

“ Little Brother?” Cadence Called out to Noc. She was unsure if it really was him. Noc stopped in his tracks. 

“ Cadence? “ He said under his breath. Noc turned to look at the alicorn standing on the ramp. It was certainly her, just a little older and taller. 

“ It really is you!” Cadence proclaimed. Her eyes began to tear up as she flew past her detail of guards. She flew up to Noc and threw her forelegs around him. 

“ Oh little Brother! I’ve missed you so much!” She was Crying. Nocturne was at a loss for words. His eyes were wide with shock. 

“ I….I should have known you’d be with them.” Noc said to Cadence. This made her chuckle.

“ We’ll what did you expect?” She replied,

“ You know what I expected.” He said with sorrow in his eyes.
“ Nocturn, Of course not! Princess Celestia has already forgiven you!”  Cadence said. 

“ Yes, she told me why you ran away!” Twilight said as she trotted up. Noc looked at both Cadence and Twilight who were looking at him expectantly.

“ Look.. This.. I … This is a lot! Im sorry I have some thinking to do!” He said as he back up from Cadence. 

“ In any case, perhaps we can take this off the beach and back to town hall.” Said the Mayor who had stepped in to take control of the situation. Both Cadence and Twilight looked at him with confusion. 

“ Styles Hoofington, Mayor of this Town, at your service your majesties!” He said with a bow. 

“ Charmed.” both the princesses said. 

“ Captain,  do you require medical attention?” 

“ No sir. Nothing a good shower can't fix.”

“ Then I expect you to be at Town Hall in 2 hours!” Hoofington said to Noc. 

“ Yes Mayor.” he said flatly. Every pony was staring at Noc. He looked at his friends who stared at him with confused and some with anger ( primarily Pepper and Breeze). Noc shook his head and turned to walk towards his home. 

Cadence trotted up to him and gave him another bear hug.

“ Nocturne, whatever happens and whatever you decide to do, just know that I still care about you like a little brother. Don’t worry about making any decisions now, I just want to spend some time with you! ok?” Cadence loosened her hug and stared him in the eyes.

“ ….Thanks sis.” He said with a smile and hugged her back. 

“We’ll all be waiting for you at town hall.” She said as she trotted away.  

“ Ill be there!” he said back. 

There was a lot of commotion on the beach and many of the ponies were beginning to follow The princesses in an impromptu procession. The police were busy dealing with the pirates that they had picked up from the water.  Noc was making his way to his home. Rainbow was glaring at him when her friends were trotting away. Applejack noticed Rainbow dash was looking his direction and not trotting with everypony else. 

“ Dash, are you coming?” She asked her long time friend. Rainbow didn’t answer right away but instead continued to glare at Nocturne. 

“ No.” she said as she took to the sky. 

“ Well ya’ll better not get lost and leave the prince alone!” AppleJack yelled at Rainbow. Rainbow made no indication that she heard AppleJack’s warnings. 

“ Ugh, this can’t end well!” AppleJack said to herself before she turned and galloped to catch up with everypony else. 

Nocturne was trotting with mild difficulty, his left fore leg hurt from the fall onto the pirate deck. suddenly he heard a whoosh just above him. 

“ Breeze I don’t feel like talking about it right now.” He said with a warning tone in his voice. 

“ Who’s Breeze?” Rainbow asked with disdain in her voice. 

“ Oh it’s you.” Noc said with flatly.

“  Yeah pal, we’re not done!” Rainbow swooped down and landed in front of Noc. All he could do was grunt . 

“ Please get out of my way, I’ve got another quarter mile to go.” He said half pleading. 

“ No, not till you apologize for pushing me!” Rainbow demanded. 

“ Hey if you didn’t get in my face, I wouldn’t have pushed you!” He barked back. 

“ Maybe if you weren’t such a jerk, maybe I wouldn’t be in your face!” Rainbow retorted. 

“ I mean what gives? We’re here to take you home so you can reclaim your princehood! Doesn’t that mean anything to you?” Rainbow was now in his face again. 

“ Yes of course it does! but …. ugh damn it, you don't’ know the whole story!”  Noc argued back. 

“ Oh I know all about it! You used some dark magic and now you’re running away because you think you’re in trouble!” Rainbow Dash was calling him out. 

“ Oh you definitely have the whole scoop on the situation!” Noc sarcastically fired back. 

“ What? You’re trying say theres more to it?” Rainbow asked.

“ Damn strait! I dont know if you were paying attention or not, but this Island is at war!” 

“ What are you talking about? Those Pirates didn’t stand a chance against you! How could they be a threat?” 

“ Well. those guys kind of  sucked.” Noc said calmly

“ The rest of their fleet though, are ruthless! They’d try anything to get ahold of the ponies here on our Island! We were lucky today!” Noc rubbed his burned leg. Only then did Rainbow notice how bad off he really was. 

“ The threat these pirates pose is why I can’t leave. But to be honest, This place has been my home for 15 years. I don’t want to leave.” Noc made his point and Rainbow was silent.

“ ( sigh) I’m sorry I pushed you, that was wrong of me.”  Noc said to Rainbow. Rainbow was looking him over taking note of all the burns and cuts he had. She was also remembering that he got those burns and cuts from trying to save Rarity and Spike. 

“ I’m sorry I got in your face.” Rainbow Said to him. 

“ Are we square? “ Noc asked as he reached his hoof out. Rainbow extended her’s and shook his. 

“ Yeah we’re square, but you’re still coming with us!” She added. Noc groaned. He turned to continue trotting. 

“ I doubt that very much. “  he said as he was trotting off. Rainbow dash flew next to him  keeping pace.  

“ Hey Wait up!” She said as she flew next to him. 
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


( Town hall) 

Twilight and the gang were at the town hall with ponies surrounding them. It seemed that all the town was there to see the newest ponies that had arrived at their corner of paradise. The girls gained many stares as the Mayor escorted them to a conference room on the second floor. 

“ Wow I can’t believe so much has changed since I’ve last seen Canterlot!” Said Hoofington as he directed Twilight and Cadence to the chairs on each end of the conference table. The rest of the girls, minus Rainbow Dash, sat in adjacent seats. Spike sat next to Twilight.

“ So that makes you the newest member of Equestria’s royalty? Amazing!” The Mayor concluded. 

“ She sure sugar is!” Said AppleJack enthusiastically . 

“ ...and your town of Parrot Port is a tightly close knit community, right? “ Cadence asked. 

“ Yes your highness, we all have forgotten lives in Equestria and elsewhere.” Styles Hoofington Wasn’t always the Mayor of Parrot Port of course. His native city was Canterlot and his original occupation happen to be part of the Royal Guard. 

“ So, about the Captain…” The Mayor began to ask, but he trailed off.  Even he couldn't get a very good grasp of the situation. To him, it seemed, there was much that he had yet to fully understand. All the girls had been watching him, listening to what he may ask next. 

“... He never told any of us that he was royalty.”  Stated The Mayor. 

“ Did something happen to him as a colt?” 

“ We Think he ran away from the palace where he lived with us. We’re not sure why, but I feel it has something to do with his past .” Cadence had a somber tone. 
______________________________________________________________________

“ Hey Pal, whats taking so long!” Rainbow shouted from the front door of Nocturne's beachfront house. 

“ Why... did I let this mare come with me?” Noc thought to himself. His own patients was running dry for the rainbow pegasus as he was putting on a fresh blue uniform. He had already tended to his wounds and a couple of his burns, but the rest of his aches and pains would have to wait until later that night. 

“ Ugh can’t you get ready any faster? Im so bored!” Rainbow exclaimed as she pulled on her lower eyelids, emphasizing said boredom. 

“  You didn’t have to tag along you know!” Noc said this while he was buttoning up his shirt.  

“ Hey, we had unfinished business, I can’t wait to meet up with the others!” Rainbow leaned against the door jam and jerked her head to flick her mane out of her face. Noc was finally ready to go back to the town hall and he began to trot to the front door. Rainbow, upon seeing him, stood on all four hooves and stared at Noc. 

“ Can we go now?” Rainbow stared at Noc. Noc looked back at her as she stared at him with her magenta eyes. The breeze was blowing through her mane which made it wave like the ocean behind her. 

“ Hm, She's actually kinda cute…” Noc thought to himself. 

“ She kinda  reminds me of Pepper….” Noc Shook his head violently like a dog trying to shake water out of his coat. He perished the thought as quickly as he could. 

“ Whats your problem?” Rainbow asked in surprise.  Noc blinked his eyes a few times and returned the look of shock. 

“... Uh nothing! Nothing! Lets just go.”  he trotted past Rainbow as he replied, his ears splayed. 

“ What was that all about?” Rainbow thought to herself. Noc worried why his thoughts wandered like that. The two made their way down the beach to Seal way where they began to follow it down to the Town Hall. 

Rainbow hovered close to Noc and she looked around at the buildings and ponies. Many of them stopped to stare or point at Rainbow as the two went down the street. 

“ Why are they staring at us?” Rainbow finally asked in a whisper. Noc looked up to his right to answer her. 
“ Oh they're not looking at me, they are looking at you because you are new.”  He said nonchalantly. 

“ Well it’s kind of weird.” she said while looking back at the islanders. 

“ Don't worry, once they get used to you all being here, they'll treat you like family.” Noc said with a smile.  

Suddenly a red pegasus colt galloped up to Noc, His eyes were bright with excitement and he slid to a halt in front of Noc with dust bellowing up.

“ Noc, that was so awesome! those stinking pirates didn’t stand a chance! You were like ‘Vroom!’ and they didn't see you, then you disappeared for a while and then they kept shooting canons, but then there was the explosions like ‘ Boom, Boom, CaBOOM.’ explosions! And…”  The colt spoke so fast he was barely understandable. Noc and Rainbow   looked on in awe and confusion. 

“...and it was So awesome!” Red finished. 

“ Uh...yeah Red, I was there, I know.” Noc returned. 

“ Oh.. uh hehe.” Red said while smoothing his main back. Noc just shook his head and smiled. 
“ So kid, hows that wing?” 
“ It still hurts, but Doc says i should be flying again in no time!” Red said enthusiastically. Rainbow landed next to Noc. Red looked at her and began to shy away. 

“ What’s up Kid? I’m Rainbow Dash! Whats your name?”  Rainbow acted as friendly as possible so as to not scare him. 

“ Uh… Im Storm Dust, but you can call me Red.” He said nervously. 
“ Awesome, You can just call me Rainbow.  So What happened to your wing?” 

“ I had a flying accident, I was trying a new trick that I made up, but it didn’t workout.” 

“ Awe don’t sweat it kid, you just need to practice, and I’ve had my own share of crashes! Hey! Maybe I can teach you some tricks when your wing gets better!”

“ OH That would be awesome! So you’re good at flying?”
“ Uh Yeah I wouldn’t be a wonderbolt if I weren’t.” Rainbow pointed at a lightning streak pendant on a thin chain around her neck. 

“ What’s a Wonderbolt?” Asked Red.  One could almost physically hear the gears grinding to a stop in Rainbow Dash’s head. Her eyes widened  and her mouth agape with disbelief. 

“ Are you kidding me? You don’t know who the wonderbolts are?”

“Oh  yeah the wonderbolts! I can’t believe I forgot about them!” said Noc. RainbowDash slowly turned her head around to the left to look at Noc with a blank stare. Noc Began to feel himself shrink back.  


__________________________________________________________________________

Twilight had finished taking a sip from a cup of orange juice that was offered to her by Hoofington. she lowered the blue ceramic cup down on the conference table making a small clink sound.  The others there would roughly doing the same .

