Chapters Dragonfire đŠ On The Wings Of ThunderbirdâĄď¸
Author's Note
Just to be clear first, this indeed takes place in the same timeline of Dragonfire.
It's time for Pipsqueak to have his chance to shine, with Captain Celaeno.
Prologue
Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A Pirate's Life For Me!
It was a bright sunny day. Mighty airships flew across the sky, under the flags of mighty thunderbolts. Little did they know, however, they were pursued by pirates.
And the most famed of these pirates, is the brash and bold Captain Celaeno.
With a slash of her sword, Celaeno emits a loud screech, signaling for her crew to fire harpoons onto an airship they were targeting, latching their airship onto their target, before they all swung themselves across. In retaliations, the guards onboard the ship conjured staffs, with electricity pulsing from one end before they fired lightning bolts at Celaeno and her band of anthropomorphic parrot pirates.
Reaching into her jacket, Celaeno pulled out a musket, which she used to open fire on the guards. Though, she carefully, and accurately aimed for the staffs, disarming the guards of their weapons, while her crew continue their assaults, with blades, hooks, and fists.
Soon, Celaeno came for a landing on the deck, joining with her crew, "Ya-ha-har!" The parrot squawked, as she unsheathes her sword, and pointed it at one of the guards. "Prepare to be boarded, ye sky dogs!"
"Sky pirates!" The guards exclaimed.
"Avast, ye scurvy scallywags!" The parrot began, pulling her blade away. "I be Captain Celaeno, and we are fearsome pirates!" Holding her sword at their throat, Celaeno threatens. "Give us ye loot, or feel our wrath!"
"N-No way!" One of the guards whimpered.
"The Storm King's Rulebook says w-we ought to guard our cargo to the end," In response, Celaeno presses her sword closer, digging into the skin of the guard's neck. "T-Then again, we could consider a temporary suspension on the rulebook."
"Mighty wise of ye fellows," Celaeno smirked as she sheathes her blade away. "Now, what cargo are ye hauling? Gold doubloons? Precious jewels? Valuable knick-knacks?"
The guards looked at each other, before one of them hesitantly speak, "Wallpaper paste and bags of sands?"
The pirates looked gravely at the guards before they all shouted, "YAR!!"
"Ye hear that mates?" One of them exclaimed. "Sands!"
With that, the pirates went to work, hauling the cargo from the captured ship, onto their ship. Once they came onboard, the pirates shoved off, with their latest steal.
"Another fine haul, eh Captain Celaeno?" One of the parrots asked.
Breathing in the warm sunny air, Celaeno sighed in content, "Indeed it is, Mullet," She spoke. "Surely there's never been as brave or as noble band of adventurers to sail the skies." Looking behind her, Celaeno mused, "Some of us may be missing a few parts, sure....." She noted to some of her crew's missing limbs, counting the jade crystal where her right leg used to be. "But that doesn't make us broken." Turning her attention back to Mullet, Celaeno continues, "We're not just a crew, Mullet." She said. "We're a family. And we've made this ship into a home."
"Maybe so," Mullet said in agreement, before his expression turns solemn. "But the ship needs repairs and restock. If we're going to keep flying, we need to bag more than paste and sand."
Celaeno sighed, "You're right. We can't keep scraping by going after cargo haulers," She admitted.
"We could go after bigger ships," Mullet suggested. "Follow the trade routes into the Storm King's territory. Find richer targets-"
"And put ourselves in greater danger!" Celaeno interrupted, with a stern tone. "We've survived this long because we go after smaller ships. The more we harass the Storm King, the more he'll notice us. And the more likely he'll want to destroy us." Turning back to face Mullet, Celaeno continued solemnly, "I admit, we can't keep flying with so little. But going after bigger prizes means bigger risks. And I won't put my crew in danger."
Mullet smirked as he replies, "That's a worthy sentiment, captain," He replied. "But I don't think a better opportunity would simply fall onto the deck."
Celaeno looked away, and back out onto the horizon, struggling with her troubled thoughts. It wasn't long, when she and her crew suddenly felt a strong gust of wind.
Before any of them could react, their ship was struck.
"What the blunder?!" Celaeno exclaimed, as she and her crew fell on deck, while holding onto any party of the ship for dear life, barely preventing herself from falling off. Frantically looking around, Celaeno looked through a ripped fabric of her airship's torn balloon, to see a glimpse of something reflective.
However, that's not her major concern. She and her crew are all going down with their ship.
"Captain!" One of the her crew asked, frightfully. "What do we do?!"
Looking around, trying to process the situation together, while forming a plan. Celaeno quickly grabbed a piece of fabric, and ropes, forming a somewhat makeshift balloon for herself and her crew, passing the rope from one parrot to another.
"Hold on tight, me hearties!" Celaeno ordered, as she and her crew all embraced together, while bracing themselves for the impact of their landing.
During their plummet, Celaeno squinted her eyes a little, hoping to get a last look at the sky before she was about to meet her upcoming demise. Though she wasn't sure of it, she could've sworn she saw, what appeared to be a giant metallic vulture, diving towards her and her crew. Behind the vulture, was a huge dark mass of thunderclouds, in the shape of a bird, with lightning cackling from its mighty wings, beak, and eyes.
With a loud screech, a huge thunderbolt was shot from the giant bird, before Celaeno's whole world was a flash of white light.
Snapping her eyes open, Celaeno jolted awake, panting heavily, before she begins to ease, when she finds herself, back in the safety of her room.
Placing her claws up to her head, Celaeno rubbed her temples together, "I would never put my crew in danger," Celaeno muttered. "And still, danger comes for us."
The next morning, Celaeno was walking through the streets of Ponyville, somewhat tired, but sharp. All the ponies looked at her and greeted her, to which she was too troubled and tired to reply.
All that, however, is about to change, when a certain little boy came to her.
"Morning, Celaeno!" Pipsqueak greeted eagerly, which was enough to lift Celaeno's tired mood up.
Celaeno turned her head, and looked fondly at Pipsqueak, "Aye, good morning to ya, Pip!" She smiled, as she and Pipsqueak shared a tender hug together.
While Pipsqueak isn't much of pirate, nor is he a parrot or a pony, he does, however, possess the spirit of an adventurer of her standards. Something she finds amusing. Even more so, considering how lonely Pipsqueak really is, after the death of his parents, and how he carries the pain, on his own, and throughout his adventures.
"So, captain," Pipsqueak began, looking up at the parrot. "What should we do today?"
"Now Pip," Celaeno spoke, crossing her arms. "What did I say about referring me as captain?"
Pipsqueak looked hesitant, while at the same time, unsure, "Gosh, I don't know," Pipsqueak spoke. "I mean, it feels kinda weird to just refer to you, casually."
"Not to worry there, Pip," Celaeno assured. "Ye may be my new first-mate. But I've given you the privilege to call me by my real name."
Pipsqueak nodded as he saluted, "Aye-aye, captain. Uh, I mean, Celaeno," He corrected himself. "So, what's our first objective?" He asked.
