> Songs of the Siren > by Silver Inkwell > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prologue Stop whatever you’re doing right now and just listen to me instead. Listen to me, listen to your surroundings in your local area and current location. Basically, just listen to what’s around you first. Are you doing that right now? If you are then good, if not, do so. This is supposed to be a slow story, meant to be read slowly. Not fast, for just as a storm can ruin the calm and peace of the sea and ocean, so can your reading speed too as well. But who am I? Simple, I am the author, the storyteller, my name really doesn’t truly matter, all that matters now is that we have always been and always will be. But anyhow, enough, on with the story. This story doesn’t begin with once upon a time because no pony can remember where or when the Seaponies came to us exactly. But I suppose that they have always been with us since even before the land of Equestria began and that they will always be with us until even after Equestria is gone. Or at least that’s what I have heard and been told. There are many myths, tales, and legends of these strange, mysterious, and beautiful creatures, but while they are incredible to see and wonderful beyond description, they are extremely shy. That’s the true reason why no pony thinks that they are real. They aren’t ever seen by any pony else. But they are still there, underneath the waves, hiding, waiting, watching, never coming up to the world above because of their great fear. But all the stories agree upon very few things, and these are that the Seaponies bring great good luck, this is true, I have seen it for myself, the Seaponies are thought to be sirens because of their lovely voices, trust me, they’re not, I’ve seen a siren, and you do not ever want to meet them. But some stories, many even, they can only agree on very certain specific things, sometimes very special things. Some stories say that the Seaponies can take the form of a pony, and it doesn’t matter the race of the pony because they can take the form of any pony that they want since the Seaponies have a very special magic, one that I have seen. Some stories, but very few, say that they eat the flesh of a mortal pony who has eaten their flesh and lived since seapony meat can be a very deadly poison indeed. This is false. The Seaponies are no more violent than you or me, they are not thoughtless beadings without logic and sense, they have reason, and the ponies who spread this nasty rumor and lie, I have no idea what type of pony they are, but I only know one thing for sure, I wish to never meet them. Some stories say that they can grant your deepest darkest wish of your heart, that they can see into your mind and read your thoughts. The wish of the heart… well… that story depends… it’s not as easy as merely just finding a seapony and asking for your wish to be granted, it require an act of bravery and selflessness, one that is true and real, you cannot ever fake it by trying to put the life of the seapony in question in danger, they will know it, and they may take action upon you then, for trying to kill a seapony is a very great sin indeed, actually completing your desired task and goal, your quest, well that’s an even greater sin, much greater indeed. The act of such a killing could result in a curse upon you and your whole entire family, or at least that’s what the stories say. But are you really truly cursed? Answer: I’m not going to say, for if I said yes, one pony might believe I was lying and try to kill a seapony, if I said no then they would have no fear of ever killing a seapony. But I will say this, should you ever kill a seapony I would highly advise and recommend that you and your whole entire family move very, very far away from the place where you killed it, and stay very, very far away from any source or body of water, this includes the sea, ocean, and even ponds, marshes, and swamps too. Naturally enough, the curse can’t be broken unless you or one of your family members saves the life of a seapony in exchange for the one killed. That’s all I have to say on that matter, and no more is needed. Some stories say that while they may be able to take the form of a mortal that they can only do so for a very short time as they will need to return to the sea. Some stories say that they can only change form at the full moon, or sometimes the new moon instead, sometimes it can be waxing or waning, sometimes they say that they can only come out near a Solstice or Equinox instead, specifically on the night of the Solstice or Equinox. Sometimes the stories say that they can only come out of the sea into mortal forms near Midsummer’s Eve, or the Summer Sun Celebration as you know it. To the very best of my shaky recollection and knowledge of the Seaponies, there is no minimum or maximum time that they can take the form of mortals. But, of course, the real question here is this, can they ever possibly become mortal? Seaponies of course, live forever young and immortal, they do not ever age, but they can die in combat for there are many ways to kill them, the trick is in just knowing them. I, of course, will not be telling you any of these, I have sworn an oath of secrecy, and I never ever break my promises. But by now I am sure that you are questions who I am, for I am talking too much about these creatures, but what could ever possibly be the reason for this? I can only come to the logical conclusion that you think that I have met them. This is a very reasonable conclusion, and it is the truth, I have. But why then, am I telling you my story, their stories if I have a fear that they could ever possibly be hurt? Answer: I’m not, their stories are their own, they can do what they want with them as they so wish and please, they will choose if they are ever to share their stories, but not me. However, my own story, that I can tell, that is within my boundaries, my limits, however the real true question here is this, should I? Or, should I leave it to another who has already heard it instead? One might say that I lie if this whole entire story it told by me, but then again, they could also say that the one who tells the story lies anyways. But I think that I’ll leave it to my friend instead, for now at least, after all, there’s more mystery of to where I have gone and where I am now. But don’t worry, I’ll be back again at the end. > The Sea Kingdoms > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter One: The Sea Kingdoms There once were two kingdoms, one that was in the sea, and one that stood by the sea. Remember that. They were very prosperous, and the ponies very happy, they lived in peace and were very content with their lives and neither wished for any more than the other. But one day, there was one who was not content, one that was not happy with his life, he yearned for something more, he didn’t know what he wanted. He searched for many years just like his fathers before him, for they too had searched, the very first of his line had found this beach and shoreline, and he had started the process of building the kingdom. But for what true reason and purpose he would never say, and if somepony asked him, he would simply reply that he was waiting. When asked what he was waiting for, he would laugh and say the perfect mare and all the answers to his questions. After all, what more would one want in life to make them happy? For he, his sons, his loyal subjects, and the seaponies all knew the answer to real, true joy. That is why they were always happy, because it was a mindset and not just a momentary fleeting feeling and emotion. No, they grasped unto it, held it, and never ever let it go. But despite having the very secret knowledge of this, the first king and his sons still always stayed there by the sea, or, at least, the eldest son always did. The younger sons were allowed to roam free and wild wherever they pleased doing whatever they wanted and wished to, but the desire for something more was always in the blood of the eldest, always at the back of the mind. And they had no idea why that was. But when the first king was old and dying, the first son asked his father if he had found the perfect mare yet. His father smiled very weakly at his son, coughed, and then responded. “No, I have not, yet I know that she is still out there because I saw her in the sea one day, your mother, she was a very lovely wife to me, but she was not perfect, not the one that I wanted.” “What happened to that mare?” “I lost her to the sea a very long time ago, and I have never seen her since.” “Well, I’m going to try to find her.” “Good luck then, but don’t waste your life chasing a hopeless dream.” “Don’t worry father, if you believe that it was real then so do I.” And then with that said his father slowly smiled and then died. The son searched for this mare, but he too like his father only saw her once. But unlike his father, he managed to approach her before she vanished. He spent his years and the rest of his life searching for her, and so did his son too as well. But it was finally the fourth son who managed success where all the others before him had failed. That is where this story begins, with my best and closest friend. His name was Forrest Ocean Moon, son of Eric Ocean Moon son of William Henry Allan Ocean Moon, who was the son of the very first king who was named Crescent Moon. But before we get to the story of his romance, let me first tell you of how royalty was raised. They had everything that they could possibly want or wish for, but they always had this strange unusual fascination with the ocean and see. It was always just a bit odd to see a member of royalty staring out at the distance ignoring any conversation or idle useless talk of any pony else. They always said that they wanted something more, they just didn’t know what it was. The very first king could have explained it, but he never did, but there was a letter that did, but it was one never previously found or opened before. But one day, the most recent son, the latest prince, came upon it. When he was finally done reading it he was greatly shocked and surprised too as well. The letter said that the first king must have lied about seeing the sea mare, but in the letter, the king denied that, saying the reason he always wanted something more, something part of the sea, was because they had both a great gift and terrible curse. They were blessed to have a much deeper understanding with nature and all the animals, beasts, and creatures within it, but they yearned for the sea and ocean because the king himself had heard the rumor that one of his fathers had finally managed to persuade a seapony to marry him and stay with him on land. However, one day he just vanished after raising his child for many long years and he was never seen again, but he suspected that he was living with his wife in the very deep sea below, he also said that he thought it would be great to make that tradition and so he too had eventually found a seapony. He said that each king led others to believe that they failed until the time was finally right for the new king to learn that they had all succeeded instead. Each had a wife from the sea, each had the blood of the sea, each yearned for the sea, each had finally found the perfect wife and answers. But the king also said it would be wrong to continue this tradition forever, after all, they were taking the Seaponies from their natural home, which is why he explained that he, his father, and his sons would all have to fake their deaths. He also explained that this letter would be found by each son believing it to be lost, but not really since each king would place it in a different spot, area, and location each time to ensure its continual safety. There were many more pages to the letter and notes from the other kings before the current prince. This however, is just mere, very brief recap of the events in his life. And even I cannot fully explain it all. But my friend, he explained all of this to me before leaving, And I was tasked with keeping his secret safe. I write this in my journal in the hopes that someday it may be ready to show to the whole entire world. But until then, it will never see the light of day so as to keep the secret of the Seaponies safe. So, here is his story. > The Discovery > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Two: The Discovery I’ve always grown up with the stories of the sea told to me when I was just a very small tiny little colt. And I was always asking my parents for more answers. But they always just smiled and said only just one thing, ‘One day my child, soon.” And that was all that they had to say on that matter and subject. I suppose that I can understand their reasons and actions now… but back then I was just completely clueless and oblivious. I found the letter hidden in the old grandfather clock that we had, but there was one thing that I never told my friend. They never said anything about Seaponies except specifically for when the first thought they saw it, but they gave up this quest and found mares that lied by the sea in a kingdom unknown, I suppose that they could be Seaponies, their wives, but they never state it specifically. However, they always did say that their wives yearned for the sea just as they did, they wanted the water and oceans. I suppose that they could be of the sea, but I really honestly do not truly know yet. And because of this my very good friend and loyal advisor Sebastian was not told of this, after all, if I wasn’t sure why lead him to have any hope at all? For he was very old. Yet somehow still seemed young to me instead for a very strange and mysterious reason that I never could quite figure out… Anyhow, enough about me, I’ll let Sebastian continue the story. > The Lakeside Shore > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Three: The Lakeside Shore I never knew of this secret message until my lord told me, for my lord can, of course, do whatever he pleases whenever he wants to, but I am just a lowly servant. I always serve where needed, I go where he wants me to, and I do what he wishes me to do there. I always try to make my lord happy because it brings me great joy whenever he is. Anyway, my name is Sebastian. Though, you probably figured that out from my lord's writing already. But I think it is about time to recount the strange events that happened so many years ago. But what will my mind recall, if it even recalls anything? My head is, after all, filled with many things that I hardly have any space left for memories. I used to be able to, but that was so long ago. The events, should you choose to them that, were nothing short of amazing. They were so wonderful and beautiful, but also very mysterious. They were also, in a way, not that strange. After all, what is so odd about having a friend over to your house, even if that friend is a Seapony? But I digress. We first met my lord's wife at the beach, I would like to call her by name, but I was told to tell the past as it happened, and we did not yet know her name. My lord also says to call him Forrest instead of "my lord," as that is his name. Well, as the king commands, for I will always do what Forrest wants no matter what the price could be. But, as I've started to ramble again, here is the past as it truly happened. I suppose, then, that I should start from the very beginning. The ocean, called Moon Ocean, is where my lord, I mean, Forrest gets his name from. Ever since his first family member was inspired by the moon setting down across the ocean, each king made their official last names 'Ocean Moon.' Even the very first king, Crescent, had done this. But he, just like the rest of his family, liked to be called by only one of his names, never both at the same time. Moon Ocean feeds into a river, which merges with a larger river that feeds into a sea. This sea is called Lakeside, not because there was no creativity in the name, but because Forrest felt there was no need for something that perfect to be ruined by the image of ponies. There were other possible names, of course, but he felt is was best to name it something simple and harmless. Forrest and I were wandering around on the shore of Lakeside when we first saw her. She was the most splendid beauty, more amazing than anything else you could see in the world. Oh, how could I ever describe her glory? But, nevertheless, I shall try. She had the most lovely golden hair that shone like the sun. Though, perhaps I am mistaken since I was nearly blinded by her beauty. Maybe sand would be better to compare her hair with. But sand can be so dirty, and her hair was completely pure. Not a single speck of dust or dirt to taint her absolute perfection. And her eyes. They were like deep pools of iridescent turquoise, and you couldn't tell where the blue and green began nor where it ended. The only clear thing about them was the vast number of gray specks in her eyes that made her look very wise. On second thought, I cannot recall the exact color of her eyes, but maybe it's that I could never be able to describe their beauty. And who knows if I will ever be able to other than time itself? Oh, what are words but merely the vain attempts of ponies to describe something that can never be experienced again? As for the rest of her, well, I'm going to leave that to Forrest. After all, I think you would rather hear his thoughts than mine. But, it is quite possible I am wrong and you would rather hear mine. But you will probably hear from both of us many times since we are writing this together. > The Mare of the Sea > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Four: The Mare of the Sea The rest of her was as follows: Her body was the most brilliant white that you have ever seen before, she was wearing nothing on her. This was not uncommon to do, but in front of royalty it seemed rather indecent since I was wearing a suit. And yet, I was not any more regal than she was, in fact, I actually started to criticize myself when I first saw her. Yes, sir, you did. And to the best of my knowledge, you acted exactly how I expected you to, which was you panicking. I did not overreact and panic. I was just simply taking a very careful calculated measure of the whole entire situation, after all, it’s not every day that you say a naked mare at the beach all alone… unprotected… vulnerable… beautiful… incredible… amazing… Sir, I think that you’re going to start worrying the audience that you’re some kind of creep and predator who takes advantage of these mares, or at the very least has thought of that, really sir you should try to control yourself first. Alright, fine, very well, anyhow the mare, well she was just standing there in the water silent and still, and she didn’t even react to seeing us there right then. She seemed startled at first to see us, but she still did not yet react despite her great surprise and shock. She still stood there silent and still just staring at us with curiosity until finally, I decided to speak so that I could get to know her. “Well hello there,” I said slowly approaching her as not to startle her anymore, “Are you new here to the kingdom? I’m Forrest, the current ruler of this land, if you are new then you’re free and welcome to stay however long you wish to if you’re just visiting, if you plan on staying then I’m sure that you or I could work something out, right?” I said. She still said nothing as she continued to stare at us still unmoved and fixed in her current spot and location, almost like she didn’t want to move out of her natural area to startle us or something like that. “Can you please tell me what’s your name exactly?” I said. She still didn’t say anything. “Okay then, let me try guessing then, is it Mary?” She still didn’t move. “No? Okay then, Ariel? No? Natalie? No? Stephanie? No? Okay then, you clearly obviously won’t tell me your name yet, but can you tell me why you’re here at the very least, please?” I said trying to reason with her. She still didn’t say anything. “Look, as the current ruler of this land since my father is very old I can make you tell me though I really don’t want to, do you-,” “Your father, sick? No, that’s not possible, he just needs water, that’s all.” She interrupted my question, but I was more surprised at her very first words to me that I had to stop and start all over again. “You spoke to me,” I said. “Yes, so what of it? I can speak all the time as much as I want to, but only when others wish it of me will I speak as needed, but no more, and no less either.” Huh, these were very odd strange things to be saying, it was just so unusual. “What’s your name and why are you here for exactly?” “My purpose is only merely just a message, the sea king sends his greeting, and he wishes to meet with you very soon to work out some official royal matters. He wishes for peace, and he also wants to talk of the past too as well.” “So, there is such a thing as Seaponies,” Forrest said trying to contain his short burst and gasp of air as he reacted with great shock and surprise. The mare smiled as she raised her… well… that certainly wasn’t a hoof. Instead it was just a flipper. Well not exactly, she had four legs, or at least I guess that’s what you could call them, but past where her knee began a scaly, shiny, beautiful flipper thing. And where there was supposed to be a hoof was an elongated, white scale thing that clacked against the stone. Look, I don’t really know how to describe it. “The sea king shall come visit you whenever you wish, after all, he has all the time in the world, and compared to him you have almost none.” “Tell him to come meet me tomorrow at dinner time, we shall talk then, but first may I know your name please?” She smiled, “No, you may not. Nor will I show you my tail or any other part of me. But perhaps, I’ll be able to walk on land with you soon." And with