“I see the issue at hoof Mayor. However there is a chance that we can bring him back to Canterlot and therefore we should try.” 

“I'm afraid that will be up to him. I can relieve him of his position and  order him to leave the island, but that doesn’t mean he will do such things.” Hoofintson stated. 

“ But surely he’ll listen to you.” 

“ I’m afraid not your highness.” Hoofington adjusted his monocle. “ You See your highness, Nocturne Armor arrived here to these islands as a young colt on a pirate slave ship. When the Ship was out at sea over fifteen years ago, He busted out of his cage by taking out one of the pirates with his magic. Then he freed the other slave children and they took over the ship. Ever since then, it’s been a personal endeavor of his to rid the islands of their menace.” 

“ That sounds terrible, I hope he wasn’t too scared!” Fluttershy said. 

“ Scare, sure! But think he was more angry than scared. He goes out of his way to help those who are are in harms way. Not once have I ever seen him worried about his own safety.” Hoofington’s gaze fell upon the window to his left. 

“ That is very selfless of him!” Rarity added. 

“ I believe he feels responsible for the safety and freedom of every pony on this island.” Hoofington  continued to address Twilight and her friends.

“ Be careful Princess, I would not cross him by making him go back to canterlot through trickery or force.” He warned. 

“Im sure you can understand the importance of bringing him home, but how are we to bring him home if he is so fiercely loyal to the ponies on this island. I wouldn’t want to take him either if it means the safety of the islanders either. “ Twilight took another sip of her orange juice and once again gently put it down on the table. 

Just then an arguing pair of ponies entered the conference room. Everyone looked on in confusion and Apple Jack, knowing who the two were, was beginning to regret leaving Rainbow Dash to her own devices. 

“Lame! That's what you are!” Rainbow said furiously

“ Oh excuse me for having more important things to do than watch a few pegasi do some loops in the air!” 

“We Don't just do loops!” 

“ No you’re also good at whining.” 

The two stared at each other, Steaming with anger. There were a few tense moments before somepony made a move. 

“ Okay, What’s going on here?” Twilight asked. Her eyebrow was raised.  The two arguing ponies looked at her. 

“ This jerk has been a pain in my feathers for the past hour!” Rainbow yelled , pointing an accusing hoof at Noc. 

“ Oh I’ve been the pain in the flank? You’ve been pestering me all morning since you got here!” Noc retorted. 

Rainbow just snorted and flew over to an empty seat next to AJ. 

“ I can’t believe we are bringing this Jerk home!” Rainbow said as she crossed her fore hooves and sat.

Noc trotted to the only chair left near Fluttershy and sat down. He smiled and leaned over to her. He said,

“ Does she always get this bent out of shape when you make fun of her flying?” Noc smiled at Fluttershy. Fluttershy shrank back as she normally would and averted her eyes. 
Noc’s smile turned into a look of confusion. 

“ Uh, what is something I said?” 

“ Mr. Armor! If you Please, we would like to continue our discussion!” Hoofington was annoyed.  

“ Yes  Mayor.” Noc said flatly. 

Pinkie waved a hoof at Noc. Her mind was swimming with ideas for a possible beach party for Noc. Noc turned his gaze to her and waved his hoof at her.  he thought to himself, 

“ Why does she give me the creeps?” 

“ Captain, There is a lot we have to discuss , you and I!” 

“ Whats there to discuss? I’m not leaving this island…” 

“ Oh and your Royalty status means nothing?!”

“ There is no Royalty status! Seriously,this is what’s being discusses, how to get rid of me?” 

“ Brother, We just talked about why we can’t bring you home…. not immediately.” Cadence smiled at her long lost surrogate brother.  

“ Look, In not a prince, I gave that up the night I...’ all the girls looked at Noc intently, Even Cadence was intently listening to him.

“...ran away and got captured by pirates.”  Noc shuddered at the thought of how he was treated when he was captured. there was a silence in the room.

“ Brother, what happened? How did you get captured?” Cadence had a look of worry as she stared at Noc. Noc returned a look of trepidation. 

“Th….That night… that night is nothing I'm going to talk about just yet.” He gave her a serious look. 

__________________________________________________________________________

( Canterlot 9:00pm 15 years ago)

“ Come on Hurry up! The guards are gonna see you!” Said a young white unicorn with golden locks for a mane. His speech was hushed as he ushered his younger brother along through the Palace. 

“ I’m coming! I’m coming!”  Said a small dark blue unicorn colt with green eyes and  green mane and tail. he crawled low behind a row of vases as a near by night guard searched the seemingly vacant hall that led to the Library. 

“There we go little brother, now that wasn’t so hard now was it?” Blue Blood said with a smile. 
“ Yeah, piece of cake!” Replied Nocturn. 
The two brothers were sneaking around Canterlot Palace trying to make their way to the Library, how ever, it wasn’t light readying they were looking for. There was a section in the library that was off limits to non royalty and non scholars. It was towards the back of the Library and it was sectioned off with only an iron gate. What the two colts were after were the contents of that room. Thier aunt Celestia once told them about the evil books and curses that were in the room and she forbade them from ever entering. Of course this only fueled their curiosity and so there they were. 
The two royal colts trotted up to the gate that sectioned off the Starswirl the Bearded section. Blue blood used his magic to open the gate and the it wasn’t long before the two made it to the back where the off limit’s room was located. They gazed upon the gate with it’s twisted parts and skull lock. 

“ Big brother?” 

“ Yes little brother?” 
“ How are we going to get in?”
“ With this key of course.” Blue blood levitated a key he had swiped from the front desk lock box earlier that day. the skull key was a lavender shade with ruby red eyes. 

“ Are you ready?” Blue Blood asked as he turned to look at Noc. Noc stayed silent for a moment as he mulled over his options. This was the first time he’d consider disobeying the princess, His Aunt. 

“ You know big brother, this isn’t a good idea.” 

“ It’s not like we’re going to touch anything…..You’re not going to touch anything are you?” 

“ N..No of course not!” Noc looked at his brother with shock.

“ Then It’s settled, we are just going to take a peek.”  Blue Blood Said with a smile. Blue Blood 
__________________________________________________________________________

The room was mildly hot and humid, The tropical weather made it’s presence known to all while the sun began to sink closer to the horizon. 

“ You mean to tell us you can’t even tell you’re own sister? What kind of Stalion are you!” Rainbow  stood up to give her assailing words more emphasis. She flicked her tail in frustration. Noc stood up as well, with some difficulty due to his injuries.

“ Im a pony with a lot of responsibilities and a history you don’t have the right to know!”Noc turned to glare at Rainbow. Her brashness was getting on his nerves. 

“ And what about Princess Cadence! She has a right to know! Twilight has a right to know too, She’s the one who got us to come here!” Rainbow yelled. 

“ Rainbow, please! We don’t need to antagonise him!” Twilight said trying to calm her friend. Rainbow was thoroughly angry at Noc. 

Rainbow flew off in a tantrum leaving her signature rainbow trace behind her. She flew out a window. 

“Rainbow” AJ called out to her friend. It wasn’t long before the orange cow pony got up and left the room to go find Rainbow Dash. Twilight watched as two of her friends left the unfinished meeting. It was clear things had gotten out of hand. She looked to her right at Cadence. The Pink princess sat  quietly, a look of sadness had graced her face while she looked at Nocturne Armor. 

“ Mayor Hoofington, I believe we should continue this conversation later.” Twilight spoke to Hoofington, her voice calm. 

“ It appears that would be wise. Besides  every pony has been through quite an ordeal today. Captain, If you would be so kind as to excuse us, Im sure you have a lot of work to do with processing those new prisoners.” Hoofington looked at Noc. 

“ Yes Mayor, I'll be heading out then.” Noc stood up and began to trot out the room but stopped. He looked at Cadence who in turn looked at him with a look of surprise. 

“ Cadence, we’ll have to talk again some time later. I don't’ want to keep you in the dark but I’d rather talk to you alone.” His eyes were filled with that seemed to be care and regret. Cadence smiled, 

“ Of course Nocturne. Talk to me whenever you are ready.” her smile seemed to turn more genuine as she spoke. Noc smiled back for a moment, Then he turned to Twilight. 

“ Princess, Im sorry for how I have conducted myself around your rainbow friend, I’m also sorry about having to keep you in the dark about my past.” Twilight looked at Noc confused, not by his sudden apology but that he would apologize about how he acted towards Rainbow Dash. She felt Rainbow was the aggressive one. 

Noc turned and trotted out of the room. Eventually he was outside the building and trotting to the police station where his friends awaited with the prisoners. 
_________________________________________________________________________

( Containment Cell room)

The PPPD station was one of the newer buildings  to Parrot Port.  It featured newer technology such as electricity, lights, and running water. Down in the basement was the holding Cells used for prisoners while they were being processed.  Today, They were filled with pirates and one drunk. Sea Star, Breeze Sentinel, and Pepper Stowaway along with a few subordinates were dealing with the inmates as best they could. 

“ Ok that’s the last idiot for today! You can shut the cell door now sergeant!” Breeze said to Star as he finished writing down the name of the pirate in the paperwork. Star Closed the cell door with her magic and turned to trott next to Breeze. Pepper was finished signing her part of the paper work. 

“ I still can’t believe it, Noc being a ‘prince’” Breeze stated as he flew to Pepper’s side and leaned up against the desk she sat at. “ I mean the guy is as regal as a…”

“ Breeze, not right now ok!” Pepper snapped at him. Breeze put his fore hooves up in a defensive posture and backed up a little bit.  he then noticed Star being quiet.

“ Hey Star, you ok?” Breeze lifted a brow as he asked. 

Suddenly the basement door opened and Nocturn trotted down the steps. to his right was pepper and Breeze. Sea star looked up and began to smile a little bit, but then it disappeared. she had remembered to be mad at Noc. 

“ Hey guys.” Noc said nonchalantly, as he made it to the base of the stairs. Neither Star nor Pepper said anything. Breeze flatly replied,

“ Hey” His eyes shaped into a glare as he crossed his fore hooves. 

“ So.. How many?” Noc leaned against the wall on the left of the stairs. 

“ Twenty, not including the captain. We haven't been able to find him” 

“ Damn! We’ll have to keep searching!” Noc then noticed the lingering silence. 

“ Guys… I” 

“ Oh no need to apologize to us your highness! Were just commoners is all!” Breeze snarky behaviour was uncanny. 

“ Stop calling me that! I’m not royalty! “

“ Excuse me,  I thought I heard an equestrian princess call you by name and title this morning!” 

“ Damn it Breeze I'm sorry, I didn’t want to tell anyone... !” 

“ What? that you are a Freaking lost prince!” 

“ I’m not lost!”

“ So you’re here intentionally? You sure you couldn’t tell your closest friends?” 

“ Noc, I'm sure you had your reasons for not telling everyone else, but why couldn’t you be straight with us?” Pepper looked up at Noc she then asked with a sad demeanor, “ why couldn't you tell me?” Noc looked at everyone, Breeze maintained his posture, Pepper was looking at him sadly and Star refused to look at him at all. He sighed. 

“ Look, I'm sorry for not telling any of you, It’s just that i left on bad terms and I didn’t want  you guys thinking I was important… like that. You Guys mean everything to me now, you are my family.” 

“ But don’t you have a sister…..you know, that Princess with the glass looking guards?” Star spoke up finally. 

“ True… true….But I have no intention of leaving!” 

“ Why not? If the equestrians can send a few more ships here, we can get everyone off this island!” Breeze said with excitement.

“ No… not everyone…” Noc was now somber. his gaze fell to the floor in front of him. Pepper stood p from her seat and trotted up to Noc caressing his cheek with her left fore hoof. 

