Lady Fluttershy looses her father at sea and is engaged to a feared aristocrat. With the help of her friend Twilight they sneak onto a ship. Will they find Fluttershy's father? Or will she live her life with a loveless marriage.
An evil captain of the world's most feared pirates of the seven seas is after the treasure of an ancient temple. With the help of a young maiden on the search for her lost father. Will the theives get their gold? Will family drama get in the way? Love? Let's see how the ocean prepares our unique travelers.
Waves, just calm waves across the horizon. Seagulls chattering in the clear blue sky. A ship sails in the world's most mysterious and dangerous part of the ocean. The ship is new, sturdy planks, and big strong sails. On the nose there's a carving of a beautiful young alicorn, with lovely flowing hair. The name of the ship is shown on the back saying The Majestic Celestia.
The crew is seen doing their daily routine, checking the sails, tightening the ropes, and scrabing the poop deck. One of these stallions was an old timer, he was was trying to lift a heavy looking barrel. But like all ponies his age, his strenght has left him. I wish I had my lucky scarf. He cursed to himself for being so foolish especially for a pony at his age. He could only hope that nopony will notice his old scarf his wife made for him, is gone. Maybe when we reach the docks I'll sneak in grab my scraf. Then I don't have to worry about-
The door at the back of the ship opened and everypony stood up straight,looking at their stallion in command.
"C-Caption Blueblood," Blueblood was the richest and most cruelest aristocrat in all of Equestria. He is in the trading business, traveling all over the world to get all the needs for the kingdom. But he would also us this to get himself the most gorgeous treasures and luxurious clothing. He wore a dark blue suit, with white ruffles on his white shirt, and the most fanciest boots that are so expensive that if any stallion wanted them would have to work his whole life of earnings just to get a half of one boot. His long golden hair was tied in a loose ponytail and he wore big black captain's hat.
"Everything is going to plan sir...we haven't seen any... t-the wind is blowing in the west and the t-tides-" The nervous young sailor was interrupted. "Yes.." He said looking at the sail being pushed out by the wind. "Everything is going so splendidly." He looked around the deck. All of the crew silently waited for what he had to say next. "Keep up the good work." He turned around to go back to his quarrters. The crew let out a sigh of relief and continue with their work. "Oh... I almost forgot."
All of them quickly turned to stare at him, sweat running down their brows. If you knew Blueblood he would always find out something and the outcome was never merciful.
"When you try and steal something that you know doesn't belong to you." He gave a glare at one particular sailor. "Make sure that you don't leave any evidence." He pulled out a old torn scarf. Everypony's eyes widen and moved out of the way to show the old stallion with a short white beard and tattered clothes. He shaked under the captain's gaze. He looked down at his hooves as the captain went up to him glaring. Then started to circle around him.
"How long have you been working here?" Blueblood asked casually looking at the ocean. The stallion gulped and responded "Th-thirty years s-sir." The blonde stallion turned his head slightly an gave a dark expression which gave every soul a cold feeling. "Thirty years." He surprised them with a light laugh full of cruel humor. "Thirty buck'n years." He gave a small chuckle before facing the poor elder. "You've been working for thirty years. Yet you forgot who's ship this is, and who's in charge of this crew." He leaned in to his old wrinkled ear. "Even you, a lousy, filthy bastard who has no business with what I'm doing on my ship. And you should know I don't like theives on my deck."
The older stallion was terrified, but found his courage to speak. "P-please forgive me I-I was just cleaning your selves of antiques. Th-then I walked over to your desk a-and I saw..." He looked up and saw Blueblood towering over him giving out a dark stare. "When I was a lad I heard the legend, a-and I got curious why you of all ponies had the.." He paused when a sound of a sword being taken out of its sword belt. Captain Blueblood held up his sword inches from the old stallion's face. "And you out of all the crew should know to never go behind the captain's back." The elder started to sweat when Blueblood's sword started to pull back. "Don't you recall the old saying 'curiosity killed the cat'?"
Every stallion started to grow more nervous by the second. Especially the one that is being told this himself. Blueblood raised his sword above the elder's head, it shined brightly with the suns' rays reflecting it. The old sailor started to shake all over, will the others watch this horrific scene with wide eyes. Suddenly the weapon came down as quick as a flash. The crew let out a great gasp to what their captain had just done.
One eye opened to see what happened, then the second one opened, looking around confused. Then the old stallion saw his scarf cut straight down the middle in front of him. He looked up and saw Blueblood putting his sword away. "Unless you want to end up like this piece of garbage." Pointing to the old cut scarf. "Then I strongly recommend that you.." He leaned to his ear and said in a threatening whisper. "To remember your place and the ponies you work for." He paused and added a mischievous smirk. "Or used to work."
Captain Blueblood stood up and held out his hoof, there was not need to say what he wanted. The older stallion reached into his pocket and pulled out a rolled up piece of parchment with a golden color ribbon tide on it. He dropped it in Blueblood's hoof, and watched him as he carefully put it in his coat pocket. Blueblood knew he couldn't let this thief go lightly, if anypony gets in trouble on his ship they get extremely punished. He gave off an evil smirk at the old fool. "We can't have any filthy thieves on the deck now can we?"
He trembled at his feet, fear consuming his fragile body. The old sailor prayed to the heavens above for mercy from the demon before him. "You Two!?" Blueblood pointed out two young stallions. On the right was a blue coated unicorn colt with dark blue curly hair. He wore gray trousers, a brown shirt, with an old cap. The other stallion to the left was an earth pony, had an dark yellow coat, brown curly hair, and green eyes. He wore black trousers, a white long sleeved shirt, with a unbuttoned purple vest.
Both stepped forward sweat dripping on the back of their necks. Blueblood took one last look at the old fool in front of him. He was an idiot to think that somepony like him, could steal anything from this ship and go with mercy. Captain Blueblood looked at the two younger colts. "Take our little criminal here and put him in the lower part of the ship." Everypony all looked around with worried looks. Even though the ship was one of the grandest ships ever to set sail, it also had it's negatives. The lower part was for prisoners who so happen to find their way on ships. And like all cells they were small, filthy, and full of rats scampering around. In fact whenever a rodent is caught on the deck or nimbling on the crews food storage, he would made who ever found it put it in the cells. So that if anypony was a stowaway or committed a crime they'll either get the plague or get their hooves chewed on. So that's why no soul dared to cause any trouble. Until this very day.
"Are you sure that is wise captain?" Blueblood stared into the eyes of the sailor with the curley brown hair. The young sailor knew he was risking his life by questioning the captain's authority, but he felt that he needed to take a stand to the poor soul at the captain's hooves. "This punishment your giving s-sir um... j-just don't you think you're being too... too.."
"Are you denying my orders?"
The young sailor was trembling in fright at him tone, dripping with venom. "N-NO SIR! I just think it's a bit..harsh for a stallion his age to be..t-to be.."
"Put to his grave?" The captain asked raising an eyedrow.
"I-I just t-think.."
"You think?" He approached him giving him a small glare. "You think?"
The sailor looked around and saw the fearful expressions on the crews faces. Blueblood was right in front of him, towering over him. He was terrified, but was determined to show bravery.
"What is your name?"
He jumped a bit at his captain's friendly tone, a bit too friendly. "S-Sandwich. My name Ch-Cheese Sandwich." Cheese got the courage to look up to see the captain's cruel eyes. But to be more surprised to find some warmth in those light cold blue eyes.
"Ah, yes I know you." He gave a small smile, which to Cheese showed anything but kindness.
"You're a clown, an entertainer for the crew. You and your..." His eyes made contact to the blue unicorn.
Cheese wanted to punch this stallion in his heavenly face and give him a big swollen eye. But Cheese wasn't the type to do any sort of violence, plus if he did it could cost him his head. "He is my cousin, Party Favor, he helps me around the deck."
"I see." The Captain was staring at Party Favor. "Please, come over Mr. Favor." Everypony didn't know what was happening and they didn't like it. Party was dripping in sweat as he approached, he stood on the left side of his cousin. They gave each other very nervous glances as they faced their captain.
