> Cutie Mark Crusaders: Treasure Hunters
>  by Epicdiscord214
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Before the Beginning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Once upon a time, a long time ago, there was a powerful duo of brothers: Tirek and Scorpan. It was their nature to search through new lands and drain them all of their magic without a chance for mercy. One day, Scorpan went to the kingdom of Equestria and discovered the friendship the ponies shared. After learning of friendship himself, Scorpan confronted his brother.
“Well, Scorpan, what did you find in this Equestria,” Tirek asked.
“Tirek, you have to listen to me,” Scorpan said.
“Is it teeming with magic,” Tirek interrupted.
“Yes, it is,” Scorpan answered. “But...”
“And are there plenty of creatures with the magic,” Tirek interrupted again.
“TIREK, LISTEN TO ME,” Scorpan shouted.
There was a moment of silence.
“Is something the matter, brother,” Tirek asked.
“We have to stop,” Scorpan said. “Upon my scouting in Equestria, I've learned that what we're doing is wrong. This has to end before anyone else gets hurt.”
Tirek looked at his brother with a raised eyebrow. A second later, he laughed loudly. It was so loud, the cave shook a little.
“Oh, Scorpan, that's why I love you,” Tirek chuckled. “You always like to make your jokes.”
“It's no joke, Tirek,” Scorpan said. “Everything we're doing is wrong. And if we escalate, so will our problems.”
“Who told you that,” Tirek said. “Was it any of those ponies?”
“It doesn't matter who told me,” Scorpan said. “The point is, we need to stop. We've had enough.”
“Scorpan, these ponies are clouding your mind with nonsense and heresy,” Tirek said. “You and I, we msut consume the magic. It's in our nature. I did not take the power and wealth of the other lands just to stop because of the victims' opinion!”
“Tirek, I...” Scorpan said before noticing what Tirek just said. “What do you mean, 'wealth'?”
Realizing he said something wrong, Tirek sighed and confessed. “I've gotten greedy. With all the magic we've taken and devastation we caused, I realized that the lands we've drained had lots of treasure; gold and jewels and diamonds. I thought that since no one was around to enjoy them, I'd take them for myself.”
“So you've stolen the magic as well as the treasure of the lands we invaded,” Scorpan asked. “How come I haven't seen you with any of the treasure?”
“I've hired some Diamond Dogs to bury the treasure on our island,” Tirek said. He reached underneath a rock and pulled out a rolled-up piece of paper. “I made a map so that I could remember the burial site.” He placed it back inside.
“Tirek, this is insane,” Scorpan said placing his hand on his forehead. “I cannot live while we live on stolen magic and treasure! I'm begging you, brother. I love you. That's why I'm giving you this one chance to let it go and we can leave the Equines in peace.”
Tirek gave a cold, hard stare at his brother and growled. “No,” he said. He turned around and layed down. “As soon as I awaken, Equestria will be sponged.”
Guilty and desperate, Scorpan snuck out of the cave and entered the city of Canterlot. There, he came in the presence of the royal alicorn sisters, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
“Fair princesses, I have come with a warning,” Scorpan said.
“Who might we adress,” Princess Luna asked.
“I am Scorpan,” the visitor introdiced himself. “I come from a far-off land with my brother, Tirek. I hereby confess my sins in your presence. For many years, my brother and I traveled to new lands with only one goal: to consume every bit of magic in them and leave the inhabitants bitter desolate.”
The sound of it made the princesses gasp.
“This is horrible,” Princess Luna said. “I dost have one question: why is it though art telling us your reason for arrival?”
“Because I regret everything I have done,” Scorpan said. “I scouted Equestria to see the magic, but I befriended a unicorn who says he's a friend of yours: Star Swirl the Bearded.”
“I see,” Princess Celestia said. “And your encounter with him has made you seen the error of your ways.”
“Indeed,” Scorpan said. “The only problem was, my brother would not listen. Tirek's planning to attack tomorrow morning. He needs to be stopped.”
“You did the right thing to warn us, Scorpan,” Princess Celestia said. “We'll stop Tirek before he has the chance.”
“One more thing,” Scorpan said. He reached behind him and pulled out an envelope. “Before you sentence my brother, would you please give this to him?”
“Do you mind if we look inside,” Princess Luna asked.
“No, I have no problem with it,” Scorpan said. “Just make sure Tirek gets it. I must be leaving you and your kingdom in peace.”
As soon as Scorpan left, the royal sisters looked in the envelope and saw the contents. They looked at each other and placed the contents back in the envelope.
The next day, the alicorns confronted Tirek and casted a spell on him. He was then banished in the monstrous prison known as Tartarus. Tirek was skinny and weak and bound in chains. He looked and saw a large three-headed dog guarding the exit.
“Those fools,” Tirek growled to himself. “One day, I'll get out of here and they'll pay for what they've done. One thing I don't understand: how did they find me so easily?”
Suddenly, Tirek looked down and saw an envelope. With his very little strength, he opened it. Inside, he found his brother's necklace and a note. He read it and grew angrier with every word.

“My brother, Tirek,
I've got a confession. If you're wondering who told our hiding place to the princesses, it is I. I had to tell them. You were too obsessed with power to see the truth. The Equestrians are filled with magic, that much is true, but it's also filled with friendship and love. In this land, they have a saying 'friendship is magic'. If that's true, then when we take their magic, we take their friendship. I give you my necklace as a sign that I still love you. And as for your treasure, I have taken your map and sold it. If anyone finds your treasure, it will not be you. I'm sorry, brother. This hurts me more than it hurts you. I love you.
-Scorpan”

In anger, Tirek's roar echoed through the chasm and caught the attention of other monsters.
“You're not sorry, 'brother',” Tirek growled. “Not yet, anyway.”

Hundreds of years later, Tirek escaped his imprisonment and took his revenge on the princesses who banished him. He even tricked a draconequus into assisting him until he became useless. And then, when he was on the brink of victory, the latest princess, Twilight Sparkle, rose up and banished Tirek back into Tartarus. The magic was restored, Twilight got her own castle as a reward, and the defeat of Tirek was known throughout all of Equestria. Of course, no pony knew about Tirek's Treasure until three little ponies found the map and as a result, almost destroy Equestria.

“Open sea
Open air
You can't see
A thing there
Open sea
Open sky
It can't mean
You can't try
There's adventure around every corner
With crashing waves and setting sails
Whenever you hear of a legend
Know that dead men tell no tales
Don't ignore the map that leads to destiny
If it can get your name known
But there's no guarantee for fame
You see, the future's not set in stone
Open sea
Open air
You can't see
A thing there
Open sea
Open sky
It can't mean
You can't try
This is a story of three fillies
Who search for their true purpose
They look for adventure and excitement
There's no other tale quite like this
FRIENDSHIPS, TWISTS, AND BETRAYAL
TRAITORS AND PIRATES HERE
YOU MAY BE ABLE TO FIND WONDER
BUT YOU'LL ALSO FIND SOME FEEEEEEEAAAAAAAR
OPEN SEA
OPEN AIR
YOU CAN'T SEE
A THING THERE
Open sea
Open sky
It can't mean
You can't... tryyyyyyyy”
> The Map
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  In present day, there were three little kids: Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom. Those three were different kinds of ponies, but they had one thing in common: they didn't have their Cutie Marks yet. A Cutie Mark is supposed to show you found your true passion and purpose. These three fillies were working together on finding their Cutie Marks. Together, they are the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
The beginning starts in Rarity's Boutique. There, Rarity looked and saw Scootaloo in her kitchen.
“Scootaloo,” Rarity asked. “What are you doing in my house?”
“Sweetie Belle let me in,” Scootaloo said.
“Yeah, I guessed that,” Rarity said. “What I mean is, why are you in my kitchen?”
“Well, last night, me, your sister, and Apple Bloom had an idea,” Scootaloo explained. “Before we became the Crusaders, we all had individual methods of finding out Cutie Marks. We're trading the jobs we all had. If an didn't work for one Crusader, it might work for another. Then, I remembered that Apple Bloom once tried to cook. I took that job.”
“Why do you have to use my oven,” Rarity asked. “Why not use your own?”
“My oven's not working,” Scootaloo said. “We're thinking of buying a new one.”
“Well, why not use Apple Bloom's,” Rarity asked.
“Applejack's using it for an upcoming fundraiser,” Scootaloo replied. “Don't worry, I promise we won't burn down your shop.”
“Wait, did you say, we,” Rarity asked.
Rarity looked and saw her sister and Applejack's sister trying to reach the shelves.
“Sweetie Belle, are you sure you should be doing this,” Rarity asked.
“Absolutely, sis,” Sweetie Belle answered.
“Don't mind me,” Apple Bloom said. “This didn't work for me. I'm just supervising.”
“I'm just a little nervous,” Rarity said. “After all, I've got a big order coming and you three always seem to break something.”
“Relax,” Apple Bloom said. “If anything goes wrong, we'll just handle it calmly and as a team.”
Suddenly, there was a big fire. Scootaloo's frying pan was holding a ball of fire.
“EVERY PONY FOR HERSELF,” Apple Bloom shouted before running outside.
Rarity quickly levitated a fire extinguisher and put out the fire. She looked in the pan and examined it. She had a confused look.
“Why would you want to cook ice cream,” Rarity asked.
“That is a story for another day,” Scootaloo answered.
“Just... why don't you go outside and... watch TV,” Rarity asked nervously.
“You can't watch TV outside,” Sweetie Belle said.
“DON'T SASS YOUR SISTER AND WATCH TV OUTSIDE,” Rarity shouted.
The Crusaders got out and walked down the street.
“Well, that's a check on the cooking category,” Apple Bloom said. “We're running of ideas faster than apples on Fruit Bat Season.”
“You'd think we'd find our destinies by now,” Sweetie Belle said. “Instead, we're finding other ponies who give complaints about us.”
“I know,” Scootaloo said. “And we've tried many ways to get our Cutie Marks. For example...

“We tried to go bowling
We tried martial arts
But our sides are still so blank
We still have aching hearts
A pony needs a cutie mark
But what could mine be
I've got to find my destiny
So when will my Cutie Mark come to me
We each tried writing books
Or being carpenters
But we couldn't get the attention
Of any customer
The Cutie Marks are waiting
But how long do we need
I've got to find my destiny
So when will my Cutie Mark come to me”
“Don't get me started on selling fruit,” Apple Bloom sang,
“You see, selling things are not a hoot
And when I tried, my sister gave me the boot
An Apple kid gets their Cutie Marks
It's in our family tree
I've got to find my destiny
So when will my Cutie Mark come to me
I cannot stand this pressure
My patience is at its peek
Whenever we go and try to search
There's always a little tweak
One day, we'll have our future
I promise as we speak
I've got to find my destiny
So when will my Cutie Mark come to me”
“We've hearts strong as horses,” Sweetie Belle sang,
“And nerves as hard as steel
One day, our dreams will come true
And our fantasies will be real
The Cutie Mark Crusaders
Will go through all things dangerous
We've got to find...”
“Got to find...” Applebloom sang.
“Our destiny,” Scootaloo sang.
“Our destiny,” they all sang,
“So when will our Cutie Marks...
When will our Cutie Marks...
So when will our Cutie Marks come to uuuuuus”