that said she smiled and then suddenly dived into the ocean waves below as Forrest suddenly collapsed on the sand reciting poetry. “Thou blind fool love, what hast thou done to mine eyes that they behold and see not what they see? They know what beauty is, see where it lies, yet what the best is take the worst to be,” he said gazing longingly out at the sea. “Ah, Number 137, a sonnet from Sir William Hoofsphere then?” “Yes, indeed, but I have so many more poems to tell her when she finally manages to get back to us, or, rather, me. So many great things to tell her and show her, but ah, if only I were not constrained by just my words!!!” “But perhaps maybe it is far better that way, sir.” “Yes, perhaps, but I think that I’m already in love with her!!!” “How can you ever possibly say that sir? You only just met the poor mare.” “I know that I am in love with her because I can feel it in my heart, I know that the words of my parents before me were true and real, they all married Seaponies and so shall I as well, and nothing in the whole entire world can stop me no matter how hard they try do so or whatever they might put in my way to stop me. She’s the one for me, I just know that she is, I can feel it in my bones.” “Well then sir, if you’re sure, but I never thought that I would see the day come that you fall in love with a mare, you’ve always seemed to be the loner type,” (My statement was true then just as it still is right now.) “Hey, I could have gotten a mare anytime, it’s just that none were perfect for me, and now I know why, I was waiting for her,” he said. “Yeah, sure thing, right, anyhow I’ll leave you to yourself sir if you don’t mind now,” he said starting to leave before Forrest quickly stopped me. “Tell me this honestly and truthfully, do you really think that I could ever stand a chance with her, that I even have a shot with her?” Sebastian took a quick deep breath of air in before responding, and it was a delay that Forrest knew all too well. “Well, that would depend, sir.” Dammit, it was the same exact response that he always gave to a very difficult question that he would rather not answer just in case he upset his lord and master. “Sebastian, how many times do I have to tell you not to say that?” “Until I die, sir, you know that I’ll always try to cheer you up first.” “Yeah, I know that, and I thank you a whole lot for that small little kindness.” “Well sir, here’s my real true thoughts, yes, you do stand a chance since you’re a prince and are of noble blood, you could ask for marriage, but I don’t know if it would be granted because you would have to pay a very great price for her, or do a very brave act showing and displaying your bravery, it’s what your fathers did before you, and they all succeeded, every single one of them.” “Well, so far at least but don’t worry, I don’t plan on failing.” “I hope not, where else would I get a job quite so satisfying to me?” “Nowhere else, your position is here fixed with me and my family forever.” “Yes, indeed it is, and you have no idea just how much, though…” “Wait, what was that last part again?” “Uh nothing sir,” he said coughing, “Let’s go back to the castle now, shall we?” “Yes, I suppose so, I think it would be best for me to reflect upon my thoughts and ideas while I wait for the sea king to come to me tomorrow.” And with that said they both left to the castle walking very slowly. When they finally eventually got there Forrest went down to rest, but Sebastian stayed up to write some stuff down in his journal. When he was done, he put down his ink and quill and then decided to retire to bed himself after making sure that everything was quite safe, sound, and secure within the whole entire castle, and then all was well. > The Sea King > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Five: The Sea King The next day came as it always does and they all awoke from their sleep. “Sebastian my friend, I do not know what to call the sea mare that I saw yesterday, so I shall call her Venus. For she is exactly like my Aphrodite, perfect in every way no matter how small." “Sir, not to be rude, but don’t you think you’re just a little bit over obsessed with her?” Sebastian said. How can one such as I ever be obsessed with a beauty such as her?” “Alright, fine then sir, I think that you are now officially insane.” "Perhaps I am, but maybe I am not. Who can ever say for sure?" “Sir, if I have to deal with this behavior then I just might leave your service and work, but I shall abide until the sea king comes here.” “Very well then, until that time I shall wait and write poetry for my love.” “I don’t think she’s your love just yet, sir.” “Well alright, fine then, very well, just go and leave me in peace... please.” And so Sebastian left him alone while he composed in his head songs and poem until he saw that the sun was setting. He got up and went down to the beach to greet the sea king. “Hello there, good sir, what’s your name?” The sea king looked up at Forrest and said, "My name is not important, but if you must know it is Triton. Any and all royal titles shall be left for you to use if you choose to use them. “That is a very long, complicated answer for such a simple question.” It is not my goal to ever make it simple for anyone. But tell me, where is your castle?" Triton said while taking a long look at the surrounding landscape. "It is near here, and I already have a grand, elegant meal planned out for you," Forrest replied. "I am not hungry at the moment, but you offer is most graciously accepted. Please, take me to your castle." "Yes sir, as you wish." And so it was that Forrest and Triton set off for the castle. When they got there they went into the dining hall and sat down at the head table. “I see that you have not lied, for it is indeed grand and elegant," Triton said. “Yes, I had hoped that you would think of it as so. But please, tell me, why did you come to meet with me?” "I wish to speak with you about very important matters, some concerning your parents, others concerning the future of out citizens." Triton said as he sat down on the traditional seat for guests of great honor, no matter their status. "I see. Please, speak of that which you came here to say," Forrest said. You see, your parents were very close friends of mine, as were their parents, and theirs... all the way to the first king himself have we been close friends. Because of this, we have never bothered each other except for the occasional trade, celebration, and sometimes, death. I have always kept our relationship very close for many years, and peace has always been maintained between our two kingdoms because of this. But, if the secret of my citizens were to get out to the world, I fear greatly of what they would do to us. They might try and use us for their own wants, they might even try to kill or study us like experiments. It is in this regard for the safety of my citizens that I request you keep the secrecy of my people. If you will do this, we will have a portion of our wealth be delivered to you every time we collect the taxes. Would this arrangement be acceptable?" “My dear king, while your offer of wealth that is beyond even my own imagination is a very tempting one, I'm afraid I must decline…” “Are you saying that you would make war with us instead? Because if you are, then I must warn you... nothing will stop us from destroying you and your citizens completely until not even two stones stood here.” "My dearest king, I am suggesting nothing of the sort! Now, please let me finish. I will accept your offer if instead of riches you will give me one thing." Forrest said. "And what exactly would that one thing be?" Triton said raising an eyebrow. "I would humbly request your daughter's hoof in marriage." At this, Triton laughed and said, "You would request my daughter's hand instead of gold? Well, I can't say I blame you for thinking this way, but I cannot allow you to marry her until you have proven yourself worthy to me. Only then may you try to win my daughter's heart. But be warned, this is no easy task. For I would require you to do three hard, specific things. Things many others before you have failed. But if you still with to try your luck then I won't stop you. However, before I tell you what you must do, I must remark that you are like you forefathers in many ways. They have all wanted marriage to a seapony, and they all had to do three hard things to be deemed worthy enough. Now please, give me a moment to think of something new for you since your ancestors have already done so very many things," Triton said putting a hoof to his chin in deep thought. He was silent for a long time until he said, "Yes, that will work. These are your tasks in the order that you must do them. First, you must take a flower from the garden of Aluviar, then you must bring me an ice diamond, and finally, you must give me the Rose of Death." "You want me to go into a cyclops' garden, then bring you an ice diamond from the lands to the north, and then give you the Mortimus flower, correct?" he said. "Yes, that is correct," Triton confirmed. "One question before I begin, though. Is there any sort of a time limit on when I bring these to you?" Forrest said. "No, not really. Just don't die, ok?" "Alright, I can do that," Forrest said smiling at Triton. “Very good then, I look forward to hearing about how your adventure goes.” As the sea king was standing up to leave, he looked at Forrest and said, "I look forward to hearing how the adventures go. But, in the meantime, I wish you good luck." As Forrest watched the sea king disappear into the ocean, he said to himself, "For you, Venus, I will do anything. You are my Aphrodite and I wish that I could say so right now with all my words, thoughts, songs, and poetry. But no. First I must prove myself worthy of your love, and then I shall return to be with you again." "Please sir, I grow tired of you being in love," Sebastian said. "Sebastian, my friend, will you come along with me on this adventure even though the road ahead might be filled with peril?" "Yes sir, but only because you are my friend," He replied, letting a slight smile creep onto his face. "Thank you, Sebastian, you've always stood by my side when I've needed you the most. I just wish there were some way to repay you. "Being with you makes me happy, and that's payment enough." "And the check I give you at the end of the month, of course," Forrest teased. "Yes, that too. But enough talk, let us begin this epic adventure that the poets will surely write about in the future. "Don't forget all the other adjectives like awesome, amazing, perhaps even radical." "Please sir, let's just get going." First on their list was the flower from the lands of Aluviar, which, and everypony knows, is infested with all kinds of creatures, though mostly cyclopes. Cyclopes, of course, were very big and dangerous, but Forrest had no fear... He challenged them to games of strength but he always managed to always trick two of them to play the game for him, he also used games of the mind, and soon enough he had a flower in no time at all. “Very good,” Triton said upon his return. “You have proven yourself to be one third ready and worthy, but two tasks still lie ahead of you yet,” he said. Next, he went to the frozen countries of the north, where he met Winter Frost and managed to gain a diamond by courting her and nearly breaking her heart as he left. "Excellent, you have brought me two of the three objects. But I fear the third and final task is impossible. Please, give up your foolish quest before you die trying to attain this stupid goal. You don't need my daughter's love to be happy, surely there is another mare..." “Sir, there are none other like her elsewhere in the entire world. There never was and there never will be, not even until the very end of time itself.” “Very well then, you may continue on your stupid quest as you wish.” And so he left to complete the third task. As he found out, the sea king was right, the Flower of Death was the hardest as he had to travel to Tartarus itself. There, he had to seek an audience with Anubis, the keeper of the gates. Then, go talk to Nyx, the goddess of darkness, death, and blood. Next came Hades, but both him and Nyx were the wrong version of death that Forrest wanted. Finally, Mortimer came to meet him, for Mortimer was the pony of death. "What do you want from me?" Mortimer asked. "I would like a Flower of Death of course," Forrest replied. "You are brave and stupid to come here, and because I'm feeling generous today, though partly because I'm impressed you made it this far, let me give you this advice: keep trying to do the impossible, but never lie. Never say you can do something if you cannot truly do it." "Alright, fine then, but might I ask why?" "Because one day you might die trying to do just that." "I see. Any more advice for me before I leave?" “Yes, someday you’ll meet the sirens, wear wax then. And always keep your friend close by, he might just save your life one day,” Mortimus said with a smile as he handed him a flower. “Here is your flower, now go, leave my realm and never return unless you wish to die permanently.” "Congratulations on doing the impossible. And now, it seems like you are ready to begin courting my daughter. And if she should choose to love you, then you will have my full permission to marry her. But this is only if she accepts your proposal, for my daughter's happiness is one of the few things left that I truly care for. Now go, and may you have the best of luck," Triton said upon his return home. "Thank you, Triton," Forrest said to the sea king as he left and his daughter came up from the sea to greet him. "Hello there," Forrest said to her, "I have now received permission to try and win your heart now, but I will never be able to do so without first knowing your name. So I ask, fair lady, what is thy name?" "My name is Lily," She replied. “Ah yes, of course, because what is more serene, peaceful, and beautiful than a water lily on a pond of water? What is more incredible and amazing, what is more wonderful than that which my words cannot fully ever possibly describe? Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou are more lovely and more temperate. Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May. And summer’s lease hath all too short a date. Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines. And often his gold complexion dimmed, and every fair from fair sometimes declines. By chance or nature’s changing course untrimmed. But thy eternal summer shall not fade. Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st; nor shall death brag thou wander’st in his shade. When in eternal lines to time thou gow’st. So long as ponies can breathe, or eyes can see. So long lives this, and this gives life to thee,” he said. “What was that?” she said trying not to cry. “Poetry,” he said, “Although not my own, but I do have some that is my own and I will speak them only if you wish to hear it.”\ “In time, I think that I would like that very much. But first, is there any more that you can recite for me? “Who would you like to hear first?” “Whoever you think will be the best for me to hear.” "Very well, I believe one by William Hoofsphere will suffice." “It lies not within out power to love or hate, for will in us is overruled by fate… We wish that one should lose, the other win… Where both deliberate, the love is slight. Who ever loved that loved not at first sight?” he said. “Those who live the most do not talk of their love,” he said. “Oh, my love’s like a red, red rose, that’s newly sprung in June; Oh, my love’s like the melody that’s sweetly played in tune. As fair thou art, my bonnie lass, so deep in love am I; And I will love thee still, my dear. Till all the seas run dry. Till all the seas run dry, my dear, and the rocks melt with the sun: Oh, I will love thee still, my dear, while the sands of life shall run.” He coughed and then continued onwards. “Take all my loves, my love, yea, take them all; What hast thou then more than thou had before?” He coughed again and then continued onwards. “If my love for you was any greater, the trees would line up in poetic forms...awe you in sonnets written......part...to allow winds to cool your face... to trace it with natures hand. all the oxygen that covers all the waters rise, supercharge the breath of my emotion. Mountains would melt, shed their peaks like tears of joy. Even the arid deserts serve up fruits, their prickly pears peeled on a platter. Sunset would pause and sunrise hurry......exist in a paradox to herald your presence. Petals would climb their stems regroup to bloom again. Butterflies re-cocoon emerge as glorious fairies for all children to adore. The skies would willingly shape, etch, paint, frame my exuberance. The planet would swell, the galaxies expand.in the endless depth of my singular love I hold you dear, safely contain you in my admiring smile, for now, forevermore,” he said. “I think that’s all that I really have for you right now,” he said.  “Well, that was enough, it was very lovely, wonderful, and incredible. You should read your poetry aloud more often, you know.” “I will, but only if you come out of the sea," he said.. She looked nervous at the thought about this. “No,” She said. “The sea is my home, I live in the water, the ocean bothers me not, fish are my friends, and you won’t ever convince me that the land could possibly be greater than the sea.” “Well, I’ll try to do my very best before the end ever comes close to that.” “If you try then you most certainly will fail in the end.” “Well, you and I, we can’t be too sure of that fact, now can we?” “No, but I don’t see how you can convince me of anything.” “Just wait and see, I will soon enough, my dear. But until the next time that we meet, I wish to say good luck and that I love you.” “And good luck to you, too, Forrest,” She said with a smile right before disappearing into the sea. Later on, Sebastian had to drag his friend back to the castle. And except for that one moment on the beach, everything was absolutely perfect. > The Lakeside Bath > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Six: The Lakeside bath “Oh Sebastian, I am truly in love for the first time in my life.” "Yes, sir, that you are," Sebastian said, straightening out the bed in front of him. “Have you ever been in love before?” Forrest asked. "Only once, sir.” “Whatever happened to her?” he asked. “Our love just wasn’t meant to be, that’s all. Just as yours and that Seamare in my opinion,” he said. “Oh, come now, our love can work out well enough.” “How, though? She’s part of the sea, sir, and I mean no disrespect, but you're not.” "True love will always find a way, or do you doubt that as well?” “I don’t doubt it, but I am very quickly losing faith in many things, including some of my oldest, strongest beliefs, sir.” “Well don’t, please don't, you have to stay strong for me, you’re the only real friend I have left after mom and dad…” he began. “After they left, sir. I don’t think that they’re dead yet, just hiding. Not because they don’t love you, but because of the Seaponies, because of their love for each other.” “Yeah, you’re probably right,” Forrest said, walking to the balcony and leaning over it. “Do you think that she’s out there somewhere trying to look for me in my castle, or do you think that she will just stare out at the moon?” “I really don’t know, sir. but King Cosmos sure does his job well, and I think that anypony given enough time will look at the moon.” “Thank you. For your words, and support... it means a whole lot to me.” "You are very welcome, sir. But for now, we'd best be off to bed." “You are right, for tomorrow will bring me more hope and joy if I see her again. And yet another chance to sing my songs, and speak in words that together form the most beautiful poetry. She walks in beauty, like the night, of cloudless climes and starry skies, and all that’s best of dark and bright. Never seek to tell thy love, love that never told can be; For the gentle wind doth move, silently, invisibly. I told her my love, I told my love, I told her all my heart, trembling, cold, in ghastly fears, Ah! She did depart! Soon after she was gone from me, a traveler came by, silently, invisibly, he took her with a sigh,” Forrest finished softly with a very heavy sigh. “I sense that you are sad sir, but why?" Sebastian said. “Because I cannot see her,” he answered. "Well then, why don’t you get into your bed, and if you're lucky, maybe you will get the chance to see her tomorrow.” “Yes, that sounds like a good idea,” Forrest said while climbing into his bed, where Sebastian then gently tucked the blankets in and dimmed the lights. But before he left, he spoke one final thing in a soft voice, “Good night, my friend." Forrest, as per an unofficial tradition, was awoken the next morning by warm rays of light when the curtains were drawn back by Sebastian. "Good morning, Forrest," Sebastian said. "Lovely day outside, isn't it?" "Yes, it is," Forrest replied in an unusually awake manner. For you see, Sebastian quite often compared Forrest's distaste for mornings to that of a vampire, or sometimes a zompony, and Forrest being awake in the morning was often reserved for important holidays, birthdays, and parties. "Is there anything special you would like to do today, or should we begin working on the usual chores?" Sebastian asked. "Let's go down to the lakeside for a bath as usual, but after that how about we walk to the beach? I would like to see Lily this morning And so it was that they went down to the lake for Forrest's bath. But what they saw on approach was quite shocking. For there, in their usual spot, they saw Lily bathing. [New Paragraph] Sebastian, unlike Forrest who struggled with whether or not it was alright to watch a mare bathe right in front of him, quickly averted his