Blueblood though very mad that somepony actually dared to speak against him. Was also impressed by this stallion's bravery. Lets see if his cousin inherited such courage. I do enjoy the fear and unexpectancy in his eyes.
"So tell me Party Favor, how do you like being on this most glorious ship that you will ever be able to be on?" Blueblood asked with a bit of coldness.
Party Favor was basically a puddle of breathing sweat as he answered. "W-well it is q-quite an honor. Out of all the y-years of being in this business I.."
"So your saying that if you got a chance to get another honor you would gladly do this again?" Blueblood interpeted coming closer to the stallion, giving a sinister smile.
Cheese watched his poor cousin tremble in fear. He like everypony else on this ship hated this stallion with all their bones in their bodies. But, sadly none of them had the guts to say how they feel.
Blueblood couldn't help but have a little bit of fun. He personally enjoyed others cowering before him. And he certainly loved how every grown stallion was shaking, worrying, fearing what he was going to do.
"I-I think I wouldn't mind... i-if I got the chance to.. " He paused as he saw his captain light up his horn and point it at him. Blueblood wasn't the best at magic but unlike Party Favor along with the other unicorns on board he was in the highest magical education classes in Equestria.
"You think?" He whispered in a low tone. " You think that your opinion matters to me? Don't think this joke of yours could even make me chuckle." Party Favor didn't know what to do. He glanced at Cheese Sandwich and saw that he was just as fearful as him.
"And you!" His horn now pointed at Cheese. "Don't think I forgot about you. To be honest though I'm quite impressed, and you should consider it lucky I hardly find anything impressing. So I'll let you go with a warning."
He brightened his horn to grab the front of the two stallions' shirts. He brought both their faces close to his and gave them a threatening whisper. "If I hear any complaints on my ship again you two won't have to worry about your poor payment. In fact you won't have to worry about being homeless either."
They were terrified absolutely the most terrified they have ever been. They didn't know what was worse dying in the hooves of this madstallion or that their family won't be able to get what they need. Blueblood threw them bach next to the old stallion.
"You're lucky I'm in a good mood today so don't forget this small act of kindness I've given to you. Now do as I say take this criminal to his cell or you'll be more than fired!"
They both stood stunned, they couldn't believe how much luck was bestowed upon them.
To not test his patience as well as his kindness they solumly took the sailor to put him in the lower deck until they react the docks.
The crew was shocked beyond belief, they knew something crazy would happen but not this. "NOW LET THIS BE A LESSON TO THE REST OF YOU! NO SOUL DARE CROSS ME OR BLOOD WILL BE SPILLED!"
Everypony quickly got back to work, once Blueblood was satisfied he went back to his quarrters.
He made sure the door was locked so nopony else could sneek in. He took a seat in his well furnished chair at his desk, he took in a few breathes before reaching in his coat pocket and pulling out the parchment with the golden ribbon.
Wait till they see that this old legend isn't a legend at all. He took out a key from one of his desk drawers, walked to his self of antiques. He pushed some of them aside to reveal a key slot. He put his key into it to unlock his secret little treasure storage. Once opened he realeased a small smile, he reach in and put out two necklaces.
One made of complete silver, although not highly detailed for his liking but was completely beautiful. And the other looked exactly like it except it was made of pure solid gold. Anypony would agree this are both lovely pieces of jewelry but the main focus isn't what they're made of, it's their main design. On the silver one it had the shape of the crescent moon in the center, and the gold a shape of the burning sun.
The elder stallion sat on the floor looking at the stone ground. The two younger ponies on the opposite side, looked at the older sailor in the small prison. They hated doing this, and not just putting an innocent elder in a cell, like a criminal. They hated working for such a monster, just thinking about him made them sick. But just because they hated their boss, doesn't mean that they can just walk up and complain. Both of them and the old stallion were lucky that none of them lost a limb or anything else for that matter.
Whenever a pony or any creature dared to talk back to Blueblood, they would get a punishment like no other. A shiver when up their spines, the memories of past sailors who foolishly went past Blueblood's rage metor came to their minds. With them being way more under class they had it the worst. These were dark and desperate times, you couldn't afford to be not have a job. Mostly everypony was penniless or super poor. The upper or middle classes were lucky. They had fine homes, jewels, and all the food that they can eat.
These ponies weren't as lucky sadly.
"Th-thank you. For.. for trying to help somepony like me." His wrinkled face turned slightly at his comrades as he gave them a small smile.
They both smiled back. Cheese Sandwich stepped closer to the bars. "I couldn't let that bastard talk to you like he did. You worked on this ship longer than any of those stallions up there Rockhoof." --------------------------------×××××××××××××-----------------------------------------×××××××××××××--------- ×flashback×
Back in the day, Rockhoof was the strongest pony around. Of course he wasn't always like this, when he was a wee lad he was very skinny and a bit shrimpy. But in order to help his family he worked all day and most nights. Doing nothing but lifting heavy rocks and fighting off occasional threats from his village. Over the years he grew to a big strong stallion. He didn't get into sailing until he needed to go to Canorlot to trade some goods from his village. There was a great storm and the ship had a very little chance to fight against the raging waters. If it wasn't for Rockhoof's leadership, knowledge of constellations, and mostly his strenght none of the crew would have survived.
When he finally made it to Canorlot he decided to take a job in sailing. Blueblood was only a little colt back then, before he was put in charge Rockhoof worked for his father, Goldblood. He and his son looked a lot alike, except Goldblood's coat was a yellow tanish color and he had dark green eyes.
Rockhoof worked for him for most of his adult life, then when Blueblood was old enough he took his father's place. Goldblood wasn't the most friendliest of ponies, but he was decent enough to work for. The same couldn't be said for his son.
Right when Blueblood was put in charge things were different, way different. You couldn't even say anything unless you were ordered to. And if you wanted a day off, you couldn't, only Blueblood decided what days were for work and what days were for a break. For most days, it was work.
It got to the point where Rockhoof had just about enough. He didn't do anything about it until Blueblood fired one of the most hardworking sailors for just accidentally spilling a pinch of gunpowder.
He walked into his quarrters to have a chat. Rockhoof tried to reason with him, but had no luck.
The more that they talked the more anger shown in their voices. It got to the point where Blueblood stood from his desk and was in front of Rockhoof.
"You think that you can tell me what to do!" He gave a cruel laugh which made Rockhoof get even more upset. "You mean nothing to me, in fact none of those lousy worthless slobs that work around here have any consideration from me. All of you do on this ship is what I comand, and to do it right!"
Rockhoof was furious, not only did this young stallion made fun of him. He also insulted all the stallions who work so hard to please him. To do whatever it took to keep their jobs, and to take care of their families. And this spoiled brat just basically said they were even lower than dirt.
Before Blueblood knew what was happening, Rockhoof grabed the sleeves of his new jacket and pushed him against the wall. He gave a threatening look and said in a even more threatening voice. "You think that just because you own your father's entire business doesn't mean you own any of us. We are not your slaves, we don't work for your pleasure. We do this cause unlike you sir we have families, that we love and charish. Every stallion is willing to go through any of life's challenges. Even a heartless selfish colt like you!"
He released his hold, and Blueblood fell to the ground. Seeing that he said his piece he left the very rage filled stallion.
It wasn't until a couple days later did he come home to find his new wife being taken by the police. He immediately rushed over and demanded what was going on. One of the officers explained that his wife was suspected on selling illegal medication. This was completely outrageous, she only used herbs and other plants around their homeland and none were grown against the law.
Rockhoof didn't need to think too hard to know who could have reported that suspicion.
The door of the captain's quarrters slammed open revealing Rockhoof giving a deadly glare at the handsome stallion doing paper work.
"What..did..you..do." He said through clipped lips.
Blueblood looked up from his work and gave the sailor an innocent look. "Why whatever do you mean?"
This only increased his anger. "DON'T PLAY DUMB! Why did you put my wife in jail?"
"Now what made you think it was I who has done this deed?" Blueblood let out a knowing smirk, he's just messing around and Rockhoof knew it.
"Who else would be able to convince the police that Canorlot's best healer is doing any wrong doing." He angry beyond content, he wanted nothing more than to beat his captain until his bones were all broken.