Dragonfire đŠ On The Wings Of ThunderbirdâĄď¸
A Pirateâs Life with Pipsqueak
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Dragonfire đŠ On The Wings Of ThunderbirdâĄď¸
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
The next morning, Pipsqueak returned to Equestria, via the portal between the magical world and Earth.
In a flash of blinding white light, the young boy appeared in the Friendship Castle, within the portal's room, eagerly walking to Celaeno's guest room in the castle.
"A-hoy, captain!" Pipsqueak greeted in pirate talk, knocking on the door. "Tis be a new day of adventures for us!" Pipsqueak anxiously waited for the next few minutes for Celaeno to answer. But only silence greeted him. "Um, Celaeno?" Pipsqueak spoke up in worry, in his normal voice. "It's me. First mate, Pipsqueak. Are you okay in there?"
When he didn't receive an answer, again, Pipsqueak knew something was up and started to worry. Turning the knob, slowly and carefully, Pipsqueak quietly took a peek, before opening the whole door ajar to find the room empty.
Celaeno was nowhere to be seen. All that is left of her is unfinished book of Salem's Lot by Stephen King, which was kept open, on its pages, on her bed.
"Huh, I wonder where she is?" Pip thought out loud, when a figure stood by the doorway.
"Hey Pip," Twilight greeted, startling the boy.
"AAH!!!" Pipsqueak screamed, before he rapidly beat his chest to ease his rapid heartbeat. "Don't ever scare me like that!" Pipsqueak berated the lavender alicorn.
"You're right. I'm sorry," Twilight apologized.
Regaining his composure, Pipsqueak asked, "Have you seen Captain Celaeno?"
Twilight frowned sadly, looking to the sides, before she looked back up at Pip, "Come on, I'll show you," She beckoned, with her wing.
With that, a wave of anxious worry washed over Pip as he followed Twilight, through the castle halls, before they arrived out the front door, to a scene that looked as if there had been a scuffle. All over the ground, there were tracks of claws and lines that had kicked up the dirts. No doubt, they are Celaeno's, which indicate she had been outside of the castle. However, what really grabbed everyone's attention was the appearance of scorch marks that had painted the scene, all over the place.
Pipsqueak was confused, "What happened here?" He asked.
"I wished I knew Pip," Twilight answered. "But we're doing everything we can to find out."
Pip then felt a tap on the shoulder, as he looked to see a saddened Rainbow Dash, carrying a familiar brown hat, with a red feather, which appeared to have its tip singed, slightly.
"This was all we could find of her," Rainbow frowned, before gently giving the hat to Pip.
Pip was distraught, and tried hard to deny it. But the truth remains. Captain Celaeno was missing.
"CAPTAIN CELAENO!!!" Pipsqueak called, echoing through out all of Ponyville, and to some extent, Canterlot and the Everfree Forest.
When Love Takes You In
Since that awful day, everyone have all searched far and wide, for their missing parrot pirate friend. But they've found no hide nor feathers of the anthro parrot.
This doesn't sit well with Pipsqueak as he once again, finds himself feeling lonelier than ever.
Pipsqueak has always felt this way, ever since his parents died. Even in the company and presence of his friends, the little boy continues to feel incomplete at the absence of a parental figure. All of that had changed, ever since he first met Captain Celaeno. After the two of them got the chance to know each other, and bonded, he hasn't felt alone since, until now.
On a cold dark night, Pipsqueak was tossing and turning in his sleep, as he began to have a dream. In his vision, Pipsqueak was on a huge ship that was sailing across the rough waters of a huge ocean, with the waves crashing and bashing, rocking the ship from side to side. Then, appearing before him, at the helm of the ship, was the dreamy apparition of Captain Celaeno.
"Captain Celaeno?" Pipsqueak asked. "Captain! Captain!" Pipsqueak broke into a run, as he runs up to the parrot, and they both wrapped their arms around each other in a hug.
"Aye, tis be good to see ya Pip," Celaeno said, as she returned the hug.
Remembering the hat he had been holding onto, Pipsqueak broke up the hug as he held it up to the parrot, "Here. I've got your hat," Pipsqueak said.
"Thank ya Pip," Celaeno was about to take back her hat, when a clap of thunder struck their ship, and the parrot was blasted off the deck.
"CAPTAIN!!" Pipsqueak screamed, running towards the parrot.
"PIIIIP!!! HELP ME!!!" Celaeno squawked in fright, falling into the waters that tossed her around, before she was carried up into the dark clouds above.
"CAPTAIN!!!!" Pipsqueak screamed, running in vain, trying to save the parrot. But it was no use. The young boy was snatched up by the waves, as they carried him farther and farther away from the parrot, who disappeared into the clouds, followed by a crack of thunder.
The last thing Pip saw was the outline of a huge menacing bird that flapped its wings, emitting a bright clap of thunder with every wingbeat as it flew away from him.
At last, Pip came to the shores of an island.
"Greetings, Pipsqueak," a small blue alicorn greeted.
Pipsqueak was aghast, "Princess Luna?" He asked.
"The Boots of Courage have chosen you for a reason," Luna began. "There's not much time to waste. You need to master up your courage, if you're going to save Captain Celaeno."
"Captain Celaeno?!" Pip exclaimed. "Where is she?"
"Celaeno is alive," Luna continued. "You need to go to her. Go. The Thunderbird will take you to her. Go. Go," Luna repeated the last words before Pipsqueak woke up with a start.
"The Thunderbird will take me to her," Pipsqueak repeated. "But what does that even mean?" He asked. Taking one last look at the pirate hat the parrot had left behind, Pipsqueak soon had a look of determination, as he picks up the pirate hat, "If it means finding Captain Celaeno. Then I'll do it." Putting that hat on his head, Pipsqueak looked at himself in the mirror, looking confident, "Wherever you are captain, I'm coming!" He saluted.
He's A Pirate
Dragonfire đŠ On The Wings Of ThunderbirdâĄď¸
The Thunderbird Takes Flight
The Next Day
Outside the Friendship Castle, Pipsqueak was hard at work, finishing the airship he and Captain Celaeno have been working on for the past weeks, or so.
Pipsqueak was hammering the nails away, securing every wooden tiles in place, while getting a few bruises here and there.
Just then, the rest of the Knights came passing by, with their pal, Spike Draco.
âAhoy, Pip!â Button called out. âWhat are you doing? Arenât you supposed to be searching for Celaeno?â
"I am,â Pip replied. âBut first, I need to get the Thunderbird up and ready,â Pip pointed to the side of the ship, where its name was carved. âPrincess Luna said she will help me look for Celaeno." Pip explain.
Spike looked at Pip, curiously, "Auntie Luna told you that?" He asked.
"Aye, that she did,â Pip replied, hoisting a lifeboat up. "Now if you landlubbers will excuse me, Iâve got a ship to finish.â
Spike and the Knights all looked at each other, exchanging looks of concerns for their pirate enthusiastic, fanatic friend.
With a series of nods, Spike changed himself into his dragon form as he flaps his wings and picked up a huge wooden beam.
