Prologue

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It was quiet, quiet enough to lull any sailpony into thinking that it was going to be a peaceful night. Captain Wave Tumble, a stout earth pony, however, had spent far too many years at sea to be fooled. Something was bothering him, a gut feeling that wouldn't let him rest.

As he walked the length of the the small schooner, he carefully examined his ship. Small but fast, Tumble's schooner had two masts that could withstand most storms even with full sail thanks to the various spells placed on them by shipyard unicorns.

Tumble had paid a fair amount for that little upgrade, but what the unicorns failed to tell him was that a small schooner like his in a storm was likely to capsize at full sail, a fact that had nearly cost him his ship.

Checking the cargo, a full load of fruit bound for Manehattan, he was satisfied to see that everything was securely tied down and nothing was amiss. The ropes were practically brand new from his last stop in port, the sails were catching wind and making a good ten knots, and the helmspony was keeping a true course.

Tumble frowned, he knew that something was amiss, but what? If not with the ship, then was something else wrong? Perhaps there was a new shoal ahead that washed out from shore, or maybe a sea monster was looking for a late night snack, or even pirates were prowling tonight?

He chuckled at the last one. Pirates so close to the Equestrian coastline? That was practically begging for a visit from the Equestrian Royal Navy.

“Captain!” The lookout called from above. “Lights off the port bow!”

Captain Wave Tumble looked and saw a faint light in the distance. “Helm, what's your course?”

“Dead south, Sir, and not a point eastward this entire journey.” The helmspony answered.

Tumble looked out at the lights, thoroughly confused. “Ain't no land thataways, too many lights to be a beacon, maybe it's a Royal frigate?” He muttered.

As he was staring at the lights, they vanished as one. Now Wave Tumble was scared, he had no idea what was out there, no ship could simply vanish like that.

“Douse the lanterns!” He yelled.

“Captain?” The helmspony asked.

“Douse them. Now!” Tumble ordered.

One by one, the lanterns on the ship were extinguished, leaving the ship shrouded in darkness. It was a very dangerous move because if the pirates couldn't see them, then likely any other ship in the area wouldn't be able to as well.

“Captain, what's going on?” Swift Winds, Tumble's pegasus second in command, said as she emerged on deck.

“I don't know, but the lookout has spotted a mysterious ship over yonder shortly before it turned out its lights and vanished.” Tumble explained quietly.

“Pirates this close to Equestria?” She asked.

“Not likely, but all the same it's best if we take caution.”

There was a green glow from behind the two on deck, causing Tumble to whirl in anger. A unicorn sailpony was using his horn to pick up some line.

“Ye blasted fool! Turn your horn off before I break it off!” Tumble seethed.

The unicorn dropped the rope in surprise and backed away, fearing that the captain might break his horn anyways.

“Captain!” Swift Wind placed her hoof on his shoulder. “Twas an honest mistake, using magic is second nature to unicorns.”

“Aye, but if he gave our position away, an honest mistake could get us all killed and my ship scuttled!”

Swift was worried a lot more than before. “Captain, what's wrong? It's not like you to be worried about pirates, even when we were being chased by pirates you were laughing the entire time. What has you so scared?”

Tumble walked to the railing and stared at the sea. “I've got a feeling. Before, I knew we could outrun those pirates and the Royal Navy was waiting for them around the cape. Now, I've just got a feeling in my gut that says if those pirates see us then there's nothing we can do.”

Swift Wind looked at the sky and smiled. “Well you're in luck then, it seems that fortune smiles upon us. Look at the moon.”

Tumble looked and saw that the moon was being covered in clouds, leaving the entire surrounding ocean in nothing but blackness. “Aye, maybe it does! Hah, we'll slip right past that ship without even trying!”

Swift Wind clapped him on the back with her wing. “That's the Captain Tumble I know!”

Tumble was bout to respond when he paused. “Eh, Swift Wind, is your stomach rumbling?”

She paused and listened, hearing a deep rumble coming from off their port side. “Um.”

A blinding light suddenly bathed the schooner's deck in gold while a harsh voice laughed from above them. “Well, look what we've found here boys! A coastal tramp without her lights to give us any warning!”

Tumble stepped back, looking anywhere but the light. The deck pitched up towards him as the ship was rocked by a violent wave.

“Shame on ye sirs.” The voice said again. “If'n we hadn't kept such a sharp lookout, we might've run ye down and split your pretty little ship in half!”

There was a chorus of agreements from ponies that were definitely not part of his crew. The harsh voice spoke over the din. “Now, as I see it, that be a safety hazerd right there, and I'm afraid that I'm going to have to take a token fee for such a violition of protocols!”

The voices all laughed at the voice's statement, their jeering only froze Tumble where he stood. Then, to his horror, Swift Wind spoke up. “Begone you scum! We are prepared to defend ourselves from the likes of you!”

With a sudden twang, a crossbow bolt embedded itself into the wood right between her legs. It stood there quivering as the pony with the harsh voice yelled out again, all humor had gone from his tone. “This be ye only warning! Should ye make any resistance at all, yer ship will be turned into driftwood and yer crew will be sentenced to the mercies of the depths!”

Tumble grabbed Swift Wind and pulled her to the far side of the ship where most of crew had gathered in fear.

“Now is not the time for foolish words, Swift!” Tumble said. “I'll not lose a member of my crew to her own stubbornness!”

Forcing her to stand with the crew, Tumble turned back to the light and spoke up. “Take what you want, only leave my crew alone. That is all I ask.”

“A fair deal!” The pirate yelled. “Very well, we will be relieving ye of yer cargo and nothing more! Jump to it lads!”

With several loud thuds, a group of large and imposing stallions jumped onto the deck and proceeded to open the cargo hatch. One of them waved at the blinding light and with a loud squeak and an odd hum, a metal crane was swung out over the deck of Tumble's schooner. The rope lowered itself into the cargo hold when two of the pirates jumped down after it.

The rope went slack for a moment before it began to rise. Along came with it were several crates of fresh fruit that vanished behind the light. The process repeated itself several times over, and each time Tumble felt a bit of his pride go with the crates.

In five minutes, the pirates had emptied at least half of the cargo hold when the pirate captain gave Tumble a bit of good news. “That's all we be takin for now. I thank ye for not makin things needlessly bloody, and wish ye well on the rest of yer voyage.”

The pirates on deck either grabbed onto the last crates coming out of the cargo hold or simply jumped back to their ship. With a deep rumble, the light began to move away from the schooner before it was extinguished and once again the night was dark and still.

Finally, Swift Wind spoke up. “Those bottom-feeding-barnacle-sucking-halfbreeds! How could they do this to us!”

Tumble ignored her and walked over to the cargo hatch. Striking a flint to light the flame in a lantern, he stepped down into the hold. The forward half of it was completely bare, not a single crate of fruit left. He turned around and was relieved to see that the aft hold still held the fruit that had been placed there two days earlier. The pirates had robbed him, but not broken him.

Climbing back out on deck where Swift Wind was still ranting, he began to give orders for the crew. “Quit your lollygagging! We've got a schedule to keep and we'll be in Manehattan by morning or I'm throwing you overboard and sailing this schooner myself!”

The crew quickly set about trying to look busy, but Swift Wind made straight for him.

“And you Captain!” She yelled. “Have you no pride? How could you just let them take our cargo? Why didn't you let us fight them?”

A smack echoed around the ship, causing the crew to pause and stare at the two ponies with mouths agape.

“Do not be so eager for a fight.” Tumble said, his tone dark and menacing. Swift Wind stared at him, holding her cheek and tears brimming in her eyes.

“The pain you feel is nothing compared to cold steel cleaving bone. Pirates are not ones to be taken lightly, and I would rather be robbed blind and my ship sunk than to lose a single member of my crew, no matter how stubborn and reckless they be.”

Tumble turned and slowly walked back to his cabin, leaving the rest of the crew speechless. The sound of his door closing brought Swift Wind out of her stunned state and she quickly did the same for the crew, yelling and cursing to motivate them.

Once she was sure that they were busy Swift turned back to the door and rubbed her cheek, nearly losing her facade of being the tough and gritty sailpony she had established. She realized that she had almost gotten not only her but the entire crew killed with her action and tears welled in her eyes before she quickly brushed them away.

With a sudden about face, she made her way to the nearest pony she could find and began to curse him for no particular reason at all.

Chapter 1

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'Snore'

“Pleeeeeeeease?”

“No.”

'Snore'

“But it's so perfect!”

“No!”

'Snore'

. . .

'Snore-Cough cough' AAAAAGH!”

“Pinkie!”

Twilight stared disapprovingly at the little pink gremlin that was rolling around on the floor laughing while Rainbow Dash lived up to her name as she flew out the door at the end of the coach, screaming the entire way. Several passengers sat bolt upright at the sound of a pony in distress and were surprised to see a sonic rainboom out their windows as a cyan mare rocketed off towards the nearest clouds.

“Pinkie!” Twilight said again. “I told you no!”

“But it was just so perfect! And besides, she was snoring!” Pinkie said through her laughter.

“That still doesn't give you any right to pour hot sauce down her throat!” Twilight scolded.

“Sure it does!” Said Pinkie as she pulled a book from her mane. “Under article three, paragraph nine of the Rules for Jokes!”

Applejack leaned over and grabbed the bottle from where it was laying on the floor. “What kind of sauce is this? Rainbow's tasted some pretty hot stuff before, never known anything to do that to her.” She read the label out loud. “Flaming Ghost-pepper Hot Sauce? Pinkie, are you nuts?”

Applejack's hoof shot out and covered Pinkie's mouth before she could answer. “Don't answer that.”

Twilight was appalled and said so. “Pinkie, that stuff can melt paint! Why would you do that to Rainbow Dash?”

Pinkie became deadly serious, her smile vanished and her eyes took on a dangerous glint. “Payback Twilight!” Her muzzle was suddenly touching Twilight's. “Do you know what Rainbow Dash did to me last month? She replaced my flour with itching powder. ITCHING POWDER! I couldn't make cupcakes that morning!”

“Not to mention the fact that your hooves became so inflamed that you couldn't walked for two days, darling.” Rarity interjected as she continued to read her fashion magazine.

“THAT'S BESIDE THE POINT!” Pinkie yelled. “HAVE YOU EVER MADE CUPCAKES WITH ITCHING POWDER?”

“Ah'm sure you tried.” Applejack rolled her eyes.

“AND THEY TASTED TERRIBLE!”

Rarity gave Pinkie a sympathetic glance. “That would explain why you wouldn't talk to anypony after that either.”

“And the reason why Sugar Cube Corner's plumbing had to be redone.” Applejack finished.

Twilight face hooved and looked at Fluttershy. “So, Fluttershy, how are your animals?”

Fluttershy, who had been staring at the enraged Pinkie in fear, turned to Twilight and smiled. “Oh, they're doing quite well. They're getting quite independent now that I'm gone all the time.”

“And you're not worried about them getting too independent and leaving you?” Twilight asked.

“Oh no.” Fluttershy shook her head while maintaining her grin. “I always leave Angel in charge and the rest of the animals are always so happy when I get back.”

Now it was Twilight's turn to roll her eyes. “I can't imagine why.”

Further discussion regarding the tyranny of a tiny white rabbit was interrupted when a familiar cyan mare slammed open the door at the end of the carriage and yelled “PIIIIIIIINKIIIIE!”

Rainbow Dash was completely soak as if she had been swimming, but her cheeks were a rosy red and her tongue (that had visible heat waves rising from it) was hanging out of one side of her mouth.

Pinkie took one look at her, jumped in the air, flailed her hooves and said “Meep Meep!” And then she was gone in the other direction with a cloud of pink dust floating behind her.

“You ain't getting away that easy!” Rainbow screamed as she gave chase, almost causing a sonic rainboom inside the coach.

Twilight sighed and settled back into her seat. Applejack saw her in distress and trotted over. “Don't worry about it none, those two could kill each other and still be best of friends.” She said.

“It's not them, I'm used to their pranks by now. It's this letter from Princess Celestia.” Twilight explained.

Applejack chuckled. “Twilight, every time Princess Celestia sends you a letter, it's about another national emergency. Ah would think that after dealing with Discord, Tirek and all those other crazies out there, takin' down a pirate ship should seem like a vacation to us!”

“That's just it, Applejack.” Twilight sat up and looked at her friend. “Celestia would only call us if it is a national emergency. If this was just some pirates going around causing trouble, the Royal Guard could deal with it easily. The fact that she called us leads me to believe that these pirates pose a threat to Equestria, maybe the entire ocean! What kind of pirates have that kind of power?”

“Now don't get all worked up about it!” Applejack interrupted her with a stern look. “So what if these pirates ain't normal, we'll deal with it just like we always do. As friends.”

Twilight smiled at Applejack's simple words of encouragement. “You're right. It's silly of me to worry about something as small as a band of pirates.”

Applejack smiled back and was about to say something else when the door to the carriage was thrown open and Rainbow Dash shot past cackling like a maniacal villain. Pinkie followed soon after with a shaved mane, screaming about revenge. The pair vanished into the next car.

Rarity used her magic to levitate a brush and smooth out her mane while continuing to read the magazine. “Yes, well it's all very well to worry about what awaits us on the open ocean, but right now I'm more worried about the train staying on the tracks.”

Twilight jumped out of her seat and walked towards the front of the car. “I'll go stop them from blowing up the engine.”

She slammed the door shut behind her. Rarity turned and studied Applejack for a moment, specifically her stetson. “You know Applejack, have you ever considered-”

“Nope.” Applejack said and pushed the hat over her eyes, settling in for a nap.

Canterlot station was crowded as usual, ponies always in a rush to get somewhere no matter how fast the train got them there.

As Twilight stepped off the train, she took in a deep breath and then let it out with satisfied sigh. It was good to be home again, even if she would be leaving again shortly to deal with a band of nefarious pirates.

Rarity stepped off behind her with a large smile. “Ah Canterlot! The heart of fashion!”

“We ain't here for shopping, so get it out of your head now.” Applejack said as she exited the coach.

Rarity merely “Hmphed” and turned away. Fluttershy followed Applejack's lead and stood near Twilight, she was doing much better with crowds and now had no fear of them, unless somepony she didn't know came up and tried to talk with her, then she would hide behind her friends. Most of the time Twilight tried to encourage Fluttershy to try and engage in a conversation, but she had also blasted that one stallion for coming up and commenting on Fluttershy's flanks. That had been a disaster.

Pinkie Pie happily bounced off the train, somehow having regrown her mane while her friends weren't looking. A thoroughly singed Rainbow Dash followed after her, still muttering about how shaving a mane did not warrant being shoved into the firebox of a steam engine.

Once her friends were accounted for, Twilight got them moving towards the castle. It was much like herding cats. Applejack and Fluttershy were easy enough; Applejack just kept moving ahead at a slow and steady pace while Fluttershy stuck close to Applejack.

Rarity, however, was constantly being distracted by various clothing shops and tried to excuse herself more than once claiming that a fashionista such as herself couldn't possibly go to sea without a nautical wardrobe. Rainbow Dash was constantly flying up and trying to practice maneuvers, and Pinkie Pie disappeared but Twilight figured that she'd show up right about when the meeting with Celestia started.

Upon arriving at the castle, the guards immediately granted them entrance and directed them to the throne room. Walking up to the massive door, Twilight slowly took a breath in and let it out, closed her eyes and mentally prepared herself for the coming task. Then, she lifted her hoof and knocked once, twice, and then Pinkie made her appearance by performing a flying kick through the door.

“Surprise!” She yelled, sliding to a stop in front of the throne. Celestia looked down and raised an eyebrow, frowning. She stayed like this for a few moments before a slight smile played at the edges of her mouth.

Turning to the other pony in the room, a blue unicorn holding a stack of papers his magic, Celestia addressed him. “Thank you for your proposal, however, I'm afraid that I must cut our meeting short. Please leave your documents with my assistant and I will review them at a later date.”

The unicorn bowed and turned away, throwing an ugly glance in Twilight's direction as he left. As soon as he was gone, Celestia smiled widely stepped down off her throne.

“Twilight, thank you for coming so quickly.”

Twilight bowed as did the rest of her friends, Pinkie somehow joining them without her noticing, and then smiled back at Celestia. “It's good to see you again, Princess Celestia.”

“You can drop the formalities, Twilight, we're not princess and student anymore, I view all of you as close friends.” Celestia said as she approached the group.

Gesturing for them to follow, Celestia led the way to a side door. “I wish that our meeting was not one of urgency, but as I told you in my letter, the news from the coast is most distressing.”

Twilight nodded in agreement. “From what I was able to deduce from the letter, it sounds as though these pirates are quite formidable.”

“Perhaps.” Celestia mused. “Their ship is unlike anything that is of this world, but it is so fast that the Royal Cutters cannot hope to match its speed.”

“That's impossible!” Twilight exclaimed. “The Sun Runner was once able to make twenty-one knots!”

“The Sun Runner gave pursuit and using both a favorable wind and magic, was able to achieve twenty knots.” Celestia said grimly. “And yet this ship was so fast that it not only outran the Sun Runner but also two other frigates that were waiting in ambush.”

“What about airships?” Twilight asked.

Celestia sighed. “The airship Grim Pursuit was following the ship into a storm front before they encounter a headwind. The captain of the airship said the wind was strong enough to rip the fabric apart and the pegasus scouts themselves could not even make any progress after the pirates. The airship itself was a total loss and the crew had to be fished from the water by the Equestrian Navy. The pirate ship simply carried on into the storm without even slowing down.”

“But how?” Applejack raised the question that everypony was wondering. “How could they move that fast without sails?”

Celestia opened the door and admitted them to a room full of maps. On a central table lay a map of the Equestrian eastern coast.

“That is what worries me.” Celestia answered. “For a ship that large to move so quickly, I fear that powerful magic must be in play. Very powerful.”

She stopped and looked directly at her prized student. “Twilight, in order to move such a large ship, at such speeds, and to maintain that speed for such long periods of time, would require nothing less than an alicorn.”

There was a collective gasp from the Element Bearers as what Celestia had just admitted sunk in.

Rainbow Dash began to sputter. “But that's impossible! There's only four-”

“Five.” Applejack corrected.

“five alicorns in existence!”

Celestia nodded. “Precisely, and that is why I have called you in order to investigate this ship.”

Rainbow Dash began to hover and saluted. “You can count on us!” She said before she zoomed out the door shortly before returning. “Aren't you guys coming?” She asked.

“Rainbow Dash, your enthusiasm is commendable, but would it not be better to gain some vital information before you set out on your journey?” Celestia asked with a patient smile.

Rainbow gave a nervous chuckle and rubbed the back of her head. “Eheh, sorry. I'm so used to you telling us what the problem is and then sending us off blindly.”

Celestia frowned and fixed Rainbow with a rather annoyed look, but remained silent. Twilight used this as an opportunity to step up to the map and study it.

“Are these points were the pirates attacked?” She asked while pointing at the little black flags on the map.

Celestia nodded. “Yes, at least the ones that we know of. Most of the time, pirates stay away from the coast because they fear our navy and only raid the ships crossing the Eastern Sea, but these pirates have no fear of our ships and have struck at our coastal merchants.”

Twilight was suddenly interested in a flag that was on the coast itself. “Princess Celestia, if this map is correct, than they've even attacked on land!”

“Yes, the Bright Light Refinery. Ninety percent of Equestria's lantern oil is drilled for and refined there. The pirates raided it and stole twenty-thousand gallons of crude oil.” Celestia affirmed.

“Twenty-thousand gallons? What in your name could they possibly want with that much oil?” Twilight asked, stunned at the news.

Applejack stomped her hoof. “Now it's personal! No wonder Ah wasn't able to use mah lanterns for an entire week! That's when the fruit bats got into the orchards again!”

Celestia raised her voice slightly. “I do not know what nefarious plans they have, but I do know that it must be stopped at all costs. Twilight, what I am asking of you and your friends maybe extremely dangerous, and I can only urge you to exercise caution in the execution of this mission.”

Twilight nodded. “Don't worry, we'll have those pirates in jail before they can hurt one more innocent pony!”

She was going to say more but was interrupted by a firm knock on the door.

“Enter.” Celestia called. A Royal Guard pushed open the door and stepped inside.

“Your highness.” He said as he bowed low to the ground. “I apologize for the interruption, however I bring news of another attack by pirates.”

“What happened? Was anypony hurt?” Twilight asked hurriedly.

“No, the schooner Wave Runner was boarded by the pirates and relieved of most of their cargo, however the captain of the vessel did not resist and was allowed to continue without harm and made it to port. Unfortunately, the Wave Runner had been carrying fresh fruit from the farms in the north and food prices have risen in Manehattan.”

Celestia frowned at the news, her eyes betraying both anger and sadness. “Thank you. Please send my regards to the captain of the schooner and reimburse them for the lost cargo.”

He saluted, but didn't leave. “Princess, there is one other thing. The “Manehattan Times” has acquired the story despite our best efforts to keep a low profile. They released it on the front page news and we fear that it may start a panic.”

Celestia audibly growled, her anger rising, but then took a deep breath and was once again the serene and peaceful ruler that everypony saw her as.

“Thank you, I will deal with this personally. You are dismissed.” The guard turned and left.

Once the door was closed, Celestia let a little of her composure slip. “Sometimes I wonder if those who run the newspapers in this country have the intelligence of foals!”

She fixed Twilight with an intense stare. “You must stop these pirates, soon. If the public begins to lose faith in the Equestrian Royal Navy, trade along the coast may shut down altogether and that would be disastrous for the entire nation.”

“I understand.” Twilight said

“Good, I leave this in your capable hooves.” Celestia turned to walk out, but stopped and turned back to Twilight. “Please be careful, there is no telling what awaits you in the Eastern Ocean. If you need anything, and I mean anything, just ask.”

Twilight bowed. “Thank you for your concern, but I don't think that you have anything to worry about.”

Celestia's smile returned to her face, although it looked a little forced, and then she walked out the door. Once she left, Twilight's five friends turn expectantly to her.

“Well Twi, you have a plan?” Applejack asked.

Twilight turned back to the map and thought carefully. “Yes, yes I do.” She said as she smiled. “But we're going to need a ship.”

“What good is a ship going to do us?” Rainbow threw her hooves in the air as she said this. “Those pirates can outrun anything in the navy!”

“Not a warship.” Twilight countered. “We're going to use a nice slow merchant ship, loaded with lots of goodies and practically begging for a pirate ship to attack.”

Rarity's eyes danced and she giggled. “Ooooh, deception! I like it!”

Applejack wore a huge grin. “And then when those pirates come to take our cargo, POW! We hit 'em right back!”

Twilight nodded, her grin almost reaching her ears. “Couldn't have said it better myself!”

Chapter 2

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With one last shriek of a whistle, the Friendship Express rolled over the bridge and into Manehattan Central Station. The engineer applied the brakes and the train slammed to a halt fast enough to throw ponies who weren't expecting it out of their seats.

Fortunately for Twilight and her friends, they had ridden on the Express many times and were quite familiar with the sudden starts and stops that only the Friendship Express was capable of.

Rarity was first off the train with a glow in her eyes that only Manehattan could produce. “Oh isn't simply wonderful darlings? The sights, the sounds-”

“The smell.” Applejack groused as she passed her.

Twilight ignored the two bickering and continued on her way to the exits, Rainbow and Pinkie not far behind. The two of them had struck a truce and promised to not prank each other until the pirates were captured.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy finally managed to place herself in between the farm pony and fashion expert long enough to point at the door Twilight was currently using to exit the building. The trio quickly followed in order to not fall behind and end up subject to one of Twilight's tyrannical monologues about the importance of focusing on the mission.

They found Twilight standing on the sidewalk at the bottom of the steps leading up to Manehattan Central Station reading over her checklist. Once she noticed that all five of her friends were present, she cleared her throat and began.

“Right, since time is of the essence here, I've decided to split our forces in order to achieve our goals at a much faster pace. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, you will head to pier seventeen and interview the crew of the schooner that was attacked.”

“Got it!”

“You can count on us!” Applejack and Rainbow Dash took off at a run towards the docks.

Twilight didn't even look up from her checklist as she rattled off the next assignment. “Rarity, Pinkie Pie, you will be in charge of supplies. We'll need appropriate gear for blending in to the crew of a merchant ship, so nothing fancy. Pinkie, our food rations need to consist of something other than pure sugar.”

“I understand, dear, I will scour the second hand stores for the perfect fits.” Rarity stated and began to trot off at her own pace.

“I'm on it!” Pinkie saluted with one eye closed and her tongue sticking out before running off.

Twilight looked at Fluttershy and then down at the clipboard. “Fluttershy, you're with me. We're going to secure a ship.”

“Okay.” Fluttershy said.

Together, the two of them began walking down to the docks. After a little bit, Fluttershy had an idea. “Oh, Twilight! Why don't we just hire the ship that the pirates stole from? They're already familiar with the way that the pirates attack, so wouldn't it be better we hired somepony with experience?”

Twilight shook her head. “That would be a bad idea. Pirates hardly ever raid the same ship twice, and if they saw a ship that they had raided so recently loaded with so much cargo, they would know something is up.”

“Oh.” Fluttershy said, somewhat discouraged.

Twilight turned and smiled at her. “Don't worry, we'll know all we need to as soon as Rainbow Dash and Applejack learn what happened from the ship's crew.”

The earth pony and pegasus had run a good six blocks before both of them realized that the other didn't know the way to the docks.

“Why didn't you tell me you didn't know?” Rainbow Dash accused.

“Me?” Applejack said incredulously. “You were flying ahead! Ah thought you knew the way!”

“How would I know the way, I don't live here!” Rainbow Dash said. “I figured you knew and were running in the right direction!”

“How does that even make sense?” Applejack said, her voice rising.

“It makes perfect sense! Why would you be following me if I didn't know the way?”

“HOW WAS AH SUPPOSED TO KNOW THAT?”

“Ahem!” A police pony interrupted them. “Is there a problem here?”

Applejack and Rainbow glared at each other for a moment before turning to the pony. “Pardon us, sir, but could you tell us which way to the docks?”

The pony smiled at them. “Of course, simply follow that road all the way to the waterfront. Any particular area you're looking for?”

“Pier seventeen.” Applejack said.

“Ah.” He said in recognition. “Then you'll want to take a right when you reach the waterfront. Anything else I can do for you?”

Applejack shook her head. “No sir, you've been more than enough help.”

“Just doing my duty.” The pony said, but by then Applejack and Rainbow Dash had run off.

Applejack was left behind again as Rainbow used her impressive speed to reach the docks in less than a minute, but there she stopped, hovering in midair until Applejack arrived.

The farm pony continued on past her pegasus friend, hollering out “This way!” as she did. Rainbow Dash promptly followed after, but instead of rushing ahead decided to simply follow Applejack's lead this time.

The two reached the designated pier quickly and indeed, the Wave Runner was tied up at dock. Applejack spied a sailpony lounging around the gangplank and decided to start asking the questions with him.

“'Scuse me sir, but can you tell me what happened with the pirates?” Applejack asked, approaching with a smile.

The sailpony looked her up and down, then turned away. “Don't know what you're talking about.” He said gruffly.

Rainbow Dash instantly grabbed the pony and made ready to punch him. “Listen thickhead! We're here to help so if you don't spill the beans-”

Quickly, Applejack pulled her friend back and apologized. “Ah'm sorry 'bout that! Ah guess that the Royal Guard done told you to keep a tight lip about it?”

The sailpony nodded, his eyes dancing from Applejack to Rainbow Dash in fear.

Applejack gave the stallion her best smile and tried to explain the situation to him. “That's what Ah figured. Don't worry, we have special clearance from Princess Celestia herself, so any information about the event you can share would be extremely helpful to me an' mah friend here.”

The pony nodded his head more fiercely. “Yeah, yeah. Talk to Captain Wave Tumble, he's in his cabin. He can tell you all about it.”

Applejack thanked him and began climbing the gangplank. Rainbow Dash landed on the deck and looked around, but her attention was focused on the pegasus that was climbing out of the cargo hold. “Yo, where's the captain's cabin?”

The pegasus looked at her and Applejack and scowled. “I already told the Royal Guard and those stupid reporters what happened! Get off!”

Applejack pushed Rainbow aside before she could say anything further. “Ah'm sorry for my friend's rudeness. We have a few special questions we need to ask your captain.”

“He's busy!” The pegasus snapped. “And besides, hasn't he gone through enough without ponies asking him questions every hour of the day?”

Applejack frowned, this pony was getting them nowhere. “Ah apologize, but we need to talk to your captain. This can't wait.”

“Get off!” The pony yelled, advancing on them.

“Swift!” A stallion's voice called out from the stern. Slowly, a worn down looking earth pony climbed out of a cabin on the aft deck. “Leave them alone!”

The pegasus merely hung her head and turned to the bow. She took off and vanished over the mast of another ship anchored nearby. The earth pony stepped towards Applejack and Rainbow Dash and gave them a tired smile. “I must apologize for Swift Wind. She's my second in command and I'm afraid that those pirates may have sunk her pride a small bit.”

Applejack smiled and shook her head. “Ah can understand why she's upset. Mah name's Applejack and his here is Rainbow Dash. We're-”

“Two of the Elements of Harmony.” The captain finished. “How can I be of service?”

Applejack stepped back in surprise. “How did you know we was the Elements?”

The captain chuckled slightly. “Please, just because I'm out at sea most of my life doesn't mean I don't read the newspapers.”

Applejack laughed with him. “Well, Ah guess it's my fault for assuming less of you an' I apologize for any notions I might've had before meeting you.”

The captain looked up at Rainbow Dash then back at Applejack before turning and looking out over the harbor. “I assume you've come because of the pirates?”

“That's right.” Applejack affirmed. “We'd appreciate the whole story from your words rather than reading a report about it.”

The captain nodded and then stepped up to the starboard side, the side facing the harbor. “It was sometime around midnight. The moon was shining down and it was peaceful, the kind of peaceful that is too perfect. I was restless, couldn't sleep, so I was walking the deck. That's when we saw the lights.”

“Lights?” Rainbow asked.

“Aye, lots of them. They were a fair distance off, looked like a big ship, but there was no flicker. It tweren't lanterns that made those lights, something else.” The captain said, lost in thought.

“Magic, ya figure?” Applejack asked.

“Maybe.” The captain nodded. “It would explain why they vanished as one soon after we saw them. That scared me, so I ordered all the lights on my ship to be put out to try and hide. Then the moon was covered by thick clouds, and you couldn't see your hoof in front of your eyes. I thought that we'd made it and were in the clear, but I my jubilation was too soon.”

“They found you even without lights?” Rainbow interrupted, by this time having settled on the deck to rest her wings.

“Aye.” The captain continued. “Came upon us like ghosts. There was a strange sound, maybe a rumble as it were. It got louder and louder until a bright light shone down on us, like a mirrored lantern, but so much more powerful. Then the pirates boarded. Swift Wind wanted to fight but I held her back, that may be why she harbors some resentment to the occasion. The captain of the pirate ship made it clear that he didn't want a fight, nearly shot Swift with a crossbow bolt. The Guards took it when we arrived in port. After I surrendered, a metal boom was swung out over my ship with a rope and pulley on the end. The pirates were quick about unloading the cargo, took them but five, ten minutes to clear out half my hold.”

Applejack shook her head. “They just took the fruit? Nopony took the bits?”

The captain shook his head. “Not a one. They took the fruit and then climbed back aboard their ship, turned out that light and were gone without a trace. It's strange how professional they about it, no orders were given, they just jumped onboard and went to it.”

“Huh.” Rainbow considered the news. “Almost like they were trained to handle cargo rather than being pirates.”

Applejack stared at Rainbow with her mouth open. Rainbow looked back and threw her front legs in the air. “What?”

“That's the first intelligent thing I've heard you say all week!” Applejack said with a sly grin.

“What's that supposed to mean?” Rainbow said as she took to the air and leveled her gaze at Applejack's head.

“Nothing. Anyways, Captain, is there anything else you can tell us?” Applejack said, brushing off Rainbow Dash as if nothing had happened.

The captain shook his head. “I'm sorry, but that's all I remember. It happened so fast, there was no time to even look at their ship, although from the height of the deck, I can only imagine that it's big.”

“Well, Ah guess that'll have to do for now. Thank you for your time, you have no idea how much this means to us.”

The captain bowed. “Anything for the Elements.”

Applejack turned to Rainbow. “Come on, let's meet up with Twilight and tell her what we found out!”

The earth pony jumped the entire length of the gangplank and hit the dock running while the pegasus shot off leaving a rainbow streak behind. Captain Wave Tumble shook his head and chuckled. “Heh, with the Elements of Harmony coming after them, I fear more for the safety of the pirates than the merchants!”

As Fluttershy and Twilight entered the office of Short Hop Shipping, a little bell above the door signaled their presence. The clerk behind the desk looked up for only a moment before returning to his paperwork, but then did a double take when he realized that a princess had just stepped through the front door.

“Your highness!” He stuttered, trying to bow but somehow finding that a desk was in the way of his head. “How may I assist you?”

“I wish to talk to the owner of this company.” Twilight said.

“Yes, yes, of course! Follow me!” He said as he maneuvered his way around the desk and led them upstairs. There were two apartments, and the clerk knocked on the second one.

“Enter!” The stallion inside bellowed. The clerk stepped in for a moment and exchanged some hushed sentences with his employer before stepping back out into the hallway.

“Mister Deal will see you now.” The clerk said while holding the door open.

Twilight and Fluttershy stepped into the office to find a unicorn stallion behind a large desk. “Your highness.” He said smoothly. “I am honored by your presence. My name is Fair Deal. Tell me, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”

Twilight ignored the stallion's flattery and walked straight up to the desk. “I wish to enlist the service of one of your ships.”

“Of course, of course, we have recently acquired the luxury yacht Pleasure. She can get you anywhere on the coast in comfort and speed.”

“I need a merchant ship.” Twilight said brusquely. “Not too fast, not too large, but loaded with plenty of cargo and northbound.”

Fair Deal was slightly confused. “Of. . . Course, that can be arranged. Will you be transporting cargo then?”

“No.” Twilight shook her head. “What I am about to tell you does not leave this office.” She said, placing a sound proof spell over the door to stop the clerk from listening in. “Your ship is to be bait for a specific band of pirates. I and five others will be aboard to ambush the pirates. That's all you need to know.”

The unicorn nodded. “I see. In that case then, I'm afraid I'm going to have to charge extra then. I cannot in good conscience send my ship out with the specific purpose of being attacked without being rightfully compensated for the task.”

“Of course.” Twilight said flatly. “Talk to the Royal Guard of the city, they will work out any payments that are required.”

“I will, you can be sure of that.” Fair Deal said while smiling broadly.

“Well then, I think our business here is done.”

“Yes it is. My clerk will fill out the necessary forms and direct you to a suitable ship. Now if you will excuse me, I have to attend to business.”

Twilight turned and walked back towards the door, but before she opened it she looked back and froze Fair Deal with an icy glare. “Oh, by the way, if word of this trip is leaked to anypony and the press gets a hold of it, you will be held responsible and will be tried for treason. Just a reminder.”

And on that note, Twilight and Fluttershy left the office, leaving Fair Deal to imagine what kind of horrors the crown could inflict upon him.

Chapter 3

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Miles out to sea, a strange ship lay at anchor. A dark shape made its way forward and with little difficulty, opened the door to the wheelhouse.

“Cap'n, yew wanted tae see me?” The pegasus mare asked as she stepped through the armored door.

The pegasus stallion in the tricorn hat nodded as he studied the maps. “Aye, we've been round these waters too long. I've got a feelin' that somethin's brewin' fer us.”

“The Roy'l Navy's been quiet, true.” She affirmed.

“Tis not the Navy I be fearin'. No, somethin' else is in the wind.”

The mare placed her front hooves on the table. “I s'pect that the last raid may have tickled the nest.”

The captain nodded again. “Aye, we'll loot one more ship an' then head south.”

“Aye Cap'n.”

Twilight and Fluttershy met up with the other two groups at a small cafe near the docks. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were there first and were eating hayburgers when Twilight and Fluttershy arrived. Sitting down, Twilight ordered a hayburger while Fluttershy asked for a water glass.

“So, what information did you girls find out?” Twilight asked.

“Not much that the report didn't have.” Applejack answered. “Although it seems as though these pirates ain't exactly your normal crew.”

“Yeah, the captain said that those pirates were almost too organized. They just took the cargo and left, no threatening or anything.” Rainbow Dash said, spraying crumbs from her half eaten burger.

Twilight lifted a hoof to block the crumbs and frowned. “Odd, I wonder if it's not actual pirates, maybe it's a foreign country trying subvert our economy by ruining trade.”

“Ah doubt it sugarcube.” Applejack finished her hayburger before continuing. “First off, we don't know of any country being hostile towards us, second off, there are a lot better ways to hit our country than the economy. Princess Celestia has the authority to redirect shipping as she sees it. Sure it might hurt Equestria, but in the long run it hardly matters. And third, there's the little matter of the ship itself. If there really is an alicorn behind it all, they could do a lot more damage than just affecting our trade. If Ah had to take a guess, Ah'd wager that it's just some pony abusing their power.”

Twilight frowned. “But why? What would a pony with that much power want with a bunch of pirates? It just doesn't add up.”

“Maybe, it's not a pony.” Fluttershy spoke up.

“What?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Maybe it's not a pony.” She repeated. “What if whatever is powering that ship wants to be a pirate, or simply doesn't even know what it's doing?”

The four considered this when Pinkie showed up with Rarity not far behind. Pinkie ordered a extra chocolaty shake topped with an entire pound of whipped cream while Rarity chose a sweet iced tea.

Pinkie managed to down her entire shake in less than fifteen seconds, unleashed a magnificent belch that only Pinkie could accomplish, and then asked how it went as if nothing had happened.

“Well,” Twilight began, “I managed to secure the perfect ship for our journey, but we're still going into this situation blind.”

Rarity levitated several bags over and opened them to reveal a set of dingy sweaters and caps that looked as though they had seen better days. However, Rarity wasn't the least put out by their appearance.

“Six sailpony outfits, just as you requested Twilight.” Rarity levitated each article of clothing out of the bags and showed them off as if they were brand new dresses that she made herself.

“Rarity, these are perfect!” Twilight exclaimed.

Applejack agreed. “Nopony will ever recognize us!”

“Now, I've got pegasus style sweaters for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, however I opted to get an earth pony jacket for Twilight to hide your wings.” Rarity said as she passed the clothing around.

“Excellent!” Twilight said while putting on the jacket. It was baggy and loose, but the extra room made it comfortable when her wings were tucked against her sides. She looked around at her friends, surprised at how much the clothes changed their appearances.

Everypony had a different outfit, from Pinkie's striped shirt, eye-patch and bandanna to Rarity's roughly sown fog jacket and beanie. Twilight looked each of them over for a few minutes and then nodded, evidently satisfied.

“Good work Rarity. We'll blend right in with the crew.” She said before turning to Pinkie. “Did you get food?”

“Sure did!” Pinkie said, happily playing with her eye-patch.

Twilight waited a few moments before asking the inevitable “Where is it?”

“I put it on the ship!”

“What ship?”

“The ship you chartered for us!”

“Pinkie, I haven't even told you what the name of the ship is.”

Applejack leaned into Rainbow Dash and whispered “Here it comes.”

“It's the Sea Venture!”

Twilight stared at Pinkie for a moment before taking a deep breath. “Just ignore it.” She mumbled. “It's just Pinkie, there's no reason to get excited.”

Rainbow Dash and Applejack hoof bumped. Fluttershy was about to tell Twilight that she had met Pinkie by chance near the market on the way to the cafe and told her what ship that they were going to be sailing on, but decided to say nothing instead.

Twilight was oblivious to the discreet chuckling of her four friends as she calmly worked herself back from a nervous breakdown.

“Okay, with that out of the way, I believe it's time we get acquainted with the ship.” She finally said.

“I couldn't agree more!” Rarity announced before covering her mouth to hide her last few giggles.

Arriving at the docks, Twilight quickly found the ship that she had hired. It wasn't too large, carrying only one mast with a square sail, but it's cargo hold was big enough to warrant a merchant designation.

As Twilight walked up the gangplank, she saw a unicorn arguing with an earth pony over a pile of grocery bags. Walking up to the two of them, Twilight gave a small cough to get their attention.

“What?” The unicorn whirled on her.

“Excuse me, but I believe that those are for me and my friends here.” Twilight gestured to her five companions. “We're-”

“I know, I know, the passengers!” The unicorn cut her off sharply. “Boss came down and said I had to take on six landlubbers. Didn't say why, just that I had to do it and keep quiet about it.”

Twilight gave a nervous laugh. “Well, about that, I need to talk to your captain.”

“You're looking at him!” The unicorn snarled.

“Oh, perfect, can we talk in private?” Twilight said hopefully.

“No, if you need something, ask one of my crew.” He said gruffly.

Twilight continued to press him. “Captain, this is a very delicate matter that I would prefer we discuss in your cabin.”

“Later, I'm busy! Now get your junk off my deck!”

Twilight frowned but didn't press the matter and picked up the groceries in her magic. “Where will we be staying?”

The captain pointed to the rear of the ship. “There's a cabin just in front of mine. It will be a bit cramped, but it's the best we can do.”

Twilight thanked him and carried the groceries to the cabin, followed by her friends. The cabin was small, but clean and there were six mattresses laid out on the floor. Placing the groceries in a cold spell to keep them fresh, Twilight walked back out on deck.

There she found the crew busily preparing to leave port, two earth ponies casting off lines while a trio of pegasi unfurled the sail. Standing on the rear deck was the captain giving orders with a helmspony skillfully maneuvering the ship away from the dock.

As soon as they were away and traveling down the channel towards the entrance of the harbor, Twilight made her move and cornered the captain.

“We need to talk, now.” She said.

“I'm busy.” He responded while trying to push past her.

“Captain, this concerns the safety of the ship and crew.”

He paused before continuing on. “I've been at sea longer than you've been around. I know perfectly well how to keep my crew safe and I don't need some landlocked mare telling me how to do my job.”

Twilight rolled her eyes and cast the teleportation spell she'd been preparing. The two of them were instantly transported to the captain's cabin where she shed her disguise. As her wings stretched out behind her, the captain took a step back in fear.

“My most humble apologies your highness!” He said as he prostrated himself on the deck.

Twilight picked him up in her magic and sighed. “Never ignore a pony when she gives you a warning, Captain. Far too many times have I seen others learn the hard way.”

The captain nodded rapidly, having difficulty finding his hooves once Twilight set him down. Clearing her throat, Twilight got down to business. “Captain, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but your ship has been chosen to act as bait.”

“What?” He asked incredulously.

“For the past year, a pirate ship has been harassing our trade lines along the coast.” Twilight explained while walking over to a map. “So far, the raids on our ships have been fairly peaceful, but the mere fact that the pirate ship is out there stealing cargo is already having an effect on our trade along the coast.”

The captain nodded. “So, you want my ship to get captured then?”

Twilight shook her head. “In essence yes, but no. As soon as the pirates show up, then the Elements of Harmony and I will apprehend them.

The captain grunted. “What makes you so sure that they'll come after my ship?”

Twilight pointed at the map. “The pirates have last been spotted somewhere in this area. From now on, every ship leaving port will have an Equestrian Navy escort.”

“Every ship but mine.” The captain mused.

“Exactly. We can't chase the pirates, so we're making them come to us.” Twilight smiled as she said this.

“Can you guarantee the safety of my crew is certain?” The captain asked.

“Captain, you have my word that I will do all that is within my power to keep your ship unharmed.” Twilight promised.

He chuckled. “Well, seeing as how you're an alicorn, I think I'll accept that.”

Twilight paused for a moment. “By the way Captain, I never did get your name.”

“Tide Rider, captain of the Sea Venture.” He said, offering a hoof.

Twilight placed her hoof in his and they shook. “Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship.”