"Oh yes, now I remember. I am sorry old friend but as you know as well as I that any criminal must be punished." His tone was full of humor and his face looked as though it was holding back a storm of a laughter.
"After what you said about families, I decided to help with your problem. You should thank me, now you have nopony draging you down."
"You let her go right now or I swear I'll-" He was interrupted. "I'm afraid that there's nothing I can do. But you can."
Rockhoof raised a suspicious eyebrow at this. "What do you mean by that?"
"I may be able to persuade the officers to release your precious wife. But only if you promise to respect, follow, and obey every single bit of my orders."
This pony was crazy. He didn't really think that somepony like Rockhoof would willingly follow him. Especially after what he just did to his wife. "I will never be leaded by anypony like you. I have enough evidence to prove her innocense."
Blueblood gave a mischievous smirk. "That maybe true, but that doesn't mean I too have some evidence. Even if it isn't, 100% the complete truth."
This had made the sailor froze. "What?"
"As you know, my father was one of the most excellent traders of his time. Now that I am incharge I have control of his entire trading circle. I travel from every corner of the world to get every material Canorlot needs. Especially healthing herds."
Rockhoof shook himself from his frozen state and gave a deadly glare at his captain. "Aye, but you don't get any sort of plants that is forbidden from Canorlot."
"You are correct. But I just so happen to discover that some of these special herds just so happens, to be a tad lower than what we had before we docked."
Rockhoof's eyes widen with horror."You wouldn't.."
"Indeed I would good sir, indeed I would."
He couldn't believe a pony could be so heartless, to lock up an innocent mare just because her husband told his boss what an ungreatful creature he was.
"Please, she has done no ill will toward you. Release her and punish me instead." Blueblood put his hoof to his chin as if considering it. "I will be able to let it slide, if I get something in return for my.... ..generosity."
Rockhoof let out an annoyed groan. "What is it?"
Blueblood now had a pleased smile.
"Since you are the strongest pony on this ship, I believe that you will have no trouble lifting the heaviest of the supplies." This made Rockhoof raise one of his brows. He new that there was more to this than Blueblood was telling him. Even he knew he wouldn't get off that easily, Blueblood knew that this was too small of a punishment. In fact this is what Rockhoof did anyway, when not helping to navigate the ship in the right direction. He would help the other stallions by lifting cargo that nopony else could carry.
"I hear that you have a good sense of direction. You even assist the new members with their assignments." The young stallion turned his back on him and looked at the ocean waves hitting the poles of the docks. "You show loyalty to the crew, even the old ones, who can barely lift a tablespoon. You are kind, too kind for this sad excuse of a crew."
His eyes narrowed, he was really tired of this stallion. "Just say what you want and I'll leave your ship for good!"
He was done with this, done with him. But in truth he didn't want to leave, even he had to deal with this little sea urchin; the crew will have to face him and Rockhoof knew he couldn't do that. Plus he loved sailing, and life wouldn't be the same if he left the sea forever.
"Leave?" Blueblood turned to face his worker.
"Oh, you misunderstood me. I would very much like for you to stay. But of course your job will be a bit different now. I want you to be the one all the heavy weighted packages, that's all you will do here."
Now Rockhoof was really scattered brained. How is this a punishment?, he thought.
The confusion was pretty noticable on his face. So Blueblood shed more light on the situation. "You see, there are not as much sailors as strong as you. But you won't be that way forever. When I said that is all you have to do, I mean that's all you have to do, till your timer has stopped."
His face was so white it looked like a snow day in December, working for him until his final days?! It sounds like a fate worse than death, like way worse. He wanted shout, to run, to beat the crap out of him.
But he remembered his loving wife, in a jail cell. All alone. No, as much as he hated it no. He couldn't and he won't do that to her. Rockhoof knew what he needed to do.
"I except my new line of work."
×end of flashback× -----------------------------×××××××××××--------------------------------------------×××××××××××---------------
Now after all these years he has done what he agreed to do, for about seventeen years. Now that he was older, he could barley do half of the work he did when he was younger. Not only did he have trouble with his work, his job took a toll on him. He was smaller, more fragile, like he was a young colt.
"I just can't believe that you, out of all us, are being... let go." Party Favor gave a sincere look.
Cheese Sandwich on the other hoof was furious."It just isn't right! You should be treated better than this, it was you who taught everypony here how things run around here. And you were the bravest, you would even stand up to the captain himself, even if you would get trouble."
This was true. Even after their deal Rockhoof didn't sit back when a somepony was being tramatized under Blueblood's stare. But now he was older he couldn't do as much as he used to. He even gotten to fear him, which takes a lot to make Rockhoof be afraid of anything.
Rockhoof looked up and gave a proud smile. "I would've faced all the demons of the universe than see that..that monster harm any innocent being."
Cheese Sandwich stepped forward, a questioned look on his face. "Why did you do it? By that I mean, why steal from him? You know that you could've.." He didn't finish his sentence, it was plain obvious what he was talking about.
A long sigh escaped Rockhoof's lips. "You two lads know of the trouble in Canorlot right?"
The two stallions nodded. How could they not? They themselves were part of it. Everypony was.
"Well... it's been hard for me, like everypony else. But for an old stallion like me, with a family to look after. Even if I hated that agreement I made all those years ago, at least I had a job." He looked back down, sadness in his eyes. "I guess he had his full of me, what I did was irresponsible and stupid. It was all he needed to fully get rid of me."
He looked back up. "But I'm telling the absolute truth when I say it was for a good reason."
"We won't stop you." Cheese sat down, then motioned his cousin to do the same. "Please, go on."
Rockhoof sighed. "When I made that bargain with Blueblood, I didn't think of the struggles with it. Yes, for many years it was an easy task. But, over time I realized that the deal was taking an affect on me. I notice I couldn't carry as much as I used to; then I couldn't lift a certain amount of weight that was usually as simple as lifting a grain of salt for me. Then it hit me, I'm old."
Party Favor couldn't help but giggle at that last part. He stopped when Cheese hit his side.
Rockhoof continued. "As laughable as it may seem, it made me have trouble at work. Thankfully some of the others once in awhile would help me, until he found out. Lets just say it made my work three times harder, literally. He made me work more hours each week. So badly I just wanted to quit, but I had a family to take care of. So I stayed."
"I..I still don't get it. What does this have to do with anything that just happened." Asked Cheese with a puzzled look.
"Don't worry, we're actually at that part. If you may or may not know, I have a son. A young lad but fully grown, not any older than the two of you. He is bright and strong minded, like both of his parents." Rockhoof had a smile on his face, but it quickly faded.
"You see when the bankruptcy started, my family and I were worried what would happen. But surprisingly everything was fine, for a couple of weeks. My wife, Mage Meadowbrook, got a note saying that her medical business would be closed down for good if the taxes weren't paid. And even with all three of us working we still didn't come even close to half the payment. What made it worse..was after a few days...my son stopped working entirely."
"WHAT?! You mean to tell me that your son just quit working, especially knowing his mother's job was on the line?!" Party Favor shouted.
"It wasn't his fault, he was working all day and even nights. When he finally got a break he accidentally came across a very toxic plant. He became very ill, he can barley move his legs now. Mage stayed up all night to take care of him, no matter how tired she got. While this was happening I was still working, trying to help whenever I can. Eventually my wife found a cure! She had all the ingredients, except for one. The antidote required a petal of the akara flower which can be ordered to our door. But it is an rare plant and to get one is very pricey. We can't even pay our taxes let alone an exotic flower!" A sigh escaped his lips.
"So..I did something I never thought I would do. I went to the Captain himself and...asked him for some extra pay."
This made Cheese's eyes come out of his sockets. He knew very well Rockhoof was a risktaker, but nopony and I mean nopony even thought of just going Blueblood's office to ask for anything. Expecially for money.
"I even went up to him multiple times, you can guess the answer I got."
This is what Cheese can understand, if his wife, cousin or any family was in any sort of trouble he would do anything for them. Even standing up to Blueblood.
