Star lobe

A/N:  So this chapter will have a few things.  You'll see the main baddy (Bad Guy), as well as finding out the animosity between Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash vs. Storm Guard.  Should make for an interesting read.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Captain Short Straw wasn’t the most handsome man to grace the face of Equis.  He was short, fat, and his face had a habit of imitating the smashed face look given off by most new-born dogs when he was angry.  However, nobody in their right mind would dare to comment on this.  Why, you might ask.  The answer is really quite simple.  He was a pirate.  A very cunning pirate as well.  So for what he might have lacked in the looks department, he made up well enough with his brain.  Besides, what use could brute strength possibly be to him?  That’s what his crew was for.  There overall intimidating appearance was the cause of more than a few surrenders in the past.

To make matters more interesting, Short Straw was a Sky Pirate.  His domain…the Everfree forest.  None could boast a higher knowledge into how the Everfree’s skyways, the bane of so many sky sailors, than Captain Straw.  Those subtle changes in currents, normally so devastating to other sailors, were like a flight through a gentle summer breeze for Short Straw.  Oh yes, he was the best…and he knew it.

As such, to go along with his habit of Piracy on the open winds, Short Straw often found himself contacted by people of…less that savory reputation.  However, money was money, and if there was anything that Captain Short Straw liked more than a few bar maids after a long, hard day of ruining people’s lives, it was money.  So it was only a minor shock when a woman, tall and sinister as she was, appeared in the middle of Short View’s “Throne Room” with a request.  That request?  Hunt down Twilight Sparkle…and end her.  For those who got in his way…show no mercy.

The reward, eternal glory…and the title of Lord Short Straw under the rule of Nightmare Moon.  How could any wanted criminal deny such a request?  So it was with a sick smile on his wrinkled, pudgy face that Captain Short Straw ordered the prepping of his Sky Frigate, the defiance, and prepared to set sail.  He didn’t know who this Twilight Sparkle was, or what he did.  All he knew was the location, and he would finish the job.  He was, however, quite confident that his ship, 128 feet of floating wood, and 48 cannons, could take care of any problems he might face.

Now, with an excited crew and a joyous Captain, The Defiance loomed out of her hiding space and began her hunt.

“Okay Storm,” Pinkie Pie pointed.  “They’re prepping in that clearing over to the right.”

“It’s starboard Pinkie,” I Joked.  They’d been flying for no less than five minutes now, Pinkie showing me where to go, until he saw their destination.

“You know what I mean,” Pinkie said.  “Besides, I highly doubt this is the time to be correcting my terms for direction.  We’re in super deep trouble right now.”

“Trouble that you still don’t seem to want to describe.  All you’ve told me is that the sun has gone out, which is quite obvious by now, and that this Twilight Sparkle girl is the only one that has any definite answers.  Do you yourself have any idea what you’re getting yourself into?”

“Of course I do silly,” she responded.  “You would too if you hadn’t been a mister lazy pants and decided to sleep in.”

“Do not put this off on me.  I was on a last minute run to Nottingham last night.  I only got back at like four.  I was tired.”

“Oh Storm she giggled.  “You really need to practice staying awake.  Maybe you just need some…motivation.”

I almost jumped ten feet in the hair when I felt a small hand creep along my thigh.”

“Pinkie,” I said in annoyance.  “Don’t be doing that now, especially after waking me up after only four hours asleep.”

“Oh you’re no fun,” she purred into my ear.  I swear when she did that it gave me goose bumps.  Like the kind you get when you hear a particularly good song.  The kind that really got your blood pumping.

“Well you should have thought about that before now.” I said.  Quickly I stole a kiss from her beautiful soft lips and turned back to the front of the vessel.  “Let’s put a rain check on this okay.  We’re approaching the clearing.”

Pinkie sighed and giving me a large grin.

“Okay,” she said in her usual bubbly way of speaking.  “I’m holding you to it.”

“Of that I have to doubt,” I grinned in return.