âThen letâs help ya out, Pip,â Spike offered. âIf auntie says this ship will help you find Celaeno, then youâll need all the help you can get.â
âYeah!â Rumble added as he and Button picked up a crate and brought it onboard. âBesides, Celaeno is kinda like our captain, too.â
âPlus, sheâs our friend,â Rainbow Dashâs voice added, as the cyan pegasus made herself known, together with Applejack, and the McColt family. âAnd weâd do anything to help out a friend.â
âDarn tootinâ,â Applejack smirked.
Pipsqueak smiled, âThanks everybody,â He said in gratitude.
âCâmon, everyone!â Applejack began. âWe got a ship to finish! Yee-ha!!â
With that, everyone all went straight to work, finishing the Thunderbird, getting her ready for her first flight.
It was only half an hour, but with the determination and their strong support for their friend, the whole ship looked nearly complete.
âThatâs it everyone!â Pipsqueak complimented. âKeep up the good work! Button, raise that sail a bit. Tender, quit fooling around with those ropes!â
âHelp,â Tender moaned, having gone and tangled himself in a web of ropes.
As he watched his friends hard at work, Pip decided to join in to get his ship done faster.
A wave of nostalgia washed itself over Pip as he thought about some times when itâs just him and Celaeno, and back when the Thunderbird was incomplete, they would still use the ship as their hangout, or base of operations.
He tipped his captainâs hat on his head as he recalled the time when he learned the origin of the shipâs name.
Past
Captain Celaeno was busy carving some letters onto the side of her unfinished ship's hull. Pipsqueak walked over to her side to read the name she had carved: "The Thunderbird."
"Wow, that's a cool name for this ship!" Pipsqueak commented.
"Glad ya thought of it that way Pip," Celaeno smiled, turning to Pip. "Feels like the appropriate name for her, when I make my greatest comeback to the skies."
"Sounds powerful," Pipsqueak replied.
"Aye, that it is. Just like the very beast itself!"
âReally?â Pip asked, his curiosity piqued. âWhatâs the thunderbird like?â
Celaeno tipped her hat as she began, "The Thunderbird was a majestic and legendary bird creature that only appeared on the darkest of days and the cruelest of nights. Legends say that it is dark all over, with eyes of blue fires that struck fear in the faintest of hearts. It rides on thunder clouds, and with every beats of its great wings, lightning bolts rained down from the skies, striking those unfortunate, beneath its shadow."
âWicked!â Pipsqueak said in awe.
Celaeno chuckled, before she turned stern. âAs soon as this ship be finished, then like the cracking sounds of thunder, Iâll see to it that my greatest comeback strikes fears into the hearts of my enemies. Even the Storm King and Cerulean Hunters will tremble at the mention of my shipâs name.â
Looking down, Celaeno could see Pipsqueak looked rather intimidated, if not albeit frightened, âAye-aye, captain.â
Celaeno chuckled, âAt ease there first mate,â Celaeno reassured with a pat on the boyâs head. âAll part of the spirit of adventure is all,â Celaeno playfully ruffled Pipâs head. âWell what are ya waiting for? She ainât gonna get in the air herself! Get back to work!â
âAye-aye, Captain!â
Present
Pipsqueak was so lost in thoughts of the memory to notice Applejack walking up to the boy, "Pipsqueak?" Applejack asked, startling the boy. "Sorry, Sugarcube. Didn't mean to scare ya."
"It's okay," Pip replied, taking the moment to brush himself. "What's up?"
"We just stopped for a lunch break," Applejack answered, showing everyone had all stopped to share a meal together, before she handed him the apple pie she was carrying on her back. "Thought ya might be hungry."
Pipsqueak looked down and sure enough, his stomach was growling, "Oh yeah," Pip replied, as he gratefully accepted the pie. "Thanks AJ."
Applejack smiled as she and Pip both cut a slice of the pie for each of them, and they ate away. While eating, Applejack decided to strike up conversation, "So, Pip," She began. "I was wondering if you could tell us more about you and Captain Celaeno. You must really admire her, seeing how you're really determined to find her."
"Well, I am her first mate, after all," Pip replied.
Applejack shook her head, "I think it goes deeper than that."
Knowing what Applejack was getting at, Pip nodded, "Okay," He scratched the back of his head. "Yes, I'll admit, ever since we first met Celaeno, I think she's bloody brilliant, being a pirate and all. That and the fact she's unlike any pirates I've ever read about in books and stuff. It's just how she always looks out for her crew, the many adventures she's had, and how brave she is when she stares danger in the face. Who wouldn't want someone like her for their captain?"
Applejack smiled, "Sounds to me she's a really special friend to ya, isn't she, Sugarcube?" Applejack asked.
âThat and more,â Pipsqueak replied.
Past
It was during the time when Fear Haunter came to terrorize all of Ponyville. In fact, that was the time when both Pip and Celaeno truly began to bond with each other.
"Pip?" Celaeno spoke quietly.
Pip jumped up in surprise, as he looks up, "Oh, hey captain," he greeted sadly.
"You alright there lad?" Celaeno asked with concern, sitting next to him.
"I'm fine," He replied, wiping a tear. "It's just a really bad dream, I had."
"About?" She asked trying to understand. âWhatâs it about? Câmon, Pip. Ya can tell me.â
He sighs, "My parents." Celaeno raises an eyebrow. "I guess I should explain," Pip began. "You heard that my parents moved to the U.K. and left me at my cousin's right?" Celaeno nods, "Well that was half the story. On their way to Britain, the jet they were on crashed into the ocean. And while there were survivors, my mum and dad...weren't one of them." He finished that last part with a tear.
Celaeno was shocked, that this boy lost his parents, "Do...you have these nightmares often?" She asked, hoping she isn't being insensitive.
"Once in a great while," He replied with a shrug. The next thing he knew, Celaeno wraps an arm around him, and pulls him closer.
"I'm sorry," She said in a somber, yet somewhat maternal tone. "I didn't know."
Pip was taken aback by this strange development. Especially from someone he's grown to admire, and idolize. And above all, a pirate captain, "C-captain-"
"Please Pip, just call me Celaeno," She assured him.
"O-ok." He complied.
"So," Celaeno spoke, wanting to get back on topic. "Tell me, Pip. Does anyoneelse , know about this?"
Pip looked down for a moment, before he sadly replied, "There's cousin Featherweight, and my uncle, and auntie," Pip closed his eyes, as he continues, "But it's not something I like to talk about."
"Well little Pip," Celaeno replied. "Ya can always talk to me, if ya like."
Pip looked up at Celaeno, stars trucked, "Do you mean it?" He asked hopefully, to which Celaeno responded with a tip of her hat. Seeing the sincerity in the parrot's eyes, Pip was surprised, "Gosh, thanks," Pip spoke, still sniffling a tear. "That's awfully kind of you, Captain-um, I mean, Celaeno."
Celaeno playfully ruffled Pip's hair, "Pip, I may be a pirate," Celaeno smiled. "But I know love."
"You do?" Pip asked.
"Of course. How do ya think I'm captain of my hearty crew?"
Pip was silent for a moment, before he spoke, "Gosh. I always thought pirate captains have to be scary and intimidating in front of their crews. Otherwise, there'd be a mutiny."