Rockhoof was starting to tear up, but wiped them away. "It made him irritated to see me basically beg for some help. He threatened to fire me if he hears one more word from he. What made it worse is that my son is getting sicker, day by day."
His tears formed in his eyes again. "My wife can't do anything without that flower. I know he only has a certain amount of time left, I was desperate. I was asked to clean the Captain's quarrters. Blueblood had so many trinkets that could help my family for years."
A look of disappointment shown in his eyes. "I knew it was crazy, I knew the consequences for this, but I had no other choice. My family comes first."
Cheese and Favor gave each other knowing looks. They couldn't blame him for thinking of his family. They knew that anypony in his horseshoes would do the same.
Rockhoof continued, "I just planned on taking one of the many wee artifacts, one that Blueblood wouldn't notice right away. I looked around and after pushing some aside I saw a rolled up piece of parchment. But this wasn't just a regular piece of animal skin, it looked a bit older look'n, and it was tied by a pure golden ribbon. I was curious, so I took it and once I unwrapped it, I was studded when I saw that it was..."
The door up the stairs opened and a stallion called down. "CHEESE! PARTY! You two better wrap it up down there! The captain's temper has be tested enough for today, plus we need some extra hooves up here! We're heading to Dreary Escape we need all stallions on deck! SO GET GOING!"
After the door closed shut the sailors grumbled as they stood from the filthy floor. "We apologize Rockhoof for-"
"Oh no no, I more than understand." He gave them a warm smile. "And thank you again for trying to comfort me. It's going to be hard when I get home, but I'll be fine."
This made them both frown. Not only will Rockhoof go home without a job, he won't be able to provide for his wife and sick son. Cheese Sandwich stepped forward, "It may not be much, but I will give some of my paychecks throughout the month.". Party Favor then came closer as well, "Nothing would bring me more honor than helping a special stallion like you sir. You my take as much as you need from me as well."
Rockhoof head rose faster than lightning."Nononono, I could never...I mean it's very generous of the both of you, but you two lads have your own families to take care of."
Cheese waved a dismissive hoof in the air. "It's the least we can do, to help you and your family."
The door opened again by the same stallion."Hey! Hurry up you two buffoons!"
Both let out a sigh of annoyance. "Come on Party, lets get back to work." He gave one last look to the old stallion. "God bless you Rockhoof, goodbye." He then went up the stairs to the upper deck.
Party Favor went to follow his cousin, but turned back to Rockhoof. "If any of the rodents down here causes any trouble, then use this!" He pulled out a light green balloon, that was twisted and turned into a sword.
Rockhoof chuckled a bit before taking his new 'weapon'. "Thanks Party Favor, you and Cheese always know how to make ponies smile."
Party Favor gave him a quick nod before going up to rejoin his cousin, leaving Rockhoof in his cell.
When Party was back on the deck he saw his cousin helping out preparing their way through Dreary Escape. As he walked over he notice that Cheese's hair became flat instead of its usually wild curls.
He released a sigh and walked up to him. "Cheese?"
He did not answer and just kept on working. Cheese Sandwich was usually the most cheerful pony on this ship, even more than he was. But even Party Favor knew he even needed some cheering as well.
He gave the best smile he could make and said, "Ah come on Cheese minster chin up! There is so much to do around here!"
Cheese gave a gray expression, literally gray. "Exactly, that's what I'm doing. I am working."
Party paused for a bit before releasing a thunderous laugh. "HAHAHAHA!! Oh you and your jokes Cheese, wooey!" He put a hoof to his eye to wipe a tear from his huge laugh.
Cheese gave a long sigh and muttered something under his breath. "What was that cous?"
The depressed sailor turned around and said with a sluggish voice. "What's the point Party?"
Party Favor raised his eyebrow in confusion. "What?"
"I mean..why do we keep on doing this? Going around trying to bring joy in somepony's life." He glared at the wooden floor. "Don't you see that no matter what we do, all the ponies we try to cheer doesn't last long. And it doesn't help them at all anyway."
Party Favor gave a dramatic gasp at the last sentence he heard his cousin say. Doesn't help them at all? Making ponies and creatures laugh and be happy, not helping them?! Who was this stallion?!?!
"Cheese Pickelton Sandwich do you hear yourself?! Need I remind you that it was you who got us doing this. You said and I quote 'Party Favor, these stallions need us. Not just for lifting barrels or wiping the poop deck. Look at their miserable faces, we are facing dark times, and no I don't mean the balloon factory closed for 24 hours times. Party couldn't help be shiver at that terrible memory before continuing. 'Every single pony and creature needs us to remind them that every cloud has a silver lining. No matter how dark and scary and creepy and terrible and treacherous and terrifing and lonely and-'
Cheese put a hoof over Party's mouth to stop the very long list of words. "I know I said that. But, that was on our first day of work when we were in a better stage of mind. When I could see hope in anything and everything. But now things are different it's hard to see light in anypony. Expecially for..."
Party put Cheese's hoof out of his mouth to speak. "I know. I know things aren't as easy as it used to be. But don't you see? This is why we must keep smiling all the more, because we must always have hope for a better future."
"But that's what I wanted to do! To spread joy, not just in Canorlot! But..I had to give that up, you did too."
He turned away looking now at the horizon. "I wanted to travel the world, but I gave it up for my family.."
"I..I wish that.."
Party put his hoof on his shoulder and said with comfort. "I wish I could follow my dreams too. But, we can't wallow around from broken dreams. We have each other and that's all that matters."
Cheese turned to his cousin, eyes glistening. "Party..I'm sorry. I'm sorry you got dragged into this. Not only with Blueblood, but forcing you to move here. If-if I could take it back I..." Party interrupted him. "It is something I'll never regret. Your my family Cheese, nothing means more to me than family. Even the biggest celebration."
He let out a playful smirk. "Plus, you couldn't do a cheer feast without me even if you tried."
Cheese smiled and giving Party a playful push on the shoulder. He kept his smile as he said. "Your right. Even if I can't spread laughter to the world. I can still turn frowns up side down..with you."
Party smiled and rised his hoof. "Best cousin friends forever?"
Instead of taking his hoof, Cheese tackled Party with a big hug. "Best cousin friends forever."
Party Favor huged him back with the biggest smile on his face for making his depressed cousin all cheerful again. Suddenly Cheese jumped up and down laughing crazily. Party was surprised but joined in. As their laughter grew Cheese's coat color became it's bright color again as well as his mane. When their laughter became chuckles his hair poofed into it's original crazy curls.
When they quited down they had the biggest smiles.
"Thank you"
"Eh, it's what I'm here for."
Suddenly Cheese's eyes popped out of his sockets. "WHAT ARE WE DOING STANDING AROUND! We have faces that are missing their smiles!"
There's the Cheese I know."Well then let's get to work shall we?"
Before either stallion moved a step a thick blanket of fog came in. "Uh oh."
"Look lively stallions! Keep a look out for rocks..or any other surprises!" A brown unicorn instructed everypony to be on their guard.
Cheese Sandwich and Party Favor stayed on the right side of the ship. Making sure they don't run into anything, or anyone. "Do you think that there's any.."
Cheese could hear the nervousness in his voice. But he gave a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. This isn't the first time we went here. And like you said, we gotta keep our hopes up, and put on a smile."
Party Favor felt a bit more relaxed by this. But even Cheese knew that no comfort can block anypony's fears of Dreary Escape.
Like many hair raising places it was named this for a reason. There were many other ships that had went through is pass. But most got lost in it's thick trap. Many of the missing ships were seen crashed into the big rocks sticking fifty feet out of the sea, others got something must worse. Much much worse.
Party started to break a sweat after they went past a ship facing a 90 degree angle on a really moutainous rock. "Why on earth do we have to go here!" He started breathing heavily of fear. "There are plenty of other more safer ways to get back to Canorlot!"
"You know that the Captain likes short trips. This is the fastest way from Saddle Arabia to Canorlot." Cheese tried to comfort his petrified cousin, but to no avail. "Come now Party, just a minute ago I was being the party pooper. Now here you are acting like the globophodia at an all balloon party."
Party took a deep breath. "You're right. I'm just over reacting."