Suddenly, the three heard laughted behind them. They looked and saw their rivals: Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.
“You think you can find your Cutie Marks,” Diamond Tiara asked with a chuckle. “Please, if either of you were destined to have a Cutie Mark, you'd have had it by now. You'll always have blank flanks.”
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon left the scene with their heads held high and throats laughing.
“I do not like them,” Scootaloo said. “They think they're two of the best ponies around, but if you ask me, they're two of the worst.”
“You took the words out of my mouth,” Apple Bloom said.
“Hear, hear,” Sweetie Belle agreed.
“Preaching to the choir,” an unfamiliar stallion said.
The Crusaders gasped in fright when they saw the grown stallion standing over them.
“Who are you,” Apple Bloom asked.
“Billy Bones,” the stallion answered. “I'm a traveling merchant from here to Saddle Arabia. I collect the rarest of the rare. I couldn't help but overhear your song.”
“Well, thanks,” Scootaloo said nervously. “We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders, dedicated to helping each other find our destinies.”
“Well, maybe I can help,” Billy Bones said. “Perhaps one of my merchandises can inspire you.” He reached into his bag and pulled out a hammer. “Ah, this little tool was used by the pony who was in charge of building Canterlot Castle. Perhaps you can be... Cutie Mark Crusaders: Carpenters.”
“Nah, we tried that,” Apple Bloom answered. “We ended up turning a table into something that not even a Changeling would like.”
“What else do you have,” Scootaloo asked.
“Maybe... this pocket-watch,” Billy Bones said pulling out a watch on a chain. “You can be Cutie Mark Crusaders: Train Conductors.”
“We already tried that,” Sweetie Belle said. “We ended up crashing a train. Instead of Cutie Marks, we got grounded.”
“Kids, you are pushing me against a wall here,” Billy Bones said. “Give me a moment.”
Billy Bones reached into his bag and dug through. Suddenly, Scootaloo pointed at a scroll sticking out of Billy Bones' back pocket. They saw a faint, red X through the back of the paper.
“What about that thing,” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Hmm,” Billy Bones asked. “What thing?”
“The scroll sticking out of your pants,” Scootaloo asked. “If I didn't know any better, I'd say it looked like a treasure map.”
At the sound of those words, Billy Bones widened his eyes and quickly spun around. He had a very nervous, not-so-subtle smile across his face.
“Hahaha,” Billy Bones chuckled nervously. “What treasure map? You kids and your wild imaginations.”
“But we saw a scroll out of your pants,” Apple Bloom asked. “Is that a treasure map or what?”
“Oh, that,” Billy Bones said even more nervously. “That's my...” He took a moment to think. “Grocery list?”
The Crusaders looked at him suspiciously.
“STOP PRESSURING ME,” Billy Bones shouted. “I SAY RANDOM STUFF WHEN I'M STRESSED! BROCOLLI! PAJAMAS! MONKEY! AAAAAHHHH!”
At that moment, Billy Bones grabbed his bag and ran away quick as a flash. But right before he vanished, the scroll in his back pocket fell to the floor. Sweetie Belle picked it up and read it. She gasped.
“It IS a treasure map,” Sweetie Belle said.
“Really,” Apple Bloom asked.
“Of course,” Sweetie Belle said. “See? There's an island. There's a red X. There's a list of instructions. And there's... a horned head with a beard?”
“That looks like that Tirek guy,” Apple Bloom said.
“You mean that jerk who tried to take our strengths a couple months back,” Scootaloo asked.
“No, she means the clown from Fillydelphia,” Sweetie Belle said sarcastically.
“What does he have to do with a treasure,” Scootaloo asked.
“I don't know,” Sweetie Belle answered. “There are markings here that's like another language.”
“You know who might understand it,” Apple Bloom asked. “Zecora! She might be able to tell us something about it.”
“Good idea,” Scootaloo said. “Let's pay her a visit.”
What they didn't know was that they were watched. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were eavesdropping on them from around the corner.
“Did you hear that, Silver Spoon,” Diamond Tiara asked. “They actually found a treasure map.”
“What if it's a fake,” Silver Spoon asked.
“It's not,” Diamond Tiara said. “Otherwise, that old guy wouldn't be so freaked out about it. It's definitely real and we're going to take it from them.”
What THEY didn't know what that they were being watched also. A giant, walking dog watched from the ground and went through the underground tunnels. They then approached the main Diamond Dogs, dogs who hunt for uncovered gems and hoard them for themselves.
“BOSS, BOSS,” the little Diamond Dog called to the leading dog.
“Ah, Fido,” Rover said. “What news from Ponyville?”
“Tirek's Treasure map is found,” Fido screamed. “Tirek's Treasure map is found!”
At that moment, Rover shouted, “DOGS, PACK UP AND FOLLOW THE PONIES WHO HAVE THE MAP! WE'RE TAKING WHAT OUR ANCESTORS BURIED!”
The Diamond Dogs seen all across the catacombs cheered in excitement.
> The Financeer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Deep in the Everfree Forest, there's a mystical zebra named Zecora. She may have a strange home, but she's just as friendly as any pony else. Zecora, the good friend of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, examined the map the Crusaders gave to her.
“Well, little ones, I can see that a treasure map, this could be,” Zecora said. The zebra had a semi-annoying habit of speaking in rhyme. “Well, based on every detail I did check, this map leads to the treasure of Tirek.”
“But I thought Tirek only cared for stealing magic,” Sweetie Belle said. “Why would he have his own stash of treasure?”
“According to legend, as some told,” Zecora said, “Tirek also took diamonds, rubies, and gold. Treasures galore from every world, he pillaged them after they have twirled. And after he had the treasure within hand, he'd bury them somewhere on Scorpan Island. But after Tirek was originally vanquished, the treasure became a mystery and the map vanished.”
“Until now, it looks like,” Scootaloo said. “If this thing is real, the treasure is only a boat-ride away.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Apple Bloom said. “My sister would kill me if she knew I sailed off the continent to a dangerous island.”
“Mine too,” Sweetie Belle agreed. “The best thing to do is leave the map in a box and forget about it. That way, if anything bad happened, no pony would blame us.”
“That's not what we should do,” Apple Bloom argued. “We're tight on money, so the best thing to do is sell this thing in an auction.”
“Why would you want to sell this for a few coins when we can have treasures from hundreds of worlds,” Scootaloo asked grabbing the map. “I say we find the treasure!”
“It's best if we don't do anything,” Sweetie Belle argued grabbing another end of the map.
“We sell it,” Apple Bloom argued grabbing another end of the map.
They all tugged their ends of the map.
“This is a mistake you're going to make,” Zecora shouted in protest. “Pull hard enough, and it's going to...”
Suddenly, the map ripped into three pieces. The Crusaders slipped to different corners of the room.
“Break,” Zecora sighed.
“Now, look what you've done,” Scootaloo shouted.
“Me,” Apple Bloom asked. “You were the one who...”
“OH, GIVE IT A REST, YOU THREE,” a male voice chuckled loudly. “I CAN'T TAKE THIS HUMOR!”
Everyone looked where the voice came from and saw a dark-white tiki mask talking.
“Some pony tell me I'm out of my gourd,” Zecora said.
Suddenly, the mask changed into a tall creature. It had a pony face, a fang, an antler, a blue horn, a lion paw, an eagle claw, a red snake tail, a reptile leg, a goat leg, and a wicked smile.
“Oh, I should have known it'd be Discord,” Zecora finished her rhyme.
“How did you do that rhyme,” Discord asked. “You didn't even know it was me.”
Discord is a unique creature called a draconequus. He has a very special kind of magic: the chaos that flows through him allows him to change the coarse of reality. In the past, he tried to change nature into his own image, but when he learned the value of friendship, he sought out to rectify for his crimes.
“What are you doing here, Discord,” Scootaloo asked.
“The three ponies who originally freed me are in a great, big argument, and you're wondering what the lord of conflict is doing here,” Discord asked. “Anyway, I couldn't help but overhear that you found the map to Tirek's Treasure. I want in.”
“Why would you want to help us,” Sweetie Belle asked. “You can create your own treasure out of nothing.”
“Oh, can't a friend help out three little girls,” Discord asked materializing a halo above his head. The Crusaders gave him a suspicious look. Discord then frowned and threw the halo away. “All right, all right. You caught me. The thing is, there's a certain treasure Tirek has in his stash. It's called the Red Channel, a magnificent ruby that is said that whoever has it would be the envy of all magical creatures. Even with my magic, I can't get it here.”
“How do you know that such a thing exists,” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Because I was searching for it as a hobby,” Discord said. “My research led me to believe that Tirek buried it with the rest of the treasure.”
“So you want our help to make you more popular,” Apple Bloom said.
“Just the ruby, kid,” Discord said. “The rest of the treasure can be yours. Come on, I know the three of you are struggling with money trouble. You have broken ovens and fundraisers.”
“How did you know about all that,” Scootaloo asked.
“Oh, no,” Discord feigned worry. “Isn't eavesdropping a perk between friends?”
“Discord, we appreciate the help,” Sweetie Belle said, “But you said it yourself: we're struggling with money. We can't afford to head to an island.”
“DING-DING-DING,” Discord said materializing a light-bulb above his head. “I'VE GOT IT! I'll finance the voyage! I'll hire a crew and a captain and we can find Tirek's Treasure!”
“Well, I suppose there's no harm in looking,” Sweetie Belle said.
“Yeah,” Apple Bloom agreed. “And seriously, if I had a choice between auction money and treasure...”
“Perfect,” Discord said. “And it's best if you keep those map pieces to yourself. We don't want any Diamond Dogs on our tails.”
“Diamond Dogs,” Sweetie Belle asked. “You mean those gem-hunting mutts that kidnapped my sister? What do they have to do with all this?”
“Tirek didn't have shovels back then,” Discord said. “According to legend, the horned bully forced a bunch of ancient Diamond Dogs to bury his treasure. If their current leader, Rover, figured out you had the means to find Tirek's Treasure, he'll stop at nothing to take back what his ancestors buried.”
“You've got to find the treasure in such a rush,” Zecora said, “But you've got to keep it hush-hush.”
“All right,” Apple Bloom said. “But don't tell our sisters this... at least, not until we're already gone.”
During the whole conversation, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon heard everything.
“Did you hear that,” Diamond Tiara said. “The treasure's even bigger than we thought. We've got to beat them to it.”
“Diamond, don't you think we're outmatched here,” Silver Spoon asked. “Think, the map's in three pieces, they've got Discord protecting them, and there are Diamond Dogs that might find us. It's smart if we turn around and ignore it.”
“We can't, Spoon,” Diamond Tiara said. “I am not going to let a bunch of blank-flanks and a blended zoo take the treasure for themselves. Here's the plan: we follow them onto the ship and stow away. And once they find the treasure, we'll take it.”
Meanwhile, Fido approached Rover in his throne. There was a moment of silence.
“Well,” Rover asked. “Speak up.”
“We've got good news... and bad news,” Fido said nervously. “The map's in the hooves of three little fillies and they're going to search for the treasure.”
“What's the bad news,” Rover asked.
“They've got Discord with them,” Fido explained. “The master of chaos is accompanying them.”
“It won't matter,” Rover said. “Fido, you and Spot are with me when we sneak onto the voyage and take the treasure. Nothing, not even Discord, will stop us from taking back our family legacy.”
> The Crew
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  The next day, the Cutie Mark Crusaders arrived at the Canterlot Docks. They ventured through until they found Discord floating in midair getting a suntan.
“Discord,” Apple Bloom shouted. “I thought you said you were getting us a ship.”
“I did,” Discord said, “And I have. I'm the spirit of chaos, not the spirit of broken promises. CMC, I give you the SS Gale!”
The draconequus gestured his paw at the magnificent-looking ship and he Crusaders dropped their jaws.
“I know,” Discord said. “I'm awesome. Anyway, let me introduce you to the crew.”
As the 4 walked up the gangplank, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon sneaked through the docks and climbed up the side of the boat. They came through the window while, at the same time, the three Diamond Dogs climbed the back of the boat and stayed there.
“This is going to be perfect,” Rover said. “Once the boat sets sail to Scorpan Island, we wait until the right moment. And then... We take the map!”
“Uh, boss,” Spot said, “What about the Discord fella? He's pretty tough.”
“I have a plan to deal with him as well,” Rover said. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small bag. “I had the Diamond Dog witch doctors make this. It's sleeping powder. One whiff, and Discord will be counting sheep for three days. Now, keep quiet and wait.”
Meanwhile, on the top deck, Discord was introducing the crew. Suddenly, Apple Bloom's stomach began to growl.
“I'm hungry,” Apple Bloom said. “I skipped breakfast just to sneak here.”
“Well, there's a kitchen below deck,” Discord said. “You three get yourselves a bite to eat. I'll call you when the captain arrives.”
“Captain,” Scootaloo asked.
“Did you think anyone would trust me with leading this ship,” Discord asked. “See, the last time I played Battleship, there was a flash flood in the end. No, I hired a special captain for this voyage.”
At that moment, the Cutie Mark Crusaders went down the stairs to the lower deck. They then gazed in amazement at the stacks of food on the table.
“Ooh,” Scootaloo said reaching for a chicken leg. “Don't mind if I do?”
Suddenly, a blue hoof shot through the food piles and slapped Scootaloo's hoof away.
“Not for you,” a voice said.
“Did we just see the food reject us,” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Well, now, I've seen everything,” Apple Bloom said.
“No, no, no,” the voice said. “I said it.”
Suddenly, a blue unicorn appeared from behind the table wearing a chef's had and apron. She had a blue mane and a moon-and-star Cutie Mark.
“Hey, I know you,” Apple Bloom gasped. “You're that magician unicorn that tried to humiliate Twilight. You kept calling yourself 'the Great and Powerful Trixie'.”
“Oh, you remember,” Trixie nervously. “Well, now, I'm the Great and Bountiful Trixie. After the whole Alicorn Amulet fiasco, I decided to try and find a new line of work. Welcome to job #26.”
“So Discord hired you to cook for this crew,” Sweetie Belle asked.
“I was hesitant at first because of his... track record,” Trixie said, “But he offered a pay I couldn't refuse. And what did he hire you three to be; cabin foals?”
“Actually,” Scootaloo said before her friends pulled her way.
“Don't say anything,” Apple Bloom whispered. “Remember, Discord said we can't tell any pony about the map.”
“Yeah,” Sweetie Belle said. “And I think that includes someone who made fun of our sisters and treated us like slaves.”
“Yeah, I guess you're right,” Scootaloo said.
“HERE YE, HERE YE,” Discord called from the upper deck. “THE CAPTAIN'S COMING! EVERYONE MUST BE PRESENT BEFORE THE CAPTAIN!”
“That's our cue,” Scootaloo said.
The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Trixie climbed to the main deck and looked at the far end of the dock with Discord. There was a long, silent moment before everyone began looking at Discord.
“Discord, where's the captain,” Apple Bloom asked.
“Oh, great,” Discord complained. “You made me lose count of the boards on the dock. Now, I gotta start all over again.”
“DISCORD, WHERE'S THE CAPTIAN,” everyone shouted.
“Behind you,” a voice said.
The crew turned around and saw a dark yellow pegasus with a dark-brown mane. She wore an adventurer's jacket and a fedora. Her red eyes glared at the crew.
“No way,” Scootaloo gasped.
“What,” Apple Bloom asked. “Do you know her?”
“You don't,” Scootaloo asked. “That's Daring Do, the most courageous and adventurous pegasus in Equestria. She once worked with Rainbow Dash.”
“Really,” Sweetie Belle said. “Well, this should be an interesting trip.”
“Welcome aboard, Daring Do,” Discord greeted. He extended his eagle claw waiting to shake her hoof.
Daring Do reached out her hoof and grabbed ahold of Discord's claw. Suddenly, she felt an electric jolt coarse through her arm.
“OW,” Daring Do shouted. She looked and saw a joy buzzer in Discord's hoof.
“Oh, that gag never gets old,” Discord chuckled.
“You must be Discord,” Daring Do snared. “Now then, which ones are Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.”
“We're right here,” Sweetie Belle shouted.
“Good,” Daring Do said. “Now then, the four of you, to my cabin.”
The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Discord followed Daring Do to her cabin.
“I still can't believe we're sailing with Daring Do,” Scootaloo cheered in glee.
“I'm... guessing you know Rainbow Dash,” Daring Do said.
“Oh, yeah,” Scootaloo said. “She decided to take me under her wing after a camping trip.”
“Already too much information,” Daring Do said. “Anyway, I don't usually travel in a group, but when Discord told me that you three have the map to Tirek's Treasure, I decided to make an exception. Now, which one of you has the piece with the X.”
“Right here,” Apple Bloom said holding up her piece of the torn map.
Daring Do took the map piece and put it in a vase.
“In case some pony does find out about the treasure, we can't afford to let them have the most important piece,” Daring Do said. “So for now, we've got to keep the map shred in my care. We can't afford to have anyone getting greedy. Yeah, I'm looking at you, Discord.”
“What,” Discord asked. “Moi?” He materialized a fake ruby in his paw. “It's just the Red Channel I want, Daring. The rest of the treasure is for you to decide.”
“Still, I'm having doubts about the crew you hired,” Daring Do said. “Azuizotle has a friendlier band.”
“Yeah, it might have been better if I did a background check on these guys,” Discord said. “But don't worry, if they want the map, they'll have to go through me. They can't beat me and they can't outsmart me. This head's like a rock.”
“I believe you,” Daring Do insulted. “Now, let's set sail and head for Scorpan Island.”
At that moment, the crew lifted the gangplank and dropped the main sails. The ship sailed out of the docks and Discord began to cheer. Everyone heard the music in the air.
“What's that sound,” Daring Do asked.
“I think Discord's about to start a song,” Scootaloo said.
“Oh, horseapples,” Sweetie Belle sighed.

