Shining Armor's Voyageby Tourmaline FlourishChaptersThe MessageThe InterviewsThe LibraryThe Week (Part 2)The PartyThe DepartureThe StormThe Ocean's SurpriseThe Ocean's PeaceThe IslandThe WinsThe Week (Part 1)The Message The sun drenched doors of Celestia's hall burst open as a pearly white stallion bearing Canterlot guard's armour galloped towards the presence of two alicorns. The guard had an urgent expression written on his weary face, drawing the attention of the princesses. "Your highnesses I bring newly found information upon the whereabouts of the changeling queen Chrysalis." The guard addressed to the princesses as if they were an equal. Celestia, the princess that rose and lowered the sun, stood upright. Her once calm and happy face now bore a grim and worried expression, being reminded of the only pony with the potential of destroying Equestria. "Where is she?" her royalty boomed through the hall echoing in everypony's ears, this was no laughing matter. Wherever the queen was she must be vanquished before she inevitably attacked. "She, and all of her changeling minions, are upon a small island far out in the deep sea." The stallion replied. The princesses turned to each other, they had to act quickly. Princess Luna stood upright, of all ponies in Equestria, it was her and her sister that knew what to do. It would be irrational and risky but it needed to be done, and soon. "You are dismissed, Captain Armor, but don't stray too far!" The two celestial ponies needed to discuss what to do and how to do it. Shining left Celestia's hall and headed to his old chamber, when he was a captain in Canterlot. Despite him now living in the Crystal Kingdom, the chamber was still kept to be his. Upon entering he took off his helmet and lay it down on the bed-side table. Using his magic, he took the picture he hid in his helmet and brought it in front of him. He looked at it and smiled, being reminded of his home and his wife. Weary and tired, the blue-maned unicorn lay himself upon his bed and slept. As he slept he dreamt of his home, his family, his friends and of his loving alicorn wife. He had barely slept an hour before there was a tapping as if somepony gently rapping against his chamber door, awaking Shining. He rose and answered the door, on the other side was another one of Canterlot's guards that beckoned him back into Celestia's hall. Upon entering the hall, Shining felt a wave of anxiety as if the princesses bore bad news. "Shining Armor, captain of the Canterlot guard, prince of the Crystal Kingdom, you're to be sent on a voyage in an attempt to eliminate the changeling queen Chrysalis. You have but one week before being sent upon the voyage, within that week you must prepare a crew, with rations and say your farewells. Do not worry you have an unlimited budget. We're very sorry but you are the very best we have and we depend on you, there is no other way." Celestia decreed openly to the reasonably young captain. "You are dismissed." Upon hearing this Shining sub-consciously left the sun drenched hall and headed towards his chambers, with a feast for thought. Shining Armor, now alone in his chamber, thought about the titanic task that was only just given to him. Princess Cadence will most likely be informed along with his sister and parents. But he must at least see his wife and little sister before leaving. He also had to form a crew of capable and dependable ponies which meant that he would have to interview them himself, and had to get enough rations for said ponies as well. First things first however and he will see his wife tomorrow and then start with the establishment of his crew. The Interviews The first few interviews were highly unsuccessful, Soarin had an irreplaceable communal job, the Cutie Mark Crusaders are not actual crusaders nor are they old enough and the rural couple Lyra and Bonbon weren't fighters in any way shape or form. It wasn't until a red farm pony that Shining actually had any hope. He started asking the same questions that he gave the other ponies. "So you're willing to risk your life in an attempt to vanquish the changeling queen Chrysalis?" "Eeyup!" "Do you have any experience in combat or been trained in combat?" "Eeyup!" "Are you, by chance, a decent sailor or ever been in the ocean?" "Eeyup!" Looking up from recording the conversation, Shining stared into Big Mac. "What else can you provide the crew?" Big Mac said nothing. Instead he gently trotted to the far wall of the bar, and bucked. He replaced the wood, bricks and plastering with a gaping whole reaching outside, large enough for a carriage to get through. Flustered with the magnitude of strength showing from the simple farm-pony, Shining nervously chuckled. "Well then, just sign here and await a summons that should arrive shortly." Big Mac lightly dipped his fore-hoof in the ink provided and pressed it down on the contract. "Welcome aboard Big Macintosh!" Shining shook hooves with Big Mac and let him leave back to Sweet Apple Acres with a copy of the contract. After another severely terrible attempt of an interview with a heavily drunk Berry Punch, Shining had once again lost hope. Clasping his sight upon the Musicians of Ponyville he prepared for the worst. Vinyl Scratch and Octavia stepped forth donned in old-fashioned garments with peculiar parts of brass and copper scattered upon them seemingly looking like gadgets of some kind. The two seemed entirely different and couldn't be recognised if it wasn't for their unique manes. Octavia took a step forward seeming more dominant than the rave-pony. Octavia spoke in her upper-class voice. "We're here about your publically spread proposition and wish to put ourselves at your service." "Very well, just answer these questions and maybe you'll be allowed on board." The two musicians just stood there awaiting the questions. Vinyl looked around as if she was bored, her eyes masked beneath her newly brass lined glasses of amethyst. Shining somehow felt a little intimidated at the couples appearance. "Are you willing to risk your lives in an attempt to vanquish the changeling queen Chrysalis?" Vinyl and Octavia nodded in unison. "Do you have any experienced in combat or been trained in combat?" Again the couple nodded. "Are either of you decent sailors?" Octavia scoffed as if this was an insult. "We have piloted a dirigible, I think we can both handle sailing in a boat." "What else can you provide?" Upon hearing this, Vinyl leaned on her hind-hooves and pointed her fore-hooves outward resembling a cross. Stretching her fore-hooves outward, two bullets flew. The left one smashed Berry Punches bottle of wine in her hand and the right one embedded itself in the bulls eye on the dartboard on the other side of the room. Watching this, Shining's jaw dropped to the floor. The white and grey mares signed their contracts and left, hopping out of the hole that Big Mac left earlier. At the end of the day, only Big Mac, Octavia and Vinyl passed the interviews. Shining decided to retire for the night and hoped for a better bunch tomorrow. Awoken by a crack of thunder, Shining readied himself for another day of interviews. After eating his breakfast of honeyed porridge and crumpets, Shining saw the filled bar downstairs and noticed that the damage done from the previous day has been cleared up. The hole had been fixed, the dartboard repaired and the glass cleaned. Upon further inspection, Shining also noticed that the majority of the ponies waiting for him live in further away towns and cities. Setting up his interview table, Shining was greeted by none other than Braeburn. "Gooooood mornin'!" Braeburn expressed his near always optimistic self. "To you as well. Let us get started with some questions, if that's alright with you." "Well ah jus' can't wait, what's first?" Slightly agitated by the over optimistic farm pony, Shining couldn't help but to have a hint of it in his tone of voice. "Are you willing to risk your life in an attempt to vanquish the changeling queen Chrysalis?" "If it's for the greater good, then I'll do anythin'!" "Alright, do you have any experience in combat or have any training in combat?" "I sure do!" "Do you have any experience in sailing?" "Not in boats particularly, but I do know my engines and trains!" "Finally, what else can you bring the crew?" "I got this!" Braeburn pulled out a six shot revolver and fired all six shots towards the bar, each shot seeking true, smashing six bottles. Respecting his skill as a marksman, Shining pulled out a fresh contract sheet and an ink pad. Before he could say anything, Braeburn signed it and ran off, much to Shining's relief. Up next was the CMC wearing false moustaches and glasses but they were sent quicker than they were last time. After a couple more unsuccessful interviews including the rhyming zebra Zecora and the florist Roseluck, an unexpected guest stepped forward. Without even looking up Shining started asking questions. "Are you willing to risk your life in an attempt to vanquish the changeling queen Chrysalis?" "After hearing what she's done, she must be stopped!" Recognising Spitfire's voice, Shining looked up in awe. Hastily he continued. "Do you have any experience in combat or are trained in it?" "It is routine in the Wonderbolts." "Do you have any experience sailing?" With a look of sarcasm, Spitfire stretched out her wings. "Pegasus, right. So what else can you provide the crew?" Without hesitation, Spitfire took out an iron ball with string attached out of her satchel. It smelled like gunpowder. It was at this observation that the pearly white unicorn realised it was a bomb! "Just sign here and we'll be with you in a couple days." Spitfire signed the contract and put in her satchel. "Just one final question, aren't you necessary for the Wonderbolts?" "I left my position for a new one." "Oh, Who might I ask?" "Rainbow Dash." As she said this she left. The Library Worn out by the amount of interviews there were, Shining left the inn and decided to visit his sister, Twilight in her library. On the way to the library, the white stallion passed by Sugarcube Corner and felt a little peckish. Detouring inside, Shining could smell what seemed like millions of various baked goods. The smell filled his nostrils and caused his stomach to growl in anticipation. Being greeted by the pink mare that organises every party in existence including his wedding reception, he couldn't resist the sense of belonging and neither could he resist a the smile that crept itself upon his muzzle. "Heya, Pinkie! How are you?" Pinkie, upon seeing her very best friend Twilight's brother gasped and somehow seemingly teleported herself to greet him. "ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoooosh! You'remybestfriendTwililght'sbrothersern'tyou? haveyoucometoseeTwilight? IbetyoudidandthenyoubecamehungryandcometohavesomeofthedelicousscrumptioscakesthattheCakes'baked! Theyhavedoughnutsandpiesandfrittersandpastriesan-" "I am going to see Twilight, I have some news to tell her. But before I go to see her, can I have one of those cupcakes?" Shining pointed towards the displayed cupcakes and placed several bits on the counter. Pinkie talked as she was gathering the cupcake to go, none of which Shining could understand. Eventually struggling to leave, Shining sat down on a bench and ate the cupcake savouring every last bite. Finding his way to the Library, the blue-maned unicorn knocked on the door. After a moment of waiting, Twilight answered with an expression of fear and fury on her face. Noticing his sister's expression, Shining felt a little nervous. "Twilly, what's wrong?" Being brought inside, Shining felt unwelcome in the room as he saw a near teary eyed Applejack. Twilight's horn glowed, forcing a piece of parchment to fly across the room and shoving itself into Shining's face. It was a letter from Celestia to Twilight informing her of her brother's mission. Shining was overcome with guilt. "Why didn't you tell me?!" "An' why did y'all have ta bring mah brother and mah cousin into all this?!" The two mares crowded the guard captain making him feel more and more claustrophobic. Shining turned his attention to Twilight. "Twilly, you have to understand that I've been busy preparing for the voyage that this is the earliest that I could've come to see you!" The orange earth pony pushed the white unicorn into a bookshelf gathering his attention. "Then why did y'all jus' have ta bring Big Mac an' Braeburn inta all this then?!" "I didn't force them to do anything, they volunteered!" Taken aback by the usually calm pony's retaliation, Applejack staggered back, fighting off tears. "How dare you!" Twilight exclaimed whilst attempting to comfort the farm pony. Noticing how negative the situation had become, Shining attempted to change the mood. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it." Seeing her BBBFF trying to lighten the mood, Twilight helped to do the same. "We should all calm down, before somepony does something they'll regret." Applejack composed herself and saw the error of her ways. "Ah'm sorry. Y'all best make sure they both come back as lively as a rattlesnake in a desert." "I'll try" Hearing the honesty in his voice, the occupants of the library moved onward to a lighter mood. "You know what this calls for?" Out of nowhere, Pinkie Pie appeared starling everypony. "A goodluckonyourdangerousvoyageandweallhopeyouhavefun PARTY!" The white stallion, now accustomed to the mare's randomness, couldn't help resist to smile. Knowing how busy he'll have to be, Shining preferred it if the party was later in the week. "That's a great idea, Pinkie, but how about we have at the end of this week making it even more special and everypony will be ready?" "Of course we can't leave anypony out or they'll be sad." The rest of the evening was spent discussing the where, when and who of the party. They eventually decided on having it at the Vanhoover docks the night before departing and that the entire crew and their families will be invited. Eventually after Pinkie and Applejack had left it was just Shining Armor and Twilight. The lavender unicorn released her sadness openly to her Big Brother Best Friend Forever. Shining didn't know exactly when she fell asleep but he knew when he noticed she was he moved her upstairs, in her bed and left without a peep. He entered the room he rented in the inn and collapsed on the bed instantly falling asleep. The Week (Part 2) Shining Armor woke up fairly late as Celestia rose the sun to its peak. He moved at a casual speed as he cleaned and groomed himself. The pearly white unicorn decided to purchase some long lasting rations. Knowing the main two caterers in Ponyville by name, he thought that they should be the first he should try. On his way downstairs to have breakfast, Shining thought he should by Applejack something nice to cheer her up. As he reached the bottom of the stairs, the familiar smell of breakfast filled his nostrils and made his stomach grumble. The blue-maned stallion sat himself down and looked down at what he was served and was welcomed by a small stack of pancakes covered in syrup. Devouring the sweet breakfast, Shining headed outside to Sugarcube Corner where he hopes to find something to cheer Applejack up. Heading inside the bakery once again, Shining was relieved to see Mrs. Cake at the counter. Trotting towards the counter in the surprisingly empty establishment, he noticed the shock on the married mare's face when she saw the prince. Shining talked softly as he calmly approached the pink-maned baker. "Good morning Mrs. Cake! What would you recommend to cheer up a saddened apple farmer?" Flustered from the reality of a prince asking for her advice, Mrs. Cake was rendered speechless. She spoke to the patient captain after taking a moment of drawing in some courage. "Do you mean Applejack?" "Yeah!" "Well if anything here can cheer her up, an apple tart should do the trick. She's quite fond of those." "Sounds perfect! How much?" "Three bits please." Shining handed over the three golden coins used as Equestrian currency. "Thank you for coming!" Mrs. Cake handed over an apple tart in a bag to the captain. "Thanks!" Shining headed for the door of the brightly coloured bakery. "Bye!" He left and trotted gently towards Sweet Apple Acres, after withdrawing a large amount of bits carried in sacks. Trotting down the dirt road right in front of the Apples' barn, the stallion wondered on what he should say to the farm pony. He didn't take long wondering before he found himself at the door of their house. Cautiously, he knocked on the old wooden door, echoing through the old wooden house. Hearing the sound of hoof on wood, the stallion took a polite step back from the door. It