Celaeno chuckled, "Well, not this captain," she spoke. "Unlike these other pirate captains you spoke of, I've looked out for my crew, and they've looked out for me. Aye, I'd trade away all the gold doubloons, and my jade peg leg, just to secure their lives." Celaeno looked solemn, as she finds herself missing her pirate crew even more. "I miss them, just as much as ye miss your mama and papa."
Pip looks up to her in sympathy, "It must have been hard losing your crew."
The anthro parrot sighs, "I'll admit. There hasn't been a day gone by that I worry for them," the kind parrot took of her hat for a moment, as she continues, "They're tough birds, don't get me wrong. But still..." She stares at the dimming fireplace, before she continues, "As we'd say, birds of a feather, stick together. They're my flock, my family. The only family I have left," Celaeno muttered at the last part. "Without them, I'm just flying solo."
Pip placed a comforting hand on Celaeno's claw, "If it makes you feel better, I'd consideryou a part ofour family."
Celaeno looked down at the little boy, feeling touched by his attachment, "Yes, I know," She replied, with a small hearty smile.
After a few minutes of silence and just enjoying each other's company, Celaeno spoke up, "I'm off to bed," She got up. "Care to join me?"
Pip's eyes widen, "Really?" He asked, to which she nods. Without a second thought, Pipsqueak accepted the parrot's offer, as he followed her, close behind.
Once they reach Celaeno's room, Pip notices a book on the night stand. He picks it up, "The Dark Tower," He read the title. "You read?" He asked the anthro parrot.
"Every now and then," Celaeno shrugs, "Though I prefer books from Earth, as the authors there aren't scared to pull punches, especially that Stephen King fella."
"You should try books written by Jeremy Robinson!" Pip recommended.
She smiles, "I'll keep that in mind," She replied, while hanging her hat on a nearby rack, before she took her earring off, and her jade peg leg, before getting into bed, with Pipsqueak.
As they got into bed, Celaeno spoke up, "Hey Pip?"
"Yeah?"
"About you joining me crew, I'll...think about it."
Pip couldnât help but smiles, "Thank you." While holding Celaenoâs arm close, Pipsqueak snuggles up close, feeling himself lost in the warm, and soft texture of Celaenoâs body, beneath her feathers.
In truth, it reminded him of the comfort he once had, from his mother before she left.
Present
"Oh," Applejack mused. "So she's kinda like another mother for you then."
Pipsqueak blushed, "Yeah, so?"
"No need to feel ashamed, Sugarcube," Applejack reassured. "If she was able to fill in that empty void where yer mom used to be, there's no need to be afraid of addressing her as such."
"Maybe," Pipsqueak replied. "But for now, I'm just gonna refer to her as Captain, or Celaeno for now."
Applejack chuckled, "Alright, Pip."
After they were done with their pie, Pip went back to join the rest of their friends to finish the Thunderbird, "Hey Applejack?" Pip began. "Thanks. It's really nice to talk about Celaeno, once in awhile."
"No problem, Sugarcube," Applejack smiled, while putting her hoof affectionately on her hat. 'I've had my shares of losing someone I loved,' She thought about her father, and how his hat kept her close to him.
After some times, working on the ship, the Thunderbird was complete. In appearance, it looked just like an average airship, with a few differences. Its hull was painted darker than a stormy night, with a large dark balloon to match the appearance of a thundercloud. To further add the ferocity of this ship's appearance, the prow of the ship was decorated in strong metals, with the figurehead in the shape of a fearsome eagle, with metallic spikes aligned along the hulls of the ship, and the two sails that attached to the sides, and a large propeller at the stern.
The ship was being prepared to launch, bound to the ground by a web of ropes, with Pipsqueak standing behind Pinkie's party cannon.
"Care to do the honors, Pipsqueak?" Pinkie Pie asked, handing the boy a small champagne bottle.
Pipsqueak nodded his head as he loaded the cannon into Pinkie's cannon. Clearing his throat, Pipsqueak spoked loudly, "Attention everyone! I would like to thank you all for taking part in the completion of the Thunderbird! I only wished Captain Celaeno was here with us now to witness her christening. But now, I shall board the Thunderbird and pray to Faust that she shall guide me to our captain so that we may sail together for more great adventures, and the Thunderbird shall be captained by its true captain!"
Everyone all cheered as Pip lit up the cannon, "By the power invested in me, I christened thee, the Thunderbird!!" Pipsqueak declared, as he fired the bottle, shattering upon impact.
"Okay!" Spike shouted, as the McColt family all cut the ropes, freeing the ship, allowing it to float in the air, while remaining close to the ground. Everyone all cheered in celebration of the ship's launch.
Pip smiled, feeling proud to himself, while wishing Celaeno could be there to witness it, "Alright, Pipsqueak," Rainbow Dash began, as she picked the boy up. "It's time for the Thunderbird to have her first maiden voyage!" With a flap of her wings, Dash took the boy behind the wheel.
Soon, Spike came onboard, together with the rest of the Knights, "Take her away captain!" Spike said.
Rumble smiled, as he sets the Thunderbird into action.
Dragonfire đŠ On The Wings Of ThunderbirdâĄď¸
On The Wings Of Thunderbird
After the Thunderbird was finished and had taken her first flight into the air, Pipsqueak drove her back to Ponyville where he docked her, down at a nearby lake, close to the Friendship Castle.
"Alright, Pip!" Spike smiled as he and the rest of the friends come onboard. "I'd say the Thunderbird is ship-shape."
"Ship-shape she is!" Pip agreed. "Next stop, Captain Celaeno!"
"Hold on!" Applejack interjected. "Just how are ya going to find her on yer own? Do ya even know where ya going?"
"What's there to know?" Pip shrugged. "Princess Luna told me the Thunderbird will take me to her, so I'm putting my complete faith into her."
Everyone all exchanged looks of doubts, before they shook their head in disagreements, "I don't think aunt Luna meant it like this," Spike frowned. "I think there's more to it than just putting your faith in an airship."
"Hey! The Thunderbird isn't just an airship!" Pip argued. "She's my captain's airship! She's our airship!"
"I get it, Pip," Spike replied. "But it's gonna take more than just you and the Thunderbird to find Celaeno."
"Spike's right," Twilight agreed. "You can't find her on your own. You need help."
"You need a crew!" Button added.
"You need us to help ya," Rainbow joined in.
"That's right," Applejack nodded, before she did a double take. "Wait, us?"
"Well, yeah," Rainbow replied. "I mean, what's a ship and a captain without a crew?"
Pip was overall surprised, "You're coming onboard?"
"Heck yeah!" Rainbow smiled, nudging Pip by the shoulder. "Any chances for adventure, and I'm your pony! Besides, nopony knows the skies or the lands of Equestria as well as I." The rainbow maned pegasus boasted, much to some annoyance of her friends.
"In that case, I'm coming along as well," Applejack joined in. "Just to keep her in line."
"Hmph!" Rainbow pouted.
"Don't suppose you still have room for us," Button spoke on behalf of himself and the rest of the Knights.