eyes. Sebastian, while waiting for Lily to be done, distracted himself by commenting on various aspects of nature. Forrest, however, decided to alert Lily to their presence. "Hello there," He said. "It's nice to see you, not that I like seeing naked mares or enjoy watching them, I'm just saying that it's very nice to see you even if you just happen to be naked and bathing at the moment." He silently cursed himself, why did he ever say something as stupid as that? Why didn't he just shut up when he still had the chance? But now it was too late, and he would have to wait for whatever punishment she gave him. Much to Forrest's surprise, Lily laughed and flashed him a smile. "You're funny, I like that about you, " She said. "But, as I'm almost done, if you would be so kind as to look away for a few minutes..." "Of course milady," Forrest replied, turning slightly red in the face as he turned to face Sebastian. After a few minutes, they heard Lily call out, "Alright, I'm done now, you may look." As they were turning around, Forrest asked, "Do you ever think it silly that ponies care more if you see them bathing than in public since we all walk around naked anyway?" "No, I don't," Sebastian replied. "And that's because ponies usually reveal more parts while bathing then when they go to the market 'completely naked,' as you say." "Oh, that makes sense," Forrest said. And it was now that they got their first good look at Lily. Her mane was black as ink, while her coat was a purer white than even Princess Celestia. And her eyes were the deepest shade of green that Forrest and Sebastian had ever seen. “Oh my gosh, hot hell and heaven damn me to hell for my lust right now,” Sebastian said. “Uh, yeah, what you said,” Forrest said gawking at her. Lily giggled and smiled at this, but they lasted far too short of a time for Forrest. “Now then boys," She said. "You don’t need to stare at me all day.” "Oh, right. But if you don't mind my asking, why are you here? Not that you can't be here, I'm just curious." Forrest asked. “Well, I don’t mind you staring, in fact, I rather like it. But I’m here partly because I’m bored and partly my father says I should either put an end to your grand illusions of your shot at love with me, or I should instead take it seriously. And depending on your actions,  I’ll better know which one to lean towards as time goes on.” "Would you like to hear more poetry now?" Forrest asked. "Oh, yes. That would be lovely," Lily answered. “Yes please,” she said. “Very well then, as you wish. One word is often too profaned, for me to profane it, one feeling too falsely disdained, for thee to disdain it; one hope is to like despair, for prudence to smother; and pity from thee more dear, than that from another. I can give what ponies call not love, but wilt thou accept not the worship the heart lifts above, and the heavens reject me not, of the night for the morrow; the devotion to something afar, from the sphere of our sorrow?” "That was very beautiful, thank you." She said once Forrest finished. "You're quite welcome, milady, but I have done nothing worthy of praise for I am only using the words of those before me." "Well, may I at least commend you on your excellent re-telling of those words?" "I suppose that's only fair. And in that case, thank you." "I get the feeling this relationship could work out, and yet..." "Well, I would hate for it to not work out." "I, too, would hate for it to fail," Sebastian chimed in, disrupting their solitude. "Sebastian, is that really you? How have you been doing?" Lily asked, turning to smile at Sebastian. "I am doing well, thank you. Life on the land is working well, and I find myself enjoying it here," Sebastian responded. "Excuse my interruption, but Lily, how do you know Sebastian?" Asked Forrest. "He hasn't told you? Well, he's sort of an ambassador between our two races," Lily answered. "Sebastian, why haven't you told me this? Oh well, no harm was done, I know now anyway." Forrest said. "I have been in your family line longer than you think. Actually, as long as your family has ruled this land," Sebastian added. "So, you're super old then..." "Compared to you, yes. But in terms of seapony life spans, I'm still very young, especially for an ambassador, but they thought I would be right for this family. And it turns out they were right, or, at least, they turned out to be right in the end. Also, if you ever ask what my real age is, I won't tell you. If there's one absolute for a seapony, it's that they will always lie about their ages. This is because they look young no matter how old they are, and that just causes ponies to become confused. Maybe one day I will tell you, but not for a long time." "Alright, I'll just call you old until then," Forrest joked. [New Paragraph] "Well, that's a bit rude," Sebastian retorted. [New Paragraph] "Hey man, you gotta do what you gotta do. And if that means being slightly cold to you, then so be it." "Ah, but can also be kind to get what you want, for a much better price, too," Lily commented. "Yes, you are right my dear. But please, do tell about your kingdom. What are its secrets? Does it have any problems? What’s the currency and exchange rate like? Do you have a national flag? Do you purchase things with currency or is it just a direct trade?” “Woah, calm down there, that’s just a few too many questions to answer right now. But don’t fret, you will have your answers soon.” "I guess I should start with currency. We have many valuable gems, crystals, gold, and the like, along with swords, cannons, and other such weapons since so many ships sink when there's a storm. And even though we often try to help keep it afloat, it often sinks anyway, in which case we just try to save as many ponies as possible. For trading, we normally use whatever we have, whether that be gems or something else, it doesn't matter. For our flag, I think we technically have one, but we do live underwater. Whatever problems we might have either take too long to explain or are none of your business..” "I've always loved the technicalities of royal matters," Forrest said, clearly egging Lily on. At this Lily sighed and said, "Very well, I shall tell you. Our only major problems are because of the sirens." Once she said that, Forrest was reminded of the warning provided by Mortimer: "Someday, you'll meet the sirens. Be sure to wear wax then." Although Forrest wasn't sure what this meant yet, he was sure he could figure it out. In the meantime, he figured it would be good to learn more about them: "Why are they a problem? [New Paragraph] "You see, they sing in such a way that it lures sailors into rocks or coral, which sinks their ships. Another way, is that they often trick ponies, no matter what kind, into giving them their souls and put them in a garden which we, very fittingly if you ask me, call the Garden of Lost Souls." "Wait, how can anything use singing to bring ponies to their deaths? Furthermore, how do they trick ponies into giving them their souls?" asked Forrest. Well, the singing is an easy explanation, magic. A magic of such kind that nopony can resist it. As for the second question, let's just say they can tell what others want and they trick ponies into trading their souls for it." "And where is this Garden of Lost Souls?" "Down in a cave under the ocean. And don't even ask me to bring you there, because I won't." "So you know where it is, you just won't take me there because of safety reasons, right?" “Well yes, that’s exactly right,” she said. “Look, just take me there.” - "Yes..." She said hesitantly. "Just take me there, please." "I won't. You could get hurt, or worse..." "Don't worry, I know how to avoid their spells. I'll put wax in my ears," he said. "Oh? And how do you know of that solution?" Lily asked. "Well, um, Mortimer told me when I was asking him for a flower." "Of course he did, I mean, why wouldn't he?" "So are you going to take me to the garden or not?" Forrest asked, a grin on his face. "Fine, I will take you there." Lily said, but upon seeing the victorious  grin on Forrest's face, she added, "Just not today." "Then when?" Forrest asked, his smile fading slightly. "I'll let you know if it comes up," She said, clearly enjoying his dismay. "Fine, be that way, it's not like I care." "Forrest, the sirens are no laughing matter," She said with a slight frown. "And I'm not laughing. Do you see me laughing?" "You just can't take anything seriously, can you? You always have to make a joke out of it." "Why so serious, Lily? Life is better when you're laughing at it more." "If you truly believe so. But until next time we meet, I wish you good luck," She said before diving into the water and vanishing. "And to you as well, my fair lady." Forrest replied with a sigh. “Come on sir, let’s get you back to the castle,” Sebastian said. "Yes, let's," Said Forrest, with a sad tone in his voice as he realized he might not see Lily again for a long time. {New Paragraph] Later that night when he went to bed, Forrest laid there letting his mind compose wonderful things to say to Lily when he next saw her until he drifted off to sleep. Sebastian, however, did not get much sleep that night, but, then again, he never did get very much. > The Sirens > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Seven: The Sirens “Deep beneath the ocean of all pride and ambition lie the fears that I have never known…” Adagio said trying to sing, but she was very quickly interrupted by the other two named Sonata and Aria. “That’s not how you do it,” Aria said. “No, she’s doing it right,” Sonata said. “Is not,” Aria countered. “Is too.” This went on for awhile until Adagio finally decided to break it up. "QUIET!!" She shouted. "I am doing it right and I will not have you two interrupting me while I practice, is that clear?" "Yeah, it's clear," Aria answered. “Yep, clear enough for me,” Sonata said. “Good. Now I expect you two to remain quiet unless something very important comes up that you absolutely need to say.” “Well, there is one thing that comes to mind,” Aria. "And what is that?" Asked Adagio, clearly annoyed. "Just look," Aria answered. "Hm, a unicorn in love with a seapony. How foolish of him. But, this will give us the chance for more power so we can finally achieve what we want!" “Oh, is it tacos? Please tell me that its’ tacos,” Sonata said almost squeeing with pure delight. “No! It’s not tacos! It’s control of the Sea Kingdom, you idiot!” Adagio shouted in her anger. “And once we have the princess, we can control the king, whoever controls the king rules the kingdom, and they that rule the kingdom rules the entire ocean. Once we have that, all ponies daring to sail across the water must first answer to us or instead face our wrath and the charms of our songs.” “Oh, that makes a whole lot more sense than tacos.” (Due to the violent and extreme nature of language by Adagio in the next scene, the author has decided to remove it and keep on moving foward with the story). > Under the Sea > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Eight: Under the Sea Lily swam through the water, it was cool, it was refreshing. The water was always the right temperature, not too warm, not too cold, just perfect. She smiled as she entered the dining hall to eat the dinner prepared for her family. She went over to her seat and ‘sat down’ although it was more like floating since they were, after all, underwater. She politely waited for the rest of her family to come since she was usually the first one there. Her father was already there of course and she decided to talk with him after all of her sisters had finally gathered around and started to eat at their very grand, fancy, and elegant table. Her father was soon there, and Lily decided to talk with him once all her sisters had finally gathered around the table and started to eat their meal. “Father, why do you dislike ponies so much?” Suddenly everypony stopped eating their food. “You know as well as I do the reasons for why I hate them,” he answered. “But can you not forgive them for what they did to her?” Lily asked. “What they did to your mother… it was unspeakable. She died because of them, and because of that I cannot, no, will not ever forgive them. I am sorry, but they have hurt me too much already.” “Then why let me be courted by the latest king, Forrest?” she asked. He looked her straight in the eyes and said, "Because I hope that, through him, I can finally get rid of the sirens." He looked her straight in the eyes and said, "Because I hope that, through him, I can finally get rid of the sirens." The looks of shock were no longer focused solely on Lily. "That, father, is a fate worse than death," She said thinking about the Garden of Lost Souls and all the foolish ponies who had made deals there. It used to be that nopony would ever have dared to approach the sirens, but as word of their special talents and beauty spread, ponies had slowly become braver. “Adagio and her friends have bothered me too much to be allowed residence in this kingdom. I promised them that as long as they did not dare disobey me, they would be left alone. But now I fear revolt, not to mention they now have a new apprentice named Turquesa." Lily blinked in shock, “You mean-?” Yes, the once famous singer named the greatest in the entire kingdom. Whose skill is only surpassed by you, your mother, and your sisters, that is." Once again, he neglected the Sirens since they all knew how well they sang. "Why would she do such a thing?" Triton shrugged, “Who can say for sure? Maybe she was low on money, or bored, or scared and trying to run away from something. Perhaps she was angry at somepony and wanted revenge, or even just wanted comfort because she was lonely, and that's what they promised her. (continue paragraph to next) Whatever the reason, she's no longer one I would call your friend, or even a citizen because of her current relationship with the sirens. "Father, you... you-" Lily stammered. "Yes, I have banished her from my kingdom. She is no longer welcome in my realm." "But Father, why? Are her crimes truly unforgivable? Surely there must be a way to bring her back to the light?" She pleaded. “No, she has forgotten the real truth. She has been absorbed by lies until there is no more hope for her anymore, she is essentially a siren." Lily nodded, a look of defeat on her face: "As you wish, Father." "Thank you for understanding my decision, it is not one I made lightly. After all, she does have a family just like us who will mourn her loss, but it is for the greater good." "Yes, for the greater good," Lily said, still unhappy at him. "Now that we have that cleared up, I would very much like to get back to enjoying our meal." And they did, but unlike her sisters, Lily only managed to play with her food and barely eat anything. “Lily, you need to eat,” Triton said. “But why should I? After all, you won’t listen to me and you didn’t support my decision either. But even if you did listen, I’m still not sure you would agree with my choice,” she said. “Just tell me what it is that you want to say and then we will see,” he said. “No, not here. Not in front of all my sisters,” she said. “Very well, leave us please,” he said. Promptly, all the sisters did so. “Well, what is it? Tell me, please,” Triton said leaning forward over the table as he rested his chin on his hooves. “I don’t know yet,” she started. “I just need you to listen without saying anything no matter how much it might anger you, no matter how much you disagree, I just need you to listen and support me. Promise me that first, please." “Very well then, I will promise you that much,” he said. “Thank you. Father, I have a secret, one that I’ve kept hidden away from you and my sisters for quite some time now.” Her father, as promised, didn’t say anything, but he did gesture for her to continues as he smiled. “Father, my secret, well... it’s… well, I love the land, okay? I have been absolutely fascinated by it ever since meeting Forest. I know that my sisters and other seaponies don’t quite have my obsession over it, and I know what happened with the other kings in the past, but I just want to be a part of their world." Triton's eyes started to flare with anger as his face turned into a scowl, but instead of yelling at her, he started laughing. "Father," Lily said with a look of great concern," I'm not joking, you know. I've already thought this out quite and while I expected you to be angry I also knew you would forgive me with time, but I'm not sure what this is supposed to mean." "I'm sorry Lily," He said once he could speak again. "It's just the idea that my daughter could love the land so much after what happened to you mother humored my optimism." "Ooookay..." Lily said, still unsure what to do. "I am angry still with you, though. Do you not still weep for your mother? Do you feel nothing for her? Would you rather go off to live with the ponies of the land than stay here in the sea where all beautiful things and creatures live? Do you not like the animals, the things, the stuff, the wealth, the treasure, or the environment? Tell me what’s wrong and then I will do my very best to fix it.” "You see, the problem is, well, you." Triton’s eyes once again burned red, but Lily knew that this was no trick, this was true rage. “Lily, how dare you say that of me? How dare you!” he roared. Ah, there was the yelling she had expected earlier. "You're shouting at me again, that's never good." “I don’t care anymore!” he screamed. “And this, Father, is your problem.” “What? My anger? Well guess what, I only do that because I care. I really do love you and I truly want you to be happy,” he said, calming down a little. “Then let me be part of their world, let me explore the land,” she begged. Triton sighed, “Even if I could do that, which I can’t, there’s no way that you could live up there with him permanently, sure your magic may disguise your real form for awhile, but what happens when your magic runs out? What if you can’t get to the water in time? What do you think the land ponies will do to you then?” She hadn’t ever considered that before. “Besides," He continued. "You’ll always be a seapony no matter what magic you try to use to look like a unicorn. I’m just afraid there is no easy way for you to become a permanent land pony, so your wish just simply cannot ever come true no matter what you try to do or how hard you do it. But with help, maybe you can." “Yes, you are right, Father. I must become a land pony if I am to explore the land, and for that, I will need help. Will you support me on my quest then?” she asked. He sighed once more, “No, I will not. I cannot do this, I am sorry." “Very well then, you leave me no other choice,” She said as she got up and slowly went away. “Wait, where are you going?” Triton asked. “Far away from you," She answered. "WHAT!" He exclaimed. "As your king and father I order you to stay!" "Father, I'm old enough to take care of myself now. I am over 210 years old and you still treat me like I'm a baby!" “Considering that I am much older than you could possibly imagine, and your mother while she lived, and considering that your oldest sister is well over 4000 years old and I would still say that she has a lot of growing up to do first before she starts exploring the world,” He stated. “Ha, you only say that because you want me to stay close to you so you never lose the last part of my mother that you have!” Her father winced with visible pain at this remark, stopped trying to follow her, and didn’t even bother with the guards. Lily swam off to her secret cave where she had collected many various things from the land over many years. She sighed and then decided to sing to herself. And then she started to play with some of the things from her collection. Luckily, she knew what to call them unlike some seaponies out there, not that she thought they were stupid, but that they had simply never seen nor heard of them before. This was slightly disappointing since she found land ponies so very intriguing. And that was the reason she had remained silent for so long when she had first met Forrest. Because she was trying to gauge her fear, courage, nervousness, curiosity, and, well, it was just simply everything. Eventually, she did finally manage to find the courage to speak and was very glad she had done so. But even now she still wanted more, but as to what it was, she still did not know. She sighed heavily to herself, yearning for something more just as Forrest was doing on the land. Little did she know that at that precise moment she was being watched through the shadows of her cavern of many magnificent wonders (or, at least, that’s what she called her collection). > The Siren and The Seamare > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Nine: The Siren and The Seamare "Lily is in love with the land, how naïve, how young, how foolish, but at least we can still take advantage of the situation," Adagio said. “My eye still hurts,” Sonata said very gently rubbing one of her eyes. “Well maybe you shouldn’t have started to talk about tacos again,” Aria said. “Yeah, and you shouldn’t have tried to get in a fight with me… again…” “Oh, trust me, I didn’t want to fight you, but you should have tried to ignore me or something like that at the very least,” Aria said. “Do I need to use force on you two again to make you two stop fighting?” Adagio said. “No,” both of them said almost at the same exact time together. “Very good then, now we will need to work on how to make one of them make a deal with us, it’s highly unlikely either one of them will if they know of our powers and the danger and threat that we will pose, but if we can convince them that we mean no harm then we just might maybe trap them in our perfect plan, and once we do we will finally have the king, and once we do we will rule the oceans,” she said smiling. “Yes, we get it already, can