Pirates of the Alicorn: Legend of the Silver Spirit

by Moheart7

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Dark, Comedy
Length: 29742

The sequel to the Mane Six’s first adventure with Jack Silver and his band of pirates, after cloaked thief breaks into the Canterlot archives, it isn’t too long before the Mane Six embarks on another adventure with the Pirates of the Ali

A year has passed since the Mane Six’s first adventure with Jack Silver and his band of pirates, and after they decided to crash Princess Luna’s birthday party, they are just all too happy to see them. However little do they know a new villain named Heatwave breaks into the Canterlot archives, luckily he managed to drop two of the scrolls before he made his escape. It isn’t too long before the Mane Six once again embarks on another adventure with Princess Luna and new crewmate Rocky the Diamond Dog in tow, setting sail with the Pirates of the Alicorn, they now embark to find the legendary ship made by Starswirl the Bearded, the Silver Spirit.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-04-29 09:43:28 UTC

Prologue: The Letter

As the cold, bitter darkness surrounded Twilight she couldn’t help but wince in fear due to the continuous blackness blinding her vision. Suddenly she began to feel heat, an extreme heat, it was as though her very skin was on fire and there was no way to put it out. Twilight then screamed in pain as the intense high temperature began to burn her from head to hoof, suddenly her eyes burst open and Twilight found herself collapse on the hard floor of her bedroom, her whole body tangled in her bed sheets.

“Twilight!” she heard Spike’s voice say. “Are you alright?”

“Wh… wha?” Twilight murmured as she struggled to her hooves. “What happened?”

“You were screaming in you sleep,” Spike explained. “It looked as though you were having a nightmare, I tried to wake you but you just rolled onto the floor.”

When Twilight finally managed to pick herself up she staggered towards the bedroom mirror, when she looked her reflection she saw the dark rings underneath her eyes and the ruffled feathers in her wings, clearly that nightmare has taken its toll on her.

“That must have been some nightmare,” she said trying to tidy her now frizzy mane. “I can’t even remember it.”

“You can’t?” Spike said with a puzzled look. “Blimey, even I would have remembered my dream if it was that bad.”

Not wanting to push the matter any further, Twilight decided to change the subject.

“Come on Spike,” she said softly. “We better go down to breakfast.”

Twilight and Spike then exited their bedroom towards the dining hall, as it turns out Twilight and her friends had spent the night in Canterlot Castle so that they could spend the next day organising Princess Luna’s birthday celebration, which was supposed to be held later that night. When Twilight and Spike finally made their way through the marble hallway and entered the dining hall they found the rest of the Mane Six already there.

“Hey Twilight!” Applejack said waving towards her. “What kept ya?”

“Indeed Darling,” Rarity added as she patted her lip with a napkin. “You cannot simply sleep in when there’s so much work to be done.”

“Sorry girls,” Twilight said as she took a seat next to Fluttershy. “I must have overslept.”

“Well I hope you got enough sleep silly billy,” Pinkie Pie said with her usual giddy smile. “Cause we got a big day ahead of us.”

“Indeed we do,” said another majestic voice as another pony entered the dining hall.

Every pony instantly turned and saw the regal form of Princess Celestia entering the room.

“Good morning my little ponies” she said with a smile. “I trust you slept well?”

Twilight would have said something about her nightmare but both she and Spike decided it would be best not to trouble Princess Celestia with such a thing today.

“Quite well your majesty,” she simply said.

“Well I’m glad to hear it,” Celestia answered her. “We have much to prepare for tonight, you all know your assignments I trust?”

At those words Twilight smiled and took out a somewhat long list of tasks, needless to say the rest of the Mane Six and Spike to silently groan to themselves, Twilight simply ignored them and turned towards Celestia.

“We certainly have Princess,” she giggled as she began to read the list aloud. “Pinkie Pie will of course be organising the entertainment for the guests, Applejack will be in charge of the catering for the feast, Fluttershy will be using her choir of songbirds to…”

Suddenly Twilight was interrupted by a loud belch from Spike who had let of a small burst of green flame along with a scrolled up letter.

“What in tarnation?” Applejack said with a raised eyebrow.

“I thought Princess Celestia could send letters like that,” Rainbow Dash said, also with a puzzled look.

“So did I,” Celestia added as she levitated the letter towards her face.

Suddenly her face lit up when she saw the seal upon the scroll.

“Who… who’s it from?” Fluttershy asked.

“An old friend of ours,” Celestia said with a smile as she unrolled the letter and began to read it aloud.