Cheese smiled and put a comforting arm around his shoulders. "See, there's no need to be having a petraphodia around here."
Party Favor walked out of Cheese's hold and started heading to the center of the ship. To get away from the thick white view. "It's not the rocks I'm scared of."
"Then what is?"
Party looked at him embarrassed but gave out a sigh as he answered. "It's pyrophodia." Cheese tiltled his head in confusion. "Pywhat?"
Party Favor turned around and started heading for Cheese. "You know pyrophodia."
Cheese still looked confused. Party sighed. "You know pyrophodia, fear of.."
Before he could finish a huge spear hit through the smooth wooden deck. Just missing his hoof.
All eyes stared, widen of shock. Everypony's heads turned to the direction where it came.
A great silence echoed as all souls waited and listened for something to happen.
A sound came, something was falling. Or somethings.
"TAKE COVER!!!"
Over a hundred spears came attacking the glorious ship. Their ropes tightening, pulling them starboard side. Some tried pulling them out with no luck. They're way deep in, what made it worse was there were hooks that made them cling to the boards.
Then silence again. Nopony moved, just waited. Then another noise came, this time more..alive? It was a stallion, no multiple stallions shouts. Then they saw them, stallions sliding down the ropes, wooping, laughing. With swords and guns.
Cheese and Party looked horrified as the ponies, some griffins and others hideous creatures came on the ship. Fighting every stallion that got in their way.
Party couldn't move, paralyzed with fear. The only thing he could say was, "P-pirates."
After putting the two priceless artifacts back in his secret compartment. Blueblood sat on his deck to do some important paperwork.
This will be risky, but anypony with a brain will risk anything for something extraordinary. Especially for this.
He held the parchment, it was old, but held together nicely. Blueblood knew how dangerous it was to have is, especially in the most pirate ridden part of the ocean. But he was impatient, he wanted to go home as quickly as possible. Canorlot maybe going on hard times, harder than any part of Equestria. But it doesn't mean it isn't well protected.
A smile grew on his face as he put the old scroll in his coat. He was quite excited to go back home, to his mansion, collection, and his riches. Mostly he could not help but smile more at the main thing he was going to. Or the main pony he would see, his lovely little.."
A swarm of shouts came from outside. Blueblood got out of his chair and rushed to the door. Once opened a huge battle was raging on, between his crew and a herd of blood thristy pirates.
He closed back the door, he levitated his sword and got a gun just in case.
He opened back the door, ready to face what was coming. "Lets get rid of some unwanted guests." ---------------------------------××××××××××××------------------------------------------××××××××××××---------
It was chaos, swords clanging, guns firing, battle cries everywhere. Luckily and surprisenly no creature was hurt, yet.
Cheese Sandwich was struggling, trying to fight off a griffin with his sword shaking in his hoof. He wasn't an expert in any fighting, but he knew enough self defenses to keep him from getting hit.
He surprisingly even got to get the griffin to the edge of the ship. As he kept blocking his sword, he lifted his hoof and pushed him into the water.
Even though he could fly the griffin pirate was so shocked that he didn't have enough time to think. He hit the water making his wings wet which inabled him to fly.
Cheese let out a huge breath of relief. But he didn't have time to rejoice. The fight was still happening, Cheese hide behind a couple of barrels.
This isn't good, not at all! Heavy breathing can from his left. When he turned around he saw Party Favor curled into a ball, with a balloon dog in his arms. Slowly rocking back and forth."Party!" He sat him up, worry for his cousin. "Party calm down! Just take deep breaths."
He did just that, took a breath in then out for a couple of times. "I'm f-fine" He said with chattering teeth.
"Come on, we need to help the crew!"
Party looked at him like he was lime green with blue lines. "Are you crazy! These are pirates! Blood thristing, treasure lusting pirates!"
"Oh come now, it's just a few dirty old barnacles. I mean what harm could they possibly do."
The ship was suddenly moving again this time something came from the fog. It was another ship, bigger than the Majestic Celestia. This one was so tall that it wouldn't be a surprise if you couldn't breathe in the atmosphere. It was completely black, with sails as red as blood. But what really stood out from it was the flag. It was black with white designs. In the middle was a bunch of arrows all in a circle facing away from each other, but in the center was something more sinister. It was a skull, but it was shape oddly with a deer antler on one side and a goat horn on the other. It gave a dark and evil look in it's eyes that would send shivers to any sailor.
Cheese sat there in fear, still holding his cousin. Out of all the pirates of the seven seas it had to be them. The most feared, dangerous and treasure hunting pirates of the world, The Chaoic Deaths.
Party stayed starring at the flag with a unamused look. "Yeah, we're staying here."
Meanwhile on the pirate's ship two figures were looking at their amusing show. The smaller one turned to the taller one. "We're doing as well as we planned. Better in fact, should I finish this?"
The taller one didn't move his eyes, didn't turn away from the fight from down bellow. "Not yet, we never finish anything." He gave a dark smirk."Without leaving a good enough mark."
The other one gave a nob in understanding. "LOAD THE CANNONS!!"
One by one balls of fire came down on the beautiful ship. Destroying the amazing craftmanship. Screams were heard, but not in pain. They only shot the side, so their crew in the fight would't be harmed.
Once a good amount of destruction was done the small figure got out of the shadows and flew towards the the broken ship. He was a pegasus, he had a bright orange coat, jet dark blue hair, and bright blue eyes. He wore dark blue trousers, a loose white shirt, a thin black belt with a sword attached to it, and a dark red cloth tided to his forehead.
He landed on the dock and took aware of his surroundings. Pretty much all the ship's crew was tied up. Except for two unnoticed stallions.
He felt eyes staring at him, and turned just in time to block Captain Blueblood's sword.
"I see your pile of filthy swabs are good in battle. Lets see if you can handle a one on one war." Blueblood swung his sword but the pegasus blocked him again.
Their swords kept crash into the other, sparks flew everywhere. Each stallion stood their ground, neither planning to back down. Blueblood started to become impatient, he raise his gun and started firing. The orange pegasus flew into the air, circling the ship and dodging each of the bullets. When the gun shots ceased he stopped.
Blueblood cursed, his gun was all out of ammo. He threw the blasted weapon away, he turned to see the oranged fiend charging toward him. Quickly he used his horn to put a shield over him.
But, the pegasus didn't proceed to take him down. Instead he landed right in front of him. The calm look he gave confused Blueblood a bit.
"Promission to come abore captain?"
The stallion stepped aside to reveal a dark figure. Every one if Blueblood's crew felt a cold breeze come on deck. Even Captain Blueblood himself had a chill down his spine.
The figure came into the light, and there stood the most horrifying creature ever laid eyes on. He was tall, taller than any creature on the ship. He was all dressed in red. A red coat that could almost touch the floor. He had on some loose red trousers with a dark black belt. His hat, was clearly seen to be worn to a creature in power. The only things in other colors was his pure white shirt, black leather boots, and his sharp sword.
But that wasn't what frightened everypony, he was a strange look'n creature. His body was long like a sea serpent, his tail was that of a lizard with a fluff of hair at the end. His arms were of two different animals, one was the paw of a lion, and the other was an eagle's claw. His legs were well covered so nopony could tell if they were different too. He had a long giraffe like neck, with a short black mane. His head look sort of ponyish, on top was an antler of a deer, and a goat horn. And like many pirates he had a long beard, it was completely white, as well as his eyebrows. What stood out the most was his sharp teeth, there was one tooth the was so long it stood outside his mouth. And his eyes, his cruel menacing eyes was gold on the outside but had pure red pupils. His eyes looked at Blueblood that tells of pain, torture, and death.
"I must say Captain it seems quite unfair to use a spell in a sword fight. Especially if your competitor can't too proform some unique tricks." He gaze at the pegasus on his right. "Doesn't that just insults you Flash?"
Flash gave a cold glare. "It was more of a challenge to fight. Not just a spell but also a gun."
The creature had a cruel smile on his unusual face. "Yes indeed. Even I myself feel greatly mistreated. But I must admit, it was a great little show you put up with my second in command."