“ Noc, I know how you feel, believe me, but you can’t save every pony.”  Noc expression look as if he were about to explode but his only response was was a calm,

“ I don't know.” 

suddenly there was a rhythmic clicking sound coming from one of the cells. A rough voice echoed from inside it. 

“ You think any of you is making off these islands to freedom? You’ve only bought yourselves time before you’re all captured! Ye old  friends from Canterlot are now The good Captain's prey! He’ll have them in Chains soon enough.” The pirate, bucktooth, a older pirate with a grey coat and green eyes, made a disgusting cackle after he spoke. Noc turned to him with anger in his eyes. 

“ I wouldn't count on it, Old Captain Frost Bind Made a mistake attacking equestrian emissaries. Equestria won't take kindly to this and you can bet your ass that I'm going to make his life a living hell!” Noc’s eyes were filled with rage. 

“ We’ll see Mate.” The pirate retorted. 
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Parrot Port Island, 7:30 pm)

The events of that day did little to deter business in the town of Parrot Port. The markets still operated as if nothing new had occurred and the streets were just as busy as they were the day before, however, The talk that circulated throughout the town was full of fervent excitement about the new princesses that had arrived. Also many spread a rumor that their very own police captain was in fact Equestrian Royalty. There were even rumors that he was going to leave them soon.

With the threat over from the pirate ship that had shown up, Parrot Port Police had returned to it's planned pace of operations. More Police were at the police station watching the prisoners before they were transferred to the main prison further inland.

Twilight And her friends, minus appleJack and Rainbow Dash, were settling in to the hotel that was about three blocks from the north side shore. Since tourism was non existent, the only ponies that stayed there were those celebrating anniversaries and new comers that had unfortunately gotten stuck on the island. The girls situation wasn't a far cry from the later. Rarity was unpacking and making her bed as decorated as possible with frilly sheet covers. She was humming to herself. Pinkie had already unpacked as she wanted to go to the beach as soon as possible so that she could plan her very first beach party. Fluttershy had gone to Twilight's room to help her unpack while Cadence was in her own suite. Both Cadence and Twilight's rooms were guarded by their respective guards along with PPPD officers posted at the entrance as the princesses were now in the care of the island.

" That's the last of the suitcases from the ship Twilight!" Spike said as he dragged a brown case towards the large bed. Twilight levitated the case with spike and set them both gently on the bed.

" Thanks Spike, You've been a huge help!" She smiled at him.

" It's no big deal, I just wish Owlicious could be here." Spike shrugged.

" Me too, He's alway a huge help to us. We could really use him here." Twilight said as she looked out the window, The sun had dipped further down on the horizon. It was getting close to that time when Princess Celestia would bring the day to a close.

" Maybe we should send her a letter about our progress."

" Already did! She's hasn't sent a reply yet so I'm guessing she's busy."

"Thanks Spike." Twilight said calmly.

" So what now?" Spike asked hopping off the bed.

" Maybe… twilight… I was wondering...if you don't mind...if I could go to the beach, just to see the Sea lions near the cliffs? The busboy told me about them."

" Of course Fluttershy, you don't really need my permission!"

" Well it is your expedition. Thank you Twilight ." Fluttershy said calmly with a smile.

" Can we go too?" Spike asked excitedly. Twilight though for a moment.

" No Spike, I need to go have a private chat with his highness. I'm not just gonna let him brush me off!" Twilight had a hint of aggression in her voice.

" I'm gonna need you to back me up!" She said as she smiled at Spike.

Nocturne Trotted from the Police station to go back home and finish healing; his right shoulder was aching so much that he was finding it hard to move fast. His mane was disheveled and his tail hung limp. He was utterly exhausted.

As he trotted he noticed many ponies staring at him and many greeted him saying 'good job' and ' Way to take those bastards on!' Some however stared in silence as they wondered if he was going to leave like the rumors had said. He wasn't aware of the rumors so he was confused about the silence he was receiving.

" Hey Noc! Way to go!" Said one stallion who was working a fruit stand.

" Yeah Thanks!" said Noc with a wave of a hoof. Then he continued on, His head held slightly low from the exhaustion.

" Captain!" Said a mare sounding voice from behind him. He almost mistook it for Pepper, but she rarely called him by rank. Noc turned around to see a purple alicorn mare with two celestial guards standing next to her and a young purple dragon sitting between her folded wings.

" Yes Princess, can I help you with something?" Noc replied.

" I wanted to talk to you one on one. I hope I'm not disrupting your day too much." Twilight Replied back.

" Not really your highness, I'm just on my way home. What did you want to talk about?" Noc was calm and courteous.

"Well, I wanted to talk to you about decision to stay here and why you left Equestria." Twilight sounded firm in her convictions of getting into his head and getting answers to her questions. Noc almost groaned as he narrowed his eyes.

" You want to know why I left among other things? I dont think i owe you any answers." Noc said as politly as he could.

" Princess Celestia does!" Twilight frowned with her retort. Noc returned the look.

" A few nights ago, I was in her room and I saw a portriat of you standing next to her. When I asked her about you, she started tearing up! I've only seen her do that twice in my whole life ,Once, when she reunited with her sister, Princess Luna, and then when I asked her about you. I've known Princess Celestia for for ten years. She Is hurting because she has no answers as to why you left!"

" Then maybe I'll write her a letter." Noc said with apparent sorrow and regret.

" No you need to see her in person!" Twilight's frustration was apparent.

" Princess! What do you want me to do, leave this Island on a whim? Look around you! These Ponies, are my responsibility! If i leave, their safety is in jeopardy!"

" Those Pylons, They go all the way around the Island don't they?" asked Twilight.

" Yes! They are the only things keeping the Pirates from invading this island and overrunning out deffenses, but they require care and upkeep! "

" Can somepony else take care of them?"

" Currently there are only two ponies on this island who are capable enough to watch over them and keep them running. You and me. I doubt very much you would be willing to stay here in my place and keep them working." Noc Said.

" We could bring more ships and take everyone back to Equestria! Arent all of you trapped here? Don't they want to leave?"

" A, not all the Islanders are here becuase they were ship wrecked. A lot of them were born here and B, many of them consider this home, me included!" Noc pointed to himself with his right hoof.

"... And lets not forget, many have been enslaved by the pirates on the main island. I'm not going to leave them behind and the only way we will ever get them back is if we launch a major assult on the pirates. Care to join the war?" Noc rhetorically asked Twilight. Twilight was beginning to feel her conviction waver as she was beginning to see fault in her demands.

"What about Princess Celestia! Your Aunt!"

" It doesn't matter what we want!"

" Why not?"

" The only way I'll even consider leaving this island is if the Pirates are all in prison and the slaves freed! Non negotiable!" Noc finished.

" Hey thats no way to talk to Twilight, I…" Spike was mad and he wanted Noc to stop talking like a know it all, but Twilight put a hoof to his chest. It was clear Nocturn had no intentions of leaving the Island, at least not till the Pirate menace was dealt with.

" No spike,... Sorry for wasting you time Captain. This is all i wanted to talk about to you." Twilight defeated demeanor made Noc think about how he had just talked to her.

"Come on Spike, let's go." Twilight did a one eighty and began trotting back the way she came, Her guards followed suit, neither one spoke a word. Spike looked back at her confused about her demeanor.

Nocturn watched as Twilight and Spike began to go back to Town Hall. He felt something waver in his constitution as Twilight trotted away in minor defeat. He felt shame, shame that he would talk down to someone close to Celestia as if he had the right to say anything. However, if Twilight managed to convince him to go home, like she almost did, He couldn't guarantee the safety of the island. That was something he could never allow. He shook his head and began trotting back to his home. He didn't even have the strength to go visit his mom at the beach.

It wasn't long before he reached his home and upon arival he was met with a furious suprise. perched up in one of his palm trees was Raibow Dash with her suitcase. She was laying back in the middle of the leaves reading one of her daring doo books. Noc looked up in confusion.

This prompted Rainbow dash to look down at him.

" Hey." She said nonchalantly.

" I don't know if I should even ask." Noc asked.

" Well Jerkface, in lieu of your decision to stay here on this island, I've decided stay here and never leave you alone till you do leave with us." Rainbow dash said as she turned a page.

" And you think being an insane little annoyance is gonna make me want to go back to equestria with you because?" Noc Retorically asked. This made Rainbw Dash angery.

" Insaine? Annoyance?" She directed her anger twords him.

" Yeah have fun with that." Noc said as he turned and trotted up to his door. He levitated his keys out and opened his door, trotting inside imidiatly.

" Hey where are you going? Im not done with you!" Rianbow yelled as she flew down from her perch and landed on Nocturns door step. This prompted Noc to slam the door shut in her face. A muffled voice could be heard from inside saying,

" Yeah you are." This enraged Rianbow Dash even more.

" Im Not leavig!"

" Neither am I. Good night!" Noc cheerfully said .,

" Urgh!" Rainbow could only grunt and pout in frustration.

When Twilight had gotten back to the hotel to find her friends, she found a note sitting on her dresser. The other girls had found AppleJack, who had given up on getting rainbowdash to go back with her to the hotel. The note had a map showing the way to a beach party that pinkie had managed to set up right after Their meeting with the Mayor.

Twilight thought it would be best to go down to the beach, at least to supervise her sometimes rowdy friends. With spike still on her back and her guards waiting outside for more orders, she was ready to go.

She followed Pinkie's directions down seal way to the beach. Along the way she received stares from the locals as well. She waved to them and they would wave back, but there was a certain tension that could be felt. However, they seemed as friendly as any pony could be, in fact, Parrot port reminded Twilight of Ponyville.

The sound of bass could be heard for a few miles around the beach and lights shimmered on the water. Pinkie had taken over the beach with streamers connecting to tiki torches, a large sound system playing house music and gallons of tropical punch being served up at a bar called Tickie Sue. Twilight had to rub her eyes because she could have sworn she saw Zecora serving drinks. Upon further inspection of the stripped mare she realised the zebra was somepony different.

There were plenty of locals who had joined in on the party as well, including off duty police officers. The beach was in a chaotic bout of ecstasy and Pinkie, of course, was bouncing around from pony to pony, growing her incalculably large list of friends. The other girls were mixed in with the crowd that were dancing. Twilight trotted up to the beach and Pinkie waved her hoof. She then proceeded to shout over every pony,

" Hey every pony, Princess Twilight is here! Everypony give her a cheer!" As Pinkie had instructed, a roar of cheering and whistling bellowed from the crowd. Twilight shrank back just a little bit from a sudden case of shyness. Pinkie hopped over to Twilight and thrusted a bright orange, long petaled flower into her mane.

Come on TWilight, lets get shakin!" Pinkie said enthusiastically. Before Twilight could protest, she was dragged into the dancing crowd. She had no choice but to start dancing with her friends. Cadence, to the dismay of her crystal guards, was among the dancing ponies as well.

Twilight humored Pinkie for a while before she made her way out of the dance crowd and towards Tiki Sue's. The ponies made room for her out of respect as she sat at the bar. She wasn't much of a drinker so being there was a bit daunting for her. Takola trotted up to Twilight while cleaning a glass. She said,

" Hello Princess, Welcome to Tiki Sue's! Can i get you something to drink?" Twilight still had trouble not seeing her Ponyville zebra friend standing there in front of her. However, despite her Island accent, she seemed more Equestrian in spirit than her calm wise friend Zecora.

" Well, what would you suggest?" Twilight timidly asked.

" Well Ill start you off on something light, How about Apple wine?" Takola could see that Twilight wasn't an avid drinker.