“Dear fellow Shipmates

I know it’s been a long time since we last met and we have been meaning to send word to you but we had no idea how before and as you can probably guess, the life of a pirate is a busy one. Needless to say we have missed you all terribly since we last saw each other, Rummy hasn’t been his usual giddy self ever since he and Fluttershy parted on the Equestrian shores. However there has been some good that have occurred this past year, our crew has now expanded from the few that left Equestria, we even have a new Diamond Dog named Rocky as our newest navigator, a nice fellow, you’d like him. Another bit of news I have is the fact that this Captain has finally retired, about a month after we left Equestria I passed down the mantle to Shimmer, she captains the Golden Alicorn now and I must say she has taken to the job quite nicely, however while most of you would expect this old seadog to spend his retirement on some island beach the Element of Hope has given me an energy boost that makes me feel thirty years younger, thus I decided to stick around to show Shimmer the rope of being a Captain. What can I say? This old coot still likes to have his fun. Finally I need to tell you all that we look forward to seeing you all again, as a special gift Shimmer has ordered the Golden Alicorn to return to Equestria as soon as possible.

See you soon, hopefully with the next full moon.

Forever your friends,

Jack Silver and the Pirates of the Alicorn

P.S. We hope Princess Luna would accept the enclosed relic as a token for her birthday. Don’t worry we didn’t steal it; it was the result of Shimmer’s first treasure hunt as Captain.

P.P.S. I apologise in advance if this letter should arrive soggy, Big Rummy got a little confused with how this letter delivery works and he tried to shove it down Slash’s throat.”

When Celestia finally finished the letter, every pony couldn’t help but smile, especially Fluttershy. It had been over a year since they had seen their friends aboard the Golden Alicorn and yet they still remember each and every one of them… Dripfang, the Changeling with an incredible sense of devotion; T-Cog, the albino Pegasus with two missing limbs and a love for machinery; Gem la Stone, The Unicorn with a skunk-like mane and an eye for gem inspecting; Slash, the baby dragon who can easily kick someone’s flank despite his missing eye; Big Rummy, the ship’s gigantic cook and the stallion who stole Fluttershy’s heart; Marina, the kelpie with a heart of gold; Shimmer, first mate now turned Captain of the Golden Alicorn and of course there was her father, the Unicorn stallion who first built the Golden Alicorn and became the bearer of the Element of Hope, Jack Silver. The Mane six then thought back to their grand adventure together, braving storms, surviving the challenges in the Burmuleda Triangle, and saving the lives of everyone in Ponyville. No pony will ever forget friendship like that.

“They’re… they’re coming back?” Fluttershy said with a tearful smile.

“Well ain’t this a pleasant surprise,” Applejack added.

As Celestia then inspected the golden coin stuck to the bottom of the scroll, realising what it was she too smiled.

“The Moonlight Pendant,” she said as she gazed at the ancient carvings upon the relic. “Rumoured to have been lost when the ship carrying it sank to the bottom of the sea, Luna will be most happy to see this.”

“I still can’t believe they’re coming back,” Rainbow Dash stated.

“Indeed” Rarity added. “Although I must admit it will be a grand day for all of us when they arrive.”

“Indeed it shall” Celestia said with a nod. “And we will be sure to give our friends a proper welcome when they arrive, but for now we had better get back to preparing for Luna’s birthday, she may be exhausted from lowering the moon but she won’t stay asleep all day.”

“Then we better get to it” Twilight said in agreement.

While every pony else gathered around Twilight so that they could confirm what they had to do that day, Fluttershy however simply looked out of the window and sighed. As she gazed out towards the horizon towards the glimpse of the sea all she could think about was her sweetheart, Big Rummy, the goofy cook who stole her heart was finally returning to her, it was at that moment she couldn’t help but wonder what he was doing at this very moment.

Meanwhile, just a few miles from the coast of Equestria a ship was riding the gale towards the shore, a ship with deep red sails. As an aging navy Unicorn raised his spyglass to his eye and spotted the small glimpse of land far off in the distance, he couldn’t help but put a smile across his bearded face.

“Are we close?” said a teal coloured earth pony standing next to him.

“If we keep up this speed, we’ll be there by nightfall Captain,” the Unicorn replied.

“Father, I told you not to call me that!” Shimmer said with a blush.

Needless to say Shimmer was still a little embarrassed whenever some pony called her by her new title, it may have been a year since she became Captain of the Golden Alicorn but she still couldn’t help but wonder whether she was the right choice. Then again who could ever follow in the hoof steps of the great Captain Jack Silver?

“Oh come on Shimmer,” Jack laughed. “You know you like it, after all I didn’t pass down my hat for no good reason.”

And Jack didn’t mean it figuratively, now that Shimmer was Captain she was the one who wore Jack Silver’s dirty brown hat topped with a phoenix feather, she would have worn the coat as well but Shimmer found it more comfortable with her own vest, thus Jack kept the coat. As the two ponies stared towards the shores of Equestria, they couldn’t help but sigh.

“I still can’t believe it’s been a whole year since we left this place,” Shimmer said. “It’ll be wonderful to some familiar faces again.”