creaked open revealing a very upset and disappointed Applejack. "What're y'all doin' 'round 'ere?" "I wanted to personally order some apples and to help cheer you up." The blue-maned unicorn magically took the apple tart out of its bag and let it gently float over to the yellow-maned earth pony. He saw her eyes light up as she took the tart in hoof. "Thank y'all kindly, but y'all mentioned somethin' 'bout an order?" Shining grinned slightly as he moved the heavy sacks. "May I come in?" "As long as y'all don't 'volunteer' Granny Smith or Apple Bloom." The orange farm pony stepped back and gestured towards the sofa. Once inside, Shining dropped the massive sacks on the floor, spilling the bits all over. "What in the hay is all that for?" The Element of Honesty exclaimed as if in a living daydream, lost in the lure of gold. "Its to pay for the order I'm placing and to help cheer you up a bit." Snapping back into reality, Applejack became serious. "How large an order exactly?" "Large enough to keep around thirty ponies' bellies full for around three months." Applejacks eyes widened as her hooves cursed her. It would take the majority of the orchard to fill that order and she'd barely done a quarter of that from the entire week. "How fast do y'all need this order for?" "In about two days maybe a little sooner." "Alright, Sugarcube, jus' be on your way. I've got a lot of work ta do." Shining left the Apples' and trotted towards, for the final time, to the inn he was staying in. Once he entered his room he slumped down on his bed and fell asleep instantly. Shining awoke to the sound of birds chirping and, once again, to the smell of breakfast. He trotted downstairs, after grooming himself, and sat himself down. After eating his breakfast of toast and boiled eggs, Shining paid the innkeeper and left to the train station. He bought a ticket to Vanhoover and waited for his train. Whilst he waited he saw his sister and her friends, excluding Applejack, waiting for the same train. When the train arrived, Shining made sure that he got into a different cabin than them. It was noon when they arrived and the Elements of Harmony, without Honesty, hastily headed towards the ship that Shining would go on. The pearly-white unicorn was left alone with his thoughts. Thinking about how tomorrow will be his last day on land, he made himself homesick. Remembering his parents, his sister and his wife, Shining had never felt himself longing to be with them more. Mindlessly wondering around Vanhoover, it wasn't long before Shining started to feel a little peckish. Seeing a conveniently placed café and having a full bit bag, Shining entered the small establishment. When he entered he was overcome with a variety of different smells, all of which from different food. Heading towards the counter he was welcomed by a portly mare. "Welcome! How may I help you today?" The portly cashier asked the white stallion. "What kind of food do you serve here?" "Any kind of food! Anything you can think of we can serve!" "In that case, could I get a daffodil salad please?" "Of course! Are you eating in or taking out?" "I'd like to eat in please." "Ok! Just sit down and your food will be with you in just a moment." Shining sat himself down next to a window. Glancing out of it he saw what would be expected of a city next to the sea. He saw very bland and bored ponies trotting around doing their everyday tasks and he also saw some birds fly by and take an unfortunate's sandwich. Shining couldn't help but to smile, thinking about the city's sheer simplicity and innocence. When his meal finally arrived, Shining saw a small note under the plate. Curios as to what it was Shining read it. "Meet me here at dusk tonight Goldheart the cashier x x x" Flattered at the thought of somepony flirting with him, Shining immediately thought at what his wife would think of the situation. After eating his meal, Shining trotted over to the cashier, who blushed when she saw her note in his mouth. He placed the note down next to her. "I'm sorry, you seem like a very charming mare, but I'm already married" He saw the portly cashier swallow, her once bright and cheery face drowned upon a tsunami of sadness. "If it's not too much trouble, could I please get the cheque?" Nodding slowly, the portly cashier ducked behind the counter and wept loudly. After a minute of crying, the cashier gave Shining the cheque. He paid the seven bits for the salad and added another five bits for a tip. After paying he hastily left the café in search of a place he could stay the night. It was late evening and Shining was still wandering around. Seeing a small tavern and having withdrew more bits, Shining headed inside. He rented a room for the night. Entering the room Shining laid himself down and slept. The Party Shining Armor opened his eyes from sleep to be greeted with the nicest weather Equestria had to offer. The sun was shining, there were no clouds in sight and a gentle breeze brushed through Vanhoover. Instinctively, the blue-maned stallion arose to greet the glorious weather. Checking the nearby calendar, Shining realised that this would be the last on land for what will seem like an eternity. The thought of never coming back from the voyage frightened him but he knew he had to go. He knew if he did die it would be a an honourable death but if he did stay, he'll be thrown into a dark and dishonourable gaol cell. Banishing such thoughts from his mind, Shining groomed himself and readied himself for his last day on land. Trotting around Vanhoover on the bright midsummer day, Shining saw the portly cashier from the day before. He felt guilt creep up on him. Avoiding her, he headed towards the docks to finally see the ship he will be using. He also wanted to check that the food and the crew were there too. Shining was impressed as he stared at The Sea-Pegasus. Considering the fact that he is neither a sailor nor does he have any useful knowledge with boats, the The Sea-Pegasus was spectacular! Wanting a closer look, he trotted over towards it. Before he could lay a hoof on the ship, he was instantly stopped. Not being allowed on The Sea-Pegasus, Shining took the chance he got to examine what he could of the boat. It had two rowboats, one on either side, it had a main mast with a very high up crows nest and a secondary mast in front of it and it was very small and sleek. Turning around, the young captain saw Big Mac, Braeburn, Applejack, Applebloom and Babs Seed, bringing in the large quantity of apples and apple-related products. Feeling uncomfortable about being there with no purpose, Shining decided to head towards the town again. Seeing the sun, Shining knew he had about an hour before noon. After witnessing the Apples unloading the apples amongst the rest of other things provided by Celestia, he allowed himself some time for some food. Entering a small, nearby, cavernous tavern, he was overcome with the smell of the ocean and ale. Upon seeing the dimly lit room, furnished with driftwood tables, stools, flooring and walls, he only noticed three ponies. Two of the three ponies that Shining noticed were the bartenders, but the other pony he noticed, was different. It was a grey Pegasus with a yellow mane and a seven bubbles as a cutie-mark. The Pegasus turned around and Shining was, once again, surprised to see the mare had an upside down version of his poster advertising him wanting interviews for a crew. She galloped over to the confused stallion with an excited look on the mares face. "Ah'd 'ike ta hoin you, hease?" Shining smiled at the innocence of the situation and then saw the poster again. His smile faded despite that the Pegasus was still smiling. He chuckled nervously. "I'm going to have to ask you a few questions then." She put down the poster. "What's your name?" "Derpy Hooves!" "Are you willing to risk your life in an attem-" "Uh-huh!" "Do you have any combat experience?" "Yup!" "What else can you provide the crew?" He hardly saw the mare move. Then with a quick pain in his jaw, he blacked out. He awoke staring into Derpy's wonky eyes. She helped him up. Shining realised what the strong mare did, he groaned. "Welcome aboard, Derpy!" The mare did an impressive double backflip as she got a muffin from her coloured satchel. She bit into it. Then she landed. Shining looked outside to see the setting sun. At first, he felt peace, until he remembered the party that he was meant to be going to be on The Sea-Pegasus. "Derpy! There's a party on the boat that you'll have to go to!" Catching Derpy's attention, she galloped out of the tavern and Shining saw that she was there in mere seconds. He followed her as fast as he could. Reaching The Sea-Pegasus, Shining went towards the buffet table. He hadn't eaten all day and the massive amount of food made his stomach gurgle. The massive spread of food mainly consisted of baked goods, provided by the Cakes', and some of the apple related foods brought by the Apple family. He took a small wooden plate and began filling it telekinetically. His attention, however, was drawn to a small crowd near the front of the vessel. Curious, the pearly white stallion trotted towards it. The crowd consisted of The Elements Of Harmony and some of the Apple family. In the middle of the crowd was a small table. At the table was Big Macintosh, Braeburn, Applejack, Octavia and Vinyl Scratch, on the table were two bottle of a beverage that Shining couldn't name and countless shot glasses. Luckily, the game had just begun. The five ponies took a shot and another and another and another. At the seventh shot, Braeburn collapsed in a drunken heap, much to the enjoyment of the spectators. Another eight throat burning, intoxicating shots later, Vinyl backed out, knowing her limit. On the thirtieth shot, Shining noticed a decline in speed of Big Mac's drinking and, as predicted, the red farm pony fell to the floor after another five shots. Now it was just Applejack and Octavia. As a challenge, the cellist took five shots simultaneously. Applejack looked at her in awe and then doubled the challenge, drinking ten in a row. Octavia drunk another seven shots without even a hint of slowing. Applejack managed to put the final shot glass to her lips before falling on her back, unconscious. Twilight was the only pony that cheered. Shining heard the exchange of bits and saw that his sister trotted away from the crowd with a very heavy bit-bag. Moving his way through the crowd, the stallion opened a door on the top deck. On the other side of the light oaken door was a small musty room littered from floor to ceiling with various maps and charts. Going down to the lower cabins of the ship, Shining saw that it consisted of two rooms. One was filled with various barrels and crates and the other had room was seemingly homey. It had various bunks for sleeping and a small table in the middle, below a low hanging lantern. But what grasped Shining's attention was not a bunk, but a pony on it. "Cadence!" "How about a glorified farewell?" The Princess of Love patted on the bunk she was on, inviting the prince over. It was a night Shining will never forget. The Departure A massive horn blew, awakening the young prince from his slumber. Immediately, he galloped to the top deck and felt slightly blinded as he was struck by sunlight. With tears protecting him slightly from the sun, he galloped to the furthest edge of the ship to catch a final glimpse of his wife. He was too late. Braeburn, Big Mac and Vinyl stumbled out of the lower deck's cabins, following Shining. Each one moaned slightly, cradling their heads in their hooves and faced the floor to escape the onslaught of the sun. Octavia, however, strolled through as if she had always been sober. The cellist trotted to her partner, with the goggles in her hoof. The grey earth pony handed the blue-maned DJ her goggles. Graciously, the bass-dropper put on the amethyst goggles and, for the first time that morning, smiled. Spitfire was the only pony doing anything even slightly productive. The Wonderbolt was steering the boat with expertise and a compass in hoof and a stern expression on her face. The sun rose and the land sank. By mid-afternoon, land was completely submerged behind the endless waves of the ocean. The crew, now with grumbling stomachs, started up the temporary kitchen under the sunshine on the main deck. Braeburn was told to get some food from below. The Appleoosan farm pony headed into the storage room. Once inside, he heard a childish giggling. It sounded like it came from a filly. He gulped. "Applebloom?" Hiding behind a couple barrels of apples, Applebloom came out with a massive grin on her face. "Howdy Braeburn!" With an expression of confusion and shock riddling his face, the stallion in question answered "What're y'all doin' here?" "Playin' hide 'n seek with Sweetie and Scoots!" The knowledge of more fillies on the danger headed ship struck him like a hammer to an anvil, leaving him breathless. He wheezed slightly. "Where're they then?!" "I dunno, they're hidin'." Braeburn could feel panic creep upon him, its cold grip resting inside him. Frantically he galloped about trying to find the other two fillies. Applebloom watched as if she was fully entertained, giggling on occasion. The panicking stallion galloped to and fro in the storage room searching in between barrels. It was to no avail. It wasn't until he tripped over a pile of spare rags did he stop moving. He turned slowly and stared into the pile of rags. He saw a pearly white horn and a speck of her mane. Ripping of the rags, he revealed a very giddy Sweetie Belle. The unicorn filly trotted over to her friend and the two of them giggled together. The farm pony wasn't amused. "Where is Scootaloo?" There was a pause from the giggling. As luck would have it he heard a very tomboyish cough emitting from the chicken coop. The Appleoosan headed towards the sound. Looking inside the chicken coop, he a flash of a purple mane, next to a scooter. "Scoots, get outta there now!" The orange Pegasus moved from inside the chicken coop, eventually exiting with her scooter. A big smile was on her face and an egg comically laid on her head. Scootaloo put the egg back. Braeburn huddled the three fillies together and forcefully sat them down. "Okay, now that y'all are all here, how 'bout y'all go upstairs and introduce yourselves as the stowaways of The Sea Pegasus!" Nodding slowly, the CMC marched themselves upstairs beneath the farm pony's stare and their tails between their hind legs. Recovering from the shock of seeing the youngsters, Braeburn followed them to the top deck. Everypony turned their necks so that their heads faced the three young fillies. The CMC had just started to realise the consequence of their actions. "We can't turn the boat around, it'll take too long!" Shining nodded in agreement to Spitfire. It was sunset and everypony gathered around the top deck to debate upon the actions to be taken considering the arrival of the fillies. The fillies in question each had an expression that rivalled that of a colt to the snow, excitement and worry. Soon everypony was shouting over each other making it difficult to undertand exactly who was speaking. "They're all too young to make it back in the rowboats." "Eeyup!" "Perhaps Spitfire and Derpy could fly them over?" "No, that'd take too long and cause a lot more worry than any alternative." "Even insuring that at least one will make it?" "That's not what I-" "THEY WILL HAVE TO STAY!!" The booming voice akin to thunder emitted from the grey mail-mare, catching everypony by surprise. "I'll even look after them myself." Everypony turned their heads to look at the mail-mare in awe. As if on cue, the CMC appeared behind the mare, looking up to her with some new found respect. "You should now that they'll be your responsibility Derpy." "I know." Derpy nodded to the young captain. For once her actually challenged Shining's completely, a very subtle change that was noticed easily. Nopony spoke for an uncomfortable amount of time. The tension was broken when the three fillies yawned, one after the other. Smiles spread like wildfire through the older ponies at the innocent, cute yawns from the youngsters. "I reckon tis 'bout time to hit the hay!" "Eeyup!" Small chuckles left the firm grasp of everypony's lips. creating a bright atmosphere once again. They all headed down to the cabins in the lower decks and to the bunks that they had chosen. Shining laid his head down on his pillow and closed his heavy eyelids. The gentle lapping of the ocean's waves were interrupted by a distant sound of thunder. Thinking nothing of it, Shining fell into a heavy sleep, dreaming of all his happy moments with Cadence and her reaction of coming home. Through