we just talk about how we will manage to do that since all of us have been banished from the king’s realm and domain,” Aria said. “Oh, don’t worry about that too much, I already have a plan for that,” Adagio said smiling. “Then why ask us for help?” Aria said. “Because we’re still part of a team and I want you to feel like you’re included of course,” she said. “Ugh,” Aria said. Aria still continued to groan as Adagio went onwards with her speech and talk. "Now, where is Turquesa? We'll be needing her.". “For what though?” Sonata said. “Just wait and then I will show you.” And with that said Adagio pulled out a very mysterious bag. “What’s in there?” Sonata said. “ "Oh, you'll see soon enough, just know that it will help us win." “Well if you’re going to keep it a secret then why should we trust you anymore?” Aria said. "Because I'm the eldest, your leader, and I'll beat you senseless like the last time you ignored me." Adagio threatened. “Oh, well okay then, in that case I think that I'll stay just a bit longer,” Aria said. “Good girl, have a cookie on me,” Adagio said. “I’m not very hungry,” Aria said. “Oh, I'll very gladly take some tacos as my reward,” Sonata said. Adagio groaned and smacked her hoof to her forehead. She was tired of Sonata’s obsession with this so-called taco food ever since well… she forgot… but the real true point here was that it was a really long time ago of course, but now it had become very annoying. “Sonata, please, just stop with your passion and obsession with tacos,” Adagio said. “ What? I just can’t help it, and I can’t give it up either,” she said smiling. "Well just try to keep it down, okay?” “Yeah, sure thing, whatever,” she said. “Okay, now then, where’s Turquesa?” “Out, but she should be back very soon enough,” Aria said. “Okay then, we will wait until she gets back ,” Adagio said. And with that they did. “Hey there, what’s up?” Turquesa said once she finally made her way back. "Oh, nothing much, just the same old stuff that you already know." "Yeah, except this time it might actually work out because it's the king's youngest daughter that we-," Aria said. If Turquesa had a glass of water she probably would have spit it out, however they were in their underwater cave right now so that would have been literally impossible to do. “Oh, the princess? Wow, I guess that you finally got a lucky break, right?” she said. “No, we did, you’re still part of the group you know.” “Then how come I just don’t feel like it’s that way then?” she said. “Maybe because you haven’t opened yourself up fully yet…” “Or perhaps maybe it is because you hide away from us instead?” She sighed, “Well yeah, maybe, perhaps but is there anything else that you need from me?” she said. “Well yes actually there is, come closer to me,” Adagio said smiling and then she whispered what she needed to do in her ear, “Got that?” Adagio said. “Yes, I certainly do,” she said swimming away from them “What was that all about?” Aria said. “Oh, you know, I was just securing our eventual freedom, that’s all.” “Oh, I see," Aria said. And with that said Adagio smiled as she stared out at a picture of the princess, “Soon, my little mermare, I will finally have what I want; power, and you will help me to get it.” Soon, everything would work out according to her plan. And that was the real reason Adagio was smiling right now. > Exploration > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Ten: Exploration Forrest was on a quest for love and it was just as simple as that. He knew that he loved Lily, but did she return his affection? He didn't know, and that was slowly driving him insane. Even Sebastian was becoming concerned at this point. “Sir, you need to calm down,” he would always say. “Calm down? But why? I’m so happy right now Sebastian.” "Yes, you are, and I am truly happy for you. But could you please keep it down for me and the guests?" “I really don’t know, I could, but I just don’t want to.” Sebastian sighed very heavily, “Very well then sir, I shall try to explain your nature to them better in the future,” he said. “Thank you. Now, I would like today to be one of great fun and adventure."     "Alright, that can be arranged. If you have a desired location in mind, of course." Forrest put a hoof to his chin and pondered this for a while. After a few minutes, his eyes lit up in inspiration. "I have no idea," He said with a grin. "Let's just have fun, shall we?" Sebastian sighed resisting the urge to hoof-face himself, “Yes sir, but might I remind you that your next birthday is coming up soon?” “Yes, I already know that, I just hope that I get to see Lily on my birthday.” "You can dream and wish for it all you like, just don't let it turn into hope."   “Well I hope that wherever my heart takes me that I won’t be led astray. But come now, make some preparations, I feel like sailing today.” For no real reason, he went over to the balcony edge of his window and started singing because he feeling so happy.  “Look at the sea, my friend, look at its waves, does it ever really end?” “Sir, I think that you’re taking this just a bit too far,” Sebastian said. “Nonsense. Now then, the sea, yes, it does have many wonders, yet for me it hold freedom, an escape from reality, no more lies, only the truth. Feel the win at your back, there’s no real reason to stay here anymore, so let the waves devour you instead. Be consumed by fear and the darkness of shadows no more, forget the past, and instead just let the waves roll over you to let them eat the pain away. No more fear, only the soft embrace of love, do you hear its whisper? Its very soft sweet voice, you can hear it call if you will only take the time to listen to its song.” “Sir, I think that it’s quite time that you take a break already.” “No, nonsense, don't be so silly or ridiculous. Now then, I know it’s just a little bit crazy for a pony like me, yes, a prince, royalty, to be in love so much with the sea. But what can I say except that I want more? I know that there’s more that’s out there, so much stuff to learn, so many things to collect, and I just want to see it all. It doesn’t really matter what I have so long as I can finally see it all.” “I think that the sea salt has driven you quite insane, sir.” “Hey, that’s okay, maybe I’m crazy, but I’m in love with the sea, oh yes, because I know that there’s that one perfect mare that’s out there just for me. And it’s not on land where I will find her my friend, but deep down below in the very great depths below, to where no ships have ever seen before, to where no sailor knows. An expanse so great that no pony can ever possibly measure it. Oh yes, that’s the place for me, because it doesn’t really matter what I do so long as I see it all, because now all I really want is just to go out there and sail my pain away. No more fear, only the hope and warm loving light of the day to guide me onwards. Forward with my dream until my wish is finally granted at last.” “Sir, isn’t it about time that you just give it a break?” “No way, I won’t ever give up and I won’t ever say that it’s just too much for me because I know that I can go the distance. I can sail far away until no pony else can see me, and on to a world unknown, to a land no pony knows, until the friend of all of us finally comes to collect my soul for the life that I have lived.” “You mean your friend death?” Sebastian said very slightly shocked and surprised “Yes, that’s right my friend, but now I think that it’s time that I sail far away, it’s just the right time to leave this place behind and forget the memories of the past until yesterday is no more and only tomorrow will lie ahead instead.” “Sir, just take a break, lie down and then all will be well and fine.” “Yes, it will be, because I will always have the sea to be very near to me.” And with that said Forrest lay his head and body down on his bed. “Good night sir, sleep well and tomorrow there will be adventure for you.” Sebastian slowly left the room, making sure to close the door behind him very carefully so he wouldn't disturb Forrest, who now had a smile on his face as he drifted off to sleep). Forrest slowly woke up to the morning sun and quickly went downstairs to greet Sebastian. “Good morning friend, I’m ready to go and explore,” he said. “Yes sir, I can tell,” Sebastian said. "Alright, let's go then," he said grabbing what he needed, but then, feeling like something was off, decided to grab some wax, after all, you never knew. They ate breakfast very quickly and then Sebastian took him down to the docks where the sailors were already waiting for them. “Well hello there, how’s the business going?” “Very well, now that you’re here with us,” one sailor said. “What’s your name?” “Aquis, sir, or at least, my nickname is,” he said. “Yeah, and I’m Salamander,” another sailor said. “Where’s the captain?” "Here," said one pony. "And my name's not important for now, so just call me 'Captain'." “Very well then, let’s be off, shall we?” Forrest said. “Yes, let’s,” the Captain said. And so it was that they all got on the ship (which was already prepared to go) and they soon departed for their adventure. But after a while they began to grow bored, or, rather, the sailors did. However, nothing short of death could take away Forrest's excitement. “I can’t wait until we finally find something fun,” he said. “Yes sir,” Sebastian said. After Sebastian had spoken, Forrest heard something. Something that sounded like angels singing. Forrest nearly started walking topside before he remembered the warning and stuffed wax into his ears. "Sebastian," He started. "Put this in your ears, quickly!" As the ship drew closer to the singing, Forrest and Sebastian remained unaffected. But the same could not be said for the crew, they all leaned over the rail of the ship, but, thanks to the protective spell, didn't leap over the side. But out of nowhere, a fierce storm came upon them. "What? That storm's not supposed to happen today," Sebastian commented. "That's because it was the sea king who created it, not the weather ponies." Forrest replied. "I wonder why?" “Probably because he’s very angry right now if I were to guess.” “Well then, let’s get out of it, shall we?” said Sebastian. “Yes, let’s do that,” Forrest said, trying to steer the ship. But it was no use, as the wheel suddenly spun out of control and lightning somehow managed to hit them, causing the ship to ignite. “Everypony abandon ship right now! Get off!” Forrest shouted. The sailors promptly followed his command. “I won’t leave you sir!” Sebastian shouted. “Then you’ll just have to go down with me and this ship!” Forrest shouted back. “No, I’m going to save your life.” Suddenly Sebastian punched Forrest in the face knocking him out. “This is for your own good sir,” he said leaping off the ship’s edge. Though Sebastian struggled to do so, he managed to get everyone to the safety of home. Eventually, Forrest woke up and groaned, "Well, I think that's enough adventure for today." "I thought so, too. Good night, sir," Sebastian yawned. "Sebastian," Forrest started. "Did you happen to hear what the Sirens sing about?" "No, sir, I didn't." 'Oh well, it will simply stay a mystery for now,' Thought Forrest as Sebastian left the room. Forrest's mind slowly wandered off while his imagination ran free until, at last, he fell into a deep slumber. (or something like that). > The Deal > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Eleven: The Deal Lily swam through the water almost completely unaware of what was happening elsewhere due to her focus on the land. She had to pay attention to how it changed so she could know where to go. She was very afraid to go there, but her father had left her no other choice. She swam for what seemed like days until she found it... the cave of the Sirens. A chill ran down her spine as she drew closer, it was a very creepy place. 'Okay,' Lily thought to herself. 'I can do this, I mean, there's nothing here to really worry about, right? Yeah, of course not... other than all the sunken ships and the bones of all the sailors who died here, but they can't harm me. Nothing here can because they all feared the Sirens." Nopony knew what gave them their power, how, or why they used it and when. All knew was that it could rival the king’s power, the only problem was in reaching and/or figuring a way out to overthrow him. Both were smart, wise, and very powerful, it was like they were equals. Well, that was debatable since the king didn’t kill them which could mean he was being merciful, they were just too powerful, or that he didn’t really care about them. But all those who knew him well knew how great his concern was. The details of their battles had long been withheld from the general population, even Triton’s daughters didn't quite know what happened when he decided to banish them instead of killing them. He never talked of it on his own free will, and when pressed for the answer he would remain as silent as a rock until the pony who had asked moved on to a different topic. But now, now Lily could finally learn the truth of what happened that day, so many years ago. But for now, she had to focus on the deal she would soon make until they noticed that she lingered outside the opening to the cave. “Come in, darling. After all, don’t you know that it’s rude to lurk outside of somepony else’s doorway?” Lily, though untrusting, did as she was told and entered the cave. "It's very dark in here," she commented. "Yes, we like to keep it dark because it adds to the mystery. The fear, of course, is only a natural reaction for ponies like you, even if you are a princess.” “Yeah, which kind of makes it kind of weird you're here,” Said another voice. “Indeed," The first voice continued, "We did find your particular predicament strange, but nothing out of range for our powers, of course.” “Yes, we can help you to get you exactly what you want,” A third voice said. “But, we will require something from you first because as you know…” “Magic always has a price,” all three said at once. “Well, what is it you want from me?” She asked, letting her nervousness show slightly. The first voice laughed, “Oh, my child, you will soon see. But first, allow us to sing. After all, you’re our guest and it would be rude not to entertain you.” “Yes, and when we do sing we’ll explain what we do.” “And finally show ourselves in the light of day,” the third choice said. Suddenly, there was light in the cave and she could see a cauldron with three red lights behind it. The red lights were necklaces on the sirens, but the sirens themselves were orange, blue, and the last one was purple. “No, I don’t want you to sing, you really don’t have to,” she hurriedly protested. “Nonsense, darling, of course we will sing.” As they were singing, they slowly started swirling around her like sharks before they devoured food. (Just like the movie stereotypes want you to think about these creatures, but that's unimportant to the story). “Yes, my child, you’re lost but we can help you find the way. Yes, ponies always come to us to ask for out help, and do we grant it?  Yes, we will do exactly just that. We help out all those poor unfortunate souls, but sadly enough we cannot do it without first asking a heavy price because magic isn’t free my dear. Everything has its own unique price, and it’s sad to say because it’s happened once or twice when a should just couldn’t pay the price, but on the whole we’ve been very good with every customer so far, each is satisfied in our own way, and while they weren’t kidding when they called us… well.. witches, we’re not that way anymore. We’ve mended our ways, we’ve seen the light and now we just want the chance to show you just how much we care, you want the love of a prince, and he wants you, but there’s no way to be together, well my dear, we can help you out.” They then went to the walls and pulled out many various objects that looked like potions, though not all of them were. “Yes, we have spells and potions of all kinds and sorts here, want love we can get if for you, become skinny or fat, change your gender, it doesn’t really matter. We have the cure for all, any spell you need just ask and it will be yours once you can pay the price of course, yes, we can get you just exactly what you want but only if you can pay the price first. Oh yes my dear, because everything has its own unique price, nothing in life is free, and any pony else who says something different is just lying to you my dear, yes, you need to pay the price!” They then started throwing some of the objects into the cauldron, which created a strange array of colors as they threw more into it. Lily was very curious as to what was going on, but she figured it would be better if she just stayed silent while they performed their work. “Yes, come on my dear, have a little faith in us, trust us, don't doubt what you see, don’t be afraid. Just sign the deed and pay the price and then you’ll finally be free to get the chance of love with your prince, yes just pay the price and sign the deed!” They sang as a piece of glowing yellow paper appeared in front of her. “Just sign on the dotted line,” Adagio (the orange one) said smiling. Lily levitated the pen with her horn but hesitated, “What exactly is the price for doing this?” Adagio smiled again, "Don't worry about that because-" “It better not be my voice,” Lily interrupted. Adagio laughed, “No, we don’t want your voice. We just want a promise that you’ll do whatever we ask of you when the time comes.” “So all you want is just a promise?” Lily asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Yes, all you have to do is one little thing and then the deal will be closed. But until you do, you'll stay part of the deal, and if you don't keep your ed... well, I think you've heard enough tales to know what happens. So, do we have a deal?" Adagio asked, clearly trying to rush things. But Lily still hesitated to sign, "If I sign this then I won't ever be able to see my family again, will I?" "Well, that depends. We could make it so you could turn back into this form on certain days or times, but that would require a higher price. Whatever you want to do, my dear." Adagio answered. "So what are the specific terms of this deal?" Lily asked. Adagio growled, why couldn't this annoying sea pony just sign away her soul already? “You'll always remain a land pony without the need to ever replenish your magic by water. You’ll also never need to worry about holding in a disguise because this time it will be real, and it would also allow for children, if that’s what you wanted,” Adagio said still trying to smile at her the very best that she could. “And why should I sign?" Lily asked. "I will still be living close enough to the water.” "Ah, but what will the land ponies think about their queen sneaking to the water's edge at night, all alone and unprotected? What will they do when they find out who you are? They will attack you and your family and every other seapony who lives, and not even your lover will be able to protect you from them. He cannot change who you are, only we can do that." Yet Lily still hesitated with the pen. "Come on, what are you waiting for?" “Because I’m afraid,” Lily said. “Don’t be, because if you sign then you’ll soon be with Forrest on the land, and surely he can protect you from us, right?” “Yes, I suppose so…” Said Lily. “Look, darling. We’re only giving you the chance for what you really want. It’s up to you if you want to ignore your heart. Don’t listen to your head, listen with your heart for what you really want. And this deal, well, it won’t be on the table forever, you know.” Lily apparently made up her mind right then as she quickly signed the paper. Suddenly, the scroll turned into golden light which was caught by Adagio who put it into the red gem on her neck. "Good, now we can do our spell for you," She said. The Sirens all suddenly raised their hooves at the same time and a rainbow of colors exploded from the cauldron. Lily started to feel something weird deep within her. Her floppers, they were becoming hooves. her tail was more like one of the land than the sea. But she suddenly realized she couldn't breathe anymore. "Oops, I guess we forgot to mention that you won't be able to breathe underwater anymore... see you later, Lily!" Adagio laughed as Lily swam up to the surface of the cave for air. Once at the top of the cave, Lily started to wonder if what she had done was truly a good idea. But, it was too late now, she would just have to live with her choice no matter how foolish it was. Slowly she made her way to the sandy beach and just lied there, too tired to get up and go to the castle. The sun shone down on her as she passed out from exhaustion with a slight smile on her face. > The Dream > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Thirteen: The Walk Sebastian and Forrest were out on a walk when they found Lily washed up on the beach]. But before I get to that let me first explain what had happened before this moment/point. The day after Forrest’s exploration he managed to recover with the help of Sebastian, but it was very slowly even with the help of his very best friend. “That storm sure took a beating out of you,” he said as Forrest tried to get up, but he stopped him, “And right now you just need to rest and relax.” “Why? I want to have fun and I can handle myself,” Forrest said trying to get up again, but his efforts were constantly blocked by Sebastian. “No, you’re insane, you need rest, get some sleep, please sir,” Sebastian begged. “But I don’t want to,” Forrest said. “I know, but is there anything that I can do to help ease your boredom?” “Yes, there is, if I could see Lily again…” Sebastian sighed, “I don’t think that will be possible, but please, calm your obsession with her… it’s not healthy.” Forrest scoffed at Sebastian, “I don’t have an obsession with her!” Sebastian raised an