Captain Short Straw observed the ship making its way across the sky with a peaked curiosity.  After that Nightmare moon woman had appeared and told him where to find this girl, he immediately set sail.  Those girls weren’t even making an attempt to hide themselves.  He practically heard them from a mile away.  There were five of them.  Two had been in a shouting match when he spotted them, though the pirate could not tell from his position what the yelling was about.  His spyglass was the only reason he could see them it all.  One was playing a flute while sitting on a log while another played with…well needless to say that Short Straw had been in shock at the sight.  Sitting on the ground, a girl with light pink hair was still seen even now playing with a bear.  I big, normally aggressive grizzly bear.  Short Straw shook his head.  He’d seen weird sights before, but this one had taken the cake.

Now he was in for a surprise.  For you see, Captain Short Straw had been informed by this Nightmare Moon character that these girls would either one, go by land, or two, use the sky dingy that this Twilight Girl brought from Camelot.  Since it was not advisable to go through the Everfree though, Short Straw assumed that that they would use the dingy. However, for this many people to be going, it would be a tight fit.  Also, using that incredibly cunning brain of his, Short Straw was led to believe that they were waiting for someone.  Why else would they just be waiting there?  Unless they were just afraid of what lurked in that dark forest.  Short Straw wouldn’t hold it against them if they were.

So it came as a great shock to his calculating mind when another ship, an unknown variable in his game of cat and mouse, suddenly appeared over the tree tops.  It was a small ship, probably no more than twenty feet by the looks of it, though it was armed he could tell just by the trap doors on the side.  This was no fighting ship though.  This was a trade-vessel, simple as that.  Those gun holes on the side, of which there were six, were probably only meant as a last resort.  This ship was built for speed.  How fast it went though at full sail was yet to be known.  Then Short Straw had to add into the equation how experienced the captain was, weather, and if the ship carried any cargo in its hull.  Judging by the lack of tilt though, Short Straw assumed it to be empty.  Still, if there was anything that he had learned in his many years as a pirate, it was to never judge a ship by its looks.  He would use caution in this situation.  He would stalk his prey, then he would strike.

“What do you mean ya didn’t see her just take off,” shouted Applejack, her tall body tensed in anger.  “How in CELESTIA’s name do you not notice that girl’s disappearance?”

“Why the heck are you screaming at me,” responding Rainbow Dash in a tone just as loud.  “It’s not like you noticed either.  Her rainbow colored hair was practically standing on end with indignant fury.”

“You two,” butted in a third, calmer voice.  However, if one listened closely, they would clearly hear the annoyance laced into it.  “We don’t have time for this.”  Twilight Sparkle let out a disgruntled moan when the two continued to ignore her.

“Don’t try,” another feminine voice interrupted Twilights thoughts.  Despite the situation. Humor could clearly be heard in her voice.  “Those two have been at each other’s throats since they first met.  They don’t mean anything by it darling.  In fact, I wager that it’s the only way they know how to vent stress without making someone else cry.  It helps that they both know that the other can take it.”

“Yeah, but they’re bringing attention to us,” Twilight bemoaned.  “It’s better they get it out now dear.  No use in them drawing attention to us while we’re in the forest.  That would only end badly,”

“But do we really need Pinkie that badly.  Her talking would probably be enough as it is.”

“Oh Twilight dear,” Rarity laughed.  “You’ll understand soon enough I suppose.”

Twilight watched with a confused expression as Rarity went back to playing her flute.

“They’re weird I know,” said a meek, almost inaudible voice behind her.

“Excuse me?” Twilight asked as she turned to face Fluttershy.  She was surprised, though slightly disturbed, when she saw the small girl cuddled into the lap of a large grizzly bear.  Her face hid her shock well though.

“You’re wondering about our Sanity,” you small girl said with a smile.  When Twilight went to open her mouth to say something, Fluttershy shushed her.

“You don’t need to deny it,” she said honestly.  “I’ve started to wonder if we haven’t gone mad myself.”  Twilight sighed before responding.

“I’m just confused,” she said.  My entire life has been spent under the tutelage of Princess Celestia.  I’ve learned magic from her since I was a young girl.  Never really had time for friends you know.  It confuses me because I never thought that friends could…act like that to each other.”  Here she gestured to the two girls who were still in a heated argument.