his dream, Shining smiled. The Storm Through his dream, Shining swore he could hear thunder sound every time Cadence opened her mouth. Despite this, the good and innocent nature of his lucid dream, he decided to ignore it. However, Octavia and Vinyl were wide awake. Each of them knowing how deadly a storm could potentially be. For example, a stray lightning bolt could strike The Sea Pegasus and burn it down. The couple traded nods and then galloped to the top deck. What they felt first was the biting cold, it bit through to their very bones, passing through their coats and clothes. Shivering vigorously, the pair found themselves in a familiar position, they huddled closely to each other for warmth. They battled the icy wind head on, determined to insure the safety of the crew and The Sea Pegasus. Next came the soaking rain. It forced them to skid across the soaked wooden floor and lose their balance. As soon as they exited the final shelter of the doorframe, it was as if the couple had spent an hour long soak in an ice filled lake. Their manes drooped down, burdened with the extra weight the rain provided them. Like the cherry on a cake, the humongous waves were the master piece of the ocean bound storm. Each wave that could be seen was easily over seventy feet. Luckily the waves near the boat weren't nearly as big, but were still at least thirty feet. Every time a wave inevitably collided with the ship, a couple feet of the freezing salt water flooded across the top deck like an over filled teacup onto a miniature saucer. Every few seconds they could see a close flash of light instantly followed by a deafening crack of thunder. It wasn't long before their fears became reality, when a lightning bolt struck true upon the top of the main mast, setting the Equestrian flag ablaze instantly. It was spreading and the musicians knew it. A grey muzzle appeared from behind a soaked charcoal black mane. "I'll do this, be back shortly." The cellist started a long climb on the rigging at a break neck pace. Faster than any Pegasus could fly up there. From behind the amethyst tinted goggles, Vinyl stared at Octavia with concern. "Be careful! We don't want a repeat of Appleoosa!" "I swear that airship was faulty and you know it!" The couple, despite being apart, chuckled simultaneously. Fond memories of a former danger rushed through their minds. The white unicorn mare felt the boat tremor once again and realised that no-pony was steering. The unicorn galloped towards the wheel. She battled gravity, the rain and the sheer force of the waves crashing down as she climbed the steep water damaged stairs. She wobbled from side-to-side in an attempt to keep her balance. Once her hooves were on the wheel, Vinyl realised that she had no sense of direction and therefore no clue as to where to turn the boat. With her brain kicked into maximum overdrive, the DJ remembered that she could find Spitfire's compass in the navigation room just below her. With the sensible sense of urgency, Vinyl galloped to the staircase and leapt. Landing on her fore-hooves and muzzle, the white unicorn groaned slightly as she got herself up. She hurried inside the Navigation room, her ruby red eyes skimmed throughout the entire room searching for the compass. Fortunately, she found it seconds and immediately telekinetically made it fly across the room and land in her hoof. Once another battle against the stairs, proving successful, the DJ found that her hooves where once again at the wheel. She stared at the compass, the needle pointed towards the south-east, heading back towards the south of Equestria. After three and a half-turns of the wheel, The Sea Pegasus was sailing towards their destination. Feeling accomplished and having the wheel in a firm grasp, she wondered what her mare-friend was doing. Despite having no magic and no wings, Octavia was doing somewhat brilliantly. By the time she had reached the top of the mast, even above the crow's nest, the fire had gone out-of-control. Conflict was deep in the cellist's amethyst eyes as she wondered the best course of action to extinguish the miniature raging inferno. The ice cold winds and the freezing rain would swiftly become unbearable and possibly fatal if she didn't have her clothes on, but if she could put the fire out very quickly. The rain wasn't going to extinguish it in a hurry and the wind just made its tongue fly in various directions. It was when the cellist could feel its fiery breath running down her spine that she started stripping, whilst keeping her gadgets on. She shivered from the cold, Octavia's mind however was thrown back to the DJ she was proud to call mare-friend. Why wasn't she helping? Can she not see her dilemma? What could be more important than the safety of her mare-friend? As coincidence would have it, she felt the ship heavily sway to her left, almost knocking her off. The fire flapped about as if it was a fish bound to the land. Grasping her completely soaked clothes in her mouth, the grey earth pony swung it against the flaming mast, making the flame spurt about. She swung it again and again and again and again. Eventually the fire was extinguished, the warm embers smoked and no flame could be seen. With the moderate warmth that fire previously provided now expired, it was the fatal cold that Octavia feared. She couldn't physically refrain herself from shivering and she felt as if she'll never be dry again. Her joints ached, her muscles pained and she longed to be back home, curled in ball next to her warm and toasty lover. She attempted to move but she couldn't, it was too painful. After what seemed like an eternity, her grasp of consciousness faded. The world spun around her and she fell. The last thing that Octavia saw was a white and blue blob-ish figure popping up from the rigging. A wordless voice yelled. She blacked out. Vinyl Scratch, DJ PON3, was on the verge of panic. She managed to steer The Sea Pegasus out from the worst of the storm and went to see how her mare-friend was faring. However, when she arrived, Octavia was shaking uncontrollably, her lips were as blue as her own mane and the cellist's coat and mane were soaking wet and freezing. Her clothes were in a limp pile just a couple feet from the grey pony's hooves. Stumbling back into reality, Vinyl grabbed her mare-friend and used a teleportation spell to their bunk. There she laid the freezing cold Octavia and covered her with every spare blanket, rag and clothing, leaving her muzzle poking out. Her sky blue lips quivered in desperation for more heat, an offer Vinyl couldn't refuse. The DJ kissed the freezing lips of her mare-friend, her hot and heavy breathe a complete contrast of the cold and light breathing her mare-friend insisted on giving. "What's all this commotion about?" Spitfire looked over at the panicking DJ and a pile of rags that was apparently attractive to Vinyl. Vinyl stared at the military athlete with a look of anger and disapproval. Tears welled up in the DJ's eyes and a lump formed in her throat. She couldn't reply. Spitfire was very confused. She was kissing a pile of rags and that just isn't normal. When she looked harder at the pile of rags, she noticed a slight movement as if somepony was under there. Then she saw the sky blue lips on a grey muzzle. "Is that Octavia? A lump managed to find itself lodged in the pegasus' throat, thinking of all the things that could've been the cause to this. Swallowing hard, Vinyl spoke solemnly, still staring at her mare-friend. "She needs heat, the more the better." "I'll go boil some water, that'd heat her up." Vinyl nodded, her ruby red eyes locked on the unmoving body of a certain cellist. The Ocean's Surprise It had been two weeks since the devastating storm. What disturbed the crew was how quiet it was of late. The only sounds that could be heard were the gentle laps of the waves against The Sea Pegasus, their own talking and the quiet creaks and moans the boat gave. The ocean spread endlessly and the sky mirrored as such, revealing no clouds. Octavia had recovered, much to Vinyl's expectations once rationality crept upon her. Derpy was always either with the CMC, talking or playing, or flying none too far from The Sea Pegasus. Since the storm, there had been shifts set so that at least somepony would be at the wheel. Octavia and Vinyl were atop the scorched crow's nest, laughing and shivering as the bittersweet memories flooded their every thought. Braeburn was in the navigation room, pondering over the many volumes and collections of maps and charts that was packed into the boat. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Derpywere racing each other below decks in empty barrels that they had found. Spitfire was currently steering The Sea Pegasus, compass in hoof. Shining and Big Mac were sleeping either preparing for their shift or recovering form it. If anything, the quiet, joyless boat was waiting for land to appear any minute. But they were greeted by something else. Spitfire overlooked the direction that The Sea Pegasus followed, as if she was a professional. The musicians were too busy indulging each other with each other's conversation. The Appleoosan farm pony read the maps and charts for the fifteenth time that day. Everypony else lay below decks. All of them heard something that resembled a large object hitting water with a great force, but none of them saw anything. Gradually a ring of bubbles appeared around The Sea Pegasus as if many ponies were drowning around them. Suddenly, three scaly, almost dragon-like, heads burst through the water, each head strategically placed to seem as if there was no escape for the small vessel. Acting upon reflex, Octavia stretched her hooves outward towards the nearest Hydra head. Two bullets of steel flew from the ends of her hooves and comically bounced of off the scaled head. She heard Vinyl curse behind her, after doing just the same thing to another Hydra head. The two turned to each other each with an expression as if to say "What Now?". Their eyes were drawn to the nearest head as it attacked Octavia. Vinyl grabbed her mare-friend's clothes and pulled hard in desperation. The force of the pull brought Octavia on her hind legs, then on her back, landing on top of her 'rescuer'. The scaly head bit the air, right where Octavia used to be, and withdrew itself back. Braeburn galloped out of the navigation room after hearing the reptilian roar the Hydra gave. Seeing a head nearby, he drew his revolver out and took a moment to aim. Pulling the trigger, a powerful bullet flew from the end of the steel barrel and struck true, hitting the Hydra in its eye. The head howled in pain and turned itself to meet the new challenger. Seeing Braeburn, the scaled head opened it grotesque mouth and roared directly at him. Braeburn braced himself as the head hurled towards him. The Hydra head was barely meters away when it heard an ear-splitting bang and felt pain at the back of its throat. Braeburn grinned as he retracted his beloved pistol to replace the two missing bullets. Only when Spitfire pushed him did he notice that another head was attacking him. The stallion looked on awe and in terror to see the pegasus light one of her bombs in the face of the Hydra. A gentle hiss escaped from behind fangs. He fumbled around for his pistol which he had dropped when he was pushed. Grabbing it, he turned to fire at the head and stopped. He saw the Wonderbolt as the head hastily bit the mare and retracted. Only her hind hooves and part of her torso remained. Her intestines spilled across the deck, staining it with blood. Her remains fell limp and crashed to the floor, blood flowed like an endless river and spread quickly from the mess. He stared at it for what seemed like an eternity. A massive, yet muffled, explosion sounded, coming from the Hydra. The living two heads howled in unison and retreated beneath the waves, dragging the limp third with them. Blood mixed with sea as the submerged themselves. The CMC were horrified at witnessing Spitfire's demise. Their mouths fell to the floor, eyes wide and tears formed in their open eyes. Derpy came to the mourning trio and soothingly stroked their manes. The three fillies snuggled into her golden mane. Derpy comforted them. Sweetie and Applebloom wept openly in front of her, but Scootaloo looked angry instead of sad. something clicked inside her brain, however briefly, and it wouldn't fix itself in a hurry. After the final tear fell to the floor, the purple-maned pegasus headed below deck. Octavia and Vinyl came down from the crow's nest after the attack. They soon became aware at what happened to Spitfire. The two stared at the corpse, a lump lodged in their throats and tears in their eyes. Big Mac awoke for his shift, confused at everypony's dismay. Until he laid his eyes on the rear-end of Spifire. He was at a loss for words, more than usual. He didn't quite like the Wonderbolt, be he respected her and he now wished that he had spent more time talking and enjoying her company rather than ignore and loathe it. Guilt flushed over him. He was forced to sit, his legs were too weak. A single tear ran down his cheek, warming it were it ran, and dropped below his chin before landing on the hard wooden floor. He hadn't felt this emotional since his parent's funeral, but now he was allowed to drink. The large red farm pony headed to the store room and opened a barrel of Apple Cider, drinking it whole-heartedly. Derpy had awoken Shining and now the whole crew, including a staggering Big Macintosh, gathered around the edge of The Sea Pegasus, where Spitfire's remains lay upon a rowboat along with all of her possessions. Except for her Wonderbolt badge and uniform, which Scootaloo commandeered the badge and Derpy borrowed her uniform, and bombs. Shining telekinetically pushed the boat east-ward, and it gently sailed into the horizon with their sorrow. All that remained now was their vengeance and Chrysalis will be put at the business end of it. The Ocean's Peace A deathly silence washed over the crew as they saw Spitfire drift off into the all-too-welcoming mist. Even the ocean was silent, as if it were shocked by or respected Spitfire's death. Warm tears found themselves upon everypony's cheek, protecting them from the still breeze. Everything was still, everything was at peace. The sunset created a pink-y orange tinge hue against the ever thicker mist. Before they knew it, night was upon the remaining crew. A growl emitted itself from a young unicorn filly's stomach, breaking the silence. An innocent smile stretched across her face and spread like a wildfire across the crew. Vinyl even went as far as chuckling slightly. "Guess it's time for lunch, huh?" "Eeyup!" A small chuckle escaped through the sorrowful crew's clutched muzzles. All mourning was forgotten by the time the food was being served. The night went by uneventfully and Derpy had been playing with the Crusaders since dawn. The grey mail-mare had noticed a significant change within Scootaloo, as if the young filly wanted something, badly. Though the execution of achieving it wasn't going to be morally right. Big Macintosh was, once again, put on kitchen duty, not that he minded. Being on kitchen duty meant that he had to take inventory of all the food and cook for the entire crew. Again, he wasn't bothered, somepony had to do it and it allowed time for him to think. He opened one of the apple-smelling barrels and looked inside. It was full to the brim with large juicy granny smith apples. He smiled to himself at the thought of his family and working on the farm. The red farm pony went back to taking inventory quickly. Shining Armor lay down on his bunk, staring at the ceiling, drowning in a sea of thought. Waves of his wife crashed upon the shore of his conciseness. He recalled the final glorious night he had on land, what felt like a decade ago. He withdrew a portrait of his love from beneath his pillow. The stallion stared deeply into her unblinking lively eyes, as she smiled so did he. The guard captain retreated under his covers and pleasured himself. Octavia and Vinyl were at the ship's wheel. Steering The Sea Pegasus and guiding her towards their destination. Since the storm and especially after Spitfire's demise, the two mares expressed their love to one another, daily, for fear of losing the other. The pair snuggled together and smiled weakly. Octavia stared into her mare-friend's masked eyes, recalling their ruby colour. Though it wasn't noticeable, Vinyl did the exact same thing, except her thoughts weren't as pure. Like a hidden compromise, the two mares kissed. Sweetie Belle was alone in the navigation, fascinating herself at how little of the world she had actually seen. Staring