“Indeed,” Jack said in agreement. “And just in time for the dear Princess’s birthday bash as well.”

At those words the two couldn’t help but laugh, imagine the looks on every pony’s face when a bunch of pirates decide to crash the party.

Chapter 1: Another theft?

It was nearing midnight when Princess Luna’s birthday party was at full swing, the celebration was so big it made both the Grand Galloping Gala and the Canterlot Wedding seem like a small picnic in the park. Ponies from all over Equestria, all dressed in their finest, came to Canterlot to celebrate their princess of the night, even Shining Armour and Princess Cadence came all the way from the Crystal Empire to join in the festivities. As each pony entered the Gala Hall they were all greeted with wondrous decorations provided by Pinkie Pie and the Canterlot decorators, balloons in all shades of blue and silver filled the ceiling while lengths of shining silver streamers dangled above the stage where the band was already playing soft melodies

“I gotta say Twi, you and your friends certainly went all out on this party,” Shining Armour said admiring the decorations.

“Only the best for Royalty,” Rarity said joining in the conversation. “But did we have to invite Prince Blueblood? He’s only been here an hour and he’s already made three ponies cry.”

“Well he IS Princess Celestia’s nephew,” Twilight said, though clearly not happy about it herself. “Besides if we didn’t invite him I’m sure he’d only try to find some way to make himself be the centre of attention.”

This was indeed true, in all the years the Mane Six have known Prince Blueblood he has been nothing more than a spoiled rich boy who was always full of himself and never shown any pony else a single once of respect. Rarity especially hated him because he has had the most experience with his lack of respect because during the first Gala she attended he expected Rarity to open the door for him and pay for his dinner, and that was just to name a few insults.

“I suppose your right,” Rarity grumbled, obviously still irritated. “So where exactly is Princess Luna? It is her party after all.”

“Princess Celestia said that she wanted to make an entrance,” Twilight answered. “I suppose she’s waiting until midnight so she could enter with as much drama as possible.”

Suddenly as though it were reacting to Twilight’s words the clock struck midnight, causing the band on stage to stop playing, when the final bell chimed the doors of the Gala Hall swung open and Princess Luna entered the room wearing a beautiful Sapphire-blue dress, as all eyes looked upon her in awe Luna couldn’t help but grin with glee.

“We cannot tell you all how much we appreciate you all being here,” she said with a teary eyed smile. “We thank you all for your presence here and we also like to thank our sister, Twilight and all our friends for making all this possible.”

“We were happy to do it Princess Luna,” Twilight said, slightly blushing.

“Indeed we were,” Princess Celestia added as she entered the room behind Luna, dressed in a majestic silver gown. “And might I say Luna, we will always treasure this moment.”

At those words Celestia levitated a silver chalice of drink from one of the buffet tables and raised it as if to make a toast.

“Happy Birthday Sister,” she stated with a smile.

As every pony else raised their glasses to toast their beloved princess of the night, Luna couldn’t but cry tears of joy, it had been a terribly long time since she has felt so loved. As the party continued and the music started up again, the Mane Six decided to mingle while Princess Luna greeted a few of the guests.

“This really is some swank party guys,” Rainbow Dash chuckled. “I just been talking to Spitfire and she said this is better than the Grand Galloping Gala”

“You two seem to be getting pretty close Rainbow,” Applejack said. “I should think that ya’ll be in the Wonderbolts by now.”

“Well she did say I’d have to spend more time at the academy but knowing my luck I’d probably be one by this time next year.” Rainbow dash said with a shrug.

“Well you certainly do deserve it darling,” Rarity said, patting her friend on the back.

“Especially after what happened in Ponyville last year,” Pinkie Pie added.

“I’m actually surprised they didn’t ask you to join there and then,” Applejack. “Especially after ya’ll show yer stuff at the academy a while back.”

“True,” Rainbow said smugly. “But I still have a lot to learn even I am THAT Awesome, which of course I am.”

At those words the Mane Six couldn’t help but giggle, Fluttershy however was just staring off in a daze.

“Are you ok Fluttershy?” Twilight asked snapping her back into reality. “You’ve been a lot more quite than usual.”

“Oh, um… well you see…” Fluttershy whispered.

“She’s been thinking about her colt-friend again,” Pinkie Pie giggled, cutting her off.

Needless to say, Fluttershy’s widened with embarrassment upon hearing this, clearly she was caught out.

“Is that true Fluttershy?” Twilight said with a soft look. “Have you been thinking about Big Rummy?”

“Well… yes,” Fluttershy answered softly. “It’s just that ever since that letter came this morning all I could think about was Rummy and all the time we spent together before the Golden Alicorn left… I miss him so much girls.”

Twilight then put a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder to comfort her.