eyebrow at this comment, “So says the stallion who literally talked with Death just to get the chance to talk with her, yes, I think that’s completely normal and just fine, you were definitely sane then,” he said layering the sarcasm like thick gravy. “Touché,” Forrest said smiling at his friend. “Thank you, as your friend I am always right about you.” “Then wouldn’t that mean that I’m right about you then?” “Occasionally, not always,” Sebastian teased. Forrest groaned, “You can’t let me off easy, can you?” “No sir, that would make my job boring, and I hate boring jobs.” “Yes, I know,” Forrest said sighing, “Very well then, I accept defeat.” “Yeah, I win,” Sebastian said halfheartedly. “Yes, but I can’t stand to be in bed all day…” Sebastian looked over at his friend with great concern and sighed. “Well… I could let you do what you want if I say you can,” Sebastian quickly added seeing the glimmer of joy in Forrest’s eyes, “That means no more adventures like sailing, that also means nothing dangerous too, after all, it is still my job to protect you from any and all harm, “Whatever you say, mate, whatever you say,” Forrest said groaning. “Don’t worry, I shall try to make your day fun, enjoyable, and also relaxing too,” Forrest didn’t know that this meant the spa, and at first, he was very reluctant to go, but now he was actually (and surprisingly) enjoying the spa. “Oh, this is just so relaxing,” Forrest moaned with great pleasure and delight as a mare slowly rubbed his back. “We really should do this more often, remind me when I have free time.” “I will,” Sebastian said letting out his own moan. “You know, if I weren’t in love with Lily I might actually be eyeing a few of these sexy mares,” Forrest said. “If I weren’t so old I would do the same exact thing,” Sebastian said. Forrest looked over at Sebastian with disbelief and shock, “Exactly just how dirty is your mind?” “However dirty you want it to be,” he teased as he smiled and enjoyed the hoof massage. Forrest smiled but let out a groan to tease Sebastian. They continued to enjoy their message in silence because Sebastian had no need for jokes or ‘the talk’ with Forrest either. After they were done they politely thanked all the workers currently there, payed the bill, and also left a very generous tip. “Ah, that was nice, what’s next on the list?” Forrest said still smiling. “Oh, well that would be uh… well that would be…” Sebastian stuttered very nervously. “Well, what is it exactly? Just tell me already, spit it out.” Suddenly Sebastian spit out some chewing gum and a deck of cards. “I was going to say that the next thing on the list was magic and knitting.” Forrest tried to process this, but he couldn’t, in despair, he fell to the ground stretching his front hooves in the air as he screamed out very loudly, “NO!!!” “Well, what that really necessary sir?” Sebastian asked. “Yes, and I could have done much better you know.” “Yes, of course sir, you’re right, but let’s go, we’re done here.” They then went to a magic show… and then knitting. “See? This isn’t too bad sir,” Sebastian said beaming a smile at him while he expertly knitted a sweater for his teacher. Forrest however, had no such luck and was in a mountain of unused fabric because he had failed at all of his attempts so far. "Surprisingly enough, you’re right, and even though I can’t make anything,” Forrest said pointing at the mountain of material, “I still do enjoy this. But honestly, I thought that you were trying to find a new way to torture me.” “Who says that I’m not?” Sebastian teased as he smiled deviously at Forrest. “Sebastian, sometimes you can be really scary, never don’t you ever change.” “Don’t worry sir, I won’t,” Sebastian said still smiling. After that, they went to an ice cream shop and then back to the castle again. When nighttime finally came, Forrest decided that he wanted to go out for a walk along the beach hoping to see Lily again. Sebastian agreed to come along with him to protect him and keep him safe, just in case, after all, you never really knew, especially with fame. They walked along the beach in silence marveling at the wonders that they saw. Or they did until Forrest thought that he finally saw something… well… different. “Is that a body on the beach?” he said pointing out to a gray blob of something. Sebastian squinted towards where Forrest had pointed. “No, probably just a rock or log, sir.” “Sebastian, I’ve walked this beach many times before and I always made sure that there were no rocks or logs of any kind, especially like that,” he said. Sebastian looked over at Forrest with worry in his face, “Run,” he said. They quickly galloped over to her, and that is where our story officially begins. “She’s…” Forrest said. “A land pony… yes… I know, we both can clearly see that, and this is real, this isn’t a mirage, it’s actual magic, and please, just don’t ask me how I know that, it’s probably better if you don’t know that right now, understood?” Forrest nodded, he was too concerned by Lily to even bother questioning Sebastian though. His friend was looking down at Lily very concerned, then he slowly shook his head and sighed. “Lily, what have you done? Why did you do this, why?” Sebastian said. “I’m sorry father, I just had to, I just wanted to be with him, Forrest, where are you? Why haven’t you come for me yet? Where are you?” Forrest looked confused, was she delirious right now? And if so, how? Why? “I’m right here for you,” Forrest said holding her head up very gently, “What’s wrong with her? Is she hurt?” “She’s probably delirious and doesn’t even know who we are right now. We need to take her to safety, sir," Sebastian said pointing towards the castle. Forrest nodded, but he was still confused. “Alright, fine then. But how? Why is she like this and not a seapony?” “Sir, right now the questions will just have to wait, we have to get her somewhere nice, warm, and with water.” “Yes, you’re right. But how is she right now?” Forrest said. She's fine for now, but not unless we get her somewhere else. Now, in case you're wondering, I can think of two ways she could have transformed, and one of them is not good." “Well then, what are they?” Forrest said very softly. “One, she could have used the power of Triton’s trident…” “Try saying that five times faster…” Forrest said trying to joke, but he received a very angry glare from Sebastian. “Okay then, I’m shutting up now.” “As I was saying there are two options, the second option is much worse, she used the help of the sirens, but knowing Triton, I would most likely say that it would be the second option since I cannot sense or detect any light magic on her,” Sebastian said. “Oh dear, oh no,” Forrest said. “Oh yes, but right now we need to take her to the castle, and we must avoid the questions about where she came from, when, and why, for now at least.” “Yes, you’re right, of course, come on, let’s go.” Forrest slowly lifted her off the ground using his magic to make sure that she was resting across his back in the very best position of the most comfort. “Don't worry Lily, you’ll be fine soon enough,” he said as he ran. “Sir, she probably can't even hear you!” Sebastian exclaimed just barely keeping up with the young and active stallion. “I don’t care if she can hear me!” Forrest shouted back, “It’s helping me out right now, and I need all the help that I can get when I’m panicking!” “Yes, sir!” Sebastian said taken aback by Forrest’s very recent actions, Forrest never shouted at him before, even when he was angry, and Sebastian could tell that this was not going to be very good. Soon enough they managed back to the castle not caring if they were spotted at all, right now Lily’s health was more important. Forrest finally managed to find a decent room for Lily making sure that the window of it would be facing towards the ocean and not away from it. Slowly he set her down on the very soft bed (which was fit for any pony regardless of their class). He looked at her and then brushed his hoof across her face as a very small smile then lit up her face. “Sleep well, Lily.” He left the room very slowly making sure that it was safe, sound, and secure. Only he and Sebastian knew about Lily right now, not even the guards themselves knew about their strange and mysterious new guest. However, Forrest would have to find a believable lie to tell all of them. He sighed, that was going to be very hard to do since he was just a terrible liar, his friend Sebastian, he was way better than he could ever possibly be at it. He went out to his own window edge balcony and decided to start singing. Feeling sad and melancholy he went over to his balcony, stared out at the ocean and the moon, and then decided to start singing. “The moon rises tonight over the water, it shines down with beauty and grace, but oh, how can I compare you to anything else? Shining, shimmering, splendid. Wonderful and beautiful. You shine with grace and beauty just like the sun, yet so few ponies sing of your praise, why can't they see the beauty? Why can't they see the grace? Everything is special, everything is unique, everything is different. Even if similar because we’re not all made the same. No two snowflakes ever had the same design, no two ponies were ever exactly the same, alike in many ways, yet different in so many more, so why can't they see your ways? Why do ponies fear, what they don't really understand, and why can't we all just get along? I know that there’s beauty and grace everywhere, in the ocean, in the sea, in the lake, anywhere in nature that you look if you listen then you will hear. Ponies can't see what’s right in front of them simply because they can't understand, they don't take the time to know the world around them. Why can't we just get along? But when will my time come for me to finally be free? I’m just so sick and tired of this old life, boring and dull, when will my adventure come, when will I journey on an epic mighty quest, fight the battles and save the mare, marry a princess of my dreams and live in a great big huge castle? When’s it my turn for something more? Out there on the sea, sailing free to somewhere very far away, I just wish that I could be, finally free.” He finished up his song and sighed, now it was time to work on the lie, especially about the believable part of it. Believable, yes, that would be the tricky part of the lie. Other than that, everything should be just fine and easy. Yes, it should be just fine and easy, right? He hoped so, filled with unease he went to his own bed unable to sleep for a very long time, and when he finally did it was only nightmares that he saw. > The Walk > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Thirteen: The Walk Sebastian and Forrest were out on a walk when they found Lily washed up on the beach. But before I get to that, let me first explain what happened before they did. The day after Forrest’s exploration he managed to recover with the help of Sebastian, but it was very slowly even with the help of his best friend. “That storm sure took a beating out of you,” Sebastian said as Forrest tried to get up, stopping his efforts. “And right now you just need to rest and relax.” “Why? I want to have fun and I can handle myself,” Forrest said trying to get up again, but his efforts were constantly blocked by Sebastian. “No, you’re insane, you need rest, get some sleep. Please sir,” Sebastian begged. “But I don’t want to,” Forrest whined. “I know, but is there anything that I can do to help ease your boredom?” “Yes, there is, if I could only see Lily again…” Sebastian sighed, “I don’t think that will be possible, but please, calm your obsession with her… it’s not healthy.” Forrest scoffed at Sebastian, “I don’t have an obsession with her!” Sebastian raised an eyebrow at this comment, “So says the stallion who literally talked with Death just to get the chance to talk with her, yes, I think that’s completely normal, you were definitely sane then,” he said layering the sarcasm like thick gravy. “Touché,” Forrest said, smiling at his friend. “Thank you, as your friend I am always right about you.” “Then wouldn’t that mean that I’m right about you?” “Occasionally, but not always,” Sebastian teased. Forrest groaned, “You can’t let me off easy, can you?” “No sir, that would make my job boring, and I hate boring jobs.” “Yes, I know,” Forrest said sighing, “Very well then, I accept defeat.” “Yeah, I win,” Sebastian said halfheartedly. “Yes, but I can’t stand to be in bed all day…” Sebastian looked over at his friend with great concern and sighed. “Well… I could let you do what you want if I say you can,” Sebastian quickly added seeing the glimmer of joy in Forrest’s eyes, “That means no more adventures like sailing, that also means nothing dangerous, it is, after all, still my job to protect you from harm. “Whatever you say mate, whatever you say,” Forrest said groaning. “Don’t worry, I shall try to make your day fun, enjoyable, and relaxing.” Forrest didn’t know this meant the spa, and at first, he was very reluctant to go, but now he was actually (and surprisingly) enjoying the spa. “Oh, this is just so relaxing,” Forrest moaned with great delight as a mare slowly rubbed his back. “We really should do this more often, remind me when I have free time.” “I will,” Sebastian said letting out his own moan. “You know, if I weren’t in love with Lily I might actually be eyeing a few of these sexy mares,” Forrest said. “If I weren’t so old I would do the same exact thing,” Sebastian said. Forrest looked over at Sebastian with shock, “Just how dirty is your mind?” “However dirty you want it to be,” he teased as he smiled and enjoyed the hoof massage. Forrest smiled but let out a groan to tease Sebastian. They continued to enjoy their message in silence because Sebastian had no need for jokes or ‘the talk’ with Forrest either. After they were done they politely thanked all the workers currently there, and payed the bill, with a very generous tip, I might add. “Ah, that was nice, what’s next on the list?” Forrest said still smiling. “Oh, well that would be, uh… well that would be…” Sebastian stuttered very nervously. “Well, what is it exactly? Just tell me already, spit it out.” Suddenly Sebastian spit out some chewing gum and a deck of cards. “I was going to say that the next thing on the list was magic and knitting.” Forrest tried to process this, but he couldn’t, in despair he fell to the ground stretching his front hooves in the air as he screamed out very loudly, “NO!!!” “Well, what that really necessary sir?” Sebastian asked. “Yes, and I could have done much better, you know.” “Yes, of course sir. But let’s go, we’re done here.” They then went to a magic show… and then knitting. "See? This isn't too bad sir,” Sebastian said while making a sweater for his teacher and Forrest failed at even trying to make something remotely usable.. “Surprisingly enough, you’re right. And even though I can’t make anything,” Forrest said pointing at the mountain of material, “I still do enjoy this. But honestly, I thought that you were trying to find a new way to torture me.” “Who says that I’m not?” Sebastian teased, smiling deviously at Forrest. “Sebastian, sometimes you can be really scary, don’t you ever change.” “Don’t worry sir, I won’t,” Sebastian said, still smiling. After that they went to an ice cream shop and then back to the castle again. When night finally came, Forrest decided that he wanted to go out for a walk along the beach hoping to see Lily again. Sebastian agreed to come along with him, if only to keep him safe. After all, you never really knew, especially with fame(is this the right word?). They walked along the beach in silence marveling at the wonders that they saw. Or they did until Forrest thought he finally saw something, well, different. “Is that a body on the beach?” he asked, pointing out to a gray blob of something. Sebastian squinted towards where Forrest had pointed. “No, probably just a rock or log, sir.” “Sebastian, I’ve walked this beach many times before and I always made sure that there were no rocks or logs of any kind, especially like that,” he said. Sebastian looked over at Forrest with worry in his face, “Run,” he said. They quickly galloped over to her, and that is where our story officially begins. “She’s…” Forrest said. “A land pony… yes, I know, we can both clearly see that. And this is real, not a mirage, it’s actual magic, and please, just don’t ask me how I know that, it’s probably better if you didn’t find out right now, understood?” Forrest nodded, he was too concerned by Lily to even bother questioning Sebastian though. His friend was looking down at Lily very concerned, then he lowly shook his head and sighed. “Lily, what have you done? Why did you do this, why?” Sebastian said. “I’m sorry father, I just had to, I just wanted to be with him, Forrest, where are you? Why haven’t you come for me yet? Where are you?” Forrest looked confused, was she delirious right now? And if so, how? Why? “I’m right here for you,” Forrest said holding her head up very gently, “What’s wrong with her? Is she hurt?” “She’s probably delirious and doesn’t even know who we are right now. We need to take her to safety, sir," Sebastian said pointing towards the castle. Forrest nodded, but he was still confused. “Alright, fine then. But how? Why is she like this and not a seapony?” “Sir, right now the questions will just have to wait, we have to get her somewhere nice, warm, and with water.” “Yes, you’re right. But how is she right now?” Forrest asked. “She's fine for now, but not for much longer unless we can get her somewhere else. Now, in case you're wondering, I can think of two ways she could have transformed, and one of them is not good." “Well then, what are they?” Forrest said very softly. “One, she could have used the power of Triton’s trident…” “Try saying that five times fast…” Forrest said trying to joke, but he received a very angry glare from Sebastian. “Okay, I’m shutting up now.” “As I was saying there are two options, the second option is much worse; she used the help of the sirens. And knowing Triton, I would most likely say that it would be the second option since I cannot detect any light magic on her,” Sebastian said. “Oh dear, no,” Forrest said. “Oh yes, but right now we need to take her to the castle, and we must avoid the questions about where she came from, when, and why... for right now, at least.” “Yes, you’re right, of course. Come on, let’s go.” Forrest slowly lifted her off the ground using his magic to make sure that she was resting across his back in the very best position of the most comfort. “Don't worry Lily, you’ll be fine soon enough,” he said as he ran. “Sir, she probably can't even hear you!” Sebastian exclaimed just barely keeping up with the young and active stallion. "I don’t care if she can hear me!” Forrest shouted back, “It’s helping me out right now, and I need all the help I can get when I’m panicking!” “Yes, sir!” Sebastian said taken aback by Forrest’s very recent actions, Forrest never shouted at him before, even when he was angry, and Sebastian could tell that this was not going to be good. Soon enough, they managed back to the castle, not caring if they were spotted at all. Right now, Lily’s health was more important. Forrest finally managed to find a decent room for Lily, making sure that the window of it would be facing towards the ocean and not away. Slowly he set her down on the soft bed (which was fit for any pony, regardless of their social class). He looked at her and then brushed his hoof across her face as a very small smile then lit up her face. “Sleep well, Lily.” He left the room very slowly making sure that it was safe, sound, and secure. Only he and Sebastian knew about Lily right now, not even the guards themselves knew about their strange and mysterious new guest. However, Forrest would have to find a believable lie to tell all of them. He sighed, that was going to be very hard to do since he was a terrible liar. His friend Sebastian, however, was way better than the average pony could ever hope to be. Feeling sad and melancholy he went over to his balcony, stared out at the ocean and moon, and then decided to start singing. “The moon rises tonight over the water, it shines down with beauty and grace, but oh, how can I compare you to anything else? Shining, shimmering, splendid. Wonderful and beautiful. You shine with the grace and beauty of the sun, yet so few ponies sing of your praise, why can't they see the beauty? Why can't they see the grace? Everything is special, everything is unique, everything is different, even if similar, because we’re not all made the same. No two snowflakes ever had the same design, no two ponies were ever exactly the same, alike in many ways, yet different in so many more, so why can't they see your ways? Why do ponies fear, what they don't really understand, and why can't we all just get along? I know that there’s beauty and grace everywhere, in the ocean, in the sea, in the lake, anywhere in nature that you look, if you listen, then you will hear. Ponies can't see what’s right in front of them simply because they can't understand, they don't take the time to know the world around them. Why can't we just get along? But when will my time come for me to finally be free? I’m just so sick and tired of this old life, boring and dull, when will my adventure come, when will I journey on an epic mighty quest, fight the battles and save the mare, marry a princess of my dreams and live in a great castle? When’s it my turn for something more? Out there on the sea, sailing free to somewhere very far away, I just wish that I could be, finally free.” He finished up his song and sighed, now, now it was time to work on the lie, especially about the believable part of it. Believable, yes, that would be the tricky part. Other than that, everything should be just fine. Yes, everything should