" That sounds lovely actually, I'll try that!" Twilight perked up as she recognised the drink. Rarity had introduced her to the wine when they were celebrating her birthday party one year.

Tokala grabbed a wine glass and poured about a half glass of her finest apple wine. she served it to Twilight who took it into her ethereal hold. Takola took note of how she took the glass.

" You are very good with your magic, aren't you?" Twilight, after taking a sip, set the drink down.

" Excuse me?" Twilight was surprised she would ask about her magic.

" You have good control of you magic, I noticed it when you took the glass without spilling the drink." Takola said.

" Oh.. well thank you." Twilight politely replied.

" Just like my son." Takola added. Twilight finished another sip of the delicious wine.

" I didn't know Zebras could use telekinesis like unicorns. How does he do that without a horn?" Twilight was confused. Takola chuckled a little and said,

" No He is my surrogate son, but he is my son none the less." she said with a proud smile.

" Oh, so he's a unicorn? " Twilight asked.

" Yes, and he is very good with magic!" Takola said.

" Oh… well I certainly would like to meet him some time." Twilight was intrigued.

" Oh I'd be careful Princess, He has many admirers that wouldn't take kindly to that." Takola mused.

" Oh it's nothing like that, I'm only interested in getting to know the ponies of this island." Twilight blushed.

" By the way, you can call me Twilight, all my friends do. " Twilight smiled at Takola.

" Nice to meet you Twilight, I am Takola." Takola motioned to shake Twilight's hoof. Twilight happily obliged.

" And my Son's name is Nocturn Armor,

i'm sure you have already met him." Takola added. Twilight spat out her drink on the ground. Her shock was only met with laughter from her new friend.

" You took him in?"

" Yes, He washed up on shore with a couple of his now friends years ago. I took him in as my own to raise him right. Not that he ever listens to me." Takola chuckled at the half joke she told.

" That's amazing, The ponies of this island are really wonderful!" Twilight said with a smile.

" We take care of those who need our help. My boy knows this well." Takola refilled another pony's drink and slid it back to him.

" So he really sees this island as home." Twilight felt a guilty about trying to get Noc to go back to Equestria.

" He does, but I have a feeling he has his true home somewhere else." Takola's tone became somewhat more serious. Twilight looked up from her glass. She could see sadness in Tokala's eyes.

" I'm the only one he told about his past. he told me what he had done and his heart was really broken. He thought you're princess was never going to forgive him for causing the trouble he did." Tokala spoke softer as to not let anyone else hear but her and Twilight.

" Now he sees the ponies of Parrot Port as his family, but he does miss Equestria, even if he doesn't say so. Please, tell me, does Princess Celestia want to punish him?"

"N..NO! She's just as heartbroken about his disappearance as you say he was. I've never seen her so happy to hear he was ok." Twilight was speaking in defense of her mentor of course but she knew deep down Celestia was extremely worried about Nocturn.

" Then, is there anything we can do to help him get home?" Takola asked with enthusiasm.

" I'm not sure, but maybe if we could get him to atleast talk to Princess Celestia, Maybe he can at least get closure from his fears." Twilight replied.

" What if we can get him to write to her? Maybe that will help him start to talk to her?" spike suggested.

" Why hasn't he done that already? In Fact, why hasn't there been any contact between Equestria and Parrot Port?" Twilight asked.

" There was a magic barrier stopping us from sending any messages out to anyone. But I have been hearing rumors that we are able to travel east now, Maybe we can send messages now?" Tokala asked. Tokala didn't have anyone to talk to outside of Parrot port, she was wondering if Equestria can send aid to her island out now.

" It's definitely worth a try!" Twilight proclaimed enthusiastically .

Twilight left the party shortly after with spike on her back. His sleepiness didn't seem to phase his determination to help her. She had been trotting down the beach towards Nocturnes home per Tokala's directions. She was determined to talk to him even though he was probably not home.

It wasn't long before she came to the beach front bachelor pad. She was surprised to hear a familiar snoring coming from one of his palm trees close to his house. Apparently Rainbow was making good on her word to stay there.

" Rainbow. Rainbow!" Twilight said in a whisper. Rainbow didn't acknowledge her since she was fast asleep. Twilight frowned. Twilight turned her attention to the front door. She knocked and said,

" Nocturne, Nocturne are you there?" Unfortunately nopony answered. The door to Nocturne's home had been locked but a key was visible right under the welcome matt at his door step via a quick revealing spell. Twilight unlocked the door and was poised to enter the home. Spike spoke up,

" Twilight, don't you think this is wrong, just entering his house like this?" Spike spoke in a whisper.

" Spike this is important and if he isn't home we'll leave." Twilight said reassuringly.

She turned the knob and pushed the door open. Inside was pretty dark even for a one room condo. in the livingroom there was a desk with a candle. it was still burning. To the right was a bed with a nightstand. In the bed was a passed out Nocturn, a half drank bottle of rum sitting on the nightstand. Twilight was half appalled to see him in this condition. She could almost hear one of Rarity's gentleman rants.

" OH Nocturn…" Twilight said in disappointment. then she looked to the desk where there was a single candle lighting up the room dimly. Above the desk was a shelf with awards. Next to the Desk was the an overflowing waste bin full of crumpled parchment. This gained Twilights curiosity and she trotted to the waste bin. She levitated one piece out, opened it and read it. To her surprise, it had a familiar beginning,

" Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I had learned that Friendship is one of the most important things to have if nothing else.,." Twilight put it down and picked up another paper. It had a similar beginning. She picked up another one, It too was addressed to Princess Celestia. Every one she picked up was a letter to the Princess; every one had not been delivered.

" Spike, do you know what these are?" Twilight rhetorically asked.

" Yes, I of all dragons should know, I use to write them every week!" Spike was looking over Twilight's shoulders. " What do we do with these?" Spike asked.

" We need to talk to him!" Twilight said with determination.
> chapter 6a
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nocturn Armor was fast asleep clinging to  a glass of rum like a baby with a bottle. His fore hooves wrapped around the smooth exterior, some how keeping it up right from spilling It’s contents. A violet aura of magic enveloped the hoof blown tall glass and levitated it out of his grasp. Nocturne squirmed around disturbed from his deep sleep into a slightly more consious state as he frowned at the turn of events.  Twilight then gave a giggle at his child like actions while half asleep.  Finally after a few minutes of his hooves searching around for his elusive liquor, He opened his green eyes and picked his head up. His half closed sleepy eyes met a pair of violet eyes and a purple muzzle. It took a few seconds before his mind registered that there was another Pony in his home. His body jolted making him fall out of bed and knocking his head on the floor. 

“ AAAhhh!!!... What the…?”  Noc struggled to say a complete sentence as his mind grasped wildly for a coherent thought. Twilight’s hoof went to her mouth as she gasped in shock. Noc rubbed his head as the sting lingered. Then he peered over the top of his bed; Twilight was still there looking back. Noc stood up, Anger adorned his face. 

“ What the …..What are you doing here?!” Noc asked angrily. Twilight couldn’t hold it in anymore, she began laughing. The whole scenario was too funny to her. This only encited a low groan of annoyance from Noc. 

“ I’m sorry Captain, I didn’t mean to scare you like that!” Twilight only momentarily stifle her laughter. 

“ But… I thought…. No, I Definitely locked the door!” Nocs looked around as he said this. His gaze fixated on the open door. 

“ Great! Now the overgrown parrot Gonna waltz right in!” As he said this,

Rainbow Dash yelled from outside,

“ I heard That!” A pillow flew into the open door landing at the foot of the bed. This made Twilight burst out in laughter similar to Rainbow Dashes own laughter. Neither Nocturne Armor, nor Rainbow Dash were amused. Immediately Rainbow Dash flew into the space, landing just short of her thrown pillow. Spike had been rolling around trying to catch his breath from laughing so hard at Noc’s comment. 

“ Are you done?” Rainbow Dash asked Twilight who was starting to stiffle her giggles. 

“ Sorry Rainbow, I didn’t want to say anything.” Twilight began another giggle fit.

“ Look, I’m tired and i want my privacy, so can you girls just leave? No offence Princess but you are trespassing!” TWilight coughed and cleared her throat. 

“ Sorry Captain, I'll be out once I have said my piece. It appears you have not been very truthful with us.” 

“ What do you mean?”  Noc looked her in her eyes, ignoring Rainbow’s glare. Twilight set Noc’s drink on his nightstand and levitated one of the letters she found in the trash. she began to read,

“ Dear Princess Celesia, 
I hope all is well in Canterlot. It’s a beautiful day here in Parrot Port. The water is very warm today, somthign having to do with geothermal vents under the surface. Also the sun has been very warm today as well, Thanks to you Im sure. The ponies that live here have all been very kind to me and they don't’ even know who I am. They remind me of my friends from the school of magic. Anyways, I just wanted to let you know that I think about you and everypony from back home. I hope you are not too angry with me, but I understand if you are. I hope all is well in Canterlot.

Your student and nephew,” Noc growled and narrowed his eyes at Twilight. It was unbearable to hear her read his personal letters out loud. 

“ Heres another one I think is interesting.” Twilight levitated another letter from the pile. She began reading, 

“ Dear Princess Celestia, 
It’s been raining for the past several days, surely Cloudsdale is overstocked with rain clouds and is sending them our way, not knowing that we are being affected. It’s a shame I can’t get this letter to you, we could use your help. Many of our friends here in Parrot port have had their homes ruined by landslides from torrential rain. We don’t have enough pegusie to divert the clouds so we’ve been forced to sit through this never ending storm. I’d say there there was a silver lining in this fiasco, that the pirates are dealing with this same problem, but unfortunately the Ponies they have been enslaved are probably the ones who are taking the brunt of this. I wish you were here to help me, to guide me, but I guess It is my fault for burning that bridge and getting myself stuck here. In any case, I have drawn upon your teachings as best I could and I can only hope you would be proud of me, despite my shortcomings. I hope to see you again some day, maybe I could at least find closure in what ever punishment you have waiting for me. 

Sincerely, 
Nocturn armor.” 

“ And then there is this Gem!” Twilight levitated another letter. Nocturn winced at it, He knew which one she was about to read.


“ Dear Princess Celestia, 

Happy Hearts and Hooves Day! I hope all is well in Canterlot as our little town in paradise is making the most of today. It’s hard to imagine not knowing the ponies of Parrot Port because they have become my family over the years. Contemplating this makes me remember everyone from home,  It’s been 13 years and I miss everyone. I miss Cadence and the games she’d play with me, I miss Big brother and our adventures, I miss my friends, I miss sargent silver wing and his royal guard stories, but most importantly I miss you. There are days I feel lost without you guidance. If only I hadn’t…” 

“ Princess!” Noc Yelled. His eyes had become watery making his green eyes shine more. Droplets threatened to flow down his cheeks. 

“ ...If only I hadn’t ruined everything,” Twilight finished. She lowered the letter, making eye contact with Nocturne. Rainbow’s gaze turned to one of pity. Noc’s horn glowed green, levitating his unfinished glass of rum to him from his night stand. Then he downed the rest. 

“ Captian, you gave us the impression that you don’t want to leave, but these letters suggest something different, don’t they?” Twilight asked demandingly. 

“ Princess, I never told you I didn’t want to leave.” Noc looked at the floor, He trembled as he tried holding back his tears. He mentally  bludgeoned him self for being weak, an emotion he had been trying to hide from everyone, especially his friends. In truth, he wanted nothing more than to quit and go back to Canterlot. Yet, he knew of the consequences if he would forsaken the island. As much as he wanted the option to go back home, he feared the day it would come. Now that he could get on Twilight’s ship and go home, he was tormented my his wants. Escape from the Island was here and he struggled with everything he had not to pack his bags and leave. He was weak, and he needed to keep that weakness from surfacing. 