“We all do Fluttershy,” she said. “We miss all of them.”

“Remember that time T-Cog tried to ski off the back of the ship?” Rainbow Dash chuckled.

“Or the time Dripfang did those silly impressions during that big party when the Cutie Mark Crusaders got their Cutie Marks?” Pinkie Pie added.

As they all listened to the music being played by the grey cello player on stage, memories of their time aboard the Golden Alicorn began to fill the Mane Six’s heads, both the good and the bad, the fact that they even knew their swashbuckling friends to begin with was comfort enough, but the fact that they were coming back soon was that much better.

“What do you suppose those devilish rogues have been up to this past year?” Rarity asked.

“Knowing them it’ll probably something severely cool,” Rainbow dash replied.

“I suppose they’ll tell us as soon as they get here,” Twilight said with a smile.

“Ooh, I can’t wait!” Pinkie Pie tittered as she bounced around the rest of the Mane Six in her usual hyperactive way.

When the cello player finally finished her song, she was met with applause as a lime green Unciorn walked on stage.

“Please give it up for the wondrous talents of the lovely Octavia Melody!” he said as the grey earth pony took a bow and walked off stage. “Now our next performer is…”

Suddenly the announcer was cut off as the lights instantly went out, completely shrouding the room in black.

“What the…?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

All of a sudden another voice echoed throughout the room.

“Oh she’s pretty good for a wee lass,” it said. “But here come a few laddies who really kick ass!”

Suddenly all of the Mane Six’s eyes widened in shock, they knew that high-pitched voice of a Trottland Pegasus anywhere.

“While we live on the sea, far from everything, here are some jolly pirates who just love to sing!”

Suddenly the entire hall was once again illuminated and the stage was visible again, upon it were the faces of the bunch of swashbuckling pirates the Mane Six were proud to call friends, the faces of the Pirates of the Alicorn. They were all there, Jack, Shimmer, T-Cog, Dripfang, Gem La Stone, Slash, Big Rummy, even Marina in all her watery glory was on the stage playing and singing to her hearts content. Needless to say all those who knew these gallant rogues were glad to see them, even more so when they began to sing. As the song ended and the pirates bowed their heads, half the ponies in the room were in a state of complete shock, a good majority of them expecting to end up being robbed by these mangy pirates within the minute, the other half however simply clapped their hooves in applause, thus confusing the first half even more.

“What are they doing here?” Shining Armour said with a scowl as he walked up to Twilight with Princess Cadence, clearly he still didn’t trust the pirates despite what Twilight has told him about them.

“Hey, at least they’re not out robbing any pony,” Twilight said with a smile as she and the rest of the Mane Six went to greet their friends.

“That’s because everyone worth robbing is here!” Shining Armour replied.

But Twilight just ignored her brother and welcomed the crew with open hooves.

“Rummy!” Fluttershy screamed as she latterly tackled the gigantic earth pony off his hooves and squeezing him into a tear-filled hug, soaking his vest in the process. “I’ve missed you so much!”

As she and Rummy shared one long passionate kiss, every pony else in the group couldn’t help but look in confusion, luckily Celestia and Luna stepped onto the stage and began to speak.

“Ponies of Equestria,” Celestia announced. “Allow us to introduce the brave sailors who stood up against evil and saved Ponyville from its terrible clutches, please welcome Jack Silver and the Pirates of the Alicorn!”

At those words a good majority of the ponies in the room applauded, clearly their reputation proceeded them.

“Welcome Jack,” Luna said with a smile “You and your crew honour us with your presence.”

“Thank you Princess Luna,” Jack said as he kissed her fore hoof. “However as you already know, this no longer MY crew, allow me to re-introduce my daughter… Captain Shimmering Silver.”

At those words Shimmer stepped forward and bowed her head in respect for the two princesses.

“I’m honoured to officially meet you at last your highnesses,” she said. “I see you received our gift.”

Luna then looked down at her dress and gazed upon the broach holding it up, which was in fact the Moonlight Pendant.

“We certainly did,” Luna said with a smile. “And we are glad to receive such a beautiful gift.”

“Oh that was but a small token your nibs,” Jack said with a grin. “The real present was far too big to send with a letter.”

“Bring it in boys!” Shimmer called.

Instantly upon Shimmer’s words several other pirates appeared from behind the crowd and began rolling a dozen hulking barrels towards the stage, after they finished at least twelve barrels were lined up across the floor.

“This here is the some of the finest bubbly ever to be created in the world.” Jack explained as he had T-cog crack open on of the barrels with his hook and dipped a glass from the buffet table into it. “It may have cost us a great deal of swag but we figured that a birthday for royalty deserved some of the finest drink for the occasion.”

And with glass he took a huge gulp of the liquid and cheerfully giggled.

“Ah, sweet and tangy!”