through all the maps and charts, she realised that she wasn't ever going to be ready to settle down or even return home. All she wanted to do now was go and explore the world, see its beauty and its glamour. Even go on an adventure of her own. Explore unknown areas no matter how dangerous it would be. She was happy. Applebloom was below decks, watching her older brother organise The Sea Pegasus' provisions. But instead of thinking about what he was doing or the supposedly traumatising death of Spitfire, the young filly's mind ventured around her own situation. She recalled her initial terror to not going back home, but now she felt like she needed to pull her own weight. Looking around the storage room, a shine captured her interest. Trotting towards it, the filly picked it up. She grinned as she hid the knife in her mane. Scootaloo closed her eyes as the wind gently brushed her face, sending small shivers down her spine. The breeze flowed freely through her unkempt purple mane, heading down before giving her a farewell as it exited her tail. She stretched her small wings and fluttered them, as she did when she was at peace or happy. Opening her eyes, she found herself at the highest pinnacle of The Sea Pegasus. It was so high that she could reach upwards and stroke her hoof across the smooth surface of a low hanging cloud. The golden Wonderbolt badge reflected the bright sunlight, bright beams flew outwards. She wanted to not have the support of the mast, or any support and be this high, maybe higher. Perhaps her friends could join her. The filly smiled at the thought. Braeburn was up in the crow's nest of The Sea Pegasus, barely a few yards away from Scootaloo. He was full of concern with the fillies. Neither one of them was a fighter, nor nearly developed enough for the harsh conditions. He knew, however, that they would inevitably outlive the rest of the crew. None of the crew would take any pleasure from watching them die, and would rather die first. HIs attention was captured by a golden glimmer penetrating his eyes. He turned his gaze away from the filly and looked onwards, in the direction the ship was going. The farm pony saw a piece of elevated horizon, slightly jagged and darker than the rest of the horizon. Realisation struck. "LAND!! Land dead ahead! YEEHAAAW!" Everypony had gathered on top of the main deck, each of them more than ready to fight, except for the fillies. Shining was donned in his steel plated captains armour and carried a bastard sword. Big Mac wore a light leather tunic and carried a great axe so heavy that it would take any other three fully grown stallions to even lift it. To Big Mac though, it was nought but a foal's toy. Braeburn only had his hat, a bandana and his holstered revolver. Octavia and Vinyl were wearing their clothes and gadgets as well as visible weapons. Octavia carried a light rapier and Vinyl had a heavy warhammer. The three fillies managed to find some sort of camouflaged clothing and Applebloom still kept that knife hidden in her mane. Derpy was wearing Spitfire's spare Wonderbolt uniform and bombs. Each of the crew were silent, anticipating the arrival of land. The Sea Pegasus hid under a seaside mountain of the unnamed island. Seeing no docks or entrances, Shining decided that the fillies, Braeburn, Octavia, Vinyl and himself were to take the remaining rowboat onto a beach and leave Big Mac and Derpy on The Sea Pegasus. The Island The small rowboat was overfilled with the majority of the crew and various provisions. It gradually made its way to a bare sandy shore with a mixture of Vinyl's and Shining's magic and the other ponies' manual labour. The sea-soaked wood slid into the soft sand with effortless ease, much to the no weary pony's delight. Barely ten yards away was a massive intimidating forest, wild and overgrown. Lush green leaves littered the dry brown grass and golden yellow sand. Bushes of every kind dotted themselves throughout the immensely packed and dark forest. Moss could be found upon the bark of the oak trees. The ponies' felt many eyes upon them, as if they were watched at every angle by beasts foul and evil. Sweetie Belle gulped. Applebloom stared in awe. Scootaloo faced the ground, avoiding eye-contact with it. It would resemble the Everfree Forest if there was any friendly town nearby, the orange pegasus was then overcome with home sickness. Shining and Vinyl lifted the rowboat telekinetically and carried it with them into the densely packed forest. "Where should go?" Octavia inquired, no further route was established and it was a necessary question. The white stallion pondered over the words a little longer, giving time for thought. "The way I see it, we have two options. One; we spread out into groups and head in different directions, then meet back at the shore at midnight. Or, two; We stay together and have our safety in numbers." "We should split up, be quicker that way, and we'll all be back 'afore ya know it! I'll take the fillies, the couple together and I reckon you can handle jus' 'bout anything'!" The ever optimistic Braeburn suggested only to be greeted by a chorus of neighs. A small movement in the tree line said otherwise. All Shining saw was a flash of a purple tail and Braeburn chasing after a slow whirring sound. Shining opened his mouth to protest, only to have a light grey hoof shoved into his mouth. Octavia gestured for him to go in a different direction. "You go east and we'll go west, I'm sure we'll handle anything they can throw at us." The musicians left there self-made path westward. The stallion was left alone. After a moment, he left and headed east, with nothing stopping him. Braeburn ached. He had been galloping non-stop through the forest for what seemed like hours. The purple tail was all but gone and the rustling sound he heard only came from him. When he found a small clearing, where a miniature beam of sunlight escaped the tree's firm grasp and lay abandoned on the floor, he stopped to catch his breath. HIs breathing was heavy and his limbs wobbled uncontrollably. Just as he thought all hopes of finding his way back to the shore were dissipated, a loud earth-shattering KA-BOOM came from behind him. He turned, quickly, to find a changeling with a hole coming from its head and a thin trail of blood pouring out of it. Through the hole in the corpse's head, he saw Octavia and a smoke trail emitting from her wrist. He let out an audible sigh of relief. "Thank y'all kindly!" "Where are the fillies?" The blue-maned DJ spoke through hoarse lips, furthermore, Braeburn couldn't see their weapons from earlier and they both looked slightly uncomfortable. Their voices and movements seemed distant as if alien to themselves. A spark of realisation ignited itself within the farm pony's mind. "What have you done to my friends?!" Silence fell upon them. A black and green light flashed over the couple's body's, releasing their true forms as changelings. Braeburn gulped as he expertly drew his revolver. Octavia awoke with a start. Vinyl was sitting beside her, wielding both of their weapons. The two were in the middle of the forest, trees enveloped them in total uneasy darkness. The dry forest floor was littered in leaves and dotted in blood. A pile of corpses could be seen a few yards away. The cellist stood, grasping Vinyl's attention. "Oh thank Celestia you're alright!" Before she could protest, Octavia felt the familiar and comfortable hooves of her lover's bring her into a hug. After a moments embrace, the grey mare retracted herself. "Vinyl, what happened?" The DJ pointed towards the pile of bodies nearby. Her hammer was coated in wet blood, still dripping with fresh blood. She held out Octavia's rapier towards its owner, who graciously accepted it. "We got attacked. A changeling managed to somehow stun you with its magic. That was enough of a warning. I tried to fight back but soon got overwhelmed. Eventually one of those buggers landed one on my head. I was out, cold." "Are you alright?" "Yeah, I'm fine, but when I woke up, our clothes and gadgets were gone and there were squabbling over our weapons. I managed to end that little dispute between them." Octavia turned to her mare-friend, in both awe and concern. Quickly a smile grew upon her face. "Not all of the gadgets...." "What do you mean?" Octavia drew her fore-hoof into her black mane. After fidgeting in her mane, she withdrew her hoof and revealed a small silver tube with a clockwork contraption attached. The musicians smiled. Big Macintosh and Derpy Hooves weren't faring well either. Changelings had periodically surrounded The Sea Pegasus making escape impossible. The apple farmer could only swing his axe to greet thin air. He snarled through his hatred of such creatures, stories that his sister told him about them lived to expectation and further. His attention was momentarily diverted to Derpy as she flew with expert speed and skill. The wind rushed by her mane, the whistling grew as her speed increased, her eyes widened with adrenaline and to her there was no danger, only flight. Big Mac could only stare in awe as the usually clumsy mail-mare darted back and forth with effortless ease. She was beautiful when she flew there was no doubt about that. The red farm pony shook his head and concentrated on the battle before him. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Derpy wave at him. He smiled, maybe one day. The Wins Shining brushed through the foliage of the forest, revealing a large crowd of changelings outside a small, poorly crafted wooden hut. A sinister and familiar green light glowed around the hut. The hut was in a large clearing where no grass grew and no life lived. He heard a wicked cackling coming from inside the hut. Straining his ears he heard Queen Chrysalis yell to her minions, ordering them to destroy the newly approached boat. His teeth gritted in a boiling fury and rage for the hateful queen. Before he could blink. however, the horde of minions flew away leaving the hut alone. The pearly white stallion grinned with anticipation, another few minutes of preparation before he would attack. His eyes widened, his heart beat three times as fast and he crept up to the hut. Braeburn raised his revolver and aimed down the sights, business end pointed at the imposter claiming to be Octavia. The mare hissed and jumped. The apple-farmer fired ferociously sending a barrage of burning hot bullets into the body of the changeling. A small grin of success was hastily swept away as he realised that there was another. Its horn glowed a brilliant cold green and a laser shot out of it towards Braeburn. Reflexively,he evaded to his right and let the laser melt the grass that it contacted. He checked his ammunition, another four shots left. He cursed silently as he aimed towards the changeling and fired once. The limp body fell with an extremely satisfying thud on the ground. The appleoosan sighed then proceeded to reload his gun leaving only three shots left. He felt strangely naked. But before he could lay himself down once more, he heard a high pitched plea for help. He began to gallop towards it. He cut through the forest like a machete through warm butter. Hastily making his way towards the plea he readied himself for the worst. Derpy felt like a gryphon. She felt the wind untangle her unkempt mane as she soared through the sky. However, she wasn't just flying. She lit multiple bombs in the air and threw them towards the horde of changeling pursuing her. Countless changelings exploded before the awesome power that the iron-clad cases of gunpowder provided. Many corpses fell into the icy depths of the sea or onto the boat for Big Macintosh to hurl into the ocean. She looked at him occasionally and waved. Something about that pony fascinated her, maybe one day she would ask him out, not today, but one day. Vinyl and Octavia wandered aimlessly around the luscious lime green forest. The two had already been jumped and fought a couple more changelings. It wasn't until they had heard a plea for help that they galloped. The musicians jumped through various foliage to save the pony in distress. The pair slaughtered the five changelings terrorising a very frightened, regretful and sorrowful Sweetie Belle. Gently the two mares raised the filly's hooves from her face. Realising that she is safe from harm once again, the filly smiled. Applebloom galloped for her life. Ever since the three were separated by an ambush of changelings, she could feel their presence drawing ever closer to her. She could swear that her heart beat faster than Rainbow Dash could fly. Her lungs burned with a raging of exhaustion. Her limbs weakened and the filly realised that she was galloping slower and slower. She stopped. With the last of the strength, Applebloom yelled for help. It wasn't until her mouth closed before she remembered what she took. The filly took the knife form her mane and held it in one hoof. She leaned on her hind legs and attempted to stand up on them. She fell flat on her back. One of the changelings hovered forwards towards the easy prey. Braeburn burst brashly through a bush and fired a single shot, killing the adventurous changeling. Fortunately for Scootaloo, she had her scooter when the trio was ambushed by changelings. The wind blew past her unkempt mane as a dust trail picked up behind the scooter. The large amounts of adrenaline rushing through the filly's body forced her to smile. It also made her eyes widen to the point that they seemed to be growing. The pegasi's wings pulsed as her heart raced nearly as fast as her scooter. She could hear the growls and snarls of the pursuing changelings. With extreme expertise, the filly did various twists and turns, ducking, dodging and jumping over large branches. When on her scooter, nothing could harm her. Feeling cocky, the arrogant pegasus closed her eyes. Opening them, she saw a cliff in front of her. She tried to turn but a rock lodged itself in her brakes. The scooter ran of the cliff and the passenger with it. If Queen Chrysalis fed off of fear instead of love, she would have quite the feast before her. The Week (Part 1) Shining was on his way to the Crystal Empire. The gentle chug-chug-chugging of the steam train seemed slightly hypnotic, lulling the young guard captain to deep sleep. When he awoke, the train was just arriving in the Crystal Empire. Upon stopping, Shining left the train to be greeted by a very worried and concerned Princess Cadence. Overcome with his love towards her, Shining galloped towards the purple alicorn. "Cadence!" Shining hugged his wife passionately, savouring the few brief moments before the inevitable farewell. "Shining, I have just been informed of what Princess Celestia wanted you to do. You don't have enough time to be with me, you need-" Cutting his wife short, Shining snuggled her again. "I can always make time for you, my love." Princess Cadence pushed her husband away. Pursuing his reason to be there, Shining turned to excuses. "I have made time, I have vowed to eternally love you and be with you. If I am to keep one only one promise in my life it will be that!" "Only for tonight then, my love. For tomorrow you must start preparations for your voyage" The two regal ponies casually trotted to the castle where Shining spent a glorious last night with his wife. Shining awoke next to his wife, putting a smile upon his face. Upon getting dressed, he left a farewell note on the bedside dresser. Leaving hastily, he arrived to the train station and headed on the next train to Ponyville. On the train, Shining decided to start his search for a suitable crew and he could also see his sister as he visited too. Getting off at Ponyville, Shining decided it would be best for the crew being formed if he handed posters all over Equestria informing its residents of the quest. Hastily, Shining had hundreds of copies made telling them to meet him in an inn in Ponyville within the next three days. After paying a grey mail-mare to advertise the posters all over Equestria, he retreated to the tavern advertised on the poster. Renting a room, he waited for any participants. Unfortunately there wasn't any, for the entire day. The blue-maned unicorn awoke to the smell of breakfast and to see Celestia's magic of raising the sun unfold. Readying himself for a day of interviews, he headed downstairs and entered the dining room. Being seated, he was greeted to a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, hash browns, hay-bacon, mushrooms and tomatoes. Realising how little he ate before, Shining wolfed down his breakfast. Setting up an interview table, Shining once again readied himself for participants. Shortly after a while, a line had formed and Shining started the interviews.