"You guys?!" Pipsqueak exclaimed.
"Of course!" Rumble replied. "C'mon Pip. We're a team. We're in this together. And besides, Celaeno isn't just your captain. She's our captain as well."
"We'll help you find her!" Tender said.
"We'll fight for her if we have to!" Featherweight added.
"Who knows," Button began. "Maybe when she sees how much big of a help we are to helping you find her, then she could shorten our punishment for milkshakes," In response, the other Knights all gave Button a firm elbow strike to his stomach.
Spike soon walked up to Pip, "Are you coming too, Spike?" Pip asked.
"No," Spike shook his head. "I'm needed here and Canterlot, for the moment," Spike reached for the strap of his cape, unhooking it from his shoulders before he wraps it around Pip. "I'm just here to give you this, for luck and protections."
Pipsqueak was aghast, "But Spike!" He replied. "This is your cape!"
"It is," Spike nodded. "However, it doesn't work just for me. The Cape of Compassion gives special care to those who ask for its strength in times of crisis. And right now, I have a feeling you need it, more than I do." Though initially surprised at first, Pip was nevertheless grateful as he accepted the gift. "Oh. There's one more thing you're going to need," Putting his fingers in his mouth, Spike blew a loud whistle, summoning Peewee to the ship. The phoenix perched on Spike's arm, "Take Peewee with you. He'll be a really big help. Plus, he'll keep a close watch on you and everyone onboard. Won't you boy?" Peewee nodded his head before he squawked in agreement, hopping from Spike's arm and on top of Pipsqueak's head.
Pipsqueak smiled, "Thanks Spike," Pipsqueak bowed his head. "You're the best brother anyone can ask for!"
"Oh, don't mention it, Pip," Spike and Pipsqueak quickly shared a series of handshakes and fist bumps, before they parted. "Good luck."
Before long, Rainbow Dash quickly came over to Spike, "So, your gifts for Pip are your cape and your bird, huh?" Rainbow grinned. "Very thoughtful of you, Spike. Got anything for me?"
Spike blushed, scratching the back of his head, "Well, actually...um..."
"That's okay," Rainbow grinned as both she and Applejack changed themselves human. "Here's something to remember us by," Rainbow flirted, before both she and Applejack gave Spike a double kiss to the cheeks.
Spike blushed an even brighter shade of red before he walked off the ship, "Be safe, you two," He stammered.
Soon, after the farewells were spoken, the Thunderbird became airborne again as she once again takes to the sky, carrying her new crew, taking them on the first flight of their adventure to finding her lost captain.
"I'M KING OF THE WOOOOOOOOOORLD!!!" Button whooped, as he stood at the tip of the Thunderbird's bow.
Not waiting around for the nerdy boy to fall off, Applejack hurled a lasso around him and pulled him back on deck, "Watch yerself, Button," Applejack scolded. "I've been warned about your recklessness."
"Hmph," Button pouted as Applejack walked away, checking up on the rest of the crews.
Featherweight was at the hull of the ship, taking pictures with his camera, "Wow, you can see all of Equestria from up here!" Featherweight beamed as he continues to take some pictures.
Rumble was hanging onto one of the shrouds, feeling the wind blowing in his face. Tender Taps looked over the side of the ship and instantly had vertigo. The dizzy boy manages to sat himself in a deck chair, provided by Applejack.
Back on the bridge, Pipsqueak was in control of the wheels, with Peewee on his shoulder, and Rainbow Dash by his side.
Seeing how tense the short boy looked, Rainbow decided to lighten the mood, "So Pip," She began. "Fine day for flying, eh captain?"
"Maybe," Pipsqueak answered.
"Maybe?"
"Nice, breezy, I don't know. Captain Celaeno would know a lot about flying in these kinds of skies. She would know it a whole lot better than me."
"Hey, don't sell yourself too short there Pip. Just because Celaeno isn't here with us, it's no reason for you to get all doubtful and everything."
Pip sighed, "I know," Pip looked at Rainbow Dash. "But I'd actually like to hear that from the captain herself. I hope she's okay."
"Hey, she's a tough parrot," Rainbow nudged. "She'll be alright. It's you who needs to be tougher, for her. You need to be awesome!" With that, Rainbow Dash broke out into a song, which got the whole crew singing along.
It's Time To Be Awesome
[Rainbow Dash]I know the world can get you down
Things don't work out quite the way that you thought
Feeling like all your best days are done
Your fears and doubts are all you've got
But there's a light shining deep inside
Beneath those fears and doubts, so just squash 'em
And let it shine for all the world to see
That it is time, yeah, time to be awesome
[Crew]Ah, ah, ah-ah, awesome!
It's time to be so awesome!
Ah, ah, ah-ah, awesome!
It's time to be so awesome!
Initially taken by surprise by the sudden musical number, Pipsqueak slowly joined in the festivity as he felt some needed encouragement, building up within.
[Pipsqueak]You've no idea how hard it's been
Crew
[Pipsqueak]
[Rainbow Dash]
Be awesome, it's all up to you
[Pipsqueak]
It's like a tale still yet to be told
Crew
[Rainbow Dash and Pipsqueak]
And start living like the brave and the bold!
[All]
Let loose, be true, so awesome!
It's time to be awesome!
Go big, be you, so awesome!
[Rumble]
[Featherweight]
[Button Mash]
[Pipsqueak]
[All]
[Rainbow Dash]
[All]
[Captain Celaeno/Pipsqueak]
[All]
[instrumental continues]
"Come on!" Pip shouted, more confidently. "We've got a pirate to save!"
"YEAH!!" Everyone shouted in agreement.
After awhile of flying, the Thunderbird was starting to fly through dark cloudy skies. Applejack took over the wheel, while Pip was standing by the port side with Rainbow Dash.
"Hey Rainbow Dash?" Pip spoke up.
"What's up, Pip?" Dash asked.
"Thanks. I really needed that."
"Eh, don't mention it," Rainbow grinned, ruffling Pip's hair for a bit. "What're crew mates for, huh?" Shifting into anthro form, picking up a sword with her hands, Rainbow challenged, "C'mon, Pip. Show me what the captain's taught ya!"
Pip grinned as he unsheathes his own pirate sword, "Bring it!" With that, the two got out on deck, where they sparred together, clashing their blades together.
"Not bad, Pip," Rainbow smirked.
Suddenly, Peewee started to squawk out loud, while flapping his wings rapidly, "What is it, Peewee?" Pip asked, before he received his answer, in the form of lightning bolts that cracked the sky around them.
"What the hay?!" Applejack exclaimed. "Rainbow Dash! I thought you said these clouds aren't thunderclouds!"
"They aren't!" Rainbow confirmed.
"TAKE COVER!!" Pipsqueak shouted as he and everyone all dashed towards the cabin of the ship, struggling to avoid the lightning bolts on the way. "Rainbow Dash, look out!" Pip screamed, running up to the pegasus, draping the Cape of Compassion over himself and the pegasus, shielding themselves from a blast of lighting.
"Thanks, Pip!" Rainbow said, before both she and Pip made it to the cabin, where the rest of the crew were waiting.