“The seven seas are calling to us,” Discord sang,
“And answer it, we will
We don't know the dangers that lie ahead
But we know it'll be a thrill
When the sails drop and the wind blows fast
And the neutical obstacles are coming clear
We know only one thing that's a complete fact
Adventure's near”
“Adventure's near,” the crew sang,
“Adventure's near
Come a little closer because adventure's near
The wind in your face
Is coming to place
We'll get past everything we fear
Adventure's near”

Discord gestured his arms toward the Crusaders and Daring Do. The music was still playing.
“What,” Daring Do gasped. “No. No, no, no. I'm not singing.”
“Come on,” Discord said. “What have you got to lose?”
“My dignity,” Daring Do replied.
“Come on, please,” Discord asked. “For the kids.”
“Fine,” Daring Do sighed in annoyance.

“I don't know why I'm doing this
You've obviously lost your mind
I'm surprised that you're faithful
Honest and kind
I can't wait for this to be over
And I can get out of here
But for now, I've got to say
Adventure's near”
“Adventure's near,” the CMC sang,
“Adventure's near
Come a little closer because adventure's near
The wind in your face
Is coming to place
We'll get past everything we fear
Adventure's near”

Meanwhile, the Diamond Dogs and Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon—unaware of each other—sang along.

“The treasure map is within reach
Just waiting to be grabbed ahold
Then, we follow to the red X
To the silver and the gold
We let them do the dirty work
We let them steer
I can practically see the treasure
Adventure's near”
“ADVENTURE'S NEAR,” everyone sang,
“ADVENTURE'S NEAR
COME A LITTLE CLOSER BECAUSE ADVENTURE'S NEAR
THE WIND IN YOUR FACE
IS COMING TO PLACE
WE'LL GET PAST EVERYTHING WE FEEEEAAAAR”
“ADVENTURE'S...” Discord sang.
“ADVENTURE'S...” the crew sang.
“ADVENTURE'S...” the CMC sang.
“ADVENTURE'S...” the Diamond Dogs sang.
“ADVENTURE'S...” Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon sang.
“ADVENTUUUUUUUUUUURE'S,” everyone sang,
“NEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR”
> The Prophecy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  On the ship, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Discord, and Daring Do were in the captain's cabin and assembled the map pieces. Discord materialized a glass of lemonade in his paw and took a sip of it.
“Well, it looks like the treasure is buried in the dark part of the island jungle,” Daring Do said. “As soon as we get to the island, I will go on ahead and follow the map. I'll conceal it from the crew when I get back and no pony will have the treasure until we get back home.”
“Wait,” Scootaloo said. “You'll go? What about us?”
“Look, kids,” Daring Do said, “I get you're courageous enough to come on this voyage, but we don't know what might be on the island. It's safe if you remain here.”
“Hey, I survived an encounter with a chimera,” Apple Bloom said. “I doubt a bunch of snakes can scare me.”
“Nevertheless, I can't risk losing you three,” Daring Do said. “Your sisters helped teach me the value of teamwork. I owe a lot to them. I can't bear to encounter them again with you three gone.”
“Well, what about me,” Discord said. “I'm an only child and I can survive just as much in the jungle as any pony else can.”
“You may be financing this journey, Discord,” Daring Do said, “But I'm not trusting you with my own wings.”
“Come on,” Discord said. “I just want the Red Channel.”
“Look, I'll give it to you when I return to the ship,” Daring Do said. “In the meantime, I'll be digging up the treasure. I can't have any ex-villain alone, even if he did see the error of his ways.”
“Why, I oughta...” Discord threatened before he accidently spilt a drop of the lemonade on the map.
Suddenly, there was a new piece of inscription on the piece. Everyone saw it glow and were amazed.
“Discord, spill some more,” Apple Bloom siad.
“But not too much,” Daring Do said. “We want to be able to see the rest of the map.”
Discord dripped a small amount of lemonade on the blank section. Suddenly, a new inscription glowed until it couldn't anymore. It was a strange language.
“What is that,” Sweetie Belle asked.
“I don't know,” Daring Do said. “I've never studied any language like this.”
“I know this,” Discord spoke. “Being a millenia old, I can read any sort of ancient language. This seems to be written in gargoyle script.”
“Gargoyle,” Daring Do asked.
“Gargoyles just wanna have fu-un,” Discord chuckled. Everyone was silent. “Anyway... Tirek may have been an evil centaur, but his brother, Scorpan, was a gargoyle. Scorpan must have written this. And it reads...

“Beware, those who find this map
For the trail you blaze will be a trap
After the angry seas cause a loss
Greed shall take the vessel of chaos
After the touch of crimson burn
Dark events of the past will have returned
If unity doesn't triumph around the bend
Then all of magic will reach its end”

“It said all that,” Scootaloo asked.
“It's a highly complicated script,” Discord said. “You can fit a whole book on a napkin.”
“Well, Discord, you're good with riddles,” Daring Do said. “What do you suppose it means?”
“Hey, being able to create riddles and solving one are two very different things,” Discord said. “This is as nonsensical to me as it is to you.”
Suddenly, the door knocked. Quickly, the Cutie Mark Crusaders hid their map pieces with themselves and Daring Do stuffed the X-piece into the vase it was in before. When they were done, Trixie entered the cabin with a trey full of dishes.
“I do hope I'm not interrupting anything,” Trixie said. “Anyway, I brought Discord's order for chocolate cake with cotton candy frosting and chocolate milk with a taffy straw.”
“Ooh, food,” Discord said before swiping the cake and chocolate from the tray. “Not as much as I would've made, but doable.”
“So what are you ponies talking about,” Trixie asked.
“Is that any of your business,” Daring Do asked. “Just get some more food ready for the rest of the crew.”
“Fine,” Trixie sighed in annoyance. “Oh, and by the way, Discord, the entertainment auditions are waiting for you.”
“Excellent,” Discord exclaimed in excitement.
As soon as Trixie left the room, everyone gave a confused look to Discord.
“Entertainment auditions,” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Yeah,” Discord said. “I figured, if the map's a fake after all, we might as well not let this trip be boring. So I invited some entertainers to... well, entertain the crew. I'm going to choose the best performer to play in our voyage. The rest will wallk the plank and sleep with the fishes.”
“DISCORD,” the CMC shouted.
“Just kidding,” Discord laughed. “But seriously, I'm just going to put them on a lifeboat and they'll row back home.”
“Discord, we have a limited number of lifeboats,” Daring Do asked. “How are you going to pull this off?”
“Easy,” Discord said. “I put an indestructible string connecting this ship to all the lifeboats. Once they pull the string, I'll pull them back.”
“Really,” Daring Do asked with a sigh. “I expect more from you, Discord.”
“Well, stay tuned,” Discord said. “I have a few more creative ideas. But in the meantime...”
Discord snapped his claw and he disappeared.
“I'm starting to have doubts about our choice in crewmates,” Apple Bloom said.

Meanwhile, on the back of the boat, another wave splashed on the Diamond Dogs latched on.
“Boss, we're sick of getting splashed,” Spot said.
“Yeah,” Fido said. “We might get pneumonia. We've got to get on board now.”
“Oh, fine,” Rover growled. “But we must find disguises. We can't ambush them until we get the map.”
The three climbed up and slipped over the rail. Rover grabbed ahold of a black blanket and put it over his head. The other two just hid underneath with him.
“What are you two doing,” Rover asked.
“We can't find blankets,” Spot said. “We've got to be with you.”
“Do you have any idea how wrong that sounds,” Rover asked angrily. “Get out, you idiots!”
Suddenly, they all tripped and the hood fell onto a stage. Rover peeked and saw Discord in a chair. He was confused. Spot and Fido tucked themselves under the blanket and Discord didn't see them.
“Well, this is interesting,” Discord said. “I don't remember hiring an extra-long pony.”
“Pony,” Rover asked. He looked and saw that Spot and Fido made him look like a long pony. He then changed his voice to a mare's voice. “Uh, yeah, a pony.”
“And what are you called,” Discord asked.
“Called,” Rover asked. “Oh, we... I am... the... the Long Hood.”
“All right, Mr. Hood,” Discord said. “In order for you to ace our performance, you'll need to beat all the other performers. Show me what you got.”
“Of course,” Rover thought to himself. “That chaos creep must think I'm here to entertain. Well, I shouldn't disappoint him. This might be my only way to get near the map.”
“Come on, lady,” Discord said. “I don't have all day.”
“Oh,” Rover said still pulling his hood. “You see...”

“There's destiny around the corner
You just have to see it through
If you have the opportunity
A mare's gotta do what a mare's gotta do
Some ponies wouldn't be expected
To understand the whole game
To me
It's destiny
But to them, it's all the same
Where is Equestriaaaaaaaa
If there are just ponies around
Where is my rooooooooooole
If I'm just stuck underground
Now, some ponies have it made
In the warmth and the sunlight
Meanwhile, the rest are under hoof
Not even seeing the night
Digging through the rocks and dirt
Just for the rich soil
Getting our true
Credits due
Despite all the toil
Where is Equestriaaaaaaaa
If there are just ponies around
Where is my rooooooooooole
If I'm just stuck underground”

Meanwhile, Fido and Spot swiped some musical equipment and played an instrumental break underneath the hood. When the break was over, the two played their music louder.