Chapter 4

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The pegasus lookouts circled above the giant iron ship, keeping a watchful eye for any passing freighter that might hold valuable supplies. One of them peeled off and dove towards the ship, pulling up at the last minute to land on the fore deck in front of the wheelhouse.

“Cap'n.” She called to the pegasus stallion lounging on top of the cannon box.

“Aye.” He acknowledged.

“Yew were right. Somet'in's brewin'. Equestri'n Navy's out in force. They've got an escort for ev'ry ship in sight.”

The captain sat up and rubbed his jaw with his hoof. “This poses a problem. Yer sure that it's all ships?”

The mare nodded. “Aye! Ah've counted at least five merchants an' they're all protected!”

“Which way?” He asked.

“Pardon Cap'n?”

“Which way was they headin'?” He asked again.

“Sou't, all five.”

The captain nodded. “I figured as much. Ther' protectin' the trade between Manehattan an' Baltimare. Don' worry, there'll be a ship comin' north soon enough.”

The mare smiled. “If'n yew says it'll happen, then a ship'll be comin' nor't!”

He leaned back down again and began to rest, watching the pegasus mare take to the air again. “Aye.” He muttered. “It'll be comin' north, but do I dares take it?”

After giving it some thought, he nodded. “I believe I will. I s'pect they'll have naught but a few guards waitin' for me. Nothin' that the crew can't 'andle.”

Twilight practically flung herself at her bed, embracing the little comfort that it had to offer. They had been at sea for three days and so far nothing had happened except for getting over sea sickness and having to deal with Rainbow Dash going stir crazy.

She slowly drifted off into a deep sleep, the ship gently rocking her dreams of home.

“Princess! Princess Twilight!”

Twilight slowly stirred, glancing at the clock on the wall to find it was close to nine o'clock. Judging by the lack of light in the cabin, it was nine o'clock at night.

“Princess Twilight!” The voice called again.

Twilight bolted upright, her adrenaline pumping. The captain had never woken her before. “Is it the pirates? Are we under attack?”

“We do not know as of yet.” Captain Tide Rider said timidly. “All we know is that the lookout sighted some strange lights on the horizon before they suddenly vanished.”

“Wake my friends! I'll be up on deck!” Twilight jumped out of bed and pushed past the captain. The ship creaked as it rose on an unfamiliar swell and the sounds of the usual bustle aboard the coastal freighter had all but stopped.

She pushed open the door to the deck with her magic and stepped out into the brisk night air. The ship's crew moved quickly and quietly, taking in sail and trying to keep the ship as hidden as possible.

“Which way were the lights sighted?” She asked a passing sailpony.

“About thirty degrees off the port bow, Ma'am. Disappeared right about when we saw them.” The sailpony said nervously. “Captain says it matches the reports of those pirates. You think it might be them?”

There was the thump of several hooves on wood as her five friends ran out on deck with her, Captain Rider close behind them.

Twilight smiled at the sailpony. “Don't worry, we'll take care of any pirates.”

“Yeah!” Pinkie jumped up and down. “And then I'll throw a party when we capture them!”

“Aw yeah! We finally get to kick some pirate booty!” Rainbow Dash hoof pumped.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “I told you she say soon enough.”

“No one doubts your foresight, darling.” Rarity said as she applied makeup, combat makeup to be precise. “It's just that I believe we all saw that coming from Rainbow Dash.”

“What do ya mean by that?” Rainbow Dash growled and lowered herself to Rarity's eye-level.

Rarity kept on applying the green bars beneath her eyes. “Oh nothing darling. It's just that you're so predictable.”

“I'm not predictable!” Rainbow spiraled into the air. “In fact, I'm so unpredictable that-”

“RAINBOW DASH!” Twilight's yell and subsequent yank with her magic brought the multicolored pegasus down to the deck. “Remember, the object of this mission is to surprise and capture the pirates. We can't very well surprise them if they know we're on board!”

Rainbow hung her head sullenly. “Yeah, alright.” She muttered.

Twilight nodded, satisfied with Rainbow's half-hearted answer. “Good, now that we're on the same page, let's get down to business. The crew tells me that the pirates' lights were sighted a good distance off, and with the relatively calm winds, I can predict that it should take the pirates a good half hour to reach us. With that in mind-”

'HNNNNNNNNNNNK!'

Twilight's monologue was rudely interrupted by the sound of an extremely loud and obnoxious horn. The sailing vessel that they stood on was suddenly lifted by a large wave and Twilight's eyes were all but burned in their sockets when an bright light was aimed right at her.

She lost her footing on the violently rocking ship and fell onto her muzzle. A deep and menacingly laugh echoed around the surrounding waters and Twilight's blood ran cold.

“Well, well, well. Looks as if we found a little lost freighter.” The deep voice said, accompanied by the sound of many other voices laughing at the statement. “Don't worry! We'll help you along, soon as, haha, we take a token fee for our services.”

Twilight stood back up, trying to see who was doing the talking, but the light from the pirates was so bright that she couldn't see anything. Deciding to give the pirates fair warning before blowing them away, Twilight cleared her throat and issued her ultimatum.

“Surrender now, and I promise you that your punishment will be light!” She ordered. Using a dimmer spell to shield her eyes, she was able to see a little bit past the light and found that the pirate ship's deck was considerably higher than the one she was on. She could not see much else though, the entire ship was shrouded in darkness making it nothing more than a black shape in dark waters. A horrible smell filled Twilight's nostrils and she wrinkled her nose.

“AHAHA!” Came the laugh. There was flapping and a pegasus shape detached itself from the pirate ship. “Oh, such big words from a little filly such as yerself! Tell me, how do you plan on punishing us? Hurtful words? 'Cause that's about all you've got!”

There was more laughing from the pirate ship as the pegasus got closer. Twilight could barely distinguish the dirty yellow fur and the pirate's mane was hidden under a tricorn hat. A curved bladed was held in the stallion's right hoof.

Twilight cleared her throat and gave the pirate her best smile. “I leave the punishment up to the courts of Princess Celestia. It is merely my job to apprehend you.”

There was more raucous laughter from the pegasus as he circled Twilight. “Oh, and how will ye be doing that lassy? Batting your pretty eyes and sayin' please?”

“With my friends.” She calmly replied. That was the prearranged signal for the rest of the Bearers of the Elements to make a show of themselves.

According to Twilight's description, pirates were all cowards. The mere fact that the Elements of Harmony were facing them should be enough to subdue any pirate.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy shot off of the deck and took up orbit above the merchant ship while Rarity levitated some objects near her, Pinkie readied her party cannon which until this moment, Twilight had not even realized was on board, and Applejack. . . looked intimidating? The hat wasn't helping.

However, contrary to Twilight's original plan, the pirate did not instantly surrender, instead he laughed, a mocking and demeaning laugh. “Oh, so that's yer plan? A couple of pegasi, two earth ponies and two unicorns to stop an entire shipload o' pirates! Haha, that's rich, that is!”

Twilight chose this moment to pull off her jacket and reveal her wings, taking to the air. “I'm an alicorn, my name is Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship. And these are the bearers of the Elements of Harmony.” She announced.

“. . . Beg yer pardon?”

“You were just trapped by the Elements of Harmony! Now surrender!”

There was a heavy silence between the two parties, broken first by the pirate with a nervous chuckle. “Eheh, our mistake, yer worship, we'll be going now.”

Faster than Twilight had thought possible for a pegasus to move (except for Rainbow Dash), the pirate was back on his ship with a yell: “ALL AHEAD FULL! GET OUT OF HERE!”

There was a deep rumbling and the black shape of the pirate ship practically lept forward. The light turned off and night once again covered them.

“After them!” Twilight called. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were right there with her as she dive bombed the rear deck where she had seen the captain run to. It was uncharacteristically low to the water. She landed hard, trying to make an impression, but to her surprise the deck of the pirate ship was entirely metal. Her legs buckled for a moment from the hard impact. Five thumps followed almost immediately.

She looked around and saw the rest of her friends, Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie Pie having jumped from the freighter to the pirate ship just in time to catch the rear deck as it passed by.

There was no time for a reunion though as a crossbow bolt shot past Twilight's left ear and bounced off of the metal deck. She quickly identified the pony who had tried to end her life on the deck above and ahead and shot a stun spell at it.

The pony ducked and the spell ricocheted off the metal.

“What?” Twilight asked nopony. “My spell is supposed to go through materials, it can't bounce!”

There was a clank of metal and the same pirate as that Twilight had been chasing stepped out onto the same deck as them. “Leave now!” He yelled. “Or I'll not be responsible for your fates. If'n ye surrender peacefully, we'll take ye back to yer ship and be done with ya!”

“Fat chance slimeball!” Rainbow Dash yelled as she charged towards him. The pirate turned and was back through the door before Rainbow even got near him. She flew through the open doorway with the rest of the Element Bearers hot on her heels.

As soon as they were through, the door slammed shut behind them, leaving the six in darkness.

“Ah gave ye fair warning, now look what ye've forced me into.” The pirate's voice echoed from in front of them.

Twilight lit her horn, illuminating the darkened space. There wasn't much save for a pegasus wearing a tricorn hat standing by the far bulkhead. He held his cutlass out in front of him, wavering in fear.

“Give up!” Rainbow shouted.

“Nay, I'll not be doing that today.” The pirate said.

“Order your crew to surrender, or else we'll take the ship by force.” Twilight said as she menacingly approached him.

He lowered his sword. “I'm afraid that you'll not be takin' anypony pris'ner today.”

Twilight scowled. “Pretty brave of you to take all six of us on by yourself.”

The pirate's expression of fear faded and he gave a slight chuckle, and then coughed. “Eheh, 'cough' aye, but sometimes, a cap'n has to put his ship 'cough' above himself. And if'n that means takin' the plunge 'cough', then that is what I'm prepared to do.”

Twilight was about to ask what he was talking about and establish that she was only there to capture him when he collapsed onto the floor.

“What?” She asked groggily as the room began to swim. “Guys?” She called out, stumbling to one side. There was a thud, then another and another. Twilight looked back to see Pinke, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy on the deck unconscious. Behind them, in a corner, sat several open containers that leaked fluid.

“No.” She muttered as Applejack and Rarity fell to the deck.

“No.” She said again as her legs gave out and she crashed down on top of them.

“No.” She whispered as her eyes slowly began to close.

“No. . .”

Chapter 5

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“Cap'n, what in the name of tah reaper were yew thinkin'? Ah've told yew time an' time agin that yew leave any boarders tae me!” The pegasus mare all but screamed at her captain. She angrily tossed her crossbow onto the chart table.

“They was chasin' me!” The captain spat back while holding his head. “I saw an opportunity an' I too'kit!”

“What if they attacked yew before they went down?” The mare asked angrily.

“They're the Elements of Harm'ny, now will ye quit yer yelling? Me head feels as though it'd be split open.” The captain said, desperately clutching at his head.

The mare sighed heavily before walking over to the big unicorn standing in the doorway. He offered her the ice that had been taken from the ship's miraculous coolers and wrapped in a bandanna. Picking it up with her teeth, the pegasus mare walked back to the captain and gave it to him.

“Thanks.” He said before pressing to his head.

The mare was about to say something, but stopped and instead left the room. Walking out on deck, she took in a large gulp of the cool night air. The constant thrum of the strange engines vibrated up through the ship and into her hooves. It made her feel good, feel powerful.

The ship was still a marvel to her, it seemed as though the crew was always finding some new innovation aboard that only deepened the mystery of who built it and why. With a loud groan, she popped her wing joints and lay down on the metal deck, still warm from the day's sun.

There was a clattering of hooves and a small earth pony filly ran up to her. “Miz Stalker! Miz Stalker! The prisoners are waking!”

The mare was instantly up and facing down the little filly. “WHAT?” She yelled.

The filly fell over backwards in her attempt to keep her distance from the pegasus, but she managed to say her piece. “Mister Big Sail said to come get you and the captain! He said the prisoners are stirring!”

In a swift motion, the pegasus was airborne over the deck for less than a second before doing a corkscrew dive into one of the open deck hatches. She flared her wings at the last moment and hit the deck running, not bothering to use the impossibly steep staircases, instead merely diving head first into the hatch and rolling into a sprint through the corridors. Within moments, she arrived at the brig where the stallion known as Big Sail waited for her.

“The princess is starting to move, though she hasn't gotten up yet.” He explained.

The pegasus mare slowed her breathing and calmly nodded in affirmation. “Perfect.” She said with a smile.

Twilight's head hurt, that was all she knew. Desperately, she tried to figure out what happened and began to replay the events her mind. She groggily remembered something about a ship, pirates and. . . wait, pirates?

There was a loud clang, causing Twilight great pain in her head and she sat upright too quickly, causing even more pain.

“On yer hooves!” A loud voice yelled, causing Twilight to hate life for the pain that it was currently inflicting upon her head.

“Ow.” She whispered.

Still the voice persisted in torturing her. “Ah said on yer hooves!”

Twilight looked around and found she was in a small metal box with a barred door on one side. There was a gentle rocking motion that suggested she was on a ship and a constant vibration that Twilight couldn't put her hoof on as to what it was. On the other side of the bars was a cruel looking pegasus mare that hammered on the bars with her hoof. The sound made Twilight double over in pain as she clutched at her head.

“Com'on! Get up!” The mare yelled. “Ah've fought with worse than what yew've got!”

Twilight slowly got to her hooves and studied her surroundings with more scrutiny. The metal box was tall, tall enough for a fully grown minotaur to stand in without fear of hitting his horns. On one side was an oversized bed and underneath the bed was a bucket.

“Oh no.” Twilight whispered.

“Aye lassie, this not be a dream!” The pegasus mare chuckled darkly. “An' don' get any ideas aboot magicking yer way out! That's the most powerful inhibitor ring we could find, an' even if yew could take it off, these walls be magic proof!”

“Impossible!” Twilight said a little bit too loud, feeling the pain in her head spike.

The mare chuckled again. “Nay, nothin' be impossible on this ship!”

Twilight groaned and looked at her. “Who are you? Where are we and what have you done with my friends?”

The mare thought about this for a second before answering. “Tae answer the first; Storm Stalker be me name, Ah'm but a humble pirate, sec'nd in command to the cap'n of this here vessel. As fer the second question, Ah'm not too sure for Ah have'nae taken a look at the charts as of late. An' fer the third, well, why don' yew ask them yerself? I do believe they be wakin' up.”

Twilight looked past the pirate to see three other cells, each holding another pony. She could see Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy across the passageway, and she could also hear Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie to the left of her cell.

Rainbow Dash was the first to realize that her new room was not a luxury suite and promptly raised her voice to a level normally reserved for Luna's Canterlot Royal Voice. Twilight groaned and tried to cast a sound proofing spell across the door to her cell, but the inhibitor ring delivered a shock to her horn as she did so.

The pirate laughed at her pain and ignored Rainbow's outburst. “Ah'm sorry Princess, but as Ah said before, that be the most powerful inhibitor ring we could lay our dirty hooves on.”

Rarity promptly ran up to the door of her own cell, an inhibitor ring preventing her from grabbing the pirate and throwing her across the passageway. “Let us out immediately! Do you realize who we are?”

The pegasus whirled on Rarity and was at her door in the blink of an eye. “AYE!” The pirate yelled. “AYE! AH KNOW WHO YE BE!”

Rarity shrunk back to the far part of her cell in an effort to put as much distance between her and the wild-eyed mare at her cell door.

“WHY?” The pirate bellowed. “WHY COULD YE NOT LEAVE US BE? WHY DID YE HAVE TO COME AFTER OUR LITTLE SHIP?”

Twilight cringed at the pirate's yelling, but she took the initiative to defend her friend and also try and coerce some information from the mare. “Because you're criminals! You attacked innocent trading vessels and stole their hard-earned cargo!”

The pirate turned back to Twilight, her eyes glinting dangerously. “Aye, that we did. We took what we needed, an' no more. Cap'n expected trouble, but fer yew to show up. . .”

The pirate's shoulders sagged and she slowly began to make her way towards the only door in the passageway.

“Equestria will have our heads fer sure.” She mumbled loud enough for only Twilight to hear.

“Hey!” Rainbow Dash yelled. “I'm not finished with you! Get back here!”

The heavy slam of a metal door was her only response. Twilight looked away from the door and began to take stock of the situation. “Rarity, are you alright?” She quietly called.

Rarity stepped forward and nodded, though thoroughly shaken by the pirate. “Yes, of course dear.”

“Applejack?”

“Still here!” Applejack called from the cell next to Rarity's. “Though my head feels as if Big Mac just bucked it.”

Twilight sighed. “I feel the same way. Fluttershy?”

A tiny voice called out from the cell farthest from her own. “I'm okay.”

“Rainbow Dash?”

“Yeah, here.” She said grumpily.

“Pinkie Pie?”

A pink hoof reached out from the cell next to Twilight's. “Right here!”

Twilight didn't even know how she accomplished a feat as simple as that, the bars were much too close together for a pony to put a hoof through. Her headache was receding though, so she was able to think a little more clearly.

Using only just the slightest hint of magic, she pushed on the inhibitor ring. It delivered a mild shock as well as suppressing her magic. Twilight grimaced. This particular type of ring had been banned by the Equestrian military for being cruel to prisoners, but it did have a fatal flaw.

The ring was designed with the idea that the unicorn wearing the ring would be using attack magic, and so the ring was able to counter quick but strong amounts of magic effectively while also delivering a shock to the wearer. However, it was too delicate to handle exposure to magic over a long period of time and would burn out.

It still remained the most popular inhibitor ring of the underworld due to the fact that the longer the magic was used, the more it shocked the user. It would take a unicorn an entire day of constant magical pressure against the ring in order for it to short out, and in that time the wearer could possibly receive major injuries to their horn or skull.

However, there was one thing that the designers had never counted on, the ring was currently being worn by an alicorn. Twilight figured it would take her about four or five hours to overload the ring, an easy enough task given the large amounts of power Twilight held in reserve. As for the electrocuting of her brain, that could easily be taken care of in the form of a shield spell on the ring itself. The result would leave the ring a useless piece of metal and Twilight unscathed and ready for combat.

The door opened and the sound of tiny hooves echoed through the passageway. A green unicorn filly with a lemon mane and tail pranced through the open door while holding six trays in her magic. She happily walked up to Twilight's cell and stared in amazement.

“Cor! You really are a princess!” She squealed in delight.

With an elaborate flourish, the filly managed a bow while at the same time slipped one of the trays through the opening in the bars. It floated gracefully down and landed on the floor, revealing a porridge type substance in a flat bowl, two pieces of fruit and a cracker.

Twilight looked down at the tray and then back at the filly. “Thank you!” She beamed.

The filly jumped up and down for joy while the five other trays were whipped off to the other cells. The little unicorn didn't even look at what she was doing as her magic threaded the five trays through the opening and placed them on the floors in front of the Twilight's friends.

“Are you really the Princess of Friendship?” The filly asked excitedly. “Does that mean we can be friends? I've always wanted to be friends with a princess!”

Twilight nodded eagerly. “Of course! I'd love to be your friend! What's your name?”

The filly could barely contain her joy as she hopped back and forth. “My name's Sour Rain, but most ponies around here call me Drip! We don't talk much!”

Twilight frowned as she took a bite out of her fruit. “Well, I'm not most ponies. Sour Rain, my name is Twilight Sparkle, and I'd be happy to talk to you anytime you want.”

The unicorn's squeal of delight could probably be heard throughout the entire ship. “Oh would you? That'd be the best thing ever!”

There was a clank and the door opened up to reveal a large unicorn. “Drip!” He barked. “Quit playin' around an' get back to the kitchens!”

Sour Rain turned and saluted with her left hoof. “Aye aye, mistah Big Sail!”

Her horn glowed again and six trays made their way through the bars and stacked themselves. She looked at Twilight and smiled again. “It was so nice meeting you Miss Twilight! I'll be back again later with dinner!”

Rain turned to leave, but stopped. “Oh! I forgot! Welcome aboard the Marblehead!”

Twilight waved at the unicorn as she dashed through the opening, the trays following as if they were pursuing the little filly. The door slammed shut and Twilight and her friends were alone again.

Twilight leaned against the side of her cell, several thoughts filling her head. First and foremost was how to win over the Sour Rain and get her to help Twilight and her friends. Then Twilight would have to figure out how to subdue the crew and somehow take the ship back into Equestrian waters.

Finally, the last few nagging question made its way to the front of her mind. Who built this ship, how did they build it out of materials that reflected magic, was there an alicorn aboard, and who in their right minds would name a ship the Marblehead?

Big Sail slammed the door shut and turned to Storm Stalker and Sour Rain.

“Well?” He asked.

In a flash of green fire, the little filly turned into a bulky earth pony stallion. “She's up to something.” He said.

Storm Stalker sighed. “Well, Ah'll go tell the cap'n.

Chapter 6

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“Wakey wakey!” A familiar voice suddenly broke into Twilight's dreamless sleep and she bolted upright before groaning and settling back into her bed.

“None o' that!” Storm Stalker yelled at her, rattling the bars of her cell with the tip of a crossbow.

“All pris'ners! On yer hooves an' standin' at the back o' yer cells!” She yelled, waving the crossbow and making sure that everypony saw it. As soon as the six prisoners had complied with Storm's orders, she nodded at the doorway. The unicorn stallion who was perpetually stationed outside walked in with two buckets held in his magic.

He stopped outside Twilight's cell and waited. Slowly and carefully, Storm Stalker took her battered tricorn hat off and retrieved a key from its lining. She passed it to Big Sail, but strangely enough he took it in his mouth rather than levitating it with his magic. The unicorn inserted the key into the lock and turned it, allowing the cell to swing open of its own accord.

Storm Stalker kept Twilight's head right in the crossbow sights as Big Sail took an empty bucket and a bucket of water and placed them in Twilight's cell before picking up the waste bucket and empty water bucket. Backing out, but never taking his eyes off of Twilight, he closed the door and removed the key.

Big Sail took the two buckets and walked out. He returned with another empty bucket and water bucket for Rarity's cell. The process was repeated without any complications apart from Pinkie requesting a bake off with the cook until the two pirates reached Rainbow Dash's cell.

Twilight didn't know what happened, only that there was a loud clang of a bucket and Big Sail emitted a grunt. Storm Stalker yelled an intelligible phrase that Twilight was sure she did not want to understand and then there was a lot of scuffling.

“Let 'er have it, Rainbow!” Applejack yelled in encouragement, her eyes full of excitement that quickly died.

“Yew ever do that again, ye little blue barnacle, and Ah'll show yew what the insides o' yer head are made of!” Storm Stalker said from down the passageway.

Soon enough, the final cell door clanged shut and the two pirates made their way to the door. Storm Stalker shot a menacing glare in Applejack's direction.

“Ah'd advise yew tae keep such sentiments tae yerself in the future!” She growled.

As the pirates passed Twilight's cell, she could see a large dent in one of the empty buckets and she overheard Storm quietly berating Big Sail.

“Yew call yerself a pirate? Lettin' yerself be taken by a little mare like that?” She seethed.

Big Sail mumbled his apologies as he shut the door behind them. Twilight carefully counted to five before taking a deep breath.

“RAINBOW DASH! She yelled. “DO YOU HAVE SOME KIND OF DEATHWISH?”

“I just thought that-” Came the halfhearted response.

“SHE HAD A CROSSBOW!” Twilight cut her off.

“That I blocked!” Rainbow Dash protested.

“It's true!” Applejack came to her defense. “Big Sail was down for the count and Storm had already fired her crossbow and missed!”

“What?” Twilight stared at Applejack in surprise.

Applejack nodded. “Only problem was, that mare's more dangerous with her hooves than any critter Ah've seen!”

“Yeah! I had the jump on her and she pinned me without even trying!” Rainbow Dash said, Twilight could have have sworn that she heard a hint of jealousy in the pegasus's tone.

Twilight pondered these facts as she slowly took a deep breath to calm herself. The gentle rocking of the ship helped sooth her nerves and in less than a minute she was composed and back to her over analyzing self.

With a cautious push, she began her work at the inhibitor ring. “Just hold on Rainbow Dash, we'll make our move soon, so just hold on until I say so.”

Storm Stalker was still a raging inferno when she burst into the chart room. “Cap'n, we 'ave tae get those ponies off this ship!”

The pegasus nodded as he looked over the charts. “Aye, that we do.” He said calmly.

“Now! Cap'n.” Storm slammed her hooves down on the table.

The captain ignored her as he flipped up the top chart and looked at an enlarged section of an island on the chart below. “Aye. An' I've a plan fer that.”

Storm rolled her eyes and heaved a large sigh. “Would it be tae much trouble tae ask what it is then?”

“No, an' I'll tell ye if'n ye'll shut up long enough fer me to finish up some of ta finer details.” He said.

Storm sat down, frustrated. There were very few creatures who could talk to her like the captain did and get away with it. Even a dragon would tread lightly around the dangerous mare, but the captain could dress her down in front of the entire crew and she wouldn't even move a muscle against him.

Finally, he let the chart fall down and looked at her. “Well, here's me plan.”

Storm stood up and waited expectantly.

“The way I figure it, Equestria's a might angry about us kidnappin' their precious Elements, so it be obvious that takin' the Marblehead anywhere near the coastline be a fools errand.” He said, pointing at Equestria. “The minute we're spotted, the whole Royal Navy will be upon us. That's why I've set sail fer Ghost Island.”

Storm looked at him in confusion. “But, we cannae keep them here. They will find us eventually.”

“Aye!” The captain said. “So that's why we take them back in a different ship. I've been thinkin', the Sea Treader is still seaworthy, an' with a bit of work-”

“Cap'n, the Sea Treader?” Storm exclaimed. “She's been sittin' on the rocks for a year now! Yew yerself said she was a lost cause!”

“I never said that! I said we have better things to do than float her!” He shot back. “Now, we have reason get her floatin', an' we can tow her out using the Marblehead so she don't get tossed on the rocks agin. Once we're safely near the coastline, we set those landlubbers on the tub and let the Navy handle it from there!”

Storm considered the captain's proposal, and then thought of any other options that they could take. “What if we dropped 'em off on Tortoise Island?”

“Tortoise Island? Are ye daft?” The captain asked. “First off, every pirate on that island t'would rather see this ship on the bottom than in their harbor! Secondly, the minute we set those fillies on that island, they'll be bound up an' held captive by a lot whose moral code is rather substandard!”

Storm sighed and hung her head. He was right, as usual. “Aye Cap'n. Ah'll chart us a course fer Ghost Island.”

He nodded. “Thank ye. Now if'n ye needs me, I'll be down in the cargo holds.”

The two pirates left the chart room, one making for the wheelhouse, the other climbing down the ladders.

Drip entered the galleys, his usual form of the brown earth pony covering his true identity. Culinary looked up at him as he entered.

“Ye know dat ye don' 'ave tae keep dat disguise on.” Culinary said, using his talons to slice a carrot apart. “Da crew is perfectly fine wit' ye being who ye arrrr.”

Drip gave a shy smile and put a hoof behind his head. “Yeah, I'm just doing it for Water Rose. She's scared of me.”

“Oooh no ye arrrrn't.” Culinary scoffed, picking up a mallet and pointing at Drip with the head. “Dat little filly 'as more backbone dan 'alf da crew, an' she thinks ye're armor is 'cool' tae look at. Ye're doin' it fer her mother, Missus Flowers. Ev'rypony knows dat she's scared of yew, and ev'rypony's seen ye makin' googly eyes at her when she ain't lookin'.”

Drip felt his face heat up and he quickly turned away, denying it vehemently. “I don't look at her like that! It was just that one time when she almost fell overboard! I just wanted to make sure she was alright!”

Culinary smashed the potatoes with the hammer one after the other. “Aye, an' how many times 'as she almost fallen overboard?”

“Um. . .”

Culinary emphasized each statement with the smash of a potato. “Da sooner ye accept who ye arrrr, *Smash* da sooner she'll accept it! *Smash* Da sooner da both of ye accept it, *Smash* da sooner ye can stop beatin' around da bush.” *Smash*

Drip hung his head. “As if. She'd never accept a monster like me.”

The smash of three potatoes being crushed in rapid fire startled him. Culinary angrily shoved the flattened potatoes into a pot. “There ye go agin! Ye're not a monster! No more dan I or any other creature on dis crew!”

He skillfully ladled the contents of another pot into six bowls and set them on six more trays. “Now take dis tae da pris'ners! An' don' let me hear no more o' dat talk settin' yerself down! I've got ears allover dis ship!”

Drip nodded and changed into the little unicorn that Twilight knew as Sour Rain. Grasping the six trays in his magic, he darted down into the passageways, dodging various obstacles and crew members before finally stopping in front of the door Big Sail stood guard over.

He grunted hello and opened the door. Drip dashed inside, a big smile on his little, female muzzle. “Hello Princess! I brought food!”

Twilight's grin was forced, and she looked tired, but she gladly took the food and proceeded to try and talk to the bouncy little unicorn. Drip was careful with his words, never answering any specific questions about the crew or the ship and kept trying to steer the conversation to make small talk about Twilight's dangerous adventures.

Soon enough, Big Sail was yelling again and Drip gathered up the trays before bolting out the door. It slammed shut behind him as he shifted back into his earth pony form and looked at Big Sail.

“The princess is going to try something.” He said worriedly. “She keeps asking about the crew size and how the ship works. Also, she didn't look too good, I think she might be trying to remove the ring.”

Big Sail nodded. “Go tell Storm, she'll need to hear this.”

“Ah already have.” Storm said as she appeared around a corner. She leaned against the side of the ship and tested the tip of her crossbow bolt. “If she does, I won't miss a second time.” She said darkly.

Chapter 7

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The storm came up violently, ripping through the ocean like a bull trying to run down a flower. Ships tossed about like corks in a tub, sails ripped as though they were made of paper, harbors flooded and piers turned into matchsticks.

Battling through the very eye of the storm, a metal behemoth crashed through wave after wave, climbing the mountainous seas and cresting each top with a shudder before falling into the valleys in between. The bow slammed into the water, disappearing to those standing in the wheelhouse before rising out again in defiance of the sea. Rain pelted the decks with an unforgiving fury while lightning found purchase on the tall mast multiple times.

Safely below decks, Twilight strained at her inhibitor ring. The smoldering piece of metal refused to give up its grasp on her horn, holding tight with a stubbornness that rivaled Twilight's. Her shield spell pushed against the ring, blocking the electrical charge that threatened to fry her horn.

Finally, she felt it give little by little, and slowly the ring began it's meltdown until finally it fell from her horn. In an instant, Twilight felt power flowing through her veins, her magic was back in full force. She gave a triumphant laugh that attracted the attention of her friends.

“Twi!” Applejack quietly called. “Did you get it?”

“Yes!” She exclaimed. “I got it! Stand back girls, I'm going to rip us out of here!”

Her horn glowed with power and she focused on the bars of her cell. Nothing.

“What?” She said, stunned.

“Twilight!” Rarity whispered. “They said the ship was magic proof!”

“I know, but I thought they were bluffing!” Twilight explained. She sat down, contemplating her next move. Idly, she began to play with the now ruined inhibitor ring with her magic. With a start, she paused to look at the ring while a smile grew on her face.

“Rarity! Take cover!” She called, the ring beginning to orbit her.

Rarity took one look at what Twilight was doing and dove to the far side of the cell, hiding behind the cot. The ring circled around Twilight until it became a blur, then Twilight released it right at the lock of the door. It crashed through the box that contained the tumblers and out the other side, hitting the far wall with a clang. The door to Twilight's cell eased open.

The door at the end of the passageway flew open and the burly unicorn stepped in.

“What's going on here?” He yelled before spying the open cell.

The stallion yelped and turned to try to run, but he was suddenly caught up in Twilight's magic.

“Prisoners escapin'!” He hollered before Twilight's magic closed around his muzzle.

There was a clatter of trays from the passageway beyond the door and another pirate began screaming out the news. Twilight worked quickly, breaking open each of her friends' cell before tossing the unicorn inside one of them, his legs bound by Applejack's bed sheets.

“Come on!” She said, hurrying out of the doorway.

The ship was rocking violently, making even walking a chore of its own. One moment, the deck was slanted to one side and pitching down and the next it was thrown to the other side and the girls were climbing. The doors were all resistant to Twilight and Rarity's magic and had to be opened by hoof instead, and Twilight tried to teleport out of the ship but all she managed to do was smack her head on the ceiling.

The inside of the ship was practically a maze of corridors, rooms and pipes, and all of it reflected magic. It was close quarters, perfect for an ambush. Twilight decided that their best chance of escape would be on the deck of the ship where Twilight and Rarity could use their magic freely while Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash could take to the air.

Climbing a ladder that was all but impossible for a normal pony to make their way up, Twilight unscrewed the hatch and pushed it open. Rain poured down on her from above while sea water splashed into the hatch. Still, she climbed out of it and onto the deck.

The sight of the mountainous seas took her breath away, and she was stunned to see that the ship was actually climbing one of the giant waves. Lightning flashed all around her, illuminating the ship's features. Two metal structures, one forward and one aft of her seemed to tower above the ship, while four large cylinders stood imposingly to her left. Several tubes poked out the sides of the ship, suggesting that the ship held cannons.

However, the most frightening scene of all was the thirty or so pirates lining the railings of the metal structure forward of her position. There were a lot of the standard pirates, large unicorns, earth ponies bristling with muscle, and pegasi whose sleek forms were rendered useless in the rain, but what surprised Twilight the most was standing next to them were the forms of a griffon, a couple of thestrals, a hooded figure, a pony-sized dragon, and a changeling.

Standing in front of them was Storm Stalker. Her dark blue coat and black mane was completely soaked and her hat sat at a crooked angle, but this only made her look scarier than before. Her crossbow was pointing directly at Twilight, the metal bolt glinting in the light of the storm.

Twilight felt her friends take position beside her, and she slowly advanced. Several large pirates jumped down to the deck to stand with Storm Stalker.

“That's far enough, Sparkles!” She shouted above the storm.

Twilight charged her horn. “Tell your crew to stand down, or I will force them to!”

Storm didn't even flinch. “Than do it! Yew might be an alicorn, but yew still bleed!”

The ship dove into another wave, yet everypony managed to stay upright.

“I don't want to hurt anypony!” Twilight screamed over the sound of the waves. “I'm offering you a chance to surrender!”

“NEVER!” Storm Stalker screamed back and she leapt at Twilight, using the downward motion of the ship as it crested another wave to aid her momentum. Twilight's horn flashed and a shield spell materialized in front of her and her friends. Storm bounced off and slid backwards, catching herself. With a growl she raised her crossbow. Twilight kept the shield spell up to block the bolt, but it never came.

One moment Storm was facing her with more rage and hate than Twilight had ever seen in a pony, the next a pegasus stallion was by Storm's side, gently pushing the crossbow to the deck. Storm stared at the newcomer, pain and sadness in her eyes. Twilight couldn't hear what was being said, but it sounded as if Storm was almost pleading the stallion.

Lightning lit up the ship like a camera flash and Twilight recognized the stallion's dirty yellow coat and slightly darker mane underneath the battered tricorn hat. A gleaming sword was held in the hoof that had forced Storm to lower her crossbow.

The pirate captain turned to Twilight, his eyes hidden by the hat. Water poured over the captain from another wave, and he slowly approached the Elements of Harmony. Stopping only a few paces in front of them, he raised the brim of his hat so that he could look Twilight directly in her eyes.

“We'll not be surrendering today.” He said loudly to make himself heard over the crash of the waves. “I tried, Princess. I wanted not but to send ye on yer way. One week an' ye'd have been free as a bird. But ye had to push me.”

Twilight set her jaw and took a step forward. “We can't let you free! You broke the law! You're criminals!”

Anger flashed in the captain's eyes. “AYE!” He yelled with fury. “EACH AN' EV'RY ONE OF US!”

He pointed with his sword at the griffon. “Culinary Beak! Cast out from his home by the griffons fer bein' part pony! Shunned by ponies fer bein' part griffon!”

Then the captain pointed at the dragon. “Dead Fire! Thrown out by the dragons fer not bein' able to breath fire!”

The sword changed to point at the changeling. “Drip! Chased and starved halfway 'cross Equestria, all 'cause he was born a changeling!”

“AN' ME!” The captain yelled. “CAPTAIN TRADE BREAKER! BORN INTO A FAMILY O' SEA CAPTAINS ONLY TO BE CURSED FROM BIRTH TO NEVER SAIL A STEADY COURSE!”

He raised his sword and threw it on the deck were it slid to a stop in front of Twilight.

“WE BE CRIMINALS O' THE WORST KIND!” He yelled. “OUTCASTS! SO HIT US WITH YER BEST SHOT PRINCESS! STRIKE US DOWN ONE BY ONE! T'WILL ONLY BE A DROP IN THE SEA O' TEARS THAT FLOATS THIS SHIP O' MISFITS!”

Twilight stumbled back, tripping over her own hooves, her eyes wide with fear and confusion.

“I-I didn't-” She stuttered.

“DIDN'T WHAT?” The captain bellowed. “Didn't know that we've been kicked by ev'ry last one of our own? Didn't know that our only option fer survival lay in this ship? Or maybe you just didn't care?”

“No! I just want to help-” Twilight began.

“YE CAN HELP BY LEAVING US ALONE!” He screamed in her face. “JUST LEAVE US ALONE!”

The ship crashed through another wave, showering them in spray. Water dripped down from Twilight's face, but she saw tears raining from the stallion who stood in front of her. She stared at him as his breathing slowed and his voice became calm.

“So, what'll it be, Princess?” He asked. “Are we to be subjected to the laws of the lands that broke our very backs once again?”

Twilight stood frozen, her brain telling her to say something, anything, but nothing came out of her mouth. The captain turned around and walked off, stopping by the Storm Stalker. From her expression, she was as stunned as Twilight by the outburst.

She nodded once at the captain and slowly stepped towards Twilight and her friends. She stopped a safe distance away, her posture tense and her tone cautious.

“Cap'n says that he want's yew bunkin' in his room.” She said. “An' that he'll talk later when the storm is over.”

Twilight nodded dumbly. Storm Stalker turned and motioned for the six ponies to follow her, but Rainbow Dash came up beside Twilight, her eyes full of suspicion.

“Twilight!” She said. “He's lying, there's no way that all that happened!”

“No.” Applejack said as she stepped up alongside Rainbow. “He didn't lie.”

Slowly, the group made its way across the rocking deck. The pirates stood to one side as they passed. Twilight looked at the pirates and what she saw drove her down even further.

The anger and malice she had been expecting to see was replaced by sadness and fear. Did she really do that to them? Was she really that scary to them as to inspire such mournful expressions?

For the first time since this strange adventure began, Twilight questioned who really was the bad guy on this ship.

Far across the sea, safely hidden away from the prying eyes of the Equestrian Royal Navy lay a small speck of land known as Tortoise Island. Although not large enough to hold it's own economy, the island was a booming center for taverns and brothels of all types due to the fact that it was a safe haven for pirates.

The dock front was crowded with hastily erected buildings packed to bursting with drunken pirates, happily drinking their easily earned plunder away. There were beings of all types; ponies, gryphons, zebras, minotaurs, even a few threstrals scattered amongst the various crews. It didn't matter what you were, on Tortoise Island, you were welcomed as long as you had the bits to spend.

Located somewhat farther from the docks sat a lone tavern, isolated from the loud and brawling crews. The drinks here were more expensive, the flagons of a finer style, and the mood more somber. This was the captain's tavern, an exclusive club that a normal sailspony could be hung in the streets should they dare to enter without a captain's express permission.

Such was the case with Information Booth as he slowly and quietly opened the door. Almost immediately, two gryphons were at his throat, their sharpened talons threatening to draw blood.

“State yer business pony.” The first one silently hissed.

“Or face the consequence.” The second one finished.

“I'm here to see Captain Longhorn!” Booth wheezed. “He's expecting me.”

The first gryphon noiselessly left, leaving Booth and the second gryphon for an uncomfortably long time. Finally he returned and nodded, signaling the first gryphon to release the shivering unicorn. They silently escorted him to a table where a hulking minotaur sat, slowing drinking ale while studying a large map.

His black hide was a crisscross of scars and his left horn had been broken off about halfway up. Golden hoops hung from his ears and silvery armor glinted in the firelight while a small pair of spectacles sat comically on his nose, although nopony had ever told him that and lived. He looked at Information Booth and waved the two gryphons off. They left without a word.

“So, I take it the Devil Dog made it to port safely.” The minotaur said huskily.

Booth nodded as he took a seat near the captain. “Aye, aye. A few close calls, but nothing that could not be avoided.”

The minotaur snorted. “Maybe if Captain Rusty Barbs was not so cowardly, he could bring in a profit one of these days.”

The unicorn faithfully nodded. “Aye, but Captain Longhorn, something's up.”

“Speak yer piece.”

The unicorn glanced around as if he expected somepony to be listening before leaning in close and speaking as quietly as possible. “There's been rumors, about the Marblehead.”

Longhorn retrieved a dagger and stabbed the table with such anger and force that Booth jumped back in fear, however most of the tavern's patrons ignored him.

With a low and menacing growl, Longhorn spoke. “Speak not of that cursed iron ship lest she be at the bottom of the sea or tossed upon the rocks.”

Booth nodded quickly. “Of course of course!” He tried to sooth Longhorn's temperament. “It's just, um, I think you need to hear this.”

When Longhorn didn't say anything, he continued. “My contacts in the Equestrian chain of command have given me some interesting information. Apparently, the Elements of Harmony were seen traveling to Manehattan and conversing with a shipping company. Shortly afterwards, six ponies matching their descriptions were seen boarding a coastal tramp that left later that day. Interestingly enough, that was the only ship to leave the harbor without a Navy escort. A week later, the ship shows up in port with the six ponies in question missing!”

Longhorn eyed him skeptically. “And this has to do with the Marblehead how?”

Booth swallowed before continuing. “Well, apparently, that ship was attacked by the Marblehead! And the Elements were taken captive!”

Longhorn snorted. “Hah! You've been taken fer a fool! Even that ship couldn't stand up to an alicorn!”

Booth bobbed his head in agreement, but continued to speak. “Yes, yes, I was disbelieving at first, but then I saw the fleets.”

Longhorn raised an eyebrow. “Fleets?”

“The entire Equestrian Navy has been mobilized!” Booth said hurriedly. “Not a single ship is left in port! Every last dreadnought, frigate and cutter has been put to sea! Reports say that Princess Celestia herself is on board the flagship!”

Longhorn's arm shot out and he pulled Booth in. “If you're lyin' to me. . .”

“No!” Booth managed a strangled gasp. “I swear it!”

Longhorn let him go and Booth began to breathe again. “There's one more thing.”

“What?”

“I saw the Marblehead.” Booth said. “I was on the Devil Dog on my way here when the Marblehead was spotted astern of us. She was in an awful hurry, overtook us in minutes! Captain Barbs was afraid that they were trying to board us, but she passed by not a hundred yards distant, didn't even slow down. I've never seen a ship move that fast in my life.”

“I've seen the Marblehead in action!” Longhorn cut him off angrily. “Which way was she headed?”

“Southwest of us.” Booth said while pointing to a spot on the map. “We were about here when it happened. From what I figure, they were either heading for Bugganville or Mare's Point. That's all that's out there.”

Longhorn studied the two islands for a minute, adjusting the small spectacles. Finally, he looked at a small spot in between the two. “No.” He growled. “They didn't head for either.”

“But—but—” Booth sputtered.

“How could I have been so blind?” Longhorn said quietly. “It's the perfect spot.”

Finally, Booth found his voice. “But that's impossible! No ship can navigate Ghost Island!”

“Impossible to us yes!” Longhorn said as he pulled his knife from the table and stabbed it into the map, right on top of the island. “But for a ship that doesn't rely on the fickle winds that surround that place, for a ship that can travel against those treacherous currents as if they were but ripples in the water, it be perfect! Aye, for the Marblehead, it be perfect!”

Booth stared dumbly at the map before Longhorn's sinister chuckling brought him out of his stupor.

“Booth.” Longhorn said in a dangerous tone.

“Y-yes sir?” Booth stuttered.