be just fine, right? He certainly hoped so. Filled with unease, he went to his bed, but was unable to sleep for a long time, and when he finally did it was only nightmares that occupied his dreams. > Waking Up, The Breakfast, The Beach > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Fourteen: Waking Up, The Breakfast, The Beach Lily’s POV Lily woke up to the sound of the ocean roaring in the background and the smell of something very new and strange to her, something very different and odd. She wondered what the food could possibly be, but before she went to go get her food she slowly wandered over to the window and then took a very deep breath of the ocean air in. Oh gosh, that was so good and refreshing, too bad she wouldn't ever get the chance and opportunity to see her friends and family again… Oh well, one thing to take in at a time and no more or else…. Well... she just didn't know exactly what else would happen to her, but she could guess that it probably wouldn't be very good at all for her if she was always worrying all the time constantly. Oh well, time to go figure out what those delicious smells were coming from and also where as well of course. Smiling she went down the hallways and decided to start singing… again… because you know, why not? After all, why question animated cartoon logic especially in writing, huh? (Editor: Why did you just break the fourth wall again? Me: Why not? Editor: Fair point. Me: Anyhow back to the story then.) “Look at all this stuff isn't it neat, who knew that he owned a thousand salad plates, the windows are open, so far the doors, for years I’ve even in the sea, but now I’m finally on land, here’s be actual real ponies, why am I so ready for this change? Well it’s because for the first time in forever I'll finally be able to live my dreams and wishes. No more fear, no more running away, I only have tomorrow to look forward to, no backward glances towards the past, I’m free!” She started to run once she said these lines and leap about jumping in the air. “Look at all this stuff that I can do, so much fun to be had, so many places to go and explore, so much to learn and yet so little time but I have to try it all, because I don’t care if I’m ever going to fall, because birds don’t fly without falling down first and no matter what they say I will always try to fly!” Suddenly she went over to window edge balcony and continued onwards. “I know that there’s just a whole new world waiting out there for me!” And with that said she finally finished up as she burst into the kitchen room. Forrest’s POV Forrest wasn’t so lucky to wake up to the smell of pancakes. He wasn't also lucky enough to get the same nice warm treatment of light as Lily because Sebastian decided to wake him up early, very early. “GOOD MORNING SIR!” Sebastian decided to shout at him. Forrest literally jumped out of bed in great shock and surprise. “Was that really needed?” he said once he had four hooves firmly planted down in the ground like roots of a tree. “Yes sir, I think so, I’m going to practicing for April Foal’s Day of course,” he said. “That’s not until next year because it’s freaking summer!” Forrest shouted. “Hey, it’s never too early to get a head start.” “Uh, well I guess that you’re right, but why wake me up so early then?” “Because we’re going to make pancakes and food for our guest of course.” Forrest sighed very heavily and then looked at his very best friend very directly. “Look, I know that you mean well, and I can cook, but I just don’t want to right now,” he said. “Ah, but it would be rude if you did not do it yourself on the first day especially since you’re in love, and love has many great sacrifices to be made, lack of sleep is one of them naturally enough of course,” he said smiling. “Sebastian, I really hate you and your logic right now.” “Yes, I know, but there’s nothing that you can do about it.” “Don't be too sure of that just yet,” Forrest said walking to the door, but before he could get there his friend Sebastian stopped him, “Sir, what about Lily?” “Well, what about her?” Forrest said trying to pretend that he didn’t really understand him. “Sir, you know what I mean,” Sebastian said sighing very heavily, “Should we talk to her about her current state and condition or pretend not to really understand it instead?” he said. Forrest sighed before responding. “Pretend, I don't want to make her unhappy by talking to her about something she might be uncomfortable with,” he said. “Oh, very well then sir.” And with that said they got up and went to the kitchen. “So, do you think that she’ll like chocolate chips in them or not?” “I would say go with whatever you think will be the best, sir.” “Ah, you never can give me a simple answer, can you?” “No, sir, and I never will either,” he said. Forrest smiled and laughed at this comment, “Sebastian, never change, you’re just too funny to ever leave me.” “Don't worry sir, I won't, and I will always stay by your side no matter what happens, always,” he said. And with that said they both started to make the pancakes as Forrest whistled a merry little tune to go along with it. “Are you whistling sir?” Sebastian said. “Yes, why?” “Well, I’m fine with it, just don't break into another song, please.” “Oh, don't worry, I won't, but speaking of songs I do hope to plan a big huge grand finale for a musical number,” he said. “Your element of subtlety is not very good sir,” Sebastian said. “Eh, whatever, it doesn’t really matter right now.” “Well, if you say so,” he said as they continued to make a very small batch of pancakes since the rest of the castle could and would feed themselves. Eventually they did manage to finally finish up without burning anything up as Forrest had once done back in the earlier days when he used to cook with his parents… Suddenly he shook with the memory of that… his parents... even after all this time he still didn't really know them that well as he had thought before. “Sir, is something wrong? Sebastian said once he saw the tears starting to flow from his eyes. “No, everything is perfectly alright and just fine, it’s just that I wish I could’ve know my parents better, I mean I don't even know the truth yet.” Sebastian looked at him, “Very well then, maybe it is time to know the truth soon enough, but not right now, only when your birthday comes around sir, alright?” “Yeah, sure thing, but what’s so special about turning my age anyways?” “Well, you’ll see very soon enough, but until then, just eat, relax, rest, sleep, and worry about Lily, she’s a new mare in a very strange different world, try not to ask her how just yet, not at first, you must first ask why, then get to the how, when, where, and who of the subject matter, understand?” he said.  “Yes, I do,” Forrest said. “Good, very well then.” “You seem to know a whole lot about these matters, well almost anything, and you never really seem bothered by anything, you really are the best friend that one can ask for, but I do have to ask, how come you still look long as the day that I first saw you? How come wrinkles have not found their way to your face yet?” he said. “Very careful delicate skin care,” Sebastian said backing away very nervously. “You’re lying, no pony can be as perfect as you are right now,” “Well maybe I’m just a new type of special and unique,” he said. Forrest shook his head, “You’re not that much different, except that you are.” “Later, I will tell you the truth later sir, but only when you turn 21, I promise, on your birthday,” he said. “Very well then, I accept,” Forrest said knowing that no matter what that his friend would always keep his word since he was very big and huge on promises. And once that was said they suddenly heard the singing of Lily as she entered the room instantly making Forrest smile again. Lily’s POV Lily entered the room and smiled once she saw Forrest’s face smiling back at her, she didn’t know why, but she just felt something for him. She supposed that after all these years of trying with seaponies that she had first been taken over by his appearance, but now it was time to test him even more since she knew that he really, REALLY liked poetry, but she had to judge his inner personality, nature, and traits, and not just his outer appearance instead. She sniffed the air as a very big huge smile lit up her face. “Oh my gosh, what is this wonderful incredible smell in the air? Where is it coming from? What food of the god could possibly this be?” she said. Forrest’s POV Lily sniffed the air as a very big huge smile lit up her face. “Oh my gosh, what is this wonderful incredible smell in the air? Where is it coming from? What food of the god could possibly this be?” she said. Forrest laughed and smiled at this comment, she was just so adorable. “Pancakes,” he said as if that would explain everything when it really wouldn’t. Lily’s POV Forrest laughed and smiled at this comment. “Pancakes,” he said as if that would explain everything when it really wouldn’t. She looked at him very curiously. She wanted an explanation, she wanted more details. Forrest’s POV Forrest simply just loved it when she looked at him in any way possible, even this was because right now she was looking at him very curiously waiting for more, waiting for an explanation of some kind or sort.  So, he did so. “Pancakes are something that you eat for breakfast, I won't try to explain it anymore because you have to try it out first, go on, it won't bite, I swear.” She looked at the pancakes skeptically but then eventually decided to give in. Her face slowly instantly lit up when she did try them out. With the help and direction of Sebastian she managed to slowly pour syrup over them and then took a bite out of it. “Oh my gosh, I love these,” she said. Lily’s POV “Pancakes are something that you eat for breakfast, I won't try to explain it anymore because you have to try it out first, go on, it won't bite, I swear.” She looked at the pancakes skeptically but then eventually decided to give in. Her face slowly instantly lit up when she did try them out. With the help and direction of Sebastian she managed to slowly pour syrup over them and then took a bite out of it. “Oh my gosh, I love these,” she said. Forrest laughed and smiled at this “Well, I’m really glad that you do my dear Lily,” and then suddenly he took a very deep bow towards her, “I made it myself.” Sebastian coughed, “-With the help of my friend of course.” She smiled and laughed at this, well, at least Forrest seemed charming and funny enough which was a definite positive plus to start out with, but she still needed to know more first before she decided her exact feelings for him. So she decided to ask the only thing that she ever possibly could. “Do you love me?” she said. Forrest’s POV Forrest laughed and smiled at this “Well, I’m really glad that you do my dear Lily,” and then suddenly he took a very deep bow towards her, “I made it myself.” Sebastian coughed, “-With the help of my friend of course.” Sebastian smiled at this, he always did like to be noted for his hard work, but he never really bragged about it, and he was also the voice of reason and logic for Forrest whenever his eccentric, bizarre, weird, odd, and strange nature came out to play with the other ponies like it was sort of doing right now. Lily laughed and smiled at his remark and that made him only smile more, he just loved it whenever she smiled, it just made him… well… happy. Yes… happy… a feeling that he didn't ever really have ever since he had lost his parents, sure, time with Sebastian was enjoyable, but it wasn't like this. Ah, to be smitten with love, what a truly enjoyable experience. But then suddenly what Lily asked him next took him by great shock and surprise. “Do you love me?” she said looking at him expecting an answer. He had to resist choking or gaging on the water in his mouth, or spitting it out instead, so he just decided to do the only reasonable and logical sensible thing, he swallowed the water of course. “Why do you ask me that, Lily?” he said. Lily’s POV “Why do you ask me that, Lily?” he said. In her mind and head, she groaned, why couldn’t he tell that this was a test unless he was really that ignorant with love? Maybe he was, oh well, she would just have to roll with it for now. “It’s a test,” she said as if that would explain everything (which it should). Oh,” he said, “I see,” he said. But somehow Lily still doubted that. Forrest’s POV After she had asked her question and Forrest had replied she had rolled her eyes as if she were annoyed by something bad. Oh dear, time to take off a few points on the romance board, he thought to himself. “Oh,” he said, “I see.” He coughed and then finally decided to answer her question. “Yes, I believe that I do, in so many ways that I just can't yet express to you, and I just wish that I could, but I still don't know how yet,” he said. Lily’s POV She waited for an answer patently and when he did finally manage to respond she made sure that there would be no lies told by looking into his eyes very closely. “Yes, I believe that I do, in so many ways that I just can't yet express to you, and I just wish that I could, but I still don't know how yet,” he said. She analyzed his words and eyes very carefully and then eventually she finally managed to determine that he was indeed telling the truth, but this was a test of course, and she needed to see how he would react if she told him that he had lied. “You lie,” she said waiting to see how he would react next to her. Forrest’s POV Forrest was a very clever pony, and when Lily said that it was a test he assumed that until she said that it wasn't (and even after that had ended and was over with) that she would always still be watching him no matter what he tried to do or say or how hard he might try to escape. So when she said that he was lying he knew that it was still probably a test of some kind or sort so he decided to react as honestly as he could and not lie about his real feelings anymore. “I do not lie, I mean every word that I say, and if I do lie, then forgive me, please, don't hate me, and try not to ever forget me, but whatever you do, be happy.” Lily’s POV “I do not lie, I mean every word that I say, and if I do lie, then forgive me, please, don't hate me, and try not to ever forget me, but whatever you do, be happy.” She was very surprised and shocked by this response, huh, he was very clever, and he didn't beg for forgiveness, he just asked for it and stood by his words, and even if he thought that he did lie he was willing to defend what he believed, even if it was a lie, a very strong and brave stallion, but she still needed more. “I believe you, but do you have any way to prove that your words are true?” This would be the very last and final test for now, and the most important one too, what he said next would forever determine both of their fates. Forrest’s POV “I believe you, but do you have any way to prove that your words are true?” Oh dear, this wasn't going to be very easy, oh dear, this was going to be very hard, oh dear, how could he possibly ever answer this question of hers? He didn't really know, so he just sighed and dropped his head in defeat. “I don't know, I’m sorry, but I just don't know how to answer that question.” Lily’s POV “I don't know, I’m sorry, but I just don't know how to answer that question.” As he said this he dropped his head and sighed in defeat. Wow, he was three for three and Lily was very impressed by this amazing and incredible wonderful response. Never before had any pony else given answers like this, ones that she really wanted, his final answer showed that he had humility and that he really was honest, and those were traits that she really wanted because any pony unwilling to be humble and lay down their pride was not fit for her or any other princess else for that matter. She smiled at him. “You passed, well done, and good luck for any and all other various random tests that may come in your future near or far,” she said waiting for him to respond. Forrest’s POV “You passed, well done, and good luck for any and all other various random tests that may come in your future near or far,” she said. He smiled at her. “Thank you, I just hope that I will never fail one of your tests again, ever.” “Me neither,” she said looking very deeply into his eyes. Lily’s POV “Me neither,” she said as she gazed very deeply into his eyes. As she did, she felt something deep down inside of her, it was like fire, it was like she had never felt before when she was with any pony else under the sea, all those other various random seaponies, well, they definitely weren't worth the effort, they weren’t the time or memory either, but Forrest probably would be. Her heart burned inside of her, was this what love felt like? She didn't know, but she did want to find put with another test. Slowly she leaned over towards Forrest and… Forrest’s POV Forrest was happy whenever he was staring into the eyes of Lily, but this time he felt very slightly uncomfortable when she started to lean in towards him. “Uh, Lily, what are you doing?” he said. “Just shut up and go with it,” she said. But before she could complete her action suddenly Sebastian interrupted them. “Hey there, I have Blueberry, Raspberry, Cinnamon, and Strawberry pancakes just in case you didn't like the chocolate chips,” he said smiling at them. Forrest wanted to first slap himself and then hit Sebastian in the face because he had just ruined something that was probably going to be very special and important. He groaned, why did Sebastian have to ruin this moment for them? “The pancakes were just fine,” Lily said smiling at him, but secretly she was also very annoyed, how dare he interrupt the kiss that she had planned for them. “Are you sure? Because if you’re hungry I can always make you some more, even including the ever-classic original pancakes with nothing inside of them!” “No, I'll be just fine and alright, thank you very much,” she said. “Oh, well okay then, very well, as you wish,” he said leaving them to be all alone. Once he had finally left Forrest turned towards Lily. “I’m so sorry for his behavior and actions, he really just likes to help out, that’s all, and sometimes he just tends to interrupt,” he said. “Yes, I noticed that.” “Well then, I think that I’ve had enough food, how about we go out and explore instead?” she said smiling at him. “I would just simply love that,” he said. And with that said they went out of the castle to the town and explored it in a horse drawn carriages, and as they went she smiled and laughed enjoying every little experience, but as for what they did, well, let me describe it. First, they went to a theater and saw a play, then they went and went to a concert, then they went to have a picnic for lunch, then he showed her how to draw, paint, and many other various random things in the afternoon. Once that was finally done they then went to have dinner at a very fancy place and then they went back to the castle but Lily requested that they walk along the beach as the sun was setting back down in the sky. “Why though?” Forrest said when he first heard the request. “Just humor me, okay then?” she said. “Yes, well okay then,” he said. And with that they were off to the beach… again. “The sunset is very beautiful today,” she said staring out at the horizon. “Yes, it really is,” Forrest said gazing out at the sky as well. “I just wish that I could stay here on land with you forever,” she said. “Yes, wait, what was that last part again?” Forrest said very eager to try to find out any clue or hint towards how she had gotten to her current state and condition. “Oh, nothing,” she said. “No, that was definitely something, please, tell me, but only if you want to because I’m only here to always help you out.” She sighed, “Well surely you have questions about how I am like this, right?” she said hoping for a good answer and she was not disappointed at all. “Well yes, but I just figured that it would be rude to ask especially if it didn't make you happy to talk about it,” he said very concerned for her. She sighed, she was very relieved, “Yes, thank you for that, but you see I… well I... I made a deal that I really shouldn’t have, and now I have no idea what the price is or rather will be, and I have no idea when I will have to pay it either.” Forrest looked over at her and wanted to tell her that it would just be alright and fine, but if it was the Sirens who she had made the deal with, well then, may god help her soul. “Hey there, don’t worry, you have me here with you, it’ll be just alright and fine, don't worry because I will always protect you no matter what happens, and it doesn’t matter what comes between us because I'll always be here to protect you no matter what happens, always,” he said. Suddenly she hugged him with a smile as she started to cry. “Thank you, but I don't really know, I still doubt… I still fear… but why did you say that last word, why?” she said. “You mean always? Well I just felt like it was the right thing to say and I swear it was like a voice that wasn't my own told me to say that, which it totally weird and strange, right?” he said. “Yes, but it’s not unusual or odd,” she said. “Exactly, wait, what was that again?” he said. “Oh, nothing too important,” she said. “Oh, well okay then,” he said. Once again they were now staring out at the sky and ocean horizon. “You know I’ve always wondered if there was an actual edge to this world, but I don't think so, especially after what I was taught, and that’s why I really like this world, the ocean is endless because everything is connected to it.” “You really do have a fondness for the ocean, don’t you?” she said. “I’ve been interested it ever since I was really small, and when I was young and little my parents took me out here once, but then they saw something, the black ship of death with black sails, and they were