“WHERE IS EQUESTRIAAAAAAAAAA
IF THERE ARE JUT PONIES AROUND
Where is my rooooooooooole
If I'm just stuuuuuuck... undergrooooooouuuuuuuund”

When the music ended softly, Discord was seen tearing up.
“Are you crying,” Rover asked in his mare voice.
“No,” Discord answered. “I can't cry; I'm crazy. Anyway, LET'S GIVE A CONGRATULATIONS FOR THE LONG HOOD! You are officially the entertainment portion of the ship.”
“Perfect,” Rover chuckled evilly.
> The Bond
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  A few days later, down the deck, the Cutie Mark Crusaders walked down the stairs and saw Trixie over the stove. She was reading a cookbook and dropped ingredients in the pot. Soon, she noticed the Crusaders over the counter.
“What do you want,” Trixie asked rudely.
“I thought chefs were nice to their customers,” Apple Bloom said.
“It's my day of from niceness,” Trixie said. “Besides, didn't the three of you play a part in embarrassing me the last time I came to Ponyville?”
“Hey, if it wasn't for us, you'd be ruling Equestria with an iron hoof,” Scootaloo said. “And we're not the Cutie Mark Do-Nothings; we're the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”
“Oh, really,” Trixie asked. “How's your crusade working out for you, munchkins?”
“What's your problem, Trixie,” Sweetie Belle asked. “What have you got against the world?”
“Oh, no,” Trixie snapped. “I'm not the one with the problem! It's the world who seems to have a problem with me. I loved doing magic as a filly. In fact, when I performed magic tricks at my 10th birthday party, that's when I earned my Cutie Mark. As I grew, so did my ego. One thing led to another, and I found myself in Ponyville nearly being an Ursa-Minor's midnight snack. When Twilight beat it before me, I was humiliated and I was forced to work at a rock farm. I thought I could use a magic boost, but the whole plan backfired. I apologized, but the magic business was still empty. So, I accepted many jobs until I became the chef for someone who can create his own food.”
“You mean Discord,” Scootaloo asked.
“No,” Sweetie Belle answered sarcastically, “Prince Blueblood.”
“It's just... whatever I do, everyone else resents me,” Trixie said. “And it all started with my first visit in Ponyville. Perhaps it would have been better if I left it alone.” She put her utensils down slowly and brooded.
The Crusaders went around the counter and approached Trixie.
“Don't you think that maybe it wouldn't have been better,” Apple Bloom asked. “When was the last time you boasted about yourself? And don't you suppose that if it wasn't for your visit, Twilight wouldn't have learned a lesson of friendship and take a step closer to becoming a princess?”
“Yeah, I heard about how Twilight having her own title,” Trixie said.
“So, in a way, you helped Twilight become a princess,” Sweetie Belle said.
“You really think so,” Trixie asked. “I suppose that's a technicality, but it's good enough. Thanks, you little munchkins. I'll be in the storage room. I got a gift.” Trixie walked to the back.
“I still can't believe that's the same Trixie,” Scootaloo said. “It's too bad there's no Cutie Mark for sympathy.”
“Yeah, that's true,” Apple Bloom said.
“Hello, Cutie Mark Lamers,” a voice said. They looked at the corner and saw their rival grinning at them.
“Diamond Tiara,” Sweetie Belle recognized. “What are you doing here?”
“Take a wild guess,” Diamond Tiara said.
“You're here for the treasure,” Scootaloo asked.
“Well, I'm not here to play shuffleboard,” Diamond Tiara answered. “SILVER SPOON, NOW!”
Suddenly, Diamond Tiara's accomplice brushed past the Crusaders and took their map pieces. When she was done, she was standing beside Diamond Tiara.
“Here they are,” Silver Spoon said. “We got all the map!”
“Silver Spoon, one of those pieces is a piece of their capes,” Diamond Tiara said pointing at the red fabric in Spoon's hoof. “All right, blank-flanks, where's the piece?”
“I think peace can be achieved by ending all war,” Scootaloo joked. “I didn't take you for a hippie pony, Diamond.”
“You won't reveal,” Diamond Tiara asked. “Fine. I didn't want to use hooficuffs, but you left me no choice.”
The Crusaders were scared. They were trapped in a corner and Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon was getting closer. They didn't see a way out.
Suddenly, Trixie walked out of the back door with a cake in the air. She wasn't aware of the pair of bullies.
“Now, I saved this cake for me,” Trixie said, “But I think it might make me a better pony to share.” Suddenly, she saw the bullies. “Well, who are you?”
“TRIXIE, THAT'S DIAMOND TIARA,” Scootaloo said. “THEY TRIED TO BEAT US UP!”
“Is this true,” Trixie asked.
“Uh, no,” Diamond Tiara lied.
“Then why do you have a shred of their cape in your hoof,” Trixie asked.
Diamond Tiara looked and saw that Trixie didn't see the map pieced under the red fabric.
“Well, there's an explanation,” Diamond Tiara said. “You see, there's a treasure map and...”
“I've heard enough stories,” Trixie said. Suddenly, she pulled a rope and a loud whistle screamed into the air.
Then, Daring Do and Discord appeared and captured the bullies. As soon as they saw the map pieces they had, they swiped them back and hid them in their pockets.
“Take these stowaways to the brig for the remainder of the voyage,” Daring Do ordered.
“I'm down with that, homie,” Discord replied. He snapped his paw and the two bullies disappeared.
“Well, Crusaders, it looks like we owe you a debt,” Daring Do said. “Who knows the trouble those two could have done?”
“Thanks, captain, but we don't deserve it,” Apple Bloom said.
“Yeah,” Scootaloo said. “If any pony deserved the full credit, it's Trixie?”
Trixie was surprised by what she heard.
“The cook,” Discord asked.
“Yeah,” Sweetie Belle said. “If it wasn't for her, we'd be in serious trouble.”
“Is that right,” Daring Do said. “Well, Ms. Trixie, you've earned my trust.”
“You should come by the show tonight,” Discord said. “I've chosen a pony who's an excellent singer.”
“You mean it,” Trixie asked out of breath.
“I swear on my mother's cotton candy,” Discord vowed. “Chaos Scout's honor.”
“Thank you, captain,” Trixie burst in excitement. “Thank you, Discord. And thank you, Cutie Mark Crusaders. Nothing can possibly go wrong now?”
She had no idea how wrong she'd be until the bond between her and the Crusaders would be broken.
> The Storm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Later that night, Trixie came with a tray full of gruel and slid it in Diamond Tiara's cell.
“What is this,” the bully asked.
“It's your dinner,” Trixie replied.
“I can't eat this,” Diamond Tiara said. “My daddy usually feeds me an ice-cream sundae.”
“Was I always like that,” Trixie asked herself. She then spoke to Diamond Tiara, “Look, kids, if you preferred a gourmet meal, you shouldn't have stowed away.”
“We stowed away for the treasure,” Silver Spoon said.
“You must have gotten on the wrong boat,” Trixie said, “Because there is no treasure here.”
“Not yet,” Diamond Tiara said. “Those blank-flanks are holding out on you. This ship is really to get to an island in search for treasure.”
“Right,” Trixie said sarcastically. “And I'm Star-Swirl the Bearded.”
“It's the truth,” Diamond Tiara said. “They split the map into three pieces and hid one. It's probably with the captain.”
“Why don't you say you're here for a restroom,” Trixie asked. “At least then, it'd be believable. Now, if you excuse me, I have a show to catch.”
Trixie left the brig and entered an audience. She found the Cutie Mark Crusaders and sat next to them.
“What kept you,” Scootaloo asked.
“It's those brats,” Trixie said. “They claimed that this was a treasure hunt. Don't worry. I'm not falling for their lies. I know you three wouldn't keep anything from your friends.”
The CMC looked at each other with worry.
“Uh, Trixie, about that...” Apple Bloom said.
Suddenly, a stage appeared and Discord presented himself before the throne.
“Ladies and gentlecolts,” he declared, “Good evening and welcome. I stand before you... because if I was behind you, you couldn't see me.” The crew fell silent. “It was a joke. Anyway, here's the moment you've all been waiting for. Behold... THE LONG HOOD!”
The curtains rose and the Diamond Dogs under the blanket appeared before the crowd.
“Boss,” Fido said, “When are we taking the map?”
“Just follow my lead,” Rover whispered. “We'll sneak into the crowd and we'll take the map pieces without them noticing. They won't even know we took the map.”
The music played and the Dogs walked to the front. Rover then sang in a mare's voice.

“Where is your prize
Where's your surprise
Something's going on under your eyes
Something's right under your nose
It's so far, and yet, so close
Keep tight what you all love
Or they'll disappear to the stars above”

The Diamond Dogs stepped off the stage keeping their blanket tight. They walked until they were behind the Cutie Mark Crusaders. As Spot and Fido took the map pieces from the Crusaders' capes, Rover continued singing.

“Come on and let your thing go
Look out for yourself. Don't be a hero
Don't rely on other ponies to help
The only one you'll look out for should be yourself
Something's right under your nose
It's so far, and yet, so close
Keep tight what you all love
Or they'll disappear to the stars above”

“Boss,” Spot whispered. “These kids only have two pieces. The third with the X is hidden somewhere else.”
“All right,” Rover whispered. “Let's wrap this up and we'll find the final piece later.”
The Diamond Dogs went back to the stage and cued the music to be louder.

“SOMETHING'S RIGHT UNDER YOUR NOSE
IT'S SO FAR, AND YET, SO CLOSE
KEEP TIGHT WHAT YOU ALL LOVE
OR THEY'LL DISAPPEAR IN THE STAAAAAAAARS...”

Suddenly, a loud boom was heard. The music ended and everyone saw a flash of light in the distance. Then, they noticed the tides rising higher. In a matter of seconds, Daring Do widened her eyes.
“HOIST THE MAINSAILS,” Daring Do shouted. “GET READY!”
“Captain, what's wrong,” Discord asked.
“It's a storm,” Daring Do replied. “TAKE PRECAUTIONS! THIS IS A BIG ONE!”
A few minutes later, a large storm covered the S.S. Gale. Everyone was tied to a rope. Suddenly, a huge wave hit and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were washed to the side. Their lifeline was keeping them onto the boat, but the three were hanging on. When Trixie noticed, she grabbed the kids' lifeline and pulled them back up.
“Thanks,” Sweetie Belle said.
“Don't mention it,” Trixie said.
Suddenly, the boat rocked and Trixie fell into the captain's quarters alone. A vase toppled from the shelf above her and broke at the top of her head.
“OW,” Trixie shouted. “I should have stuck with accounting. Wait...” She saw something hanging from her mane. She removed it and saw that it was a big shred of paper with a red X on it. She was surprised when she realized what it was. “I don't believe it. That brat was telling the truth.” She then felt her fondness for the Cutie Mark Crusaders snap.
Meanwhile, outside, the Diamond Dogs moved against the wind heading toward the door. Suddenly, they hit Discord.
“HEY, HOODY, COME ON,” Discord shouted. “WE'VE GOT TO GET INSIDE!”
Suddenly, the blanket was blown off the Diamond Dogs. Discord saw the canines and gasped.
“I don't believe it,” Discord gasped. “She's three guys!”
“THE TREASURE IS OURS,” Rover shouted in his mare voice. “OUR ANCESTORS BURIED TIREK'S TREASURE AND...” He started talking in his normal voice. “I can stop talking like that now, can I?”
“Well, I'm sending you to the pound,” Discord said.
“I DON'T THINK SO,” Rover shouted.
Rover helped up a handful of power and blew it in Discord's face. Discord coughed and wafted his hand.
“Ew,” Discord said. “Who let the dogs out? Hehe.” Suddenly, he yawned. “Good night, moon.” Discord fell to the ground and came unconscious.
“EXCELLENT,” Rover shouted. “WITH DISCORD UNCONSCIOUS, NO PONY CAN STOP US!”
Suddenly, Daring Do appeared from above and attacked the Diamond Dogs. She kicked and smacked the Diamond Dogs in their faces, backs, and stomachs. When she was done, the Dogs were groaning in pain. It wasn't long before she focused back on the storm.
As soon as Daring Do flew away, Trixie appeared from the barrels. She saw Discord and grinned. She placed her hoofs on his back and pushed. Despite the rain showering on her face, Trixie focused. In just a few minutes, Discord fell from the boat and into a crashing tide. He hasn't been seen and Trixie left the scene without any pony seeing her.
The whole crew kept the S.S. Gale in balance. They pulled the ropes and threw buckets of water back into the sea. The Cutie Mark Crusaders stayed in the deck and hid underneath the cannons. A few hours later, the storm cleared and every pony could see the night sky again. Daring Do confronted the Diamond Dogs and put shackles on their wrists.
“Take these three to the brig,” Daring Do said. “I'm just happy that the crew is fine. All hands accounted for, Discord?” There was no answer. “Discord? Don't play games. We just came from a storm.”
“This is no game,” Trixie said approaching with a gloom. “I saw the whole thing. After the Diamond Dogs knocked him out at the edge of the boat, the waves crashed into us and Discord fell overboard. Discord... is lost to us.”
Everyone gasped. The Crusaders and Daring Do put on mourning faces.
“This is all your fault,” Apple Bloom shouted at Rover.
“That's right,” Rover said, “And I'd do it again.”
“Throw these filthy mutts to the brig,” Daring Do shouted. When the Diamond Dogs were sent down, Daring Do faced the crew. “At first, Discord was the most evil trickster in the world. And then, slowly, he was learning about friendship. Despite his quirks and sociopathic personality, he came through for all of us in the end. Discord, spirit of chaos, you will be missed. Let's move on!”
The crew continued to work, but did it slower than before. Then, Daring Do approached Trixie.
“Trixie, I saw how you saved the children and it's stuff like that that makes me trust you more,” Daring Do said, “And believe me, I trust very few ponies. Therefore, I am giving you the keys to the brig.” Daring Do pulled out a key chain and gave it to Trixie. “This is a symbol of my trust.”
The Cutie Mark Crusaders approached Trixie also.
“Yeah, Trixie,” Scootaloo said. “You earned it.”
“We trust you entirely,” Apple Bloom said.
As soon as the Crusaders and Daring Do left Trixie's presence, the magician changed her face to mad and said, “The feeling's not mutual.”
> The Mutiny
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  In just a couple of days, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were tired of Daring Do putting them through many chores. So they hid themselves in a barrel full of fruit. But there's one problem...
“We're going to need a bigger barrel,” Sweetie Belle said.
The Cutie Mark Crusaders were squeezed together in a tight barrel. They could still breath through a hole in the barrel, but they were as close together as triplets before they're born.
“Well, it's better than Daring Do's chores,” Scootaloo said. “If I remove another barnacle, they'll be haunting my nightmares.”
“I guess she's just a little upset,” Apple Bloom said. “I mean, we're all a bit shaken after what happened to Discord.”
“I can't get my mind off of it,” Sweetie Belle said. “The Diamond Dogs put him in a sleeping spell and he fell from the edge.”
“Actually, it was the middle of the ship,” Apple Bloom corrected.
“What,” Sweetie Belle asked.
“We saw the Diamond Dogs,” Apple Bloom explained. “They put Discord to sleep in the middle of the floor.”
“Apple Bloom, don't be...” Scootaloo said before widening her eyes. “You're right! Discord was put to sleep in the middle of the ship. Trixie said Discord was on the edge when the Diamond Dogs did that. There's no way Discord could fall off the edge if he wasn't even near it.”
“That doesn't make any sense,” Sweetie Belle said. “Why would Trixie lie?”
“Maybe we can follow her for the answer,” Apple Bloom said looking through the hole in the barrel. “She's heading to the brig.”
Slowly, the three scooted the barrel towards Trixie's direction. As soon as she stopped in front of the cells, they stopped. Trixie used her horn to levitate the keys Daring Do gave her and slid them inside the lock. The Crusaders were shocked when they saw the cell dors open and Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and the Diamond Dogs walked out.
“You're helping us,” Rover asked.
“I did let you out,” Trixie said. “I also talked some of the crew into a mutiny as soon as we find the treasure.”
“Yeah,” Diamond Tiara agreed with a grin. “I knew you'd see the truth. Now, I'll lead this mutiny, we take Tirek's Treasure, and...”
“No,” Trixie exclaimed. “I promise, you'll all get yoru fair share, but I'm leading the mutiny.”
“What,” Rover asked.
“But our ancestors were the ones who buried the treasure in the first place,” Spot said.
“We've been waiting for some pony to find the map for centuries,” Fido added.
“We should lead this revolution,” Rover exclaimed.
“You,” Diamond Tiara chuckled. “Don't make me laugh. I'm the one with the real qualities on this boat.”
“Do you know what we had to do to come here, little brat,” Rover asked. “We climbed up the back of the boat, got splashed by 3 dozen waves, and had to sing while keeping our cover.”
The brats and the Dogs continued to argue. Suddenly, Trixie shouted
“ENOUGH! I'm leading this uprising! If any pony has a problem with that, I'll throw you overboard like I did to that moronic Discord!”
The CMC were shocked at what they just heard. The villains then fell silent.
“Good,” Trixie said. “Glad we're finally on the same page. Don't worry, the treasure is almost within reach.