Blueblood looked unamused at them. He uncased his shield. "Yes well, what would you expect when some..unexpected visitors show up."
The creature's smile never wiltered, it only gotten bigger. "Oh forgive me for the lack of a proper introduction. I got so distracted that I've forgotten my manners. I'm known as many things, treasure serpent, shadow of the sea, creature of death. But you may me Captain, Captain Discord." He gave an exaggerated bow for emphasis to his jokey attitude.
When he raised back up his menacing look came back. "And I am here to retrieve what you stole from me."
Blueblood spoke calmly. "You must be mistaken. All the cargo on this ship has been legally given from the royals of Saddle Arabia."
"Yes, but I have good in tell that says you have some secret importers that have given you something special. Something that has been lost for a very very long time." The creature's eyes glowed in a threatening way. "Something that I have been searching for a long time. And now I hear that you are in possession of it." His claw was laid out in front of Blueblood. "Now, I am usually not as generous but I'll give you a choice. Give me the map and the two necklaces, and I might be able to spare you and your crew."
Shouts and whimpers of fear were heard from the captured sailors. Sword were drawn to the necks, guns to the head, and some unicorn's horns were powered and ready to do some damage.
Cheese and Party looked at the scene with wide terrified eyes. "This is not good." The blue unicorn stared to breathe heavily again. "What do we do? What do we do? What do we do? What do we do?" Cheese looked at his captain, he was reaching in his coat for something. Once his hoof was out he held that parchment that Rockhoof stole. What is it about that piece of dust that made the most deadliest pirates attack and nearly destroy this precious ship? And he said something about some necklaces, he never seen any jewelry come aboard. Even so what is it about these pirates that they would go through the trouble of robbing a trading, and only getting and old scroll and only two necklaces?
He shook his head, this wasn't the time to dwell on this. They needed to save the souls on board, even Blueblood. He looked around to see what he could use to at least try to distract the pirates in order to escape. His eye caught something, and a idea formed into his head.
Blueblood glared at the monster who dared to attack his beautiful ship as he showed him the cause of his troubles. The other captain's smile slowly returned when his golden eyes caught the shine of the ribbon that held the key to his plan.
"Very kind offer good sir. I will gladly take this precious gift with great care." His talon went to grab it, but Blueblood pulled it away from his grasp.
"Let my stallions free, then it'll be yours." He may be cruel, but even he didn't enjoy a blood bath.
Discord gave an annoyed look but gave a nod to the pirate named Flash. Flash gave the comand and the weapons were pulled away.
"There, now give the map to me and I'll give you to the count of ten to retrieve the necklaces." Blueblood's glared furthered but he raised his hoof to the pirate captain.
Captain Discord's smile grew bigger as his claw grew closer. Just a few centimeters then he will finally have the map of the treasure of the two alicorn si..
A canon was heard. Discord didn't have time to react when a great force shot at his side. Hurling him to the side of his ship, leaving a huge hole on the side.
Everycreature was stunned, they turned to find Cheese and Party behind a big blue canon.
"Life isn't a party without a few surprises." Cheese said with a smile.
The pirates glared, ready to avenge their captain. "RETREAT!" They turned to the orange pegasus shocked. One of them spoke up, "Are you nuts? We still have a chance. We can crush them, beat them, we.."
The captain's second in command interrupted him, "The captain is injured. Plus this is a fight we can continue another time. So now I'm saying retreat!"
None of them agreed with this but complied. The ponies and creatures with wings few back up to ship, some carrying one who have wings or magic. While the unicorns went to the spears on the deck and used their magic to release them. Once the spears were loose they held to the rope attached to them and was swung straight back to the dark ship.
Everypony watched in amazment as the ship quickly disappeared into the mist.
"Well, now that's done we can continue on our way." All heads turned to see a calm Blueblood heading back to his quarrters.
Party Favor's mouth dropped to the floor. "B-b-but s-sir couldn't we have a five minute break. I..I mean w-we just faced an attact. Maybe..we..could.."
The glare Captain Blueblood was giving was more than enough to shut him up. Seems no matter what the situation is Blueblood always acts like nothing happened when it's over.
Everypony let out a sigh and headed back to work. None of them in the mood to even complain about the captain's orders.
Cheese on the other hoof just couldn't get something out of his mind.
Why didn't steal anything? It was true, even though the ship was pretty damaged and the crew was distracted, none of the pirates even touched any of their most valuable supplies. Why go through all that trouble just for some old parchment?
Cheese remembered that the captain of the Chaoic Deaths said it was a map. A map of what? There were plenty of maps found in the world, why bother set an attack to seal an ancient dusty roll of animal hide?
Though Rockhoof did say that he was willing to steal it for some bits. Even if he got in trouble.
But what was on that map that was so important? And how did Blueblood get it? Cheese looked up and saw that they were nearing the edge of Dreary Escape. They'll be in Canorlot very soon.
He just couldn't wait to go back home to his wife. And to try to forget the strange occurrences that happened.
He turned to look at the door to Captain Blueblood's quarrters, he had so many questions that might never be answered. But he had a feeling that this is only the beginning.
"HOW COULD YOU LET THEM GET AWAY?!?!" A furious pirate was shouting at the top of his lungs. Clearly displeased on them running away from their planned goal.
The one his complaints were headed to was the orange pegasus who comanded them to flee. Surprisingly he held a calm demeanor, he didn't looked affected as he calmly explained.
"There was nothing more we could do. They brought our own captain down, and all of you know how hard that is."
But the other didn't back down. "There was plenty we could do and you know it! We had them weakened, that canon blow was a good enough distraction for you to grab that blasted.."
"So..you would be willing to take a priced treasure and leave your captain behind?" A deep voice echoed throughout the mist.
All turned to see their captain looking down on them with his menacing gaze. Especially to a certain stallion. "Is that what your saying?"
Sweat started to form from the stallion's neck. "C-Caption th-that's not what I..I mean um."
"It doesn't matter now, we must resolve to plan B." He walked to the edge of the ship, looking at his now free prey. "They marked us well, I'll give them that." He looked down at his torn clothes when he crashed into his ship by that canon.
"Follow them! Far enough for them not to see." Flash came beside him, he also looked at the once gorgeous ship. "We'll strike at night, then we will have the map and necklaces before sunrise sir."
Discord released a smirk. "Yes, brilliant plan my right paw stallion. Once night has appeared on Canorlot only a few of the crew will sneak in and take what is rightfully mine."
Flash smiled, "We can finally right some wrongs."
They both gave a cruel laugh. Captain Discord had the look of a mad stallion. "Equestria and all of it's ponies will finally belong to me."
Things are going well. Yes, for times like these, everything today is going as planned. The green earth pony looked down at his list, making sure all the ships were on their way to their next shipment.
"The silk threads are on their way to Manehattan. This month's harvest are most likely being purchased at Applepoloosia around this very moment. And our last import should be arriving in a few days."
He released a huge sigh. He knew that no matter how much was being imported or exported for Canorlot, nothing was going to change. "Ever since that day, everything changed. For Canorlot, for Equestria, for the world itself."
He, like everypony else, have suffered from the bankruptcy. When it started, nopony ever thought that Canorlot would be the one to be affected the most. Yes, Canorlot, the most powerfulest of all the kingdoms, is barely what it used to be.
"But we make it by... Whenever we can."
The working stallion shook his head, he shouldn't be thinking about this right now. There were still somethings that needed to be done before the day was out. He walked toward a grey pegasus mare looking into a torn saddle bag.
"Hey, has he sent a letter yet?" The mare turned around and looked at her fellow worker. At least that's what it sort of looked like she was trying to do. He hasn't gotten used to seeing those crossed golden eyes. "And please, don't say that you accidentally dropped it into the harbor...again."
The mare gave an embarrassed blush at his comment. "Yeah, again sorry about that. But this time, I promise, there has been no updates from..." He waited for her to respond, but it looked like she wasn't focused on him. He couldn't really tell, but it looked liked she was starring at something from behind him.
"Uh sir? Wasn't there supposed to be an import coming in a couple of days?" The green pony looked confused but answered. "Why, yes. This will be the last import for the next few months. Why do you ask?"