“ Captian, what do you mean?” Twilight asked. She cocked her head to the side. She hadn’t expected to get this kind of emotional response from Noc, she was beginning to regret her actions. 

“ Belive me Princess, I so very much want to go with you back to Canterlot! But, I can’t. I made a promiss to rid these islands of the pirates and free the ponies who have been enslaved. It’s something i have to do so please stop tempting me with your offer.” Noc then began to sob. He was so weak and he hated himself for it. 

“ Nocturn, I...:” TWilight was cut off from Rainbow Dash. 

“ Twilight, come on lets go…” Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight with a pleading expression. Spike looked on with owe. Everything made sense now. 

“ Ok….lets go Spike.” Twilighted looked down in shame. Spike hopped onto Twilight’s back. Twilight, Spike and Rainbow Dash exited  Noc’s house and trotted on to the beach. Twilight stopped, turned and looked back at the house. She could still hear Nocturn Armor, a well seasoned deffender and former prince of Equestria, sobbing. She used her magic to shut the door. 

“ Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked with uncharacteristic trepidation. Twilight turned to look at her with surprise. 

“ Do you really think we should try to bring him home?” Rainbow was looking down at the sand. Luna’s moon was high above the horizon and it’s reflection shimmered in the sea beyond the sand of the beach. Twilight looked down at her hooves. 

“ I….No. Not like this.” 

“ What are we going to do?”

“ With Noc,” 

“ No, I mean, what are we going to do to help? Do you think Princess Celestia would send help?” 

“ You mean military help.” 

“ Yeah, I mean I wouldn’t mind fighting these Pirates!” Rainbow Dash had a sudden burst of bravado, sounding like herself again. Twilight thought about it. She knew Princess Celestia wasn’t very Keen on entering any wars, but...

“ Theres only one way to find out!” Twilight said with a smirk. 
_____________________________________________________
> Chapter 6-b
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authors note( It's been way too long since I've posted to this story. I hope everyone who reads it, still likes it.)

Nocturne's mind toiled in torment as he analyzed the situation that had unfolded on his small Island, Those natural and magical forces that prevented contact with Equestria were now gone, two princesses, including his sister Cadence, and their entourage were trying to take him home to Equestria. Also the Pirates were now missing a ship and it's crew. Things were now bad. No solutions were clear as they all included getting Equestria involved with the island's plight. Not only would this escalate the conflict, but this would also propel Nocturn into an inevitable meeting With Princess Celestia, a meeting he was not yet prepared for. It wasn't' like he couldn't just buckle down and get it over with, and he did believe Cadence when she said that Celestia had forgiven him for what he had done, but he still had his Inhibitions.

He trotted lazily along the beach towards his home with the ocean to his left. On the eastern horizon, thick black clouds were lurching in from the east. Apparently Cloudsdale was overstocked on rain clouds again. The atmosphere was foreboding as the winds had picked up.

" Why Is she so damned determined to bring me back to Canterlot?" He muttered to himself. He then kicked a sea shell which skidded across the wet sand. The tide was coming in a little too high tonight. Apparently Celestia was also working overtime, making the moon bigger and brighter in the night sky; or so he thought.

It wasn't long before he was approaching his home, It's palm log walls beckoned him to enter. When he got closer, he noticed his front door was open.

" Oh What the hell!" He said as he cantered up to a gallop, racing to his front door. He didn't remember leaving it open or unlocked. He thought, maybe that damn Twilight was snooping around again. He didn't care if she was a Princess, Trespassing was trespassing.

He bolted in to his front door, only to be met with a calamity of activity. Twilight was in fact looking around his home without permission, but she was accompanied by her friends. Each one was going about destroying his home. They were actively turning potted plants and furniture over searching for more secrets he might have been keeping. He could clearly see Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Twilight and Spike, but he could barely make out the other figures in the dark room.

" That's it! All of you stop what you are doing and come out side… Slowly!" Nocturne shouted. Instead of compliance, he was met with laughter, condescending laughter. Noc took that as his que to start wrangling the girls outside with his magic. He was considerably pissed off. How could these girls have the gull to break into his home, illegally search his property and then refuse to listen to an officer of the law when they were caught? His horn light up, but then it suddenly went dim. shocked, he then tried again but he felt nothing.

" What? What's wrong with my magic!?" Noc shouted to no one in particular. Twilight began to laugh at him and said,

" Looks like you aren't as good at magic as you thought you were. How did this Island get by with somepony like you protecting it?" As Twilight finished delivering her low blow of an insult. Rainbow chimed in saying,

" Ha ha! Good one Twi!" The two mares then gave each other a high hoof. Noc became more frustrated.

" I said get out of my house!" He was still a little drunk, so trotting was a bit of an issue. for some reason he felt like he was constantly falling over. He couldn't even make his way to the girls and physically bring them out.

" Noc, you know you can't help these ponies, you're not good enough! Why don't you come home with us instead?" Twilight fired again at him.

" I can't go to Canterlot with you, I am needed here still! I won't go!" Noc shouted at the purple Alicorn.

" Then why do you have this ticket for the cruse home?" Spike shouted as he popped out of one of Nocs desk drawers holding a one way ticket to Equestria. Noc could only look in embarrassed shock.

" Where did you get that? I didn't have any tickets like that!" Noc shouted. The girls began laughing at him even more.

Suddenly Noc noticed a couple of figures standing behind him. They were Pepper and Breeze and they were noticeably angry.

" Noc, what are they talking about? Are you just going to leave us to the pirates?" Pepper was furious.

" Way to go ' Your Highness'! I should have known you were weak like this!" Breeze shouted.

" Wait! Guys it's not true! I'm not leaving!" Noc tried to explain. his two friends then turned their backs on him and began trotting away. Noc wanted to go after them to explain, but his hooves wouldn't budge. Then he could see Red with his bandaged up wing standing at his front door. The colt was crying with large tears leaving trails down his cheeks.

" Noc, why would you do this!, Why would you leave me?" Red asked him.

" No, Buddy I'm not going anywhere!" Noc continued to explain. Red wasn't having any of it though and he galloped off down the beach. Noc began shouting his name.

To Nocs horror, he then saw ships off in the distance, lurching towards his shore. It was a large Pirate fleet, the biggest one he has seen to date.

"No.. No No no!" Noc said to himself. He didn't have time to check all the Pylons and he wasn't' sure if he had checked them that day. It was Crucial that they all be working so the pirates couldn't make their way on the the beaches. Noc tried to get up from where he had drunkenly fallen over, but he couldn't pick himself up. The more he tried, the harder it became for him to get up and the more frustrated he became.

Suddenly he could see the Queen's Pearl making it's way over to the large fleet of Pirates. It's sails were on fire and ponies were jumping off it's main deck from the fires that were engulfing it.

" NO Damn it! Put those fires out! Their gonna reach the ammo dump!" Noc screamed at the ship from the beach. Suddenly it exploded, sending derbies all around it. Noc grew quiet as he knelt there in utter horror. Then, as if things couldn't be worse, He noticed a mare trotting up to from afar. She was familiar, in fact she was very familiar. Her long gold locks from her main and tail blew in the breeze, her pink coat shined in the dark with the moonlight and her ghostly figure featured bright shining blue eyes. her wings were neatly folded at her sides, not attempting to take her into flight. Nocs eyes grew even wider as she trotted with in several meters of him. She was frowning at him with a gaze that stung at his heart.

" Aster?" Noc muttered.

" Noc? Why did you let it happen again? Why didn't you protect Red?" The apparition demanded.

" Aster, I tried! I tried! You know I tried!" Noc began to sob, it was clear the pirates were gonna take over the whole island, and every pony was either going to be enslaved or killed.

" Remember what you let happen to me! Remember how I waited for you to come save us!" Aster hissed at Noc.

" NO, I can still save Red! I can still find him and get him out of here! I'm not leaving your Brother!" Noc Shouted , how ever, Aster was now gone. Noc searched for her and shouted between sobs,

" Aster, Wait…. Aster don't go…. I love you!" Nocs crying was then interrupted by the shouting of hundreds of Pirates galloping up the beach towards him. They had set up a beachhead and were unopposed. It wouldn't be long before they would reach him and considering how much trouble he gave the pirates over the years, they would most likely kill him on the spot. Noc just continued to cry again and waited for the inevitable to come.

" Aster, Mom, Celestia, I'm sorry!" He continued to mutter. It was a while before Noc noticed he wasn't currently getting stabbed by some random cutlass or blasted with a magic attack. He looked up and what he saw shocked him. The entire beach was empty, there were no ships along the beach, and the skies were clear with no wind. The burning Queens pearl wasn't off in the distance and the shouting pirates were nowhere to be found.

Noc continued to look around in bewilderment until he heard a mare's voice resonate.

" Ah there you are Nocturn Armor. We were afraid we would have trouble finding you again!" The enthusiastic and regal sounding voice said.

"Who… who is that? Identify yourself!" Noc shouted, turning his head around both directions to see where the mare was.

" Ah yes, introductions are in order, We… I mean I am Princess Luna, the princess of the Night and sister of Princess Celestia…" Luna said as she materialized in front of Noc. His further shock was evident. She then finished her introduction,

" … However, you may probably know me better as the mare in the moon." She said while smiling warmly at Noc. There was a moment of silence as Noc continued to stare at Luna in pure shock. He stuttered for a moment but then he said,

" Ok I was beginning to think I was dreaming…. but there's no way I can make that up on my most creative day." This prompted Luna to giggle.

" We are in a dream, however I am most certainly real."

" Aunt Celestia never mentioned she had a sister… and you're the mare in the moon? That really happened?" Noc asked. This turned Lunas warm smile into a more solemn expression.

" Indeed it did," she said just as somberly as she looked.

"So, you're a long lost princess, but why are you here if you don't mind me asking?" Noc was still hesitant about trusting her.

"To find you and to talk to you of course. I can understand what you have been through. The anger, the frustration, the fear, and the uncertainty, it's all too familiar to me. I am here for the same reason Twilight has traveled to meet you." Luna explained. Noc eased up. Luna then looked around and then she asked Nocturn,

" You certainly have much to talk about." She explained as she looked at him.
" It's nothing, I have these dreams every once in a while…. except the parts with Twilight of course." Noc could feel his tension easing up as he continued to talk to Luna. She certainly didn't seem like the evil night queen he had thought Nightmare moon to be. Luna giggled again.

" You'll have to forgive Twilight for her conduct since arriving at your Island, She is very loyal to my sister."

" You know about what happened?" Noc asked.

" I found her in her dream while trying to find you in yours. Long Distance dream walking can be difficult. She explained to me what had happened her first day here." Luna said. Noc cried as he understood that Princess Luna, who is possibly now the second most powerful alicorn in the Equestria, now knows about his drinking problem.

"To be honest, I have no clue as to what I should do. We've been able to hold it together so far, but now things are changing and I know the pirates are gearing up for an attack. I … I wish I knew what to do. I wish I had Aunt Celestia's guidance."

" I now know that you are under considerable stress all things considered, You must know that nopony blames you for the actions of thieves and slavers and that it isn't just your problem." Luna said and then she lifted Nocturnes chin with her hoof.

" You know you have the support of not just your friends and fellow islanders, but you also have our support as well." Luna looked into Nocs eyes. His own gaze shifted as he wasn't sure if he should be looking into hers.

" But, what about the Escalation?" Noc asked.

" All ponies, Foreign or domestic, are our responsibility. How can I and my sister sit idly as your people are under the threat of enslavement?" Noc slowly shook his head. No I suppose not. He then looked down releasing Escalation was inevitable.