afraid. A year after that I never saw them again,” he said. “Wait, did they die?” she said. “Maybe, all I know is that I lost them, and I’ve been all alone with only the help of my very best friend Sebastian to aid me, he was my parent’s loyal advisor and their friend and now he is mine as well, he means more to me than almost anything else in this world,” he said. “Oh, well that’s so sad, losing your parents at such a young age,” she said. “Yeah, it was very hard on me, but I think that I got over it… eventually…” “Well maybe you healed, but I just don't think that any pony can just move on or get over it that easily,” she said. “You’re right, it took me many years, almost ten to be exact with my latest birthday of 21 coming up around the corner.” “Oh, how exciting,” she said. “Yes, well it should be, but with you here…”- As he said this he suddenly grabbed Lily’s hooves. “-With you here everything will be just fine and simply splendid and perfect.” Lily smiled, “Thank you, but really, there is no need to compliment me.” “Ah, but flattery and food are the quickest ways to a mare’s heart.” “I think that you might have forgotten something there,” she said. “Well maybe, but do pray tell me what it was exactly?” he said. “Well you forgot charming, handsome, rugged, and funny,” she said. “And would any of those describe me at all?” he said. “Yes, I think that all of them would describe you,” she said. “Well then, I’m very glad to hear that,” he said. “And I am just happy to be here with you,” she said. Suddenly they gazed into each other’s eyes. “Your eyes… they’re just simply too beautiful to describe,” he said. “Other ponies say that I have the eyes of my mother,” she said. “Well then, I can't exactly disagree with them since I never knew your mother, and speaking of family where is she exactly? Why haven't I seen her yet?” Suddenly she looked down at the sand, “She died when I was really young and very small,” she said. “Oh, I’m so sorry, but at least you have me and your family to talk to about it now, right?” he said trying to cheer her up. “Yeah, I guess that you’re right, but still, I miss her, a lot,” she said. “So do I, but I bet that if she were alive today she would understand you, she would support you even if she couldn't quite agree with you yet,” he said. “Yeah, I know, but thanks for the support and comfort,” “Hey, what can I say but you're welcome,” he said. And with that said they continued to stare out into the distance. “Hold me,” Lily suddenly said. Forrest quickly obliged without any question whatsoever at all. “Tighter, closer,” she said. He did so and right now he could practically almost feel her heartbeat and the warmth of her skin was amazing and incredible. He soaked it all up and in very slowly making sure that his experience would be very good. And then suddenly Lily turned towards him again and then gazed into his eyes very deeply for a very long and awkward moment. “You know there is one thing that I haven't done on land or sea yet…” “Uh, okay than, and what would that be exactly?” he said. “Well why don't you try find that out for yourself first?” she said slowly leaning over towards him when she suddenly spotted the Sirens out in the distance on the horizon out of the corner of her eyes. Quickly she decided to try to change the subject matter and also her approach, “You have something in your teeth,” she said. “Oh, well thank you,” he said as she quickly leaned back from him. “Well then, I think that today has been a very nice day but I also think that it’s about time that we got back to the castle before it’s dark,” she said. “Yes, you’re right,” Forrest said as he started to walk away from her, ‘Coming?”  “Don't worry, I'll tach up in a moment,” she said to him. Forrest looked at her very doubtfully, she was hiding something. “Well, okay then, fine,” Forrest said leaving her behind unwilling to press the matter any further, but when he was far enough away he turned himself invisible and then went back to listen to Lily and her talk with the Sirens. Lily gestured for the Sirens to come over and they did so. “What do you three want?” she said. “Oh, nothing too much, but on Forrest’s birthday we will want something very precious and powerful,” Adagio said. “Yes, indeed,” Aria said. “And if you refuse to get it for us…” “You’ll be mine,” Adagio said smiling at her very creepily. “Well, what is it that you want exactly?” she said. “Oh, well it’s just something rather small,” Adagio said. “But very powerful,” Aria said. “Yeah, but it doesn’t give you tacos,” Sonata said. Suddenly every Siren turned towards her very angrily. “What? It’s true,” she said. “Anyhow as we were trying to say we will want your father’s trident.” Lily’s heart dropped, of course they would request something impossible of her because they wouldn't want her to be on land without paying a great big huge price, but the one of betraying her family wasn't worth it, but what would be the price if she didn't? She would never get to be on land again… ever…. She was stuck in between a rock and a hard place in an impossible situation, she couldn't move forwards or backwards and the only option left just seemed to be giving up hope. She shook with fear, she was afraid what would happen to her either way because no matter what happened it wouldn't end very good or well at all. “Why?” she said unable to say anything else yet to them. “Because we’re not good, we’re evil darling, every pony else says so, what did you expect, sugar coated candy canes and a gingerbread house instead?” “I didn't expect this,” she said. “Ha, no pony does, and yet they still blame us for falling for our trap when they willing come into it just like lobsters.” “I can't do this for you, I just can't, I won't,” she said. “Oh, well that’s too bad because I believe that his birthday is coming up very soon and if you won't do it by then, well, you won't ever get the chance or opportunity to spend time with him ever again,” Adagio said. “How soon is it coming up?” she said. “Well why don't you ask him that darling?” Adagio was right… for once. Damn, she really hated it when villains were right. “Alright, fine then, just please don't bother me here before then.” ‘We can't make any promises, but we’ll try not to, especially during any romantic moments just like the one that you were going to have before you saw us.” “Go away and don't ever come back here again,” she said. “We’ll try, but we will also see you again very soon, remember our deal and don't forget it, pay the price or be mine instead,” Adagio said smiling as they all then suddenly went below the water disappearing from her sight. Once they were finally gone she let out a very slight relieved sigh and then started to cry. What had she done? Why had she ever signed that stupid deal of theirs? Now she would either have to betray her family or be theirs instead, and neither option would be very good, and right now she just wished that she could talk to someone else, any pony else, even Forrest included too. But she just couldn't, and she also just didn't know why though either, it was almost like it was a curse, almost like they really had taken away her voice in the first place. She sniffled wiping away the tears from her eyes, time to start going back towards the castle and heading towards her room before Forrest started to suspect anything. But little did she know that he had watched the events from behind a rock invisible to her eyes. It’s even worse than I thought, I’d better get back to the castle to keep up my ruse, and I’d also better tell Sebastian this as well. And with that in his mind he very quickly ran back to the castle at an appropriate distance in it just to try to make sure that the time passed and his stride would relatively match to the eyes of Lily of course, who would be very hard to trick, or it could be just the opposite instead. And some of the same thoughts about tricking Forrest ran in her head too. How could she lie to him, but then again, how could she not? She had to protect him, and if that meant if she had to lie then so be it. She would do whatever it took in order to protect him. Once she got to the castle and saw Forrest she put on a fake smile. “Hey there Forrest, did you miss me?” she said. “Oh, did I ever, does a rose or flower miss the sun? Does a bee miss its honey? Does a sailor miss the taste of the salty sea and ocean? Does a baby miss its mother? Does the moon and sun rise and set each and every single day?” She giggled, smiled, and then laughed at him, “Yes,” she said. “Ah yes, that is the correct answer, but anyhow I think that it would be best for us to go to bed, don't you agree and think so?” he said. “Indeed,” she said. With that said Forrest turned and smiled as he started to go towards his room before Lily stopped him. “Forrest, how long is it before your birthday?” He stopped, oh dear, should he tell her? He didn't want to keep her in the pain of suspense and mystery, but he also didn't want the despair that would come from her pain if he did tell her. “Uh, why do you ask? Surely it really isn’t that important, right?” he said. “It is to me, just tell me, please,” she said. He turned and looked at her puppy dog eyes, damn it, he thought, she just had to play that card, didn't she, she just couldn't leave it alone either, could she? “Alright, fine then, it’s just about three days from now,” he said. Lily shook in great fear. “Three days?” she said. “Yes, why?” Forrest said already knowing why. “Oh, no reason, but that does mean I will have to select a birthday gift for you very soon,” she said. “Well if you want it to be a surprise for me than I would recommend that you take Sebastian with you and him only so that way you don't spend the entire royal treasury on something for me,” he said. “Don't worry, I won't,” she said trying to smile at him. “I don't doubt that.” And with that said Forrest went to his room and lay down very uneasy because of Lily. And as for her, she went to her room and also was troubled because of the Sirens, but as for Sebastian, well, he didn't exactly sleep that night, or ever really, in fact Forrest never even asked him if he had a room there which seemed very strange, odd, and mysterious after all these years, but neither questioned it by this point. And so they all slept very uneasily that night. > Silence of the Night > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Fifteen: Silence of the Night When everything was silent and quiet in the castle Sebastian decided to sneak out… again. He did this on an almost nightly basis, and he didn't even ever tell his friend about his trips, mainly because he had to protect him, or at least he would have to until his birthday at the very least due to his contract/deal. But he went out because it was the only thing that he could do. That was the only way he knew how to sleep and fight, nothing else ever really worked for him. He never told his friend this because he didn't really need to know, or at least not yet he did. He sighed, he wished that he could, but he couldn't not yet, and all because of the deal which was more like a curse instead. Oh well, he could live with it for now, after all, he had lived it for many years by now. But as the day got closer it was much harder to resist his natural urges, yet he still did. He still did because Forrest was his very best friend, and he had to protect him no matter what the cost might be. He went to the water’s edge and then dipped his hoof in. Suddenly Triton raised up from the water. “Didn't I warn you about stepping into my realm and domain?” He growled berry angrily. “Yes, but I’m not in your kingdom now, am I? I’m on the very edge of both kingdoms, right in the middle where peace and war can start and also end,” he said. “What do you want? Forgiveness? Redemption? A second chance? Well guess what, you’ve already got one, and you failed at it,” he said. “Ah, but I think that I might have information that would grant me a third one,” he said. “Go on,” Triton said lowering his trident down. “I’m sure that by now you’re already wondering where your daughter is, right?” Triton’s eyes flared up with anger, “If you did anything to her, if you hurt her I swear that I will kill you,” he said. “Hey, don’t worry about her, she’s safe… for now at least, not so much three days from now, anyhow it’s not what I did to her, but more rather what she did to herself, and trust me, you’re going to laugh when you hear this because it’s so funny and hilarious,” he said trying not to smile, but failing to do so. “Alright, fine then, just tell me where she is already!” Triton said. “Well I won't tell you if you’re just going to be rude about it.” Triton growled with anger and fury. “You also forgot to say the magic word,” Sebastian said in a sing-song voice. Triton sighed as he still looked at him with anger, “Alright, fine then, very well, will you please tell me where my daughter is right now?” he said. “Ah, that’s much better, and yes, I will, thanks for asking me, you see, your daughter is well… otherwise landlocked and capsized at the moment.” Triton looked at him still furious with him, “Wait, what?” “Well I guess you could say that she’s finally earned her land legs,” Sebastian said unable to resist laughing at his own very subtle jokes. “Tell me what happened to her already damn it!” Triton shouted. “Oh, haven’t you already guessed it, she went to the Sirens of course, duh!” he said. Suddenly Triton’s face turned very pale, “No, this can't be true, this isn’t real, this is impossible!” “Oh, but it is, it really is, and want to now the best part of all of this is? “You can't do anything, not one single simple thing to help her out.” Triton growled, “I can and I will,” he said. “Even if you killed the Sirens do you really think that it would change the deal? Besides, you can't kill them, they’re immortal just like you are, just like I am because of my curse,” he said. “Your actions lead to that curse because of the deal that you made!” “And I do wish that I had never taken it, but I can't change that now, but I can try to change the future by redeeming myself, so what do you say, king?” “If accepting your help means that my daughter is safe and happy, then so be it,” Triton said. “Yes, but what do I get in exchange for it?” he said. “Freedom if that’s what you want, gold, wealth, treasure, just name it and it will be yours,” he said. “Well then, I think that we have yet another deal because in three days your daughter won't be safe anymore because of her deal with the sirens, but might I recommend making a very powerful storm on that day?” Triton looked at Sebastian very suspiciously and curiously, “So, what do you have planned to save my daughter?” “Oh, you’ll see very soon enough, but let’s just say it involves a prince and a king as well,” he said smiling as Triton still looked very confused even when he did finally manage to explain his plan. “That sounds very dangerous,” he said. “Well I can't guarantee anything, but are you willing to take a leap of faith for the risk or not? What do you really want, you daughter’s safety and joy, or your own instead?” he said holding out his hoof. Triton looked at it very nervously. “You have a deal, Sebastian,” he said. “Excellent, very good then, remember this and in three days’ time we will act, understand?” he said. “Yes, I do.” “Very good then, now if you don't mind, I want to get some sleep,” And with that said Triton disappeared under the waves as Sebastian lay there on the sand soaking up what he could before the daytime eventually came. > The Next Days Come and The Third Day > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Sixteen: The Next Days Come and The Third Day The next days passed very slowly and yet still were somehow very fast too. Lily enjoyed the time that she had left as best as she could, but the Sirens were always at the very back of her mind and head as his birthday approached. She did get him a gift eventually, one that would be a very special surprise. Everypony seemed ready and excited for that day, even Sebastian which seemed a bit out of character for him, but nothing too strange, different, or odd. But as the days went on Lily only got sadder because of what would come next. Forrest constantly tried to ask her what was wrong, but she never said what it was. But then suddenly the day of his birthday came and everypony was very happy, all except for Lily of course. She tried to smile as the day went on, but Forrest could tell that there was pain and despair in her eyes, he could see it. He just wished that she could and would talk to him, for both their sakes. But she didn't, or at least not until it was already too late for that anymore. Everything was just fine, splendid, wonderful, incredible, and perfect for Forrest, but then sunset slowly started to approach them and Lily could hold back no more once they were finally on the beach again. “Forrest, I have to tell you something,” she said. “Okay then, tell me,” he said. “It’s about the deal that I made, I made it with these terrible horrible creatures and now they’re going to be coming for me today and if I don't do exactly what they want they’ll take me away and I'll never see you again and if I do what they want I'll have to betray my family and I simply just cannot do that,” she said. “I know,” he said, “Ever since I watched you from three days ago, and I’m just so sorry that I didn't talk to you sooner, I thought that you would come to me, obviously I was wrong.” “Wait, you knew for three days and didn't decide to try talking to me?” “I didn't want to hurt you,” he said. “Don't worry, I don't really blame you for not talking to me,” she said. “I know, I was very stupid, but at least we have now to make up the lost time,” he said. “Not for long,” she said pointing at the sun. “Let me guess, they’re going to come once the sun is set?” “Yep,” she said. “And will there be a storm?” he said pointing at the sky. “Probably,” she said. “I expect a very intense battle and fight, bring it on.” Suddenly lightning flashed in the gray sky (which it had been for all day, but still no rain… yet) as the sun set. And then suddenly they both saw the Sirens approaching them. “Get ready,” Forrest said preparing his own magic. The Sirens very quickly swam towards water and then suddenly… > The Battle > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Seventeen: The Battle The Sirens leapt out of the water landing on the sandy shore. “We’ve come to collect on our bargain,” Adagio said. “Yes, pay the price,” Aria said. Forrest smiled, “You’ll have to get through me first,” he said. “Ha, there’s no way that you’ll ever defeat us,” she said. “Oh, I don't need to defeat you, I just need to distract you,” he said, “Besides, I have a secret that I’ve kept hidden for a very long time,” he said. “No secret of yours can ever possibly defeat us.” “Oh, do you want to make a bet on that?” he said smiling. “We don't really make bets,” Adagio said. “Ironic coming from you three,” “Oh well, it doesn’t matter, Lily has to come with us to pay the price.” “You’re going to have to kill me first before that happens,” Forrest said lighting up his magic to reveal a pair of hidden wings. “Wait, what? You’re an alicorn!” Adagio shouted. “Yep, but I don't really lie to make that fact known to the public.” “Well it doesn’t really mater, we’ll beat you anyways,” she said. “Ha, we’ll see about that,” he said. And with that said suddenly he leapt into the air flying towards them. They very quickly dodged his flying attack and then went towards Lily. But then he landed in front of her casting a protection shield around the two of them defending them against the Sirens. They looked at his spell and smiled, “Impressive, but you’ve still forgotten one thing, our voices.” And with that said they started to sing, but Forrest was prepared as he got out the wax and put it in his ears (he really did need to thank Death someday). But sadly enough Lily was affected by the song, and she started to wander towards them. He tried to stop her, but the siren’s voices were very powerful. He decided to skip all the nice stuff and things and instead went for the straight attack. He powered up his magic shooting it at the sirens making a green and blue beam of death against the colors of their voices causing a very big huge enormous explosion turning some of the sand black and the rest of it into glass. Forrest gasped trying to regain his breath again, he saw that the Sirens were right across from him still standing on the beach. “Impressive,” Adagio said, “But you still can’t defeat us, just give up and let Lily come with us, or else.” “Never, you’re going to have to kill me first,” he said, “And if I can’t stop you through magic then I'll just have to use another way instead,” he said. And with that said he growled and then flew at the sirens fighting them with his bare hooves. He tried to punch them but they always managed to dodge his attacks until a hoof kick finally landed on Adagio causing her lip to bleed. She wiped away the blood, “Oh, you’re going to pay for that.” Forrest's horn glowed as his eyes turned red, “Bring it on,” he said. Suddenly both of them shouted as they rushed at each other and both cast their magic at the same time causing the beams of magic to hit and despite his strength Forrest was eventually overcome by the Siren’s powerful voices. He lay on the sand groaning as they slowly went up to him and smiled. “You see, you can’t defeat us,” they said. He smiled, “Oh, I never planned on that, I was only distracting you.” Adagio glanced at him very curiously, “Distracting us from what though.” He smiled, “You’ll see soon enough in about three, two, one…” Suddenly Sebastian appeared behind Adagio and used his magic to bind her up. “I bet that you didn't see that one coming,” he said. “Please no bad jokes,” Forrest said. “Sorry, sir,” he