Needless to say most of the ponies stood in awe at the bulking barrels, however none were more so than Luna who began to tear up again.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” she said, losing the royal we due to being so emotional. “Thank you Jack Silver, thank you all.”

At those words, every pirate simply smiled, Celestia then spoke again.

“Friends, we have been blessed by the arrival of such wonderful allies,” she announced to the crowd. “So let us welcome them and enjoy the rest of the night!”

Upon finishing her speech both Celestia and Luna stepped off the stage and took a glass of the Champaign the pirates brought and sipped it, the taste was unbelievable, not even the royal vineyards could have produced something like this. Following their princess’s example everyone else sampled this strange new drink, needless to say they found it just as delightful as Luna and Celestia did.

“I say, this stuff is just incredible,” Cadence said taking a sip.

“They may be pirates but they certainly have good taste,” Shining Armour added.

As every pony else enjoyed the delicious beverage, the Pirates decided to catch up with their former shipmates.

“I can’t believe you guys are here,” Twilight said, squeezing Shimmer into a hug. “Although you could have used the front door.”

“Hey we never used to use the front door before,” Shimmer said with a shrug.

“Yeah, so why start now?” Slash laughed. “So where are Spike and the girls? I would have thought they’d be a big part of this.”

“Well the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike are all asleep in their rooms,” Twilight explained. “They wanted to be up for this but the poor things were too exhausted from all the decorating.”

“So you are the ones responsible for this eh?” Dripfang smirked between his pointed teeth. “I must say I haven’t seen an event like this since your brother’s wedding.”

“Yeah, you might not want to tell them you were part of the first batch of Changelings that crashed that wedding,” Rainbow Dash said. “Cadence and Shining Armour may be a little ticked off if you did, heck their not so happy with changelings right now, telling might just put salt in the wound.”

“Hey no arguments there,” Dripfang reassured her. “I’m just here to enjoy the party with my friends.”

“And speaking of which,” Jack said. “Allow me to introduce our new navigator.”

At those words, Jack called over one of the Diamond Dogs that came in with the Champagne, he was a tall fellow who stood up at least a foot above every pony else, even Big Rummy could only just be at eye-level with him if he tilted his head up, he had dark grey fur with lighter grey markings around his underside and his eyes, the latter resembling what looked like a burgers mask, he also wore a tatty brown vest jacket with a matching fedora hat, however what fascinated every pony most of all was the way the dog acted, while Big Rummy acted a little clueless at times, this Diamond Dog seemed… crazy, Every other second he’d quickly turn his head, giggled to himself for no good reason and at one point Twilight could have sworn she saw him swallow one of his own loose teeth.

“Girls, allow me to present our newest comrade, Rocky,” Jack said, presenting the Diamond Dog. “Rocky, this is Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, the friends we were telling you about.”

“Ooh they’re the ponies who helped you save Ponyville?” he asked in high-pitched voice.

Seeing Jack’s nod Rocky suddenly slid behind Pinkie Pie and started inspecting her hair.

“How does it stay up like that?” he asked the puzzled earth pony. “It’s so fluffy and it smells like candy,”

“Rocky!” Jack snapped as T-cog yanked on Rocky’s jacket with his hook, pulling him away from Pinkie Pie. “What have I said about boundaries?”

“Oops,” Rocky giggled. “Sorry Mr Jack.”

After T-Cog released the dog, everyone saw the disturbed look on the rest of the Mane Six’s faces.

“Sorry about that me dear,” T-Cog said, readjusting his hook. “He’s still in the early stages of recovery.”

“Recovery?” Applejack said with a raised eyebrow.

“As far as we can tell he used to be the alpha of his pack in Zebrafrica,” Dripfang explained. “That is until a rival challenged him to a fight.”

“The poor guy lost and the new alpha banished him from the pack.” Marina added. “He probably lost his mind afterward.”

Hearing this, the Mane Six couldn’t help but feel sorry for the poor Diamond Dog who for some reason wasn’t paying attention to the conversation and was now starting to dunk his head into one of the Champaign barrels. As Shimmer and Dripfang tried to pry him away from the booze, the pirates continued their story.

“When we found him he was lying face down on the beach completely passed out.” Jack explained. “Probably would have died if we didn’t bring him aboard.”

“Will he be okay?” Fluttershy asked.

“Perhaps,” Jack answered. “Although it’s hard to tell, like T-cog said he’s still in the early stages of recovery, until then he’s still a little on the crazy side.”

“Oui, totally coo-coo,” Gem la Stone added, swirling her hoof around her head to show her point.

At those words, Twilight couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.

“Is he safe?” she asked with concern.

“Oh yeah he’s fine,” Jack reassured her. “He may be bonkers but he’s harmless, if he wasn’t I wouldn’t let him anywhere near my ship yet alone my maps.”