" You said you wished you could seek guidance from my sister, correct?" Luna asked.

" I did." Noc replied.

" I'm not sure you are aware, but being able to dream walk gives me the opportunity to bring others with me." Luna smirked. Noc began to think about the implications of what she was saying.

" If you wish, I could take you to my sister who is waiting for you." Luna said nonchalantly. Noc became nervous, instantly.

" you… can?" he asked.

"That is the plan, as it were!." Luna replied enthusiastically.

" In fact, she is on the other side of this door. She is so excited!" Luna said as she made a door appear next to her. Noc stood there quietly contemplating the situation. She then began to turn the knob with her magic.

" I… I … I don't… No I'm sorry, I can't." Noc said while looking away from the ominous door. Luna stopped turning the knob and turned her head to look at Nocturn with a look of shock.

" Are you sure?" She asked. Noc looked up at her with a sorrowful look.

" I mean, where do i begin? The part where I broke into the library and used dark magic, or how about the part where i disappeared for fifteen years without so much as a letter?" Noc rhetorically asked with concern. He had then fixed his gaze on the door.

" I mean, who am I to be forgiven for any of that?" Noc continued. Luna didn't respond right away. " How am I supposed to apologise to anyone, especially my brother?" Noc asked.

" If you don't try to make things right, how could you ever know that they can be fixed?" Luna replied calmly and warmly. This prompted Noc to look her in her eyes. He could see that they were warm and welcoming.

"You really think she wants to see me?" Noc asked. Luna looked at him with surprise and confusion.

" Yes, I can assure you." Luna replied.

" I suppose you are right princess..." Noc replied. His legs began to visibly shake.

" It will be alright." Luna assured him as she turned and continued to open the door. Even though, in his dream the day was sunny, the light that began to pour out from behind the door was bright. Nocturne had to squint his eyes as he nervously stared into the threshold of the door. Luna opened the door wide.

" Come now young prince. I wish for you to reunite with my sister." Luna said with enthusiasm. Nocturn slowly nodded his head.

Noturn eyed the open door with reluctance, His body shivered with nervousness but he managed to put each hoof in front of the other as he marched towards the door. Luna smiled at him and began to enter the threshold. Her body vanished in the white light. Nocturn continued to move towards the door with increasing nervousness, but he pushed ahead nonetheless. He drew closer and he could feel a calming wave of energy flow over him as he entered the door. Soon he made it to the other side, not knowing fully what he would see on the other side.

Nocturnes head pushed through to the other side, and he opened his eyes. The room was't as bright as the threshold and he saw several figures on the other side. He made his way inside the long corridor that had what appeared to be many doors. His eyes had a hard time adjusting but soon the room came into focus. Standing around him were Twilight, her friends, Spike, Luna and Cadence.

" You're all here?" Nocturn asked as he looked around. The were all looking at him smiling, even Rainbow dash.

" Well I came across everyone trying to find you so I invited them all." Luna explained.

" I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier!" Twilight exclaimed.

Then a calm, motherly voice called out from behind Luna.

" I'm glad We can all be here." said the voice. Nocturn froze in place. His eyes were wide with shock as they slowly turned to gaze at Luna. That voice, it had been ages since he had heard it but he could never forget it. For years he had longed for it and feared it. This duality had haunted him from the night he ran away. Now the meeting he was not sure he wanted was upon him. Moving from behind Luna and the others, a white alabaster alicorn slowly trotted towards Nocturn. Her magenta eyes, though one was hidden behind her mane, stared expectantly at him. They looked him up and down with amazement, curiosity, sadness and concern. Nocturne felt the need to run but his hooves stayed in place as his eyes began to widen further.

Celestia looked him up and down, taking in the adult that was her long lost nephew. He had grown up with many changes. No longer was he the cheerfully optimistic colt that played around the palace with his older brother, but instead he was a full grown stallion, complete with a wisdom that showed through his gaze, a uniform that proved his responsibility and an evident character that surly was forged through many hardships. He was even handsome. Unfortunately, Celestia could also see the fear that played across his face. She herself wasn't sure how to react though she dreamed of this moment for many years but did not know how to act. Now she could see he was just as unprepared.

"Nocturn?" Celestia asked after a long moment of silence. Nocturn seemed to tense up at the sound of his name.

" Aunt Celestia?" He said at a near whisper. Celestia didn't waste any more time, She instead strode over to him and wrapped her nephew in a tight hug. Nocturn didn't have time to react.

" Oh Nocturn! It's been So long!" Celestia cried out. She rubbed her cheek against his. Nocturne felt many emotions at that moment though the biggest one he could feel was a sense of overwhelming relief. He could feel through her hug, she had no ill will towards him. Her motherly embrace was all the conviction he needed to overcome his fear of retribution for what he believed he had done.

After a long moment of hugging, Celestia let him go and took a step back to look at him again. Tears had been flowing down her face. Nocturn also showcased his own tears as he look on her face with a smile. 
“Nocturn, I knew one day I’d see you again.” Celestia spoke. 

“ I’m sorry!” Nocturn replied. 

“ No Don’t be! I’m here now!” Celestia said. 

“ But all this time…” Nocturn was cut off.

“ I’m just happy that we’ve found you again! I only wanted to know that you are safe.” Celestia explained.

“ There’s so much I want to say. I’ve thought about you and everypony every night!” Nocturn said with more tears streaming down his face. Celestia peered into his eyes and what she saw broke her heart. At last she was able to see her long lost nephew, however, the look he bared in his features was that of a broken and tired stallion. She remembered the bright and curious little colt she had adored in his youth and loved the site of his bright green eyes as he excitedly asked her about various topics. His curiosity was more than enough for her to get through her day, not unlike Twilight when she was a filly. Now he was a young stallion, tall and handsome, but through his eyes, she saw fear, uncertainty, and stress. He looked as if the world had been placed on his shoulders and he alone was to bare the responsibility. 
. 
“ We’re all here Nocturn, and we’ve missed you so much!” Cadence said with her own tears. It seemed every pony was teary eyed. 

“ What about Blueblood? Where’s my brother?” Nocturn asked. Celestia looked away with shame. 

“ You’re brother…. He’s changed quite a bit. He’s not the same pony you once knew.” Celestia reluctantly replied. 

“ What do you mean?”  Nocturn asked with trepidation. 

“ We don't talk very much these days. He’s grown much colder.”  Her gaze fell to the ground. 

“Even I can’t seem to talk to him during his dreams.” Luna added. 

“ He blames himself for what happened to you.”  Celestia said as she looked Nocturne in his eyes. Nocturne's expression changed to a sorrowful look. 

“ No.. It’s my fault! … What have I done?” Nocturn looked down at the floor.  

“ No one is to blame except maybe for me, Nocturn.” Celestian assured. Nocturn shook his head.

“ When can I see him? Does he know yet?” he asked. Celestia and Luna looked at each other before Celestia turned back to Nocturn. 

“ We’ve kept this from him for now. We didn’t want to bring him in because he is volatile. Like I’ve said, he’s changed.” Celestia explained. 

“ I want to see him.” Nocturne said to Luna. 

“ Unfortunately he isn’t asleep right now. But I assure you, we will notify him once we are done here.” Luna explained. She Smiled at Nocturn. 

“ Thank you Princess Luna.” Nocturn smiled back. Luna put on an air of insult. 

“ So when will you be calling me Aunt?” Luna asked. Nocturn had a look of shock as this hadn’t occurred to him. 

“ Sorry Aunt Luna. I guess this makes you my aunt too.” Nocturn replied. The girls all giggled at this revelation. 

“ Aunt Celestia…. Things are a mess.” Nocturn said to his aunt with worry. 

“ I know, Twilight has informed me of your situation.” Celestia replied. Nocturn looked at Twilight. 

“ So What's your plan?” Nocturn asked. 

“ The occupants of your island are of Equestrian nationality. It is our duty to protect them.” Luna suggested. 

“ We Still need to deliberate on how we should approach this situation. But I assure you, we will help all the ponies of parrot port.” Cadence added. 

“ But what about those who are enslaved by the Pirates? We can’t just waltz onto their island  and demand their release.” Nocturne conjectured. 


“ This situation requires great finesse from all of us. It would be prudent to coordinate any actions with your city council.” Luna said.

“ I could meet with the mayor tomorrow morning. I was planning on visiting his office.” Twilight spoke up. Every pony looked at her. 

“ I think Hoofington will be on board with receiving aid from Equestria and the council will probably back him up, but we will have to do this as quietly as possible.” Nocturn added.

“ Agreed, I will leave this discussion to Twilight, I know you have many responsibilities. Perhaps you may start getting your police prepared to take action.” Celestia looked at Nocturn. 

“Seems like we all have a lot of work ahead of us if we are going to pull this off.” Nocturn added. Every pony began nodding in agreement.
> Chapter 7-A
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

(8:00 am the next day)

It was a beautiful day in Parrot Port. The sun was nice and bright but not overly hot, the water was warm and every pony was out and about. Twilight made lunch plans with Cadence and her friends, but she needed to talk to the Mayor first. She had a plan that, if it worked, she could bring a close to the issues facing parrot port and bring Nocturn home.

" Twilight, Can't we get something to eat now? I'm starving!" Spike complained.

" In a little bit, Spike, We need to talk to Hoofington first. I just know he'll be busy in the afternoon."

Twilight was trotting with Spike on her back to Town hall, making her way past the police station. Her guards insisted that they follow her around so there they were, trotting beside her on each side.

Twilight made her way up to the second floor of the town hall and found Huffington's office. A secretary sat at his desk typing away at an old typewriter. Twilight's guards stood at attention.

" Ahem!" Twilight cleared her throat. The brown coat, white and black striped mane and tail stallion slowly looked up from his memo. Twilight smiled at him expectantly waiting for a response. The secretary pushed his glasses up with his right hoof and said.

" Good morning Princess, What can I do for you?" His voice was very nasally.

" I would like to speak to the Mayor if you don't mind." Twilight requested.

" Of course Princess, I'll see you in right now." His hoof went to a buzzer and his intercom crackled.

"Mayor, I have Princess Twilight here to see you." His hoof came off the intercom.

" Of course, send her in." The Secretary looked up at Twilight and said,

" Ok Princess, you can go in." Twilight would never be sure if she was a nuisance to him or not.

" Thanks!" She said as she trotted past him. She pushed the door open while her guards posted at the door.

Hoofington was at his desk which was quite messy as there were plans and permits scattered all over his office.

" Good Morning Mayor!" Twilight cheerfully greeted.

" Good Morning Princess, I hope you are enjoying yourself here." Hoofington replied. He was wiping a crystal glass bowl he had up on his top shelf clean of dust.

" Of course Mayor, I've never been to a tropical island before so this is all new to me." Twilight explained. she sat at a chair in front of Huffington's desk

" So Princess, what can a humble town mayor such as myself do for you?" Hoofington made a bowing gesture as he tipped his hat down with his fore hoof.

" Well I was wondering if you could tell me a little more about the ponies here in Parrot Port." Twilight asked.

" Well Princess, we are predominantly Equestrian, about 70 percent while 20 percent were born here and the other ten percent being from other countries such as the griffon kingdom and the such. Why do you ask?" Hoofington's brow raised. Twilight's line of questioning was perplexing to him.

" Well I was hoping to understand the geopolitical nature of your island of Parrot Port as it is a city state in of itself. Considering that your populace is primarily displaced Equestrians, it is in Equestria's best interest to provide security and representation for our people, including you, Mayor. " Twilight smiled. Hoofington set his crystal bowl down with his gaze meeting her dead on.