“Lots of good wealth
Is the best health
When you're someone as low as I
To change your role
Take full control
And give domination a try
Friendship and love
Had its day
Now, I'll do things
My own way
Easy Street is down the road”
“This will be interesting,” Rover sang.
“It's down the road,” Trixie sang.
“Hope we don't carry everything,” Diamond Tiara sang.
“Down the road,” Trixie sang,
“Where all the fat cats stand out
Easy Street is down the road”
“All right. If you say so,” Silver Spoon sang.
“It's down the road,” Trixie sang.
“I don't like where this is going to go,” Fido sang.
“E.S. Is the place,” Trixie sang,
“[i}Where the best stuff is all about”

Looking at the wall, Trixie saw a red blanket, a black feather hat, and a sword on the wall. She took them and dressed herself. The red blanket hung over her body, the black feather hat was on top of her head, and she levitated the sword with her magic.

“So many years
So full of tears
Embarrassed by those in the town
Friendship's mistake
Get up awake
There's no friends anywhere around
CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS
AND DARING DO
HAVE TAUGHT ME TO LOOK OUT
JUST FOR YOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUU”
“YEAH! Easy Street is down the road,” Rover sang.
“We deserve the riches,” Trixie sang.
“It's down the road,” Fido sang.
“Fulfilling all our wishes,” Trixie sang.
“Down the road,” Spot sang.
“Everyone else was a speed bump,” Trixie sang.
“Easy Street is down the road,” Diamond Tiara sang.
“There's no time for emotion,” Trixie sang.
“It's down the road,” Silver Spoon sang.
“WHEN WE'RE ACROSS THE OCEAN,” Trixie sang.
“DOWN THE ROAD,” everyone sang,
“IS WHERE WE GO WHEN WE LEAVE THIS DUMP
DOWN THE ROAD
AFTER WE GET RID OF THESE CHUUUUUUUUUUUUUMPS
DOWN THE ROAD
IS WHERE WE'RE GOING TO BEEEEEEEEEEEEEE”
“JUST CALL ME THE GREAT AND MUTINOUS TRIXIE,” Trixie finished.

After the song, the Cutie Mark Crusaders jumped out of the barrel and ran out of the room. When the door closed, Trixie looked and saw the barrel on its side and raised her eyebrow.
“What,” Fido asked. “What's wrong?”
Trixie observed the barrel and found something hanging off a board: a shred of red, sparkling fabric. As soon as Trixie recognized it, she grew angry.
“The brats were here,” Trixie shouted. “We've got to stop them before...”
“LAND, HO,” a voice shouted from outside.
Trixie looked and saw a large piece of land with trees and sand.
“We're here,” Trixie cheered to herself. “Scorpan Island.” She then illuminated her horn so brightly, everyone on the upper deck noticed and stared. Trixie then shouted. “CHANGE IN PLANS, CREW! WE MOVE NOW!”
Suddenly, most of the crew cheered and ambushed the rest. They all approached Trixie and awaited their orders.
“Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo have two of the pieces of the map,” Trixie explained. “I managed to obtain the part with the X, but it's worthless without the rest. They ran to the captain's cabin, so that's where we'll follow them! THE S.S. GALE IS OURS!”
Inside the captain's cabin, Daring Do was looking inside the vase.
“Where is it,” Daring Do asked. “I put the X piece in this vase!”
“You don't think that Trixie took it, do you,” Apple Bloom asked.
“She did fall in this room during the storm,” Sweetie Belle said.
“This is all our fault,” Scootaloo said. “We should have told Trixie when we had the chance.”
“Don't worry,” Daring Do said. “We'll catch Trixie before she catches us.”
Suddenly, there was a loud banging on the door.
“Open this door,” Spot's voice was heard from the other side.
“Too late,” Scootaloo said.
Suddenly, a sword came from the door. The sword kept chopping until there was a large crack in the door. Trixie peeked in with an evil grin.
“Heeeeere's Trixie,” Trixie shouted.
“Okay, let's think,” Daring Do said. “This is Discord's ship. He must have left something in here in case of mutiny.”
“Look,” Apple Bloom said pointing at a red case with a glass cover.
“'In case of mutiny, break glass,'” Sweetie Belle read.
“BINGO,” Scootaloo shouted. She tossed her hoof in and grabbed an object. As soon as the villains broke through the door, Scootaloo pointed what she grabbed at them. “SEE?! Discord came through to us until the end. Now, you'll face his wrath through this powerful weapon!”
“That's a potato,” Rover said.
Scootaloo looked at what she was holding and saw the potato in her hoof. Scootaloo looked back inside the case and saw nothing else inside. “So it is,” she said. She screamed, dropped the potato on the floor, and ran to her friends.
“WE'VE GOT TO FLY OUT OF HERE,” Daring Do said. “Apple Bloom, I'll carry you. Scootaloo, you carry Sweetie.”
“I can't,” Scootaloo said. “I never mentioned this before, but I can't fly!”
“WHAT,” Daring Do shouted.
As the villains got close, the potato rolled on the floor and fit itself to a hole. Suddenly, the floorboards began to glow. The ceiling opened wide and so did the floor. The CMC And Daring Do were lifted up by their half of the floor and stopped when they saw a large cannon with a lifeboat in it. Then, they saw a sign beside the cannon.
“Discord's Chaos Cannon,” it read, “For all your escape and free needs. Just get in the lifeboat inside the cannon and wait for the timer. Soon, you'll be out of your current mutiny and into the safety of the open seas.”
“Or Scorpan Island,” Daring Do said. “Kids, get in. I'll hold them off.”
A bunch of pirated climbed up to the platform and fought Daring Do. She beat all the pirates while the CMC climbed inside of the cannon. Suddenly, a floating sword nearly attacked Daring Do, but she dodged it and pulled out her own sword. Trixie was seen carrying the sword with her magic.
“Now, I see why Discord wanted you to lead,” Trixie said. “No pony would find Tirek's Treasure faster than Equestria's greatest treasure hunter.”
“Trixie, this is madness you're pulling,” Daring Do said. “You've released dangerous criminals and let them loose on my ship.”
“Wrong,” Trixie said. “I let them loose on MY ship. No pony would respect the Great and Powerful Trixie and no pony would even pay attention to the Great and Bountiful Trixie. Now, I'll rule this ship as the Great and Mutinous Trixie!”
Suddenly, Daring Do and Trixie clashed into a sword fight. A few minutes of their swords hitting their blades together, and Daring Do saw an opportunity to climb in the cannon with the Crusaders.
“Countdown in 10,” a voice recording said, “9... 8... 7... 1... Bye-bye!”
Suddenly, the lifeboat shot out of the cannon with the CMC and Daring Do inside. They hit the water and hopped on it like a skipping stone. They hit the sand and were thrown into the forest behind the beach. Seeing it, Trixie was angry.
“Gather a search party,” Trixie commanded. “Find them! They have the other two pieces of the map! Don't let them escape! Any pony caught dawdling will instantly walk the plank!”
“As you command... Captain Trixie,” Diamond Tiara said with fear.
Trixie looked at Scorpan Island with pride as she was named the new captain of the S.S. Gale.
> The Natives
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  In the jungle, the boat-wreck tossed Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Daring Do into a bunch of vines. They tried to move, but they were more tangled.
“Well,” Scootaloo said, “That could've been worse.”
“Could've been worse,” Daring Do repeated in confustion. “We haven't been on this island for two minutes, and already, we lost our financeer, our crew, our ship...”
“Our dignity,” Sweetie Belle added.
“And now, we have 2/3 of the map,” Daring Do groaned. “The whole plan backfired.”
“Hey,” Sweetie Belle said looking around. “Where's Apple Bloom?”
“Last time I saw her,” Scootaloo said, “She was going like this: 'AAAAAAHHHHH'!”
“Hold on,” Daring Do said pulling out her sword. She used it to cut the vines and let herself go. She did the same to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. “Now, on to other matters: Scoolatloo, what did you mean when you said you can't fly? You're a pegasus.”
“What are you asking me for,” Scootaloo asked. “I don't know. The highest I did fly was a few feet from the ground... on my scooter... up a ramp. I can barely fly, just like Sweetie Belle can barely do magic and Apple Bloom is barely strong.”
“We can deal with all that later,” Daring Do said. “For now, we've got to find your friend and find a place to hide. No doubt the pirates will come looking for us.”

“Hello,” Apple Bloom cried. She was a half-mile from the others, but also tangled in vines. “Any pony there? I could use some help!”
Suddenly, she heard something move in the bushes behind her. Apple Bloom looked, but only saw shadows and darkness behind the shrubs.
“This isn't funny,” Apple Bloom said. “No pony had better scare me.”
Suddenly, Apple Bloom looked and saw a large creature with wings towering over her. Apple Bloom put on a scared face.

“Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle shouted. “Apple Bloom! Where are you?! 
Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Daring Do were searching behind every tree and bush for their lost friend.
“I can't find her anywhere,” Scootaloo said.
“I really do doubt that saying you can't find her will help us search for her faster,” Daring Do said.
“I'm just stating a fact,” Scootaloo said.
As the group continued searching, they stopped when they heard slight snickering.
“This isn't funny,” Daring Do said. “Stop laughing.”
“Stop,” Scootaloo asked. “We haven't even started.”
“Then where did that noise...” Daring Do asked.
Suddenly, a whole swarm of little, filthy creatures appeared from above. They threw lassos at the ponies so fast, Daring Do didn't see them coming until she was already hogtied. The other two were tied up also.
“This is either really good or really bad,” Sweetie Belle said.