said. “That’s okay, but it’s time that we get these sirens somewhere else,” he said. “No, you won't because I am tired of your silly little games,” Adagio said breaking the bonds. “No, that’s impossible,” Sebastian said, “That was alicorn magic!” “Magic that we can easily fight off, but enough, nothing can stop us from collecting our payment which has our own special magic that not even the sea king or any of you combined can stop,” she said. “Well don't be too sure about that because Triton already knows, and he should be here very soon,” Sebastian said. “Very good then, excellent, all is going according to plan.” “Wait, how come you know that?” Forrest said. Sebastian sighed, “I suppose that it’s time to tell you the truth, I was once part of the sea kingdom once, but then was cursed to live on land, and right now I’m just trying to redeem myself because the king gave me a chance at mercy.” “Oh,” Forrest said, “And you never thought to tell me this before then?” “You weren't ready yet,” he said. “Well maybe I was.” “ENOUGH!” Adagio shouted, “We will now be taking what is rightfully ours!” Suddenly golden beams of light snatched Lily and started to drag her across the sand but despite Forrest’s attempts to break it nothing worked, it would not break. “Your magic is useless against ours,” Adagio said. “Not quite,” another very familiar voice said from behind them. They all turned to look at King Triton. “Ah, just in time I see,” Sebastian and Adagio said at the same time. “Always a pleasure to meet you.” “Give me my daughter back right now or else,” he said. “Or else what? You didn’t even try to kill us last time, and you cannot either,” She said. “Well maybe this time will be different,” he said. “I doubt that,” she said. “Well then, let’s see, shall we?” “Let’s,” she said, but before they could Sebastian stopped them. “Wait,” he said, “Let me see the contract first,” he said. Adagio glanced at him very shocked and surprised. “Wait, what?” she said. “Show me the contract.” “Why should I?” she said. He smiled, “What harm could it do?” Adagio looked at him, she didn’t know how to respond to that. “Fine then, here, take a look,” she said giving him it for him to examine. He looked at it very closely and read it very quickly. “Oh dear,” he said, “It seems that you may have made one small little mistake my dears,” he said smiling at them. “That’s impossible, we don't make mistakes,” Adagio said. “Oh, really? Well then, why don't you explain this then and to quote from the text, ‘only a relative can take the place of said subject signer’, therefore someone can take her place, right?” he said. “That’s correct,” she said. “And no doubt that you intended for her father to take her place, right?” “Yes,” she said, “Because we know how foolish he is and how he would give up his kingdom for his daughter,” she said. “Well it’s true,” Triton said. “There’s no need king, after all, by these terms I could take her place.” “No, you can't,” Adagio said, “You’re not related to her at all.” “Yes, I am, check my blood if you don't believe me, besides, a relative can be a friend, after all, did you specify it to be by blood?” “Yes, we did,” she said. “And I drank her blood, that makes me, ‘of her blood’, right?” he said. Adagio groaned, he had found a loophole, dammit. “Yes,” she said. “I thought so, you also forgot one more thing, you can only request one item, I told the king of your plan and guess what, he split the trident up into four parts making it no longer just one item anymore,” he said. Two loopholes, now that was very impressive. “Your point?” “The contract is null and void,” he said. She smiled, “No it’s not.” “How so then?” Sebastian said. “The contract specifically said that she would agree to any consequences of failing to pay out the price, and if it is null and void then how come we still have power over her? If it is then why is not she a seapony again?” Adagio said. “Because it’s your power that’s deceiving us.” She cursed, how come he was so smart and clever. “You can't ever prove that.” “No, I can’t, but I can read a contract and yours is null and void.” “But it’s not because we said that that the only way that it could be is if another was to take her place, but not for retrieving the one item that we wanted.” “Very well then, take me instead,” Sebastian said. “No, we won’t.” “Why not? Can you deny a willing exchange of souls?” “We can and we will as it was stated in the contract, and right now we will only accept Triton, he’s the only one that we want,” she said. “Very well then, let me just make a very small change to your contract first,” he said. “No, once made the deal cannot change,” she said. “Very well then, take the king of the sea,” he said. Triton suddenly slowly went over to the Sirens, “Daddy, I’m so sorry, but you don't have to do this for me,” Lily said. “I do,” he said, “I must.” Adagio smiled as he signed the paper, “It’s done!” she shouted as the contract suddenly vanished in a golden beam of light freeing Lily, but then… Nothing happened, no more golden yellow beams of light, just nothing. “Wait, what’s wrong, why’s it not working?” Adagio screamed. “You did forget something, a legal citizen of the sea kingdom can take the king’s place in any kind of battle, fight, duel, challenge, deal, or bargain acting in his place with the full power, and Triton didn't sign as himself, he signed as the sea king, there’s a difference darling, and did I forget to mention that he gave me the rights to be a legal citizen again and actually granted me to be the king as well? It must have slipped my mind,” he said. “Then why is nothing happening?” Sebastian smiled, “Well it’s simple, I’m not the sea king.” “I don't understand,” Adagio said. “Well then, let me explain, in order to be a king one must have a kingdom, right?” he said. “Correct,” she said suspecting where this was going to go “Exactly, I decided to rename myself too, I find the king of the ocean has a much better and longer title, did I also forget to mention the fact that I made a deal with the Moon family? I can't leave their service until a family member grants it, and my deal is much older than yours therefore surpassing yours, after all, time beats all, right?” he said smiling. Oh no, they had managed to fine all the loopholes. “But what does this mean?” “Good question, Forrest refuses for me to go, and your contract says that I should go so I predict that something very nasty is going to happen very soon enough unless you destroy the deed first because I would not like the surprise that comes out of that thing,” he said pointing at the contract. “We can face it,” Adagio said. “Oh really, you can face the one who keeps deals, the judge of all?” he said. “Yes,” she said. “I highly doubt that.” “We can't break the deal,” Adagio said. “Well guess what, you can't have any of us, I can't go with you because Forrest doesn't want me to and you can't take anypony else since your contract only specified one soul for another, you're stuck my dears, you can't go forwards or backwards either, so why don't you just give up then?” he said. “No, we won't, we don't give up any souls, your contact will always stand if you’re still technically a king,” she said. “Not for long, I suspect that once a wedding has taken place that we’ll all finally be free,” he said. “What wedding?” Adagio said. “Ah, don't worry about it, you’ll see it very soon enough, now then, leave, your contract is useless now, and it’s your choice to destroy it, but you will never get one should from any of these families.” “We’ll see about that, but you will pay for this Sebastian,” she said. “I highly doubt that,” he said as they slowly swam away. Then he turned towards all of them, “I can't believe that actually worked,” Triton said. “Me too,” Forrest said. “What? Did you ever doubt my plan?” “Just a bit, but now I can't believe that there’s two sea kings,” Triton said. “Well maybe three soon enough, but trust me, you should let the queen rule.” “Ha, maybe, but we work together,” Triton said. “Wait, you did all of that for me? You tricked them for me?” Lily said. “Yes, of course, I love you Lily,” Forrest said. “So do I,” Triton said. “Thank you,” she said. “You’re welcome, but hey, I could do a song about this-,” he said. But then suddenly Lily started to run over towards him, “What-?” he said. “Just shut up and go along with it,” she said running into his hooves and kissing him. Then she pulled back, “That felt good,” she said. “What-?” Forrest said. She laughed and smiled, “Just shut up and kiss me,” she said. Forrest smiled and obliged, “Ugh, could you please not do that right in front of me?” Triton said. “Well then, time to start planning the wedding,” Sebastian said. “Hey, one step at a time,” Forrest said. “Yes, please,” Triton said. “You forget, I’m half king now, I don't have to listen to you anymore.” “You’re going to be a pain in my butt, aren’t you?” “Yep, deal with it,” he said as Triton groaned and Forrest and Lily continued to kiss each other as the sky slowly faded away into darkness. > The Wedding > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Eighteen: The Wedding Soon enough after much time to develop their relationship Lily and Forrest eventually decided to get married and surprisingly enough her father agreed to this, and when asked why he said, “Your happiness is all that matters to me now,” and that was enough for her. The wedding was to take place on the beach of course, where else? It was where Lily and Forrest first met and it would give the chance and opportunity for both seaponies and the ones on the land to attend it. Hopefully there would be a very large crowd there to turn it out. There was. The audience was both very big and huge for both of the races. The land ponies gasped in great shock and surprise at the seaponies, and so did the seaponies even though they were much shyer than the land ponies. Forrest and Lily had requested for both races to be silent and so they were even though both wanted to ask so many questions about the other race. Lily was getting ready for the wedding with the help of a very skilled pony who not only worked in fashion, but also in many more various random things and stuff, her name was Athena. “You seem nervous,” she said, “Is it because you don't want to go through with this?” she said. “No, it’s just that I’ve waited so long for this,” Lily said. “Oh, well then, what’s bothering you my dear?” “I don't know, I just don't feel-… well it’s like something’s missing.” “It’s probably your mother, is not it?” she said. “Yes, I just wish that she could be here today for this,” “Don't worry, I’m sure that she’s always watching you.” “Yeah, I know,” Lily said smiling as she closed her eyes and she could practically feel her mother’s hooved on top of her shoulders. “Well then, I’m done, and I must say you simply look just lovely and splendid,” she said. Lily opened her eyes, she was right, she was indeed perfect. “Thank you,” Lily said. “No problem, now then go out there and get the stallion of your life,” she said. Lily smiled, “Thanks, I'll make sure to do that.” And with that said she took a very deep breath and went through the makeshift curtain that served as a doorway for the makeshift ‘chapel’ that they had. Once she went through music instantly filled the air, and she saw Forrest standing there with the best pony as Sebastian next to him at his side and then her father escorted her down the aisle towards him, but as she got closer she could swear that she saw an image of her mom smiling at the side of Forrest and then she knew that he was the one, and now her dream finally made sense. She gasped as she got closer to him, she just couldn’t believer her luck, to fine the one, she just couldn't believe it. Finally, she got up to him and then decided to look over, “You’re the one,” she said, “I love you.” Forrest glanced over at her with great shock and surprise, “I love you too,” he said. And with that said suddenly the priest started his speech thingy (the vows) for them and when the time came for them to say the magical words of ‘I do’ they did so very gladly. And then with that said they kissed and it was a very special and very perfect moment and nothing could possibly ever ruin it. (Ha, if you really believe that you don't know what irony or sequel baiting is.) After that Lily did the ever-classic move of throwing the flowers back and they landed in the hooves of one very lucky pony. Then Lily went over to her father, “I love you daddy,” she said whispering into his ears. He couldn't help but to cry at this, “Thank you so much, I love you too,” he said. “Yes, and you’ll always have a friend in me,” Sebastian said. “Thank you all so very much, but I think that it is time for us to go on in our own separate ways, after all, our stories cannot connect forever and we need a honeymoon,” Forrest said nuzzling Lily very gently which got a giggle out of her. “I agree, I think that it would be best for me to leave until my deal with the Sirens is broken, who knows, maybe there might be a pony or wizard powerful enough to stop them,” Sebastian said. “Speaking of the Sirens how come I didn't see them today?” Lily said. “Oh, trust me, they were there alright, hiding in the shadows, I know because I did see them, but they did not dare approach us, anyhow in other very recent news I’m considering changing my name to something else, maybe Matthew instead?” he said. “Your name is just fine as it already is,” Forrest said, “Well maybe it is, maybe it’s not,” he said very causally. “Come on now, it’s not that bad really, is it?” Forrest said. “Maybe Seb instead, that could work, or maybe…” he said going off into a rant. “Don't worry, he should stop… eventually,” Forrest said, “But until then will you be fine talking care of the kingdom alone?” “Yes, I will be, and just because he’s a co-king doesn't mean that he wants to rule, he actually really hates responsibilities like that and the only reason that he didn’t complain in your service was because he really liked you,” he said. “Oh, well that explains a whole lot I guess,” Forrest said. “Yes, it would, anyhow good luck with your marriage, have a happy honeymoon and I hope to see both of you again very soon, especially you Lily.” “Don’t worry father, I won't be gone forever,” she said. “Well don't make any promises that you can't keep, now then, if you don't mind, I have a kingdom to rule,” he said as all the seaponies slowly faded away into the waters again. “Ah, seaponies, beautiful, wonderful, splendid, perfect, but they’re just too shy for most ponies which makes you and me very special,” Forrest said. “Well not if you count your parents,” she said. “Wait, what do you mean by that exactly?” Forrest said. “Well let’s just say that they all managed to make a seapony fall in love with them too just as you did with me, however they didn't quite have the same problems as you and me, they joined their wives in the sea, not the other way around since turning into a seapony is surprisingly very easy,” she said. “Yeah, just as you turning into a land pony with the help of your father.” “Yes, I know, I made a very bad stupid poor choice,” she said. “And I don’t hold you against that either because I love you,” Forrest said. “Thanks,” she said, “But come on, it’s time to go to our honeymoon cottage.” “In a literal sense or a physical sense instead?” Forrest said. “Why not both?” she said as they slowly walked back to the castle and then went into Forrest’s no, their room. “This used to be my room, but now it’s ours,” Forrest said going over to the bed and lying down. “Yes, our room,” Lily said also going down to lie in their bed. “So, miss Lily Ocean Moon, how do you want to spend the first night as a married couple together?” he said smiling at her. “Oh, don't worry, I have a few ideas,” she said smiling very seductively as she wrapped her hooves around his neck. “Oh, so you want to go there and do that and it, right?” Forrest said. “Yep, you basically just said it,” she said. “Well then, I certainly have no objections to this plan and idea.” “You’re not in court, but if you were I would find you guilty of being in love with me and sentence you to whatever naughty nasty ideas I have for you.” “And I would very gladly accept that sentence as well,” he said as they both smiled and laughed and then slowly started their way into a night of passion. > The Honeymoon > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Nineteen: The Honeymoon After their first night together as a couple they spent the rest of their honeymoon locked away from every pony else until they just had to come out. They spent their time reading and writing and drawing and painting and basically doing whatever they wanted to without any kinds of restrictions at all. Royalty did have its advantages sometimes after all. They ignored the problems of the world and to describe how it went would be a waste on my time, mostly just because I really want this story to end at this point because of the length. Anyhow, now unto yet another chapter of their lives, literally (because… nah, I won't explain the joke, you’ll either get it or you won't). > Bonus Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bonus 1: The Tales of Love and Passion (Me: Do I have to do this? Editor: Only if you want to. Me: Bangs head on a table/book really, really hard. Okay then, I'll do it then.) [In a much earlier chapter I said that Sebastian loved once. Well, I’m going to expand upon that, just a little bit though, and also on the relationship between Forrest and Lily as well, I hope that you enjoy this part/section.] Sebastian swam through the water aimlessly. (And you know what? Never mind, I give up, let’s just skip to the end, and try this again, shall we? Okay then, take two, let’s try this thing again.) “Sebastian,” Forrest said one day. “Yes sir, what is it?” “You said something about being in love once, right?” “Well yes sir, I did, but that was a very long time ago…” “Will you please tell me your story?” Sebastian sighed. “I was drifting aimlessly when I met her, a daughter of the sea king, I was very young, stupid, and foolish at the time, so was she. Eventually, I wanted more and even tried to argue against the king and well, here I am.” “Wow, that was a very short story, care to elaborate any more on that for us?” “No sir, I really don't like to tell long stories, it just takes too long.” “Ah, yes I see, very well then, you may leave us if you want to.” “As you wish, but before I do go, I have a gift,” he said pulling out a book, “It’s my journal, and yours, bound together in a book form, I hope that you like it sir," “Like it? Sebastian, I love it, and I’m sure that I'll enjoy reading your story,” “Yes, just as much as I enjoyed reading yours.” “You read mine? Seriously?” “Yes, and I never really knew it took that long for the dating, or that you could do-,” he said. “Uh, I’m going to stop you right there,” Forrest said. Sebastian smiled, “Thank you, now then, if you don't mind, I have one more last final thing to do with the editor of this, Matthew needs an ending and I plan to give him a decent one, so I must ask you this, what is love?” Forrest smiled, “There is no perfect answer, but love is the greatest thing in the world, always aim and strive for it.” “It seems like my wisdom has sunk into you, but I’m just glad that there are no musical numbers, they were starting to get annoying.” “Oh, we can still do one.” “Please don't.” Forrest laughed, “Don't worry, we won't.” “Well, maybe you won't,” Lily teased. “I would rather end our relationship on a high note.” “Well then, farewell and good luck.” “Thank you, and remember, I will always be here for you no matter what happens, always.” “Me too, always,” Forrest said as Sebastian slowly faded out of his sight. “At least we still have each other,” Lily said once he was gone. “Yes, we do, you’re right, we’ll always have each other, always and forever.” The End > Bonus Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bonus Chapter Two “So, that’s your story then?” “Yes, it is,” Forrest said. The wizard took another sip of tea, “Thanks for the tea, really, but where is this King Cosmos you speak of, I would like to meet him.” “East, in the land of Alicar.” “Ah yes, East, I knew that I would find something down here in the South, but I never imagined seaponies,” the stranger said. “Yeah, and I never imagined that we would tell you this.” “Well I’m sorry for slipping a truth potion into the tea, but I assure you, your story is safe with me, it will be secure forever.” “Yes, but how did you get that phoenix?” “Oh? Felicia? I found her all alone in the wildlands.” “Ah, I see that now,” Forrest said nodding. “So, where will you go now?” Lily asked. “East of course, and one day, I will defeat those Sirens.” “You will?” Sebastian said very surprised. “Yes, I will, I promise.” “So, it was nice meeting you and I hope that we can be friends.” “Me too, but your tale is slightly wrong.” “How so?” “Orion Sky is still alive.” “No, he’s dead,” Lily said. “Correction, his future self is dead, he used a time travel spell, one of my own ironically enough since I will one day prove he is a traitor, and he went back in time to try altering history, however, he failed to recognize that in doing so he would become part of history, timelines, they make no sense.” “Yes, they’re very confusing, but how can you know all of this?” “I was the ones that made the time travel spell, I can detect time anomalies.” “Yes, of course you can,” Forrest said. “Well then, thanks for the tea, but I must go now, King Cosmos awaits.” “Goodbye for now Starswirl,” “Yes, goodbye, I hope that we can meet again because I just love making cameo appearances,” he said smiling. “Wait, what?” Forrest asked. “Don't question his logic,” Sebastian said. And with that the wizard left them to follow his own special and unique story.