“I'm going to need you back in Equestria. I'm going to need you to send a message.”

“A-A message?” He gulped. “To who?”

“Who else?” Longhorn said, leaning into towards the map and studying the island in question carefully. “The Equestrian Royal Navy.”

Chapter 8

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The storm passed as quickly as it had risen, the waves dying out until they merely lapped at the side of the ship, the rain ceasing until a light sprinkle dripped from the decks above, the sky clearing into a beautiful early morning.

Storm Stalker stood in the wheelhouse, her eyes scanning the rapidly disappearing night sky. Silent Hooves stood at the helm beside her, his gray coat practically blending into the color of the ship. The clank of the door opening broke the silence.

“Helm, what be our course?” Captain Trade Breaker said as he stepped into the wheelhouse, closing the door behind him.

“Sou' sou' west, Sir.” Hooves reported.

“Storm was blowin' nor' west.” Storm Stalker said. “By mah reckonin', we'll be at Ghos' Island by nightfall.”

Trade Breaker nodded. “Perfect. In the mornin' we can haul the Sea Treader free and set those mares loose by afternoon.”

The three figures stood silently for a few minutes, staring out of the thick glass that surrounded the wheelhouse. Finally, Storm broke the silence.

“Why did yew stop me Cap'n?” She asked.

He didn't respond at first, so she asked again.

Breaker inhaled deeply and held for a moment.

“Cause I'm a failure as a cap'n.” He answered.

“Cap'n, yew're anythin' but, but those mares are dangerous! The crew is at risk the longer they're aboard!” Storm protested.

“Aye!” He barked. “An' that's why I've failed! I've put the lives o' six ponies who I owe no allegiance to above the safety o' me crew! An' yet I'm bound by me own convictions to see that no harm comes to them!”

“Ah unnerstan' that yew have morals, so let me do it! We rid ourselves of these ponies an' sail fer foreign seas!”

“NO!” The captain bellowed. “I'll not be having throats cut on me ship! If'n it comes down between the crew an' them, so be it! But it' t'will be a fair fight! Not a murder!”

“Cap'n, she's an alicorn!” Storm pressed. “There's not a fair fight to be had!”

“Enough!” He yelled. “I don't want to hear anether word! I'm goin' to talk wit' the princess an' convince her to leave us peacefully!”

“Aye Cap'n.” Storm said, dutifully shutting her mouth and returning her gave outside.

The door opened and slammed shut, announcing the captain's departure.

Twilight sat in the captain's cabin along with her friends. The bed was comfortable enough, although none of the six ponies had done any sleeping since last night. Instead, they had debated the claims made by Captain Trade Breaker and what to do with the recent knowledge.

Rainbow Dash and Rarity were still of the opinion that the pirates' required a serious kicking while Applejack said that everypony needed to take a step back and look at things from another angle. Fluttershy agreed with Applejack, and Pinkie Pie didn't give any opinion at all, her normally poofy mane had deflated somewhat and she hadn't cracked a joke all night.

That left the tie breaking vote to Twilight, and she was pretty torn between the two options. On one hoof, she was duty bound to bring these pirates in for the crimes that they had committed, but after hearing the captain's words last night, she couldn't make up her mind.

The discussion was ended prematurely by the sound of a hoof banging against the door.

“Who's there?” Twilight asked.

A muffled voice called out from beyond. “Captain Trade Breaker. Permission to enter me own livin' quarters?”

After a nod from the others, Applejack opened the door to allow the pegasus to enter. He nervously stepped through the doorway, all of the anger and passion that Twilight had seen the previous night had disappeared.

“I, um, I hope I'm not interrupting.” He said, his pirate accent was heavy.

“No, in fact you're just in time to answer some questions.” Applejack said while motioning him further into the cabin.

“Yes, I would imagine that ye might have a few.” He nodded. “But before ye ask them, I request the favor of tellin' me story first.”

The mares exchanged another glance with each other before Twilight nodded at him.

“Go ahead.” She said.

He cleared his throat, and then spoke. “I suppose that the best place to start is the beginnin'. It all began when I was born. Me father was a sea captain, one of the best. Trade Master was his name, an' he plied the Equestrian coast haulin' the richest an' most bountiful cargoes to be strapped to a deck. Me mother, who passed away far too soon, was a fair mare that gave birth to two older brothers, both o' which went on to serve in the Equestrian Royal Navy. However, when she gave birth to me, me father took one look at me an' said, 'Ye should've not had this one, dear. He be a misfortune to the sea.'”

Twilight gasped. “How could he say that about his own son?”

“Cause it be true.” Breaker said sourly. “No other colt had such ill winds followin' him as I. Me dinghy sprang leaks an' left me swimmin' fer shore. Me knots, no matter how perfectly I tied 'em, came loose as if they were never there. Me sail wouldn't fill with wind, lest it was to capsize me boat. Then one fateful day, me flank was adorned with another reminder of me curse.”

Twilight looked and saw on his flank the cutie mark of a single mast with a torn sail sticking out of a pool of water.

“Oh no.” Fluttershy whispered.

“Aye.” He said sadly. “Me mark o' shame. It seems as though fate was not done wit' me. Not only was I incapable o' bein' a sailpony, it had to be announced to all who saw me.”

Applejack tried to help. “Maybe you're not supposed to be a sailpony, maybe you're meant to. . .”

“Sink ships?” Breaker said dryly.

“I was gonna say investigate wrecks.” She finished lamely.

“Already tried that.” He said. “An octopus nearly had me fer lunch an' me air hose was cut by a sword fish.”

“Um.” Fluttershy said meekly. “An octopus typically leaves ponies alone and wouldn't try to hurt a pony.”

“Which one of us was in a divin' suit battlin' fer his life?” He snapped.

Fluttershy 'eeped' and hid behind her hair. Trade Breaker took a deep breath and let it out.

“I'm sorry miss.” He said quietly. “It's jus' the way me life was fated to be. But I digress. I was the laughin' stock o' sailponies ev'rywhere. Nopony would take me on to be in their crew, those were the hardest years o' me life.”

He paused for a moment, then continued. “It came to pass one day that me father passed on, leavin' behind only his ship an' a small fortune. Me brothers were both in the Navy by then, an' took most o' the fortune, but refused the ship. Fer the first time in me life, I had a ship to call me own. A beautiful merchant that sang when the wind was wit' her. The Sea Treader.”

The captain's eyes filled with tears that he quickly blinked away, trying to hide his embarrassment. “Well, I had a ship but no crew. Not one pony would sign on wit' a captain whose bound fer misfortune, an' no company would send their goods on a ship that I captained. I was at the end of me wits an' me money, when out o' nowhere, a few individuals signed on. I was surprised to say the least when they showed up at me gangplank, but I was desperate an' took on any willin' soul.”

“The pirates?” Twilight asked.

“Oh no, no.” He chortled. “Let's just say I ran into Storm Stalker an' her band at a later date, literally. But back to me tale. The crew was an odd lot, an' certainly nothin' that could sail a ship, but like I said, I was desperate. I used the last o' me father's fortune to purchase a small cargo o' corn seed an' set sail for Bugganville, but alas, me fortune followed our ship. The journey was pleasant at first, an' for a moment I thought that maybe me fate had changed fer the better, but I was sorely mistaken. My course was plotted wrong an' I sailed us into the most treacherous waters that this world has to offer; Ghost Island.”

Twilight gasped in horror. “The graveyard of ships?”

Trade Breaker nodded. “Aye. Right into the teeth of that maelstrom.”

“Wait, what's Ghost Island?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Twilight was only too happy to explain. “Ghost Island is the most infamous piece of land in the ocean. It's an island that is completed covered in a storm everyday of the year. It's said that the winds there can rip a ship from the sea, and the currents carry everything into the rocks that surround the island itself.”

“That an' more.” Breaker said darkly. “The entire sea surrounding the island is one large whirlpool. If'n ye see the island, it already be too late, an' no matter what ye do, there be no endin' fer ye but the rocks. And that be where I sailed my ship.”

Twilight and her friends were silent, barely breathing as he continued his story. “In a cruel twist o' fate, we arrived at Ghost Island right as the worst hurricane to ever terrorize the sea passed over us. Ye thought that little bit o' water last night was bad, ye've yet to see what the ocean has to offer. Waves that make the tallest skyscraper in Manehattan blush, hail large enough to break through the deck, it was Tartarus to sail in. Had it been a lesser ship, I would not be standin' here today, but me father's ship held fast all the way till the end. Battlin' the tiller, I could see the island approachin' quickly, and there was naught that I could do. In a fit o' madness, I turned the ship directly towards the island, to this day I know not why. And then when disaster was about to strike, it happened.”

He paused, his eyes staring at the far wall, his mind in another place at another time. “A wave, the likes o' which I've never seen since, came up behind the ship and picked her up, carrying her over the rocks and towards the island. The ship was set down in between two rocks in the entrance to a natural harbor, and she sits there to this day. Not a soul was harmed in that storm, all twelve of us, includin' a mere filly, stepped off that ship safely.”

The six mares in the room breathed a heavy sigh of relief.

“It was then that we found. . . her.” Breaker said mysteriously.

“Her?” Applejack asked.

“The Marblehead. She was sittin' in the harbor, not a soul aboard. The ship was a ghost ship, sittin' in the middle o' Ghost Island. Twasn't long before me crew an' I boarded her an', upon thorough inspection an' a great deal o' luck, we lit her furnace an' left Ghost Island.”

“Wait, you just found this ship?” Twilight asked.

“Aye.” Breaker confirmed.

“B-But. . .” Twilight sputtered. “Where did she come from? Who built her?”

Breaker shrugged. “Search me.”

“That doesn't make any sense!” Twilight yelled in exasperation. “The ship had to come from somewhere!”

“All I know is that the ship's name is the Marblehead, an' the only reason I know that is 'cause it be written on the stern o' the ship.” Breaker said before glancing at the clock. “Now do ye have any questions?”

“Um.” Fluttershy raised her hoof. “What makes this ship move so fast?”

“Fire an' steam.” Breaker said simply. “Ye want a technical diagram, ask our engineer. Course, her methods are somewhat questionable.”

“Methods?” Twilight asked, fearing the answer.

“If somethin' breaks, hit it with a wrench until it works.” The captain explained.

Twilight nearly fainted at the revelation.

“What about the dragon?” Rainbow asked. “And the griffon, and the changeling? What's their story?”

“They were part o' me original crew, though Culinary Beak is a hippogriff, not a griffon.” Breaker said.

“Wait, you signed up a changeling to be on your crew?” Applejack asked with wide eyes.

The captain nodded. “Aye, along wit' a dragon, hippogriff, two threstals, a zebra, a mother an' her daughter, a disgraced scientist an' her talking timberwolf, an' a, um, well I don't really know what Henry be.”

Twilight called it quits on trying to stay upright and promptly fainted.

Chapter 9

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Trade Breaker carefully closed the door, leaving the five friends to tend to their unconscious companion. He leaned against the metal wall and let out a long sigh of relief, the meeting had gone much better than he had been hoping for. A small cough turned his attention to the two thestrals standing nervously by the corner.

“Yes?” He asked.

The female of the two stepped forward, her eyes darting at the door. “Um, Captain, couldn't help but notice you were talking to the Elements for a while, and, um. . .”

The male stepped up. “We were wondering whether or not you told them about us and our little stunt in Canterlot.”

Trade Breaker nodded solemnly. “Dusk Maiden, Night Watch, I understan' yer worries, but ye know that I be not a backstabber. All those mares know is that two thestrals signed aboard me ship some time ago. If'n they find out, it will not be from a single soul aboard this ship 'ceptin fer the two standin' in front o' me.”

The two thestrals hung their heads in shame.

“Aye captain.” Night Watch said. “Sorry for not having more faith in you.”

“Perfectly fine.” Trade Breaker said, dismissing the conversation without a second thought. “Now, be ye knowin' the location of Four Eyes? I need to talk wit' him.”

Dusk nodded. “Aye, he's taking a swim.”

“What! Is he mad?” Trade Breaker exploded.

“Henry hooked him in one of the mooring lines!” Night said hurriedly.

“Oh. Well, I'll go reel him in then.” The captain said nonchalantly.

Culinary carefully poured the exact amount of spices into the pot as he stirred the concoction of various vegetables. Setting aside the ladle, he looked into the small oven that currently housed a loaf of bread. Satisfied with the crust, he grabbed a mitten from the nearby hook and pulled out the pan, sniffing the bread with a satisfied sigh.

Although he had failed to receive a cutie mark, he had always known his calling would lead him to the kitchens. Well, galley as the the captain had called it.

The door opened and Woody stepped into the galley, a branch getting stuck on the frame. He pulled it free with a crack and a grimace.

“Oy! Woody! Car'ful where ye step! There's been no shor'age o' yer parts lyin' round the decks, an' ye cannae stan' tae lose no mo'!” Culinary admonished.

The timberwolf slunk into the galley, his paws clicking on the metal deck.

“I am to bring food to the fires below for my master.” His raspy voice scratched out.

Culinary nodded. “Aye, soup's don', 'dough I doen' know why ye always com' fer Missus Beaker an' she don' com' 'erself!”

“My master is far too busy to retrieve her own food.” Came the raspy reply.

Ladling the soup into the bowl, Culinary rolled his eyes. “Aye, an' I'm a uneycorn! Will ye be needin' a bowl fer Mister Dead Fire?”

Woody growled slightly at Culinary's disrespect of his master, but nodded. “Yes, the dragon is down in the fires as well.”

Culinary ladled the soup into another bowl and skillfully picked both bowls up in a single talon and passed them to Woody. The branches on the top of the timberwolf spread open slightly and a pair of vines wrapped themselves around each of the bowls, pulling them into the nooks of the branches and securing them. Woody turned to leave, but Culinary stopped him.

“Now hold on 'den, ye have tae eat as well.” Culinary said, walking back to a sizzling pot and pulling out the fried fish.

Woody stared at it, drool forming at his mouth. “You're efforts to cook the fish are wasted. I am incapable of tasting, and therefore you should not waste any more time on my food.”

“Why dae ye t'ink I gave ye the flounder?” Culinary said, tossing the fish at Woody who caught it in his jaws. “Besides, it's good tae stay in practice.”

The wolf gave a low growl, not in hostility but acknowledgment, and walked through the open doorway. Captain Trade Breaker's voice could be heard greeting Woody moments before he stepped into the galley with a tired expression.

“Cap'n! Yer jus' in time fer breakfast!” Culinary said happily. “Veg'table soup an' fresh bread!”

Trade Breaker managed a small grin. “Grand, anything special today?”

The hippogriff winked conspiratorially. “Aye, them chunks ain't potatoes.”

Breaker's bowl paused halfway to his mouth. “May I ask what then, is floating in me soup?”

“Trout!” Culinary exclaimed with a broad grin.

Breaker smiled. “Ye've a wicked sense of humor, Mister Beak. I take it there's been a bit o' meat in the pris'ners diet as of late?”

“Aye! 'Dough not but da broth.” Culinary said, returning to stirring the pot. “I figured dat da Princes an' 'er friends woul' find da meat a bit too obvious, so I been sneakin' it in a bit at a time.”

Gulping down the soup, Trade Breaker sighed. “That be a bold move, an' I would be indebted to ye if'n ye held off on releasin' that information for a few days, least until we know what their plans be.”

The hippogriff gulped. “Good think'n. I woul' hate tae have 'dose mares mad at me.”

Breaker laughed. “Aye, so I suggest that fer now, ye make another batch of vegetable soup, only this time make it according to the name.”

Culinary nodded. “Aye, dat be da smart 'ding to do.”

“It be.” The captain agreed. “Now, I was talkin' to Four Eyes, an' he says that our oil is a might low.”

“Problumatic.”

“That's why I wanted to discuss our next move wit' ye.” Breaker said. “Be ye knowin' o' any refineries in yer homelands?”

Culinary frowned as he thought. “Hmmm, griffons arrr not ones tae be known fer ind'stries, but I may know of a place 'dat may serve arrr purpose. Only be one problem.”

“What be that?” Breaker asked.

“Tis a hundred miles inland.” The hippogriff shrugged. “But knowin' me cap'n, 'dat won' be a problem.”

The pegasus frowned, but gave no further comment than to thank Culinary for the soup and information. He stepped out into the passageway, leaving Culinary to prepare more soup.

With a groan, Twilight opened her eyes to find five pairs of eyes staring back. She sat up, her dizziness fading quickly.

“What happened?” She asked.

“You fainted darling.” Rarity explained. “Right after Captain Trade Breaker mentioned all those creatures that were aboard.”

Twilight shot to her hooves, grabbing the white unicorn. “Where did he go? I have so many questions! How did he get all those different species to cooperate? Where are they? I need to talk to all of them!”

While her friends pulled Twilight off of Rarity and held her down, Applejack tried to talk some sense into the alicorn.

“Now Twi, Ah understand that you're anxious to learn about this ship and the crew, but you have to take it easy.” She said slowly. “Remember that we're still onboard a pirate ship, and we need to step carefully.”

Twilight nodded apologetically. “I'm sorry, it's just that when I heard that there's a. . . a. . .”

When Applejack saw Twilight's eyes start to take a crazed twinge, she hollered out. “There she goes again!”

It took some time before Twilight had calmed down from her information hungry frenzy, claiming that she needed a thorough examination of every body aboard. Thankfully, Fluttershy's stare combined with a few good knocks to the head from Applejack lead to Twilight's rational side finally taking hold once again.

Carefully opening the door, Rarity took Twilight's hoof and guided her out into the passageway. The six ponies were met with the grim sight of Storm Stalker and Big Sail waiting for them. The two groups stood for a few moments, neither one saying a word.

Twilight made a slight cough and stepped forward. “Um, I'm sorry about last night, and trying to take over the ship.”

Storm stepped forward, her face set in a stony frown. “Listen yew lot. Cap'n trust yew fer reasons that elude me. Ye 'ave free reign o' the ship, but let's make one thin' clear. If'n yew put a single hoof outta' line, Ah'll chop it off.”

Twilight audibly gulped, but forced a smile. “Understood.”

Storm huffed, but didn't push any further. “Cap'n says Ah'm tae give ye a tour o' the ship. Follow me.”

Twilight motioned for her friends to fall in behind the mare as she lead them towards a door. The unicorn Big Sail fell in behind them, effectively penning in the Elements in the narrow corridor.

Storm opened the door with little trouble and lead the group up a steep ladder and into another section. She pointed out various rooms as they passed them, crew berthing, bathrooms, storage. There were a lot of storage rooms. Finally, they exited the ship into the fresh sea air on the second level of the forward tower.

Twilight wasn't sure what to call it, and Storm didn't bother telling her. Pointing aft, the pirate mare explained that the four vertical cylinders were the smokestacks for the massive engines down below, and that the ship's speed could be attributed to the four massive screws below the rear deck.

Twilight was intensely curious as to how these screws operated, how the engines produced enough power to turn them, and how the engines themselves worked, but her only answer was an eyeroll from the pirate.

With a powerful thrust of her wings, Storm took to the air. “Ah cannae say how it is done, only tha' those screws be bigger than Celestia 'erself.”

Twilight flew after her, followed by Rainbow and Fluttershy. Storm pointed with her hoof below the waterline and said, “There they be.”

Twilight looked where Storm was pointing and saw that indeed, the screws were the largest that she'd ever seen, jutting out from the side of the ship and spinning with a speed that belied their size.

“But how?” She asked. “According to the Equestrian Naval Steam Bureau, the powerplant required for a steamer this size would take up half the ship, and yet it's projected top speed would only be ten knots! Also, the screws are spinning too fast for a conventional sealant, it would take a magical barrier to keep the water out! Yet Captain Trade Breaker says-”

“Twilight!” Rainbow Dash interrupted.

“Huh?”

The pegasus pointed at the rapidly receding pirate and ship. “She left about four words into your rant.”

“Oh.” Twilight said sheepishly. “Eheh, whoops.”

The trio easily caught up to the ship, finding Storm gliding alongside it.

“Ah see yew managed tae remember that the ship's movin'.” She grinned mockingly.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Still don't see what you're bragging about. Ain't that fast to me.”

“Aye.” Storm said. “'Course maybe that's 'cause yew're a useless landlubber wit' no sense o' size.”

“Hey!” Rainbow yelled angrily, her pride flaring. “I'm not a useless land-scrubber!”

The pirate rolled her eyes. “Right.”

Rainbow scowled. “Why you-”

“Help!” A pitiful cry interrupted the two prideful mares.

“Blast it Four Eyes!” Storm yelled, instantly diving for the ship with Twilight and her companions in pursuit.

Looking ahead of Storm, Twilight could see a small, blue stallion stumbling out of a doorway, only his hooves had caught on the large lip and the pony had fallen on his face.

“Help!” He wailed, his front hooves feeling the deck in front of him.

Storm landed on the deck, advancing on the struggling pony. “Fer pity's sake Four Eyes! Cannae yew keep yew're glasses on fer five minutes?”

Twilight made as to move after her, but stopped when she saw the diminutive stallion fully. The half that was outside the doorway was a dripping wet earth pony with a green mane, but about midway back, the body elongated itself into a long and muscular finned tail.

“A seapony?” She gasped.

Meanwhile, Storm was acting as if seeing a seapony onboard a ship was an everyday occurrence.

“I'm sorry, Miss Stalker.” The seapony sobbed. “But I slipped on something and lost them!”

“Oh the poor thing!” Fluttershy said, quickly moving past Storm Stalker and hugging the dripping wet pony.

“There, there.” She comforted. “There's no reason to cry.”

Storm Stalker rolled her eyes. “O' all the creatures in the sea, we 'ad tae get stuck wit' this one.”

Fluttershy's eyes would have bored through solid stone. “You be quiet! This pony's hurt and you should be more considerate of others!”

The seapony shook his head. “I'm not hurt. I just lost my glasses.”

“You're glasses?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes, the ones Captain Trade Breaker gave to me.” The pony said, squinting at Fluttershy. “I can't see a thing without them, and—and. . . You don't sound like one of the crew.”

“Mistah Four Eyes!” With a clattering of hooves, a small, brown earth pony ran up with a pair of spectacles in her mouth. “Ye dropped yer glasses!”

The seapony turned to the sound of the filly and promptly smacked his muzzle on the door frame, falling over and clutching his bleeding nose, groaning piteously. Fluttershy was instantly nursing him, forcing him to let her look at his muzzle.

With a heavy sigh, Storm relieved the filly of the glasses. “T'ank yew, Water Rose.”

Walking over to the seapony, she placed the the spectacles over his eyes.

“Oh thank you, I don't-” He stopped talking when he saw Fluttershy, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash all staring at him.

With a frightened yelp, he struggled out of Fluttershy's grasp and launched himself gracefully over the railing. Storm's eyes nearly popped out of her head and she instantly took to the air.

“PONY OVERBOARD!” She screamed. “PONY OVERBOARD! ALL HOOVES TAE THE RAILIN'! HENRY GET OVER HERE!”

Chapter 10

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Twilight felted the rumble beneath her hooves cease almost immediately after Storm's frantic yelling. The deck thundered with the sound of running hooves as several pirates barreled past her and into the rear structure. They jumped down the stairs and exited the tower onto the rearmost deck and lined the railing, calling and looking for the seapony.

A smooth splash sound from over the railing to Twilight's right, and she looked at Storm in confusion. Storm ignored Twilight and began to walk towards the bow of the ship.

“Comon, this'll be a good time tae show yew the engines.” She said.

“Wait, what's going on?” Twilight asked.

“Four Eyes jumped ship agin'.” Storm said calmly. “An' seein' as how he always loses his glasses when he hits the wa'er, he cannae see the ship, much less swim tae it. So Henry has tae fetch him an' the glasses.”

“Wait, whose Henry?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Yew can meet 'im when he's back on deck!” Storm barked. “Now shift yew'rselves, Ah don' like the engines, so it'll be a quick tour at best!”

Twilight and her two friends dutifully followed Storm Stalker below decks where they met up with Big Sail who was guiding Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie down into the depths of the ship. Together, they approached a somewhat plain looking door, one that Storm was rather apprehensive to open.

“Car'ful where yew put a hoof. Many a time Ah burned mahself on those cursed pipes.” She cautioned.

The door opened and a blast of hot air engulfed the ponies. Storm bravely lead the way into the scorching room, taking care to keep in the middle of the grates and avoiding every pipe that snaked its way across the path.

“Beaker!” Storm called. “Beaker, where are yew?”

The sound of metal slamming into metal rang through the engine room followed shortly by a mare cursing. A black unicorn with a gray mane stumbled out from behind a huge box that radiated heat.

“Storm, you brainless brigand! Do you have any idea what I was doing?” She yelled angrily.

Storm Stalker shrugged. “No. Yew never tell me anythin' anyways, so Ah don' expect yew tae start now.”

The unicorn glared at the pirate for a moment before turning to look at Twilight and the rest of her friends. Her expression didn't change.

“What do you want?” She asked accusingly.

Twilight was about to speak up, but Storm beat her to it. “Miss Princess here woul' like a tour o' the engines if'n yew woul' kindly oblige her.”

“No.” And with that the unicorn turned around and went back to whatever she had been working on. Storm looked at Twilight and shrugged.

“Sorry. No tour.” She smirked.

Twilight pushed past her and made her way to where the unicorn had vanished. She found a hole in the floor grates that led to a pair of giant pipes, one of which had several loose bolts in its connection. The unicorn was currently hefting a giant adjustable wrench with one hoof and her back, forcing another bolt loose.

“Um, excuse me?” Twilight said, trying not to startle the mare. “I was wondering-”

“No.” The mare interrupted, blowing a stand of her mane from her face. “The main steam line on boiler two is losing pressure, and that means that there's a leak.”

The mare grunted with exertion as she loosened another bolt. “A leak in these lines is not something to be taken lightly, there's enough heat and pressure going through these pipes that pin sized hole could not only take off your hoof, but cauterize the stump as well. So, I'm sorry Princess, I cannot give you a tour of the engines.”

Twilight's eyes widened at the information, and she leaned down into the hole. “That's amazing, what kind of iron does it use?”

The mare snorted, sweat dripping off her like fresh dew. “I just told you, I don't have time for a snotty little Princess sticking her muzzle in my engine room.”

She paused. “And it's not iron, it's steel, only it's the most high quality steel I've ever seen.”

“Incredible!” Twilight exclaimed before offering her hoof. “By the way, I'm Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship. But I'm also a bit of a nerd sometimes.”

The unicorn stared at the hoof for a moment before reaching up and touching it with her own.

“Poisoned Beaker.” She grimaced. “Former alchemist. Though at the moment, I'm nothing more than a glorified mechanic. Pass me that hammer.”

Twilight looked over and saw a hammer lying on the grate and ignited her magic to pick it up. The hammer lay still as the magic simply passed around it.

Poisoned Beaker gave a sigh. “Most tools around here are immune to magic, just like the ship. Why do you think I'm have to do this by hoof?”

Twilight blushed in embarrassment and picked the hammer up with her mouth before lowering it down to Beaker. The unicorn leaned the massive wrench up against the pipe and curled her hoof and the handle of the hammer. She proceeded to pounded on the stubborn bolt with a fanatical zeal before passing the hammer back up to Twilight.

Maneuvering herself under the wrench again, she pulled it over her body and set the business end on the bolt and pushed with all her might. The bolt came loose with a squeak, and she moved on to the next one.

Twilight would have been satisfied to sit and discuss the engines all day, but a polite tap to her shoulder reminded her of the other ponies in the room. All of them were sweating from the heat, and Fluttershy was extremely nervous because of the massive machinery that constantly hummed and squeaked around her.

Turning back to Poisoned Beaker, she spoke up. “I'm sorry, but it seems as though I have to go, I would love to talk later.”

The mare simply grunted in response as she strained at another bolt. Twilight left her to her work and followed the group through another door where a similar set of massive boxes and pipes radiated enough heat to fry most ponies.

Unlike the previous room, however, a dragon was carefully watching a set of gauges and turning valves. Storm approached him and got his attention before pointing at the six ponies stand behind Big Sail.

He nodded and started to approach when a ringing noise caught his attention. The dragon turned around and used his claws to open a small box on the wall and pulled a telephone off its hook.

“Okay.” The dragon said into the phone. “I can give you twenty knots, boilers one and two are shut down.”

With that, he hung the phone up and turned to Twilight's group. “I'm going to open the main steam lines down in the gear room. It's gonna' get loud, so I suggest you leave.”

“Wait, I have so many questions!” Twilight protested, but the dragon was already gone.

“Comon!” Storm said, pushing Twilight towards the door. “He was'nae jokin' aboot the noise!”

Dejectedly, Twilight allowed herself to be herded out of the engine room and above deck. By the time they saw blue sky, the ship was already moving. Cutting through the waves at a speed that most ship captains could only dream of, Twilight felt the wind whip past her as she walked to the railing and stared at the water rushing by below.

Big Sail came up beside her and took in a deep breath of sea air.

“Are you hungry?” He asked suddenly.

In an instant, Twilight was reminded that she hadn't eaten since last night, and food sounded very inviting right now. She nodded and followed the big unicorn towards the galley, Storm having already lead her friends there.

A strange sight greeted her as a hippogriff ladled soup into a changeling's waiting bowl. Storm was having a casual conversation with a thestral while a beautiful mare discussed the latest fashion trends with Rarity. In the corner, the filly that had retrieved the unfortunate seapony's spectacles was playing patty cakes with Pinkie Pie, and said seapony was currently being mothered by Fluttershy as he tried to eat his soup. Applejack and Rainbow Dash sat talking to themselves about Storm's rather explosive personality.

Big Sail pushed past the gawking Twilight and pick bowl up with his magic and floated it to the waiting hippogriff. The hippogriff ladled soup into the bowl and looked at Twilight.

“Is da kitchen nae up tae yer standar's yer 'ighness?” He asked.

Twilight blinked a few times and realized that everypony was now looking at her. With an embarrassed smile, she picked up a bowl from the nearby stack with her teeth and walked over to the counter.

The hippogriff sighed and shook his head. “Yer 'ighness, da bowls be from Equestria. Ye can use yer magic tae carry it.”

“Oh.” Twilight's embarrassed face took on an even rosier color as she levitated the bowl to the cook.

“So, how dae ye like da ship?” He asked.

“It's incredible!” Twilight gushed. “The complexity of the engines is astounding, and the ability of the mechanisms to hold such great amounts of pressure without the assistance of magic is simply amazing!”

The hippogriff stared at her. “So, does 'dat mean 'dat ye like it?”

Twilight smiled. “Yes, I like it.”

“Good!” He beamed. “'Den ye'll love me soup! Name be Culinary Beak!”

“Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight said, offering her hoof.

Culinary took it gently in his talon. “A ple'sure tae 'ave ye aboard.”

“Thank you.” Twilight said, starting to leave but pausing. “Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”

The hippogriff nodded. “T'woul' be alright wit' me, but sit down an' I'll join ye in a moment.”

True to his word, Culinary was seated across from her at one of the tables as she finished her soup.

“Mmm, that was quite good.” Twilight remarked.

“T'ank ye, yer 'ighness.” He said.

“Please, call me Twilight.” The alicorn said, setting her bowl down. “Now then, I understand that you were part of Captain Trade Breaker's original crew?”

“Aye.”

Twilight really wished she had a journal right now. “So, what made you want to go to sea?”

Culinary frowned. “It tweren't a matter o' me wantin' tae go tae sea, so much as I had no udder place tae go. Ye see, in me home, I was a freak, a pro'duck o' too much booze an' a wild time. Me mither left me at me fadder's home, an' 'den he left me at da orhpanage. So from da beginnin', nobody 'as ever wanted me.”

“So, what Captain Trade Breaker said was true?” Twilight asked. “You were kicked out of your home for being part pony?”

“Aye.” Culinary continued. “An' it t'were da same in Equestria. Course by den I had met wit' Dead Fire an' Beaker.”

“What?”

“Oh, I may 'ave skipped a part.” Culinary explained. “Dead Fire an' I met up in Griffinstone, dat's when we made da decision tae travel tae Equestria. Along da way, we picked up Miss Beaker, freshly orphaned by a terrible acceydent. Poor 'ding, all alone an' wit' nobody but Woody tae keep 'er comp'ny.”

“Poisoned Beaker's parents were killed in an accident? Is that why she's. . .” Twilight trailed off.

“A might nasty?” Culinary finished, ignoring the fact that it was probably inappropriate to talk about a pony behind their back.

“Aye, 'dat be won reason.” He continued. “'Er parents weren't exactly prime material, 'dough, so she wasnae a prim an' proper filly tae begin wit'. As I was sayin, we made it tae Equestria an' start'ded lookin' fer work, but it wasnae comin'. We searched all over, but not a pony would look at us until me met da cap'n, drink'n his sorrows away in a Manehattan bar. He offered a job tae me as a cook, an' I too'kit on won condition, 'dat Dead Fire an' Beaker coul' join me. Seein' as how he was too stoned tae tell I wasnae a pony, he pro'bly said yes, but tae 'dis day I cannae tell what came out o' his mouth.”

Twilight blinked. “Well, that explains some things, but what about Dead Fire, why was he traveling through Griffinstone?”

Culinary stood up. “I'd ask him meself, if'n I was ye.”

Twilight groaned. “I can't, he's down in the engine, and Storm won't let me down there without her being present.”

The hippogriff chuckled. “Good luck wit' 'dat! She hates it down 'dere. But don' worry, Dead Fire will be up on decks soon enough, an' so will Miss Beaker, an' ye can ask 'dem tae tell ye their tales when 'dey are.”

Twilight frowned, but didn't say anything else. Instead, she looked around at the rest of the occupants in the galley. The changeling had disappeared, but everypony else was still sitting around talking.

Spying the seapony practically melting under Fluttershy's tender care, Twilight stood and made her way over to their table. It was going to be a long day, and Twilight intended to make full use of every second.

Chapter 11

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“Oh no darling, the fashion industry is simply booming!” Rarity said. “In fact, I have a shop in Manehattan and Canterlot in addition to my original Carousel Boutique back in Poneville.”

“No!” Sun Flowers gasped. “And you run all three shops?”

“Well, it's more of a managing position really.” Rarity explained. “I design the dresses and am responsible for each store, but I do have dedicated seamstresses in the Manehattan and Canterlot shops for when I'm not there.”

The mint colored earth pony across from her sighed wistfully, a strand of her white mane falling in front of her eye. “I remember those Canterlot nights, the Grand Galloping Gala, oh the dresses were so beautiful that evening.”

“Oh! You attended the Gala?” Rarity squealed. “Oh you must of looked fabulous darling! I can only imagine what you were wearing!”

Sun looked at Rarity, her eyes betraying her emotions. Gone was the fond remembrance of a life once surrounded by beauty, instead was the sadness of a mare betrayed.

“It was a blue dress.” She sniffed, tears threatening to form. “Simple, yet elegant. It flowed like a river down to the floor.”

Sun lost the battle and tears began to fall.

“I had just made it as a singer, my name in lights at the theater.” She sobbed. “He saw my play and met me backstage. He offered me the chance to see high class up close. The Grand Galloping Gala was my chance to be something more than a performer, more than the songbird I was known for.”

She placed her forelegs on the table and buried her face in her hooves, crying uncontrollably. “It was all an act. He kept giving me drinks, and when I woke up the next morning, he was gone! He left me! He used me and then he left me! With Water Rose on the way, the theater fired me. I couldn't find work in Canterlot, so roamed the country looking for a job. My name had been blacklisted by the theater community, and I ended up working as a waitress in Manehattan. When the owner found out I had an illegitimate daughter, he started to threaten me. Said if I didn't do what he wanted, I was going to get fired.”

Rarity moved to the other side of the table and began to rub Sun Flowers' back. The desolate mare turned around threw her legs around Rarity's neck, her tears soaking into her coat.

“I met the captain by chance the night before the owner planned to fire me, and when he offered me a chance to get away, I took it. I took it and I ran. I was so scared and desperate, I would have gone anywhere to get away. I didn't care that the crew looked funny, I didn't care that the captain got lost in the harbor, I just wanted to get away.”

Sun dissolved into a sobbing mess as she hung onto Rarity, her barrel rising and falling as she gasped for breath. Rarity gently stroked her mane as she quietly comforted her, letting the mare cry on her shoulder.

“I'm sorry.” Sun said in between her crying. “I'm sorry for just unloading this on you, but you're the first mare on this ship that actually cared enough to talk to me.”

Dusk Maiden, the thestral who was talking with Storm Stalker, had paused the conversation with the pirate to listen in on Rarity and Sun Flowers, turned back to Storm with a frown.

“I care, how come she never approach me?” She pouted.

Storm shrugged. “Prolly 'cause yew look like a bat.”

Dusk rolled her eyes. “Well, we know why she never came to you.”

“Nopony ever accused me o' bein' a nice mare.” Storm said. “An' Ah'm stabbin' the firs' one that does.”

Meanwhile, Culinary Beak silently approached and offered Rarity a clean towel, which Rarity had to grab with her hoof because the towel was immune to magic. Pulling away from Sun and using the towel to wipe away her tears, Rarity slowly got the mare to stop crying before pulling her back into a hug.

“Listen, you have a beautiful daughter.” Rarity whispered to her. “And you've done a wonderful job of raising her, even with everything that life has thrown at you. Never let anypony tell you different.”

“Thank you.” Sun sniffed. “Thank you for everything.”

The quiet tap of hooves signaled the arrival of Water Rose as she slowly approached her mother. The little filly stood up on her hind legs and embrace Sun Flowers's foreleg, clamping down with all the strength that she could muster. Together, the abandoned mother and daughter held each other, refusing to let go.

Twilight, caught halfway to Fluttershy's table, stared with wide eyes that threatened to tear up about halfway through Sun Flowers's story. Noticing Culinary was near, she turned to him.

“Was everypony on this ship treated this badly?” She whispered.

Culinary continued to wipe down the table, but looked at Sun as he spoke. “It be a recurring theme fer most o' us, 'dough I figure Miss Flowers 'ad it da worst, what wit' 'avin' a filly an' no job tae speak of. 'Dis ship be da firs' bit o' good luck tae hit arrr band o' misfits fer a good while, so ye can see why we be a might protective of her.”

Twilight nodded slowly, the gears in her mind churning. “Yeah, I can.”

She left Culinary to his cleaning and walked over to Fluttershy and the seapony. Fluttershy looked at her as she sat down, sniffling slightly.

“That poor mare.” The pegasus said softly. “How could anypony be so cruel?”

Twilight shook her head. “I don't know, but I'm definitely going to be getting the name of whoever took advantage of her.”

Erasing her frown and replacing it with a small but kind smile, she turned to the seapony and spoke.

“So, what's your name?” She asked.

The seapony shrunk down, but thankfully didn't run like last time. “Four Eyes.” He said quietly.

“Well, that's just a nickname right?” Twilight said, causing Four Eyes to nod slightly.

“Okay, what's your real name?”

Four Eyes looked down at the table in shame. “He Who Swims Blindly.”

“Oh, I'm sorry.” Twilight apologized, suddenly feeling even lower than before.

“It's okay.” Four Eyes protested. “I like the name Four Eyes, it makes it sound like I have two sets of good eyes, rather than the pair I have now.”

Twilight sucked in a breath and tried to change the subject. “So, um, how does a seapony end up on a ship like this? I mean, seaponies so rarely venture out of the ocean that a lot of ponies think you're a myth.”

“It was an accident.” He said, his gaze never leaving the table. “I could never see from the moment I was born. I always had to be lead around, which made me a bit unpopular. Then one day, my pod mates took me far away from the village and then swam off and left me there. I called out for help, but nopony heard me, and I couldn't find my way back. I wandered the ocean for about a day when I heard a strange noise and swam towards it. I was a lot closer to the surface than I realized, but I didn't dive back down like I usually did. I saw something big and gray coming towards me, but I couldn't tell what, when suddenly Miss Storm came down on me and pulled me from the water. I was scared, blind, and on a ship. I had heard stories that the ones who lived above water would torture and kill me and I began to beg for my life. That's when Captain Trade Breaker gave me his glasses.”

His eyes lit up, glowing with joy. “For the first time in my life, I could see. I asked how I could ever repay him, and you know what he told me?”

“What?” Fluttershy whispered.

“He told me to quit crying.” Four Eyes said, smiling broadly.

Both Twilight and Fluttershy were speechless, but the seapony was perfectly content with the way his introduction to the ship was handled.

“And since then, captain put me in charge of inventory, I've never felt so happy in my life!” He finished.

“But what about how the crew treats you? Storm Stalker was yelling at you earlier today, and isn't hard to move around the ship?” Twilight protested.

“Princess.” Four Eyes said. “Have you ever felt as though you were useless? A burden for others to carry around? Have you ever seen nothing for your entire life?”

Twilight couldn't answer him.

Four Eyes continued. “The captain didn't give me a pair of glasses, he gave me a purpose, a family, and a home. Three things that I've never had. Being able to see was just a nice bonus. This ship is my home, even if it is above water, and the crew are my family. Sure, they yell at me and make jokes about me, but whenever I lose my glasses, they're always there to pick them up. My purpose, Princess Twilight, is to help my family. I'm happy, and as long as I'm onboard this ship, I'm going to stay happy.”

Twilight nodded, the gears in her brain were currently stuck and she was having a hard time getting them going again. She thanked Four Eyes for his story and left the galley, thoroughly confused.

Big Sail was waiting for Twilight outside the galley, using his magic to stuff tobacco into a pipe. He noticed her distracted state of mind and struck up a conversation to find out what ailed the mare.

“You body stands before me, but your mind be missing. Tell me, Princess, what thoughts have stolen it away?” He asked.

Twilight took a moment to register what he meant. “I was just thinking.”

“I could tell that, but can I help ease your burden?”

She studied the unicorn. “You're the perfect example of my problem.”

“Eh?”

“You're not like a pirate!” Twilight burst. “Your speech is better than most Canterlot nobles, you're appearance is clean, you're smart, and you're extremely polite! It doesn't add up, this was supposed to be a pirate ship, but so far the only one to act like a pirate is Storm Stalker!”

Big Sail's only reaction was a raised eyebrow. With a bit of magic, he lit his pipe and took a couple of puffs.

Finally he spoke. “It seems to me that we're not the problem. You are.”

Twilight frowned. “I get it, you're mad at me for getting you in trouble with Equestria-”

“No, you're way off.” He interrupted. “This ship was already in trouble with Equestria before you came along. That's the reason you tried to ambush us, isn't it?”

Twilight nodded. “Yeah, I guess that's true.”

“So, when I say that you're the problem, I'm not talking about you being on this ship, I'm talking about your perception of this ship.”

“I don't get it.”

Big Sail rolled his eyes. “You're the reason that you're confused, not the ship or the crew. You came onboard expecting to find just a ship that was just a hoax and a bunch of mean, smelly stallions that were going to be nothing more than bullies to be cowed into submission. Instead, what you found was a ship that was the real deal, crewed by creatures that have more in common with you than you'd like. And now you're angry about it, because it's your job to bring us to justice, but after hearing our tales, you don't want to. So, it all boils down to this Princess, are you going to follow your duty, or your feelings?”

If Twilight's jaw could have fallen off, it would have. She blinked a few times and tried to gather her thoughts. “I-I'm not sure, I mean-”

“Think about it, you'll figure something out that reaches a nice compromise.” Big Sail said, blowing rings with his pipe.

Twilight nodded, stunned at the unicorn's perception.

“Hey, can you tell me why Storm Stalker's always so aggressive?” She asked. “I get that we're technically enemies, but she's really hostile towards my friends and I.”

Big Sail chuckled. “It's not your fault, it's just the way she was raised.”

“Can you tell me about it?” Twilight prodded.

Big Sail remained silent for a minute, ignoring Twilight's begging.

“Oh, alright.” He finally relented. “I'll tell you, but Miss Stalker will never learn of our conversation.”

Twilight nodded eagerly, preparing her mental journal.