An hour later, the little creatures carried the ponies that were all tied to sticks the creatures carried upside down.
“What are these things,” Scootaloo asked.
“I've read about them,” Daring Do said. “They're trolls.”
“I thought trolls were kind, gentle creatures that help princesses and get couples together,” Sweetie Belle said.
“You watch too many movies,” Daring Do said rolling her eyes.
Suddenly, they were carried to an entire village of trolls. They saw cottages and dancing trolls and weapons sharpened. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were frightened at the sight of the environment, but Daring Do kept a brave face. Suddenly, a large figure landed from the sky. It emerged and revealed itself with a mane, claws, large wings, and an enormous body.
“A gargoyle,” Daring Do whispered to herself.
“I don't understand,” Sweetie Belle said. “Who are you?”
“I am Bengunn, son of Scorpan,” the gargoyle said.
“Scorpan's son,” Daring Do asked. “But that means you know where...”
“Don't interuppt me,” Bengunn said. “You're very clever to find my father's island. Unfortunately, you won't live to find the treasure.”
Suddenly, Apple Bloom appeared out of the crowd.
“STOP,” she shouted.
“Apple Bloom,” Daring Do, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo asked in unison.
“Don't hurt them, Mr. Bengunn,” Apple Bloom said. “They're my friends.”
“Oh,” Bengunn said. “if that's the case, I apologize for the discomfort the trolls gave you three. I just hate it when this happens. Release them.”
The trolls untied the ropes and Daring Do, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo was free. The Cutie Mark Crusaders hugged each other.
“Would some pony mind telling me what just happened,” Daring Do asked.
“Bengunn found me in the jungle,” Apple Bloom said. “I thought he was going to eat me, but he told me he was a vegetarian. He told me he was Scorpan's son and he took the responsibility of guarding the treasure.”
“If that's so,” Scootaloo said. “Then maybe we don't need the map. You can take us to the treasure.”
“Oh, right,” Apple Bloom said. “I didn't think of that. Come on, Bengunn. Take us to the treasure.”
“Yeah... about that,” Bengunn said nervously. “You're gonna laugh when you hear this. See... I forgot where it is.”
“You what,” Daring Do asked.
“When I was a kid, my dad told me to protect Uncle Tirek's treasure,” Bengunn explained. “But since centuries passed and no pony came to take the treasure, I kinda blocked the location out.”
“You couldn't tell the location to the trolls,” Sweetie Belle asked. “I mean, they do seem loyal to you.”
“Seriously,” Bengunn asked. “You want me to give highly sensitive information to these guys? Look at them.”
Everyone saw a pair of trolls that keep bumping into each other over and over.
“Yeah,” Bengunn said. “They may have the warrior spirit of a Canterlot guard, but their brains combined is like that of a Changeling.”
“But I read that trolls have average intelligence,” Daring Do said.
“Their intelligence comes from their magic,” Bengunn explained, “And when they lost all that in the Leech River, they weren't the same.”
“The leech what,” Scootaloo asked.
“Follow me,” Bengunn said.

A few minutes later, Bengunn showed the CMC and Daring Do a stream with a blue glow. The water was illuminating a mysterious shine.
“What is this,” Sweetie Belle said reaching her face closer.
“I wouldn't do that if I were you,” Bengunn said pushing Sweetie Belle away. “The Leech River is the last thing a unicorn wants to touch. One splash, and your magic will be absorbed into the water.”
“Whoa,” Sweetie Belle exclaimed backing away.
“What happens to the magic after its drained,” Apple Bloom asked.
“I don't know,” Bengunn said. “I never figured that out. But the point is, if you fall in, you'll be powerless before you say 'cannonball'. And back to my original point; I don't know where my Uncle Tirek's treasure is hidden. It's been so long.”
“Well, wherever it is, we've got to keep low,” Daring Do said. “There are pirates after us because we have 2/3 of the map. So if there's anything you can do for us.”
“Right now, the best I can do is give you a place to stay,” Bengunn said.
“Thank you,” Sweetie Belle said. “That's very helpful.”
“Anyway,” Bengunn said clearing his throat. “Welcome to Scorpan Island.”
> The Attack
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  On the S.S. Gale, Trixie was working Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, the Diamond Dogs, and the rest of the pirates to death. They were all tired, but they dared not to stop.
“Keep working,” Trixie said. “This ship must be battle-ready if we’re going to find Daring Do again.”
“Uh, Diamond,” Silver Spoon said, “I’m starting to think coming here was a mistake.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Diamond Tiara strained. “Trixie’s working us too much. Do you think there’s time for another mutiny?”
“I’m right here,” Trixie said standing behind the two.
“Captain,” Fido called to Trixie. “We found a place to rest our ship.”
“Excellent,” Trixie said. She turned her head back at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. “Since you two want the ship for yourselves, you can stay behind while we get the treasure. But know that you’d need 6 ponies to crew the S.S. Gale, not a pair of ½ ponies.”
Trixie and the rest of the pirates set hoof on a beach and walked into the jungle. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were alone on the ship.
“Do you think there are any board games on this boat,” Silver Spoon asked.

Meanwhile, in the troll village, Daring Do showed her map pieces to Bengunn.
“Yeah, these are pieces of my pop’s map,” Bengunn said.
“There’s something else,” Daring Do said. “We found an ancient gargoyle scripture here and we were hoping you could interpret.”
“Let me see,” Bengunn said looking at the writing.

“Beware those who find this map
For the trail you blaze will be a trap
After the angry seas create a loss
Greed shall take the vessel of chaos
After the touch of crimson burn
Dark events of the past will return
If unity doesn’t triumph around the bend
Then all of magic will reach its end”

“Indeed,” Daring Do said. “We believe your dad may have written it.”
“Of course, he did,” Bengunn replied. “But not just him. What I know is, three gargoyles wrote two of these lines each: my dad, my grandma, and an old gargoyle guru. My grandma wrote lines 1-2, the oracle wrote lines 3-4 and 7-8, and my dad wrote lines 5-6. The oracle foretold something, but—you know me—I forget.”
“I wonder if the angry seas is the storm that Discord was lost in,” Daring Do said. “And the greed is Trixie when she commited mutiny. Though, I’m still stumped on the crimson burn and the ‘around the bend’ part. But that last part, ‘magic reaching its end’, that seems to haunt me.”
“I don’t know what it means,” Bengunn said. “I know as much as you do.”
Suddenly, a loud gunshot was heard. The trolls panicked and the pirates galloped into the village.
“Trixie,” Daring Do growled. She picked up the map pieces and put them in her coat.”Find the kids, Bengunn! Get them out of here!”
“What abuot you,” Bengunn asked.
“I’m going to buy you some time,” Daring Do said. “If push comes to shove, you’ve got you leave me behind.”
“WHAT,” Bengunn shouted. “But if Trixie captures you, she’ll have the complete map!”
“This is no time for debate,” Daring Do said. “I’m going out.”
Before Bengunn could say anything, Daring Do flew out of the cottage and toward the pirates. Bengunn found the Crusaders and they all ran out of the village with the trolls.
Meanwhile, Daring Do was fighting off the pirates as long as she could. Before long, the Diamond Dogs reached out of the ground and grabbed Daring Do’s hoofs and pinned them down. Daring Do tried to struggle, but she couldn’t escape before the pirates would tie her up in rope. Trixie appeared and reached inside of Daring Do’s pockets. Then, she took out the map pieces she’s been hiding.
“Excellent,” Trixie grinned. She took out her part of the map and sealed the pieces back together. “Now, we follow the map and the treasure will be ours!”
“Captain Trixie, what about Daring Do,” Rover asked.
“Take her with us,” Trixie said. “Let her see how much her secrecy has cost her.”
The pirates carried Daring Do into the jungle and followed the map.

Meanwhile, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Bengunn, and the trolls stopped running and took deep breaths.
“That… was… close,” Scootaloo gasped.
“Wait a minute,” Apple Bloom said. “Where’s Daring Do?”
“Yeah, about that,” Bengunn said nervously. “Daring Do kinda stayed behind and got captured by the pirates.”
“What,” the Cutie Mark Crusaders shouted.
“And the pirates also took the rest of the map,” Bengunn said.
“WHAT,” the Cutie Mark Crusaders shouted.
“Why didn’t you help her,” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Because I didn’t want to get killed,” Bengunn said. “Dealing with three fillies and one grown pony is one thing. But these are vicious pirates with strength and swords and guns.”
“So you’re chickening out without even trying,” Scootaloo asked. “Bengunn, they took Daring Do. She’s our friend.”
“I’m sorry,” Bengunn said. “I… I just don’t know what to do.”
“Are you kidding me,” Apple Bloom said. “Look at what your trolls have.” She gestured at the trolls holding weapons and armor. “If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our night here on Scorpan Island, it’s that it really is a jungle out there. You’re so afraid of what might happen, you don’t know what you can do.”
“Exactly,” Sweetie Belle said. “Just look at yourselves.

“Are you sick and tired of being chickens
Do you want to be something more
Or are you scared of what might happen
If you go on in this war
They’ll tear you apart if you do nothing
They’ll keelhaul if you stay
Just come help in this fight
And you might win this day
HOORAAAAAAAYYYYY”
“You have to rise,” Apple Bloom sang,
“Above your fears
Make your nightmares
Disappear
Princess Luna will be proud
Of what you’ve done out loud
And you will be surprised
All you need to do is riiiiiiiiise”
“You’ve been worried about bruises,” Scootaloo sang,
“But we get them all the time
It’s all worth it to know your limits
When you go at your prime
It’s not about what you can’t do
It’s about what you can
If you’re tired of running scared
You need to take a stand
YES, WE CAAAAAAAAAAN”
“You have to rise,” the Cutie Mark Crusaders sang,
“Above your fears
Make your nightmares
Disappear
Princess Luna will be proud
Of what you’ve done out loud
And you will be surprised
All you need to do is riiiiiiiiise”
“YOU’RE RIGHT,” Bengunn sang,
“WE’RE TIRED OF DOING NOTHING
NO MORE MR. NO GUY
GATHER UP YOUR SPINES AND NERVES
AND WAVE YOUR DREAD GOOD-BYYYYYEEEEEEE”

At that moment, the trolls picked up their weapons and armor and marched down the forest. The CMC and Bengunn followed them finishing their cheer.

“WE HAVE TO RISE,” the CMC and Bengunn sang,
“ABOVE OUR FEARS
MAKE OUR NIGHTMARES
DISAPPEAR
PRINCESS LUNA WILL BE PROUD
OF WHAT WE’VE DONE OUT LOUD
AND WE WILL BE SURPRIIIIIIIISED
ALL WE NEED TO DO IS RIIIIIIIIIIIIIISE
RIIIIIIIIIIIIIISE
RISE
RISE
RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISE”