" Princess, what are you suggesting?" Hoofington asked,

" Simply put Mayor, I want to establish an Equestrian Embassy Here in Parrot port, It is essential that we have a means of reaching out and providing safety to those still under our protection." Twilight smiled, feeling particularly happy about her plan.

" Princess, are you suggesting that Equestria will recognize us as a sovereign entity, separate from the Flag of Equestria?" hoofington asked, raising a brow.

" Well Mayor, since many of the islanders are native to this island and consider Parrot port home It would be important to recognize their will. I also don't want to simply claim Parrot port as a part of Equestria either, much less we start a territory dispute with the Griffon kingdom. I fully believe Parrot port deserves to be separate from either country as well as safe from the threat of pirates." Twilight continued to smile.

" Princess, I trust that you are aware of the threat the pirates pose for us and that is why I'm sure you are wishing to create this embassy in order to receive the right to place more troops here to fight the pirates." Hoofington scratched his head in thought. Twilight felt his hesitation in agreeing with her plan.

" Princess, I can't say I don't agree with your line of logic. Unfortunately, bringing more guards here will escalate the conflict we are facing. A show of force alone will not be sufficient in subduing these pirates since they have amassed a great deal of resources. Lieutenant Pepper Stow away can attest to that." Hoofington adjusted his monocle. Twilight's ears splayed, her well thought out plan didn't seem to be making its mark.

" I see your point Mayor. But..." Hoofington interrupted her.

"However, we cannot forsake those enslaved by the Pirates, and this window of opportunity to do something about them may not last indefinitely. perhaps we could use your help. Some causes are worth fighting for." Hoofington looked out his office window, surveying the town.

"Mayor, what are you saying?" Twilight said with confusion about Hoofington's intentions.

" Simply put your highness, We need your help, but in doing so you will inevitably cause this war to escalate…heavily. Is that something you are willing to handle?" Hoofington said as he looked at her with his monocled eye. Twilight's gaze fell to the floor in thought.

Twilight felt a weight on her shoulders. The choice was inevitable and she was the representative for equestria and now for parrot port. Could she recommend an escalation of troops to parrot port.

" I'll have to report back to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I'm assuming you are in agreement with the plan?" Twilight asked Hoofington.

" Yes, your highness. I couldn't imagine a better opportunity coming along. It would be immoral for me not to. I will, of course, have to meet with the city council. Well have to deliberate on where this embassy will be built and such." Hoofington replied cheerfully.

" Thank you Mayor, I will have to send a letter to the princess. You have a good day sir." Twilight said cheerfully.

" You as well Princess." Hoofington said with a bow and a tip of his hat.






Fluttershy trotted along Seal way to make her way to the beach. She wanted to go see the sea lions again as she made many friends among them. Her friends had all gone their separate ways as they all had something to do. Rarity and applejack decided to go to downtown parrot port to go shopping. Rarity was interested in the island fashion as she had been getting ideas from the islanders who's fashion was not influenced by Canterlot and Applejack was interested in finding possible new types of apples that had grown on this isolated island. As for Pinkie Pie, she had been interested in trying the different island restaurants, many of them had their own style of baked goods. Rainbow Dash of course had found some strong updrafts near the cliffs more inland and wanted to get in more flying.

The morning was warm with a slight breeze that wafted the scent of the sea into Fluttershy's olfactory senses. It was a beautiful aroma and Fluttershy took it in with joy. It wouldn't be long before She would find her sealion friends again. Sealway leads to a particularly rocky part of the south eastern beach, a perfect place for the seals to congregate for the day.

Many of the ponies of parrot port greeted Fluttershy as she passed by them. She Was slowly becoming the favorite one of her friends. Her kindness and beauty seemed to grow on the ponies and many took notice. Of course the added attention wasn't something that Fluttershy was comfortable with at all, still it was nice to be greeted warmly by the islanders.

Fluttershy made it to the end of the street, which ended with a set of cobblestone stairs that lead down onto the sand of the beach. The rocks weren't far from the steps and she could hear the seals barking and howling just out of site. Taking in the sounds of the animals, Fluttershy smiled and trotted down the steps.

As Fluttershy made it to the bottom of the steps, she took notice of a light blue unicorn mare in a police uniform. She was concentrating near a tall purple rock that seemed to glow with her aura.

Fluttershy wasn't expecting any pony to be there and judging from the mare's expression when she noticed fluttershy, she wasn't expecting any pony either.

Sea Star finished checking the pylons near Seal way when she looked up and saw a yellow pegasus mare with a pink mane and tail. She wasn't expecting any pony to be there since the seals liked to play pranks on the ponies.

" Oh I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting some pony to be here at this time." Fluttershy said.

" Yeah, neither was I, the seals are pretty mean to strangers here." Star replied back.

" Oh dear are they? I found that they are nice to me." Fluttershy said in response.

" Wait what? I come here every day and they still don't like me." Star said with a hint of annoyance. She looked back at the seals who began barking in laughter as they recalled their latest prank on the officer. Apparently, they thought it would be funny to bat a ball of seaweed at the young police mare, getting it all in her mane. Sea Star had to use her magic to get it out.

" Hmph!" Star huffed in annoyance.

" Oh I'm sure they didn't mean anything by it. They just love to play." Fluttershy said in their defense. The truth was they were an ornery bunch,

" I Bet…" Star replied. Star looked away from the seals and gazed upon Fluttershy. She took notice of who she was. She recognized her as part of Twilight Sparkle's entourage, The same mares who wanted to take Captain Nocturn away.

"You must be Princess Twilight's friend, what brings you here?" Star asked with suspicion. Her eyes narrowed at Fluttershy.

" Oh my, I'm just here to see the Sea Lions again. They are so nice to chat with." Fluttershy said defensively.

" uhuh… I see…." Star replied still with a suspicious tone.

" I'm Fluttershy. What is your name?" Fluttershy asked with a smile. Sea Star was taken back by her gesture.

" Oh, well My name is Sea Star, but you can call me Star."

" It's nice to meet you officer Star. So what brings you out here?" Sea Star looked over her shoulder at the pylon she had been checking.

" Oh well I'm conducting inspection of our defenses. Those purple stones put up a magical barrier against invaders but we need to maintain them often." Star smiled at Fluttershy.

" Oh my, that looks like a lot of work." Fluttershy peered over Sea Star's back at the stone.

" Yeah, tell me about it." Star said deflated.
> Chapter 7B
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash swooped in on top of a white puffy cloud that floated above the cliffs where she had found some really strong up currents. The cloud floated just outside of the strongest air current. She had just completed some extremely Technical aerial maneuvers aided by the updrafts and was taking a short break from the excitement.  Fast adrenaline maneuvers and short lazy breaks were one way Rainbow liked to chill. 

Below her was the island of Parrot Port which looked picturesque in the late morning. Sprawled in front of her was the southeast end of the island with the shoreline and beach where She had first met Nocturne Armor. The many ponies, save for a few pegasi who dotted the sky, looked like ants. 

Rainbow sighed in bliss as she felt the warmness of the day wash over her. Her thoughts drifted to random subjects as she took these moments to reflect on a great many things. What seemed to pop into her head more recently were thoughts of the island’s plight and the struggles of Nocturn Armor. It was of great concern to her mostly because she wished to help her friend Twilight who had certainly deemed the task of bringing Nocturn home paramount. Yet, she was beginning to prioritize the well-being of the island itself. It was a warm and inviting island that definitely reminded Rainbow of Ponyville in some ways. It was almost like a tropical version of her home and she wanted to help them out as best she could. 

Rainbow looked out onto the landscape below her and laid her head on her forelegs as she began to feel yet another nap enveloping her conscience. All she could hear was the breeze that wisped around her cloud. 

Suddenly she heard the voice of a mare who was very close to her. 

“ Well, this seems like a nice spot.” Rainbow’s head shot up and she quickly looked around to find the source of the voice. Right behind her was a dark gray pegasus in a police uniform, hovering just above the cloud she was on. 

“ You must be Rainbow Dash, I didn't mean to startle you.” Lieutenant  Pepper Stowaway fluttered her wings to allow her to steadily hover. 

“ Oh, Yeah that's me. No, I’m not startled, officer,” said Rainbow as she nervously giggled. The police pegasus certainly had an intimidating persona.

“ I hope you wouldn’t mind, but may I join you on your cloud  I’ve been patrolling all morning and want to take a break, and I was hoping to have a word with you.” Pepper gently landed, sending a few wisps of cloud up with her hooves.  Rainbow eyed Pepper with a bit of a scrutinous look.

“ No, I don't mind, but what do you want to discuss?” Rainbow felt Pepper’s stare, and she could also sense a hint of something in her tone. 

“ Well, It’s nothing too serious. It hasn’t been long since you and your friends have arrived, but you all seem to have acclimated pretty well to our home.” 

“ Well, Parrot Port does seem pretty homey.” Pepper shifted her gaze away from Rainbow. Her mood was hard to read for Rainbow who felt unsettled for some reason. 

“ Is this Island different from your home… PonyVille I mean?” Pepper made it a point to learn as much as she could about anything or any pony in her sphere of attention.

“ Well actually, other than the tropicalness of this place, I’d say it’s pretty spot on,” Rainbow explained.  Pepper seemed to carefully reflect on Rainbow's response. 

“ Even though the Hotel has many rooms, you sleep in a tree…” Pepper suddenly brought up. Her eyes darted to stare into Rainbow’s eyes.  Rainbow didn’t know why, She wasn’t trying to hide anything, but the way Pepper brought up this fact made it feel wrong. 

“ Well, It’s nice to sleep outside you know. I’m sure you understand being a pegasus.”

“ … in Nocturne's tree, near his house….” Pepper’s gaze seemed to cut into Rainbow as if peering into her soul. 

“ S.. sso… so what?”  Rainbow sputtered, her nerves seeming to take a toll being under the intense gaze of Lieutenant Pepper Stowaway. 

“ What exactly are your intentions?” Pepper 

“What are you talking about?  Rainbow had a tone of denial. 

“You’re not trying to get close to him are you?” Pepper’s directness took Rainbow by surprise. 

“What?! No way!” Rainbow’s embarrassment was pretty evident. 

“ Then why are you in his palm tree?” 

“ Well, to be honest, I was trying to get him to go home with us at first, but now I know that he needs help with fighting the pirates. Look, I can leave his tree if you want me to.” Rainbow didn’t want to cause any trouble, especially with the police.

“ No, that's not why I asked. Nocturn could have flushed you out a long time ago if he wanted.” Pepper looked at Rainbow with a side glance. Pepper knew that Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends had changed their Mission due to getting to know more about Parrot Port. Mayor Hoofington and Nocturn had briefed the rest of the Police force on their plans earlier that morning. 

Pepper heard that the City Council would hold a meeting to allow for Equestrian aid and the construction of the Equestrian embassy. Rumor had it that they were already mostly in agreement. It would be a while before Princess Celestia could implement everything laid out in the plan, but help was already well on its way in the form of a detachment of the EUP Expeditionary force. Today though, Pepper’s only concern was figuring out what Rainbow’s deal was. She figured Rainbow would relent and hightail it to the hotel, but that hadn’t happened. She also wanted to figure out why Nocturn didn’t feel the need to force the cyan and rainbow-colored pegasus off his property. She would have to ask him about that later. 

“ So, You’re one of Nocturn’s friends?” Rainbow asked after a moment of silence.  Pepper turned to look at Rainbow and she smiled.