"Wow, that was close," Button panted.
"Too close for comfort," Rumble agreed.
"Don't have to tell me twice," Applejack commented, showing her hat with a scorch mark.
Taking the chance to look out the window, Pipsqueak looked, and was perplexed to see the silhouettes of what appeared to be a bird, atop of an even bigger bird, "What the-"
The young swashbuckler didn't have time to ponder, when another flash of lighting blinded him, and the whole Thunderbird shook.
"Oh no," Button moaned. "That can't be good!"
"You think?" Rumble asked rhetorically.
Taking the chance to look outside, Rumble could see one of the wings of the Thunderbird was caught on fire, "The right wing's been hit!" Pipsqueak shouted. "We need to put it out, fast!"
"Just how do we do that?" Rumble asked.
"Got anything in Spike's cape that might help?" Button asked.
Pipsqueak reached into one of the cape's inner pockets to pull out a baseball bat, "Uh, I don't think so," Tender Tap voiced his opinion, as Pipsqueak puts the bat back.
Reaching into another pocket, Pip pulls out a tennis racket, "Whoops!" Pip puts it back into the cape, before he reaches in again and pulls out a fire extinguisher. "Here we go!" With his Boots of Courage glowing, Pipsqueak took off in a blur.
"Pip! Wait!" Applejack shouted, but to no avail.
Pip was already out on one of the Thunderbird's wings, with a suspension cable tied to a belt around his waist, as he puts out the fire before it got worse. Another flash of lightning startled him as it struck the hull of the ship, causing him to jerk, nearly falling off the arm of the wing, dropping the fire extinguisher, into the sea of clouds below. Pipsqueak looked up, just in time to see a bolt of lightning heading straight towards him.
"PIP!!" Featherweight screamed, jumping in between the lightning bolt and his cousin, with the Shield of Purity conjured, blocking the powerful bolt, causing both boys to fly back onto the airship. "You okay, cousin?" Featherweight asked.
"Yeah," Pip confirmed.
"We've got to get away from all these lightnings!" Applejack shouted.
"Might I suggest we go down?" Button suggested.
Taking their words of advice, Pip quickly went up to the wheels to steer the Thunderbird away from the lightnings. Remembering his lessons about working an airship from Celaeno, Pip shouted, "Let out some airs in the balloon!"
"Aye-aye, captain!" Rainbow Dash saluted, having her fair shares of flying an airship before as she got to work, decreasing pressures from the balloon, decreasing altitude for the Thunderbird.
"Steady!" Pipsqueak advised, when another flash of lightning pierced the sky again, and the smell of burning lumbers filled the air. Looking around to spot for any signs of damages on the ship, Pipsqueak heard the sound of a huge, incoming object, before it made contact with the Thunderbird, striking her down on the port side. With that, the Thunderbird descended toward the ground at an alarming rate, until finally, she landed with a great big thud. The force was so powerful, it knocked everyone to literally hit the deck. Pipsqueak went flying off of his perch, with Peewee hanging onto the boy's shoulders to soften the impact of their fall. Nevertheless, the adrenaline was too much for Pip, as he collapsed on the deck of the Thunderbird, with his world blacking out.
After what felt like hours, Pip slowly blinked his eyes, waking up to reality, and finding himself on a mattress, "What happened?" He asked, rubbing his sore head.
"Hoo-whee," Applejack sounded. "You're alright, Pip!" The country pony walked over to inspect the boy. "That was some fall ya took there."
"AJ?" Pip asked, before he looked around to see they were both in a tent, in the middle of a vast woodland. "What happened? Where are we?"
"We had a fall, Sugarcube," Applejack answered. "Crash landed right out in the Undiscovered West."
"Where is everyone?"
"Right outside. We were just gettin' acquainted with a new friend of ours. C'mon," With that, Applejack helped Pip up to his feet as she took the boy outside to see the rest of the gang, sitting around a campfire, with their new addition.
In appearance, she is another anthropomorphic bird, like Celaeno, only her beak was much more longer and sharper, like that of a heron. Her feathers are a dark coat of indigo, with a long hot pink hair and tail feathers, don up in braids, and a matching plumage resting in her hat, over her piercing yellow eyes. For attires, she wore a black coat, with white frills around her sleeves and collars, and matching pants.
The bird looked up, setting her gaze on Pip, "Ah, so this be the Captain Pip ye be telling to me about," The bird woman spoke, with a thick accent. "Though, I pictured he be a bit.....bigger."
"Hmph," Pip huffed, before he asked, "Who are you?"
"I, be Madame Harpy," the harpy introduced herself.
Pipsqueak gasped, "You're Madame Harpy?!" He asked. "Wow, I can't believe it's really you! Captain Celaeno's told me so much about you!"
The harpy nodded her head in agreement, "I'll bet she did," She smiled, before she gestured to the rest of the gang present. "And yer friends here have been telling me some fond stories about you and Captain Celaeno. And how crazy you are at finding her right now." Pip blushed as he scratched the back of his head, "And after seeing how ye braved through the dangers of the impundulu's storms like that, I can only think of you just as crazier."
"It wasn't on purpose," Pip argued, before he paused. "Wait, what did you say? The impu-"
"The impundulu," Madame repeated. "Better known as, the Lightning Bird!"
Dragonfire đŠ On The Wings Of ThunderbirdâĄď¸
Legend of the Lightning Bird
Pirates of the Caribbean - He's a Pirate
Once before, in the land of Ornithia, there had been nothing but dark stormy days as the Ornithians - bird people, lived in fear of the fiendish creature that has plagued their days with stormy clouds, and shattered their skies with bolts of lightning.
The impundulu - a vampiric creature with a ravenous taste for bloods of females, and the powers of storms and diseases at his commands, this creature knows no terror, and is without a peer.
No living mortals has ever worked up the courage to stand up to his might. That is until I saw her.
We were onboard an airship, en route to another floating city in Ornithia with a cargo of valuable jewels, doubloons, and riches untold. She was but a young buccaneer at that time, when the Impundulu strikes. Like always, he attacks without warning. He strikes from the darkest corners on cold, windy, stormy nights in the form of lightning.
Riding on a bolt of lightning, he appeared in a clap of thunder, onboard our ship, demanding that we sacrifice one female in exchange for safe voyage.
She was but a young buccaneer at that time, when her mother was chosen to be sacrificed to this monster. Not willing to let her mother go this way, young Celaeno offered herself to the beast.
The impundulu laughed at her plea, mocking her for being just a child. But Clelaeno refused to yield. She claims that if she can beat it to a duel, then it will leave them be. The impundulu accepted the challenge.
Obviously, it was no easy task. No one has ever challenged the impundulu to a fight and lived to tell the tale. The impundulu was also called the Lightning Bird for its fearsome, breathtaking super speed of lightning. It struck little Celaeno relentlessly, landing several scorching blows to the young buccaneer's body.
It looked like a futile endeavor for Celaeno. But she knew if she gave up then, she'll lose not only her life or her mum, but the lives of the entire crew, along with our valuable treasure. Celaeno was afraid to lose, which is how she never gave up. And in that moment of fear, she found the courage she needed to outsmart the impundulu.