“I know what you mean,” Fluttershy said.  “Don’t let Rarity fool you.  Up until a few months ago, this wasn’t at all normal.  We were as close as could be.  That was, until Storm Guard arrived.”

“Storm Guard,” questioned Twilight.  “Who’s that?”

“Storm Guard is a Sky Sailor.  In fact, he’s the only one in Magiville.  I’m sure you’ve noticed the ship that sits moored in the field near White-tail woods.”

“Of course,” said Twilight.  “I had always assumed that that was a trader stopping for whatever reason in Magiville.”

“You’re partially correct,” said Twilight.  “Storm Guard arrived around three months ago, and Pinkie Pie immediately took a liking to him.  Of course, I know what you’ll say.  Pinkie Pie likes everyone.  That’s true, yes, but Storm Guard is different.  Pinkie Pie likes him.”

“What does that have to do with those two though?”  Here Twilight pointed to the arguing girls.

“It’s a protective issue.  Pinkie is so…naïve in a way.  She know she likes Storm Guard, and she openly shows it.  Not that there’s anything wrong with that of course,” Fluttershy rushed to correct herself when she noticed Twilight about to say something.  “They just don’t want to see her get hurt.  I don’t think they yet realize that they’re driving a wedge between her and them by doing so.”

“How are they splitting apart by being protective though,” asked Twilight.  She had never been good with relationships, and this confused her.

“Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash are the oldest of the five of us.  Pinkie is the youngest by a full year and a half.  I guess you could say that they’ve taken on the roles of older sisters in a way.  To them, Storm Guard means two things.  One, Storm will leave Pinkie Alone and depressed, which is never a good thing, or two, he’ll leave, she’ll decide to go too, and the group will never be the same.  So they’ve taken to trying to split them apart.”

“I…guess that makes since,” said Twilight.

Suddenly, the two girls heard Applejack shout behind them.

“What in tarnation is he doing here?”

Both girls, who had been turned around, turned around to see what the commotion was about.  Behind them was a small sky faring vessel.  Apparently, so caught up in their discussion, they had failed to notice as it silently came to a standstill above them.  Now it hovered only forty feet off the ground.  Over the railing peered a laughing bushel of Pink Hair.

“Okay buster,” I observed Rainbow Dash shout.  She was currently standing, hands on her hips, in front of me.  “Just who do you think you are flying up in here like you own the whole Damn sky?”  I couldn’t keep the slight raising of my right eyebrow down.

“Silly Dashie,” I heard Pinkie giggle as she helped the last girl, one I’d never seen before and assumed to be Twilight Sparkle, over the railing and off the rope lift.  “He’s our ride to Nightmare Moon.”

“Nightmare Who?” I asked.

“None of your business you ruffian,” Rarity huffed.  “This is a Secret mission Pinkie dear,” she reprimanded Pinkie like a mother reprimands a small child who had just gave away her credit card code.  I’m not sure if I’m the only one who noticed the very slight, almost nonexistent lowering of her smile.  A sure sign that that upset her.  Judging by Fluttershy’s face, I assume I wasn’t.

“Calm down Rarity,” the new girl said.  “This isn’t really a secret mission. You guys volunteered without being asked.  I don’t see why this guy can’t.”  I kind of wanted to tell her that I was only doing this for Pinkie.  That probably wouldn’t have sat well with her though, so I chose to remain silent.

“Yeah,” Pinkie said.  “Storm Guard’s agreed to help us on two conditions.”

I felt kind of guilty when I saw the look on Twilight’s face.  She looked like someone had just given her a new house for free, then blew it up as they walked away.

“Why you’ve got a lot of nerve showing up here with this here ship and expecting us to pay you for use’n it,” Applejack yelled.

“It’s fine Applejack,” Twilight said to the cowgirl before turning back to me.  “How much is you price sir,” she asked.  “I assure that once this is all over you will be heavily compensated for your time.”

“Don’t worry,” I grinned.  Twilight jumped back like she was surprised that I could talk.  I guess it’s no surprise since Pinkie’s practically been speaking for me.

“I just want two things, and they’re more like agreements than payments.”

“Oh,” Twilight asked, her interest obviously peaked.