“ I’m Pepper Stowaway, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” 
> Chapter 8A
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nocturn Armor sat at his desk at the police station working alone at night. The rest of the island was once again having another beach party now large enough to meet Pinkie Pie standards. Nocturn was going through police reports that were submitted to him by his officers for that day when there was a sudden knock at the door, prompting him to look up.

"Come in! " Said nocturne as he waited for the door to open. It was Twilight Sparkle that trotted through the door; she was sporting another flower in her ear and seemed to have come straight from the festivities.  she had a smile.

" Good evening Captain. I was looking for you down at the beach. It seems like you're a busybody just like me. " 

"Well someone has to run this precinct. " Nocturn shot Twilight a grin. 

"Why don't you join me outside for a bit? It’s really nice tonight. " Twilight trotted up to his desk. Nocturn began standing up from his desk.

"Well I guess now is as good a time  as any to take a break." He got up from his desk and stretched his back out. Then he and Twilight trotted out the door.

Just outside the police station was a sitting area with picnic benches that the police used during their breaks to sit and relax. Twilight and Nocturn sat across from each other at one of the tables. The night was really nice with a cool breeze and the stars were out and shining with the moon brightly illuminating the land. The local weather team had done a good job of clearing the sky for the night's festivities which could be heard going on in the distance down at the coast.

" So how is your talk with Hoofington today? Did he agree to the plan? " Nocturn stared quizzically at Twilight.

“It went well. Actually, he was talking about summoning the city council members for an emergency meeting tomorrow morning"Twilight gazed down at the beach which was noisy with rabble-rousing. 

Nocturn nodded with a smile of approval. To him, the idea of Hoofington being on board made him feel more at ease at their situation. After all, it was also Hoofington who helped to keep the island together with his logic and wit. This made Nocturne feel relieved to an extent.

 " That's really good to hear," he said with a smile.

"So how did your day go? Did anything else happen today? " Twilight looked straight into Nocturn's eyes. He responded with a smile and a shake of his head.

"Nothing new happened today; everybody was calm today and there was nothing wrong with any of the warding pillars. It's almost creepy how calm today was in spite of everything that's happened recently. "

 " Is that necessarily a bad thing?   " Twilight peered at Noc.

" No no this is actually a nice change of pace from the past couple of days." Nocturn shook his head and sat a little bit straighter

"Well, I for one am very optimistic about how things are going," Twilight said with a smile.

Nocturn nodded his head and smiled. Twilight smiled back and stared off at the night sky admiring the bright stars…

“ Wow what a pretty night. The stars are bright, even more so than in my hometown of Ponyville.” Twilight reminisced.  

“ Oh, you don't live in Canterlot?” Nocturn looked at Twilight with confusion. 

“ No, not anymore anyway. I had actually moved to Ponyville on Princess Celestia’s decree to learn about friendship. This was before I became an alicorn. It’s a long story.” Twilight 

“Ok, you’re gonna have to tell me this long story of yours. How did you even end up in the Princess's circle?” Nocturn laid his head on his right forehoof to get more comfortable. Twilight giggled.

Twilight regaled Nocturn in her life story for the next hour. He learned about her time as Princess Celestia's student, her time in Ponyville as part of the bearers of the elements of harmony, and her new reign as princess of Friendship. Nocturn was amazed at her exploits.

“ That’s incredible, It’s like you’ve been shouldering all the problems of Equestria since you went to Ponyville.” Nocturn’s interest was evident. 

“ I know, even I have a hard time believing that this all happened in the past two years.” 

“ Seems like I’ve been missing all the fun.” Nocturn and Twilight chuckled. Nocturn looked up at the stars as he thought. 

“ I can’t help but think, we might have been good friends if I’d never run away.” 

“ Maybe, but to be honest when I was living in Canterlot, I wasn’t very social. I also can’t imagine what this island would have gone through without you here.” Twilight offered. 

“ That… is very true.” Nocturn looked down at Twilight. Nocturn and Twilight smiled at each other Because they both understood they now had a more friendly connection with each other. It was then Nocturne noticed a light off in the distance toward the center of the island. It was a very familiar light though he hadn't seen it for a while now. Glinting off in the distance up further into the island was a flashing light, signaling SOS. Nocturn sighed uneasily. 

“ Hey I need to go take care of something, I’ll see  you shortly down at the beach.” Noc turned to Twilight. 

“ Is everything ok Noc? What’s that light up there?” Twilight peered past Nocturn at the flashing light. 

“ It’s ok, I just have to go check up on somepony. You go ahead and I’ll meet up with everypony soon.” Nocturn insisted as he started to trot to the street that led up to the houses where the light originated. 

“ Are you sure? It looks like some pony is in trouble.” Twilight stepped forward to follow Noc. Nocturn looked over his withers and sighed. 

“It’s fine princess,  like I said, I’ll meet you at the beach. I just have to go visit somepony who needs me. It’s most likely not a big deal.” Nocturn gave her a smile. Twilight felt a twinge of annoyance but she relented. This seemed to be a personal issue that he wanted to keep personal.

“ Ok Noc, I’ll see you soon.” Twilight shot back her own smile. Twilight gave Noc a hug before she started to trot away toward Seal way. Nocturn started to head in the opposite direction. He seemed to be in a hurry. 

Twilight got to Seal way when Rainbow Dash fluttered down from the sky to meet her. 

“ Rainbow? What are you doing here?” Twilight looked at her friend with concern.

“ I just wanted to know what you two were up to since you both are conspicuously absent from the party.” 

“ conspicuously? I was just thinking the same thing about Nocturn, so I came to check up on him.” Twilight said with mild irritation at Rianbow’s implications. 

“ I can see that, so what's with the SOS?”  Rainbow added as she looked up to the center of the island. 

“ It seems like another personal issue of his. He said it wasn’t a big deal.” Twilight began to trot but was stopped by Rainbow. 

“ Then it wouldn’t be a big deal if we went to have a look,” Rainbow smirked. 

“Rainbow, we shouldn’t be prying into his personal life anymore. You know he has a lot of trauma.”  Twilight argued. Even though everything turned out ok, she still felt guilt for causing Nocturn emotional distress by inadvertently forcing him to face his pain.

“ Maybe, but should we take an SOS lightly? I also can’t help but notice, he isn’t good at asking for help, even when he needs it.” Twilight thought for a bit, then she relented.

“ Ok but we’re only going to look.” Twilight began trotting in the opposite direction up the mountain followed by her friend. 

Twilight and Rainbow could see Nocturn heading up the street and followed him. 

It didn’t take long for Nocturn to make it up to the opposite end of Seal way where there were residential homes. At the very top was a two-story house with a thatched roof and palm log walls, the usual standard for all homes built on the island. He strode up the walkway that was flanked by many rosebushes and dug out his keys. He knocked and then entered the house.
Noc was immediately greeted by Red who threw his hooves around Noc’s neck. The poor colt was sobbing. Twilight and Rainbow had snuck up to a window that looked into the living room. Twilight had cast a silencing spell on her and Rainbow to mask their presence. 

“ Hey, Hey, what's wrong Red? Did you have another bad dream?”  Nocturn patted Red on his back and ran his hooves through his mane. 

“ I’m sorry Noc, I had that dream the pirates were back,” Red said through sobs.

“ It’s Ok Red, I promise you’re safe. Here I’ll get you some milk and I can help you back into bed.” Red smiled even though he had tears streaking down his cheeks. 

“ Ok, Noc. Thanks. I’m sorry I called you up here. I thought I was a big colt, but I’m just being a baby.” Red gave Nocturn a hug. 

“ No you’re ok Red; We all get scared from time to time. You can call me whenever you need me. I want you to call me.” Nocturn ruffled Reds mane, then they went to the kitchen where they got two glasses of milk and sat at the table. They both sat and drank their milk, this being an important part of the ritual of calming Red down whenever he had an episode. Soon they trotted to Red’s room where Nocturn began to tuck him in. Twilight and Rainbow couldn’t see Nocturn or Red, but they could hear their conversation. 


“ Hey, Noc?” Red’s expression was one of trepidation. His eyes moved between looking at Noc and looking at the ground. 

“ What is it, kid?” Nocturn asked. 

“ Can….Can you….sing me my lullaby, just like big sis used to?” Red’s embarrassment was evident. Nocturn exchanged a look of confusion. 

“ Red… I can’t sing like Aster.”

“ Please? It’s ok if you can’t sing like her. I just … I miss her.” Noc could feel that one in his heart. He was then convinced.

“ oh alright. I’ll do it, but no complaints about being off-key.” Noc said sternly. He was mostly joking. Red smiled. Nocturn took a breath in and then began to sing. 



Your bright big smile to me

Fills my world with joyful glee

Like a summer day 

Lying in hay

Your smile makes my sadness go away


As I watch you age and  grow

My glee will overflow

Gently soar like a butterfly

Because You’re the apple of my eye


My love for you I’ll show

Your smile will shine with the glow

Be Strong and proud like a Dragonfly

Because You’re the apple of my eye

 
Your bright big smile to me

Fills my world with joyful glee

So fly high in that big blue sky

Because You’re the apple of my eye.


Nocturn finished the lullaby, one that Aster had always sung for Red. He recalled that she wrote it shortly after Aster and Red got settled in on the Island. She sang it to help calm Red after their ordeal of getting stranded. 

“Where do you feel better?” Noc asked Red. Red enthusiastically nodded his head. This gave Nocturn a sense of relief that he didn’t mess the lullaby up too much. 

“ Ok, then are you ready to go to sleep? Did you need anything else?” Nocturn pulled at the covers to adjust them to be cozier for Red.  Red gave a large yawn in response. This got a chuckle from Noc. 


“ Hey, Noc… Do… do you think Aster would have been proud of me… my flying I mean?” This question gave Nocturn pause. Clearly Red was really missing Aster this night. 

“What… Yeah… of course Red, I’m proud of you too.  You’re gonna get better and you’ll get that double loop down pat. I promise.” Nocturn said with a smile.

“You really think so?” Red asked with further evident trepidation. 

“ Definitely.” Nocturn never wavered with his smile.

“ I really miss my sister, Noc.” Red’s lower lip pushed out and he began to tear up again. Nocturn felt his heart drop. He couldn’t stand watching Red suffer like this. Nocturn thought about how Red was just a colt and he shouldn’t have to feel this sort of pain. This drove Nocturn’s hatred for the pirates even further. 

“ I know Red, I know. I miss your sister too.” Nocturn leaned down and nuzzled Red.  

“ I want to be a really awesome flyer so I can make her proud if she’s watching.” Red smiled as some of his confidence came back.

“ I’m sure she is watching us Red.” Nocturn smiled.

“ you really think so?”

“ I'm pretty sure of it Red.” 

“ Ok, if you say so. Good night Noc.” Red slumped a little further in his bed. His eyes had instantly gotten heavier.

“ Good night kid,” Nocturn replied as he watched Red fall asleep. Once he was sure the young pegasus was asleep, he trotted out the door and closed it. 


Nocturn Armor trotted into the living room where he stood for a moment before he fell to his haunches. He couldn’t hold himself together anymore and tears began to stream down his cheeks in rivulets as his breathing became quicker and shorter. He reached out with his magic and levitated a picture of Aster from the wall. He brought it to his face and looked longingly into her image.  

Why, why did things have to be this way? Everything was much less scary when you were here.  Nocturn thought to himself. Then he saw two pairs of eyes, a lavender and magenta set, staring at him from the window. Noc looked up with a glare. 

Twilight and Rainbow Dash couldn’t help themselves either. They both started to sniffle after witnessing the display of brotherly love. Nocturn shook his head and easily placed the picture back on the wall. He then trotted to the front door to open it.  Twilight and Rainbow watch as he came out, closed, and locked the door.