Needless to say, during the battle, a barrel of gunpowder was knocked to its side, spilling the black powder content. One of the sparks from the impundulu's feathers had set off the gunpowder, startling the vampiric demon.
It was in that moment that its greatest fear was discovered. Fire.
Grabbing a handful of gun powders, using the wind as her ally, Celaeno trapped the impundulu in a cage of bright fires that blinded the beast. Then, picking up a single harpoon, Celaeno defeated the vampire Lightning Bird, and sent it plunging over the starboard side of the ship, to the sea below.
Present
"....Many moons have passed, and the story became nothing more than a mere legend today," Harpy concluded, while picking the logs with a stick to keep the camp fire going. "And since that faithful day, Ornithia was free from the Lightning Bird's reign of terror.
"Wow!" The friends marveled, after hearing such an amazing tale.
"I don't think I'm ever gonna look at Celaeno the same way again!" Tender Tap commented.
"Same here," Rumble added.
"It's like finding out one of your best friend is superman!" Button squealed.
"She is so awesome! /)^3^(\" Rainbow squealed with a scrunched up face.
"That must've been quite the feat for her," Applejack added. "Taking on a the Lightning Bird like that."
"Aye, it is," Harpy agreed. "So ye landlubbers can see, it takes real guts and spirits of a pirate to ever trifle with a demon of the storm, which ye obviously see firsthand, considering the beatings yer airship took."
Pipsqueak couldn't help but blush, "I just hope Captain Celaeno won't be too furious about nearly losing her new ship again," Pipsqueak frowned.
"Aw, don't worry there, Sugarcube," Applejack began in a reassuring tone. "I'm sure after hearing the whole ordeal we went into finding her, I'm sure she'll completely understand."
"Yeah, it's not like the impundulu attacked us because it knew we were Celaeno's friends, or anything. Right?" Button commented.
"...Maybe," Pipsqueak replied hesitantly.
And then, like lightning it hit him. Pipsqueak thought back to the scene in Ponyville, just a day after Celaeno's disappearance. Pipsqueak recalled the kicked up dirts, courtesy of some markings that were made by the talons of Celaeno's feet and her jade peg leg, together with the scorch marks that painted across the landscapes of Ponyville.
Pipsqueak didn't think about it then, but know that he does, the scorch marks appeared to resemble to those made from a lightning bolt.
Looking up at Madame Harpy, Pipsqueak began to ask, "Hey, Madame Harpy? Remind me again, how does the lightning bird attack again?"
Scratching the bottom of her beak, Harpy recalled and answered, "It's like I said. The impundulu strikes without warning. It rides on lightning bolts in the darkest of stormy weather."
"But by chance, does it leave behind a trail of scorch marks, wherever it goes on land?" Pipsqueak asked.
"That it does, Pip. That it does," The harpy nodded, before she blinked her eyes in surprise. "How do you know about that?"
"Because I think it got Celaeno!" Pip deduced, much to the shock of everyone in the group.
"Are you sure, Pip?" Rumble asked.
"Of course, I'm sure!" Pipsqueak replied with determination, before he started sharing his thoughts with the rest of the group.
"Aye, that does sound like the work of the impundulu alright," Harpy replied.
"Then I guess it wasn't just a coincidence it attacked our ship, earlier like that," Rumble added.
"We've got to save Celaeno, before it's too late!" Pipsqueak stomped his foot, before he walked up to Madame Harpy, "Where is it? Where's the Lightning Bird?" He asked.
"Take it easy lad, take it easy!" Harpy ushered, before she pointed to the dark clouds that were about a distance away, "Ye see those clouds? Those dazzling purple lightnings? That is the storm of the impundulu. And from the looks of their formations, the lightning bird has found itself a new nest, over on that island!"
"Let me see!" Rainbow got out a telescope, looking through its lens before exclaiming, "THAT'S BLACKSKULL ISLAND!!!"
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Pipsqueak shouted, with a wave of his pirate sword, only to be stopped by Harpy.
"Just what do you think yer doing, Pip? You're not intending on going to that treacherous island across treacherous water, are ye?" She asked.
"Of course I am! Celaeno's my captain! And I've got to save her!"
"Well ye be at a lost cause, Pip. Without our ships, we can't get across! And by the time we repair each of them, it'll be too late. For tonight, the moon will be red. And when that time comes, the impundulu will prepare to dine on its prey. Meaning your precious captain will be dead."
Pipsqueak's eyes widened with horror. He could hardly believe his ears. He had come all this way, with his own hearty crew in hopes of rescuing his captain. But now, just when he was so close, he was told that it was already too late.
Author's Note
This has been a hard story to work on, but thankfully I have a Co-author who was willing to help out. Thank you, alpha steel!
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Dragonfire đŠ On The Wings Of ThunderbirdâĄď¸
On My Father's Wings | You Are A Pirate | Time To Be Awesome
Pipsqueak has never felt so scared in his whole life. Come to think of it, he had never been more scared than all those times when he was just a little kid at school. Well, littler.
Before coming to Equestria, even before meeting Spike and his fellow Knights, Pipsqueak had always been picked up by the bigger kids at school. Most of them were girls who have enjoyed ridiculing him for his short height and baby face.
He had been ridiculed so much, it drove him to the point where Pipsqueak was too afraid to even stand up for himself. That is, until he and his cousin Featherweight, met Rumble, Featherweight, Button Mash, and later, Spike, at a Five Guys restaurant in New York, where Pipsqueak summoned all his courage to stand up to a group of bullies.
Pipsqueak had never felt so pleased with himself since then. He felt so proud of himself to actually stand up for himself and his friends for once, that as the years went by, Pipsqueak matured into a courageous young boy, despite his shortened height.
To further his courage, Pipsqueak was more than happy when he and his fellow Knights first met Captain Celaeno, after she was rescued from a squadron of Cerulean Hunters.
See: Mission Rogue Diamond Part 1: Reflection.
It was a little known fact that Pipsqueak's always had a fascination of pirates. Therefore he's very enthusiastic upon meeting the parrot pirate and was very dedicative towards her. However, over the course of the times that followed since their meeting, the two have formed a real bond, parallel to that of a mentor and a student.
Secretly though, Pipsqueak didn't just see Captain Celaeno as a captain. Furthermore, she was more than just a mentor to him. She was like a second mother to him since he lost his birth one to the North Atlantic Sea back on Earth.
But now, here he is, dreading at the thought of losing his mentor to a stormy vampire of a bird. It's like losing his mother a second time.
"Pipsqueak?" A voice called, startling the young boy out of his thoughts.
Turning to his right, Pipsqueak's breathing came to a slow calm when he saw that it was only Madame Harpy, "Oh, hello ma'm," He greeted the harpy.
"You're awfully quiet, for a landlubber who Celaeno has taken under her wings," Harpy noted. "What seems to trouble ya lad?"
Pipsqueak hesitated, reluctant to admit it to the harpy, but sighed, "I'm scared, ma'm," He answered.