The Message The sun drenched doors of Celestia's hall burst open as a pearly white stallion bearing Canterlot guard's armour galloped towards the presence of two alicorns. The guard had an urgent expression written on his weary face, drawing the attention of the princesses. "Your highnesses I bring newly found information upon the whereabouts of the changeling queen Chrysalis." The guard addressed to the princesses as if they were an equal. Celestia, the princess that rose and lowered the sun, stood upright. Her once calm and happy face now bore a grim and worried expression, being reminded of the only pony with the potential of destroying Equestria. "Where is she?" her royalty boomed through the hall echoing in everypony's ears, this was no laughing matter. Wherever the queen was she must be vanquished before she inevitably attacked. "She, and all of her changeling minions, are upon a small island far out in the deep sea." The stallion replied. The princesses turned to each other, they had to act quickly. Princess Luna stood upright, of all ponies in Equestria, it was her and her sister that knew what to do. It would be irrational and risky but it needed to be done, and soon. "You are dismissed, Captain Armor, but don't stray too far!" The two celestial ponies needed to discuss what to do and how to do it. Shining left Celestia's hall and headed to his old chamber, when he was a captain in Canterlot. Despite him now living in the Crystal Kingdom, the chamber was still kept to be his. Upon entering he took off his helmet and lay it down on the bed-side table. Using his magic, he took the picture he hid in his helmet and brought it in front of him. He looked at it and smiled, being reminded of his home and his wife. Weary and tired, the blue-maned unicorn lay himself upon his bed and slept. As he slept he dreamt of his home, his family, his friends and of his loving alicorn wife. He had barely slept an hour before there was a tapping as if somepony gently rapping against his chamber door, awaking Shining. He rose and answered the door, on the other side was another one of Canterlot's guards that beckoned him back into Celestia's hall. Upon entering the hall, Shining felt a wave of anxiety as if the princesses bore bad news. "Shining Armor, captain of the Canterlot guard, prince of the Crystal Kingdom, you're to be sent on a voyage in an attempt to eliminate the changeling queen Chrysalis. You have but one week before being sent upon the voyage, within that week you must prepare a crew, with rations and say your farewells. Do not worry you have an unlimited budget. We're very sorry but you are the very best we have and we depend on you, there is no other way." Celestia decreed openly to the reasonably young captain. "You are dismissed." Upon hearing this Shining sub-consciously left the sun drenched hall and headed towards his chambers, with a feast for thought. Shining Armor, now alone in his chamber, thought about the titanic task that was only just given to him. Princess Cadence will most likely be informed along with his sister and parents. But he must at least see his wife and little sister before leaving. He also had to form a crew of capable and dependable ponies which meant that he would have to interview them himself, and had to get enough rations for said ponies as well. First things first however and he will see his wife tomorrow and then start with the establishment of his crew.
The Interviews The first few interviews were highly unsuccessful, Soarin had an irreplaceable communal job, the Cutie Mark Crusaders are not actual crusaders nor are they old enough and the rural couple Lyra and Bonbon weren't fighters in any way shape or form. It wasn't until a red farm pony that Shining actually had any hope. He started asking the same questions that he gave the other ponies. "So you're willing to risk your life in an attempt to vanquish the changeling queen Chrysalis?" "Eeyup!" "Do you have any experience in combat or been trained in combat?" "Eeyup!" "Are you, by chance, a decent sailor or ever been in the ocean?" "Eeyup!" Looking up from recording the conversation, Shining stared into Big Mac. "What else can you provide the crew?" Big Mac said nothing. Instead he gently trotted to the far wall of the bar, and bucked. He replaced the wood, bricks and plastering with a gaping whole reaching outside, large enough for a carriage to get through. Flustered with the magnitude of strength showing from the simple farm-pony, Shining nervously chuckled. "Well then, just sign here and await a summons that should arrive shortly." Big Mac lightly dipped his fore-hoof in the ink provided and pressed it down on the contract. "Welcome aboard Big Macintosh!" Shining shook hooves with Big Mac and let him leave back to Sweet Apple Acres with a copy of the contract. After another severely terrible attempt of an interview with a heavily drunk Berry Punch, Shining had once again lost hope. Clasping his sight upon the Musicians of Ponyville he prepared for the worst. Vinyl Scratch and Octavia stepped forth donned in old-fashioned garments with peculiar parts of brass and copper scattered upon them seemingly looking like gadgets of some kind. The two seemed entirely different and couldn't be recognised if it wasn't for their unique manes. Octavia took a step forward seeming more dominant than the rave-pony. Octavia spoke in her upper-class voice. "We're here about your publically spread proposition and wish to put ourselves at your service." "Very well, just answer these questions and maybe you'll be allowed on board." The two musicians just stood there awaiting the questions. Vinyl looked around as if she was bored, her eyes masked beneath her newly brass lined glasses of amethyst. Shining somehow felt a little intimidated at the couples appearance. "Are you willing to risk your lives in an attempt to vanquish the changeling queen Chrysalis?" Vinyl and Octavia nodded in unison. "Do you have any experienced in combat or been trained in combat?" Again the couple nodded. "Are either of you decent sailors?" Octavia scoffed as if this was an insult. "We have piloted a dirigible, I think we can both handle sailing in a boat." "What else can you provide?" Upon hearing this, Vinyl leaned on her hind-hooves and pointed her fore-hooves outward resembling a cross. Stretching her fore-hooves outward, two bullets flew. The left one smashed Berry Punches bottle of wine in her hand and the right one embedded itself in the bulls eye on the dartboard on the other side of the room. Watching this, Shining's jaw dropped to the floor. The white and grey mares signed their contracts and left, hopping out of the hole that Big Mac left earlier. At the end of the day, only Big Mac, Octavia and Vinyl passed the interviews. Shining decided to retire for the night and hoped for a better bunch tomorrow. Awoken by a crack of thunder, Shining readied himself for another day of interviews. After eating his breakfast of honeyed porridge and crumpets, Shining saw the filled bar downstairs and noticed that the damage done from the previous day has been cleared up. The hole had been fixed, the dartboard repaired and the glass cleaned. Upon further inspection, Shining also noticed that the majority of the ponies waiting for him live in further away towns and cities. Setting up his interview table, Shining was greeted by none other than Braeburn. "Gooooood mornin'!" Braeburn expressed his near always optimistic self. "To you as well. Let us get started with some questions, if that's alright with you." "Well ah jus' can't wait, what's first?" Slightly agitated by the over optimistic farm pony, Shining couldn't help but to have a hint of it in his tone of voice. "Are you willing to risk your life in an attempt to vanquish the changeling queen Chrysalis?" "If it's for the greater good, then I'll do anythin'!" "Alright, do you have any experience in combat or have any training in combat?" "I sure do!" "Do you have any experience in sailing?" "Not in boats particularly, but I do know my engines and trains!" "Finally, what else can you bring the crew?" "I got this!" Braeburn pulled out a six shot revolver and fired all six shots towards the bar, each shot seeking true, smashing six bottles. Respecting his skill as a marksman, Shining pulled out a fresh contract sheet and an ink pad. Before he could say anything, Braeburn signed it and ran off, much to Shining's relief. Up next was the CMC wearing false moustaches and glasses but they were sent quicker than they were last time. After a couple more unsuccessful interviews including the rhyming zebra Zecora and the florist Roseluck, an unexpected guest stepped forward. Without even looking up Shining started asking questions. "Are you willing to risk your life in an attempt to vanquish the changeling queen Chrysalis?" "After hearing what she's done, she must be stopped!" Recognising Spitfire's voice, Shining looked up in awe. Hastily he continued. "Do you have any experience in combat or are trained in it?" "It is routine in the Wonderbolts." "Do you have any experience sailing?" With a look of sarcasm, Spitfire stretched out her wings. "Pegasus, right. So what else can you provide the crew?" Without hesitation, Spitfire took out an iron ball with string attached out of her satchel. It smelled like gunpowder. It was at this observation that the pearly white unicorn realised it was a bomb! "Just sign here and we'll be with you in a couple days." Spitfire signed the contract and put in her satchel. "Just one final question, aren't you necessary for the Wonderbolts?" "I left my position for a new one." "Oh, Who might I ask?" "Rainbow Dash." As she said this she left.
The Library Worn out by the amount of interviews there were, Shining left the inn and decided to visit his sister, Twilight in her library. On the way to the library, the white stallion passed by Sugarcube Corner and felt a little peckish. Detouring inside, Shining could smell what seemed like millions of various baked goods. The smell filled his nostrils and caused his stomach to growl in anticipation. Being greeted by the pink mare that organises every party in existence including his wedding reception, he couldn't resist the sense of belonging and neither could he resist a the smile that crept itself upon his muzzle. "Heya, Pinkie! How are you?" Pinkie, upon seeing her very best friend Twilight's brother gasped and somehow seemingly teleported herself to greet him. "ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoooosh! You'remybestfriendTwililght'sbrothersern'tyou? haveyoucometoseeTwilight? IbetyoudidandthenyoubecamehungryandcometohavesomeofthedelicousscrumptioscakesthattheCakes'baked! Theyhavedoughnutsandpiesandfrittersandpastriesan-" "I am going to see Twilight, I have some news to tell her. But before I go to see her, can I have one of those cupcakes?" Shining pointed towards the displayed cupcakes and placed several bits on the counter. Pinkie talked as she was gathering the cupcake to go, none of which Shining could understand. Eventually struggling to leave, Shining sat down on a bench and ate the cupcake savouring every last bite. Finding his way to the Library, the blue-maned unicorn knocked on the door. After a moment of waiting, Twilight answered with an expression of fear and fury on her face. Noticing his sister's expression, Shining felt a little nervous. "Twilly, what's wrong?" Being brought inside, Shining felt unwelcome in the room as he saw a near teary eyed Applejack. Twilight's horn glowed, forcing a piece of parchment to fly across the room and shoving itself into Shining's face. It was a letter from Celestia to Twilight informing her of her brother's mission. Shining was overcome with guilt. "Why didn't you tell me?!" "An' why did y'all have ta bring mah brother and mah cousin into all this?!" The two mares crowded the guard captain making him feel more and more claustrophobic. Shining turned his attention to Twilight. "Twilly, you have to understand that I've been busy preparing for the voyage that this is the earliest that I could've come to see you!" The orange earth pony pushed the white unicorn into a bookshelf gathering his attention. "Then why did y'all jus' have ta bring Big Mac an' Braeburn inta all this then?!" "I didn't force them to do anything, they volunteered!" Taken aback by the usually calm pony's retaliation, Applejack staggered back, fighting off tears. "How dare you!" Twilight exclaimed whilst attempting to comfort the farm pony. Noticing how negative the situation had become, Shining attempted to change the mood. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it." Seeing her BBBFF trying to lighten the mood, Twilight helped to do the same. "We should all calm down, before somepony does something they'll regret." Applejack composed herself and saw the error of her ways. "Ah'm sorry. Y'all best make sure they both come back as lively as a rattlesnake in a desert." "I'll try" Hearing the honesty in his voice, the occupants of the library moved onward to a lighter mood. "You know what this calls for?" Out of nowhere, Pinkie Pie appeared starling everypony. "A goodluckonyourdangerousvoyageandweallhopeyouhavefun PARTY!" The white stallion, now accustomed to the mare's randomness, couldn't help resist to smile. Knowing how busy he'll have to be, Shining preferred it if the party was later in the week. "That's a great idea, Pinkie, but how about we have at the end of this week making it even more special and everypony will be ready?" "Of course we can't leave anypony out or they'll be sad." The rest of the evening was spent discussing the where, when and who of the party. They eventually decided on having it at the Vanhoover docks the night before departing and that the entire crew and their families will be invited. Eventually after Pinkie and Applejack had left it was just Shining Armor and Twilight. The lavender unicorn released her sadness openly to her Big Brother Best Friend Forever. Shining didn't know exactly when she fell asleep but he knew when he noticed she was he moved her upstairs, in her bed and left without a peep. He entered the room he rented in the inn and collapsed on the bed instantly falling asleep.