“Oh come on Twilight,” Rainbow grouched.  “You’re not actually thinking of listening to this guy are you?”

“Actually Rainbow Dash, I am,” Twilight responded.  “We need to follow Nightmare moon as quick as possible.  We have a Sky Ship practically thrown into our laps, and you want me to turn away?”

Rainbow Dash just started mumbling under her breath.  “You’re mistake,” I heard her say causing me to role my eyes.

“Anyway,” I cut in.  “So are you willing to listen Twilight?”

“Go ahead,” she responded.

“Condition number one,” I started.  I knew of three girls who were about to get particularly angry.  “Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash must stay off the quarter deck for however long this little journey lasts.”

I saw all three girls immediately move to open their mouths, but before anything could be said, Twilight said “Done”.

“Condition number two,” I started.  “I need to know where we’re going, what we’re looking for, who Nightmare Moon is, and what the hell happened to the sun.”

“Right,” started Twilight.  “Wait a second.  Were you not at the summer sun celebration at the town hall?”

“Nope,” I said with a dismissive wave of my hand.  “Late night at the office.”  Pinkie was, of course, the only one to understand that little joke.  Judging by that cute little giggle, she knew what I referred.

“Ummm right,” said Twilight.  “Well if that’s the case, then I’ll tell you.  Early this morning a woman by the name of Nightmare Moon appeared before Princess Celestia.  Apparently, almost thirty years ago, Nightmare Moon did something to warrant the Princesses anger.  AS a result, she was banished to the moon lands.”

I felt myself cringe at the name.  The moon lands were a terrible place indeed.  It was nothing but nearly five thousand square miles of dust covered and crater scarred flat lands.  It was incredibly hot during the day, and unbelievably cold at night.  To survive for thirty year, if what Twilight said is true, is amazing.

“Anyway,” Twilight continued after seeing my look.  “She’s back, and she’s not only kidnapped the Princess, but she’s also invoked some kind of ancient ritual to make it night for eternity.  We need to go into the Everfree, find some old temple, get five objects known as the elements of harmony, use them in a ritual know as Harmony’s bonds, and that ritual should reveal a final “element” which we then add to the previously mentioned ritual to fix the earthly cycle and defeat nightmare moon.”

“Well,” I said when she finally finished.  “You’re getting close to Pinkie Pie in the “Give entire speeches in one breath” category.

“Hey,” Pinkie giggled.  “I’m pretty sure that she might have surpassed even my skill.

“Perhaps,” I grinned when I saw the blush forming on Twilight’s pale cheeks.  “Anyway.  I find your adventure to sound quite exciting.  Besides, I can’t let Pinkie have all the fine.  As such, I shall ferry you on your merry way.

“Hehe,” Pinkie giggled.  “Ferry…Merry…that rhymes.”  I just gave her a grin.

“Oh think goodness,” Twilight gushed.  “You have no idea how afraid I was that we would have to go and walk through the forest.  That would have put us back hours at least.”

“Well,” I said.  “I suppose we’ve wasted enough time then.  Which direction,” I asked as I put my arms back into the two hollow pedestals.  Immediately my body lit up with a blue light, and I smirked inwardly as I watched Rainbow fall down when I flashed my now mirror like blue eyes to her.

“Off the quarterdeck please,” I grinned.  I was probably letting off massive waves of arrogance right now, but I felt kind of nice to strike back, even if it was shallow.

“Ummm…I don’t exactly know which direction to go,” Twilight said sheepishly.  I gave her a deadpan like causing her to grin with embarrassment.

“South it is then,” I said.  “Pinkie, can you grab the maps from down below and bring them in here.  If I were to build a temple in the forest, I would put in in the very center.  Any objections,” I asked while I looked at the maps clipped to a stand in front of me.

“None here,” grinned Pinkie.

“Your guess is probably better than mine,” added Twilight.  “I know next to nothing about the Everfree forest.”

“I’m just here,” Fluttershy said softly.

So with all the important people, at least to me at the moment, in agreement, I turned south and we were on our way.  Little did I know, what was supposed to be a not so simple trip over the skies of the Everfree forest was about to get a whole lot more complicated.