"Well I'd consider ye a fool if ye aren't. Not a single soul, before Celaeno, had ever dared to face the impundulu and lived to tell the tale ye know. Only a fool would be in their outrageous mind to consider fighting him."
"It's not just the impundulu," Pip added. "I'm scared at the thought of losing Captain Celaeno! It felt like just yesterday she took me as her temporary first mate. But now, I'm about to lose her," Pipsqueak clutched his head in his hands as he groaned, "It's just too soon! I'm not ready to sail without her!"
"And yet, ye got this far on yer Thunderbird airship. And ye didn't need her to captain the ship, did ya?"
"That was different! I sailed the ship because I wanted to save her!"
"Then do it again ya pipsqueak! If you were that determined to make it this far to save yer captain, then show me that determination again!" Harpy patted the boy on the shoulder. "If ye want to save Celaeno that badly, then don't let all this journey be in vain! Yer doing it all for her! Show her, show the world, show the impundulu just how far you'll go for yer friends! As the old same goes, 'Birds of a feather must stick together!'"
Unsure of the harpy's words, Pipsqueak turned his head to look at Celaeno's hat in his lap. Past voices started to echo in his head as he recalls a talk he once had with the anthropomorphic parrot.
"Celaeno?" Pipsqueak began. "Just curious. But how exactly did you start your life as a pirate?"
Celaeno looked at Pip's eyes, seeing his eyes lit with wonders, "That be a tale of mine that's precious than a jewel of a thousand kingdom," Celaeno smiled in nostalgia. "And no one, besides my crew, hals ever asked me about that story. Until now, that is."
Pipsqueak took a seat, eager to hear the tale, "I'm listening," He smiled.
Past
When You're Alone - John Williams
"It was long ago, back when I was just about yer age, and back when I still had both my legs," Celaeno narrated . "My father was a brilliant merchant, a famous explorer, with the stars and a compass as his friends, for they guide him in the directions where he needed to be."
A young Celaeno was on the decks of a great airship, watching the night sky, decorated in a blanket of stars. Standing by her side is an older parrot, with blood red feathers, and sapphire blue at the tips of his head and tail feathers, weary yellow eyes. For attires, the parrot was don up in a long brown leather coat, over a uniform befitting of an admiral, complete with a huge hat that has a long red feather.
"Wow!" Young Celaeno smiled, as she marveled in awe at Princess Luna's beautiful night. "Ooh, father look!" Celaeno pointed to a set of stars that formed a constellation. "There's Scorpius! The scorpion!"
"Very good, Celaeno," The old parrot smiled, before he challenged. "Now, tell me. Where's the Big Dipper with the Little Dipper?"
Celaeno looked up, scanning the night sky as she searched the night sky, "Um, there's Polaris the North Star. Then that means, the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper are right there!"
"Correct again! I see you've been studying your stars!"
"Of course I have father! When I grow up, I want to live the life of adventure, just like you, with the stars as my guide!"
Celaeno's father chuckled heartedly as he got down to his daughter's level, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her in a loving embrace, "I know you will, lass," He smiled. "And I could never be so pride of ya."
"Wow, he sounds like a great dad!" Pip commented.
"That he is. And a well respected pirate. For ye see, unlike most pirates, my father only aims to steal treasures from fellow pirates. There is no fun, nor is there any honor, for a pirate like him to steal from common folks. And that earned him a few enemies in the pirate life."
The loving tender moment was interrupted, when a fleet of pirate ships had attacked the airship Celaeno and her father were sailing on. In appearance, these pirates appeared to be a mix of anthropomorphic crabs and crows. These pirates swarmed the ship, plundering it of its rich contents of merchandises and treasury, and took many of the ships crew members as hostages, onboard the pirate ships, until Celaeno and her father were all that's left.
Being an experienced fighter in his travels, Celaeno's father refused to go down so easily. Reaching into his coat, the old parrot pulled out a pair of guns.
"Stay back!" The parrot squawked, holding his guns up. But the pirates refused to yield, "I said BACK!!!"
With that, a fight ensued, as the pirates lunged towards the old parrot, who bravely, and skillfully, fought back with the use of his guns, and his wits. Celaeno watched from behind a crate, watching the fight ensued. She watched the fancy tricks her father used with a spin of his left hand and a spin of his right hand, as he fired every shots at the attacking pirates.
But during the fight, Celaeno was snatched up by one of the pirates, who threatened to take her life, if her father doesn't surrender. Celaeno refused to be the reason her father was defeated. So she did the best she could to escape. She bites down hard on the pirate's hand, forcing him to release her.
As her father fought on however, he failed to notice a spiderpony crawling to the crow's nest and bringing what looks like a sniper rifle. He takes aim at the Ornithian and fires, hitting him in the back, much to Celaeno's horror. Celaeno's father stumbled back dropping his guns in the process.
Just then, a much larger spiderpony appears dragging a mace like weapon along with him. The old parrot looked at his daughter then back at the spiderpony and stares defiantly at him. Weakly, he picks up one of his pistols and aims at the spiderpony. Sadly, the hulking brute was quicker as he swung his mace and sent the old parrot flying to a wall and crashes into it.
A horrified Celaeno rushes to her father to see if he's alright. Her father was was not in the best of shape, as he was impaled by a large splinter of wood in the lower abdomen, a massive bruise was forming on the left side of his face where the mace struck him, and there was still that bullet wound in his back. Needless to say, it was doubtful he was going to make it.
Celaeno looks back and sees the pirates ready to abduct her as well, but were stopped by the large spiderpony who shook his head and ordered them to go back to the ship, he looked at the father and daughter briefly before leaving himself. Celeano didn't know whether it was out of respect, pity, or something else entirely.
"Cel...aeno..." Her father weakly said. she whipped her head back to him, tears started to form in her eyes, "M-My dear daughter please promise me that no matter what happens, be strong, for your mother, and for me."
"I will father, I will." She said with hot tears going down her face.
"G-Good, that's all...I need...to...hear..." Those were his final words as he went limb and closed his eyes for the last time. Pretty soon after, Celaeno wept openly on his chest.
Celaeno walked over to her father's grave, failing to hold back the tears. Years passed as Celaeno grew up into a fine parrot woman. But all the same, the pain of her father's death continues to linger, as well as her love of adventure, as if it's calling out to her.
On My Father's Wings
Present
"Pipsqueak!" Harpy shouted, snapping Pipsqueak back into reality. "Ye alright there lad? Ye looked as if ye were lost in a trance."
"Uh, I'm fine," Pipsqueak answered. "I was just thinking."
"Thinking is done now Pip," Harpy frowned. "Now's the time to actually do something. And if yer planning on rescuing Celaeno, then count me in. I owe her a favor. And I recommend you should as well. Are you a pirate?"
Pipsqueak let Harpy's words sinked in, before he looked back at Celaeno's hat. Holding the hat up, he dons up a newfound look of determination, as he puts the hat back on his head, "I'm a pirate," He answered.
He's a Pirate - Pirates of the Caribbean
Author's Note
In loving memory of Stefan Karls. 1975-2018.
You Are A Pirate