> The Treasure
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Captain Trixie and her pirates carried Daring Do all tied up and followed a map.
“Trixie, you have to come to your senses,” Daring Do said. “This is madness you’re bringing.”
“You brought this on yourself,” Trixie said.
“Look, I’m sorry we kept this treasure hunt a secret,” Daring Do said. “It was my idea. I had a hard time knowing who to trust.”
“The Great and Mutinous Trixie does not want to hear another word out of you,” Trixie said.
“CAPTAIN, LOOK,” Rover said. He pointed at a large cave shaped like a monster’s face. “The cave looks like Tirek!”
“PERFECT,” Trixie shouted. “The treasure must be here.”
The pirates entered the cavern and saw a rock wall. On the ground, there was a big, red X.
“Dogs, dig it up,” Trixie commanded.
As the Diamond Dogs dug into the ground, Daring Do was wondering, “This doesn't make sense. Tirek is supposed to have taken over a thousand kingdoms of wealth. A small cave like this shouldn't keep that much treasure.”
Suddenly, the Diamond Dogs hit something. The pirates looked in and saw a giant, metal pin sticking out of a stone. Trixie grabbed it and turned it. Suddenly, the ground split apart. The pirates and Daring Do fell onto a slide and went down for a few seconds. They all fell in a gargantuan pile.
“Ouch,” Trixie exclaimed. “What did I hit my head on?” She picked up what she hit her head on and widened her eyes. “A golden goblet.”
Then, the pirates got up and gasped in wonder at where they were looking at. There was gold and silver and jewels all across a 10-mile cavern with pillars. A river stream flowed through the center. The pirates were amazed at what they were looking at. They then cheered and picked up as much as they could. Trixie knelt down and picked up a hoof full of treasure.
“So many kingdoms that Tirek took magic from,” Trixie said tearing up. “So this is what all their treasure looks like. We’re going to need a bigger boat.”
“WELL, I NEVER,” a loud, harmonic voice shouted.
“That voice,” Rover gasped in fear.
“It’s impossible,” Spot whimpered. “It can’t be her.”
“I HOPE YOUR PROUD OF YOURSELVES,” the mare shouted. “YOU BETRAYED YOUR FRIENDS AND A BUNCH OF KIDS! WHAT WOULD YOUR PARENTS SAY!”
“IT IS,” Fido shouted. “IT’S THE RARITY PONY! SHE’S COME BACK TO WHINE AGAIN!”
Suddenly, the Diamond Dogs ran around the cave full of fear and knocked over the pirates.
“IT’S NOT RARITY, YOU MUTTS,” Trixie shouted. “THERE’S NO WAY SHE CAN FIND US HERE!” Unfortunately, she wasn't heard.
Suddenly, a bunch of trolls appeared out of nowhere. The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Bengunn were at the front of the troll army.
“Hello, darlings,” Sweetie Belle greeted with a Rarity impersonation.
As soon as the Diamond Dogs heard it, they were angry.
“WHY, YOU,” Rover growled.
Suddenly, Daring Do broke out of her roped and flew toward the Crusaders.
“I thought you were supposed to leave me alone,” Daring Do said.
“Hey, you and Rainbow Dash helped each other,” Scootaloo said. “I would think you’d want it again.”
Facing each other, the trolls and pirates prepared to strike. The trolls clenched their spears and tightened their armor. The pirates reached for their swords and the Diamond Dogs pulled out their claws.
“TROLLS VS. PIRATES,” Bengunn shouted.
Suddenly, the trolls and pirates charged at each other. As soon as they clashed, numerous battles happened at the same time. Some trolls would jump behind pirates and trip them. It was a fearsome battle with each fighter giving everything they got.
Daring Do would strike at pirates and use her flight as an advantage. Bengunn grabbed the pirates and used his strength to beat them up. The Cutie Mark Crusaders may have been small, but that gives them speed.
What the Cutie Mark Crusaders didn't count on was the Diamond Dogs finding them. The dogs would chase them until they ran into a corner.
“Relax,” Rover said raising his fist. “This will only hurt a lot!”
Suddenly, the Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped.
“No way,” Scootaloo gasped.
“Is that,” Sweetie Belle gasped.
“It can’t be,” Apple Bloom gasped.
“What,” Rover asked keeping his fist up.
Fido and Spot looked up and gasped.
“Seriously, what’s going on,” Rover asked.
“Don’t you hate it when your friends can’t tell you what’s wrong,” a familiar, deranged voice asked. Rover looked at his above him and saw Discord standing on top. “Hello. I’m baaaaaack. Did you miss me?”
“NO,” Rover gasped. He tried to hit Discord, but he keeps showing up at different places.
“You dogs need to keep check on your death records,” Discord said as he kept dodging. “Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll hit me now. Whoops; I was wrong!”
Soon, Rover bumped into the Diamond Dogs and they fell down the treasure hill.
“Well, how typical for them to leave without telling me,” Discord said. “And this is why I prefer cats. Oh, hey, Cutie Mark Crusaders.”
“DISCORD,” the CMC shouted as they jumped to hug him.
“Easy, easy,” Discord said. “Watch the fur.”
“But you fell overboard,” Scootaloo exclaimed.
“There was no sign of you,” Sweetie Belle added.
“How are you alive,” Apple Bloom asked.
“Do you kids remember that rope I tied to the lifeboats,” Discord asked. “Well, as it turned out, I got my ankle tangled up in a knot. When I woke up, the ship was taken over, so I disguised myself as a pirate and infiltrated their ranks. By the way, I’m starting to think that Trixie might not be trustworthy.”
“YOU THINK,” the CMC said.
“Don’t worry,” Discord said. “Let’s just take our crew back.” He faced a bunch of pirates and put on a fighting face. “You know, you oughta ask yourselves ‘do I feel lucky’. Well…” He pulled out many guns and bazookas. “…do ya, punks?”
With Discord back, their victory was all but guaranteed. Discord blasted the pirated and trapped them in locks that didn’t make sense. Finally, Discord caught Trixie and put her in a giant baby bottle.
“Fitting,” Discord commented.
“DISCORD,” Trixie shouted. “A LITTLE HELP?!”
“No thanks,” Discord said. “I’m good.”
“Discord, it’s good to have you back,” Daring Do said. “I thought you drowned.”
“I’m the SPIRIT of CHAOS,” Discord exclaimed. “I’m omnipotent! It’s going to take more than a few lungs full of water to keep me down.”
“Well, welcome back,” Daring Do said. She flew up and saw the pirates and Diamond Dogs defeated. She turned to the trolls and shouted, “THE DAY IS WON!”
The trolls cheered and Discord danced in excitement. It was finally over… or so they thought.
> The Dark Events Returned
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Later on, Daring Do pushed the pirates to one place. The Cutie Mark Crusaders gathered hooves full of treasure and stuffed them in their capes.
“Well, this day turned out well,” Discord said. “We beat a bunch of pirates, you get your treasure, and we added a few more songs to our soundtrack—that’s important.”
“Our treasure,” Apple Bloom asked.
“Yeah,” Discord said. “Remember, I only wanted the Red Channel ruby. If only I can find it.”
“Is this it,” Scootaloo said pointing at a large ruby sticking its end in the river.
“THAT’S IT,” Discord said reaching to it. “Come to papa, you crimson miracle, you.”
“Crimson,” Daring Do asked. She then widened her eyes. “DISCORD, WAIT!”
But it was too late. Discord already placed his claw on the Red Channel. Suddenly, the ruby started to glow and hum. Discord then shouted in pain with his claw burning up. Discord tried to let go, but he couldn’t. As soon as the glow ended, the Red Channel dropped. Discord blew on his hand.
“YOWZA,” Discord shouted. “WHAT IN CELESTIA’S SWEET NAME WAS THAT?!”
Suddenly, the ground started to shake violently.
“WHAT IS GOING ON HERE,” Rover shouted.
All of a sudden, a loud, booming laugh was heard. Everyone looked and saw a red cloud in the middle of the cave. Then, the cloud started to form. When the smoke cleared, a gigantic figure appeared out of nowhere. It was a red-skinned, muscular centaur with long horns on his head and a menacing beard. As soon as he appeared, he echoed his laugh across the cavern.
“TIREK,” Discord screamed.
“I’m back,” Tirek said. “And I must thank you all for my escape.”
“Tirek,” Bengunn shouted. “As in my Uncle Tirek?! How is this possible?”
“Let me tell you a story, dear nephew,” Tirek said. “It all started long before my original defeat at the hooves of the royal princesses. I found the Red Channel and discovered its ability to transfer one’s magic to another. I enchanted it to send any magic to me and left it here. When I was defeated, I waited for the Red Channel to send the troll’s magic to me.”
The Leech Lake,” Bengunn gasped. “Of course! The water was interacting with the ruby. So when the trolls stepped into the river, the magic was transferred to the Channel and to you.”
“Your first escape,” Daring Do said. “It was no accident, was it? You used the little magic the ruby gave you to provoke Cerberus out of Tartarus giving you the opportunity to escape.”
“And here, I thought ponies couldn’t get it right on the first try,” Tirek said. “Yes, but when Princess Twilight Sparkle defeated me, I was back where I was before. After a few months with no magic, I was beginning to believe no one would ever fall for my trap again. But then, I hear word that three little fillies found my treasure map. As such, I began watching you on your journey, rooting for you to find the treasure and the Red Channel. And you, Discord, were so foolish to touch it, you gave me all the magic you have so I could escape.”
“So the Red Channel… is a magic-stealer,” Discord asked.
“Why did you think it’s the envy of all magical creatures,” Tirek asked.
“I’LL STOP YOU,” Daring Do shouted. She charged at Tirek, but the brute grabbed her. “You can’t do anything to me. I have no magic.”
“No, but when I’m strong enough, I can take Earth Pony strength and Pegasus flight,” Tirek said.
Tirek opened his mouth and Daring Do felt a strain as an orange light escaped from her body. As soon as he was done, he dropped Daring Do onto the treasure pile and grabbed his nephew.
“I am so willing to wait my turn,” Bengunn said. Tirek stole Bengunn’s strength and set him down. “This is why you’re not invited to our family reunions!”
Tirek then approached the pirates and consumed all their attributes. As soon as he was done, he reached down and picked up the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They were standing on Tirek’s hand and were scared.
“Ah, the ringleaders behind this journey,” Tirek said. “Sorry to end it so soon.” He opened his mouth and waited. He opened his eyes and saw that he wasn’t getting any bigger. “Odd. You have nothing to take. How can three ponies lack magic, flight, and strength?”
“You’d be surprised at all the areas we’re lacking,” Scootaloo replied.
“But we manage because of our sisters,” Sweetie Belle said.
“Your sisters,” Tirek asked. “The ponies who helped Twilight Sparkle overthrow me? Sounds like Ponyville is my first stop.”
Tirek dropped the CMC and punched a large hole in the wall. He walked out and stepped into the sunlight. The ponies were horrified at what just happened.
“Of course,” Daring Do exclaimed. “’After the touch of crimson burn, dark events of the past will return’. Scorpan was trying to warn us that the Red Channel would bring Tirek back.”
“This is worse than we thought,” Discord said. “I just saw Tirek’s destination. He’s heading for the S.S. Gale.”
“That must be how he plans to get to Ponyville,” Apple Bloom said. “And the worst part is, if he leaves, there’ll be nothing we can do to stop him. If only we had our crew back.”
“You do,” Trixie called from inside her baby bottle. “I don’t know if you noticed, but Tirek stole my magic. We’re going to have to work together to stop him.”
“You know you want to,” Rover said.
“Uh, no offense, but you all stabbed us in the back,” Sweetie Belle said. “Why should we trust you?”
Trixie sighed. “You shouldn’t. I should’ve been the one who trusted you. I should’ve known you had a reason to keep your secret. If it wasn’t for me, maybe you’d see through Tirek’s trick. But now, I want to help because the enemy of my enemy… is my friend.”
At the sound of that, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were touched and pushed the baby bottle over. The cap popped open and Trixie walked out.
“Girls, are you insane,” Daring Do asked.
“Remember that line on the map,” Apple Bloom said. “’If unity doesn’t triumph around the bend, then all of magic will reach its end’. That must include teaming up with Trixie. They have as much to gain from defeating Tirek as we do.”
“So come on,” Scootaloo said. “Let’s stop Tirek.”
“I’ll help,” Discord said. “All my stuff is in Equestria.”
> The Final Battle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  “You got any threes,” Silver Spoon asked looking at the cards in her hoof.
Diamond Tiara looked at her cards and saw a three of diamonds. “Go fish,” she lied.
Suddenly, they heard a distant booming sounds. They looked at their glasses of water and saw ripples happening. They looked at the island and heard trees coming down. Diamond Tiara picked up a spyglass and looked past the threes. She nearly screamed when she recognized Tirek on the jungle. Tirek came to the beach and stood in front of the S.S. Gale.
“Ah, so this is the ship that Discord sailed all the way here,” Tirek said. “I suppose it can support my weight.”
Suddenly, Tirek felt something hit the side of his head. He looked behind him and saw the CMC, Discord, Daring Do, Bengunn, the trolls, the Diamond Dogs, Trixie, and the pirates throwing rocks at him.
“Seriously,” Tirek asked. “This is your big plan on stopping me? If you want to die before Equestria burns, I’ll be happy to oblige!”
A ball of energy illuminated from between Tirek’s horns. The heroes and villains turned and ran into the jungle right before the energy blast could hit them. Tirek chased them and tried to blast, but the heroes and villains kept dodging.
“ALL RIGHT, DISCORD,” Daring Do shouted. “WE GOT HIS ATTENTION! WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?!”
“HONESTLY, I DIDN’T THINK WE’D MAKE IT THIS FAR,” Discord shouted.
The chase went on until the heroes and villains found ditches. They fell in and were hidden from Tirek’s sight.
“Don’t think I won’t find you,” Tirek declared, “Because I will!”
“What do we do,” Sweetie Belle said. “Now, he won’t rest until he catches us.”
“Calm down,” Apple Bloom said. “Maybe there’s something we’re missing. Perhaps there’s a key to defeating him in the prophecy.”
“’If unity doesn’t triumph around the bend, then all of magic will reach its end’,” Discord said. “Yeah, I don’t see how that’ll help.”
“Around the bend,” Daring Do said. “’Round the bend. ‘Round the bend.” She the widened her eyes. “Riverbend! Everyone, we’ve got to get Tirek to the Leech River!”
“The Leech River,” Bengunn said. “That’s what helped Tirek get free in the first place. Besides, he enchanted the Red Channel to himself. It won’t do anything.”
“Wait,” Sweetie Belle said. “THAT’S IT! It can do something. If the powers draining and retrieving Tirek will have, the Red Channel will be destroyed and the magic he stole will return to where they went.”
“How do you know that,” Trixie asked. “How do you know something bad won’t happen?”
“I don’t,” Sweetie Belle said. “But it’s worth a try.”
“I’m with you,” Apple Bloom said.
“Same here,” Scootaloo said.
“All right,” Daring Do said. “But first, we need to get Tirek to the river. We need a distraction.”
“Leave that to me,” Discord said. He climbed up and confronted Tirek. “Hey, tomato-face, you really put the bull in bull…”
“ENOUGH,” Tirek shouted.
“I was just going to say bully,” Discord said. “Looks like I struck a little nerve there.”
Tirek tried to black Discord, but the draconequus kept dodging with break-dancing skills. Discord then ran into the jungle and Tirek followed. Discord did his best not to look back. Discord stopped when he saw a river in front of him and looked back at Tirek smiling down on him.
“You’ve got no place left to run, Discord,” Tirek said. “You’ve got no magic, no rocks, and no chance.”
“But I do have something that can help,” Discord said, “Friends.”
Suddenly, trolls and pirates on the other side of the river threw bunches of lassos and tied them to Tirek’s horns, claws, body, and legs. They pulled the ropes and Tirek struggled to keep away from the Leech River. The heroes and villains pulled to get Tirek to the water, but Tirek’s resistance put them in a deadlock. Behind Tirek, the CMC and Bengunn were watching. They looked around and saw 3 ropes that Tirek snapped off.
“I’ve got an idea,” Apple Bloom shouted. “Remember how we ripped the map in the first place?”
The Cutie Mark Crusaders tied their ropes to each other and stretched them really hard. As soon as they couldn’t pull any farther, the kids ran in front of Tirek. They ran and pressed the ropes against Tirek’s hooves as hard as they could.
“KIDS, GET AWAY FROM HIM,” Daring Do shouted pulling her rope. “I CANNOT LOSE ANOTHER GROUP OF KIDS TO AN ANGRY CENTAUR!” Discord gave her a weirded look. “It’s a long story before I met Rainbow Dash.”
Soon, Tirek tripped forward and slammed his front-left hoof into the Leech River. Suddenly, Tirek glowed orange and screamed in pain.
Meanwhile, at the treasure cove, the Red Channel ruby glowed unstably. While it was receiving magic as fast as it was sending it to Tirek. Tirek’s magic was strained and he roared loudly into the sky. Suddenly, the Red Channel broke into pieces. At that moment, a large rainbow burst out of Tirek. The blast hit everyone and they started to glow. Tirek quickly shrunk to the size of an actual pony and fell to the floor.
“HA,” Rover shouted giving Tirek a quick kick in the stomach. “HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT, YOU BIG, STUPID PILE OF NOTHING?!”
Suddenly, Tirek opened his eyes and glared angrily at Rover. Rover then whimpered and hid behind Fido.
“You fools,” Tirek growled weakly. “I will destroy you all. You won’t even know what mercy feels like by the time I…”
Discord snapped his lion paw fingers and a metal mouth-clamp covered Tirek’s mouth.
“Sorry, but I’m putting you on a magic-free diet,” Discord said. “Not only does this keep him from eating our magic, but it finally shut him up. Don’t worry, Tirek; I’m giving you this as a sign of my… ‘gratitude and loyalty’.”
Upon hearing it, Tirek muffled loudly and tried to strangle Discord, but the draconequus materialized a big cage around Tirek.
“What do we do with him,” Apple Bloom asked.
“Well, we could take him back to Canterlot so the princesses can send him back to Tartarus,” Discord said, “Or I can get some holding pens, add in the Diamond Dogs, and we can run the evilest petting zoo ever.”
“Wait,” Rover said. “Why are you considering punishing us?”
“You took part in a mutiny,” Daring Do said. “You and the pirates are all going to be tried for your crimes when we get back to Equestria.”
“But,” Spot protested.
Before anyone could say anything else, Discord materialized ropes and tied the pirates up.
“Yeah,” Discord said. “It’s too bad I can’t keep the Red Channel. Even though it was Tirek’s instrument for destruction, it was a pretty big rock.”
“Tell you what, Discord,” Daring Do said. “For your cooperation and behavior, I’m going to recommend you getting a fair share on the treasure.”
“Really,” Discord asked. “Aw, shucks.”
> The End
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  As soon as they got back to the S.S. Gale, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were very nervous.
“What about these two,” Daring Do said. “They’re too young for a dungeon.”
“I was considering giving them the standard sentence for all pirates,” Discord said, “Hanging them.”
“WHAT,” the CMC shouted.
“WHAT,” Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon asked.
“Just kidding,” Discord asked. “We’ll figure something out for them. In the meantime, to the brig with them all. And someone, go get the loyal crewmen.”