Hearing this Twilight and the rest of the Mane Six sighed in relief

“Hey at least he doesn’t chew on the mast,” Slash joked.

“No that would be you after three mugs of rum and a dance off with a girl in Las Pegasus.” Gem snickered.

The rest pirates couldn’t help but laugh at Slash’s backfired joke, even the Mane Six couldn’t help but give out a small giggle. As the party continued into the night every pony was just too caught up in each other to notice anything else.

Had any of the party guests were paying any attention to what was happening outside the Gala hall, they would've seen an eerie figure dress in a black cloak sneaking through the garden and teleporting himself inside the castle, and whoever is it was had to be up to no good, especially when the trespasser has to dodge several of the guards to avoid being seen. After several minutes the figure found the room he was looking for, upon entering the castle library he instantly began to run across the room and skim a few of the shelves, trying to find something in particular that he seemed to desperately need.

“Where is it?” he growled in a deep raspy voice. “It has to be here somewhere, aha!”

Finally the figure found the shelf was looking for, it was an old area of the library that only just been recently used, evidently the castle cleaners hadn’t been paying much attention to this part of the library until a few days ago. After getting a small stepladder from the corner and climbing up to one of the high shelves, the figure began to examine several scrolls, throwing each one over his shoulder if it wasn’t what he wanted.

“Come on, come on, come on,” he whispered irritably as the large number of scrolls piled up behind him. “YES!”

Realising his mistake the figure covered his mouth in shock, thankfully no pony heard his cry of delight, as he read the scroll carefully with much anticipation a large toothy grin appeared on his face, the thief had found what he was looking for.

“Perfect,” he sniggered.

Meanwhile the party continued in the Gala Hall, while Fluttershy and Big Rummy tried to get some “Alone time” the rest of the pirates and the Mane Six decided to mingle amongst the crowd, needless to say some ponies were quite fascinated to engage in a conversation with a Kelpie when Marina became part of the chatter. Dripfang however was having a little more trouble fitting in given the history between his old hive and the citizens of Canterlot, luckily no pony found out he was part of that invasion. Gem la Stone seemed to be more interested in the gowns of the ladies of the party and it sparked up quite the conversation with Rarity, Jack however seemed to be in deep conversation with Celestia.

“What do you suppose they’re talking about?” Twilight asked looking just out of earshot with Shimmer.

“Who knows,” Shimmer answered with a smile. “Father’s always been an admirer of all the Princesses, I suppose that’s why he enrolled at Celestia’s school went he was a child.”

“You know about that then,” Twilight asked her. “You know that this is the country your father came from.”

“There’s hardly anything we don’t share with each other Twilight,” Shimmer explained. “Ever since my mother died, Father was always honest with me, said he felt like it brought us that much closer.”

Twilight wondered whether she should enquire if Shimmer knew about Jack’s previous plan to turn himself in while they were on the voyage for the Element of Hope, but didn’t just in case she was still unaware of it. Luckily at that moment, Slash and Dripfang walked up to them, giving Twilight a chance to change the subject.

“Hey guys,” she said, suddenly noticing the evil grin across their faces. “What’s going on?”

“Oh nothing,” Slash smirked. “We only just gave some stuck up windbag what he deserved.”

“Oh no,” Shimmer said, face hoofing. “What did you do?”

“Hey he started it,” Slash quickly said trying to defend himself.

“You should have heard the smack he was talking about us,” Dripfang added. “He said… It’s bad enough that they let commoners into these events but now they are letting a bunch of bilge rats join in, honestly what is the world coming to?”

That last sentence Dripfang spoke with a perfect voice impression given his Changeling biology, needless to say Twilight knew that pompous voice anywhere.

“By Celestia what did you do to Prince Blueblood?” she asked in shock.

But before either Slash or Dripfang could answer, a loud ringing began to echo throughout the hall, suddenly a cloaked figure burst through the doors, followed by a number of the castle guards.

“Stop Thief!”  One of them screamed.

As it turns out, the figure who broke into the library was caught on the way out and tried to run for it, obviously not realising where he was going when he burst into the Gala Hall. As the figure stood in the centre of the room surrounded by guards, he tried his best to further hide his face from view.

“What is going here?” Celestia demanded.

“This thief broke into the Canterlot Archives and stole the Crystal Scrolls your highness,” one of the guards explained.

“Friend of yours Silver?” Shining Armour said eyeing Jack with a glare.

“Shining!” Twilight snapped.

“I assure you sir he’s not of my crew,” Jack said trying to reassure everyone within earshot.

Suddenly the figure spotted Jack and his crew within the crown and glared in anger.

“YOU!” he growled.

At those words every head in the room turned towards Jack

“You know me sir?” Jack said with a raised eyebrow.