Big Sail took a deep breath, looked down the passageway to check for hidden ears, and began. “In order to know who Miss Stalker is, you have to know where she comes from. Does the name Storm Killer sound familiar?”

Twilight's eyes nearly popped out of her head. “The most feared pirate to ever sail these waters? Legend has it that he was so powerful, and commanded such great respect among other pirates that he could have assembled a pirate armada capable of rivaling the entire Equestrian Navy.”

Big Sail nodded. “Aye, and do you know what happened to him?”

“He disappeared around two years ago, some say that the very sea turned on him and sucked his ship down, while others claim that he took on Princess Celestia in a duel and lost, although I personally know that one to be false.”

The unicorn smiled. “The real explanation is a lot simpler than that. He retired.”

“Retired?” Twilight asked, her expectations shattered.

“Aye, he finally called it quits one day and left the seas to live in Mare's Point. He owns a mansion and spends his days cloud busting and drinking the finest wine available.”

“Then. . . what happened to his ship?” Twilight inquired. “It was legendary.”

Big Sail nodded again. “Aye, the ship. Most powerful ship to ever sail the sea. Eighteen ballistas to a side, and capable of running down any ship at the time. Now that's where Miss Stalker comes into the story. You see, what most ponies don't know is that Storm Killer had a daughter, one that he kept hidden for years.”

“Wait, not-” Twilight said, connecting the dots.

“Yup, Storm Stalker is Storm Killer's daughter.” Big Sail affirmed.

“Oh wow. So how did she end up on the Marblehead?”

“I'm getting to that.” Big Sail said impatiently. “Now, Storm Killer trained his daughter hard, teaching her everything he knew about the seas. Her skills with a cutlass are unmatched, and her aim with a crossbow is better than Equestria's finest sharper shooter. She trained with griffons and dragons in hoof to hoof combat, and she defeated every last one of her instructors. To be honest, Princess Twilight, if you and her were to fight, I would bet on her. No offense.”

“None taken.” Twilight replied.

“Well, one day, the Storm Killer sails his ship, the Golden Curse, into Tortoise Island's harbor and sends all but his most trusted crew into the taverns to party the night away. Then he sails out with only twenty crew aboard and drops anchor in a hidden inlet near Mare's Point. There he gives command of the ship to Miss Stalker, telling her to become the most feared pirate in the whole world. A feat that only Miss Stalker alone could accomplish, and she was eager to do so. And with that, Storm Killer retired and Storm Stalker took command. The plan was to head to Tortoise Island and pick up a fresh crew, but that never came about.”

“What happened?” Twilight asked eagerly.

“Captain Longhorn happened.” Big Sail said bitterly. “He had seen us leave our crew in Tortoise Island and planned to take the Golden Curse for himself. Make no mistake, Miss Stalker is a fearsome fighter, but I would not take on that minotaur with both his legs sawed off. That, and he had a hundred and twenty able bodied crew to our twenty. For three days and three nights, Longhorn's ship, the Bloodhound, chased us across the sea until the third night. Miss Stalker had evaded and fought off every attack, outmaneuvered and out planned that two legged hell hound the entire time, but for the first time in her life, she was defeated.”

“Longhorn caught up?” Twilight asked, barely able to take the suspense.

Big Sail relieved her worries with a dry chuckle. “No, Captain Trade Breaker did. In the dead of night, during a slight squall, Miss Stalker held the tiller. Although she presented herself with just as much fire and energy as always, I could tell she was beginning to tire. The Bloodhound had nearly caught us and we escaped only by the skin of our teeth, but it wouldn't be long before our luck ran out. Then out of nowhere, the strangest ship I had ever seen bore down on the Golden Curse, cleaving her in half.”

“Wait a second, Captain Trade Breaker rammed your ship?” Twilight said, stunned.

“Not on purpose.” Big Sail said quickly. “The good captain was lost again, and didn't see the Golden Curse until it was on both sides of his ship. Well, in a strange turn of events, the Bloodhound was chased off by the Marblehead and we had to be pulled from the sea. Poor Miss Stalker was nearly drowned, and quite willing to finish the deed herself when she saw her father's ship roll keel up and sink beneath the waves.”

Twilight sat down. “So that's why she's so angry all the time? She lost her father's ship?”

“No, to be honest, I don't think she cares about the ship any more.” Big Sail said, taking a long drag on his pipe. “I think she stopped caring about that ship the minute Captain Trade Breaker pulled her out of the water. Truth be told, she hasn't been very angry at all except when you came aboard.”

“What?”

Big Sail looked Twilight right in the eye. “Princess Twilight, imagine twenty pirates, led by the fiercest mare on the sea, against a group of misfits that barely can agree on what to have for dinner. The Marblehead was ripe for the taking, and yet Captain Trade Breaker still commands this vessel, and Miss Stalker resigned herself to be the first mate. If that ain't love, I don't know what is.”

Chapter 12

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“Ghost Island, dead ahead!” The lookout called.

Storm Stalker rushed forward amid the pouring rain, straining her eyes. Sure enough, that familiar speck of land poked above the waves that crashed over the bow. She had never been so relieved to see that island as she was now.

“Stalker! Get yer tail to the wheelhouse!” The captain's voice yelled.

Whipping about, Storm jumped up and flapped her wings in defiance of the pelting rain. She hovered in place, climbing through the air as the ship passed under her before dropping onto the wheelhouse deck as it raced by.

“Aye Cap'n.” She said, walking past the thoroughly soaked Trade Breaker and into the wheelhouse.

Silent Hooves was there, carefully easing the wheel back and forth to compensate for the waves motion. Storm relieved him and placed both her hooves on the wheel, standing on her hind legs to see out of the windows that provided a panoramic view of the ocean.

“Rea'y when yew are, Cap'n.” She announced.

Through the glass, Storm could see Big Sail making his way onto the very tip of the bow. Another one of her crew stood by the forward cannon box to relay Big Sail's calls to another crewmember on the stairway who would send the message to Trade Breaker. He would then tell his first mate the proper course changes.

Silent Hooves slowly backed the speed levers to a quarter speed, sending the signals down to the engine rooms for Poisoned Beaker to see. The engines responded accordingly and the ship's careening speed was checked by the giant propellers.

The island appeared closer as the ship crested the next wave, it's dark, rocky spires reaching towards the sky. As the Marblehead crashed through the next wave, the bones of several ships could be seen strewn about the rocks that surrounded the entire island.

However, there was one break in the rocks at the southern end of the island just large enough for the Marblehead to pass through, and with Storm's steady hooves on the wheel and Big Sail's constant instructions guiding her movements, the ship slipped in between certain destruction and into the harbor that offered shelter from the storm. One of the spires rose up and over the harbor, shielding the ship from the wind and rain.

Twilight stepped out onto the deck and looked around in awe, her mind racing. Her friends stepped out behind her, taking in the sights.

“Well Princess, welcome to Ghost Island.” Big Sail said as he used a spell to dry himself off.

“Incredible, the storm's magical signature is similar to that of that surround the Crystal Empire, except for a few variances to account for the differing types of weather.” Twilight explained.

“That's nice.” Big Sail rolled his eyes. “There's soup in the galley and I'll get you some raincoats after you've eaten. We have a full day ahead of us, so I suggest you get plenty to eat.”

Twilight would have like to stay on deck in order to continue analyzing the strange storm, but under the combined efforts of Big Sail and her friends she was herded to the galley for food. There they met a good portion of the rest of the crew including Storm Stalker and Trade Breaker.

The changeling was absent as well as Henry, who Twilight had failed to make contact with, and the two thestrals left as soon as the Element Bearers arrived. However, Twilight found good company with Poisoned Beaker.

The unicorn had shut down the engines and was now taking a well deserved rest. At first she was rather hesitant to talk about anything, but Twilight's nerd related questions soon opened a path with which both mares were happy to discuss.

“I never got to see the gear room, but I have a lot of questions about it.” Twilight said, her face a mask of delight.

“I would imagine.” Beaker said after swallowing a bit of soup. “I'll try to lay it out simply, the main steam lines take the superheated steam to the main turbines, there the steam turns what are called turbines. The turbines are spinning too fast for any screw to turn, so it has to go through the gear reduction box that turns all of that speed into torque. That's why the screws are able to move the ship so fast, they have so much power behind them.”

Twilight was mentally taking everything that Beaker said down so that she could experiment later on. Beaker noticed the distracted look on the alicorn's face and sighed.

“Don't try testing it at home, Twilight.” Beaker warned. “It already cost two of the most infamous alchemists their lives.”

“What?” Twilight asked, curious to know more.

Beaker moved her soup bowl to one side and set her chin down on the table, studying the far wall.

“My parents were unicorns, skilled at what they did. They sought to create the very engine that powers this ship.” She said. “Unfortunately, while they were able to perfect the transformation of iron into steel and create a basic design that at first proved to be a success, they took it to far and blew their laboratory sky high.”

Twilight was stunned. “I'm sorry, I didn't realize-”

“Don't be.” Beaker spat. “The only reason I'm alive is because those two never wanted me around. I wasn't interested in their stupid engines, or they're revolutionary new metals, and so they kicked me out of the lab. It's a cruel twist of irony that I ended up here, where they failed so spectacularly. I wasn't allowed in the lab, so I had to turn my own room into a makeshift workshop for my own tests. Only one of which was successful.”

Her eyes turned to look at the mess of tree branches and vines that was sitting next to a brown earth pony. “Still, the test result was better than I ever could have imagined.”

Twilight followed Beaker's gaze and looked at the timberwolf. “You got Woody to talk using a potion? I thought it would've been a spell.”

“Wrong on both accounts.” Beaker said with a small smirk. “I created Woody, I wanted to find out why timberwolves were exclusive to the Everfree Forest. With some stream water, a few secret ingredients, and a tree, Woody was born.”

Twilight gawked at the mare. “You made a timberwolf? How? Why does he talk? What keeps him alive?”

Beaker only smiled. “It's not magic, and that's all you're going to get out of me.”

The resulting thud of Twilight's forehead against the metal table was enough to pause the rest of the conversations in the room. Storm Stalker grinned broadly at Poisoned Beaker as Twilight repeated the action several times.

“Yew got that one a bit angry.” She said.

“She'll live.” Beaker laughed. “Barely.”

Trade Breaker led the expedition onshore with the intent of attaching the cable from the Marblehead's crane to his father's ship, the Sea Treader. Twilight and the rest of the unicorns had the undesirable job of lifting the ship itself as the crane pulled it free of the rocks.

Fortunately, Twilight was no stranger to lifting heavy objects, her adventure with Cadence and Discord had given her a chance to prove that.

Twilight was awestruck at how high up the ship actually was, perched between two rocks at least fifty feet in the air. The hull itself was cracked in some places, but the keel was still intact and it looked as if the ship could be salvaged.

“There she is, the Sea Treader. Finest freighter to ever ply the seas.” Trade Breaker announced.

“Or practice at bein' a pegasus.” One of the thestrals, the stallion, called from up above.

He held the cable, and together with his sister, attached it to the anchor capstan.

“Alright, stan' by to lift!” The captain hollered, hovering close to the ship.

Magic gripped the ship, encompassing the entire hull as eight unicorns and one alicorn lit their horns. The ship creaked and groaned in protest, but slowly lifted from the rocks. The cable pulled tight and began to move the ship towards the water.

It wasn't necessary for the Marblehead to pull the Sea Treader, Twilight and the unicorns could have moved the ship themselves, but Trade Breaker would rather they simply focus on keeping the ship in the air and let the others guide the ship to its destination.

Surprisingly, the operation went smoothly, and the Sea Treader was soon bobbing in the harbor next to the larger and imposing Marblehead. Almost immediately, several of Storm Stalker's crew were on the ship, patching the sails and fixing the leaks.

“Well, looks as thought we be sendin' ye on yer way in the morn.” Trade Breaker smiled at the six mares. “Take care o' me father's ship, an' she'll take ye all the way to Equestria.”

Twilight and her friends smiled back.

“Thank you, Captain, for everything.” Twilight said. “This means a lot to us, and I'll be sure to explain things to Celestia. I'm sure that's she's worried.”

The table promptly cracked in half as Celestia's golden clad hoof smashed through it.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN'T FIND THEM?” She yelled. “YOU'VE GOT AN ARMADA! AND YOU CAN'T FIND ONE SHIP?”

Iron Keel nervous backed away from the raging alicorn, silently sending out a prayer. Ironically, it was sent to the very being standing in front of him.

“Your highness, please.” He begged. “I've got every ship in the fleet looking for them. But they seem to have disappeared.”

Celestia's mane was beginning to scorch the top of the cabin. “IT'S BEEN FIVE DAYS ADMIRAL! FIVE DAYS!”

“Princess, these things take time.” Iron Keel pleaded.

“TIME THAT WE DON'T HAVE!” Celestia thundered. “THAT SHIP IS TO BE FOUND, OR YOU WILL BE SCRAPING BARNACLES OFF THIS SHIP WITH YOUR TEETH!”

Iron Keel's rump hit the cabin door, and he turned to open it and escape from the enraged alicorn that towered over him. The door was covered in a golden aura and refused to open. Iron Keel's blood drained from his face, and he prepared for what he believed was the end.

“I'm sorry.” A quiet voice said behind him.

He slowly turned around and was stunned to see that Celestia was no longer the raging inferno she had been moments before, but instead her head hung low and her anger abated.

“I promised myself that I would never let anything happen to Twilight, and now she has been taken captive.” She whispered. “Admiral, please, find that ship. I beg of you.”

Iron Keel, though still terrified for his life, smoothed his uniform and bowed respectfully to his leader.

“It will be done, Princess.” He said before turning to the door and leaving.

Once outside, he shakily sat down and took several deep breaths. Never again did he want to see an alicorn angry, especially at him.

“Admiral!” The captain of the dreadnought called, running up to him.

“Yes?” Iron Keel asked, instantly a perfect picture of the cool and collected admiral he was supposed to be.

The captain saluted. “Our picket ships just sent a message by dragon fire, they say that a pirate has surrendered himself and claims to know where the mysterious pirate ship has gone!”

Iron Keel's eyes narrowed. “Bring him to me.”

Chapter 13

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Longhorn stepped out of the longboat, his hooves crunching into the sand. He turned around and looked with satisfaction as the majority of his crew either swam or flew to join him. The Bloodhound did not carry any boats save for the longboat reserved for Longhorn himself, a bit of extra motivation for the crew never to abandon ship.

Although the skies were covered by dark clouds that arced lightning and threatened rain, none fell. It was an odd occurrence that only could occur on the island of Bugganville. Only a mere twenty miles from the treacherous Ghost Island, the storm that eternally covered graveyard of ships also extended to cover the south eastern tip of Bugganville.

For years, Equestria had maintained a lighthouse that pierced the storm in an effort to guide ships away from the deadly rocks, but with Bugganville's move away from Equestrian sovereignty, the lighthouse had been abandoned. The effort, while valiant, had been entirely vain because any ship that was unfortunate enough to wander into the storm was already lost to the winds and waves that plagued the area.

It was on this lighthouse that Longhorn stood with a spy glass, trying to pierce the veil of the storm. A griffon flew up to perch beside him, landing silently before picking out his own spy glass from his satchel.

“Do you really think they're in there?” The griffon hissed.

“I know it.” Longhorn growled. “I can smell that ship from here.”

“So how do we take it down?” The griffon asked, eyeing his captain warily. “The Bloodhound stands no chance against that metal beast.”

“Fool.” Longhorn barked. “Are you blind, why do you think I have brought the crew ashore?”

He pointed at the shoreline below. “The crew will assemble on the shoreline and await the Marblehead to beach herself. Once she is stuck on the sands, we will overrun the ship and take the Elements of Harmony captive, and then leave the ship and survivors for the Equestrian Royal Navy to deal with.”

The griffon let out a slight hiss. “And why would the Marblehead simply run aground? And how are we to take the very Elements of Harmony prisoner?”

“You forget that the Elements are being held captive, are they not? It will be a simple matter of opening a door and pulling them out, and as for the Marblehead, you will be responsible for her grounding.” Longhorn explained.

“Me?”

Longhorn grinned menacingly. “You will lead my crew members that are gifted with flight onto that iron ship and take control of the tiller.”

“What?” The griffon hissed angrily. “But that ship is massive! Who knows how many souls are aboard!”

Longhorn snorted. “Was I incorrect in assuming that your skills as a fighter are unmatched? Have I not paid a fortune to have the best fighters sign aboard my ship?”

The griffon shut his beak, glaring angrily at the minotaur.

“There is but one pony that you should fear.” Longhorn continued. “Rumor has it that the pegasus Storm Stalker is aboard the Marblehead, and her masters all claim that her skill is second to none. Should you encounter her in combat by yourself, consider yourself already dead. Make sure to stay in a group.”

The griffon nodded, his mind racing.

“Oh, and one more thing.” Longhorn growled. “Either you come back on that ship, or you don't come back at all. Pass the word.”

The griffon spat over the railing, but did not protest the suicidal mission. With a graceful leap, he was gone, leaving Longhorn alone once again.

The sinewy minotaur smiled, eager for the coming events.

“I'm coming for you, Storm Stalker. You escaped me once, but now I will have my revenge.”

Twilight stood on the deck of the Sea Treader, examining the battered but defiant ship. Though most of the sails and rigging were destroyed, Storm Stalker's crew of pirates were good at their jobs, repairing a good amount of it. The leaks had all been patched and a tow rope had been placed around the Marblehead's rear cannon box and the Sea Treader's anchor capstan, with the promise that Captain Trade Breaker would tow Twilight and her friends clear of the storm and set them free.

The sound of bickering could be heard from the poop deck as Applejack and Rainbow Dash argued over who should be the captain of the ship. Twilight was about to go interrupt the argument when a familiar pegasus mare swooped over her head and landed lightly on the deck.

“We'll be shovin' off soon as the tide is goin' down, which'll be aboot sunset.” Storm Stalker said. “Ah suggest yew prepare fer the storm.”

Twilight nodded. “Thank you again. I know that you didn't have to do this for us, and I really appreciate it.”

Storm rolled her eyes. “Thank the cap'n. If'n Ah had a say, yew'd be marooned on Tortoise Island wit' naught but real pirates tae keep yew comp'ny.”

Twilight giggled. “All the same, thanks.”

Storm huffed in annoyance. “Yew're welcome. An' Ah'm sorry aboot nearly skewerin' yew wit' me crossbow.”

Twilight nodded. “Don't worry about it, I have a magical barrier around me at all times to intercept fast moving objects.”

Storm chuckled. “Alright, we'll leave it at that.”

Twilight was somewhat unnerved by Storm's reserved laugh, but she decided to follow the pegasus's advice and leave it alone.

Storm took to the air and was back aboard the Marblehead before Twilight had time to blink. Her attention was once again focused on the two mares fighting over control of the wheel and she promptly teleported in between them.

“I'll take the wheel.” She announced. “You two can help Rarity with the sails.”

Applejack grumbled while walking off while Rainbow Dash merely snorted and shot off the deck in a streak of rainbow. Twilight smiled and felt the wheel in her magic. It turned smoothly, and she could feel the ship shift slightly as the rudder responded.

A slight cough brought her attention to directly behind her where a dull gray pegasus stallion eyed her nervously.

“Sorry ta be botherin' ya, yer highness, but I heard you were from Poneville?” He asked quietly.

“Yes, my castle's there.” Twilight responded happily.

This only caused the stallion to grow slightly more nervous. “I-I was wonderin', if'n ya might do me a favor.”

Twilight nodded eagerly. “Of course, what can I help you with?”

“Well, um, my name is Silent Hooves.” He began. “And a long time ago, I took a fancy to a mare and had a daughter. I didn't want 'er ta grow ta be a pirate, like 'er no account fadder, and so I snuck 'er and 'er mudder inta Equestria. Las' I heard from 'er mum, she lives in Poneville.”

Twilight's eyes widened and she dropped her jaw. “Wait, you're Derpy's dad?”

Silent Hooves paused, pain spreading across his face. “I t'ought she was named Muffin.”

Twilight tried not to look Silent Hooves in his eyes as she explained. “Well, yeah, I guess. I've only heard ponies call her Derpy. She's a really nice mare though, everypony in town likes her.”

Silent Hooves looked down at the deck. “That's good. Fer a while I was worried she got 'er mudder's eye condition, but it sounds as though she' doin' fine.”

Twilight elected to stay silent.

“Well, anyways, I was wonderin' if'n ya would give this to 'er.” Silent Hooves said while holding out a letter.

Twilight nodded and tried to grab the letter in her magic. Silent Hooves grinned in embarrassment.

“Sorry. The paper's from the Marblehead.” He explained.

“Oh, okay.” Twilight said as she took the letter in her hoof. “I'd be happy to give this to her.”

“Thank you.” Silent Hooves said quietly.

“You know,” Twilight said as she looked down at the letter, “you could-”

She stopped when she looked back up. Silent Hooves was gone without a trace. He hadn't even made a sound when he left.

Silent Hooves carefully snuck back onto the Marblehead, his hooves never making a sound. However, no matter how silent and cautious he was, he had never once been able to sneak by Storm Stalker. That was evident as she surprised him in one of the ship's many passageways.

“Mistah Hooves.” Her voice sounded from behind him.

He whirled around in surprise to find her looking at him with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh, eheh, sorry Miss Stalker.” Silent Hooves chuckled, rubbing a hoof behind his head. “Didn't see you there.”

Storm lowered her neck slightly to be eye level with him. “Just like yew didnae see me when Ah saw yew talkin' wit' the princess.”

Hooves gulped. “Now look, I wasn't tellin' 'er anythin' about the ship. It was just a little conversation.”

“Oh Ah know what yew was talkin' aboot.” Storm cut him off. “Yew think Ah didnae know aboot yew're daughter.”

Silent Hooves paled. “Miss Stalker, I promise that will in no way affect my performance aboard this ship.”

Storm nodded. “Aye, it won't, 'cause yew won' be sailin' wit' us no more!”

“Miss Stalker, please-” He pleaded.

She held a hoof up to stop him. “Go home, Mistah Hooves.”

“What?”

Storm leaned in close to him. “Yew have a daughter, an' here's yewr chance tae finally meet her. Don' waste this Silent, go find yewr little girl.”

Silent Hooves was silent for a moment. “But-”

“No buts.” Storm ordered. “There's a ship out there wit' six landlubbers aboot tae sail it. They'll be needin' a steady hoof at the wheel.”

Silent stared at her for a while before saluting with his hoof. “Aye ma'am. It's been a pleasure ta sail wit' ya.”

“Aye.” Storm said as she returned his salute. “It's been an honor tae have yew aboard. Now get goin'.”

The gray pegasus was gone in an instant, leaving Storm standing alone in the passageway. There was a slight sniff from the mare.

“Goodbye ol' friend. Good fortunes go wit' yew.”

As the sky began to darken, two ships slipped away from the deadly shores known as Ghost Island. Their course was for Equestria to the northeast, taking the two ships within five miles of the southern tip of Bugganville.

While this in itself was harmless, the fact that Longhorn had so carefully chosen this spot as his ambush point was.

The minotaur had not left the top of the lighthouse, constantly searching with his spyglass for any sign of the ship that was the bane of his existence. With a crack of lightning from the raging storm above, the sea was lit for brief moment. The sight of the Marblehead brought Longhorn's attention to one particular spot in the sea.

“There! There she is!” He yelled triumphantly.

The griffon who was with him before flew up beside him and retrieved his spy glass to find out whether or not the captain was merely seeing things. As he peered through the telescope, he found the iron ship that was to be his target, but also something else.

“Captain, there is another ship out there!” He hissed.

Longhorn strained his eye as he looked at the silhouette. Sure enough, riding the waves behind the Marblehead was an ordinary sailing ship.

“Where did that come from?” He said angrily.

“Captain!” The griffon hissed. “I saw something! It looked like a rainbow trail!”

Longhorn growled and he pulled the griffon down to his height. “What do you mean?”

The griffon gulped as he explained. “There's only one pegasus I know of creating a rainbow trail. One of the Elements of Harmony. If she flies fast enough, it will leave a rainbow behind. She's free!”

Longhorn roared and slammed his fist into the tower, causing the entire structure to vibrate. He breathed heavily for a moment, then looked at the griffon.

“Which ship did it come from?” He asked.

“The sailing ship!” The griffon said hurriedly.

The minotaur grabbed the griffon and pulled him close.

“Get the crew back to the ship, then find out which ship the Elements of Harmony are on.” He yelled directly into the griffon's face.

“Back to the ship?” The griffon wheezed. “But what about-”

“If the Elements are free, then we stand no chance in a direct fight!” Longhorn roared.

He looked out at where the ships had last been seen. “But, I have a feeling. And if I'm right, then we won't even need to beach the Marblehead.”

Turning back to the griffon, he threw the creature from the tower.

“Get to the ship!” He yelled to the various crewmembers on the ground. “Get to the ship and prepare for boarding action!”

Chapter 14

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With a giant splash of water, the Sea Treader was pulled headlong into another wave as the Marblehead guided the wooden ship through the storm. The bow was yanked over the crest of the wave before being plunged into the next one. Over and over, the process was repeated, yet the stalwart ship continued to chase the steel behemoth without complaint.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash were currently perched on the very bow, having challenged each other to a competition of who could get dunked the most. Currently, Applejack was winning as Rainbow Dash looked a little bit green.

Twilight shared Rainbow Dash's sentiments as she was currently hanging her head over the side of the ship, ridding herself of dinner. Just as she finished unleashing the last of Culinary's soup, a wave came up and rinsed her mouth with sea water. Gagging, she fell back onto the deck and coughed up a good amount of the salty liquid.

Fluttershy, who had been standing behind Twilight, dodged out of the way of the water and helped Twilight to her hooves.

“Oh Twilight, you poor thing.” She said while rubbing Twilight's back. “Why don't you go lie down.”

Twilight nodded, still too sick to even respond. With Fluttershy escorting her, the seasick alicorn made her way to the captain's cabin and lay down, dry retching into a bucket.

Fluttershy stepped back out onto deck just in time for a wave to come crashing over the bow and douse her in sea water. With an annoyed huff, she shook out her wings and climbed the stairs up onto the poop deck where the pegasus known as Silent Hooves wrestled with the tiller.

She watched him for a little bit before scanning the horizon. Every way she looked, there was nothing but darkness. A small speck in the distance caught her eye, and she stared at it for a moment, swearing that it had wings, but it disappeared before she could be sure. She shook her head. No bird would be foolish enough to brave this storm.

Turning to Silent Hooves, she had to raise her voice somewhat in order to be heard.

“Excuse me!” She said, waiting for a response.

“Excuse me!” She tried again.

“I hear ya ma'am!” Silent Hooves shouted, keeping his eyes ahead of the ship.

“I was wondering, will we be out of this storm soon?” Fluttershy asked.

“Aye, soon enough.” He shouted. “Ya can't see it, but those clouds up there are startin' ta thin out! We'll be clear of the storm in ten minutes.”

“Thank you!” Fluttershy yelled before turning around and watching as Applejack laughed as another wave submerged her in water while Rainbow Dash gamely held on despite her ever growing sickness.

As the clouds cover the moon above, darkness fell over the sea, shrouding the ships that dared to sail on such a night. Like a predator stalking a mother and cub, the Bloodhound, aided by the vision of sharp eyed thestrals, followed the Marblehead and towed ship.

Longhorn stood on the deck next to a panting and thoroughly soaked griffon, listening as he made his report.

“It was as you predicted, Captain Longhorn.” The griffon gasped, very tired from his long flight in the rain. “I spotted the Elements on the second ship, most of them at least, but they are always together.”

Longhorn nodded. “Now, what happens next depends entirely on them.”

“What do you mean?” The griffon asked.

“If the Marblehead tows that ship all night, they'll outrun us and we'll never catch up.” Longhorn growled. “If the Marblehead lets them go some time in the night, we can sneak up on them and take them by surprise.”

The griffon shook off some of the water and hissed. “What will the plan of attack be if they do?”

“Standard night attack.” Longhorn said. “The air creatures will dive from above and take out anybody on deck, then the Bloodhound will grapple and the rest of the crew will board.”

“I see.” The griffon hissed, somewhat annoyed that he still had the job of taking point.

“Since most of the crew don't know what the Elements look like, pass the word that I want all bodies aboard that ship to be taken alive.” Longhorn ordered.

“Aye Captain.” The griffon said as he walked off to perform his duties.

Slowly but surely, the pirate ship found its way closer and closer to the unsuspecting merchant ship.

Information Booth stood rigidly as Princess Celestia glared at him.

“Why should I believe you?” She asked menancingly.

“Captain Longhorn has a personal vendetta against the iron ship.” He squeaked. “He wants to see it sunk!”

Iron Keel stepped forward. “And what of the Elements of Harmony?”

“Captain Longhorn promises to leave them be!” Booth said, trying to control his bladdder. “He has no quarrel with Equestria.”

Celestia circled the diminutive stallion like a shark circling its prey. “Tell me, Mister Booth, does it not seem a little convenient that your captain is going to take all the risk for Equestria, claiming to be able to take the ship and then leaving it for us? Why should I not consider this a trap?”

Booth gulped. “He explained that you are to be insurance, in case things go badly for the Bloodhound.”

Iron Keel slammed his hoof down. “Then why does he not reveal the location of the ship now? Why is he having us wait?”

Booth visibly jumped at the admiral's anger.

“He doesn't trust you!” He squeaked. “He says he will only call for help if he needs it!”

Celestia stopped circling and looked at the nearby porthole.

“That had better be him.” She said as smoke rapidly curled into the room and materialized into a note in front of Booth.

Iron Keel quickly grabbed the note before Booth had a chance to and read it out loud.

“Booth, inform the Navy that we have failed in our attack and are currently being chased down by the Marblehead. We are going to lure them into the east Bugganville strait. Signed, Captain Longhorn.”

Booth nearly fainted in relief. Celestia and Iron Keel, on the other hoof, were not so happy.

“What is the Bugganville Strait?” Celestia demanded.

Iron Keel stepped in to answer. “It's not really a strait, your highness, but a small slip of water that runs through the entire middle of the island. Barely large enough for one of our cutters to move through, and if the reports are accurate, the iron ship will be too large to navigate such a channel.”

“How long until we can be there?” She asked.

“Sunrise.” Iron Keel stated.

“Get us there!” Celestia ordered.

Twilight slowly felt herself slowly drifting off into a deep sleep. The Marblehead had already cut the Sea Treader loose, no goodbyes or anything, leaving the sailing ship to plot its own course.

Now that the ship was clear of the storm and not being dragged along like some toy, the Sea Treader's violent motions had turned into a gentle rocking that lulled the seasick princess into sleep. Her eyes closed, and her breathing became slow.

The sudden jolt of an impact threw Twilight from the bed and she landed on the floor with a grunt. Standing up, she groggily turned to the door and opened it.

“Hello?” She croaked.

There was rustle of feathers and something impacted the back of her head. She stumbled, but turned and launched a spell, sending a griffon flying through the passageway and out the back of the ship. The thud of heavy hooves attracted her attention to the door at the end of the passageway.

Racing towards it, she slammed it open with her magic and leapt out, horn flared and ready for battle. Standing on the deck in front of her was a mixed crew of evil looking pirates, in the middle of the group stood a massive black minotaur holding a cutlass to Applejack's throat.

“Settle down Princess, lest you want to see the insides of every last one of your friends.” He ordered.

Twilight looked around and saw that all of her friends, including Silent Hooves, had been taken captive and blades held to their throats. She let the magic on her horn die out and looked at the minotaur.

“Happy?” She asked.

“Not yet.” He smirked.

Before Twilight could react, several pirates jumped at her and began to beat her with their hooves. The last thing Twilight felt before succumbing to the pain was an inhibitor ring placed on her horn.

“Not again.” She thought.

Longhorn looked with satisfaction at the broken princess, her battered and bruised body lying on the deck. He laughed as the six other ponies screamed at him, the orange one he was holding even bit him.

With a simple flick of his wrist, Longhorn turned the blade away from the pony and hit the stetson covered head with the butt of the sword. She fell limp in his grasp and he casually tossed her at the nearest pirate as if tossing away a rag.

“Get the prisoners back aboard the Bloodhound! Prepare to make full sail!” He roared.

A chorus of “Aye-ayes” answered him as he stood proudly on the deck of the freighter. Turning to the starboard, he watched the lights of the Marblehead as they vanished into the night.

“Give me a lantern.” He ordered.

A lantern was placed in his outstretched hand and he lit it with a cruel smile.

“Like a moth to flame, so shall the Marblehead follow us to their destruction under the combined firepower of the Equestrian Fleet!” He announced to his crew.

They roared in agreement, stamping their hooves and claws on the deck. Longhorn brought the lantern close to his face, staring at the sputtering flame inside.

“Goodbye Stalker.” He whispered. “My one regret is that I didn't kill you myself.”

With that, he turned and flung the lantern on the sail where it shattered, sending burning oil across the canvas. The flame eagerly ate up the sail before turning to the mast itself, turning the lumber into a towering beacon of light.

Longhorn followed his crew onto the Bloodhound as the freighter was turned into a raging inferno. Looking at where he last saw the lights of the strange iron ship, he noted with a satisfied smirk that they began to reappear as the Marblehead steamed over the horizon once again.

“Cap'n! The Sea Treader's on fire!” Storm Stalker called.

Trade Breaker started from his bed, scrambling out his door and up towards the wheelhouse. His first mate followed him, fear in her eyes.

Breaker arrived on the bridge, blinking away his sleep and looking through the windows. Miles ahead, the hulk of a ship could be seen burning brightly against the night. He stood, stunned at the sight and refusing to speak.

“Cap'n?” Stalker asked. “Yewr orders?”

She tried again before reaching out and touching him. He turned to look at her, confusion in his eyes.

“What happened?” He pleaded. “Why is my father's ship burning?”

Storm shook her head. “Ah don' know.”

“SHIP OFF THE PORT BOW!” Came the frantic call from the lookout.

Breaker turned and saw lanterns bobbing in the distance. They were a long ways off and heading for Bugganville by the looks of it. He heard Storm Stalker catch her breath and he looked at her.

“What is it?” He asked.

“Ah'd know that ship anywhere.” She growled. “The same won tha' chased the Golden Curse fer three whole days.”

Grabbing Trade Breaker, she pulled him close. “Cap'n, that ship out there be the Bloodhound, and she belongs tae that cursed minotaur Longhorn, an' Ah'm tellin' yew right now, we cannae beat him. His crew is tae big an' he's tae smart tae let himself be seen like this. It's a trap that he be leadin' us intae.”

Trade Breaker looked at her, then at the burning Sea Treader.

“Helm, set a course fer Bugganville!” He ordered.

“CAP'N!” Storm yelled. “YEW CANNAE DO THIS!”

Trade Breaker pushed her hoof off of him and pinned her against the window.

“I'LL BE SENT TO THE REAPER A'FORE I LET LONGHORN GET AWAY!” He roared in her face. “THERE BE SEVEN SOULS ABOARD THAT SHIP! AN' COME STORM, PIRATES, CELESTIA HERSELF TO STOP ME I'M GETTIN' THEM BACK!”

Storm Stalker wilted under her captain's fury, letting herself fall to the floor when he let her go. Never before had Trade Breaker struck her in anger. Never before had he made her feel so weak and powerless as she did in that moment. She hated the feeling, and she hated him for making her feel that way.

Trade Breaker ignored her and turned back to the stunned crew on the bridge.

“Helm, all ahead full.” He growled. “Make yer course to intercept the Bloodhound.”

Chapter 15

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Trade Breaker cursed the wind, his anger fueled by the sailing ship that danced ever so tantalizingly close. Though the Marblehead's impressive speed had easily closed the distance between the steel predator and wooden prey, the Bloodhound remained out of reach by choice.

In the early morning dawn with a heavy fog that shrouded the ships, one of Storm Stalker's pegasus crew approached Longhorn's ship only to be chased off by thirty pirates from the Bloodhound. Since Longhorn had the advantage in numbers, Trade Breaker would have to force Longhorn to surrender using ship to ship combat.

Such a task would have been easy, for not only was the Marblehead completely immune to any of the Bloodhound's weapons, but the ship also carried cannons of a nature that boggled the mind. Although the amount of projectiles that Trade Breaker could have lobbed onto the Bloodhound was limited to thirty as the ship carried no more than that when first found, such an amount could have easily destroyed thirty Bloodhounds.

Then there was the ship itself, a steel behemoth whose speed was rivaled by none. With a simple order, Trade Breaker could split the Bloodhound down the middle by using the knife like bow that was currently cutting through the waves.

However, Trade Breaker did none of these things, but instead reduced speed to follow the Bloodhound at a safe distance of a few thousand yards. The reason for such an action was simple; Longhorn held three aces to Breaker's one.

Though Trade Breaker had a far superior ship, Longhorn had a much larger crew, a plan that Trade Breaker was oblivious to, but most importantly, he had one of Trade Breaker's crew tied to the rear of the Bloodhound.

Silent Hooves, the gray pegasus, was firmly lashed to the ship's stern with several of Longhorn's crew holding blades to his throat and crossbows to his head. They had made it clear that should the Marblehead approach, the prisoner would be killed.

Trade Breaker paced the wheelhouse as Culinary held the tiller. The fog was shrouding enough of the sea to leave the Bloodhound a blurry outline in the gray soup, but not enough to obscure her completely. That was problematic, if the fog had been thicker, it would have been enough to mask both ships to allow the Marblehead sneak up on the pirate ship, or had there been less fog then perhaps Trade Breaker could have had a clearer picture of what Longhorn was up to.

As it was, all the elements were against Trade Breaker, and he blamed himself for it. Culinary thought this was ridiculous.

“Don' be a fool, Cap'n.” He argued. “Yer curse ain' da cause of 'dis mess.”

“Course it isn't.” Trade Breaker spat. “Longhorn is, it's jus' that I'm helpin' him wit' his schemes! The fair wind that fills his sails, this cursed fog, it be 'cause o' my ill fortune that follows me.”

Culinary scoffed at this. “Cap'n, da weather be wha' da weather be. Ye 'ave as much to do wit' it as an earth pony.”

Breaker glared at the shape of the Bloodhound through the mist. “Maybe it be 'cause o' me poor judgment. I should've towed the Sea Treader all night and released her in the morn'.”

Culinary sighed, exasperated at his captain's stubbornness. Fortunately, further discussion was interrupted by the arrival of Storm Stalker and Dusk Maiden entering the wheelhouse.

“He's headin' fer Bugganville alright.” Storm said darkly. “Right tae a cozy little harbor.”

“Why would he be headin' fer a harbor?” The captain asked.

“Maybe he wants to get on land?” Dusk suggested. “To get away from our ship?”

Storm shook her head. “Nae, Longhorn wouldnae abandon the Bloodhound if'n we blew out from under him.”

Trade Breaker opened the door to the chart room and stepped inside, carefully selecting a map from the stack. He unrolled it onto the chart table revealing the island of Bugganville and looked over the area.

With an angry bellow, he slammed his hoof down on the table.

“Cap'n?” Storm asked.

“There be a waterway through the island!” Breaker yelled while stepping out of the room.

Storm frowned. “If'n the Bloodhound wit' full sail can mak'kit through, then we shoul' be too. What be the depth o' the channel?”

Breaker shook his head. “The chart didn't say. We follow them in an' see how it goes.”

“But, what if we get stuck and they decide to turn around? We can't fight their whole crew.” Dusk asked.

With a grim face, Trade Breaker looked ahead at the Bloodhound.

“Then we use the cannons, an' blow that ship an' every last pony aboard to smithereens.” He growled.

The next half hour was unbearable for the crew aboard the Marblehead as they watched the Bloodhound sail into the bay and down the narrow channel to freedom on the other side. Then came the Marblehead's turn as the ship cautiously approached the entrance to the strait. Slowly, the ship inched forward into the channel but then with a grinding crunch, came to a halt in the sand.

Trade Breaker was ready for the impact and had braced himself along with the rest of the crew, but he was still blisteringly mad. Storm and Culinary shared his sentiments, but with a slightly calmer attitude.

Storm shook her head. “Tis a low tide, so we cannae be expectin' tae free ourselves wit' the current agin us. Ah figure in aboot an hour, the tide will free us.”

The bridge door slammed slammed shut as Night Watch entered the wheelhouse.

“We don't have an hour.” He announced. “While everypony else was looking forward, I decided to check our rear. You need to see this Captain.”

Trade Breaker wasted no time in throwing open the door and racing outside. The fog was finally burning off as the sun climbed higher into the sky. The sight revealed a collection of fifty ships, all bearing the seal of the Equestrian Royal Navy and being led by an iron dreadnought.

“Celestia 'ave mercy.” Storm breathed beside him.

Trade Breaker was back inside the wheelhouse before a pony could blink, throwing the speed levers into full reverse. Using his wings to pull the phone off of the wall, he called the engine room.

Poisoned Beaker was angry, she didn't like how the captain was treating the engines. First he runs the ship aground and now he wanted full reverse. It was not healthy for the massive turbines to be switched so rapidly.

Grumbling, she closed the steam lines to the main turbines and opened them to the reverse turbines, allowing the super heated steam to begin turning the giant screws in the back of the ship.

Suddenly, Dead Fire opened the door to the boiler rooms with a frightened look on his face.

“Beaker!” He yelled. “We gotta move!”

“What's wrong?” Beaker asked, fearing that something may be wrong with the boilers.

“The whole Equestrian Fleet is heading straight for us!” Dead Fire replied, using his strong claws to turn the various levers and wheels to switch the steam lines.

Beaker's eyes widened and she ran to the next room, performing the same tasks as before to reverse the engines. There was no way she was letting the Equestrian Navy catch this ship, and she had a few tricks up her sleeve should they try.

Sun Flowers raced along the passageway behind Zabramn, carrying a heavy tube that was pointed on one end. They climbed one of the ladders into one of the cannon mounts near the front of the ship. Unlike the twin cannons that were mounted in the cannon box on the focsle of the ship, this cannon was mounted in a rounded barbette on the starboard side of the forward structure just under the wheelhouse.

She lay tube down and panted heavily, she was used to having to carry things around the ship, but never at that frantic pace before.

“So,” she panted, “how does this work?”

The three legged zebra pointed at the various mechanisms of the cannon, opening the small door and instructing Sun Flowers to load the tube she was carrying into the cannon.

“Are you certain that you know what you're doing?” Sun asked, rather nervous.

Zabramn snorted. “After my disgrace to the tribe, my travels became worldwide. An artillery pony I became, one of these babies I know how to aim.”

“Where did you learn that?” Sun inquired, she had never talked much with the scarred zebra.

“In the plains of fire where valleys were made. Through burning battle, I learned my trade.” He said. “The cannons back then were mighty in name, but this cannon here puts them all to shame.”

Sun was not convinced. “Okay, if you say so.”

Zabramn smirked as he looked through the sights. “Have no fear oh doubtful Sun Flowers. Soon you will be awed at my awesome powers.”

The mare huffed at Zabramn's mocking tone.

“I dare you to end a sentence with orange.” She taunted.

“Miss Rose.” A grim voice asked.

Water Rose emitted a slight squeak at the sight of a timberwolf entering the compartment, but did not run.

“Mistah Woody!” She yelped.

“Bring me water.” He growled.

“Yes sah!” Water Rose squeaked before running to the galley.

The little filly grabbed the nearest clean bucket with her teeth and placed it in the floor sink. Fortunately, although she couldn't reach the water spigot that Culinary usually used, there was another spigot low enough for her to turn on.

Water Rose only filled the bucket up halfway because she knew from experience that she couldn't carry anything heavier. Half dragging, half carrying the bucket, she moved as fast as she could down the passageway towards where she left Woody.

Unfortunately because of the bucket, she failed to see a pair of vines that snaked up the floor and to the hatch in the ceiling. With a frightened cry of alarm, she tripped over the small green tendrils and flew headfirst into the bucket.

With some effort, she managed to pull the bucket clear and looked for whatever had tripped her. She was quite surprised to find out.