The Week (Part 2) Shining Armor woke up fairly late as Celestia rose the sun to its peak. He moved at a casual speed as he cleaned and groomed himself. The pearly white unicorn decided to purchase some long lasting rations. Knowing the main two caterers in Ponyville by name, he thought that they should be the first he should try. On his way downstairs to have breakfast, Shining thought he should by Applejack something nice to cheer her up. As he reached the bottom of the stairs, the familiar smell of breakfast filled his nostrils and made his stomach grumble. The blue-maned stallion sat himself down and looked down at what he was served and was welcomed by a small stack of pancakes covered in syrup. Devouring the sweet breakfast, Shining headed outside to Sugarcube Corner where he hopes to find something to cheer Applejack up. Heading inside the bakery once again, Shining was relieved to see Mrs. Cake at the counter. Trotting towards the counter in the surprisingly empty establishment, he noticed the shock on the married mare's face when she saw the prince. Shining talked softly as he calmly approached the pink-maned baker. "Good morning Mrs. Cake! What would you recommend to cheer up a saddened apple farmer?" Flustered from the reality of a prince asking for her advice, Mrs. Cake was rendered speechless. She spoke to the patient captain after taking a moment of drawing in some courage. "Do you mean Applejack?" "Yeah!" "Well if anything here can cheer her up, an apple tart should do the trick. She's quite fond of those." "Sounds perfect! How much?" "Three bits please." Shining handed over the three golden coins used as Equestrian currency. "Thank you for coming!" Mrs. Cake handed over an apple tart in a bag to the captain. "Thanks!" Shining headed for the door of the brightly coloured bakery. "Bye!" He left and trotted gently towards Sweet Apple Acres, after withdrawing a large amount of bits carried in sacks. Trotting down the dirt road right in front of the Apples' barn, the stallion wondered on what he should say to the farm pony. He didn't take long wondering before he found himself at the door of their house. Cautiously, he knocked on the old wooden door, echoing through the old wooden house. Hearing the sound of hoof on wood, the stallion took a polite step back from the door. It creaked open revealing a very upset and disappointed Applejack. "What're y'all doin' 'round 'ere?" "I wanted to personally order some apples and to help cheer you up." The blue-maned unicorn magically took the apple tart out of its bag and let it gently float over to the yellow-maned earth pony. He saw her eyes light up as she took the tart in hoof. "Thank y'all kindly, but y'all mentioned somethin' 'bout an order?" Shining grinned slightly as he moved the heavy sacks. "May I come in?" "As long as y'all don't 'volunteer' Granny Smith or Apple Bloom." The orange farm pony stepped back and gestured towards the sofa. Once inside, Shining dropped the massive sacks on the floor, spilling the bits all over. "What in the hay is all that for?" The Element of Honesty exclaimed as if in a living daydream, lost in the lure of gold. "Its to pay for the order I'm placing and to help cheer you up a bit." Snapping back into reality, Applejack became serious. "How large an order exactly?" "Large enough to keep around thirty ponies' bellies full for around three months." Applejacks eyes widened as her hooves cursed her. It would take the majority of the orchard to fill that order and she'd barely done a quarter of that from the entire week. "How fast do y'all need this order for?" "In about two days maybe a little sooner." "Alright, Sugarcube, jus' be on your way. I've got a lot of work ta do." Shining left the Apples' and trotted towards, for the final time, to the inn he was staying in. Once he entered his room he slumped down on his bed and fell asleep instantly. Shining awoke to the sound of birds chirping and, once again, to the smell of breakfast. He trotted downstairs, after grooming himself, and sat himself down. After eating his breakfast of toast and boiled eggs, Shining paid the innkeeper and left to the train station. He bought a ticket to Vanhoover and waited for his train. Whilst he waited he saw his sister and her friends, excluding Applejack, waiting for the same train. When the train arrived, Shining made sure that he got into a different cabin than them. It was noon when they arrived and the Elements of Harmony, without Honesty, hastily headed towards the ship that Shining would go on. The pearly-white unicorn was left alone with his thoughts. Thinking about how tomorrow will be his last day on land, he made himself homesick. Remembering his parents, his sister and his wife, Shining had never felt himself longing to be with them more. Mindlessly wondering around Vanhoover, it wasn't long before Shining started to feel a little peckish. Seeing a conveniently placed café and having a full bit bag, Shining entered the small establishment. When he entered he was overcome with a variety of different smells, all of which from different food. Heading towards the counter he was welcomed by a portly mare. "Welcome! How may I help you today?" The portly cashier asked the white stallion. "What kind of food do you serve here?" "Any kind of food! Anything you can think of we can serve!" "In that case, could I get a daffodil salad please?" "Of course! Are you eating in or taking out?" "I'd like to eat in please." "Ok! Just sit down and your food will be with you in just a moment." Shining sat himself down next to a window. Glancing out of it he saw what would be expected of a city next to the sea. He saw very bland and bored ponies trotting around doing their everyday tasks and he also saw some birds fly by and take an unfortunate's sandwich. Shining couldn't help but to smile, thinking about the city's sheer simplicity and innocence. When his meal finally arrived, Shining saw a small note under the plate. Curios as to what it was Shining read it. "Meet me here at dusk tonight Goldheart the cashier x x x" Flattered at the thought of somepony flirting with him, Shining immediately thought at what his wife would think of the situation. After eating his meal, Shining trotted over to the cashier, who blushed when she saw her note in his mouth. He placed the note down next to her. "I'm sorry, you seem like a very charming mare, but I'm already married" He saw the portly cashier swallow, her once bright and cheery face drowned upon a tsunami of sadness. "If it's not too much trouble, could I please get the cheque?" Nodding slowly, the portly cashier ducked behind the counter and wept loudly. After a minute of crying, the cashier gave Shining the cheque. He paid the seven bits for the salad and added another five bits for a tip. After paying he hastily left the café in search of a place he could stay the night. It was late evening and Shining was still wandering around. Seeing a small tavern and having withdrew more bits, Shining headed inside. He rented a room for the night. Entering the room Shining laid himself down and slept.
The Party Shining Armor opened his eyes from sleep to be greeted with the nicest weather Equestria had to offer. The sun was shining, there were no clouds in sight and a gentle breeze brushed through Vanhoover. Instinctively, the blue-maned stallion arose to greet the glorious weather. Checking the nearby calendar, Shining realised that this would be the last on land for what will seem like an eternity. The thought of never coming back from the voyage frightened him but he knew he had to go. He knew if he did die it would be a an honourable death but if he did stay, he'll be thrown into a dark and dishonourable gaol cell. Banishing such thoughts from his mind, Shining groomed himself and readied himself for his last day on land. Trotting around Vanhoover on the bright midsummer day, Shining saw the portly cashier from the day before. He felt guilt creep up on him. Avoiding her, he headed towards the docks to finally see the ship he will be using. He also wanted to check that the food and the crew were there too. Shining was impressed as he stared at The Sea-Pegasus. Considering the fact that he is neither a sailor nor does he have any useful knowledge with boats, the The Sea-Pegasus was spectacular! Wanting a closer look, he trotted over towards it. Before he could lay a hoof on the ship, he was instantly stopped. Not being allowed on The Sea-Pegasus, Shining took the chance he got to examine what he could of the boat. It had two rowboats, one on either side, it had a main mast with a very high up crows nest and a secondary mast in front of it and it was very small and sleek. Turning around, the young captain saw Big Mac, Braeburn, Applejack, Applebloom and Babs Seed, bringing in the large quantity of apples and apple-related products. Feeling uncomfortable about being there with no purpose, Shining decided to head towards the town again. Seeing the sun, Shining knew he had about an hour before noon. After witnessing the Apples unloading the apples amongst the rest of other things provided by Celestia, he allowed himself some time for some food. Entering a small, nearby, cavernous tavern, he was overcome with the smell of the ocean and ale. Upon seeing the dimly lit room, furnished with driftwood tables, stools, flooring and walls, he only noticed three ponies. Two of the three ponies that Shining noticed were the bartenders, but the other pony he noticed, was different. It was a grey Pegasus with a yellow mane and a seven bubbles as a cutie-mark. The Pegasus turned around and Shining was, once again, surprised to see the mare had an upside down version of his poster advertising him wanting interviews for a crew. She galloped over to the confused stallion with an excited look on the mares face. "Ah'd 'ike ta hoin you, hease?" Shining smiled at the innocence of the situation and then saw the poster again. His smile faded despite that the Pegasus was still smiling. He chuckled nervously. "I'm going to have to ask you a few questions then." She put down the poster. "What's your name?" "Derpy Hooves!" "Are you willing to risk your life in an attem-" "Uh-huh!" "Do you have any combat experience?" "Yup!" "What else can you provide the crew?" He hardly saw the mare move. Then with a quick pain in his jaw, he blacked out. He awoke staring into Derpy's wonky eyes. She helped him up. Shining realised what the strong mare did, he groaned. "Welcome aboard, Derpy!" The mare did an impressive double backflip as she got a muffin from her coloured satchel. She bit into it. Then she landed. Shining looked outside to see the setting sun. At first, he felt peace, until he remembered the party that he was meant to be going to be on The Sea-Pegasus. "Derpy! There's a party on the boat that you'll have to go to!" Catching Derpy's attention, she galloped out of the tavern and Shining saw that she was there in mere seconds. He followed her as fast as he could. Reaching The Sea-Pegasus, Shining went towards the buffet table. He hadn't eaten all day and the massive amount of food made his stomach gurgle. The massive spread of food mainly consisted of baked goods, provided by the Cakes', and some of the apple related foods brought by the Apple family. He took a small wooden plate and began filling it telekinetically. His attention, however, was drawn to a small crowd near the front of the vessel. Curious, the pearly white stallion trotted towards it. The crowd consisted of The Elements Of Harmony and some of the Apple family. In the middle of the crowd was a small table. At the table was Big Macintosh, Braeburn, Applejack, Octavia and Vinyl Scratch, on the table were two bottle of a beverage that Shining couldn't name and countless shot glasses. Luckily, the game had just begun. The five ponies took a shot and another and another and another. At the seventh shot, Braeburn collapsed in a drunken heap, much to the enjoyment of the spectators. Another eight throat burning, intoxicating shots later, Vinyl backed out, knowing her limit. On the thirtieth shot, Shining noticed a decline in speed of Big Mac's drinking and, as predicted, the red farm pony fell to the floor after another five shots. Now it was just Applejack and Octavia. As a challenge, the cellist took five shots simultaneously. Applejack looked at her in awe and then doubled the challenge, drinking ten in a row. Octavia drunk another seven shots without even a hint of slowing. Applejack managed to put the final shot glass to her lips before falling on her back, unconscious. Twilight was the only pony that cheered. Shining heard the exchange of bits and saw that his sister trotted away from the crowd with a very heavy bit-bag. Moving his way through the crowd, the stallion opened a door on the top deck. On the other side of the light oaken door was a small musty room littered from floor to ceiling with various maps and charts. Going down to the lower cabins of the ship, Shining saw that it consisted of two rooms. One was filled with various barrels and crates and the other had room was seemingly homey. It had various bunks for sleeping and a small table in the middle, below a low hanging lantern. But what grasped Shining's attention was not a bunk, but a pony on it. "Cadence!" "How about a glorified farewell?" The Princess of Love patted on the bunk she was on, inviting the prince over. It was a night Shining will never forget.
The Departure A massive horn blew, awakening the young prince from his slumber. Immediately, he galloped to the top deck and felt slightly blinded as he was struck by sunlight. With tears protecting him slightly from the sun, he galloped to the furthest edge of the ship to catch a final glimpse of his wife. He was too late. Braeburn, Big Mac and Vinyl stumbled out of the lower deck's cabins, following Shining. Each one moaned slightly, cradling their heads in their hooves and faced the floor to escape the onslaught of the sun. Octavia, however, strolled through as if she had always been sober. The cellist trotted to her partner, with the goggles in her hoof. The grey earth pony handed the blue-maned DJ her goggles. Graciously, the bass-dropper put on the amethyst goggles and, for the first time that morning, smiled. Spitfire was the only pony doing anything even slightly productive. The Wonderbolt was steering the boat with expertise and a compass in hoof and a stern expression on her face. The sun rose and the land sank. By mid-afternoon, land was completely submerged behind the endless waves of the ocean. The crew, now with grumbling stomachs, started up the temporary kitchen under the sunshine on the main deck. Braeburn was told to get some food from below. The Appleoosan farm pony headed into the storage room. Once inside, he heard a childish giggling. It sounded like it came from a filly. He gulped. "Applebloom?" Hiding behind a couple barrels of apples, Applebloom came out with a massive grin on her face. "Howdy Braeburn!" With an expression of confusion and shock riddling his face, the stallion in question answered "What're y'all doin' here?" "Playin' hide 'n seek with Sweetie and Scoots!" The knowledge of more fillies on the danger headed ship struck him like a hammer to an anvil, leaving him breathless. He wheezed slightly. "Where're they then?!" "I dunno, they're hidin'." Braeburn could feel panic creep upon him, its cold grip resting inside him. Frantically he galloped about trying to find the other two fillies. Applebloom watched as if she was fully entertained, giggling on occasion. The panicking stallion galloped to and fro in the storage room searching in between barrels. It was to no avail. It wasn't until he tripped over a pile of spare rags did he stop moving. He turned slowly and stared into the pile of rags. He saw a pearly white horn and a speck of her mane. Ripping of the rags, he revealed a very giddy Sweetie Belle. The unicorn filly trotted over to her friend and the two of them giggled together. The farm pony wasn't amused. "Where is Scootaloo?" There was a pause from the giggling. As luck would have it he heard a very tomboyish cough emitting from the chicken coop. The Appleoosan headed towards the sound. Looking inside the chicken coop, he a flash of a purple mane, next to a scooter. "Scoots, get outta there now!" The orange Pegasus moved from inside the chicken coop, eventually exiting with her scooter. A big smile was on her face and an egg comically laid on her head. Scootaloo put the egg back. Braeburn huddled the three fillies together and forcefully sat them down. "Okay, now that y'all are all here, how 'bout y'all go upstairs and introduce yourselves as the stowaways of The Sea Pegasus!" Nodding slowly, the CMC marched themselves upstairs beneath the farm pony's stare and their tails between their hind legs. Recovering from the shock of seeing the youngsters, Braeburn followed them to the top deck. Everypony turned their necks so that their heads faced the three young fillies. The CMC had just started to realise the consequence of their actions. "We can't turn the boat around, it'll take too long!" Shining nodded in agreement to Spitfire. It was sunset and everypony gathered around the top deck to debate upon the actions to be taken considering the arrival of the fillies. The fillies in question each had an expression that rivalled that of a colt to the snow, excitement and worry. Soon everypony was shouting over each other making it difficult to undertand exactly who was speaking. "They're all too young to make it back in the rowboats." "Eeyup!" "Perhaps Spitfire and Derpy could fly them over?" "No, that'd take too long and cause a lot more worry than any alternative." "Even insuring that at least one will make it?" "That's not what I-" "THEY WILL HAVE TO STAY!!" The booming voice akin to thunder emitted from the grey mail-mare, catching everypony by surprise. "I'll even look after them myself." Everypony turned their heads to look at the mail-mare in awe. As if on cue, the CMC appeared behind the mare, looking up to her with some new found respect. "You should now that they'll be your responsibility Derpy." "I know." Derpy nodded to the young captain. For once her actually challenged Shining's completely, a very subtle change that was noticed easily. Nopony spoke for an uncomfortable amount of time. The tension was broken when the three fillies yawned, one after the other. Smiles spread like wildfire through the older ponies at the innocent, cute yawns from the youngsters. "I reckon tis 'bout time to hit the hay!" "Eeyup!" Small chuckles left the firm grasp of everypony's lips. creating a bright atmosphere once again. They all headed down to the cabins in the lower decks and to the bunks that they had chosen. Shining laid his head down on his pillow and closed his heavy eyelids. The gentle lapping of the ocean's waves were interrupted by a distant sound of thunder. Thinking nothing of it, Shining fell into a heavy sleep, dreaming of all his happy moments with Cadence and her reaction of coming home. Through his dream, Shining smiled.