She had a nervous look as her eyes. As she looked, mostly, at him. "I think...he found... another shortcut." She pointed her hoof at the supposed object.
The earth pony turned around, and sure enough there was a ship coming in from the horizon. It looked a little different from all the other ships. Despite the quite obvious holes and broken wood planks that adormed the outside of it. It had the most decorative and eye catching designs all over it, most of them made of pure gold.
But the most outstanding design was on the very face of the ship. A gorgeous mare stood gracefully in a stunning, flowing white dress. She was an alicorn, a species very rare among pony kind. As far as anypony knew, the only alicorns that exist are the three princesses. But this princess was only known as an old pony's tale, a bed time story for little foals.
But this ship brought anything but a filly's smile or a colt's adventurous curiosity. No, right as this trading ship came into view, the stallion got a sick feeling in his stomach. There was only one pony who could afford such a sailing masterpiece.
His eyes widened as he realized who exactly it was that was giving a surprised early homecoming. "PREPARE THE DECK!" All the workers turned their heads at him, surprised of his sudden outburst. Until all their eyes went to the harbor and saw the cause of his loud command.
All the ponies here and there ran and clean every which way to prepare his arrival. The last thing that they want is a high and powerful stallion to come and judge their work setting. Since they didn't expect anything surprising to happen the whole deck was full of scattered supplies and working stallions going about their day.
They tried their best to make sure that every rope are all rolled up, all the crates were moved to make sure that their boss's grand entrance had plenty of room, and that even the tiniest speck of dust was out of sight. What made it worse was that no pony wasn't physically prepared themselves. They all were wearing their very cheap and worn out clothing. Seriously, there was nopony that hadn't had a tear or stain on their old shirts or trousers. All of them hoped that this pony will make his usual come and go returns.
Despite on how filthy they all looked, every worker was about ready to have a panic attack. Nopony expected him to come so soon, even though this is was not the first time this happened. Ever since his old man gotten ill and passed him the family business, he immediately wasted no time on making everything fit to "his image".
Luckily for them, it'll take a will for the lovely vessel to come to port. But still not only was the ship was completely stunning, it was very..tough.. short of speak. Which made sense for why it was still above the water, especially since it had like 27 holes everywhere. It was not only strong, it was also pretty fast too. In fact it was over halfway to the docks right now!
"HURRY! SWEEP THE DECKS! MOP THE POLES! DUST THE ROPES! THERE MUST NOT BE ANY SPECK FILTH IN THE CAPTAIN'S PRESENCE!" It was ironic, especially since the pony who was becoming a sweat fountain was the pony who was giving hygiene orders to his less, but still dirty, workers. Once everything was put in order and as clean as it could be, everypony stood it two parallel lines. All of them hoping that the captain will focus more on their working progress and less on their smell rating.
It was about an half an hour later before the vessel finally parked at the docks. After the anchor was lowered and the ropes were tightly secured, all the stallions and mare waited anxiously.
The plank was lowered, and now laid on the deck. The green pony was an absolute nervous wreck, especially when saw a tall figure come down to meet him. And there he was, Captain Blueblood, in his fancy clean suit and giving him his neutral but still somewhat threatening stare. He started to feel his legs shake as he stared at his now sweat soaked clothes.
"Couldn't bother to dress properly for your boss Mr. Clover?" He was giving his usual threatening and powerful voice, he pretty much used it on anypony whom insulted him in any way. Swallowing a huge lump in his throat his answer as calmly as he possibility could. "I-I apologize sir. It's j-just that I didn't expect you to be arriving today. P-plus it has been a very stressful day a-and everypony has been working hard since you left sir and.. and.."
"Yes, I could smell your wretched odor all the way across the harbor. And as my father once said, 'A stallion who doesn't have any signs of hard work doesn't work at all. '. And from what I can see," His cold eyes scanned all the workers and all the dirt that was on their already disgusting suits. "you all have been busy." He frowned when his eyes spotted the grey mare and walked towards her.
She trembled when he stood in front of her and she didn't dare look up at his face. "Excuse me madam, may I ask what are doing on my deck." She tried to respond but it only came out as a whimper. Luckily, Clover quickly went in front of her. "This is Miss Doo Captain, remember you said you need a knew messenger. Since you whipped and fired your last one for being 3 minutes late before you left. And.. and since you didn't have enough time to find a new messenger your-yourself I went to find the most available pony. And Miss Doo n-needed a job and she is a g-good worker, so I gave her the mail bag s-so I'll be able to..to keep track of all..all the s-shipments more e-easily."
Clover tried to keep his posture straight and as strong as he could. Even if he was shaken like he just got his first sea legs. He needed to at least try and look strong for the poor mare behind him. If he only had known of Blueblood's early arrival he would have sent her to do some other task away from the Caption. There was nopony who didn't know Blueblood's... perspective on a mare's work ability.
"So, while I was gone for eight moons you needed an extra hoof around here. Is that right, Mr. Clover?" The grey mare was trying to hold back tears at his tone. Clover however, answered with confidence, "Yes sir, the shipments this month have been really high and I needed more help around here.". With a nod of his head he took his eyes away from the unicorn and aimed them at the pegasus. She was nearly rolled up in a ball, whimpering behind her employer.
"Well, Miss Doo I must say I'm surprised that one of my few work ponies found an eligible worker so fast. Usually it would take around a few weeks before being granted the responsibility of delivering my letters. Hm, you must be one special pony to only be hired less than one week, right?"
She was starting to tremble when he spoke to her. But she tried to stay calm by taking a deep shaky breath. She slowly looked up to meet the captain's cold eyes starring at her. When they were eye-to-eye it only made her body tremble more. After taking a huge gulp she answered in a small meek voice, "W-well I-I-I would-wouldn't say I'm out of th-the ordinary. B-but I do try my best a-and my hardest work, s-sir.".
They stayed there starring at each other for what felt like days, then Blueblood gave her a caring smile. Her crossed eyes widen in shock seeing him sincerely smiling at her. There was no sign of him giving or hiding any negative emotion inside. "That is really good to hear Miss Doo, it is rare to find a true working pony these days. I am relieved to hear honest words from you. And I'm sure you took this job very seriously with hardly any mistakes made."
Feeling more relaxed her trembling stopped and she even smiled a bit. "Yes, sir. Right when I was given the job I did all that needed to be done. I even helped the others with their assignments when I had extra time.". Blueblood's smile grew more hearing this, and the grey mare felt her smile grew bigger as well as her confidence as well. "I worked for hours on the port, I even worked over night some days. Even on breaks I was looking for anypony that could use the extra help."
All the ponies listening to the mare's report on her work were looking really confused. Blueblood was all calm, and surprisingly real happy at what he was hearing. There was literally no signs of a trap for the small mare that Blueblood showed. They thought once he found out that an inexperienced mail pony was hired in his absence they all would be severely and cruelly punished. But none of them expected their captain to look so friendly, not to mention he was holding onto every word Miss Doo told him. It was completely unlike him, in fact there was hardly ever a time he would actually be smiling.
"It has been a good and successful week sir. Everypony did there work and even the most wettest letter was delivered." Something flashed in Blueblood's eyes for a brief moment at that last part.
"Pardon me," Instantly the Derpy shut her mouth. Still smiling from the story she was telling. "forgive me if I miss heard, but did you say that the letters you were delivering got soaked?"
Derpy's little prideful grin disappeared for a bit. Then a more nervous and slightly embarrassed look came apon her face. "Ooh ahh... y-yeah there was a few that w-went into the hardor. B-but only three or four I swear!"
Still staring the caption had not said or move for a second, before taking a step towards the mare and giving her a little pat on the head. "No use of cry over spilled milk as a wise pony once said. As long as they all got delivered no true harm is done." He gave her a small warm smile and all Derpy's nerves were all gone. Bring back to her little cheery self. "Now Miss Doo, if I may ask, where did the letters drop." Out of confusion of the reason for the question Derpy cocked her head to the side. "It's just to see if the dock is safe, I mean if a lovely graceful mare such as yourself could manage to drop some mail then we've got to make sure that nothing could cause anything more serious to happen."