The spilled water was quickly being absorbed by an offshoot of one of the vines until the deck was completely dry. Water Rose stared at the vine as it bent around itself and shriveled up. The sound slithering frightened her as more vines snaked through the doorway and towards the filly. She screamed as one wrapped around her leg, but a raspy voice cut her off.

“Miss Rose!” Woody said harshly, stepping through the doorway. At least a hundred separate vines trailed his wolf-like form, all were too long to see where they ended.

“M-M-Mistah Woody.” She sobbed. “I-I-”

“Stop crying useless pony!” Woody snapped as the vine circling around Rose's leg suddenly wilted and died, releasing her.

Water Rose couldn't stop though, she was scared and alone with a creature that scared her. No matter how much she had always put on a brave face, on the inside she was still just a small filly that was frightened of big things.

“Rose, stand up.” A kind voice said.

She looked behind her to see the black, chitinous form of Drip standing there.

“Go turn on the water in the galley.” Drip said, positioning himself in between Water Rose and Woody.

The little earth pony nodded before running away, jumping nimbly over the vines that grew ever longer. Once Water Rose was gone, Drip turned to look at the timberwolf, his blue eyes glinting dangerously.

“Let's get one thing clear.” He said quietly. “If you ever make Water Rose cry again, I will turn you into matchsticks and feed you to the furnace.”

“Bold words for changeling.” Woody rasped. “Perhaps I should feel afraid?”

Drip just laughed. “You think you're immune because you're a timberwolf? You think I haven't been able to taste what's coming off of you?”

Woody growled at him, but Drip ignored it.

“You're afraid.” Drip continued. “Not of me, but Beaker. You're afraid that she might not want you anymore. I can taste it every time she steps in the same room with you. That's why you're always so defensive of her, why you keep trying to put the crew down.”

“You know nothing!” Woody snapped.

“Really?” Drip smirked. “Because that's not what your emotions are telling me.”

A pair of vines tried to grab at Drip's hooves, but green fire merely burned them away. Drip advanced on the timberwolf unafraid.

“Listen Woody, I don't have to be telling you this, but I'm doing it because I believe you deserve a second chance.” Drip said, inches from the timberwolf's muzzle. “As much as she's tried not to, Miss Beaker's making friends aboard this ship, and the crew's starting to get along with her as well. You, on the other hoof, have been making yourself a nuisance with your loner attitude. My suggestion is to open up and find a friend, or else Miss Beaker's going to end your sad little life and make a new pet, maybe one that's got some manners this time. And she'll do it too, I know she will.”

Woody shrunk down from the changeling, the color fading from his leaves.

“She thinks of me as a burden?”

“I'm just telling you what she tastes like.” Drip finished.

The arrival Water Rose ended the conversation as she stepped through the door, staring at the many vines that extended from the timberwolf to parts unknown.

“Wow!” She exclaimed. “Where are all the green things goin'?”

Drip chuckled as if nothing had happened between him and Woody as he picked Water Rose up and set her on his back, tickling her playfully.

“They're going to lock down the ship.” He explained cheerfully. “Mister Woody here is keeping the whole ship safe.”

“Wow! Thanks Mistah Woody!” The filly beamed.

Woody nodded hesitantly, his eyes darting around nervously.

“You're welcome, Miss Rose.” He rasped, and then he bowed his head. “And, I am sorry for making you cry.”

Trade Breaker felt the Marblehead shudder violently as the four screws bit deeply into the water, slowly slipping from the sandy shallows. With a sudden lurch, the ship shot backwards as the bow freed itself from the ground.

“Storm, take the wheel!” He ordered as the ship backed out of the harbor.

The sudden flash of light passing by the windows announced the fact that the Marblehead was in range of the unicorn casters as they began to hurl magical bolts at the ship. After the first one passed, the air was suddenly filled with magic. Beams and lances arced towards the side as the Marblehead turned to clear the mouth of the harbor.

Trade Breaker slammed the speed levers forward and the ship responded smartly as Poisoned Beaker dealt with the engines. Water shot from the bow as it split the sea, gaining speed with every passing second. Magical bolts harmlessly pinged off the side of the hull, often times back at the casters themselves.

“Cap'n, they're tryin' tae cut us off!” Storm yelled, pointing at the Equestrian Royal Cutter approaching from starboard.

Trade Breaker switched the phone to call the cannon pointer mounted above the wheelhouse.

“Night Watch! Tell Zabramn to fire a warning' shot across the bow o' that cutter to our starboard!” He ordered.

Zabramn listened as Night Watch's voice came through the little black boxes meant to be worn around one's head and began to adjust his cannon.

“What's going on?” Sun Flowers asked as she helped turned the wheels to move the metal contraption.

“A Navy ship is growing bold. We must turn their blood cold.” Zabramn answered, looking down his sights.

A massive boom thundered inside the barbette as black smoke spewed forth from the end of the tube, a red fireball streaking away. It sailed gracefully through the air before hitting the bowsprit of the Equestrian cutter, the fireball passed through the wood and hit the water with a massive detonation that sent water high in the air.

The bowsprit was sliced cleanly in half, flying backwards from the force of the ropes that had been straining against it. The forward mast of the cutter cracked back and fell to one side of the ship, sending sails down into the water. The cutter was stopped dead in the water as the crew stood helpless to fix their once proud ship.

Night Watch's voice came through the little black boxes again, angry as a hornet in a can.

“You idiot!” He yelled. “I said a warning shot!”

Zabramn shook his head to clear it of the ringing in his ears.

“I'm afraid I may have missed.” The zebra said.

As the Marblehead passed the wrecked cutter, Trade Breaker could see several unicorns still firing spells at the ship only to have the magic bounce off. One of the magical bolts hit the glass on the wheelhouse, where it stuck and sputtered before dying out.

“Them uneycorns cannae get it intae their heads tha' magic doesnae work on the Marblehead.” Storm Stalker grinned.

A spear the size of a small tree suddenly shot over the railing and clanged against the side of the forward cannon box, only to shatter into a million splinters.

“Looks like they brought the ballistas out.” Breaker observed, his eyes looking over the fifty-plus ships that still pursued them.

Storm turned the wheel slightly to clear a small outcrop of land.

“Aye, me an' mah big mouth.” She scowled.

“The armor can take it, as long as they don't aim for the windows.” Breaker reassured her.

There was slight silence on the wheelhouse save for the deafening sound magic bouncing off the hull and the occasional crack of a ballista bolt.

“Oh dear.” The captain said finally.

“Oh dear?” Storm asked.

“Oh dear.” He repeated, staring at the sight of a large white alicorn rising from the deck of the dreadnought.

Celestia was stunned at the sight of several of her ships taking severe damage, almost all from ricochets off of the metal ship.

“Admiral!” She demanded. “Why have we not fired?”

Iron Keel stepped forward. “Our cannons are not in range, and our mortars might hit the island.”

Celestia stared at the ship known as the Marblehead as it steamed past several ships with impunity, ignoring the massive amount of firepower that bounced its hull.

“Pull our ships back.” Celestia ordered.

“Your highness?”

“Pull our ships back.” She repeated, cracking her neck. “I'm going in.”

Not waiting for an answer, Celestia spread her wings and took to the air, rising gracefully above the dreadnought that inched slowly forward. She had to admit, she was quite envious of the pirate ship for its impressive speed, and she wished her ships could maintain such a breakneck pace.

Flying to the forefront of the fleet, she charged her horn, collecting enough power to wipe out a city in the form of a gigantic orb. The very sun seemed to dim at the power, and the air randomly caught on fire near her magic.

Taking aim at the metal ship that had caused her so much pain, Celestia readied herself for a massive shockwave.

“Bounce this!”

Chapter 16

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Longhorn laughed as the Marblehead disappeared from sight, the last he saw of the cursed iron ship was it backing away from the sandbar in an effort to run from the Equestrian Navy. The minotaur was confident that even a ship as powerful as the Marblehead stood no chance against the full might of Celestia and her fleet.

“You monster!” The white unicorn screamed. “That's innocent ponies you're turning on one another!”

Longhorn rolled his eyes. “Red, shut her up.”

A burly red earth pony promptly smashed his hoof against the Rarity's jaw. She fell to the deck, but stood back up with fire in her eyes. Longhorn ignored her, he had seen that look in plenty of creatures shortly before he destroyed them.

“So, Princess.” He said as he sauntered down onto the main deck where the prisoners were being held. “From what your blabbermouth friend tells me, you managed to escape from the Marblehead's prison.”

“Sorry.” Rainbow Dash said, her face deep shade of crimson.

Twilight said nothing but merely stood in defiance of the gigantic minotaur that loomed over her. Longhorn sighed and shook his head.

“There's something you need to know about me Princess.” He said, turning to look over the railing. “I am not like those misfits who claim to be pirates. No, I am a real pirate, one who is feared for both his cunning and cruelty.”

Turning back to Twilight, he eyed her coldly. “I am not one to be trifled with, and now let me give you an example of why.”

The sound of hooves scraping against the deck brought Twilight's attention to the sight of a very angry Silent Hooves being dragged forward. Upon seeing Longhorn, Hooves fell into a rage that nearly broke him free of the two pirates holding him. However, four more pirates quickly beat him down.

“Jus' ya wait!” Hooves spat. “Cap'n'll run right through that fleet an' come fer ya!”

Longhorn knelt down and looked Hooves in the eye. “Storm Stalker is a valiant captain, but she stands no chance of breaking through a fleet lead by Celestia herself.”

Hooves smiled through bloody teeth. “I know she couldn't. Good thing she ain't in charge.”

Longhorn cocked an eyebrow, but didn't pursue the subject. Instead he stood up and looked over at Twilight.

“I assume you have become acquainted with this pony?” He asked.

Fear spread across Twilight's face. “Don't you dare hurt him!”

Longhorn smiled, then lifted a hoof and slammed it down onto Silent Hooves foreleg. Hooves screamed in pain as the bone shattered. Twilight and her friends screamed for an entirely different reason.

Longhorn's smile only grew as he watched Silent Hooves wriggle in agony.

“Oh you think that's painful?” The minotaur asked. “What about when I do this?”

He picked Hooves up and promptly broke one of the pegasus's wings, sending Hooves into another fit of screaming.

“Stop it!” Twilight screamed, tears running down the side of her face.

“Oh this?” Longhorn sneered before reaching over and snapping Silent Hooves's other wing.

“Or this?” He dropped the screaming pegasus and slammed his hoof down onto the unbroken foreleg.

“ALRIGHT!” Twilight sobbed. “I promise I won't escape! Just stop hurting him!”

“Oh him?” Longhorn gestured to the crumpled form of a once mighty pirate.

“He's just the example.” The minotaur said while picking Hooves back up again.

Longhorn looked at Twilight and his voice became like steel. “No Princess, this is what I do to your friends should you try to cross me. As for this piece of meat, he belongs to the sharks.”

With that, Longhorn threw the limp form of Silent Hooves over the side. As Twilight's friends screamed in horror, she could only stand in shock at the sound of the gray pegasus screaming in pain and desperation before his voice was lost in the waves.

Longhorn grabbed her chin and forced her to look in his eyes.

“You try to make one move, and one of your precious friends follows him.” He whispered.

There was a bright flash from the other side of Bugganville and a golden shockwave raced over the island. It slammed into the Bloodhound and propelled it violently forward before carrying on. The sight of a giant mushroom cloud rising from the other side of the island took the breath away from every creature standing on deck.

“Well.” Longhorn said finally. “It looks as if that be the end of the Marblehead. Farewell, Storm Stalker, you were a worthy opponent.”

Had Longhorn actually been witness to the event, he would have been sorely disappointed.

Celestia used all of her might to throw the massive orb of destruction towards the fleeing ship, intent on stopping it for good. However, what actually happened was unexpected to all those watching.

The orb impacted the ship's starboard side amidships where it was split in half by the ship's deck. The top half continued onto the deck while the bottom half slid down partially into the water. Immediately after, the two halves detonated in a display of power yet to be seen in Equestria.

The Marblehead acted as if it have been hit by a massive punch to the deck, her bow pitching upwards as her stern fell into a massive hole in the water caused by the bottom half of the orb. The sea, having been pushed away by the gigantic explosion, rushed back into fill the void and closed around the stern of the ship.

The four screws found their bite again as the ocean reclaimed them, sending the bow of the ship rocketing upwards before gravity took hold of the Marblehead once again and sent the ship crashing down into the sea with a groan.

Then it was over, the Marblehead continued on her unstoppable course, oblivious to the towering column of magical smoke that shot into the sky before blooming out into a beautiful mushroom.

To say that those who were present for the awesome show of power and its subsequent snubbing by the Marblehead were stunned, is a gross understatement.

Trade Breaker pulled himself off of his head and shakily stood up. The sound of cursing attracted his attention to the wheel. Storm Stalker was currently swearing up a storm and struggling to free her head from in between two of the wheel's spokes.

He walked over and held her head to get her to calm down. She looked at him with her big brown eyes, and he looked back.

“I am so sorry.” Breaker said.

Before Storm could react, he whirled around and bucked her expertly on the head, sending her flying free of the wheel. She fell on her rump and held her hooves to the growing bruise.

“Yew coulda' warned me!” The angry mare spat.

Breaker shrugged. “Didn't want ye to be ready for it.”

The phone rang, and Breaker picked it up while Storm angrily took control of the wheel again.

“This is Breaker.” The captain said.

“Captain, this is Dead Fire!” The dragon's voice filtered through. “What in the name of the dragon lord hit us?”

“An angry white alicorn.” Trade Breaker explained. “How be the engines?”

“A few new leaks, but they're still turning.” Dead Fire answered.

“Keep me infermed.” Breaker said before hanging up.

Storm looked over at him before looking back out at the ocean.

“Ah hope she doesnae try that again. Marblehead's startin' tae groan enough as it is.” She said.

Trade Breaker looked out the windows and viewed the scene. Most of the Equestrian fleet had pulled back, but a few of the quick moving cutters had taken the opportunity to flank the Marblehead's starboard side and were making quite an effort to catch the ship, futile as it was.

And then there was Celestia herself, approaching the Marblehead over the tops of the nearby cutters. She did not look happy.

The phone rang again and Breaker picked it up.

“Dead Fire, that ye again?” He asked.

“No Sir! This is Drip!” The changeling said frantically. “Where's Sun Flowers?”

“She's with Zabramn in the cannon mount. What be wrong?”

“Water Rose is hurt!” Drip explained. “When the ship pitched, she hit her head! She's unconscious!”

Breaker nearly dropped the phone, but managed to keep a hold of it.

“Don't move her, I'll send Sun Flowers to ye.” He said before hanging up.

Storm saw the devastated look on Trade Breaker's face and instantly knew there was trouble.

“Cap'n?” She asked.

“Turn us around.” He ordered grimly.

“Sir?”

“Turn this ship around now!” Trade Breaker yelled before lowering his voice to barely audible. “I think it be time that we give Celestia a little somethin' to worry about.”

The white alicorn was currently gliding towards the iron ship, taking a roundabout path that took her over the tops of three of her cutters that had managed to close the gap. She was extremely stunned and frustrated with herself and that Tartarus spawned ship.

Not only had her attack drained a good amount of her power, but it had also done no visible damage to the pirate ship. However, she still had enough magic in her to perform a similar attack should the opportunity arise, and more importantly Admiral Iron Keel had launched the pegasus crewmembers to try and board the enemy ship.

Although most were still taking off from the decks of the fleet far behind, there would soon be over a hundred loyal sailponies ready to assist Celestia in an assault.

It was right about when she passed the final cutter on her way to the iron ship that the unexpected occurred. With a blaring of an un-equestrian horn, the iron ship heeled sharply to one side as it turned away from its parallel course to the island.

At first Celestia was confused as such a maneuver would allow the Navy cutters below her to catch up with the pirate ship, until she saw the ship's true course. With a knife like bow, the iron ship accelerated through the water directly towards the first cutter, its horn blaring a warning.

As the captain of the cutter put his ship into a hard turn to avoid the collision, the iron ship also changed course, ensuring that the two ships would meet in a violent encounter. Celestia wasted no time and dove to the deck of the cutter, charging her horn. A golden aura surrounded the ship, capable of stopping even the most powerful of attacks Celestia herself could have have launched.

It was a wasted effort as the iron ship's bow sliced through the shield as if it was not even there, slamming into the cutter's port bow. The wooden ship was thrown backwards as the deck parted before the iron ship pushed the stricken cutter down into the depths.

Celestia was thrown by the force of the collision from the deck before she had a chance to spread her wings and fell into the water. Something very large sliced through ocean only inches from her head before she finally managed to break the surface.

All around her were sailponies desperately trying to stay afloat as the stern half of their ship rolled onto its side and sat there. Celestia lifted herself from the ocean with her magic before drying herself off. Collecting those who were still in the water in her magic, she pulled them from the sea and placed them on the deck of the nearest Equestrian ship.

Fortunately, from the way that the iron ship had rammed the cutter, there had been no casualties save for those injured by the impact, but that was only a small consolation to Celestia as the instigator of the collision was currently steaming away without even having been slowed down.

Taking back to the air, she was satisfied to see that no more of her ponies were swimming in the dangerous waters. Turning to the hundred or so pegasi that had just arrived over the ships, she cast a spell to invoke the Royal Canterlot Voice.

“Form up for an attack!” She ordered. “We take that ship no matter what the cost and free the Elements of Harmony!”

There was a yell from affirmation from every pony in the air as they follow Celestia towards the dreaded ship that had so easily bested a fleet.

Trade Breaker watched as a gigantic swarm of airborne sailponies converged on the Marblehead, all led by a very, very, VERY angry alicorn. Pulling the phone off of its hook and calling the engine room, he felt his voice crack slightly as he relayed the news.

“Dead Fire! Tell Poisoned Beaker we're about to be boarded!” He yelled.

“Aye Captain!” The dragon said before Breaker hung up.

Grabbing the wheel from Storm Stalker, he looked at her in desperation.

“Ye have one shot. Please don't kill her.”

Storm smiled as she loaded her crossbow.

“Cap'n, Ah never miss. Yew can count on that.”

Celestia dove towards the deck and slammed down onto the metal ship. Unfortunately for her, the magical barrier meant to take the shock of the impact failed to do its job. She stumbled as her legs felt like they might break, but stood back up before anypony noticed.

“Come on!” She whispered. “Just what else is this ship immune to?”

The sound of a hundred sets of hooves landing on the deck confirmed the arrival of the rest of the pegasi. The sailponies instantly began to try and do something to the ship, anything really. Several tried open the hatches and doorways in an effort to get below decks, but unknown to them, a network of vines had overgrown the wheeled mechanisms that locked the hatches.

Others tried to fit themselves down into the tubes that protruded from the deck, but found the vents to be too small to fit in. Some tried to venture near the giant smokestacks that belched thick black smoke, but they simply fell to the deck coughing.

However, Celestia noticed one effect that their presence was having; the iron ship was slowing down. As the ship slowly checked its careening speed, there was another difference that Celestia began to note. The smoke was no longer rising.

Instead, the thick black clouds fell to the deck, causing the ponies on deck to begin to cough and hack as the foul substance found its way into their lungs. Celestia lit her horn and formed a shield over herself and those closest to her. Other pegasi saw this and took shelter in the shield or simply spread their wings and flew off to escape the black clouds.

A sudden thought occurred to her, and Celestia looked up at the funnels that belched the foul black smoke. With a simple adjustment, she formed a shield over each of the four smokestacks, and trapped the smoke inside.

“Genius your majesty!” One of the sailponies exclaimed. “Without a proper vent, the fires below will suffocate!”

Celestia smiled. She'd finally found the ship's weakness.

There was a metallic squeak and Celestia noticed a pegasus mare with a blue coat and black mane step out and fire a crossbow at her. She reached out with her magic to seize the bolt in midair only for a sudden realization to strike her as the bolt passed through the magic.

“Oh son of a-” She began.

The bolt passed through her shield and pierced her flank right above her cutie mark. Her magic faltered and failed as she side stepped unsteadily, noticing her vision beginning to blur. Slowly, feeling in her legs began to disappear and she staggered to the deck with heavy eyelids. As the warm metal came up to her chin, she noticed that she could no longer see anything.

“Get the princess to safety!” A panicked voice yelled.

Celestia tried to get up and tell whoever it was issuing commands to ignore her and continue the mission. She tried to tell them to rip the ship apart and find Twilight. She tried to open her mouth to say anything at all to that effect.

However, as Celestia felt herself being picked up by several sets of hooves, she knew that she had failed her student once again.

"I really hate that ship." She thought.

Chapter 17

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Pain. Silent Hooves's world consisted of pain. As he screamed out at the receding shape of the Bloodhound, he felt himself begin to sink. His broken wings were becoming waterlogged and weighing him down, and his two front legs flopped about useless, their only purpose was to inflict more pain than he had ever felt.

He screamed out again, sea water filling his mouth. Spitting out the water, he screamed again. It wasn't so much out of pain but anguish.

Hooves felt cheated in a cruel so of way. As a pirate, he knew that the end may come at any time, but he had always figured it would be with his shipmates, fighting a desperate battle. Instead, he had been ambushed in the night and thrown overboard by a maniac.

The thought saddened him, that he was not going to be remembered as the brave and bold pirate but the broken and pitiful ragdoll. Dolls, Hooves had wanted to get his daughter a doll before he left, but never did.

That hurt the most, the knowledge he was never going to meet his own daughter. With one last desperate scream, Hooves began to flail helplessly in the sea, trying to use his back legs to propel himself back towards Bugganville.

Where was Bugganville? He couldn't see it above the wave tops. The sun rose in the east, but what had the Bloodhound's course been?

Panic surged through him once again. Hooves was going to see his daughter if it killed him. The ocean mocked his efforts as another wave plunged down on his head.

Something brushed his leg. Sharks? Was this it? Was he going to be dragged under by the predators of the deep?

A splashed surfaced from directly behind him as something wrapped around his barrel. Hooves cried out as he struggled with all of his might as pain shot through his broken limbs.

“Mister Hooves! Calm down! It's me!”

Why did that voice sound so familiar? Silent Hooves ceased his thrashing as his mind raced.

“Four Eyes?” He hissed through gritted teeth.

“Aye!” The seapony affirmed. “I've been following the Bloodhound, but when I heard you screaming, I came as fast as I could.”

Hooves yelped in pain as his wings were pushed the wrong way.

“Sorry!” Four Eyes apologized. “Where are you hurt?”

“My wings, an' my legs. Longhorn broke them before throwin' me overboard.” Hooves said, blinking back his tears. Then a thought occurred to him.

“Hold on a tic, how can you see?” He asked.

Four Eyes slowly brought his head around to where Silent Hooves could see a strap holding the spectacles securely in place.

“Miss Rarity made this for me.” He explained. “So I wouldn't always lose my glasses.”

Hooves let out a short laugh before yelling at the feeling of his hoof going in a direction it was never meant to go.

Four Eyes instantly lifted him out of the water slightly so that the swell had less of an effect on the broken limbs.

“Don't worry Mister Hooves.” He said. “I'll get you back to the Marblehead soon. I just need you to hold on, and take a deep breath.”

The gentle thrum of four massive screws underneath Trade Breaker's hooves slowly erased the morning's events from his mind. Standing in the chartroom looking over the map, he plotted his next move as he analyzed Longhorn's strategy.

“Cap'n, we're roundin' the tip o' Bugganville now.” Storm informed him as she stepped through the door. “Do yew 'ave a headin'?”

“Aye, set a course fer Tortoise Island.” Trade Breaker said.

Storm Stalker relayed the instructions to Big Sail who was at the helm before joining her captain at the chart table.

“Yew figure Longhorn'll try tae hide there?” She asked.

“No, but he'll be 'round this area somewheres.” Breaker replied, pointing to the map.

“What makes yew say that?” Storm inquired.

“I've been considerin' what Longhorn's plans be, and what he's goin' to do next.” Breaker explained.

Storm thought about it for a while. “Ah suppose he'll try tae get in contact wit' Equestria tae ransom those mares off.”

Breaker shook his head. “Storm, ye're way off. Stop thinkin' like a pirate an' start thinkin' wit' a little bit o' strategy.”

“What do yew mean?”

Breaker continued staring at the charts. “Suppose Celestia had taken the Marblehead. Suppose that she foun' out there were no prisoners. Suppose we told her that Longhorn had taken them. What do ye think she'd do?”

Storm considered this for a second before offering her opinion. “Ah suppose she'd take after the Bloodhound.”

“Bloodhound's last course was seen headin' fer Tortoise Island.” Breaker said. “So what can she assume?”

“Longhorn woul' be 'eadin' for Tortoise Island.” Storm said.

“Aye.” Breaker nodded. “An' so will she.”

Storm Stalker's eyes widened. “There's at least seventy ships in that harbor right now!”

“Aye, an' the minute that Equestrian fleet shows up, the pirates will scatter. Celestia will be forced to split her fleet in order to hunt those ships down.” Breaker said grimly. “Meanwhile, Longhorn waits in the shadows while these two forces destroy each other. Celestia will win, eventually, but imagine the cost to both sides.”

Storm shook her head. “But why?”

“Storm, what be more ideal huntin' conditions?” Breaker asked. “Wit' both the Equestrian Navy an' the pirates in shambles, Longhorn will have free reign o' the seas.”

The mare was startled at the revelation. “The Bloodhound t'woul' be the new Marblehead.”

Her captain nodded again. “Aye, an' he can still ransom off the Elements o' Harmony to a much weaker Equestrian empire.”

Storm growled as she slammed her hoof down on the table. “That low-down schemin' two-legged son-of-a-barnacle!”

Trade Breaker shrugged and turned to walk out of the chart room.

“Or maybe I'm over estimatin' Longhorn an' he'll jus' ransom those mares off a'fore anypony gets hurt.” He said as he walked through the door.

Storm frowned as she followed her captain. “Ah'm sorry tae say this Cap'n but wit' yew're luck, that won' be happenin'.”

Trade Breaker stiffened slightly and Storm instantly regretted opening her mouth, but the captain said nothing and merely continued on. The wheelhouse was occupied by Big Sail and Night Watch as they scanned the horizon for any sign of the Bloodhound.

“Don't bother lookin' fer Longhorn's ship.” Trade Breaker ordered as he entered. “He be ridin' out the storm in that thunderhead. If'n I'm correct in my guess work, he's already halfway to Tortoise Island.”

“You think Silent Hooves is still alive?” Big Sail asked.

Storm set her jaw for a moment before answering. “Not if'n Longhorn doesnae have a use fer him, no.”

Trade Breaker sighed as he looked out the windows.

“From what ye've told me of that minotaur, that sounds like a fair assessment.” He remarked. “Ye know him well, did ye ever meet?”

“Aye.” Storm Stalker nodded. “A long tim' ago. Ah was learnin' how tae defend mahself wit' only mah hooves, an' he challenged me tae a match. Ah might've whooped on him in fron' o' his fadder.”

Trade Breaker let out a small whistle. “I can see him holdin' a bit offa grudge.”

Storm nodded and was about to say something else when one of Storm's crew burst into the wheelhouse.

“Cap'n!” He yelled. “Four Eyes is back, an' he got Silent Hooves wit' him!”

The gray pegasus soaked to the bone and shivering uncontrollably as Sun Flowers looked after him. She was currently splinting his broken limbs when Storm Stalker and Trade Breaker arrived.

“Hooves!” Storm shouted. “Ah never been so glad tae see yewr sorry hide!”

Sun Flowers stopped Storm from getting any closer with her hoof.

“Don't touch him.” She ordered. “Both his forelegs are broken and so are his wings. I've mended them as best as possible, but they're still fragile and the slightest movement could cause even more damage. Although, after that trip through the ocean I don't think that they'll ever heal correctly.”

Storm nodded and held her distance, looking over at the pegasus.

“How do yew feel?” She asked.

“Better than ever, Ma'am.” Hooves gasped.

Storm nodded. “Yew do as Missus Flowers says an' rest, or else Ah'll have yew scrubbin' the deck.”

“Aye Ma'am.” He nodded, his eyes starting to close.

She turned away and walked back to where Trade Breaker and Four Eyes were talking.

“I'm not sure.” The seapony said. “They could have been heading for Tortoise Island, but there are a few other places you can get to by that route.”

Trade Breaker nodded. “Aye, but I need to know. Do ye think ye can catch 'em?”

Four Eyes nodded. “It will be tough, but I figure if I use the currents, I can get there as soon as they do.”

“Ye have to.” The captain said. “The lives of hundreds o' ponies depend on it.”

Four Eyes gulped, but nodded again. “Alright, I'll be there in seven hours.”

“Perfect.” Breaker said. “Once yer there, find out where the Bloodhound be bound and report back to us. I'll be waiting on the north west side of the island.”

Four Eyes saluted before flopping off to the side of the ship.

“An' be careful!” Breaker ordered as the seapony jumped over the side.

Storm watched him go before turning to the captain.

“Sir, Ah can unnerstan' yew havin' a bit o' worry fer those mares, but think o' the crew.” She said quietly. “We've naught but twenty fightin' ponies about us, while Longhorn holds at least fives times that. We cannae board that ship, an' if'n Longhorn goes tae land, we couldnae follow him.”

Trade Breaker looked at her. “So what do ye suggest? Ram the Bloodhound an' hope we don't run over the prisoners while we're at it?”

Storm frowned. “Cap'n, Ah'm sayin' we 'ave Silent Hooves back, an' we owe those mares nothin'. We shoul' jus' pick Four Eyes up an' go.”

Her captain simply turned around and walked off.

“Storm, if'n ye've known me a day, ye know one thing about me.” He called over his shoulder. “I maybe a fool, but only a fool would throw his life away fer the sake of another.”

Storm hung her head, gritting her teeth.

“Ah know!” She whispered. “But yew're my fool!”

Chapter 18

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Twilight watched as the Bloodhound was skillfully guided into a small cave barely large enough to fit the sailing vessel. Seconds after the ship was admitted, a screen was dropped over the entrance, blocking out the evening sun.

Lanterns were lit around the ship that illuminated the cave for a short distance until the roof rose up into the darkness. Crew from the Bloodhound took the mooring lines and flew them to a beach on the far side of the cave. Within minutes, the ship was secured and a gangplank lowered to the sand, allowing the non winged members of the crew to disembark without having to go swimming.

“Alright Princess, let's move!” A griffon hissed as he approached her.

Obediently, Twilight got up and allowed the griffon to lead her down the gangplank. Longhorn wasn't taking any chances with her and placed each of her friends on different parts of the ship in plain sight. All of them were gagged and bound and had at least two pirates holding various weapons to their throats.

The griffon led her to a rusty iron cage that had been placed on the beach and locked her inside. The smell of animal hair tickled her nose and Twilight wondered just what else had been held in this cage. The alicorn could only watch as her friends were placed in a much larger cage that had just been placed near one of the walls.

“Watch closely.” The griffon taunted.

A pair of pegasi flew down with a heavy rope and attached it to the top of her friends' cage. They called out to figures unseen above and the cage slowly and jerkily rose into the air, becoming darker with each tug of the rope.

“A little somethin' Captain Longhorn thought of to keep you out of trouble.” He said while pointing at the cage suspended seventy feet up.

“All it will take is one wrong move from you, and your friends will all but bury themselves.” The griffon chuckled. “So, I suggest that whatever you do, you think about it long and hard before you make a decision.”

Twilight slowly nodded. “I won't do anything.”

“Good.” The griffon hissed. “You may just survive after all.”

Twilight sat down and began to think. Over the years, she'd been in a lot of dangerous situations before, but she'd always had her friends to back her up. Now, Longhorn had in essence turned her friends against her, using them as leverage to hold Twilight prisoner.

She could try to force the inhibitor ring off, but that would take hours and the second her two guards noticed anything, her friends would be dropped seven stories into solid rock, so that was out. She could try to talk with Longhorn and convince him to let her free, but after what he did to Silent Hooves, Twilight doubted Longhorn would do such a thing.

Her only remaining option would be to wait it out and hope that the pirates made a mistake, or maybe somepony would find them.

Twilight shivered, reminded of the fact that by the cruel trick of an evil minotaur, her dear friend and teacher had just attacked and most likely destroyed the Marblehead. She hoped that nopony had been hurt in the battle, but after witnessing the massive explosion, Twilight doubted that even the Marblehead could withstand such power.

Celestia wasn't to blame for the catastrophe any more than Captain Trade Breaker, it had been Longhorn's deception that caused the fight. Twilight grit her teeth, she would make that minotaur pay dearly, and she might even enjoy it.

Four Eyes approached the familiar shape of the Marblehead, racing through the water at a speed that would make a barracuda jealous. With a simple adjustment of his fins, he dove downwards before shooting for the surface. Spray leapt up from around the seapony as he breached the surface before landing with a wet splat on the rear deck.

“For Celestia's sake, Four Eyes, you scared the livin' daylights out of me!” Night Watch said as he approached.

The seapony collapsed on the deck, his breath coming in gasps as he looked over at the thestral. Night Watch hurried to his side and looked him over.

“What's wrong, are you hurt?” He asked.

Four Eyes shook his head. “Just tired, I've been swimming all day. Tell the captain I've found the Bloodhound.”

Night Watch helped the seapony up and began carrying him to the rear structure.

“Four Eyes is back!” He called. “Somepony get the captain!”

With a feral scream, Big Sail charged at Storm Stalker lobbing fireballs at the pegasus. The mare dodged each of them with ease before flipping the large unicorn on his back. A pegasus from her crew dropped down with dagger outstretched to dig into the mare's spine, but she used Big Sail as a lever to flipped herself up and bring her rear hooves into the crewmember's belly. He flew off to one side as yet another one of her crew tried to bring a large club into contact with her head.

The unfortunate earth pony was soon the recipient of his own club as Storm Stalker brought her hoof into contact with another unicorn trying to grab her in his magic. As they fell, the mare whirled to deal a devastating strike to the pony standing behind her, only to stop herself inches from Trade Breaker's smiling face.

“Wha?” She started.

A blob of green goo spat from his mouth and promptly stuck Storm's hoof to the deck. In a flash of green fire, Drip revealed himself to the thoroughly enraged mare.

“I win!” He laughed, turning to the watching Water Rose.

The changeling made bow to his young audience shortly before a hoof smashed into the side of his face. He was knocked onto his back with the dark blue mare on top of him, holding a hoof to his throat.

“Don'. Evah. Do. That. Agin'.” She growled.

Drip nodded rapidly.

“Okay! Okay! I won't!”

Trade Breaker walked by, barely giving the two a glance.

“Storm, don't be killin' the bug just yet, we're gonna need him tonight.” He said.

The mare got off of Drip and jogged up to walk alongside her captain. Trade Breaker looked around the deck at the groaning crew.

“Ye've done quite a job on yer crew.” He remarked. “We be needin' every able hoof we have, so don't be puttin' 'em out o' commission with yer training.”

Storm spat through a porthole before answering. “They need a reminder o' the pain. Been far too long since they've seen combat.”

Trade Breaker shrugged. “Yer the expert, so I'll leave ye to it, but don't go killin' none o' yer own ponies.”

Storm smirked. “Aye Cap'n. Ah won' kill 'em, but they'll be wishin' they was dead in an hour.”

Breaker looked over at one of Storm's crew who was just now starting to recover.

“I think they be wishin' that already.” He said.

Dusk Maiden burst through the door.

“Four Eyes is back!” She said. “He found them!”

Breaker and Storm raced off behind the mare as she led them to the room where Four Eyes was resting. He tried to get up when the entered, but Trade Breaker pushed him back down.

“Don't get up.” He ordered. “Just tell us what ye found out.”

Four Eyes nodded. “It took a bit of doing, but I managed to catch up to the Bloodhound just as she was dropping anchor. Longhorn took her to an island about twenty miles west of here, an old volcano. There's a bay on the inside, but the entrance has been camouflaged. Fortunately, some seaponies had seen Longhorn sail in and told me.”

“Ye done a fine job. Did ye see what he be up to?” Breaker asked.

“Aye sir, I saw everything.” Four Eyes said. “Longhorn had almost all of his crew ashore, and they had the prisoners with them in iron cages. It looks as if he's bunkering down and setting up for a long wait.”

Trade Breaker cursed. “That's what I was afraid of.”

Storm decided to offer her opinion. “We may 'ave the advantage yet. Yew said that Longhorn's in a volcano?”

Four Eyes nodded.

“What if'n we take the Marblehead in an' use the cannons tae take out most o' his crew?”

The seapony shook his head. “No chance, the entrance is far too shallow and it curves around so we couldn't even aim at them.”

Storm sent a few choice words at whatever being had made the volcano.

“So what if'n we anchor outside o' the volcano an' force Longhorn tae hoof over the mares?” She suggested.

Trade Breaker shook his head. “Ye really think he'll let them go that easy?”

Storm lowered her eyes. “Nae, he'll kill them a'fore he lets them go.”

“Well, what about the Equestrian fleet?” Dusk Maiden asked. “What if we get them to help?”

Trade Breaker rolled his eyes. “First off, we just ran over one of their ships an' shot the Princess, so good luck convincin' them we be the good guys, second off, it presents the same problem as before, Longhorn can just hold those mares hostage and keep Celestia at bay with the threat of killing them. Speakin' o' Celestia, did sunset tonight seem a might off?”

Storm nodded. “As much as Ah hate tae admit it, Cap'n's right. If'n we stan' any chance o' takin' Longhorn by surprise, it has tae be tonight when he's jus' gettin' setup.”

“Aye.” Tradde Breaker affirmed. “Storm, ye be in charge o' this operation, I want to see what ye plan before we make the assault.”

“Not we Cap'n, yew will be stayin' on the ship.” Storm said.

Trade Breaker was stunned at first, but recovered quickly.

“Storm, I realize I may not be a real pirate, but I can still hold my own wit' a blade!” He said.

“Cap'n, yew're stayin' on the ship!” Storm yelled. “An' that's final!”

“No it ain't!” Breaker yelled back. “I'll not be standin' idle on me ship while ye are riskin' yer lives on that island!”

“Cap'n! If'n Ah have tae tie yew up an' lock yew away, Ah will!” Storm said, stomping her hoof. “But tha' islan' is off limits tae yew!”

“Storm! Ye need every hoof ye can get, now why can't ye understan' that?” Breaker asked accusingly.

“Cap'n yew put me in charge o' the lan' team!” Storm all but screamed. “So get off of mah back!”

“Storm! I-” Breaker began.

“For Celestia's sake!” Sun Flowers yelled, yanking aside a curtain.

On a bed behind the curtain lay Silent Hooves with most of his limbs in casts. Sun Flowers advanced on the captain and first mate.

“Will you two stop bickering like and old married couple and get out of here!” She barked. “This is the infirmary, not Parliament!”

Both pegasi backed away from the raging mare.

“Yes ma'am.” Breaker said before turning to Storm. “We'll discuss this later.”

Storm tried to ignore the feeling of blood rushing to her cheeks in embarrassment and simply turned tail and ran. Did she and the captain really sound like a married couple?

Dusk Maiden watched them go before returning to the side of the bed that Four Eyes was resting on.

“So, Four Eyes, you said that you saw other seaponies?” She asked.

He nodded. “Yeah, good thing too, or I might not have found the Bloodhound.”

Dusk nodded. “Yeah, that was pretty lucky. But weren't you like, you know. . . Didn't you want to stay with them?”

Four Eyes lowered his gaze and he frowned.

“Why?” He asked.

“Because aren't they your people?” Dusk said, trying to explain it. “I mean, aren't you more inclined to be with other seaponies than with us?”

“Dusk, my own family abandoned me and left me to die.” Four Eyes said. “As far as I'm concerned, the creatures aboard this ship are my family, and that includes Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack. When Miss Stalker hits that island, I'm going with her.”

Dusk Maiden nodded, stunned at the shy seapony's conviction and the fact that he had learned all of the Element's names.

“Well, I guess I'll see you there.” She said before turning around walking through the doorway.

Night Watch met her outside the door. “You alright?”

“Yeah!” Dusk said a little too quickly. “I mean, yeah, I'm fine.”

Her brother placed his leathery wing over her. “Listen, if you want me to, I'll tell Storm that you should stay on board. There's no shame in being scared.”

“No!” Dusk said before she realized just how loud she had said it. “No, I'll be fine. I want to help.”

Night Watch looked at his sister closely.

“Alright.” He finally said. “But you stay close to me when we're there.”

“Okay.” Dusk nodded, trying to not think of what the next few hours could hold.

Chapter 19

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Storm Stalker hated the waiting. She wanted to be doing something, whether it be piloting the ship or preparing for a battle, but instead all she could do was sit and wait as the Marblehead slowly slipped towards the inactive volcano.

“Miss Stalker, we're as close as we dare risk.” Big Sail said as he stepped up alongside her.

“Right.” Storm nodded. “Lower the longboat.”

“Aye ma'am.” Big Sail acknowledged.

Slowly, the wooden boat on the deck was lowered into the sea alongside the Marblehead and twenty bodies loaded themselves into it. Those that could fly leapt from the deck of the ship and flew towards the island. From the deck of the ship, something dove into the water with barely a ripple and almost instantly the longboat began to move, the rope attached to the bow straining under the effort.

Trade Breaker stood in the wheelhouse of the Marblehead, watching them go.

“Miss Flowers.” He said.

“Yes sir?” The mare asked from beside him.

“Ye worked with Zabramn on the cannon?”

“Yes sir.” Sun Flowers nodded.

“Do ye think ye could operate one?” Breaker asked.

Sun Flower started, but slowly nodded after a moment. “Yes sir, Zabramn explained everything to me. I'm pretty sure that I could fire the cannon if needed.”

“Good.” Trade Breaker said. “Get to the forward cannon box and load it. There be trouble in the wind, an' I want my back to be covered.”

Sun nodded. “I'll be ready, but how will I know what to fire at and when?”

Breaker turned to her grimly. “If'n tonight goes the way I feel it's goin', then it t'will be obvious what ye need to do.”

Celestia bolted upright, breathing hard before she checked herself and swallowed.

“Princess!” A concerned voice said from beside her.

She turned and beheld a diminutive sailpony with a stethoscope around his neck. Looking around, Celestia saw that she had been placed in the dreadnought's infirmary and her flank had been bandaged.

“Are you alright?” The doctor asked.

Celestia rolled her neck and felt several joints pop.

“How long have I been asleep?”

“Fourteen hours your highness.” The doctor answered. “The crossbow bolt you were shot with did not hit anything vital, however it was laced with an extremely powerful sedative. I managed to obtain a sample of it from the bolt and found it to be a Zebrican potion known as the 'Ten Year Sleep.' A single drop could put a manticore out of commission for a month and you took quite a lot more than that.”

Celestia shook her head to clear it and got to her hooves.

“Your majesty!” The doctor protested. “The effects of the potion are not yet well known, and I would suggest lying down-”

Celestia ignored him and walked through the door. “I don't have time to rest doctor. I need to speak with the admiral.”

The doctor continued to chase her in protest, but also directed her to the bridge where Iron Keel was waiting.

“Princess Celestia, I'm surprised to see you're awake!” He exclaimed.

“Spare me the pleasantries Admiral.” Celestia ordered. “What is the situation?”

Iron Keel nodded. “Of course. As of right now, we are trying to pursue the metal ship, however their impressive speed has allowed them to escape, and while I have a few guesses at their destination, unfortunately I cannot be sure of where they have run to.”

Celestia held a hoof to her forehead, letting out a slight groan.

“Your highness!” The doctor leapt forward.

“I'm fine!” She snapped before sighing. “My apologies, but right now I am not concerned with my health, only that of my student and her companions. Where do you think the pirate ship is going, Admiral?”

“I believe that it will be heading for the pirate haven of Tortoise Island.” Iron Keel suggested. “Although the ship has never been sighted there before, the pirates will undoubtedly take refuge with other pirates.”

Celestia nodded, trying to ignore the throbbing in her head. “I agree. Tortoise Island is the most logical destination for that cursed ship at this time and it is there that we shall meet them. What is the status of the fleet?”