Later that night, the pirates were complaining. At a separate cell, Tirek sat all by himself with thoughts full of rage. In another cell, Trixie was alone and thinking to herself.
“I can’t believe it,” Trixie thought. “I did it again; I relied on no pony but myself. If I get spared, I’m going to change my way of life. But what can I do?”
Trixie tucked her hooves in her coat and felt something. She pulled out a bunch of keys and gazed at them. She looked at the cell door and grinned.

A few minutes later, the Cutie Mark Crusaders woke up with a loud thud. They creeped to the upper deck and saw two enormous bags.
“What is this stuff,” Scootaloo said. She reached out towards them. Suddenly, a blue hoof came out and smacked Scootaloo’s hoof away. “OW! Wait… Trixie?”
Trixie came out of behind the bags with a nervous face.
“Oh, hey, kids,” Trixie said. “Just uh… looking for some fresh air.”
“What’s with those bags,” Sweetie Belle asked. “What are in those?”
“Oh, this is… my laundry,” Trixie asked. She grinned nervously, but then sighed. “Okay. This is a bit of the treasure. I thought that if I escaped, I could use these to start over. It’s just a few-hundred thousand bits. No one would miss them.”
“But you’re a criminal,” Apple Bloom said. “You lead a pirate raid.”
“I know, and I don’t expect any pony to forgive me,” Trixie said. “It’s just… I’m afraid. When I come to Canterlot, I’m going to see Twilight Sparkle. When we first met, I bullied her friends in front of her. When we met last, I apologized for being a jerk. I’m just afraid of what she might think of me now. Ever been punished just for trying to find out what you are inside?”
After some deep thought, the Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at each other. Apple Bloom sighed.
“You can leave,” she said. “But what wil you do once you go?”
“Hey, I’ve got several jobs left in mind,” Trixie said. “Give me an excuse. Thank you, little munchkins.”
Trixie reached forward and hugged the kids. She then lowered the lifeboat she was on and sailed out into the ocean. The last thing they saw were each other waving their hooves good-bye.
“Well done, kids,” a voice said. Daring Do was seen watching the whole thing. Your sisters are going to be proud.”
Suddenly, the Cutie Mark Crusaders changed their expressions from happy to frightened. “OUR SISTERS!”

“WHAT IN DEAR CELESTIA’S NAME WERE YOU GIRLS THINKING,” Rarity shouted.
“NOT ONLY DID YOU GET ON A SHIP WITHOUT OUR PERMISSION, BUT YOU ALSO FOUGHT PIRATES, TROLLS, AND TIREK,” Rainbow Dash shouted.
“GRANNY SMITH, BIG MACINTOSH, AND I WERE WORRIED SICK ABOUT YOU,” Applejack shouted.
The Mane 6 were waiting at the dock for the crew of the S.S. Gale to arrive. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were bowing their heads. Meanwhile, Tirek, the Diamond Dogs, and the pirates were dragged from the boat and into a police car. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were standing at the side. The Mane 6 was lecturing the Cutie Mark Crusaders at the same time over and over again until…
“HOLD OOOOOOON,” Discord shouted.
The Mane 6 grew silent except for Pinkie Pie.
“And then, I said ‘OATMEAL? ARE YOU CRA…’” Pinkie stopped when she realized no one was talking.
“Ladies, ladies,” Discord said, “If I may…”
“This has nothing to do with you, Discord,” Princess Twilight Sparkle said.
“Actually, it does,” Discord said. “I’m not sure if Zecora told you girls this, but it was my idea to find Tirek’s Treasure.”
“You… did… WHAT,” Twilight shouted. “They could have been killed!”
“Well, they haven’t, have they,” Discord said. “Granted, the trip was a little more than we bargained for, but where there were downs, there have been ups. We got Scorpan’s own son as a new friend.”
“Hi,” Bengunn greeted nervously.
“Trixie seems to have changed for good,” Discord said. “Not to mention, the kids got to be on an adventure with Daring Do.”
“Yeah, that does sound awesome,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Not helping,” Applejack growled.
“And if it wasn’t for them, Tirek wouldn’t have been beaten,” Discord said. “They tripped him and made him fall. And we made Canterlot 73% richer. That’s right; I did the math.”
“There’s one more upside,” Apple Bloom stated. “If it wasn’t for this adventure, we wouldn’t have found any more topics for our Cutie Mark hunt.”
“What,” Scootaloo asked.
“Think about it,” Apple Bloom said. “Remember how well we survived that nasty storm. We could be Cutie Mark Crusaders: Storm Fighters.”
“And the way we figured out that Trixie was up to something after Discord disappeared,” Sweetie Belle said. “We can be Cutie Mark Crusaders: Detectives.”
“Oh, yeah,” Scootaloo realized. “We found all sorts of other activities.”
Diamond Tiara said nothing. She just rolled her eyes and sighed.
“And hey, we’re sorry for worrying y’all,” Apple Bloom said. “We sorta started out the treasure hunt because we all could use some more money.”
“How do you figure that,” Fluttershy asked.
“My oven’s broken,” Scootaloo said. “The Apple Family’s holding multiple fundraisers. And we almost burned Rarity’s kitchen.”
“Youngins, the fundraiser wasn’t for us,” Applejack said. “The fundraiser is for charitable companies in the city such as the Manehattan Orphanage and the Fillydelphia schools.”
“Oooooh,” Apple Bloom realized. “That makes more sense.”
“Besides, what good is money if you kids nearly hurt yourselves over it,” Twilight Sparkle said. “Before I was Princess Celestia’s student, I was like every filly in Canterlot. My parents had average wealth, but they did manage to get me in that magic school. That’s what led up to me coming to Ponyville. You don’t need money.”
“But you do need honey,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
Everyone was in an akward pause.
“Why would you say that,” Daring Do asked.
“It rhymes, silly,” Pinkie Pie replied.
“Don’t ask any more,” Rainbow Dash said. “I gave up on that a long time ago.”
“Anyway,” Twilight said, “The point is…

“I didn’t need wealth to last for years
And I’m already happy with all I have here
Do you really think it’s best with a luxury pool”
“Come on. It’s pretty cool,” Apple Bloom sang,
“But will it truly give you pleasure,” Twilight sang,
“Listen! Friendship is treasure
Just look, young fillies. Look around you
And remember that you three have gone through
So many obstacles. And the road was so rough
But you already have your best stuff
You stuck with it on this high adventure”
“So, of course, friendship is treasure,” Discord sang.
“If we’re being honest, I’ll be frank,” Apple Bloom sang,
“I could do well some cash in the bank”
“And I don’t need vaults of wealth,” Scootaloo sang,
“To be awesome and stay in good health”
“Despite all the shining grandeur,” Sweetie Belle sang,
“We realized friendship is treasure”
“Friendship is treasure,” Discord sang.
“Friendship is treasure,” Daring Do sang.
“Friendship is treasure,” Bengunn sang.
“FRIENDSHIP IS TREASUUUUUUUURE,” everyone sang,
“We may have been told
That life needs gold
But we don’t need jade
To have our lives made
And no amount of coral
Can be above this moral
A gem’s not our mother
Nothing’s worth more than we are to each otheeeeeeer”

“Speak for yourselves,” Diamond Tiara shouted.
“DIAMOND TIARA,” a stallion’s voice bellowed. It was Diamond Tiara’s father, Filthy Rich. He appeared out of nowhere with an angry face pointed at his daughter. “Care to explain where you were for the past few weeks?”
“Oh, daddy,” Diamond Tiara said nervously. “I, uh… I can explain.”
“Well, don’t bother,” Filthy Rich shouted. “A mare named Trixie came to my door and told me everything you’ve been up to. Piracy, indeed. And I already contacted Silver Spoon’s parents as well. You’re getting the punishment of a lifetime.”
Frowning, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon followed Filthy Rich out of the area. The heroes chuckled at what they witnessed.
“All right, every pony,” Discord said. “Let’s wrap this up!”

“WE MAY BE SMALL AND SIMPLE,” everyone sang,
“BUT WE’VE GOT MUCH TO MEASURE
‘CAUSE NOTHING’S BETTER THAN OUR TREASUUUUUURE
FRIENDSHIP… IS TREASURE
FRIENDSHIP… IS TREASURE
FRIENDSHIP… IS TREASURE
FRIENDSHIP IS TREASUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURE”

Down the alley, Trixie was wearing a black hood and looked at the singing group. She smiled and stared at the Cutie Mark Crusaders. She then turned and disappeared in the shadows.
We all have a goal. Some of us want to make our lives better. Others want to raise their expectations. But the Cutie Mark Crusaders, they just want to find their destinies. These little gremlins may not have found them yet, but that still means that their real hunt is still on. To Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, it’s more than a treasure hunt; it’s a crusade.