Straightening her head and giving a nod of understanding she lead Blueblood to one of the corners of the dock. "Right here. I'm not really sure why, but pretty much every letter seemed to slip out of my hooves here."
After taking a quick look at the small corner where Derpy stood with her back turned from him, Blueblood's face was devoided out of any emotion.
"Hmm, yes. I can see clearly now, how they slipped from your grasp Miss Doo."
"Really? That's great! How you found out so fast? I mean, you have no idea how relieving it is to-"
Her hooves suddenly losing their conact on the old dock cut Derpy off, and before anypony realized what was going on a loud splash was heard from the corner of the dock. Clover along with the other workers raced to the edge to stare in horror at the lapping waves.
In about six seconds the pegasus launched out of the salty water taking a deep breathe of air, then releasing a few coughs of water out of her throat.
She looked up with her wet bangs covering her shocked face. Her eyes caught Blueblood's, he looked down at her with anger and disgust. "Yes, I believe the reason for your little mishaps isn't the lack of safety for the dock. No, I have a strong feeling for the incompetence of your work is simply from...you."
Before Derpy could fulling process what he was saying she felt herself being lifted out of the water and roughly dropped on the dock for all to see. All eyes were on her with her dark blue dress soaked and her hair dripping water onto her face.
It was hard to tell for sure, but Clover was sure he saw tears mixing in with the drips of sea water. Blueblood just stood there looking down at the poor mare.
"This is the reason I don't allow mares to do a stallion's job. Especially one who can't even keep a single piece of my letters from falling into the damn ocean." He lifts up her chin with his hoof, her face wet with sea water as well as tears flowing out of wacky eyes.
"Clumsy and useless mares like you have no worth here, it's no surprise to me why you hadn't been able to take this job. Tch, in fact it doesn't surprise me in the slightist why you have no husband to take care of you. With those hanis eyes of yours I highly doubt that any stallion could even stand to look at you."
He released her and she lowered her head, silently sodding into the floor of the dock. She then felt something being taken off her shoulder. Derpy looked up to see Blueblood holding her mail bag.
"And in case this isn't obvious to you, you're fired." Not breaking his gaze at her he levitated the mail bag over to Clover. "Make sure you find a more suitable mailpony for me this time. You are lucky I'm in a good mood today, or your lesson would be far more... severe."
The green pony swallowed all his nerves down his throat before giving a heavy nod to him. Satisfied Blueblood cut through the crowd to officially get to land after about a month at sea and to get to his carriage that Clover immediately ordered before his demanding boss' ship came to the docks. Said Captain stopped only to turn towards his damaged ship. His eyes narrowed while looking over at the cracked wood from that ...criminal he came across. He was on his last nerve for these sea parasites messing with what was his.
Speaking of which...
His cold eyes now landed on Rockhoof who was being escorted by the two stallion he ordered to lock up. He was still furious for this old coot to think he could try to steal from him. Blueblood had a great urge to lock that thief back in the cellar until the next shipments were finished or until the rodents living there take a good chunk of his leg so he would have to amputate it.
But looking at his pathetic form all hushed over, weak, fatigued, and still carrying that ugly now cut up scarf to his chest. He decided it was a good enough punishment. And now that he was nothing but dead weight he feels no remorse getting rid of him. Even when he was a big help to his crew he was a nuisance. Always protecting the weak ones. Guess he finally figured out that no matter who you help or how you do it, in the end all that help will get you no where.
He was about to turn his leave when his eyes caught the sight of the balloon sword Rockhoof was carrying with his scarf. He could guess where or well who he got it from. Ugh, he always hated that stallion's childish demeanor. His cousin is no better, in fact he is what you call "the life of the party" so to speak. He might have to come up with something for those two as well, but now there are other matters to attend to.
"Clover!"
Said stallion quickly runned up to the captian with his notes all ready to write down any demand Blueblood had for him.
"I want immediate repairs on my ship as soon as now." Clover quickly wrote that down and calculated how much wood would need to be ordered while trying to keep up with his boss "Yes captain. I'll send word to the McColts to bring all their finest crafters as quickly as possible."
Blueblood just nodded his head in approval when they finally reached the front of the carriage. The captain didn't go in though. Instead he turned towards Clover, who was still writing out some notes, with a sort of light in his cold eyes. Though it was very small. "Has there been any news from my fiancee?"
Clover stopped his writing and slowly looked up at his boss sweating nervously. He quickly wiped his brow as he answered. "N-no sir. At least...nothing of importance to you. B-but I do have a message from Sir Fancypants that he is coming to discuss business from the east side of the kingdom. And there is a rumor going around that Princess Twilight will-".
"Yes yes yes. Very good Clover, that will be all.". Blueblood waved off with a look of disappointment on his face before he climbed into the carriage and gave one final order for the day. "As for the final shipments I want all the products to be doubled. And I want it all ready by the end of next week.".
Clover nearly dropped all his notes after what he has just heard. He had a look with a mix of pure terror and concern. "B-but sir th-the only products that are left are from the seamstress and the apple farm."
Blueblood raised a golden eyebrow, clearly not understanding the meaning of his statement. "And?"
The earth pony gave a big gulp as he tried to calmly explain. "W-well you see..the seamstress has already made many clothes delivering to Saddle Arabia and has almost ran out of fabrics. And you know better than anypony how expensive it is to order more. Not to mention how long the delivery takes to arrive."
He paused for a second to get a quick look at his boss. Only to see him giving him an extremely impatient look. He continued. "A-as for the farm they had multiple orders these past few months and they have worked very hard sir. But even then they haven't been doing so well, they haven't been doing so well. Y-you see time has gotten tough and...and well they...in order to stay afloat they had to-".
"Excuse me, but, why are you trying to somehow soften me up to some sob story that is not relevant to what I ordered?"
Clover could do nothing but stood there eye widened after hearing that. But after years of being around this stallion, he knew he shouldn't be this surprised. He just couldn't understand how anypony could be this cruel.
He snapped out of his thoughts when he heard the carriage door slam shut. Clover knew nothing could ever change the stubborn stallion's mind, but he just got to at least try. He knew these ponies and they didn't deserve this, none of them did.
"Please sir! They're already struggling as it is! They need time to prepare! They are too sort on help and they won't be able to even get half what is ready to be delivered! They-"
He was frozen stiff as the captain used his magic to lift him up so he was eye-to-eye with his boss. He shivered as Blueblood looked dead in his eye as he spoke. "You listen here, I want this shipment's order doubled and ready by the end of the dead line. I reason is I would like to spend time with my bride for a few months. That isn't too much to ask is it? To be with your family? And while I'm busy with my wedding everypony may do whatever they please. Like a day off. You understand that, don't you Clover?"
That cowering pony nodded vigorously at him before he was slammed to the ground with all his parchment spread out everywhere.
"And thanks to your concern I think the product requirements shoulf now be tripled."
Clover gave a gasp of horror as he look at the captain's emotionless face. Blueblood just gave a cruel smile.
"What's the matter? As you said, the seamstress and that apple family are struggling. I just thought that after all the work they did they deserve a long break. After of course they do this last little job for me. Then they could take a really long vaction. Won't that be nice?"
His smiled disappeared as he faced forward with that emotionless expression again. "Make sure you do it or I'll just cut them out and get ponies who can their job in a single day. I heard that Flim and Flam duo business is doing well and there are many more professional seamstresses out there.".
He just gave the now trembling pony a sideways glance, giving small smile at the guilt he saw in his eyes. "Let them know what is expected of them, and who is responsible for it." His smiled disappeared as he became more serious. "Remember. Dead line. Two weeks. And don't bother with them after you give them their new orders. I have some more things I need to get done. Wait in my office after you're finish with this. If something comes up I'll be on a visit."
He gives him one more look then a slight tip of his hat. "Have a good day, Mr. Clover."
The carriage rode off away from the docks and a completely distressed earth pony. After a few moments Clover, with shaking hooves, picked up all of his fallen notes and regrettably started off with Captain Blueblood's new orders.
"Yeah, we get whenever we can
"But I fear that these ponies won't last a single day after this.