Iron Keel grimaced. “Not ideal at this time. We lost two cutters to the pirate ship itself, and eight more have sustained heavy damage to friendly fire along with two ships of the line.”

“Friendly fire?” Celestia asked.

Iron Keel's grimace turned to embarrassment. “Ricochets, your highness. Our more powerful casters were somewhat over zealous in their attacks, and their own magic rebounded at our ships. Additionally, most of our pegasi are out of action due to their prolonged exposure to the black smoke, we think that the pirates may have put some sort of poison in the smoke. Non-lethal, but disabling.”

Celestia took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Where are the other fleets?”

“Our northern fleet is currently patrolling the edge of griffon waters, however the southern fleet is en route to our position, and we expect them to arrive by tomorrow night.” Iron Keel responded.

“Very well.” Celestia said. “In light of the fleet's current condition, we shall anchor just off of Tortoise Island so that we may pen the pirates in, and make our move when reinforcements arrive.”

Iron Keel nodded. “Excellent plan your highness. I have written Princess Luna a letter regarding your duties, and she has agreed to raise and lower the sun for you until this whole mess is over. That way, you may rest and regain your strength.”

Celestia thanked him and turned to look out the window. As the sea slowly slipped past, she began to think when a sudden realization came to her.

“Admiral! Where is that crossbow bolt I was shot with?” She demanded.

Iron Keel was startled by her sudden outburst, but quickly made his way to his personal desk and picked up a thin metal shaft with his mouth.

“I have it right here.” He explained around the bolt.

Placing it in front of Celestia, he stepped back.

“The unicorns have been going nuts trying to figure it out. As far as we can tell, the metal is iron of a sorts, highly refined and very strong, but that's it.” Iron Keel said hesitantly.

Celestia studied it closely and tried to pick it up with her magic. The golden aura formed around the metal but when she lifted, the magic passed around the shaft and left it sitting on the deck.

“Completely immune to any type of magic.” Iron Keel frowned. “And strong too, I hit it with a hammer and barely put a dent in it.”

The alicorn studied the bolt and saw that indeed there was a slight imperfection in the shaft.

“Excellent work Admiral.” Celestia said as she smiled.

“Um, thank you your highness?” Iron Keel said with a puzzled look. “But what did I do?”

“Simple really.” Celestia turned to him. “This crossbow bolt is obviously made from the same metal as the ship, and that is why it is immune to magic. However, as strong as it is, you damaged it with a hammer, and this has given me an idea.”

Iron Keel brightened in understanding. “Of course! So, what is the plan when we next meet the pirate ship?”

Celestia tapped the iron deck of the dreadnought. “I'm afraid I'm going to need to make some improvements to the dreadnought.”

Storm Stalker slowly crept through what little foliage there was on the island, flanked by most of her crew. She had spent the last two hours combing the island, looking for a way in, and so far she wasn't too happy.

The volcano had three entrances that she could find; the cone itself, the harbor entrance, and a small cave. The cone was out of the question because most of the creatures that accompanied her did not have wings, and carrying them in was out of the question. The harbor entrance posed the same problem unless they wanted to swim inside, and none of the ponies could hold their breath long enough to make inside without being seen.

That left only the cave entrance. Although there were other caves and tunnels dotted throughout the island, this particular cave was the only one with two of Longhorn's crew standing guard.

Storm went through her plan once more in her head before making her open moves.

“There's our entrance.” She whispered to Big Sail. “Where be Drip an' Henry?”

“Drip is that rock.” Big Sail pointed at a particular outcropping before pointing the shoreline. “Henry's still in the water.”

“Go get 'im.” Storm ordered silently.

As Big Sail crept off, Storm made her way to the rock that was Drip.

“Drip.” She called as quietly as possible. “Drip!”

“Wrong rock.” Drip's voice mysteriously floated to her from up ahead.

The pegasus grumbled a few choice words, but crept forward without making any noise. She searched for a few moments before finally giving up. “Yew lousy bug, Ah cannae tell which rock yew are.”

The rock just to Storm's left turned green before falling away to reveal the changeling.

“There yew are.” Storm said in annoyance. “What 'appened tae yewr fire?”

“Suppression spell.” Drip explained. “Makes it so I don't cause such a large flash when I change.”

“Good tae know.” Storm remarked. “Now pay 'ttention. Ah need yew tae get rid o' those ponies guardin' the entrance silently. Can yew do it?”

Drip nodded. “Sure, it will be pretty easy. One of them needs to pee.”

“Wha?” Storm asked, looking back at the two ponies.

“Yeah, see the way the one on the right keeps fidgeting?” Drip said, pointing to the guilty pony.

Storm took a closer look at the pirate Drip had mentioned and sure enough, he did look somewhat uncomfortable.

“I figure in about five minutes, he's going to lose his battle with is bladder.” Drip smirked.

Storm nodded and waited. Three minutes later, the fidgeting pony made his move, mentioning his problem to his friend before hurrying down the slope to a nice little area with which he could relieve himself.

There was a slight thunk of a cudgel meeting skull and soon, the pirate was making his way back up to his post.

“Took ya long enough!” His friend snapped.

The pirate shrugged. “What can I say?”

The pair stood for few moments before the pirate that now had an empty bladder turned to his friend and studied him.

“What are you gawpin' at?” His friend asked.

“That green stuff on your face!”

“What green stuff?”

The pirate never knew what hit him as a glob of green goo went splat over his muzzle. He tried to scream as his partner leapt on top of him and promptly punched him repeatedly. When it was all over, the pirate lay unconscious as Drip guided Storm and her crew through the tunnel.

They arrived at a dimly lit cavern littered with members of Longhorn's crew, most of which were simply relaxing, working on their equipment, or lining up for the dinner line. On one side of the cavern was a brightly lit area where Twilight was being kept by herself in plain sight, while near a cliff face were, a cage was suspended in the air that contained the five other mares.

“Right, Night Watch an' Dus' Maiden, go wit' Henry an' secure those mares in the cage. Drip, pick a pony an' try tae take the place o' the princess's guards.” Storm whispered. “The rest o' yew are on stan'by. Don' do nothin' unless Ah call yew.”

“Where are you going?” Big Sail asked.

Storm checked her crossbow. “Longhorn be in that tent, Ah know he is.”

“Miss Stalker.” Big Sail said, putting a hoof to her shoulder. “Don't do anything reckless.”

The mare back into the shadows, her dark coat blending in to mask her presence.

“Ah never let feelins' get in the way o' business.” She said darkly. “An' Ah don' intend tae now.”

Big Sail sighed, but didn't argue. Storm Stalker might be angry, but she was still the most skilled and dangerous mare he knew. She was right as well, she would never let her feelings affect her skills.

The two groups separated, with Henry leading the two thestrals towards the cliff while a disguised Drip and one of Storm's crew casually walked into the pirate camp as if they belonged. So far so good.

Twilight sat in the cage, racking her brains for an idea while trying not to think of what would happen if said idea failed.

“Alright you two, go get some vittles.”

Two pirates approached, one of them looked strangely familiar. Her two guards stiffened and turned to see who it was.

“Boulder Head? I thought you was on watch outside.” The first guard said in confusion.

“Dunderhead decided ta switch things up.” The unfamiliar pirate shrugged. “He replaced us an' sent us ta relieve you. After you get chow, head ta the cave and switch out with them.”

“Hold on a sec.” The second guard advanced on the two, looking directly at the pirate beside Boulder Head. “Why don' I recognize ye?”

The pirate shrugged. “Dunno'. Maybe yer blind?”

Boulder Head stepped in between the two. “Are ya daft? He's been aboard for over a month now.”

The guard did not look convinced. “Where did we make port last?”

The pirate rolled his eyes. “Tortoise Island, where else?”

“Stop messin' about Rope Hoof.” The first guard said. “I'm hungry!”

With a snort, the second guard followed his companion towards the dinner line.

Twilight noticed both of the new pirates relax, if only slightly. Boulder Hoof turned to her while the other pirate began scanning the cage.

“Princess, don't make any sort of reaction.” He said while barely moving his mouth.

Twilight stiffened, but kept her emotions in check.

“I'm Drip the changeling.” Boulder Hoof said. “Storm's got a plan to free you, but you have to trust us.”

“The Marblehead's okay?” Twilight asked.

“Aye.” The disguised changeling affirmed. “Now just stay calm, and do exactly as I say.”

Pinkie Pie was sitting in a corner of the cage, her mane deflated and her mouth set in a frown. Rarity was helping comfort a sobbing Fluttershy while Applejack and Rainbow Dash tried to figure out a plan. Two pirates watched them from a ledge, one of them leaning on a battleaxe. The rope that held the cage was anchored to a stalagmite on the ledge, and it had been looped through an arch in the ceiling before being attached to the top of the cage. The pirate with the battleaxe was stationed near the stalagmite that held the rope, ready to cut it in a moment's notice.

At first, the pirates had threatened them, warned them not to try anything, but eventually they just became indifferent and watch the five mares. Not much they could do, even Applejack didn't stand a chance of breaking any of the bars that surrounded them.

Pinkie just sat in the corner, idly watching the pirate with the battleaxe. She almost wished that he would cut it so that she could stop feeling the pain of loss right now. No matter how hard she tried, Pinkie just couldn't forget the sound of Silent Hooves screaming as he was tossed over the rail. With a slight sniffle, she wiped another tear from her eye.

With a grunt, the pirate holding the battleaxe suddenly fell over. Pinkie stood and stared at him, oblivious to the fact that the other guard had similarly fallen unconscious.

“Oh dear, there seems to be a bit of a draft.” Rarity complained while continuing to hug the crying Fluttershy.

“Pinkie, could you help me warm Fluttershy up?” She asked. “Pinkie?”

The pink earth pony ignored her as the shape of a thestral materialized from the darkness behind from where the guard had been standing.

“Dusk Maiden?” She asked.

The thestral held a hoof to her lips, signaling the need for silence. However, Pinkie's comment had attracted the attention of her friends, and they to were quite happy to see the thestral mare. Quickly, Dusk glided to the side of the cage and hovered there.

“Quiet!” She whispered urgently. “Just stay quiet!”

“Okay!” Pinke said, her mane poofing up instantly. The five mares sat silently, but each one was practically bursting with happiness.

Night Watch flew up to hover alongside his sister.

“We're all clear. Henry, you can start.” He quietly called to above the cage.

Pinkie felt the back of her neck freeze as icy breath coated her mane. Rarity, having looked up first, fainted. Applejack reached down to help the delicate unicorn while Rainbow checked to see what her friend had found so horrifying.

“What in Celestia's name?” The normally boastful pegasus barely breathed as she stared upwards in sheer terror.

Pinkie mustered up her courage and craned her neck upwards, a blast cold air greeting her face. When her eyes recovered, the sight of a large, white and scaly creature crawling down the rope towards the cage froze her blood.

“Hello.” It hissed. “My name is Henry.”

Chapter 20

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With scarcely a ripple, Four Eyes breached the surface of the water and set about his work. Holding the metal cable in his mouth, he used his front hooves to pull himself upwards along the dark side of the Bloodhound, aiming for the iron anchor hanging above him.

The sound of hooves on the deck made him freeze for a moment, but as they faded he began to move again. He had to move quickly before Poisoned Beaker activated the winch and began hauling in the cable. Carefully wrapping the looped end of the cable around anchor, Four Eyes dropped back into the water.

Soon enough, Longhorn's crew would all be trying to figure out why their ship was trying to capsize itself, creating quite the distraction for a jailbreak.

Storm Stalker carefully crept from shadow to shadow, careful not to move unless she was sure that none of Longhorn's crew were looking. Using her wings as balance, she leaped over an unobservant guard and landed noiselessly in the darkness behind the tent. She checked her surroundings, scanning for any potential threats.

When she found none, Storm checked her crossbow one last time before slowly slipping underneath the rear of the tent. She emerged underneath Longhorn's cot, and observed the minotaur sitting at a desk, looking over a few parchments and chuckling to himself.

“Equestria will never know what hit them.” Storm heard him say to himself.

Storm checked the crossbow one last time, and then took aim at Longhorn's head.

Although Longhorn was very good at suppressing his emotions, he couldn't help but chuckle in joy at recent events and events that were sure to play out soon enough. If he played his cards right, then Equestria would pay him a fortune for Elements of Harmony. With that gold, he could leave these waters for a few years, improve his ship, maybe even start a fleet. Then, when he was good and ready, he'd turn back around and reclaim the territory as his own.

Nopony could stop him, the Equestrians would take a decade to rebuild their fleet, and the pirates would be all but gone from this area. Longhorn would be a king, king of the pirates!

He chuckled to himself. “Equestria will never know what hit them.”

“INTRUDERS!” A crewmember screamed from outside.

Longhorn bolted upright and took a step for the entrance when he noticed a slight glint from underneath his cot. Only years of finely honed reflexes and an instinct for danger saved him as a crossbow bolt sped towards his eye. Raising his arm, he felt the bolt pierce his thick hide.

With an angry roar, he pulled the bolt out of his arm and leaped at the bed, grabbing it and throwing it to one side. Empty floor greeted him as the tent shivered from recent movement.

Turning around, Longhorn sprinted out the tent and into the open, taking in the details in a glance. The two guards were still guarding Princess Twilight's cage, but there were some strange figures on the cage that was suspended in the air. Additionally, a large group of pirates who were definitely not part of Longhorn's crew were pouring out of the cave entrance and attacking his own crew.

“ALL HANDS!” Longhorn bellowed. “KILL THE PRISONERS! CUT THAT ROPE!”

Dusk Maiden watched as Henry went to work on the cage, slowly freezing the door a small section at a time and chipping away, careful not to let any of the pieces fall. Night Watch and Dusk Maiden carefully took each of the broken pieces and set them on the ledge before returning for more.

“Hurry up will you?” Dusk hissed. “Four Eye's is going to start anytime now!”

Henry froze another piece and broke it off.

“Patience is a virtue.” Henry said quietly. “We will be finished exactly at the time we are required to be.”

Dusk Maiden huffed in annoyance but said no more. As she watched him freeze another bar, she was always curious as to how his body worked. For the most part, his equine like shape was covered in a form of white scales that seemed to shift from being translucent to opaque with no reason. His hooves were shaped like that of a much large pony, yet a spike extended from the back of his legs just above the hoof, allowing him to hang off the side of the cage. Henry's mane was short, but appeared to be cut that way, although Dusk had never once seen him cut it.

It was almost as if a dragon and a pony had a baby, and then turned said baby into a living block of ice. From what little Dusk had been able to get out of Henry, that might as well be what happened.

The wendigo touched his free hoof to another piece and broke it off, turning and passing it to Dusk Maiden. She then took it and placed it on the pile with the rest.

It was right about then that things took a turn for the worst. She heard the piece slide off the pile and turned to catch it, but it fell before her hoof could touch it. The frozen iron fell, almost in slow motion, towards the ground.

Night Watch saw the piece fall and dove for it, but it was too late. The piece shattered into the ground, freezing everypony in their place. Dusk saw a pirate look directly at her. She looked at him. He looked at her.

“INTRUDERS!” The pirate screamed.

In an instant, chaos broke loose. The pirate camp swarmed to attack the three creatures trying to free the prisoners, only to be met by Storm's crew emerging from the tunnel to defend them. Dusk saw Longhorn emerge from the tent and look in their direction.

“ALL HANDS!” She heard him yell, pointing at the suspended cage. “KILL THE PRISONERS! CUT THAT ROPE!”

“DUSK!” Night Watch yelled.

She turned and saw Henry freezing a large section of the cage before drawing his hoof back and slamming it against the bars. The frozen iron cracked, but held in defiance. Again, the wendigo tried to break to the cage open, and again the bars held.

“LOOK OUT!”

Dusk was shoved roughly to one side by her brother and she heard him yelp in pain. Turning back to face him, the threstral saw him falling limply as an arrow protruded from his side.

“NIGHT!” She screamed, diving after the unconcious pony.

She grabbed him midair and flared her wings, but it wasn't enough to stop their fall and both of them tumbled on hard ground. Dusk stood up unsteadily, her brother lying beside her.

“Night!” She said, trying to make sure he was still alive.

He was breathing, but it was shallow and forced.

“Night! Wake up!” She cried, desperately trying to help her brother.

A scream of rage sounded from beside her and Dusk turned just in time to see a griffon raise an axe and bring it down towards her head. She couldn't move, she couldn't scream, Dusk was frozen.

A bolt of magic slammed into the griffon and sent him flying, minus a few feathers.

“DUSK! GET YOUR BROTHER OUT OF HERE!”

The threstral turned to see Big Sail, his horn blackened and his sides bleeding, defending the two siblings against three pirates.

“GO!” He yelled back, sending another pirate flying with a fire spell.

Dusk pulled her brother onto her back and ran, dodging the fighting crews and making for the exit. She made it and didn't stop. She didn't even look back, leaving behind nothing but a trail of tears.

Twilight could only watch in horror as the two crews clashed with each other, and although Storm's crew were giving Longhorn's pirates quite a pounding, there were too few of them against too many.

Fortunately, due to the fact that there was a huge fight happening on the other side of the cavern, Longhorn and his crew were not paying attention to the princess and her two guards. Drip shot a bolt of magic at the cage lock and broke it open.

“Come on!” He urged.

Twilight stepped out of the caged, ready for battle. The pirate next to Drip stepped forward and raised his hoof.

“Let's get that ring off.” He said, pulling the inhibitor ring free of her horn.

Had Twilight not been an alicorn, the ring's trap would have killed the three of them. However, she detected the explosive spell an instant before it detonated. She cast a shield over the ring, protecting Drip and the pirate from the blast, but her shield failed to complete before it was time.

The ring exploded with the full force of a trained caster's fireball, sending Twilight crashing back into the cage. She groaned as she stood back up, thankful that her alicorn shield protected her from such events, but it still shook her up.

“Princess!” Drip yelled, grabbing her and pulling back to her hooves. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah.” Twilight said uncertainly. “Just caught me by surprise.”

“Drip!” The pirate said, turning to face several of Longhorn's crew who had realized what was happening. He leaped into the group, kicking and fighting as they swarmed over him.

“Get her to safety!” He yelled as he was buried beneath the bodies of pirates.

Twilight shot a spell, sending two of the pirates to the ground, but received a cutlass thrown at her in return. She brought up a shield and deflected the blade, but a scream caught her attention.

A fireball from one of Longhorn's crew shot out and hit the rope holding her friend's cage. The dry fibers burst into flame for a moment before snapping into strands. With a groan, the cage fell away, her friends still trapped inside.

Chapter 21

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Storm knew the moment that the shouting started, the plan had failed. Tracking Longhorn as he jumped to his hooves, Storm twitched her leg and let the bolt loose at his head. Longhorn somehow saw the bolt coming and used his arm to block it.

Not waiting for Longhorn to reach her, Storm scrambled out the back of the tent and took off towards where she left her crew. Throwing stealth out the window, she flew past two unsuspecting pirates and neatly knocked one into the other before they noticed her. Another one of Longhorn's crew was unfortunate enough to turn around in time to actually see Storm's hoof connect with his muzzle shortly before he crumpled to the ground.

Four more oblivious ponies and one diamond dog were similarly dispatched with well placed blows to parts of the cranial region. However, due to the diamond dog's naturally hard head, the sound of Storm's hoof connecting with the skull made an unusually loud thunk that was loud enough to be heard over the battle taking place on the far side of the cave.

A griffon turned around and squawked in surprise, attracting the attention of several other pirates. They instantly rushed her, trying to tackle her to the ground.

Storm took down each pirate as soon as each one was in range; diving under the griffon on her back and kicking him into a pegasus before using an earth pony's own momentum against him to throw him onto a unicorn caster.

With a huge roar, a minotaur made himself known to Storm by bringing a huge hammer down right where Storm had been moments ago. It wasn't Longhorn, but the minotaur's sheer strength guaranteed he would be a tough fight.

Twisting around the legs of the minotar, Storm deftly evaded a unicorn's spell and launched herself upwards to land on the minotaur's head. Two solid hits to both of the minotaur's ears promptly caused the minotaur to drop his hammer and sent him into a rage as his hearing was impaired, permanently most likely.

Dodging the minotaur's hands as he tried to grab her, Storm flipped off his head and landed on top of a passing pegasus, breaking his wing in the process. Landing on the ground, Storm heaved on the gigantic hammer that the minotaur dropped it with both forelegs, using her entire body as leverage. The head of the hammer left the ground and sped through the air to connect with the minotaur's stomach. He was thrown backwards from the force of the blow and fell, unable to rise due to the massive pain he felt.

Storm let the hammer go and ignored it as it flew through the air and impacted a diamond dog's face, instead choosing to focus on the next pirate in line. However, much to Storm's surprise, the unicorn caster closest to her was ignoring her, instead looking at the suspended cage.

Too late did Storm realize what was about to happen as the unicorn unleashed a fire spell directly at the rope that held the cage in the air. Stomping on the unicorn, she could only watch in horror as the spell impacted the rope, sending five mares and one wendigo plunging towards the ground.

Henry smashed at the stubborn iron again and again, but it held firm even when frozen.

“Stan' back!” The orange mare said, turning to buck the area where Henry had been hammering.

The cage suddenly shook violently, and it wasn't from the orange mare's kick. Henry looked up and saw what was left of the rope quickly burning away. The final few strands holding the rope together began to snap one after the other, and in less than a moment, the cage would fall.

He acted quickly, dropping down to the very bottom edge of the cage so that he was hanging underneath it. From there he began to conjure ice, lots of it.

The rope snapped and the cage began to fall, but Henry ignored it and continued to make as much ice as he could. Soon, his entire body was encase in ice that constantly expanded as he made more and more.

The wendigo had formed a solid block of ice on the underside of the cage at least five feet in diameter when the cage hit the ground. Henry felt the ice crack around him as the cage landed on top of his improvised shell. The iron bars smashed their way through the ice, snapped and twisted into sharpened pieces of metal that sheared away Henry's frozen shield and pierced his toughened hide.

He screamed in agony as the rest of the cage fell on top of him, pinning him to the ground. Craning his head around, he tried to analyze his situation. There were three iron bars poking out of his chest, two of his legs were bent at impossible angles, and there was a thousand pound cage currently crushing him into solid rock.

Well, today certainly wasn't shaping up the way he expected.

Twilight made a mad dash to where the cage had fallen, blasting anything unfortunate enough to get in her way. A now undisguised Drip and Storm's crew member followed closely behind, attacking any of Longhorn's crew that tried to ambush the princess.

Several of Storm's crewmembers as well as Woody the timberwolf had already reached the cage and were trying to pry open the bars as well as fend off any attackers. Twilight arrived and after unleashing a blast wave that sent anything unfriendly flying away, took charge.

“Stand back!” She ordered, using her magic to rip the cage apart.

“Twilight! Don't!” Applejack yelled as the metal began to split.

Twilight paused and took a closer look into the cage. Applejack was relatively unhurt, but Rainbow Dash was in the corner with a broken wing being tended to by Rarity who had a slight limp, and Fluttershy was near the back of the cage hovering over a white creature that was trapped underneath the bars.

“Careful Twi.” Applejack cautioned. “Poor ol' Henry here done saved us when he caught the cage, but Ah think he may be near death's door if'n we don't do something fast!”

Twilight nodded, rather stunned at the sight of Henry. Shaking herself free of her stupor, the young alicorn carefully cut away a section for her friends to exit the cage through. She then removed Rarity's inhibitor ring and dispelled the trap.

“Alright, I'm going to lift the cage off of him, but I need to concentrate, or else I might accidentally do more damage.” Twilight explained once her friends were out. “Rarity, I'll need a shield, Applejack, you keep those pirates off of me.”

Rarity nodded and began to cast a shield, albeit a rather weak shield, but a shield nonetheless. Applejack was about to join in with Storm's crew and start kicking pirate flank when a tornado of dark blue fur and feathers swept in, batting and crushing any pirate in its way.

Storm Stalker landed by Twilight's side, breathing heavily and cut up in so many places that Twilight wasn't too sure how she was still alive.

“Princess.” Storm panted. “Get 'Enry an' yew're friends out o' here. Me an' me crew'll cover yew.”

Twilight was stunned at Storm's condition.

“Stalker, are you crazy?” She accused. “We need to get you out of here! You're-”

“PRINCESS! GET OUT O' HERE!” Storm screamed before using the nearest one of her crew as a springboard to launch herself into the battle.

The crewmember turned to Twilight with panic in his eyes.

“Please Princess!” He pleaded. “Ye have ta leave! She'll keep fightin' 'til she knows your safe!”

Twilight stared at the blur that was the pirate known as Storm Stalker, then turned back to look at the crushed white figure of Henry.

She set her jaw. “Okay, just give me a minute.”

Carefully pulling the cage apart piece by piece, Twilight began to extract the battered and broken pirate, hoping that it wasn't too late for anypony else on the crew.

Longhorn stomped his way forward, his eyes never leaving the pegasus mare that seemed to be everywhere at once. One moment she was on top of a diamond dog, beating it into submission, the next she was twisting in midair and knocking his griffons out of the fight.

The minotaur smiled though, the small amount of intruders that Storm had brought with her would easily be overwhelmed by Longhorn's much larger crew of cutthroats, no matter how many Storm Stalker managed to take down.

He noticed that the Elements of Harmony were making their way towards the tunnel entrance with a large white pony held in the princess's magic. No matter, as soon as he had dealt with Storm and the rest of them, he would find some way to capture the Elements again. Perhaps another hostage situation? It seemed as though Storm Stalker and the princess knew each other.

His grin grew, Storm would make an excellent hostage. After he broke every last bone in her body.

“STORM STALKER!” He bellowed, his voice carrying above the melee.

She didn't even acknowledge him. That was fine, Longhorn knew exactly how to get her attention.

By now, the intruders were clustered in a semi-circle around the entrance to the cave, slowly retreating. However, they would not break their formation no matter how hard Longhorn's crew attacked them, not allowing themselves to be routed and overwhelmed.

Longhorn braced himself and lowered his head while unsheathing his scimitars. With a roar, he charged forward, bulling aside his own crew until he reached the line of battle. Smashing through the intruders, he turned and swung his blades in a graceful arc towards the neck of the nearest enemy, a griffon. Well, maybe not a griffon, something looked a bit off. Didn't really matter, in a moment it would be dead.

Steel rang on steel, and Longhorn's blow was stopped short. Storm Stalker had moved so fast that Longhorn hadn't even seen her coming in, but here she was; holding the entire strength of a legendary minotaur up. She was balanced on her rear hooves and arced protectively over the griffon thing, using her crossbow that was mounted on her right foreleg as a shield and using her left foreleg to brace her right.

She was looking right at him through bloody and fearful eyes, and that's probably why she didn't see his hoof coming up to her stomach. The pegasus mare was thrown backwards, stunned but still fighting; twisting herself and flaring her wings to catch her unexpected trip before arcing over Longhorn's head to attack him from behind, but he was expecting this.

Normally, he would have countered by spinning to his left with his scimitar outstretched to force his opponent away from his vulnerable back and then finished with a downward swing with the sword in his right hand, however it was this very move that cost him his pride when facing Storm before. She had dodge his initial swing and slipped under his downward stroke before finishing him off.

Instead, Longhorn brought his left sword around as before, but dropped his right sword and reached out to where he expected the mare to be. He was rewarded with the feeling of her mane in his fingers.

Grabbing onto the hair, he ripped her away from him before she had a chance to buck him in the stomach and threw her against the rock wall. She tried to catch herself, but she was to close and slammed into it before she could react.

Longhorn was on her in an instant, his hand closing around her throat and the tip of his scimitar an inch from her eye.

“Hello Storm.” He growled. “Did you miss me?”

Her response was to spit in his face and feebly kick at his arm.

Longhorn ignored the insult and chanced a glance at his surroundings. Thanks to his earlier action, his crew had subdued or trapped most of the intruders, either holding them at bay with their weapons or beating them down.

He let out a chuckle.

“It seems as though I've won again.” Longhorn smiled.

“Yew ain' done nothin'!” The pegasus sneered. “The Elements are safely away an' the 'Questrian fleet'll be here by morn!”

“Oh really?” Longhorn asked. “They would abandon you to a pirate who has no misgivings about murdering all your crew and then nailing you to the mast of my ship?”

Storm glared at him with unrestrained hate in her eyes.

“Yew'll never get away wit' this!” She hissed.

Longhorn leaned in, his sword edging closer to Storm's head.

“I already have.” He whispered.

“Captain!” One of Longhorn's crew called out. “Above!”

Longhorn turned his head slightly to see a yellow pegasus with a tricorn hat diving on him from the darkness above, sword outstretched. With a twang, the griffon that had called out the warning fired a crossbow at the pegasus.

The newcomer let out a scream before tumbling to the ground in a bundle of fur and feathers, impacting the rock with an audible thud.

Longhorn looked at the fallen pegasus and laughed.

“Was that the best you could do Storm?” He taunted while turning back to face her. “One worthless-”

“CAPTAIN!” Storm shrieked in a mixture of fear and anger.

Longhorn suddenly felt something snap in his arm as the dark blue mare was abruptly free from his grasp. He roared in pain, but it was drowned out by the cry of the intruders. Their scream was beyond anger or fear, it was a feral scream of pure rage that was echoed in their sudden attack.

Like animals driven insane, those that were penned in by blades fought their way free regardless of the wounds they received in the process, while those that were trapped bodily by the crew gained an unnatural strength as they rose to their hooves, sending any creature in their way flying.

And Storm Stalker was the most insane of them all. If she had been a tornado before, now she was a full on hurricane, punching, biting and gouging anything that tried to approach the yellow pegasus lying on the ground.

Longhorn let go of his broken arm and let it hang uselessly, instead picking up his scimitar and advancing towards Storm Stalker. No more games, no more elaborate plans, he was going to kill that mare once and for all. She had made a fool of him not once, not twice but three times; she had disgraced him in front of his father, she had somehow outwitted an entire Equestrian fleet, and now she had broken his arm in full view of his crew. She would pay: She would die.

Longhorn's fixation on Storm Stalker blinded him to the sight of one of Storm's unicorns jumping in front of him with a charged horn. Before the minotaur even knew what was happening, a magical fireball burst into his face, igniting his fur.

Dropping his blade and clutching at the burns, Longhorn fell to his knees and screamed as his skin was forever changed by fire. When he finally was able to open his eyes, the battle had ceased.

A good half of his crew were lying on the ground, groaning or unconscious, while the other half had sustained injuries of various degrees. Turning, he saw the last of the intruders running into the tunnel and to freedom.

“AFTER THEM!” He screamed, struggling to his hooves. “KILL THEM ALL!”

Reluctantly, his crew followed him into the tunnel, ready for one final battle.

Sun Flowers sat in the forward cannon box of the Marblehead, slowly turning the cranks to turn the turret and adjust for the rise and fall of the ship. Poisoned Beaker sat near her, watching her work.

“Are you sure you know what you're doing?” She asked for the fifth time that night.

Sun Flowers fixed her with a deadly glare. “For the last time yes! Now will you let me concentrate?”

Beaker waited for a moment watching Sun look through the small eyepiece before speaking again.

“Wasn't the captain supposed to stay on the ship?” She asked.

Sun groaned in frustration. “Yes. Now be quiet, something's happening onshore.”

“What's going on?”

“I'm not sure.” Sun explained. “I count six, maybe seven ponies just joined Night Watch and Dusk Maiden at the boat. I think it's the Elements of Harmony, but—Oh no.”

“What is it?” Beaker asked impatiently.

“Cover your ears!” Sun ordered.

“What?”

“FIRING!”

A gigantic boom shook the cannon box, leaving a stunned Poisoned Beaker on the floor. She coughed as smoke filled her lungs and looked up dazedly at Sun Flowers. The former show mare didn't even acknowledge her, but instead was concentrated on the sight of the her work.

“I hope I didn't miss.” She said with worry.

Twilight carefully laid Henry into the boat, making sure to keep her magic covering his wounds. It had taken some time to navigate their way out of the caves, but they had finally reached the surface where Dusk Maiden was tending to her brother.

As soon as she put Henry in the boat, there was a commotion from the cave entrance and moments later Storm and her crew came pouring out of the cave and towards the boat. The pirates began jumping into the boat or simply jumping into the water alongside the boat.

“Princess!” Storm panted as she ran up to Twilight. “Longhorn an' 'is gang are righ' behind us! Can yew put shield o'er the cave entrance?”

Twilight nodded. “I can hold them for a little while, but I'm not sure how long. My magic is almost drained from healing Henry.”

“Yew 'ave to-” Storm started, but was interrupted by a loud boom from a dark shape in the distance.

“Look out!” Somepony called as a pair of fireballs streaked overhead and slammed into the volcano just above the cave entrance. A massive explosion shook the ground and a wave of hot air blasted everypony off their hooves. With a spray of rock and dust, the cave entrance collapsed, sealing the tunnel more effectively than any shield spell.

Everypony got to their hooves, staring at the sight of the giant craters that had only just been formed.

“Well.” Storm finally spoke. “Tha' works too.”

Big Sail, his coat covered in cuts and bruises, turned to the crew. “Come on! We need to get our injured back to the ship!”

His words instantly roused the crew to action as they began to put those who were the most severely injured into the boat. Twilight helped Zabramn into the boat, the zebra was missing his left ear and had a large gash in his right hind leg. Once she finished with him, she turned to held the next pony in line, but was stunned to see Storm Stalker and Big Sail standing there holding the limp form of Trade Breaker between them.

Storm Stalker, although she was cut in more places than Twilight could count and there was a crossbow bolt in her shoulder, had only one worry, and that was the stallion currently hanging from her back.

“Princess, the fool got 'imself shot, can yew help 'im?” Storm pleaded.

Twilight nodded, taking Trade Breaker in her magic and gently lifting him into the air. With careful precision, she felt through his body with her magic and found several cracked ribs as well as a broken wing.

“It's nothing life threatening.” She explained. “But I need to get him back to the ship and put some splints over the broken parts immediately.”

Turning to the relieved mare, Twilight looked her over.

“As for you, Miss Stalker, you need immediate medical attention. I have no idea as to how you're still standing, but the injuries you've sustained are far more serious.”

Storm Stalker leaned on Big Sail as he helped her into the boat.

“Tend ta the cap'n firs'. I've sur'vived worse.” She said, letting herself fall to the bottom of the boat.

Twilight frowned and tried to say something else, but she was suddenly alone on the beach.

“Ya comin' Princess?” She heard Culinary call as the boat began to make its way out into the water.

The alicorn leaped into the air and sailed alongside the longboat as the least injured crew rowed it out to the Marblehead. She tried to grab the prow of the boat with her magic to help move it along, but the even longboat resisted any attempts she made at using magic.

“Miss Stalker! It's the Bloodhound!” Came the frightened warning.

Twilight looked into the night and sure enough, the darkened outline of the pirate ship loomed in the distance, growing closer.

“She's 'eadin' righ' fer da Marblehead!” Culinary yelled.

“Stand by for boarding action!” Big Sail ordered.

Twilight dove ahead. “I'll go stall them!”

She pumped her wings as hard as she could, streaking towards the dark ship with a glowing horn. Although her magic was drained from the massive amount of healing she had performed earlier, Twilight could still perform some basic combat spells to deal with whatever came at her.

“Halt!” She yelled, amplifying her voice. “Or else I will sink your ship!”

It was an empty threat, at most Twilight could do were stun spells at the moment, but the pirates didn't need to know that. However, it seemed as though the pirates would not be deterred as the Bloodhound continued to race towards the Marblehead.

“I said stop!” She yelled, flying a bit closer to the ship.

“Princess!” Culinary Beak called as he struggled to catch up with her. “Hol' on! Ah t'ink dere's somet'in' wrong!”

Twilight turned back to face him. “What do you mean?”

“Loo' at 'er sails!” Culinary said breathlessly as he drew up alongside of her. “Dey ain't down. An' listen.”

The purple alicorn followed his advice and scanned the ship. The sails were furled, and there was no movement on the deck. Additionally, she could hear a faint but familiar call for help.

“Is that-” She began.

“Four Eyes!” The hippogriff finished, tucking in his wings and diving for the deck.

Twilight followed close behind, landing on the deck beside him.

“Four Eyes! Where arrr ya?” Culinary shouted.

“Culinary! Is that you?” Came the cry from the bow of the ship. “Help!”

Twilight and Culinary rushed to the bow and looked over to find the diminutive seapony hanging from the anchor chain for dear life.

“Four Eyes! Wha' arr ya doin' down 'dere!” Culinary called as he climbed over the bow, careful of the spray that threatened to knock him into the water.

“Culinary!” Four Eyes sobbed. “Thank goodness it's you! I thought that the pirates were going to find me! I wasn't expecting the Bloodhound to come loose and it hit my head! And I lost my glasses! I was just able to grab onto this, but I've been too scared to move!”

The hippogriff grabbed the seapony by the scruff of his neck and hauled him upwards.

“Ya daft fish, yer lucky we foun' ya instead o' Longhorn.” Culinary said as he hauled Four Eyes onto the deck.

Four Eyes looked around blindly. “But-but, you're here, so did the plan work?”

Culinary looked at Twilight, then back at Four Eyes. “Aye, it 'ad a few kinks, bu' it all worked ou' in the end.”

Chapter 22

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Trade Breaker awoke to feel the familiar rocking of the Marblehead underneath him as it plowed through the sea. Rolling off of his bed and onto the floor, he felt a sharp pain in his right wing and turned to find out what it was. The sight of the bandages wrapped around his wing startled him until he remembered the events of what lead up to that.

Stumbling to the door, he threw it open to reveal Storm Stalker waiting outside. She had more stitches in her than a wall tapestry and enough white bandages to make her look like an killer whale, but the moment that Trade Breaker opened the door, her face instantly brightened.

“Cap'n!” She gasped, rushing forwards and surprising him by throwing her legs around his neck.

“Don' yew evah do that agin!” The mare sobbed into his shoulder. “Ah thought Ah lost yew!”

“Storm, I-I-” Trade Breaker stuttered before collecting himself. “The crew. What of the crew?”

Storm slowly pushed herself off of him and rubbed her eyes. Looking him in the eyes, she gave him a tired but relieved smile.

“All present, Cap'n.” She said. “A few bumps an' bruises, bu' we're all here.”

Trade Breaker breathed a sigh of relief, but his eyes began to fill with sorrow as he looked over Storm Stalker.

“Storm, ye're hurt.” He said, examining the multiple lacerations and bandages.

“Tis not bu' a few scratches.” The mare shrugged. “Ah'm fine, just glad yew're still alive.”

Breaker looked back at his wing, then at the massive beating that Storm had been subjected to. His wound seemed so insignificant in comparison, yet here she was worried about him rather than resting from her own wounds.

“Storm, I'm sorry.” He pleaded, tears beginning to form. “I'm so, so sorry. I never should've sent ye on that island, I never should've let this happen in the first place.”

“Cap'n, yew did the righ' thing.” Storm said softly but forcefully. “An nopony here is goin' tae say anythin' different.”

Breaker blinked away his tears and tried to regain control of his emotions.

“Storm, say what ye will, but tis not but words.” He said bitterly. “Those wounds tell me a different tale.”

“Cap'n yew think Ah haven't been wounded a'fore? Ah've fought dragons wit' naught but me bare hooves!” Storm snapped. “An' it's not like yew didnae take yer fair share o' punishment!”

“Me wing?” Breaker said. “Ye call that a fair share compared ta what ye received?”

Storm nodded. “Aye Cap'n! Ah would call that more than yew're share, seein' as how yew shouldnae have been there in the firs' place!”

“Well I couldn't jus' stan' there while me crew was off fightin'!” Breaker yelled.

“Aye! An' tha's why yew didnae do anythin' wrong!” Storm said earnestly. “Cap'n, yew're terrible wit' a blade, Ah've never seen yew win a fight, bu' yew still tried tae protect us! Yew didnae care fer yewrself, yew just threw yerself in fer the crew, an' yew didnae see what happened after, bu' Ah did! Ah've never seen anythin' like it! The crew fought like hellhounds a'fore yew showed up, bu' when yew were hurt, even hellhounds wouldnae stan' a chance! Ah've never seen mah own crew fight like that, not even fer mah father! An' the others; Dead Fire was so angry tha' Ah could've sworn he was aboot tae breath flames! Drip cracked 'is shell three times tryin' tae keep yew safe! Cap'n, as far as the crew's concerned, yew matter tae them more than their own mothers!”

Trade Breaker sat down, crestfallen. “I don't deserve their loyalty. I've done nothin' to earn it.”

Storm stomped her hoof. “Cap'n! Stop puttin' yewrself down!”

“Ahem!” A voice sounded from down the passageway.

The two bickering pegasi turned to see Big Sail standing there respectfully.

The large unicorn shifted slightly before speaking. “Begging your pardon, but if I may say this: Captain, whether or not you think you've earned the crew's loyalty does not matter at this point. You've got it, and right now the crew needs to see their captain on his hooves and ready to take charge.”

Trade Breaker nodded and stood up. “Thank ye, Big Sail. Set a course to take us south o' Tortoise Island, I'm going to inspect me crew.”

Big Sail smiled. “Aye aye, Captain.”

Twilight and the rest of the Element Bearers had been busy all night helping Sun Flowers tend to the crew and treat various wounds, and although she was extremely worn out from the massive amount of healing magic she had expended, she was glad to see that her efforts had an immediate soothing effect on the injured band of pirates.

Pausing in the middle of the room, she looked around and took in the sight. Even though the pirates were injured and bedridden, they were laughing and joking with each other, throwing playful taunts to a pirate in the next cot over.

“Oy, Drip ya love bug, yer drippin' again.” One of the pirates called out to the changeling.

Said changeling was currently being nursed by both Water Rose and her mother. The little filly was seldom away from his bedside, and even Sun Flowers seemed to check up on him more often than was necessary, and Drip was loving every minute of it.

Apparently a little bit too much as venom was dripping off his fangs. He snapped out of his love drunk stupor and quickly used his long serpentine tongue to lick it away.

“Eheh, sorry.” The changeling chuckled in embarrassment.

Twilight sauntered over to the three and struck up a conversation.

“So, Drip, how are you feeling?” She asked.

Drip didn't reply at first, somewhat lost in Sun Flowers's eyes as she was taking his temperature.

“Mistah Drip? Are ya feelin' alright?” Water Rose asked somewhat worriedly.

“Huh?” Drip shook his head and looked around to find all the crew in the room staring at him. “Oh yeah! I'm fine!” He said hurriedly.

The majority of those in the room began laughing at the changeling with the exception of Sun Flowers, Water Rose and Twilight, although the alicorn herself was trying to hide a giggle. Drip hid his face behind an uninjured hoof and mumbled something about sticking the crew into gel pods.

Sun Flowers merely stared at the thermometer and ignored those around her.

“Well, as far as I can tell, you don't have a fever, and your wounds are healing abnormally fast. I guess changelings are just more resistant to wounds than ponies.” She shrugged.

Twilight bit her lip before speaking up. “Actually, my research on changelings has shown that their healing abilities, any abilities really, depends on how much positive emotional energy they have stored or can harvest from those around them. And seeing as how Drip was almost entirely drained by the battle last night, it's likely that his rapid recover is due to a large amount of love directed at him by a specific pony or two.”

Sun Flowers processed the information for a moment before it dawned on her the implications of what Twilight had just said.

“Love?” She asked hesitantly, her face gaining a bright red hue.

Twilight shrugged. “Oh, it doesn't have to be love specifically, although Drip's healing is nearly complete, and such an accomplishment would take massive amounts of the strongest emotion available to changelings. And, um, it's also pretty obvious by the way that Drip keeps looking at you that, well. . .”

Sun Flower's face grew as red as a tomato as she listened to Twilight. When the alicorn finished, the red faced mare turned to looked at Drip who was busy examining the holes in his hoof.

“Well?” One of the pirates called. “Ain't ya gonna kiss him?”

The poor mare's eyes nearly popped out of her head at the comment and her already flushed expression was quickly turning into a look of embarrassed horror. Twilight could see it in her eyes that she was almost in panic mode.