But before Jack could get an answer the figure literally ignited his horn in a burst of flame and shot a massive flamethrower straight at a few of the guards to his left, luckily every pony managed to jump out of the way before anyone was hurt. As the figure ran towards the door, Jack became determined to find out what’s going on.

“Rummy!” Jack screamed. “The door!!!”

Instantly reacting, Big Rummy ran towards the door and stood his ground to block it before the thief could get through, however the thief simply ignited his horn again and sent him flying into the hallway outside, thankfully only his vest was slightly charred.

“Rummy, are you ok?” Fluttershy squealed as she ran up to him.

“Oh yeeeessss,” he said dizzily. “Thank you for assssking Mr Teapot.”

“By Celestia, he has a concussion,” Slash face palmed after examining his friends head.

“Oh that is it!” Jack growled. “No pony knocks around my family and gets away with it!”

“AFTER HIM BOYS!!!” Shimmer screamed.

Not ever feeling the need to argue, every pirate then instantly ran into the hall way with a great number of the castle guards, there was no way they were going to let some petty thief get away with what he’s done to their fellow shipmate.

Chapter 2: Another Adventure

As the thief ran down the halls of the castle both the pirates and the castle guards along with the Mane Six weren’t that far behind, however while the thief was able to gallop with great haste it was still no match for the amount of speed Marina was traveling since she literally washed through the halls as a wave of water.

“Get back here!” she screamed.

And Marina almost had him, with one more gush of water she would have swallowed the thief up and carried him in a current of water straight back towards the Gala Hall, unfortunately the thief had a trick up his sleeve, before Marina could even reach him he began to glow with a strange red aura, an aura that seemed to be generating a large amount of heat.

“What the…?” Marina puzzled.

And before she even knew what was happening Marina’s entire body began to bubble, she was literally begging to boil.

“AH!!!” she screamed as she collapsed into a steaming puddle, only just managing to reform herself as she slumped into the wall of the hallway in agony.

“Marina, are you ok?” Rainbow Dash said as she caught up to her.

“Don’t touch me!!!” Marina snapped quickly before Rainbow Dash could lay a hoof on her. “That Unicorn’s somehow generating heat, if you touch me you’ll scald yourself.”

Seeing the steam still coming from Marina’s still bubbling body, Rainbow dash realised she was right.

“Some pony get some ice or something!” she screamed as T-cog and Dripfang flew up to her with a two of the castle guards.

“Look after her lads,” T-cog instructed the guards who gave a nod in response. “Let’s get this filth!”

Instantly Dripfang and T-Cog instantly flew down the halls with Rainbow Dash taking the lead, out of all the Pegasus giving chase, they were the fastest. As all three  of them disappeared around the corner to catch the thief, the other pirates and guards finally managed to catch up to where the guards were trying to escort Marina to the infirmary without touching her. Suddenly a bunch of screams echoed through the halls and Rainbow Dash, T-Cog and Dripfang began to fly straight back.

“The wacko set the bloody place of fire!!!” Dripfang screamed.

As the three flew past the pirates and the guards in a state of panic every pony else looked back in horror and saw that he was right, as though it were chasing after them, huge curtains of scorching red flames were engulfing the hallway and coming straight towards the group.

“RUN!!!” Shimmer screamed.

In an instant every pony began running at full speed back down the hall, each of them fearing for their lives. Only Jack seemed to be the only one standing his ground.

“What are you doing!?!” Twilight asked fearfully as she and Shimmer ran back towards him.

“Chasing down a thief!” Jack said sternly as he quickly pulled up his sleeve and produced a golden gauntlet on his hoof.

Suddenly a long sword burst out of the gauntlet and Jack instantly swung downward, as though by magic a massive gust of air blasted its way from the tip of the blade and sliced through the flames, instantly extinguishing them in the process and leaving Twilight and Shimmer baffled.

“The Element of Hope?” Twilight said, instantly realising what was on Jack’s hoof.

“Never leave the ship without it.” Jack smirked. “Now come on!”

As the thief quickly hid inside one of the rooms of the castle to catch his breath, he couldn’t help but sigh in relief, however the thought of Jack Silver’s presence here still raced through his mind, however he really didn’t have time to dwell on it since he still needed to escape.

“Where the hell is she!?!” he snapped. “She should have been here by now!”

“Expecting someone else are we?” said a stern voice behind him.

The thief then turned and saw the angry looks of Jack Silver, Shimmer and Twilight standing in the doorway, their eyes blazing with determination.

“You… you stay away from me Silver!” the thief whimpered as he slowly backed towards the open window. “I’m… I’m warning you!”

“You seem to know me well enough to fear me kiddo,” Jack growled as he slowly edged his way towards him. “And yet I can also see the hate in your eyes despite that cloak of yours, have I wronged you in the past?”