The Storm Through his dream, Shining swore he could hear thunder sound every time Cadence opened her mouth. Despite this, the good and innocent nature of his lucid dream, he decided to ignore it. However, Octavia and Vinyl were wide awake. Each of them knowing how deadly a storm could potentially be. For example, a stray lightning bolt could strike The Sea Pegasus and burn it down. The couple traded nods and then galloped to the top deck. What they felt first was the biting cold, it bit through to their very bones, passing through their coats and clothes. Shivering vigorously, the pair found themselves in a familiar position, they huddled closely to each other for warmth. They battled the icy wind head on, determined to insure the safety of the crew and The Sea Pegasus. Next came the soaking rain. It forced them to skid across the soaked wooden floor and lose their balance. As soon as they exited the final shelter of the doorframe, it was as if the couple had spent an hour long soak in an ice filled lake. Their manes drooped down, burdened with the extra weight the rain provided them. Like the cherry on a cake, the humongous waves were the master piece of the ocean bound storm. Each wave that could be seen was easily over seventy feet. Luckily the waves near the boat weren't nearly as big, but were still at least thirty feet. Every time a wave inevitably collided with the ship, a couple feet of the freezing salt water flooded across the top deck like an over filled teacup onto a miniature saucer. Every few seconds they could see a close flash of light instantly followed by a deafening crack of thunder. It wasn't long before their fears became reality, when a lightning bolt struck true upon the top of the main mast, setting the Equestrian flag ablaze instantly. It was spreading and the musicians knew it. A grey muzzle appeared from behind a soaked charcoal black mane. "I'll do this, be back shortly." The cellist started a long climb on the rigging at a break neck pace. Faster than any Pegasus could fly up there. From behind the amethyst tinted goggles, Vinyl stared at Octavia with concern. "Be careful! We don't want a repeat of Appleoosa!" "I swear that airship was faulty and you know it!" The couple, despite being apart, chuckled simultaneously. Fond memories of a former danger rushed through their minds. The white unicorn mare felt the boat tremor once again and realised that no-pony was steering. The unicorn galloped towards the wheel. She battled gravity, the rain and the sheer force of the waves crashing down as she climbed the steep water damaged stairs. She wobbled from side-to-side in an attempt to keep her balance. Once her hooves were on the wheel, Vinyl realised that she had no sense of direction and therefore no clue as to where to turn the boat. With her brain kicked into maximum overdrive, the DJ remembered that she could find Spitfire's compass in the navigation room just below her. With the sensible sense of urgency, Vinyl galloped to the staircase and leapt. Landing on her fore-hooves and muzzle, the white unicorn groaned slightly as she got herself up. She hurried inside the Navigation room, her ruby red eyes skimmed throughout the entire room searching for the compass. Fortunately, she found it seconds and immediately telekinetically made it fly across the room and land in her hoof. Once another battle against the stairs, proving successful, the DJ found that her hooves where once again at the wheel. She stared at the compass, the needle pointed towards the south-east, heading back towards the south of Equestria. After three and a half-turns of the wheel, The Sea Pegasus was sailing towards their destination. Feeling accomplished and having the wheel in a firm grasp, she wondered what her mare-friend was doing. Despite having no magic and no wings, Octavia was doing somewhat brilliantly. By the time she had reached the top of the mast, even above the crow's nest, the fire had gone out-of-control. Conflict was deep in the cellist's amethyst eyes as she wondered the best course of action to extinguish the miniature raging inferno. The ice cold winds and the freezing rain would swiftly become unbearable and possibly fatal if she didn't have her clothes on, but if she could put the fire out very quickly. The rain wasn't going to extinguish it in a hurry and the wind just made its tongue fly in various directions. It was when the cellist could feel its fiery breath running down her spine that she started stripping, whilst keeping her gadgets on. She shivered from the cold, Octavia's mind however was thrown back to the DJ she was proud to call mare-friend. Why wasn't she helping? Can she not see her dilemma? What could be more important than the safety of her mare-friend? As coincidence would have it, she felt the ship heavily sway to her left, almost knocking her off. The fire flapped about as if it was a fish bound to the land. Grasping her completely soaked clothes in her mouth, the grey earth pony swung it against the flaming mast, making the flame spurt about. She swung it again and again and again and again. Eventually the fire was extinguished, the warm embers smoked and no flame could be seen. With the moderate warmth that fire previously provided now expired, it was the fatal cold that Octavia feared. She couldn't physically refrain herself from shivering and she felt as if she'll never be dry again. Her joints ached, her muscles pained and she longed to be back home, curled in ball next to her warm and toasty lover. She attempted to move but she couldn't, it was too painful. After what seemed like an eternity, her grasp of consciousness faded. The world spun around her and she fell. The last thing that Octavia saw was a white and blue blob-ish figure popping up from the rigging. A wordless voice yelled. She blacked out. Vinyl Scratch, DJ PON3, was on the verge of panic. She managed to steer The Sea Pegasus out from the worst of the storm and went to see how her mare-friend was faring. However, when she arrived, Octavia was shaking uncontrollably, her lips were as blue as her own mane and the cellist's coat and mane were soaking wet and freezing. Her clothes were in a limp pile just a couple feet from the grey pony's hooves. Stumbling back into reality, Vinyl grabbed her mare-friend and used a teleportation spell to their bunk. There she laid the freezing cold Octavia and covered her with every spare blanket, rag and clothing, leaving her muzzle poking out. Her sky blue lips quivered in desperation for more heat, an offer Vinyl couldn't refuse. The DJ kissed the freezing lips of her mare-friend, her hot and heavy breathe a complete contrast of the cold and light breathing her mare-friend insisted on giving. "What's all this commotion about?" Spitfire looked over at the panicking DJ and a pile of rags that was apparently attractive to Vinyl. Vinyl stared at the military athlete with a look of anger and disapproval. Tears welled up in the DJ's eyes and a lump formed in her throat. She couldn't reply. Spitfire was very confused. She was kissing a pile of rags and that just isn't normal. When she looked harder at the pile of rags, she noticed a slight movement as if somepony was under there. Then she saw the sky blue lips on a grey muzzle. "Is that Octavia? A lump managed to find itself lodged in the pegasus' throat, thinking of all the things that could've been the cause to this. Swallowing hard, Vinyl spoke solemnly, still staring at her mare-friend. "She needs heat, the more the better." "I'll go boil some water, that'd heat her up." Vinyl nodded, her ruby red eyes locked on the unmoving body of a certain cellist.
The Ocean's Surprise It had been two weeks since the devastating storm. What disturbed the crew was how quiet it was of late. The only sounds that could be heard were the gentle laps of the waves against The Sea Pegasus, their own talking and the quiet creaks and moans the boat gave. The ocean spread endlessly and the sky mirrored as such, revealing no clouds. Octavia had recovered, much to Vinyl's expectations once rationality crept upon her. Derpy was always either with the CMC, talking or playing, or flying none too far from The Sea Pegasus. Since the storm, there had been shifts set so that at least somepony would be at the wheel. Octavia and Vinyl were atop the scorched crow's nest, laughing and shivering as the bittersweet memories flooded their every thought. Braeburn was in the navigation room, pondering over the many volumes and collections of maps and charts that was packed into the boat. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Derpywere racing each other below decks in empty barrels that they had found. Spitfire was currently steering The Sea Pegasus, compass in hoof. Shining and Big Mac were sleeping either preparing for their shift or recovering form it. If anything, the quiet, joyless boat was waiting for land to appear any minute. But they were greeted by something else. Spitfire overlooked the direction that The Sea Pegasus followed, as if she was a professional. The musicians were too busy indulging each other with each other's conversation. The Appleoosan farm pony read the maps and charts for the fifteenth time that day. Everypony else lay below decks. All of them heard something that resembled a large object hitting water with a great force, but none of them saw anything. Gradually a ring of bubbles appeared around The Sea Pegasus as if many ponies were drowning around them. Suddenly, three scaly, almost dragon-like, heads burst through the water, each head strategically placed to seem as if there was no escape for the small vessel. Acting upon reflex, Octavia stretched her hooves outward towards the nearest Hydra head. Two bullets of steel flew from the ends of her hooves and comically bounced of off the scaled head. She heard Vinyl curse behind her, after doing just the same thing to another Hydra head. The two turned to each other each with an expression as if to say "What Now?". Their eyes were drawn to the nearest head as it attacked Octavia. Vinyl grabbed her mare-friend's clothes and pulled hard in desperation. The force of the pull brought Octavia on her hind legs, then on her back, landing on top of her 'rescuer'. The scaly head bit the air, right where Octavia used to be, and withdrew itself back. Braeburn galloped out of the navigation room after hearing the reptilian roar the Hydra gave. Seeing a head nearby, he drew his revolver out and took a moment to aim. Pulling the trigger, a powerful bullet flew from the end of the steel barrel and struck true, hitting the Hydra in its eye. The head howled in pain and turned itself to meet the new challenger. Seeing Braeburn, the scaled head opened it grotesque mouth and roared directly at him. Braeburn braced himself as the head hurled towards him. The Hydra head was barely meters away when it heard an ear-splitting bang and felt pain at the back of its throat. Braeburn grinned as he retracted his beloved pistol to replace the two missing bullets. Only when Spitfire pushed him did he notice that another head was attacking him. The stallion looked on awe and in terror to see the pegasus light one of her bombs in the face of the Hydra. A gentle hiss escaped from behind fangs. He fumbled around for his pistol which he had dropped when he was pushed. Grabbing it, he turned to fire at the head and stopped. He saw the Wonderbolt as the head hastily bit the mare and retracted. Only her hind hooves and part of her torso remained. Her intestines spilled across the deck, staining it with blood. Her remains fell limp and crashed to the floor, blood flowed like an endless river and spread quickly from the mess. He stared at it for what seemed like an eternity. A massive, yet muffled, explosion sounded, coming from the Hydra. The living two heads howled in unison and retreated beneath the waves, dragging the limp third with them. Blood mixed with sea as the submerged themselves. The CMC were horrified at witnessing Spitfire's demise. Their mouths fell to the floor, eyes wide and tears formed in their open eyes. Derpy came to the mourning trio and soothingly stroked their manes. The three fillies snuggled into her golden mane. Derpy comforted them. Sweetie and Applebloom wept openly in front of her, but Scootaloo looked angry instead of sad. something clicked inside her brain, however briefly, and it wouldn't fix itself in a hurry. After the final tear fell to the floor, the purple-maned pegasus headed below deck. Octavia and Vinyl came down from the crow's nest after the attack. They soon became aware at what happened to Spitfire. The two stared at the corpse, a lump lodged in their throats and tears in their eyes. Big Mac awoke for his shift, confused at everypony's dismay. Until he laid his eyes on the rear-end of Spifire. He was at a loss for words, more than usual. He didn't quite like the Wonderbolt, be he respected her and he now wished that he had spent more time talking and enjoying her company rather than ignore and loathe it. Guilt flushed over him. He was forced to sit, his legs were too weak. A single tear ran down his cheek, warming it were it ran, and dropped below his chin before landing on the hard wooden floor. He hadn't felt this emotional since his parent's funeral, but now he was allowed to drink. The large red farm pony headed to the store room and opened a barrel of Apple Cider, drinking it whole-heartedly. Derpy had awoken Shining and now the whole crew, including a staggering Big Macintosh, gathered around the edge of The Sea Pegasus, where Spitfire's remains lay upon a rowboat along with all of her possessions. Except for her Wonderbolt badge and uniform, which Scootaloo commandeered the badge and Derpy borrowed her uniform, and bombs. Shining telekinetically pushed the boat east-ward, and it gently sailed into the horizon with their sorrow. All that remained now was their vengeance and Chrysalis will be put at the business end of it.