However, the flustered mother was saved by the intervention of Drip getting out of bed.

“Stop badgering her.” He snapped at the pirates. “She's a good honest mare, and I'm ashamed of you for not paying her the respect that she deserves. Without her, most of you would be in a lot worse shape, but she's taken the time to help patch up every single one of us.”

The changeling turned to look at her. “She's still a beautiful mare despite having been cast aside by the world, and one day she'll be with a stallion that is worthy of her, not a little monster like me.”

The room was dead silent save for the sound of the engines below. Finally, one of the pirates spoke up. “Ah Drip, ya know we was only teasin', we meant no harm.”

Before anybody could say another word, Drip found himself being yanked forward and embraced in a passionate kiss before Sun Flowers quickly released him and ran out the door. The occupants of the room were stunned for a moment before a massive cheer shook the whole ship. Drip stood frozen by the moment, unaware that his wounds had opened up again and he was now oozing green slime over the deck.

“Mistah Drip!” Water Rose shouted, putting her hoof on his leg. “You're bleedin'!”

Drip looked down at the filly before looking back over his wounds.

“Huh.” Was all he had to say before collapsing to the deck with a look of pure bliss on his face.

“Mistah Drip!” Rose all but screamed. “Are you alright? Do I need ta fetch me mum?”

Drip didn't bother responding as a pool of venom formed around his muzzle. Fortunately, Zabramn limped up to alleviate the filly's fears.

“Your mother can do nothing to heal this curse.” He quipped. “In fact, she is likely to make it worse.”

Rose's eyes widened. “Is she conta'geous?”

That earned a laugh from the pirates as Zabramn's smile grew even wider.

“No little one, your mother is fine. It is only Drip's life that is on the line.” The zebra snickered.

“Oh no!” Water Rose exclaimed. “Mistah Drip, you're not dyin' are ya?”

The changeling didn't bother to even raise himself off of the deck as he continued to stare at the doorway that Sun Flowers had run through.

“If I am, I will die a happy bug.” He mumbled.

The distressed filly jumped on top of Drip's head and hugged him with fear in her eyes.

“No!” She screamed. “I don't want ya to die! I like ya too much for you to die!”

Zabramn quickly stepped forward before Twilight had a chance to despite his injury and scooped Rose off of Drip's head.

“Now don't be alarmed, little Water Rose.” He said soothingly. “Drip will be fine, as long as he breathes through his nose. His condition is treatable and a good rest is all he needs. Now go get him a book, one that you used to read.”

“Yessah!” Water Rose jumped from the zebra's hooves and dashed off.

Zabramn turned to Twilight and smiled.

She smiled back and complimented his skills. “That was very nice of you, you seem to have a knack for caring for her.”

The zebra shook his head. “We have all been her fathers aboard this ship for a year, and each one of us will do the same, if only to stop her tears.”

He turned to the still prone Drip. “Now if you will help me get this stupid changeling to bed, I think he is drooling so much he will soon be dead.”

Twilight laughed and picked Drip up in her magic and placed him onto the cot, carefully using her magic to clean his wounds again and also remove any of the venom that had been pooling up on the floor. When she was finished, she sat down near the changeling and cleared her throat.

“So, Drip, are you feeling any better?” She asked.

The changeling nodded slowly. “Much.”

“So then, you mind if I ask you a few questions?”

“Go ahead.” Drip said, starting to shift a little and look around more.

Twilight once again berated herself for not having brought writing supplies with her on her journey, but her memory would do just fine for now.

“You were one of Trade Breaker's original crew aboard the Sea Treader?” She began.

“Yes.” Drip nodded. “I was an infiltrator in Baltimare, however when the Canterlot invasion occurred, the Royal Guard found me out by way of a changeling detection spell. I tried to return to the hive but I was hunted down in every part of Equestria, and only made it as far as Manehattan. It was there that I devised one final plan to get back home. If I could not go through Equestria, I would go around it. I inquired to several ships if they would take me on, but none of them would because I did not have the proper documentation regarding my citizenship.”

He sighed heavily. “I nearly gave up and was going to turn myself over to the Royal Guard when I met a drunken captain on his way to his ship.”

“Trade Breaker?” Twilight asked.

Drip smiled. “Yes, he signed me up on the spot.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “It seems he signed on most of his crew that night.”

The changeling shrugged. “You won't find me complaining.”

“So, when did everypony find out you were a changeling?”

Drip looked at the doorway again. “Most of them found out after we were wrecked, but the captain found out much sooner. You see, pretty much all of the crew were either running from something or simply going somewhere else. There was very little positive emotion to found onboard. In short, I was starving and my magic was almost gone. Eventually, it got to the point where I was spending all day down below, sick on the bed. Sun Flowers was there tending to me, but she was so sad and worried about the future that I couldn't even feed from her. Finally, about halfway through the voyage, I knew I was finished. So I called for Captain Trade Breaker and waited until we were alone. It was then that I shed my disguise. I was in a pretty sorry state, half dead and unable to get off the bed. I told him everything and ended with a single request. I asked that he dispose of my body secretly so that nobody knew of my deception.”

He paused for a moment, his small frown turning into a faint smile. “Instead, he simply placed a curtain in front of my bed and left. I thought that maybe he was going to get his sword, or perhaps Culinary to dispose of me, but he didn't. Instead, the next voice I heard was a small filly's voice, meek and afraid, but full of concern and emotion. She was reading me a children's story about the royal sisters. I was surprised to say the least, but I'll never forget what happened next.”

Drip small grin grew into a broad smile, his fangs gleaming in the light. “I tasted love. It wasn't much, but it was enough to keep me alive. Water Rose saved my life, she didn't know who I was or why I was sick, but when she was told I was dying, she did the only thing she could; she cared about me. I owe her my life, and. . .”

His grin grew slightly uncertain, but his voice was still strong. “I think, that I may love her, as a father would love his own child. I can't explain it, it's a feeling that I don't think I'll ever understand, but I know that I will always care for her, no matter what happens.”

Twilight sat entranced by his tale, her eyes locked onto his. She heard a slight sniffle from behind her and turned to see one of the pirates rubbing his eyes.

“That's so beautiful.” The big pirate said through tears.

"Get's me every time." Another said from across the room.

The sound of small hooves clattered through the doorway as an overly eager Water Rose tried to jump over the small lip in the door with a book held in her mouth. She failed and clipped her hoof on the door, landing spectacularly with the book flying out of her mouth. However, she was on her hooves in an instant and chasing after the book, grabbing it in her mouth off the deck and running up to Drip's bed.

“I got ya a book, Mistah Drip!” She said excitedly.

Drip smiled at the ball of energy and nodded at the book. “Would you like to read it for me?”

Water Rose jumped up and down in affirmation and spread the book out on the deck, but before she could begin, she and the book were enveloped in lavender magic and lifted into Twilight's lap. Holding the book in her magic, Twilight held the filly close and let her begin.

Water Rose cleared her throat and then began to read out loud. “Once upon a time, there were two sisters.”

Chapter 23

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Stepping through the doorway, Trade Breaker was greeted by the sight of Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Culinary all using the galley for their own purposes. Culinary stopped as soon as he saw Trade Breaker and set his pan over the stove before rushing to his captain.

“Cap'n!” He said. “T'ank da reaper yer alrigh'!”

Trade Breaker looked over the hippogriff as Culinary shook his hoof. The cook had a freshly stitched scar over his left eye and his right hoof was held in a splint.

“Culinary, are ye well?” Breaker asked.

“Oh don' be worryin' none aboot me, Cap'n.” Culinary laughed. “Jus' a scratch he'er an' 'dere.”

Storm Stalker stepped around them and looked at the white unicorn who was stirring a few gallons of soup with a ladle held in her magic.

“Miz Rarity, Ah didnae expect tae see yew in da galley.” She remarked.

Rarity smiled at the pegasus and shrugged. “Well, it's the least I can do to help out around here. Twilight and Sun Flowers have already taken care of those poor dears in the infirmary, and Applejack and Rainbow Dash are helping steer the ship, so when Pinkie Pie volunteered to help cook, I tagged along.”

Culinary leaned in close to Trade Breaker held his talon up to whisper to him.

“Good thin' Miz Rarity's he'er ta keep 'dat Pinkie in line. She been tryin' ta bak' a cake 'da whole time.” The hippogriff said silently.

“And I would have baked you guys the bestest cake ever if I could only find some flour!” The pink pony yelled from across the galley.

Culinary rolled his eyes and turned to face her. “I tol' ya 'da flour wen' bad a month'ago!”

“What sort of self respecting cook doesn't even have cake mix!” Pinkie shouted back.

Storm Stalker shot the two a glare before moving closer to Rarity in order to not have to shout to be heard over the two bickering cooks.

“Ah see Culinary gave yew his prize ladle.” She said. “Ah didnae think he woulda let it go so easily.”

Rarity nodded. “Yes, I was quite surprised to find that almost all of the utensils aboard are magic resistant. Mister Culinary Beak was kind enough to loan me one of his ladles from Equestria.”

“Ah must say, yew are a mare of many surprises. Ah thought yew was a seamstress only.” Storm said while sniffing the soup.

Rarity giggled slightly before raising the ladle up and taking an experimental sip. “Yes well, it seems as though the only fabric aboard is bedsheets, and magic resistant ones at that, so as much as I would adore giving you and your crew a new wardrobe, it will have to wait until I can return to my shop in Poneville.”

“Yew'd be better off makin' clothes fer fishes than this lot!” Storm laughed.

Rarity laughed alongside her. “Yes, that may be true, however I still intend to dedicate an entire clothing line to you to celebrate your actions last night.”

Storm shrugged. “Do what yew will, but if'n yew make us clothes, give 'em ta the cap'n. If it weren't fer him, we woulda' left yew in Longhorn's clutches.”

“Oh.” Rarity said, suddenly very unsure of what to think of Storm Stalker. “Well, I suppose. . . Um, well yes, I will be sure to thank the captain for his gallantry.”

The battle scarred pegasus noticed the hurt look on Rarity's face and rolled her eyes. “Look, don' take it personal, but Cap'n an' Ah are cut from a different cloth. Ah've always been taught tae cut mah losses an' run. Cap'n is the type tae never leave a crew behind. Ah guess that's why Ah admire him so much.”

Rarity caught Storm looking at Trade Breaker and instantly caught on.

“Oh, I'd say it goes far beyond admiring the dear captain.” She giggled behind her hoof.

Storm's face turned a dark shade of red and she whirled on Rarity.

“An' jus' what do yew mean by that?” She demanded.

“Oh nothing.” Rarity said while calmly stirring the soup. “Nothing at all.”

Storm glared at the smug unicorn for a minute before turning around and stomping out of the galley.

“Storm, where ye goin'?” Trade Breaker called after her, chasing the angry pegasus into the passageway.

“Infirm'ry's this way- Aah!” Breaker started to say before screaming in pain.

Storm was at his side in an instant, ready to grab him at a moment's notice.

“Cap'n! Wha's wrong?” She asked.

Breaker waved her off with his hoof.

“Ah me wing, I tripped on the door an' tried to put it out fer balance, but I fergot it t'was broken.” He explained.

Storm sighed in relief. “Yew scared me there. Yew need tae be a bit more careful, what wit' yew bein' injured an' all.”

She felt his eyes roving over her body, and she quickly moved to cover some of her more serious wounds. It was a futile gesture, they were too obvious for a simple adjustment of her posture to hide. Trade Breaker didn't say anything though, he simply turned and walked towards the infirmary as if nothing had happened.

Storm, however, knew better. Even though she had only known Trade Breaker for a little over a year, she could tell when something was bothering him. Unfortunately, she didn't know how to solve the issues of her wounds so easily.

She started to chase after him, but a yellow pegasus stepped out of a door and accidentally got in her way.

Fluttershy eeped in surprise when Storm nearly ran her over, but the pirate had excellent reflexes and easily stopped before a collision. Storm was about to simply pass her by when she noticed that Fluttershy was wearing a heavy coat and her teeth were chattering. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she stopped to find out why the yellow pegasus was in such a sorrowful state.

“Miz Flutters, what 'appened tae yew?” She asked.

Fluttershy shook some frost from her mane and explained her predicament. “I wanted to help Henry after the poor thing was crushed by that cage, but it seems that the best place for him right now is the freezer.”

Storm looked her over. “Ah judge that yew tried tae stay wit' him?”

Fluttershy nodded. “I managed to make it all night before I had to leave him.”

Storm blinked a few times as she tried to process what the yellow pegasus was trying to accomplish, but for the life of her, she couldn't figure it out. With a shrug, she pushed past the still shivering pegasus and rushed to the infirmary.

The sound of laughter greeted her as she entered, but quieted down when the room's occupants noticed the first mate enter.

“What's all this then?” Storm demanded.

One of her crew cleared his throat before answering. “Oh, nothin' that would interest ye, Miz Stalker.”

Storm's glare could have cut through metal. Several of the crew began to sweat in their beds under her eye, although it was Night Watch, the thestral, that finally cracked under her gaze.

“Okay, we were making a bet on when you and captain would get together!” He blurted.

Storm's train of the thought was rather abruptly derailed by the statement, and it took her a full five seconds before she could begin to formulate thoughts again.

“Ah. . . Yew. . . WHAT?” She screamed.

“Now Miz Stalker, t'was just a little joke!” One of the crew started. “What wit' Miz Flowers kissin' Drip an' all, we was-”

“AH DON' CARE ABOOT YEW'RE DUMB IDEAS!” Storm yelled at him, red in the face for an entirely different reason than she wanted. “FER THE LAST TIM'! ME AN' THE CAP'N AIN'T A COUPLE!”

Immediately, Storm regretted her outburst. The crew tried to hide the smirks and chuckles in a valiant but futile effort not to embarrass the unfortunate pegasus mare even more.

“Ah, um. . .”

Storm whirled about and fled the room, slamming the metal door behind her as hard as she could, but before she was able to take two steps, she realized why she had gone into the infirmary in the first place. The door once again slammed open and the flustered first mate glared into the room.

“Where'd the cap'n go?” She demanded.

Blank stares greeted her.

“Um, I thought he was in bed?” One of the crew hesitantly suggested.

Storm shook her head. “Nae, he was up an' aboot, said he was comin' this way.”

“Well, I thought I heard somepony outside the door.” Night Watch hazarded. “But they never came in.”

The door slammed shut a second time as Storm bolted from the room and to the deck. The moment she was outside, she took to the air and circled the ship, letting the cool breeze calm her down and searching the ship for any sign of Trade Breaker.

Glancing around, Storm Stalker finally found the captain standing on the aft deck staring back at the Bloodhound and dove downwards.

“Cap'n, I've been lookin' for yew.” She said as she floated down next to him.

Storm Stalker stopped and looked at her captain. His attitude was sour and his eyes were roving, full of sadness. She followed the path of his eyes looked over at the Bloodhound, deciding to make conversation in order to find the root of her captain's problem.

“Bloodhound's a fine ship, I wager we can fetch a fair price for her in Tortoise Island.” She said.

“No. She'll be yer ship, a pro'er pirate vessel for a real pirate.” Trade stated.

Storm Stalker glanced at him, worried. “Cap'n, I enjoy the prospect of a flotilla, but we ain't got the crew to sail both the Marblehead and the Bloodhound.”

“Ye'll be takin' the crew wit ya.” He turned to her, his face set in determination. “I've made me mind up. The crew will join ye on the Bloodhound and I will take the Marblehead to the 'Questrian fleet an' surrender her.”

There was a brief moment of silence before Storm's already taxed mind was finally overloaded.

"WHAT?"

Chapter 24

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“WHAT?” Storm Stalker bellowed. “Cap'n! 'Ave yew gone insane?”

“Me mind is as sane as the day I set hoof aboard this ship!” Trade Breaker yelled angrily. “I know what I'm doin', an' I know ye un'nerstood me orders! Now don' give me any back talk!”

Storm suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to punch the nearest live being.

“Cap'n Ah think yew may have hit yew're head a little too hard.” She stated.

Breaker turned away to watch the Bloodhound cut through the Marblehead's wake.

“We stole from, kidnapped, an' fought wit' Equestria.” He said. “They be lookin' fer vengeance, an' I want ye gone when they board the Marblehead.”

Storm was silent as she mulled this over, but quickly came up with a counter argument.

“Aye, but we're giv'en 'em those six mares back!” She pleaded. “We ain't even askin' fer a ransom!”

“After we kidnapped 'em!” Breaker spat.

“They jumped onboard!” Storm shouted in frustration.

“'Cause we were stealin'!” Breaker shot back. “Like common pirates! We took what we wanted an' gave nothin' back! An' ye know what they do to pirates in Equestria!”

Storm slammed her hoof down. “They cannae throw yew in jail if'n yew can outrun 'em!”

“I ain't runnin' no more!” The captain barked before his voice grew quieter. “I aim to pay fer me crimes, but I ain' lettin' you go down wit' me.”

Storm stared at him incredulously. “Crimes yew say? Look at what 'Questria did tae yew, yew were cast out by ev'ry shippin' comp'ny in the country. Yew were laughed at by ev'ry sailpony in port, mocked fer doin' naught but tryin' yer best tae survive! Cap'n, it's Equestria that should be on trial, nae yew!”

“Maybe, but they control the shippin' lanes wit' their fleet.” Trade Breaker said bitterly.

“But we got the Marblehead!” Storm yelled. “We beat 'em once an' we'll do it agin!”

“Fer how long?” Breaker demanded. “How long can we keep fightin' 'em? They'll find a way to stop us eventually! How long a'fore we end up facin' off against a shipload o' royal guards an' we ain't prepared? How long a'fore the Marblehead herself gives up? 'Questria won' stop chasin' us 'less I give 'em somethin' to blame!”

“THEN GIVE 'EM SOMEPONY ELSE!” Storm screamed, her eyes full of fright. “Ah won' lose yew agin, Cap'n. Ah nearly died when Ah saw yew fall, an' if'n yew're dragged away in chains, Ah'll kill mahself tae free yew a'fore Ah let yew rot in prison.”

Breaker was taken aback slightly, and his anger vanished and his expression softened.

“Storm.” He said, bring a hoof gently to her cheek. “Yer a strong mare, an' ye have more to live fer than wasting yer life o'er me. We both know yer not a first mate, yer the pirate queen o' the seas, now go show the world what ye are.”

Storm felt a tear roll down her cheek to land on Breaker's hoof.

“Ah don' want tae be a pirate queen.” She whispered. “Ah want tae be the first mate aboard the Marblehead.”

Breaker frowned at her, but his voice remained calm. “Storm, these are me orders, ye are to gather the crew an' board the Bloodhound. Ye will set sail fer whatever destination ye please, an' never look back.”

Storm felt her mouth go dry as she stared into her captain's eyes, but she managed to get to words out.

“Aye. . . Cap'n.”

“So there I was, Longhorn stompin' towards the first mate with his sword drawn when suddenly-”

'CLANG!'

The pirate's story was cut short as the metal door to the infirmary was suddenly slammed open by a very panicked Storm Stalker.

“CAP'N'S OFF HIS ROCKER!” She yelled.

“What'd he do this time?”

“He wants tae surrender the Marblehead!” Storm exclaimed.

“What?” Night Watch said incredulously. “The minute he sets hoof on the Bloodhound, it'll sink!”

“He has noe plans tae set hoof on the Bloodhound! Cap'n wants tae give himself up wit' the Marblehead!” The frantic mare wailed.

“WHAT?” The entire crew yelled.

“Aye! Says he wants tae keep 'Questria off'n our backs!”

“He can't do that!” Drip said angrily.

“Aye! Who does he think he is to up and leave us?” Another crewmember huffed in indignation.

“Da cap'n.”

All heads turned to look at the hippogriff entering behind Storm Stalker. Culinary turned and bowed his head apologetically to the first mate.

“Beggin' yer pardon, Miz Stalker. I was oen me way ta feed 'dis lot t'when I heard ye an' da cap'n arguin'. I o'erheard some dings an' wit' yer permission, I'd like ta share me thoughts.” He asked.

Storm nodded hesitantly and Culinary began.

“Cap'n's go' 'is priorities wrong.” The hippogriff stated. “He t'inks 'dat he's protectin' us by sendin' us away. 'is heart's in da righ' place, bu' 'is brain's a mile underwa'er.”

“So what do we do?” Drip asked.

“We 'ave ta force 'im to accept us.” Culinary answered.

“How?”

“By given 'im no udder option, we maroon ourselves aboar' da Marblehead.” Culinary explained.

Storm nodded. “Aye, Ah hate to do it, bu' if'n comes down between the two, Ah'll always choose Cap'n. What say yew?”

The crew raised their hooves and let out a hearty “Aye!” before several of them pulled their hooves back down and cradled them amid a few choice curses, having forgotten about their broken legs.

The sound of waves gently assaulted Trade Breaker as he tried to get some sleep, but it was not forthcoming. His wing ached and his skull was pounding from his injuries, but that wasn't what was keeping him awake.

No, it was a different pain that kept his eyes open as his mind continued to try and justify his reasoning. He knew it was best for the crew for him to leave right? They would be better off terrorizing the seas with Storm Stalker leading them.

And while he might enjoy the fact that he was the captain of a legendary ship, it was selfish of him to hold the crew back simply because he was going to miss them when they left. A lot. One pegasus mare in particular.

“Got to let her go a'fore I change me mind.” Breaker mumbled before he adjusted his position to sleep easier. Slowly, he drifted in a deep sleep, his thoughts continuing to plague his troubled mind.

With a sigh, Twilight realized just how hopeless her friends were at not being competitive. When the pirate in the wheel house told Applejack to “Come left four degrees!” of course Rainbow Dash instantly began telling the farm pony just how far she should turn the wheel. Applejack was quick to return the favor by commenting on how Rainbow couldn't figure out the the difference between full speed and flank speed.

“Shut up! It's not like you know, you're just repeating what he told you!” Rainbow Dash snapped while pointing at the amused pirate standing behind them. “And why does this ship have so many different speeds anyways? It should just be forwards, stop, and back. K. I. S. S. rule you know?”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Ah'm pretty sure that only applies to you, Rainbow.”

It was a full minute before Rainbow Dash realized just what Applejack had been implying.

“HEY!” She yelled angrily, ready to begin her rant.

However, the entrance of a large unicorn into the wheelhouse stalled any further arguments.

“Stop the engines!” Big Sail ordered.

“All stop!” The crewmember repeated, motioning for Rainbow Dash to move the levers to the 'Stop' position.

Rainbow Dash did so, and within moments they could feel the vibrations slow to a stop.

“Dude, what's up?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Captain wants to surrender the Marblehead to Equestria, and himself along with it.” Big Sail answered. “Storm's wants all of the crew assembled on the deck and we're going to talk him out of it.”

Twilight stepped forward. “Why does he want to surrender the ship?”

Big Sail shrugged. “He thinks that Equestria won't stop chasing us, so he wants the crew to take the Bloodhound and get away while we can.”

“I can fix that!” Twilight said eagerly. “I could talk with Princess Celestia and tell her what happened!”

“Or we could just take the Bloodhound and sail onto the Equestrian fleet by ourselves.” Applejack interjected.

Big Sail nodded. “Either of those would be preferable to the captain's plan, however we'll have to go with Twilight's idea because I don't think Captain's going to let you mares on a ship by yourselves again. Princess Twilight, do you think you could talk Celestia out of throwing us all in prison?”

“I know I can.” Twilight answered.

“Then that's what we'll do. The only problem now is convincing the captain, go talk with Miss Stalker and find out what she has planned.” Big Sail ordered.

The lavender alicorn raced through the doorway and down the stairs. Big Sail turned back to Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

“Do you two think you can handle the ship for now?” He asked.

“You can count on us!” Rainbow Dash said while she saluted as Applejack nodded.

“Good. Hold position for now, but when I give the word, start her up again.”

“Got it!” Rainbow Dash saluted again and then gripped the speed levers with her hooves as if the ship was about to start racing away from her. Big Sail rolled his eyes and left the wheelhouse.

“Storm Stalker!” The lavender annoyance called. “Big Sail just told me what happened! What can I do to help?”

Storm Stalker glanced at her before nodding to Zabramn. The zebra turned and ran off to another part of the ship.

“This ain' yew're fight Princess. This is between us an' Cap'n.” She huffed.

Storm tried to leave, but Twilight blocked her.

“Storm, I know your upset, and probably more than a little mad at me and my friends, but I want to help.” Twilight said earnestly. “Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it.”

Storm heaved several breaths in and out to try and calm her nerves, then look Twilight in the eye.

“A'righ' Princess.” She said slowly. “Seein' as how yew an' yer frien's are the oe'nly ones nae injured, Ah want yew tae do some heavy liftin'.”

Twilight nodded. “You need something moved?”

“Aye, a lot o' thin's.” Storm smiled. “A whole boatload. Ah wan' all o' Longhorn's treasures, va'ubles, an' anythin' else that Ah can think of tae be moved tae the Marblehead. Oh, an' while yew're at it, take Zabramn wit' yew when yew go.”

Twilight nodded and ran down the corridor to find Zabramn while Storm entered the galley. Culinary wasn't in there like he usually was, but Storm was hungry and she was certain that she could find something to eat.

Stepping up to one of the many cabinets, she opened it up to find several raw ingredients, but nothing that look edible. Undeterred, Storm opened a few more before a slight crackle caught her ear, almost silent, but Storm's training let her find the exact location of the intruder from just that one hint.

Silently making her way to a large wall pantry, Storm placed an ear on the door and listened. Sure enough, there was shallow breathing on the other side. In the blink of an eye, the door was open and Storm had grabbed the pantry's occupant with her hooves. She yanked them out and slammed them on the floor, preparing to beat them senseless should they resist.

However, the familiar scream of Sun Flowers as she was hurled through the air in the midst of several flying crackers before her breath was knocked out of her lungs by the floor stopped Storm from performing any further damage to the unfortunate mare.

“Miz Flowers?” Storm asked, staring down at the crying mother, a cracker still held in her hoof. “What 'appened tae yew? Are yew a'righ'?”

Sun Flowers took several deep breaths as she wiped a hoof across her tear stained eyes.

“Ah'm serry fer throwin' yew like that.” Storm said apologetically, helping the earth pony to her hooves. “Ah didnae know it was yew in there, an' Ah may 'ave over reacted.”

“I'm alright.” Sun said in gasps. “It's. . . It's just that. . . After what happened. . . I came in her looking for some food. . . And I hid when I heard somepony coming.”

She started crying again.

Storm stood by her side awkwardly for a few moments before hesitantly reaching out and patting the mare on the shoulder. Sun Flowers responded by only crying harder and wrapping Storm Stalker in a tight embrace.

“I kissed him!” She wailed. “What does that mean? Do I love him?”

“Uh.” Was all Storm could formulate.

“I mean, I've always appreciated how much he cared for my little Rose!” Sun Flowers continued on obliviously. “And I'll admit that when he was on the island, I was really worried for him! But I kissed him! In front of everypony! WHY DID I KISS HIM?”

Storm eventually got tired of the mare crying on her shoulder and shook her off. Grabbing the distraught mother with her hooves, she looked Sun Flowers straight in the eyes.

“Ah don' know what'chyew're talkin' aboot, but Ah do know one thin' fer certain!” Storm said with such intensity that Sun was instantly silenced. “Ah tried tae ignore mah feelin's fer the stallion o' my dreams fer o'er a year now, an' now he's tryin' tae go off an' do some'tin' stupid! If'n Ah had only told him the way Ah feel sooner, Ah wouldnae be in this mess! Now go an' take charge o' yer life a'fore he takes charge o' his!”

Sun Flowers was stunned for a moment, but she began to nod.

“O-Okay!” She said. “I'll do it! I'm going to tell Drip I love him!”

The earth pony turned around before Storm knew what was happening and disappeared out the door. Storm was left standing in the galley for a moment before what Sun Flowers had said registered in her brain.

“She's in love wit' Drip?”

Fluttershy tried desperately to keep Henry down as he rose to what might be called hooves. Ice and snow billowed around him as the freezer seemed only to augment his physical attributes, causing his entire body to ripple in translucent patterns, often times giving the wendigo a ghostly appearance.

“Please be careful!” The yellow pegasus pleaded. “Your wounds haven't healed properly yet!”

Henry simply pushed her aside with one of his massive hooves.

“Your concern is appreciated, but unneeded.” He gasped, his breath freezing the air in front of him. “My goal is not to injure myself, but to save my captain.”

Fluttershy placed a hoof on the scaly shoulder.

“But if you put too much stress on yourself, you could end up hurt even worse than before!” Fluttershy argued, her meek voice carrying a surprising amount of force. However, Henry would not be deterred.

“I owe a debt to Captain. I will die before I let any harm come to him.” Henry growled. “If we cannot convince him to give up this foolhardy quest, then we must hope that Celestia will be forgiving of our actions.”

His voice lowered and his steps out the door spread ice onto the deck.

“If she wishes to take the captain prisoner, then it will take a deity greater than her to rip him from our grasp.” He said darkly.

Author's Notes:

This chapter was hard for me to post because I wasn't very happy with how the story has progressed. It's not that I think the chapter's bad, but the story's a bit too empty right now. If I'm being honest with myself, I screwed up big time and rushed the story without considering you, the readers. I myself have connected with the characters because I know their lives already, but I haven't put enough time into the previous chapters to give any readers a chance to connect with the crew.

Sure, you may know how Storm Stalker feels about Trade Breaker, but I haven't given you a chance to see how the rest of the crew feel about their captain, and now their loyalty seems a bit over the top because I didn't expand on it earlier.

However, I am still posting the chapter because even though I wish I could have expanded on the crew earlier, I didn't because I didn't know how, and I still don't. That's my problem, I'm inexperienced and it has caused me to lose a few readers.

Thank you for all the feedback, and please hang on for a few more chapters so I can at least give you guys an ending to the story. As always, feedback is much appreciated.

Chapter 25

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Trade Breaker was awoken by several loud knocks on his door. Slowly, he rose to his hooves, careful of his damaged wing.

“Enter.” He barked.

Big Sail stuck his head inside and looked at him.

“Begging your pardon, Captain, but the crew would like to have a word with you.” The unicorn said.

“This had better not be about me orders.” Breaker grumbled.

“Captain, I think you better come see for yourself.” Big Sail said cautiously.

The pegasus captain grabbed his hat and pushed past Big Sail and into the corridor. He resolutely made his way to the door and slammed it open into the afternoon breeze. On the deck and facing him was the entirety of the crew, regardless of their injuries.

“I gave ye orders to board the Bloodhound!” Breaker said angrily. “What are ye all doin' here?”

Storm Stalker stepped forward.

“Cap'n, we ain' leavin'.” She said with steel in her voice.

“An' I say ye are!” Breaker shot back.

“And if we refuse?” A voice from the back asked.

That was a good question, and one that Trade Breaker did not have an answer for. Not one of the crew moved as he stood there, staring at him with the same determination that Storm possessed. Breaker felt the color drain from his face as he realized just how little control he had over his crew.

Still, he was not going to give up that easily. He might not have any control over them as a captain, but he could still try to convince them to leave of their own volition.

“Listen! Equestria's goin' to have our heads when we show up, an' I want all of ye gone when that happens!” He yelled.

“And why do you have to stay aboard?” Night Watch yelled back. “Why isn't it one of us?”

“'Cause yer not responsible fer this mess!” Breaker said desperately. “I was the one who ordered the attacks!”

Storm barked a laugh. “Cap'n, yew're aboot as'guilty as a fish fer swimmin'! Yew know how many ships Ah've raided wit' mah fadder?”

The stallion was silenced by her words for a moment, but he didn't back down. “Aye, an' that be another reason I want ye off, an' weren't ye the one tellin' me that yer sure the princess saw ye when ye shot her? I don't think she'll be offerin' ye tea an' biscuits when she arrives.”

“Ah'd rather it be me fightin' her than yew!” Storm shot right back.

“I'm not fightin' her!” Breaker yelled. “I'm takin' her the six mares an' leavin' my fate in her hooves!”

Big Sail stepped forward in front of the group. “Then the fate of the crew will rest upon her as well!”

“No it won't!” He all but screamed. “I refuse to let yew throw yer lives away fer mine!”

“Cap'n, yew-” Storm started.

“I'M NOT YER CAPTAIN!” Breaker yelled as he threw his hat onto the deck in helpless fury.

For a few moments, the only sound was that of the waves gently hitting the side of the ship and Trade Breaker's heavy breathing as the red slowly drained from his face.

“A true captain can sail a steady course.” He said quietly. “He can step on a ship without fear of it sinkin' from beneath him. He can lower a sail without gettin' himself tangled in the rigging. He can look at the night sky an' know right where he is in the sea. A real captain leads a crew that respects him fer bein' a master o' the seas.”

Trade Breaker hung his head in shame. “I cannot do any of these things, an' it be disgraceful fer me ta pass the burden of my curse to a crew who deserves far better than what I can offer.”

The silence that followed could have rivaled a library. Finally, one of Storm's crewmembers spoke up.

“That's it?” He asked.

“Captain, do we look like we care about you being able to sail a stupid sailing ship?” Night Watch laughed. “We've got the Marblehead! She's not only immune to magic but to your bad luck as well!”

Trade Breaker shook his head. “But those around me aren't! What about Longhorn an' all that happened? There ain't one o' ye that came out o' that cave without bein' injured!”

“Cap'n, ya cannnae blame yewrself fer that.” Storm pleaded. “Tha' was the work o' a mad beast an' beyond yewr control!”

“Aye! And don't forget who it was that took on the entire Equestrian fleet and Princess Celestia herself!” Another pirate shouted. “I wager even Miss Stalker couldn't have handled it as well as you did!”

Ordinarily Storm wouldn't have stood for such insubordination from her own crew, however now was not the time to let pride interfere with the task ahead of them.

“We got lucky!” Trade Breaker said angrily.

“So which is it?” Dead Fire called from the back. “Are you cursed or lucky?”

“I'm cursed! Yer lucky! End of discussion!” Trade Breaker shot back.

The sound of a body being dragged across the deck grew as a diminutive blue seapony pulled himself up. He resolutely marched up to Storm Stalker, although the determined look on his face wass somewhat ruined by the fact he was squinting so hard.

“Captain, I just want to say-” He started before Storm put a hoof on his head and turned him towards Trade Breaker.

Four resolute steps later, he was practically nose to nose with the captain.

“Captain, I just want to say that when I was first brought aboard this ship, I was scared, lost, and alone, but you helped me get through the worst time of my life.” Four Eyes said. “The rest of the crew have accepted me as one of their own, but without you, they wouldn't have even bothered to learn my name. I'm grateful for everything you've done, and I'm staying by your side.”

The blue seapony turned away and began walking.

“Four Eyes, that's the-” Big Sail yelled.

*SPLASH!*

“-railing. . .” He finished.

Storm Stalker heaved a sigh. “Ah'll go get 'im.”

As the first mate flapped over the side of the railing and picked the soggy seapony up, Sun Flowers, Drip and Water Rose stepped forward.

“Captain Trade Breaker, I am forever in your debt.” The earth pony mother said. “I did not come to you, you approached me. I was a dirty, homeless, tramp but even when you were dead drunk, you were still kind to me and viewed me as a mare, not some piece of meat. When you offered me and my daughter a chance at a new life aboard the Sea Treader, I never could have imagined that this is what would become of me, but even after all we've been through, I still wouldn't change a single thing.”

She leaned into Drip slightly when she said this, and when she finished, the drooling changeling quickly wiped his venom away and spoke up.

“Captain, when you discovered who I was, you would have been perfectly within your rights to dump my worthless carcass overboard, but instead you trusted me. Remember what we discussed when I was able to walk again?”

Trade Breaker shook his head. Drip only smiled as he recounted the conversation. “You told me that I was welcome to stay aboard as long as I earned my keep and never brought harm to anybody else on the ship, and I told you that I owed you my life and would never let harm be brought to the crew. Captain, that promise still stands, and as long as I live, I will give my life for this crew, and that includes the captain.”

He finished speaking and looked down at Water Rose who was standing next to her mother.

“Water Rose, did you want to say something to the captain?” Drip asked.

The little filly only stood there for a moment before lunging forwards and burying her face in Trade Breaker's leg. The pegasus was taken aback by the move, and could only stand still while this happened. Rose stayed like that, her hooves wrapped around his for a little while until Drip and Sun Flowers moved away at which point she let go and rushed to join them.

As the three left Trade Breaker, he was suddenly faced by another three familiar faces as Dead Fire, Culinary Beak and Poisoned Beaker approached him.

“Cap'n, if'n ye surren'ner ta the 'Questrians, Ah'm goin' wit' ya.” Culinary said simply.

“Same here.” Poisoned Beaker nodded in affirmation.

“Captain, you're not alone in this.” Dead Fire said angrily. “I may not be able to breath fire, but I can take it for you.”

“I-” Trade Breaker tried to say something, but was interrupted when the trio was abruptly replaced by the threstral twins.

“Captain, you know what will happen to us if Equestria ever finds me and my sister.” Night Watch said.

“But we're sticking with you to the end regardless.” Dusk Maiden finished.

The two left before Trade Breaker had a chance to tell them that they were being too stubborn for their own good. The deck suddenly grew cold as the hulking figure of Henry rose from the back of the pack and stomped forward, ice freezing everywhere his hooves came down. He stopped right in front of Trade Breaker and looked down at him, his breath causing the yellow pegasus to shiver slightly.

“The title of captain is an honor bestowed to those who earn it.” The wendigo seemed to whisper, although it was loud enough for all present to hear. “There are few that I would award such a title to, and even fewer that I would actually obey should they give me a command.”

A flurry of ice suddenly brought the tricorn hat from its place on the deck and set it gently on Trade Breaker's head. “Captain, I will obey your orders, but you will not leave me behind.”

“H-Henry. . .” Trade Breaker said hesitantly.

The wendigo bowed his head, still towering over the captain but far less imposing than before.

“By your leave, Captain.” Henry's harsh tone left no room for argument as he before turned away and walked back to the rest of the crew.

Big Sail let the wendigo pass before taking his turn to step up to Trade Breaker.

“Captain, I have served under eight different pirates, two that became legends of the seas, but never did I serve under a captain like you. For thirty years, I tried to fill my life with a bunch of gold and mares, and it wasn't until I met you that I realized how much I've missed having a family. You've done more for me and the boys than you realize, so shut up about trying to save us because you already have.” The big unicorn said with an even tone, but then he lowered voice and moved in closer.

“Besides, you've got something a lot scarier that the Equestrian fleet chasing you right now.” He whispered slyly.

“What?” Trade Breaker asked uncertainly.

A dark blue hoof suddenly grabbed Trade Breaker's neck and he felt himself hauled roughly to one side so that he was facing a rather determined Storm Stalker.

“Cap'n, listen up 'cause Ah'm only goin' tae say this once.” She said with a dangerous tone in her voice. “Ah love yew, an' there ain't nae way Ah'm up an' leaving yew tae fend fer yewrself agin' the entire 'Questrian fleet. Ah'm here fer better or worse.”

It took all of Trade Breaker's considerable will not to give in right then and there to the demands of his crew, however his mind was still made up and he would not be deterred. Gently, he pushed Storm Stalker away and faced the entirety of the crew, alone and defiant.

“I'm grateful fer yer kind words, but they only serve to convince me of my choice even further.” He stated. “I'm not goin' to let this crew throw their lives away fer my mistakes. Ye'll take the Bloodhound and that's the end of it.”

Rather than the outburst he had been expecting, the crew was silent as they regarded him. Finally, Storm broke the quiet.

“ZABRAMN!” She bellowed towards the stern. “BLOW IT!”

Before Trade Breaker realized what was happening, there was an explosion from behind the Marblehead. As he looked to the source, he saw the tips of the Bloodhound's masts fall over shortly before smoke poured upwards. The sound of cracking wood could be heard as the once fearsome pirate vessel was unceremoniously dragged down into the depths.

“NO!” Trade Breaker shouted as he ran to the railing and stared at the wreckage. “Ye fools! What have ye done?”

Storm Stalker walked past him without even sparing him a glance. “Yew're stuck wit' us Cap'n, fer better or worse.”

Trade Breaker couldn't even answer her as his plan for saving the crew slowly turned bow up and slipped from view.

Chapter 26

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It was nothing less than the most powerful armada ever assembled in the Eastern Sea. On the outer edge of the fleet lay eighty-nine royal cutters, just inside their protective ring were twenty-one of the newest frigates to ply the seas, even further in sat fifteen of the giant ships of the line, and lastly in the very center was the Equestrian Royal Dreadnought. One-hundred and twenty-six of the finest warships gathered into one place for the sole purpose of the capture and destruction of one ship, and yet the outcome still lay in doubt.

“Princess, what do you mean the outcome is in doubt?” Admiral Big Shot demanded. “We have the combined firepower of both the Northern and Central fleets as well as elements of the Southern fleet at our disposal! Our current naval strength rivals that of the Germanian, Griffonian and Prench navies combined! I can guarantee that whatever ship awaits us in that harbor, they will be crushed instantly!”

“Admiral Shot, you have no idea what this ship is capable of.” Admiral Iron Keel sighed tiredly. “My ships had it corned in one of Bugganville's shallow bays and yet it not only escaped but also incapacitated one of my cutters and sunk another without even trying. Princess Celestia herself was unable to stop it.”

“Perhaps, Admiral Keel, had you not been so cowardly as to bring the dreadnought closer to the pirates, your new cannons might have been put to use!” Big Shot sneered.

Iron Keel ground his teeth. “As I said before, this ship can outrun a royal cutter with ease, my dreadnought was nowhere near enough to open fire!”

“Enough!” Celestia ordered, instantly silencing the two stallions. “Admiral Big Shot, the advantages of the dreadnought's cannons in battle are strictly psychological. Our current magically enhanced ballistas are just as powerful as any cannon, yet the armor of the pirate ship bounced all attacks, magical and physical. On the other hoof, the pirates are in possession of cannons that make ours look like toys and were used to permanently disable the Baltimare Pride in battle.”

“Of course, your highness.” Big Shot bowed his head. “My apologies. However, if conventional weapons cannot stop this ship, then what do you propose we do?”

Princess Celestia beckoned the two to follow her out onto the top deck. With her hoof, she pointed to four giant ballistas perched on the bow of the dreadnought.

“As you can see, I've made some improvements to the weaponry.” Celestia explained. “I sacrificed some of the ship's armor and created four siege ballistas.”

Iron Keel, having seen their construction himself, was quite proud of the recent addition to his flagship. However Big Shot was still skeptical.

“Pardon me for being so blunt, your highness, but these weapons are highly impractical for a naval battle.” The admiral said mockingly. “They may be powerful, but aiming such large and unwieldy contraptions is a monumental feat by itself, much less accomplishing it while onboard a rolling ship while trying to hit a moving target. There is a reason we have set standard for weaponry onboard our ships, and I'm afraid that unless the pirates are going to kindly wait five minutes for you to aim these monstrosities at them, then your idea is going to fail miserably.”

Celestia maintained her small smile and waited until Big Shot had finished his rant before turning to Iron Keel.

“Admiral, what is your opinion of having siege weapons aboard your warship?” She asked calmly.

Iron Keel threw a glare at Big Shot before answering. “While Admiral Big Shot presents several valid points, and ordinarily I would not have weapons of such size and strength aboard my vessel, our enemy's capabilities for receiving and dealing damage far outmatch any of our ships. In order to deal with the pirate vessel which has taken the Elements hostage, in my opinion, these siege ballistas are exactly what we need, and I am confident in the abilities of my crew to operate such weapons effectively.”

Celestia's smile twitched upwards for a moment, however that small movement sent Iron Keel's heart skyrocketing with pride. The alicorn nodded in affirmation of Iron Keel's explanation and turned back to Big Shot.

“I am in agreement with Admiral Iron Keel. The siege ballistas are the only weapon in the fleet that stand a chance of damaging the pirate ship. Admiral Big Shot, you are to gather the Northern Fleet and make ready to lead the assault on the harbor of Tortoise Island. Central Fleet under the command of Admiral Iron Keel will follow in behind. The ships from Southern Fleet that have joined us will remain under the command of Captain Strong Winds and act as a net to catch any pirate ships that managed to make it past our assault force. Princess Twilight and the rest of the Bearers may have been moved and I do not want a single ship to escape that harbor, understand?”

Iron Keel and Big Shot both saluted.

“Yes, your majesty.” They said simultaneously.

“Very well. Admiral Big Shot, you will return to your ship, we will begin the attack one hour before sun down is scheduled.” Celestia ordered.

“I will convey your orders to my captains, and we will be ready at the appointed time.” Big Shot bowed and then turned to Iron Keel. “Do try to keep up when we take the harbor. I would hate to capture the port by myself.” He sneered.

Iron Keel merely smirked. “When the Marblehead runs over your flagship, shall I stop to pick you up or leave you to tread water as I continue the chase?”

Big Shot silently fumed at Iron Keel's comment but obediently moved to the stairs in order to depart the dreadnought.

“Smoke off the starboard!” Came the call. “There's a ship burning in the distance!”

Big Shot rolled his eyes. They were in pirate waters, what was the lookout expecting?

However, the lookout's tone changed from confident to panicked in a single moment. “Marblehead sighted!” She screamed. “She's coming straight for us!”

In an instant, the ships from Central Fleet were swarming with sail ponies preparing for combat. Sails were lowered and pegasi began to stir the wind, ballistas were being loaded and spell casters began to line the rails of the ships.

“Admiral!” Celestia stomped up behind him. “Get to your ship and have Northern Fleet get underway, intercept that ship!”

Big Shot was flabbergasted. All this for one ship? He had been expecting to finally rid the world of the pirates on Tortoise Island, not chase down one single ship, but he knew better to argue when Celestia gave him an order and saluted her.

“Yes, your highness.” He said before turning away and racing towards his personal longboat. Perhaps if he was able to take down the Marblehead quickly enough, Celestia allow him to still conduct the raid on Tortoise Island. Big Shot grinned, he would show them how a real admiral handled pirates.

Twilight steeled herself, ready for anything. The coming battle would be tough, but Storm Stalker had said Twilight was the only who could handle it. Twilight wasn't sure though, she didn't like how badly the odds were against her.

Still, she had promised Storm to help, and without wasting another second she knocked on the door to the captain's cabin.

“Go'way.” Came the sullen reply.

“Captain Trade Breaker, it's me; Twilight Sparkle.” She called out. “May I come in?”

When no answer was forthcoming, Twilight slowly opened the door. Trade Breaker was sitting at the desk, his hat lying on the bed. He was holding something with his forelegs, but with his back turned to her, Twilight wasn't sure what it was.

“Captain Trade Breaker, I was wondering if I could talk to you?” Twilight asked cautiously.

Still no reply.

Slowly, Twilight put a hoof on his shoulder. “Captain?”

“I'm not a captain.” Trade Breaker said quietly. “Never was, never will be.”

Twilight let out a small sigh. “If you aren't the captain, then who's been leading the crew this whole time?”

“Storm, most likely.” He said slowly. “She's always been the one who should be in charge, she just let me play at bein' captain fer while.”

“You know that isn't true.” Twilight said firmly. “The crew has been following your orders from the beginning, not Storm Stalker's, or Big Sail, or any other pony aboard this ship.”

Trade Breaker let out a bitter chuckle. “Ye saw what they just did, gathered themselves up fer a mutiny an' told me what to do.”

“If that was a mutiny, then I'm Princess Celestia.” Twilight said. “Captain, this crew respects you more than you realize! They want you to be their captain! For Celestia's sake, they just sunk their only chance of leaving you!”

Trade Breaker was silent, his head down low. Finally, he turned towards her, a compass held in his hoof, it's dial spinning wildly.

“This was me father's compass.” He said. “It kep' his course steady for fifty years, and fer any other captain, it would keep their course steady as well. Take it.”

“What?” Twilight asked as Trade Breaker held the compass out to her.

“Take it from me hoof.” He ordered.

Twilight hesitantly took the compass and looked at it. Trade Breaker stared at it for a few moments before he turned around and faced his desk. As soon as his eyes left the compass, the needle stopped spinning wildly and settled on true north.

“Bad fortune follows me like me own shadow, not always visible, but ready to trip me up at a moment's notice.” Trade Breaker said, his voice betraying the sorrow he tried to hide. “I need to get the crew away from me a'fore I hurt them even more. . . A'fore I hurt. . . Storm.”

Twilight looked down at the compass, then back at Trade Breaker. Setting her jaw, she slammed the compass onto the desk, careful not to use her alicorn strength when doing so.

“You've already hurt her.” She said. “Her and the entire crew, did you ever stop to consider what you mean to them? They're your crew, and you're their captain! They think that you're trying to abandon them, and frankly so do I! So what if you have a curse? You don't have a crew, Captain Trade Breaker, you have friends; strong and loyal friends who are willing to help you through any hardship and trial put before you, but only if you let them! The crew needs you, all of us do! So stop trying to push us away!”

Twilight turned and walked out, slamming the door behind her. As soon as the she made sure it had latched, the lavender alicorn leaned against the wall and let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.

“How'd I do?” She asked the large unicorn standing in front of her.

Big Sail smiled at her. “Couldn't have said it better myself.”

“You don't think I was too harsh?” Twilight said nervously.

“No, sometimes all of us need a bit of tough love every now and then.” Big Sail shrugged. “If it didn't set him straight, it at least turned him a bit more in the right direction.”

The sound of the horn blaring from several decks above startled Twilight.

“What was that?” She asked.

“Trouble.” Big Sail answered.

Celestia watched as the armada spread out, the Northern Fleet on one to the north and the Central Fleet to the south, in the middle steamed the dreadnought. Like a pincer, the ends of both fleets rushed ahead, cutting off the Marblehead's escape while the dreadnought would close in for the kill. Below on the bow, several ponies struggled to load the giant ballistas, with a dozen earth ponies loading the explosive-tipped bolts into the tray while ten unicorns used their magic to draw the three ropes back per ballista.

Hundreds of pegasi filled the sky, circling the fleet, diving in between ships, and sometimes carrying messages to and from the outer ships to the flagships. Each ship glowed as unicorn casters readied their spells while earth ponies loaded the anti-ship ballistas. The power of the fleet seemed to dim the very air.

And the Marblehead approached, unafraid.

Celestia took a deep breath to steady her nerves. The ship was just a ship, and if she could incapacitate the crew, she could rescue Twilight and her friends. It was simply a matter of piercing the ship's hull, and then it would be over.

The sun vanished behind a cloud.

Twilight stood with her five friends in the wheelhouse as they watched the oncoming fleet spread out to entrap the Marblehead.

“That's a lot of ships.” Rainbow Dash remarked.

“Should we do something?” Rarity asked.

Storm Stalker's expression was blank as she stared out the windows, but she spoke with a cold tone. “We hol' position. Big Sail, Ah wan' Zabramn on the guns, tell 'im that if'n one o' those ships even looks a' us funny tae open fire.”

“Belay those orders!” A familiar voice demanded.

Trade Breaker stepped into the wheelhouse, his captain's hat seated firmly on his head. He stepped past the crew and up next to Storm Stalker, his eyes trained on the fleet out in front of the ship.

“Cap'n.” Storm acknowledged, her tone unchanged.

“Storm.” Trade Breaker said just as coldly.

“Orders?” She asked.

“Slow to one half an' run up a white flag.” He said.

There was a pause as all those in the room waited breathlessly.

“Well?” Storm barked, turning on the crew. “Yew 'eard 'im! Run up the white flag!”

“Aye ma'am!” Came the reply as several of her crew hurriedly exited the wheelhouse in an effort to find a white flag.

“Miss Twilight.” Trade Breaker said above the noise. “I would be obliged if'n ye would make yerselves known to the fleet an' step out on deck.”

“Yes, of course!” Twilight said, ushering the rest of her friends out the door.

Rarity looked over her shoulder at the two pegasi by the windows.

“Twilight, is there something going on between those two?” She asked once Twilight had closed the door behind them.

“Storm Stalker confessed her love to Trade Breaker and he still tried to send them away.” Twilight explained. “I think she feels a little jilted.”

“EEEH!” Rarity gasped in delight. “How romantic! The first mate falling for the captain only for his sense of duty to get in the way! I'm going to have to write this down in my journal!”

“Rarity, that's not really—wait, did you say you have your journal with you?” Twilight asked.

Pinkie Pie pulled a jewel covered book out of her mane. “Silly Twilight! I have it! Rarity's been taking the time to record the entire trip!”

Twilight's grin nearly went all the way to her ears. “So you've been taking down notes on all the crew's stories and keeping a record of all of our activities?”

“Um. . .” Rarity grimaced. “You could say that.”

“She's been designing a new line of clothes inspired by our trip.” Applejack said.

Twilight's grin faded. “That's it? That's all you've been doing the entire time we were here?”

“Well, in my defense-” Rarity sputtered.

“You know Twilight, if needed something to write with, you could've just asked me!” Pinkie said, happily bouncing down the corridor. “I've got loads of writing materials on hoof!”

Twilight's eye twitched.

“Are you guys coming or not!” Rainbow Dash yelled from the doorway at the end of the hall.

“On our way!” Rarity called, happy to get away from a very grumpy Twilight.

Slowly, Twilight followed her friends, muttering about how useless friends were the entire time.

“Range, fifteen-thousand and closing fast!” The sailpony yelled to the ballista crews as they trained their weapons on the incoming ship.

Celestia stood with Iron Keel on the top deck of the dreadnought observing everything.

“Inform your crews to aim for the forward superstructure.” She ordered. “I believe that's where the ship's controls will be.”

“Aye-aye, Princess.” Iron Keel said before relaying the instructions to the crew down below.

As he did this, Celestia raised her spyglass to her eye and looked over the metal ship as it impudently sailed right into the middle of the fleet. Suddenly something caught her eye and she gasped in surprise. Emerging from one of the doors was Twilight and the Element Bearers. Iron Keel saw it too.

“Is that Princess Twilight?” He asked.

Celestia strained her eyes as she studied every minute detail of the six ponies in her telescope.

“Twilight?” She breathed silently before her excitement caught up to her. “She's free!”

“Admiral Big Shot, our crews report that the strange ship is in range!” The captain of Big Shot's flagship announced.

“Excellent! Let's show these pirates who the true rulers of the seas are!” Big Shot said. “Fire!”

“But Admiral-” The captain said. “We haven't received orders to!”

“You just got them!” Big Shot snapped in anger. “Fire immediately!”

“Aye sir!”

Chapter 27

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Twilight stepped out onto the deck, breathing in the fresh air.

“Woowhee!” Applejack gave a low whistle. “There's even more ships than Ah thought was out here!”

“Oh my.” Fluttershy could be heard mumbling. “I wish they weren't all here to fight.”

“Don't worry Fluttershy.” Twilight smiled. “As soon as Celestia sees that white flag and that we're all safe, there will be nothing to-”

“LOOK OUT!” A pink blur yelled as it tackled Twilight to the deck.

With a splintering crack, the wooden bolt from a ballista smashed into the cannon box, very nearly taking Pinkie's tail with it.

“What the-” Applejack started before Rainbow Dash threw her to the deck just in time to avoid a magical beam that bounced off the structure behind them.

“INCOMING!” Pinkie Pie yelled as the entire northern half of the fleet suddenly lit up with magical attacks. Rarity reacted quickly and raised a shield over her friends, but it failed after the first three magic bolts struck it. However, the brief pause had given Twilight time to recover from the deck and she raised a more powerful shield that withered the first barrage with ease.

Even Twilight had her limit though, and she felt her shield failing within seconds as hundreds of magical attacks slammed into it. Cracks began to make their way across the barrier, but help arrived in the form of the cannon box on the bow. With a squeak, the large structure turned to offer cover from the majority of the fleet's attack and let Twilight rest.

“GETTINSIDE!” Screamed Storm Stalker from the upper deck.

Twilight and her friends wasted no time in following her orders and made a mad dash to the still open doorway. A stray fire orb shot past Rainbow Dash's head as she entered and bounced off several walls before sputtering out. Applejack slammed the door shut before any more attacks could get inside.

“Twi, we got to do somethin'!” The farm pony yelled above the din of ballistas and unicorn magic.

Twilight lit her horn and poured power into the spell she conjured, but it fizzled out.

“Ugh!” Twilight frowned. “The ship is blocking my spell! I can't contact Celestia!”

“I can't make it out of here with my wing in a cast, otherwise I'd fly right up to the flagship!” Rainbow Dash said angrily.

“You'd never make it past the unicorns!” Twilight countered. “From the way they took down my shield, they're adept at combat magic. We have to trust that Captain Trade Breaker will figure a way out to stop the fighting.”

As she finished, the sound of the ship's horn blared above the noise of the battle and the deck tilted beneath their hooves.

“I hope he figures something out soon.” Rarity said nervously.

“Bring 'er about!” Trade Breaker ordered.

Big Sail sounded the horn while Storm Stalker threw the wheel hard to port. The ship responded smartly, slicing the waves and bringing the bow towards the northern section of the Equestrian fleet.

“They're trying to cut us off.” Big Sail warned.

A royal frigate had broken away from the battle line and was tacking into the wind to try and stop the Marblehead from running away.

“Storm, take 'er stern an' steer fer the gap!” The captain barked.

“Aye sir!” Storm yelled, her hooves gripping the wheel and her smile matching the fury of the attacking fleet.

Big Shot watched in amazement as the strange ship absorbed every attack thrown at it. With a thundering crash, a powerful magic bolt slammed into the bow of his flagship followed by another tearing the main mast apart like a matchstick.

More magical ricochets from the ship smashed into the pride of the fleet, setting the sails on fire and sending part of the deck flying into the night.

“Admiral!” The captain called in a panic. “Their ship is tearing us apart! We need to retreat!”

“Belay that cowardly drivel!” Big Shot yelled. “We have them trapped!”

The captain looked to see the strange ship turn its bow towards the Northern Fleet.

“They're not the ones that are trapped.” He said fearfully.

Celestia had been about to fly to the metal ship when the first shots had been fired, ricocheting off the pirate ship and back into the fleet. Before she could order a cease fire, the rest of Northern Fleet had erupted with magic and ballista attacks. When Northern fleet opened up, Central Fleet was quick to join in and within moments, the space in between the two fleets was filled with enough magic to move the sun with a forest of ballista bolts immediately following.

Only Celestia's quick reflexes saved the dreadnought from being overwhelmed by the magic that bounced off the pirate ship, her golden shield placed protectively in front.

“CEASE FIRE!” Celestia bellowed for the third time, her voice shaking the ship down to its keel. She was sorely tempted to drop the shield and start sinking her own ships if they didn't stop soon.

A pair of sail ponies began to raise the signal flags ordering the fleet to cease fire while another tried to use a flashing lamp. Iron Keel ignored both and rushed to the after part of the deck where a set of mortar tubes sat facing the sky. Opening a chest near the mortars, he selected three flares and dropped them into the tubes.

Three red fireworks burst into the evening sky; the order for all ships to immediately cease fire and pull back. Moments later, almost all of Central Fleet stopped firing and their ships heeled to one side as their course changed. However, Northern Fleet had either missed the signal or ignored it as they continued their futile efforts to sink the pirate ship.

When Central Fleet ceased its attack, Celestia felt the magic ricochets hammering on her shield peter out. She dropped the shield and took to the sky, rocketing past the majority of the fleet. Stopping in the very middle of the attack formation, the alicorn summoned her power and directed into her throat.

“ALL SHIPS ARE TO CEASE FIRE IMMEDIATELY AND RETIRE!” Her voice caused a shockwave to ripple outwards.

Northern Fleet followed orders this time, the magic attacks and ballista bolts stopping and the ships turning around.

“IRON KEEL! REPORT TO ME NOW!” Celestia ordered once she saw that there were no more ships pursuing the pirate vessel.

“Princess Celestia!” A familiar voice called, filling Celestia with joy.

She turned and saw Twilight flying towards her, a mere purple dot in the night. Twilight had no time to react as Celestia virtually disappeared and reappeared in front of her, the only telltale movement being the trail of white, cyan, magenta and sky blue trying to catch up with her.

Celestia wrapped her former student in a tight hug, not too tight as to crush her, but tight enough to ensure that Twilight could only move if Celestia let her.

“Twilight, thank the maker you're safe!” Celestia sighed in relief.

The little alicorn return the hug. “I'm so glad to see you again! I have so much to tell you!”

Celestia let out a small chuckle. “And I can't wait for your power point presentation of the story.”

Twilight poked her former teacher. “Just for that, I'm including a quiz at the end.”

Celestia released Twilight and performed a cursory scan. She had a few strained muscles and her magical reserves were quite low, but nothing else was wrong. Satisfied, Celestia looked down at the pirate ship which was turning back around to face the fleet.

“I assume that you made a few friends along the journey?” She asked.

Twilight's grin grew. “Lots of them! Come on! I'll introduce you!”

Together, the two alicorns flew down to the ship and alighted on the very bow. Celestia noted with some concern that the large box like structure with two cannon barrels out the front of it had turned to point at her when she landed. Twilight wasn't bothered by it though, the lavender alicorn just sauntered past the cannons and stopped just in front of the large superstructure.

Celestia followed, observing the cannon wielding box carefully as she passed it. As soon as she was near Twilight, she heard the box moving again and spied it pointing at the back of her head. Further observations of the offending cannons were cut short as the door in front of them opened up and the five Element Bearers stepped out. Using a scanning spell, Celestia found that Rainbow Dash had a broken wing and Rarity had a sprained leg, but apart from that they were perfectly healthy.

“Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash. I cannot tell you how happy I am to see you all well. May I ask how you received your wounds?” Celestia asked.

Rainbow Dash looked at her wing with a frown. “Some slimeball stuck us in a cage and then dropped us off a cliff.”

Celestia breathed in sharply. “Who did this?” She asked, fury lacing her tone.

“Some minotaur named Longhorn.” Applejack said, adjusting her stetson. “If Trade Breaker hadn't come for us, we'd still be there and you'd be trying to take Tortoise Island looking for us.”

Twilight nodded. “I'm afraid it's true, a pirate named Longhorn tried to trick you into wiping out his competition.”

Celestia's expression was neutral, but on the inside she was devising several new torture weapons designed for minotaurs.

“It appears that once again, you have saved not only the lives of Equestrians, but also the lives of the pirates of Tortoise Island.” Celestia said, bowing to the six ponies.

“Don't thank us, your majesty.” Applejack interjected. “The real heroes are-”

With a loud Clang the door slammed open and a blue pegasus mare stepped out followed by a large unicorn stallion.

“Pardon the in'neruption, yewr royal, bu' can we get a move on?” The pegasus mare said with a heavy accent. She looked past the seven mares. “Zabramn! Poin' those blasted cannons somewhere'else!”

The cannons mercifully turned away from Celestia's head.

“Cap'n Storm Stalker, at'yewr service.” The blue mare said while offering her hoof to Celestia.

Celestia took her hoof, looking down at the crossbow strapped across it.

“Have me met?” She asked.

“Aye!” Storm Stalker said. “Yew were tryin' tae sink us, so Ah shot yew full o' poison. Mah apologies, bu' we were innae bit o' a rush.”

Celestia smiled. “Apology accepted.”

Storm Stalker winced as Celestia withdrew her hoof. The pegasus mare gingerly set her hoof back down on the deck, careful to not aggravate the swelling.

“That crossbow bolt you shot me with, was it-” Celestia started.

“Aye, apart o' the ship.” Storm finished. “Magic proof, ev'ry inch o' it.”

Celestia looked over what she could see of the ship and lit a small spell. Her magic formed over one of the chain railings, but slipped through it without even moving a single link.

“In my thousand year reign, I have been exposed to every type of metal and alloy available.” She stated. “There have been elements that have been magic resistant, even some that were said to be magic proof. I was able to overpower all of them. Captain Storm Stalker, what in my name is this ship made of?”

Storm shrugged. “Ah'd tell yew if'n we knew.”

Celestia frowned. “You're kidding me right?”

Storm's expression told Celestia she wasn't kidding.

“Son of a-”

HNNNNNK!

Twilight jumped when the Marblehead's horn sounded, but she saw why it had been blown when the masts of the Equestrian dreadnought pulled up alongside the pirate ship. A grapple flew up on deck followed by four sailponies. They fanned out aggressively before a stallion wearing an ornate admiral's jacket climbed aboard. He looked around in awe but immediately stepped forward and bowed to Celestia.

“Princess Celestia-” He started.

“Ah don' remember given yew permission tae boar' mah ship!” Storm Stalker said angrily.

The stallion looked to Celestia in confusion, but she just motioned with her head to follow Storm's instructions.

“Um, permission to come aboard?” He asked hesitantly.

Storm eyed him coldly. “Yew maye, but get those worthless sacks o' fur off mah deck!” She pointed at the four sailponies who were right behind the admiral.

He looked back and nodded at the crew who took the hint and climbed back over the railing and on to the dreadnought below.

“Admiral Iron Keel, who opened fire without my permission?” Celestia demanded.

“Admiral Big Shot gave the orders.” Iron Keel answered.

“And where is he now?” She asked coldly.

The admiral chuckled. “He's aboard the dreadnought. We picked him up on our way here. His flagship was blown out from under him by friendly fire.”

Celestia allowed herself a small smile. “And the fleet?”

Iron Keel frowned. “Twelve ships sunk to friendly fire, seventeen more are so heavily damaged they may as well be sunk, all ships received light damage. We have several wounded, but none dead.”

Celestia thanked him and turned back to Storm Stalker. “I've heard that you saved Twilight and her friends from a pirate named Longhorn. What became of him?”

“Aye, he be trapped innae volcano west o' here. Yewr gonna need an army tae take 'is crew down.” Storm said.

Celestia smiled. “Admiral, dispatch Northern Fleet under the command of Captain Strong Winds to the volcano when we are finished here.”

“Yes, your highness.”

Twilight kept one ear on the conversation between Celestia and Storm, but sidled up to Big Sail and whispered to him.

“Where's Trade Breaker?” She asked.

“Miss Storm felt it best that she be the one to address the princess. She wanted to make sure that the Marblehead stays a pirate ship and also keep Trade Breaker's identity a secret.” Big Sail explained in a hushed whisper.

“That makes sense.” Twilight nodded. “Trade Breaker agreed?”

“He didn't have a choice. Miss Storm knocked him in the head as soon as his back was turned.” Big Sail grimaced. “I think she's still mad at him.”

Twilight shuddered. “She scares me.”

“Aye, me too.”

Twilight turned her attention back to the main conversation.

“I will not hold you responsible for the destruction of the ships, but I must ask that you cease any and all attacks against merchants.” Celestia said.

“Aye, Ah can agree tae those terms on won condition.” Storm answered.

“And that is?”

Storm took a deep breath as if she was steeling herself for a battle. “Won o' me crew was severely injured. Ah woul' be indebted tae yew if'n yew'd take him tae 'Questria an' treat 'im there.”

Celestia nodded. “I will give him the finest medical treatment available.”

Storm smiled, a small genuine smile of gratitude. “Thank yew, yewr highness. Be there anythin' else yew be wantin' tae conversate?”

Celestia looked over the ship. “Yes, however I have a feeling you probably don't know the answers to my questions.”

Storm laughed. “Aye, yew're right there. Well, wit' yewr permission, Ah'll fetch me injured mate an' transfer 'im o'er tae yer ship, then we be on our way.”

The Princess of Equestria bowed her head slightly and offered her hoof. “Very well, I trust you will honor the terms of our agreement?”

Storm looked at the hoof. “Yew be fergivin me fer not taken yer hoof, bu' Ah'd rather keep me bones in one piece.”

Celestia rolled her eyes. “I promise no harm will come to you.”

The pegasus took the hoof and lightly shook it. “Farewell Princess, may yewr sails be filled wit' wind an' yer rudder true.”

“And may your journey be peaceful as well.” Celestia answered.

“Now,” Storm said turning to Twilight, “get off mah ship!”

Twilight smiled and moved towards her, a hoof outstretched. “Storm, I'm going to miss-”

The first mate shot into the air and disappeared into the wheelhouse. The horn blared its obnoxious tone and the ship began to rumble, signaling the engines were starting.

“I suggest getting to your ship, Storm's liable to take off with you still on board.” Big Sail said.

As the others moved to the side of the ship to disembark, Twilight hugged the large unicorn and pecked him on the cheek.

“Tell everypony that I'll never forget them and to visit me some time.” She said before running to the railing and jumping off, gliding down to the ship below.

Big Sail stood for a moment, his cheeks growing red. Slowly, he touched a hoof to where Twilight had kissed him.

“Bye.” He said with a small smile.

Silent Hooves watched from the deck of the dreadnought as his home pulled away into the night. Celestia stood beside him, her mane and tail flowing in the wind.

“Your injuries are severe, but rest assured that I will have the best medical staff attending to you when we reach Equestria.” She said.

“Thank ye, yer majesty.” Silent Hooves said quietly. He reached into the satchel on the ground by his medical cot.

“By the way, a pair of the crew said this was fer ye.” Hooves said, pulling out a silver tiara with a crescent moon on it.

Celestia looked at it, her eyes widening. “Those two little-”

HNNNNK! The Marblehead sounded one last goodbye before vanishing into the darkness.

Chapter 28

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It promised to be a beautiful day in Canterlot. Celestia had just raised the sun and was making her way to breakfast when she was joined by Luna on her way to the breakfast table to eat her dinner.

“Morning Tia.” Luna yawned.

“Good morning dear sister. I trust the realm of dreams was peaceful last night?”

“Mmm, not really. A new bestseller that featured monsters hit the shelves yesterday and most of Equestria's stallion population had nightmares and wet their beds.” Luna grumbled. “You might want to avoid the Solar Guard's barracks, sister. I hear they're still cleaning up.”

Celestia nuzzled her sister affectionately. “Ha ha, I happen to know just what books were recently published and the only one that featured monsters is the new Everfree Encyclopedia.”

“Have you checked the bestseller boards?” Luna asked tentatively.

“Well, no.” Celestia admitted.

“Then avoid the barracks if possible.” Luna smirked and quickened her pace.

Celestia rolled her eyes and followed her sister into the informal dining hall that served as their personal breakfast chamber.

“Two hayburgers and a glass of red wine.” Luna ordered.

“The usual for me, if you please.” Celestia said to the cook before turning to Luna. “Red wine with hayburgers?”

Luna shrugged. “As I said before, it was a rough night.”

The meals were brought out, the hayburgers and wine for Luna and toast and hash browns with oranges for Celestia. The two ate in silence for a while, giving Celestia an opportunity to look over the Canterlot Times as she ate. On the front of the paper in big bold letters read: “BARON SNOB FOUND GUILTY OF FATHERING ILLEGITIMATE DAUGHTER! ESTATES SEIZED!”

Her reading was interrupted by Luna when she finished her burgers and took a long sip of wine. She sighed contentedly before absentmindedly taking her tiara from her head and turning it in the light.

“It is good to have my old crown back.” Luna remarked.

Celestia peeled an orange in her magic before answering. “It's no different from the replica.”

Luna rolled her eyes. “The replica didn't fit right. I told you that the minute I put it on.”

“And every minute of the day from that point forward.” Celestia huffed.

Luna frowned. “Well maybe if you had kept better security around my personal belongings during my absence, I wouldn't have had to wear a replica.”

“It was a thestral guard that stole it. I thought your guards were supposed to be loyal!” Celestia shot back.

“Well excuse me for not being able to review personnel files while I was stuck in the moon!” Luna's voice was rising in volume.

“Well I'm sorry if I had to rule a country by myself when my sister went crazy!” Celestia yelled.

Both of them froze.

“I'm sorry, that was completely uncalled for.” Celestia said quickly.

“No, I took the argument too far.” Luna countered just as fast.

“It was-”

“I shouldn't have-”

The two cut each other off and stopped. An uneasy silence settled in the room. Luna was the first to break it.

“Remember back when all we had to worry about was Discord?” She asked.

“Those were the days.” Celestia sighed. “Just blow the villain away and everypony was happy.”

Luna laughed. “We had so much fun back then.”

Celestia laughed along with her. “Yes, we did.”

Their laughing slowly stopped, like an embarrassed couple that just told an awkward joke.

“What happened between us?” Luna asked slowly.

Celestia took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “We had to grow up I suppose. Equestria needed its rulers.”

Luna sighed unhappily. “Some days I just want to go out and make spectacle of myself, if only to show the kingdom that we are ponies just like them.”

Celestia nodded. “Some day, our subjects will realize that they have the power to survive on their own.”

Luna snorted. “And may be they'll stop having nightmares as well. Face it Celestia, when we took this job, we signed up for the duration.”

“True, but that does not mean we cannot take a break every now and then.” Celestia smiled. “After all, there are more than just two princesses now.”

“Quite true.” Luna nodded. “Twilight may be in Poneville, but that does not mean she's free from government office.”

The two contemplated the future for a few moments before Luna decided to bring up an issue that had been bothering her.

“You know, I've read the report of the theft of my crown and it still confuses me.” She stated. “It says that there are multiple wards and spells made by you surround my tiara, how did a thestral disable an alicorn level enchantment?”

Celestia frowned as she recounted the events. “I'm afraid that's my fault. According to the report, there were two guards on station in the display room when one of the guards went to investigate a noise. The remaining guard was a young lieutenant named Night Watch. We never did find out how exactly he did it, but I have a pretty good idea. When the other guard was investigating the noise, Night Watch used this time to activate a rune that he somehow acquired from the rune vault that radiated my magical signature and fooled the wards set around the display. You see, I visited your display often, and I grew tired of having to constantly deactivate the many alarms I had set, so I set them to ignore me. Night Watch had to have been a professional thief before joining the guard because he picked seven different locks in the five minutes it took for the other guard to make a search, disabled the alarm and stole the crown. The other guard returned and failed to notice the missing crown, and neither did their relief. In fact, it wasn't until the Solar Guard took over in the morning that somepony sounded the alarm. As soon as he was relieved, Night Watch walked out the front gate with his twin sister, and they were never seen again.”

“I never saw anything about a sister in the reports.” Luna balked.

Celestia hummed in annoyance. “Hm, that would make sense. There was nothing to connect her to the robbery save for the fact that she and Night Watch were related, therefore the captain of the guard refused to place her in his official transcript despite my direct orders to.”

“I take it you were none to happy regarding his decision.” Luna said.

“Shining Armor was promoted the very next day.” Celestia smirked. “However, the report had already been finalized and nopony bothered to change it. The facts all point to his sister, Dusk Maiden, having a hoof in the theft; she was the floor maid and had access to high level areas, including the rune vault. It's likely that she also lured the other guard away as well. ”

Luna nodded. “That would be the logical conclusion. Although I curious as to why there are runes that replicate your magic in the vault.”

Celestia shrugged. “Energy boost, I made the runes myself and poured some of my magic into them. If ever I am drained of power, I can use one of the runes to give me a small amount of magic. It's not much, but it's something.”

Luna frowned. “That sounds like it would have been useful during the wedding invasion.”

“Don't remind me.” Celestia growled.

Further conversation was interrupted by a familiar noise attracting the elder alicorn's attention. Celestia turned to see a spiral of smoke curl in from the window and materialize into a letter in front of her. With a faint pop, the letter burst from smoke to parchment. Celestia grasped it in her magic and broke the seal to open it.

Dear Princess Celestia,

The past few days have been a whirlwind of emotions and events. Silent Hooves and his daughter's reunion was a tearful affair that had the whole town crying for joy inside of an hour. We would have had a song about it afterwards, but Mr. Hooves refused to sing.

Our homecoming party was nothing short of spectacular thanks to Pinkie's antics, not to mention the twelve foot cake that she baked. Rainbow Dash and Applejack had a competition to see who could eat the most cake. Applejack won, but not by much.

“Tia, you're drooling.”

My reunion with Starlight and Spike was a happy one until I found out Starlight had been messing around in my lab again while I was gone. Needless to say, having my cutie marks jump off my flanks and start running around the castle led to a rather long discussion with my student.

It's strange how normal everything seems. Even the recent monster was pretty boring, I mean, what kind of monster is named Rudy? My time aboard the Marblehead got me thinking about how vulnerable me and my friends are.

Longhorn wasn't some world dominating villain trying to take over Equestria, he was just some pirate that saw a way to use our own strengths against us. The way he manipulated me into inaction by using my friends as hostages all but neutralized me, and with just a few well placed hints, he tricked the entire Equestrian Navy, and you, Princess Celestia, into an all out war with the pirate fleet at Tortoise Island.

I am frightened at the possible outcome that awaited me and my friends had the Marblehead's crew not been there to save us. It just goes to show that villains don't have to be giant magic sucking monsters or revenge-crazed unicorns that are ridiculously overpowered. (Please don't show this to Starlight!)

A real villain can be just somepony with bad intentions like Longhorn or even a noble who's willing to use their power to take advantage of some poor mare in a tight spot, but what's amazing to me is that for every villain, there's a hero out there ready to stand up for those who cannot.

The crew of the Marblehead had no real reason to come rescue me and my friends, we had barely gotten to know them when Longhorn captured us. They did though, and that gives me hope for the future knowing that such selfless creatures are out there, defending others.

Your ever faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

P.S. I've been experimenting with a few steam engines to try and recreate the Marblehead's power plant. Can you possibly find out if the Crystal Empire can fix my castle? I may have accidentally blown out a wall or two.

Celestia smiled as she set the letter down on the table, her eyes sparkling. Luna took note of Celestia's expression and assumed the reason for her sister's happiness.

“Letter from Twilight?” She asked.

“Yes, she's-” Celestia started but the door was suddenly thrown open.

“Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!” The unicorn guard said urgently, holding a letter in his magic. “Urgent news from the coast! One of our merchant ships has been raided!”

“Not again!” Luna said in frustration.

Celestia's smile slowly vanished, and her eyes could have burned a hole right through the guard had she chosen. There was a creaking of wood shortly before the table shattered underneath the pressure of Celestia's hoof.

“It had better not be who I think it is.” She said slowly.

The guard nervously glanced between the letter and his princess. “Ummm-”

Epilogue

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With a crash, hundreds of gallons of water poured onto the deck of the small schooner, sending the small ship lurching ever closer to its doom. Desperately, the sailponies aboard her tried all that was in their power to save their stricken ship.

“ALL HOOVES! STAND BY TO RAISE THE MAINSAIL!” Captain Wave Tumble yelled above the roaring seas.

Swift Winds staggered up to him, so drenched by the pouring rain and unrelenting waves that she couldn't even fly.

“Captain!” She yelled. “We'll capsize if we do that.”

“We'll be run up on the breakers if we don't!” Wave Tumble yelled back. “If I can set a tack into the wind, I'll take her out into open waters and we'll ride the storm out there!”

“Aye Captain!” Swift Wind said before setting about her task.

The twin masted schooner was smashed by another wave, sending it closer to destruction on a rock lined shore. The crew undid the fasteners holding the sail in place and hauled on the ropes to send the sheet skyward. Lightning cracked down near the ship, blinding Wave Tumble for a moment.

He blinked away his blindness and watched in satisfaction as the sail pulled tight in the wind. The schooner was nearly blown over by the gale force winds battering against the sail, but the force of the wind also propelled the ship forwards and allowed Wave Tumble to turn away from the shore and make some progress out to open sea.

Wave Tumble laughed in defiance of the storm as his ship pushed up over the crest of a wave and into the trough below. Again and again, the schooner smashed through wave after wave, each time a little farther from the shore.

Wood creaked and ropes stretched, but the gallant freighter continued onwards against the storm, fighting every wave that crashed over her with the grace of a skilled wrestler pinning their opponent down.

“WE'RE GONNA MAKE IT LADS!” Wave Tumble yelled exuberantly.

It was in the middle of the crew's tired cheer that disaster struck. At the very top of a wave, there was a blinding flash and then the mainmast split into as lighting seared it from top to bottom. With a splintering crack, the sail dragged the broken mast overboard, very nearly taking Swift Wind with it.

Instantly, the ship heeled crazily to port as the wrecked sail acted as a sea anchor, dragging the ship sideways into the waves.

“CUT THOSE ROPES OR WE'RE DOOMED!” Wave Tumble screamed as he fought to keep the tiller from spinning out of his hooves.

Swift Winds and another one of the crew leaped into action, grabbing a pair of axes and hacking viciously away at the ropes that threatened to pull them under. With one last chop, the ropes parted and the schooner shot back upright just in time for a rogue wave to nearly capsize the injured ship yet again.

Wave Tumble threw the tiller over and righted the ship, but the action cost them valuable distance between the ship and the looming shoreline. He looked back at the deadly rocks, then at his crew staring at him expectantly.

“Swift Winds!” He called to his first mate.

She hurried to his side, blowing sea water from her muzzle.

“Orders sir?” She asked.

Wave Tumble looked at her, then at the approaching shore, then at his dying ship.

“Have the crew brace themselves for impact.” He ordered. “I'll keep her steady as long as I can, but we'll end up on those rocks long before we can clear the point.”

Swift Winds looked around, focusing on the rocks, then set about directing the crew on where they should go. Wave Tumble fought with the tiller again as another wave crashed into the ship, screaming in anger as he did so.

The crew were all counting on him to keep them safe, and he failed them. The way the waves were driving the schooner towards the rocks all but guaranteed that the ship would break her back when she hit. It would be a miracle if a single soul survived the wreck. Not even the pegasi had a chance in the driving rain, their wings drenched beyond use.

Another bolt of lighting struck the waves near them, blinding Wave Tumble momentarily. He struggled to hold the wheel steady when he noticed something odd. The light from the bolt had not vanished, but instead seemed to pierce the heavens in an unsteady beam.

With the grace of a giant waking from its slumber, a mammoth of a ship crested the wave that threatened to smash the tiny schooner. The massive ship's bow hung in the air for a moment before its weight brought it crashing down not fifteen feet from the side of the schooner.

Wave Tumble squinted his eyes as the beam of light stabbed through the darkness and illuminated his crippled ship as bright as day. With a blaring 'HNNNNK!' the ship shot past the schooner at an impossible speed, sending a wave up over the deck as it did.

The ship slid past them and turned away from the shoreline once its stern was clear of the schooner's bow. The light vanished for a moment as it was hidden by the ship, but quickly reappeared and once again focused on the stricken schooner.

With a thump, a dark blue pegasus landed on the bow of Wave Tumble's ship, drenched to the bone, but somehow able to make the flight between the ships. The pegasus did something that Wave Tumble couldn't see, but the pegasus was gone again into the night before he could figure it out. Moments later, he felt the entire ship jerk forward and suddenly his small schooner was going faster than it ever had before.

He watched in awe as the massive ship effortlessly climbed a wave, towing his little ship up after it as if it weighed nothing. The sight of the stern of the ship rising into the air as the bow fell out of sight took his breath away. Four massive screws spun in the air before they bit water and sent the massive ship down into the trough of the wave below.

The little schooner shot over the top of the wave and chased after the massive ship, practically submerging itself as it hit the bottom. There was no time to take a breath as the bow of the schooner was yanked upwards to the massive ship that had already climbed the next wave.

Again and again the process was repeated, the gallant schooner groaning and creaking for every wave it tackled. The massive ship was relentless, battering through the sea like a ram through paper. The shoreline vanished behind the two, becoming nothing more than a bad memory, and soon so was the storm.

It was nothing more than a distant glow at first, a few random spots of light, but it grew into nothing but clear sky and Celestia's shining sun. As first rays of light touched the deck of the schooner, a cheer went up from the ragged crew as they whooped and hollered in joy.

Wave Tumble cheered as well from his position at the tiller, bathing in the golden glow. Turning to the giant ship he looked her over; it was massive to say the least, with two structures rising up off her deck. A multitude of masts and funnels towered in above them, with a thin wisp of smoke curling up from the four funnels.

The captain felt his blood freeze as he noticed the flag that flew from one of the mast as it unfurled lazily in the breeze. The black flag with the skull of a pony and the word Marblehead underneath it stared back at him, mocking his former joy.

As the large ship stopped, the schooner helpless drifted forwards, its crew slowly quieting down from their victory over the storm as they sat with their mouths open while staring up at the ship.

A familiar laugh rang out, and suddenly at least two dozen hulking ponies lined the rail, looking down at the schooner.

“Look wha' we caugh' er'selves, mateys!” The harsh voice mocked. “Seems a bit small, shall'we t'row 'er back?”

The pirates laughed and jeered at the unfortunate crew as they stood fearfully at the far side of the schooner, all of them but one.

“NOT YOU BARNACLE SUCKING THIEVES AGAIN!” Swift Winds yelled.

The silence was deafening to Wave Tumble. Finally it was broken.

“Ya pu' da' righ' seasone'ning oen'dem an' barnacles can taeste pre'ey goo'.” A voice from the pirate ship called out.

“Aye, he's got a point.” Another pirate agreed.

“What's fer dinner? I'm getting' hungry.” Yet another yelled.

“Ye can 'ave dinner after we've finished robbin' these good folks!” The harsh voice yelled angrily.

Wave Tumble was quickly by Swift Wind's side and he steered her away from the pirate ship.

“Will you keep your big mouth closed?” He hissed.

“Captain!” She whispered desperately. “Listen to those pirates! They're making us look like fools!”

“They aren't the ones doing that!” Wave Tumble shot back, pushing her into the crew's small huddle. “Now let me handle this!”

He turned back to the pirate ship and raised his voice. “I thank you for saving my ship from the storm. You may take what you what you want on the same condition as before, that you leave my crew unharmed.”

There was a brief moment of silence.

“I like him.” The harsh voice said. “Crew, do as he says!”

With industrial efficiency, a dozen of the pirates jumped to the schooner's deck and uncovered the cargo hold. Like the first time, their crane took less than twenty minutes to offload a good amount of cargo from the schooner's hold, and like the first time, they stopped when ordered to.

“That will be all, and fer yer cooperation in this terrible ordeal, I be given ye some recompense fer all the trouble.” The harsh voice called out.

A box sailed out over the schooner and slammed into the deck, cracking several boards and causing the ship to rock from the action. Before Wave Tumble even knew what was happening, the large ship's horn blasted out its sour note and the ship sped away leaving the small schooner bobbing in its wake.

Wave Tumble stared after it, then cautiously approached the box. It was simple thing, no ornaments or inscriptions, and the top was held on by a simple clasp.

“Captain, it could be a trap!” Swift Winds warned.

“What kind of pirates would make an elaborate bomb when they can just run us over?” Wave Tumble asked in annoyance.

Swift Winds shrugged. “What kind of pirates eat barnacles?”

Wave Tumble ignored her and slowly opened the lid of the box.

“By Celestia's mane.” He breathed quietly as he gawked at more gold than he'd ever seen in his entire life.

Swift Winds joined him and looked into the box. She was less than silent about the contents of the box.

“CELESTIA'S FAT FLANK! THAT'S A LOT OF BITS!”

Wave Tumble ignored the crew as they promptly dug into the box, counting each bit that they pulled out. He stared at the receding ship, its profile sinking into the distance.

“May the seas be calm, wherever you sail.” He said to the dot on the horizon.

The End

Author's Notes:

Well, this is it. I finished Sea of Misfits.

Wow. I'm still processing the fact that I managed to actually pull off a semi-decent story.

I just want to thank each and every one of you for your support when I was writing this. It's been a huge learning experience for me, and also helped me gain a bit of confidence. I have a very hard time posting anything, and I really hate clicking on that "Publish" button because I'm always so nervous about whether or not I've given the readers all that I can.

Overall, I'm glad I had the chance to write a story that over a hundred people have chosen to continue reading despite my mistakes. Again I want to thank all of you for helping me write this.

It's been one heck of a journey, and in the words of Winston Churchill:

"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."

Trade Breaker and his crew will return for another wild ride. There's not much else to say, except:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x72o5feFQE