The Ocean's Peace A deathly silence washed over the crew as they saw Spitfire drift off into the all-too-welcoming mist. Even the ocean was silent, as if it were shocked by or respected Spitfire's death. Warm tears found themselves upon everypony's cheek, protecting them from the still breeze. Everything was still, everything was at peace. The sunset created a pink-y orange tinge hue against the ever thicker mist. Before they knew it, night was upon the remaining crew. A growl emitted itself from a young unicorn filly's stomach, breaking the silence. An innocent smile stretched across her face and spread like a wildfire across the crew. Vinyl even went as far as chuckling slightly. "Guess it's time for lunch, huh?" "Eeyup!" A small chuckle escaped through the sorrowful crew's clutched muzzles. All mourning was forgotten by the time the food was being served. The night went by uneventfully and Derpy had been playing with the Crusaders since dawn. The grey mail-mare had noticed a significant change within Scootaloo, as if the young filly wanted something, badly. Though the execution of achieving it wasn't going to be morally right. Big Macintosh was, once again, put on kitchen duty, not that he minded. Being on kitchen duty meant that he had to take inventory of all the food and cook for the entire crew. Again, he wasn't bothered, somepony had to do it and it allowed time for him to think. He opened one of the apple-smelling barrels and looked inside. It was full to the brim with large juicy granny smith apples. He smiled to himself at the thought of his family and working on the farm. The red farm pony went back to taking inventory quickly. Shining Armor lay down on his bunk, staring at the ceiling, drowning in a sea of thought. Waves of his wife crashed upon the shore of his conciseness. He recalled the final glorious night he had on land, what felt like a decade ago. He withdrew a portrait of his love from beneath his pillow. The stallion stared deeply into her unblinking lively eyes, as she smiled so did he. The guard captain retreated under his covers and pleasured himself. Octavia and Vinyl were at the ship's wheel. Steering The Sea Pegasus and guiding her towards their destination. Since the storm and especially after Spitfire's demise, the two mares expressed their love to one another, daily, for fear of losing the other. The pair snuggled together and smiled weakly. Octavia stared into her mare-friend's masked eyes, recalling their ruby colour. Though it wasn't noticeable, Vinyl did the exact same thing, except her thoughts weren't as pure. Like a hidden compromise, the two mares kissed. Sweetie Belle was alone in the navigation, fascinating herself at how little of the world she had actually seen. Staring through all the maps and charts, she realised that she wasn't ever going to be ready to settle down or even return home. All she wanted to do now was go and explore the world, see its beauty and its glamour. Even go on an adventure of her own. Explore unknown areas no matter how dangerous it would be. She was happy. Applebloom was below decks, watching her older brother organise The Sea Pegasus' provisions. But instead of thinking about what he was doing or the supposedly traumatising death of Spitfire, the young filly's mind ventured around her own situation. She recalled her initial terror to not going back home, but now she felt like she needed to pull her own weight. Looking around the storage room, a shine captured her interest. Trotting towards it, the filly picked it up. She grinned as she hid the knife in her mane. Scootaloo closed her eyes as the wind gently brushed her face, sending small shivers down her spine. The breeze flowed freely through her unkempt purple mane, heading down before giving her a farewell as it exited her tail. She stretched her small wings and fluttered them, as she did when she was at peace or happy. Opening her eyes, she found herself at the highest pinnacle of The Sea Pegasus. It was so high that she could reach upwards and stroke her hoof across the smooth surface of a low hanging cloud. The golden Wonderbolt badge reflected the bright sunlight, bright beams flew outwards. She wanted to not have the support of the mast, or any support and be this high, maybe higher. Perhaps her friends could join her. The filly smiled at the thought. Braeburn was up in the crow's nest of The Sea Pegasus, barely a few yards away from Scootaloo. He was full of concern with the fillies. Neither one of them was a fighter, nor nearly developed enough for the harsh conditions. He knew, however, that they would inevitably outlive the rest of the crew. None of the crew would take any pleasure from watching them die, and would rather die first. HIs attention was captured by a golden glimmer penetrating his eyes. He turned his gaze away from the filly and looked onwards, in the direction the ship was going. The farm pony saw a piece of elevated horizon, slightly jagged and darker than the rest of the horizon. Realisation struck. "LAND!! Land dead ahead! YEEHAAAW!" Everypony had gathered on top of the main deck, each of them more than ready to fight, except for the fillies. Shining was donned in his steel plated captains armour and carried a bastard sword. Big Mac wore a light leather tunic and carried a great axe so heavy that it would take any other three fully grown stallions to even lift it. To Big Mac though, it was nought but a foal's toy. Braeburn only had his hat, a bandana and his holstered revolver. Octavia and Vinyl were wearing their clothes and gadgets as well as visible weapons. Octavia carried a light rapier and Vinyl had a heavy warhammer. The three fillies managed to find some sort of camouflaged clothing and Applebloom still kept that knife hidden in her mane. Derpy was wearing Spitfire's spare Wonderbolt uniform and bombs. Each of the crew were silent, anticipating the arrival of land. The Sea Pegasus hid under a seaside mountain of the unnamed island. Seeing no docks or entrances, Shining decided that the fillies, Braeburn, Octavia, Vinyl and himself were to take the remaining rowboat onto a beach and leave Big Mac and Derpy on The Sea Pegasus.
The Island The small rowboat was overfilled with the majority of the crew and various provisions. It gradually made its way to a bare sandy shore with a mixture of Vinyl's and Shining's magic and the other ponies' manual labour. The sea-soaked wood slid into the soft sand with effortless ease, much to the no weary pony's delight. Barely ten yards away was a massive intimidating forest, wild and overgrown. Lush green leaves littered the dry brown grass and golden yellow sand. Bushes of every kind dotted themselves throughout the immensely packed and dark forest. Moss could be found upon the bark of the oak trees. The ponies' felt many eyes upon them, as if they were watched at every angle by beasts foul and evil. Sweetie Belle gulped. Applebloom stared in awe. Scootaloo faced the ground, avoiding eye-contact with it. It would resemble the Everfree Forest if there was any friendly town nearby, the orange pegasus was then overcome with home sickness. Shining and Vinyl lifted the rowboat telekinetically and carried it with them into the densely packed forest. "Where should go?" Octavia inquired, no further route was established and it was a necessary question. The white stallion pondered over the words a little longer, giving time for thought. "The way I see it, we have two options. One; we spread out into groups and head in different directions, then meet back at the shore at midnight. Or, two; We stay together and have our safety in numbers." "We should split up, be quicker that way, and we'll all be back 'afore ya know it! I'll take the fillies, the couple together and I reckon you can handle jus' 'bout anything'!" The ever optimistic Braeburn suggested only to be greeted by a chorus of neighs. A small movement in the tree line said otherwise. All Shining saw was a flash of a purple tail and Braeburn chasing after a slow whirring sound. Shining opened his mouth to protest, only to have a light grey hoof shoved into his mouth. Octavia gestured for him to go in a different direction. "You go east and we'll go west, I'm sure we'll handle anything they can throw at us." The musicians left there self-made path westward. The stallion was left alone. After a moment, he left and headed east, with nothing stopping him. Braeburn ached. He had been galloping non-stop through the forest for what seemed like hours. The purple tail was all but gone and the rustling sound he heard only came from him. When he found a small clearing, where a miniature beam of sunlight escaped the tree's firm grasp and lay abandoned on the floor, he stopped to catch his breath. HIs breathing was heavy and his limbs wobbled uncontrollably. Just as he thought all hopes of finding his way back to the shore were dissipated, a loud earth-shattering KA-BOOM came from behind him. He turned, quickly, to find a changeling with a hole coming from its head and a thin trail of blood pouring out of it. Through the hole in the corpse's head, he saw Octavia and a smoke trail emitting from her wrist. He let out an audible sigh of relief. "Thank y'all kindly!" "Where are the fillies?" The blue-maned DJ spoke through hoarse lips, furthermore, Braeburn couldn't see their weapons from earlier and they both looked slightly uncomfortable. Their voices and movements seemed distant as if alien to themselves. A spark of realisation ignited itself within the farm pony's mind. "What have you done to my friends?!" Silence fell upon them. A black and green light flashed over the couple's body's, releasing their true forms as changelings. Braeburn gulped as he expertly drew his revolver. Octavia awoke with a start. Vinyl was sitting beside her, wielding both of their weapons. The two were in the middle of the forest, trees enveloped them in total uneasy darkness. The dry forest floor was littered in leaves and dotted in blood. A pile of corpses could be seen a few yards away. The cellist stood, grasping Vinyl's attention. "Oh thank Celestia you're alright!" Before she could protest, Octavia felt the familiar and comfortable hooves of her lover's bring her into a hug. After a moments embrace, the grey mare retracted herself. "Vinyl, what happened?" The DJ pointed towards the pile of bodies nearby. Her hammer was coated in wet blood, still dripping with fresh blood. She held out Octavia's rapier towards its owner, who graciously accepted it. "We got attacked. A changeling managed to somehow stun you with its magic. That was enough of a warning. I tried to fight back but soon got overwhelmed. Eventually one of those buggers landed one on my head. I was out, cold." "Are you alright?" "Yeah, I'm fine, but when I woke up, our clothes and gadgets were gone and there were squabbling over our weapons. I managed to end that little dispute between them." Octavia turned to her mare-friend, in both awe and concern. Quickly a smile grew upon her face. "Not all of the gadgets...." "What do you mean?" Octavia drew her fore-hoof into her black mane. After fidgeting in her mane, she withdrew her hoof and revealed a small silver tube with a clockwork contraption attached. The musicians smiled. Big Macintosh and Derpy Hooves weren't faring well either. Changelings had periodically surrounded The Sea Pegasus making escape impossible. The apple farmer could only swing his axe to greet thin air. He snarled through his hatred of such creatures, stories that his sister told him about them lived to expectation and further. His attention was momentarily diverted to Derpy as she flew with expert speed and skill. The wind rushed by her mane, the whistling grew as her speed increased, her eyes widened with adrenaline and to her there was no danger, only flight. Big Mac could only stare in awe as the usually clumsy mail-mare darted back and forth with effortless ease. She was beautiful when she flew there was no doubt about that. The red farm pony shook his head and concentrated on the battle before him. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Derpy wave at him. He smiled, maybe one day.
The Wins Shining brushed through the foliage of the forest, revealing a large crowd of changelings outside a small, poorly crafted wooden hut. A sinister and familiar green light glowed around the hut. The hut was in a large clearing where no grass grew and no life lived. He heard a wicked cackling coming from inside the hut. Straining his ears he heard Queen Chrysalis yell to her minions, ordering them to destroy the newly approached boat. His teeth gritted in a boiling fury and rage for the hateful queen. Before he could blink. however, the horde of minions flew away leaving the hut alone. The pearly white stallion grinned with anticipation, another few minutes of preparation before he would attack. His eyes widened, his heart beat three times as fast and he crept up to the hut. Braeburn raised his revolver and aimed down the sights, business end pointed at the imposter claiming to be Octavia. The mare hissed and jumped. The apple-farmer fired ferociously sending a barrage of burning hot bullets into the body of the changeling. A small grin of success was hastily swept away as he realised that there was another. Its horn glowed a brilliant cold green and a laser shot out of it towards Braeburn. Reflexively,he evaded to his right and let the laser melt the grass that it contacted. He checked his ammunition, another four shots left. He cursed silently as he aimed towards the changeling and fired once. The limp body fell with an extremely satisfying thud on the ground. The appleoosan sighed then proceeded to reload his gun leaving only three shots left. He felt strangely naked. But before he could lay himself down once more, he heard a high pitched plea for help. He began to gallop towards it. He cut through the forest like a machete through warm butter. Hastily making his way towards the plea he readied himself for the worst. Derpy felt like a gryphon. She felt the wind untangle her unkempt mane as she soared through the sky. However, she wasn't just flying. She lit multiple bombs in the air and threw them towards the horde of changeling pursuing her. Countless changelings exploded before the awesome power that the iron-clad cases of gunpowder provided. Many corpses fell into the icy depths of the sea or onto the boat for Big Macintosh to hurl into the ocean. She looked at him occasionally and waved. Something about that pony fascinated her, maybe one day she would ask him out, not today, but one day. Vinyl and Octavia wandered aimlessly around the luscious lime green forest. The two had already been jumped and fought a couple more changelings. It wasn't until they had heard a plea for help that they galloped. The musicians jumped through various foliage to save the pony in distress. The pair slaughtered the five changelings terrorising a very frightened, regretful and sorrowful Sweetie Belle. Gently the two mares raised the filly's hooves from her face. Realising that she is safe from harm once again, the filly smiled. Applebloom galloped for her life. Ever since the three were separated by an ambush of changelings, she could feel their presence drawing ever closer to her. She could swear that her heart beat faster than Rainbow Dash could fly. Her lungs burned with a raging of exhaustion. Her limbs weakened and the filly realised that she was galloping slower and slower. She stopped. With the last of the strength, Applebloom yelled for help. It wasn't until her mouth closed before she remembered what she took. The filly took the knife form her mane and held it in one hoof. She leaned on her hind legs and attempted to stand up on them. She fell flat on her back. One of the changelings hovered forwards towards the easy prey. Braeburn burst brashly through a bush and fired a single shot, killing the adventurous changeling. Fortunately for Scootaloo, she had her scooter when the trio was ambushed by changelings. The wind blew past her unkempt mane as a dust trail picked up behind the scooter. The large amounts of adrenaline rushing through the filly's body forced her to smile. It also made her eyes widen to the point that they seemed to be growing. The pegasi's wings pulsed as her heart raced nearly as fast as her scooter. She could hear the growls and snarls of the pursuing changelings. With extreme expertise, the filly did various twists and turns, ducking, dodging and jumping over large branches. When on her scooter, nothing could harm her. Feeling cocky, the arrogant pegasus closed her eyes. Opening them, she saw a cliff in front of her. She tried to turn but a rock lodged itself in her brakes. The scooter ran of the cliff and the passenger with it. If Queen Chrysalis fed off of fear instead of love, she would have quite the feast before her.
The Week (Part 1) Shining was on his way to the Crystal Empire. The gentle chug-chug-chugging of the steam train seemed slightly hypnotic, lulling the young guard captain to deep sleep. When he awoke, the train was just arriving in the Crystal Empire. Upon stopping, Shining left the train to be greeted by a very worried and concerned Princess Cadence. Overcome with his love towards her, Shining galloped towards the purple alicorn. "Cadence!" Shining hugged his wife passionately, savouring the few brief moments before the inevitable farewell. "Shining, I have just been informed of what Princess Celestia wanted you to do. You don't have enough time to be with me, you need-" Cutting his wife short, Shining snuggled her again. "I can always make time for you, my love." Princess Cadence pushed her husband away. Pursuing his reason to be there, Shining turned to excuses. "I have made time, I have vowed to eternally love you and be with you. If I am to keep one only one promise in my life it will be that!" "Only for tonight then, my love. For tomorrow you must start preparations for your voyage" The two regal ponies casually trotted to the castle where Shining spent a glorious last night with his wife. Shining awoke next to his wife, putting a smile upon his face. Upon getting dressed, he left a farewell note on the bedside dresser. Leaving hastily, he arrived to the train station and headed on the next train to Ponyville. On the train, Shining decided to start his search for a suitable crew and he could also see his sister as he visited too. Getting off at Ponyville, Shining decided it would be best for the crew being formed if he handed posters all over Equestria informing its residents of the quest. Hastily, Shining had hundreds of copies made telling them to meet him in an inn in Ponyville within the next three days. After paying a grey mail-mare to advertise the posters all over Equestria, he retreated to the tavern advertised on the poster. Renting a room, he waited for any participants. Unfortunately there wasn't any, for the entire day. The blue-maned unicorn awoke to the smell of breakfast and to see Celestia's magic of raising the sun unfold. Readying himself for a day of interviews, he headed downstairs and entered the dining room. Being seated, he was greeted to a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, hash browns, hay-bacon, mushrooms and tomatoes. Realising how little he ate before, Shining wolfed down his breakfast. Setting up an interview table, Shining once again readied himself for participants. Shortly after a while, a line had formed and Shining started the interviews.