“Wronged me!?!” the thief snapped in anger. “Have you truly forgotten what you did to me all those years ago!?! Perhaps old age really has gotten the better of you, no wonder you’re hanging around with a bunch of stuck-up royalty!”

AT those words Twilight couldn’t help but feel a little insulted, but Shimmer simply held up her hoof before she could respond.

“Whatever issues you have with my father will be settled in time,” she said to the thief. “But during this point in time you will fork over whatever it is you stole and after that you will pay for what you have done to my crewmembers, you may have known Jack Silver many years ago but I Captain the Golden Alicorn now and as Captain I command that you do as I say or face our wrath!”

Needless to say Jack and twilight were impressed with what Shimmer just said, clearly she has become quite skilled in becoming a leader.

“Nicely done,” Twilight whispered.

“Thank you,” shimmer replied smugly, though still trying to hold back a blush.

The thief however just laughed, as the wheezy cackle imitated in their ears Jack’s eyes suddenly widened, he had heard that laugh before.

“Oh this is just rich!” the thief sniggered. “Daddy’s little girl is now all grown up and taking command, but then again I shouldn’t be too surprised, after all you were just demanding when you were only a filly.”

At those words Twilight and Shimmer’s eyebrows raised in confusion, Jack however seemed to have a look of fear.

“Who are you?” he asked nervously.

Hearing this, the thief put on another wicked smile.

“So you really have forgotten me,” he said. “Oh Jack how could you possibly forget the great times we had? After all I still remember you, how could I possibly forget the one who did THIS to me!?!”

Suddenly the thief quickly lowered his hood and revealed his face, causing every pony in the room to gasp in shock. The thief revealed himself to be a light-red stallion with a golden mane, however the right side of it seemed to be missing along with a chuck of his right ear, he was also missing small chunks of the right side of his face which looked like they were burnt off with a burning sword, that would also explain the glassy look in the stallion’s right eye which had obviously lost to ability to see due to the scarring around it.

“But… but this is impossible!” Jack stuttered in fear.

“So you DO remember me,” the stallion chuckled. “Well it’s nice to know I have made some impression on you Jack, I would love to stay and chat but I...”

Suddenly the stallion was cut off by the sound of smashing glass as another pony burst through the window with a gust of wind and the force of it sent Jack, Shimmer and Twilight crashing into the nearby wall, slightly knocking them into a daze in the process. The pony revealed to be a lime-green Pegasus mare with a dark green mane and lavender eyes, she also wore think black glasses and a light grey fedora hat.

“Well, it’s about time!” the thief snapped.

“Sorry darling,” the Pegasus said nervously “It wasn’t easy knocking out…”

“Never mind excuses, just get me out of here!!!” the thief screamed at her.

Not wanting to anger the Unicorn any further, the Pegasus quickly flew down towards him and picked him up with her fore-hooves. The two then quickly soared out the broken window, instantly disappearing into the clouds, when Jack Shimmer and Twilight finally managed to stand up again, they quickly ran up to the window, however the thief and his accomplice were already long gone. Suddenly Twilight and Shimmer looked towards Jack with a confused glare.

“Jack,” Twilight said sternly. “Who was that?”

The next morning the entire castle was in utter disarray, in just a single hour one thief had managed to ruin Luna’s entire party and destroy a good chunk of the castle all for the sake of a few scrolls. While most of the guests decided to go home, Shining Armour and Princess Cadence stayed behind to enquire about what happened the previous night. While Big Rummy and Marina stayed in the infirmary and Spike and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were told to stay in their rooms, every pony else gathered in the throne room, when Shining Armour, the Mane Six, the pirates and all three princesses were gathered all eyes turned towards Jack, even his own crew seemed to glare at him with anticipation.

“I think we deserve an explanation Jack Silver,” Luna stated, clearly still upset from what happened the previous night. “Who was that Stallion who stole the Crystal Scrolls?”

“You two did seem to know each other Jack,” Twilight added.

“That’s because they do,” T-Cog said. “He used to be a member of the crew.”

At those words everyone’s eyes widened with shock, it was at that moment Jack knew he had to come clean.

“His name is Heatwave,” Jack explained. “And yes he was a member of the crew once, he joined the crew over twenty years ago after I saved him from a Hydra. However even back then he was a bit of a loose cannon.”

“Loose cannon?” T-Cog laughed. “The lad literally burnt down his hammock during the first week he was on the ship.”

As every pony listened to Jack’s story they couldn’t help but feel nervous, there obviously some terrible history between the two stallions.

“About a year after he joined up I sent him with a shore party to rob a settlement in Trottingham but while he was there he found a wanted poster with my image on it, after seeing how much reward money I would go for he snuck away from the shore party and tried to turn me in exchange for both the reward and amnesty for his crimes, after all back then he had a bounty of his head almost as big as mine. I was lucky to have discovered Heatwave’s plan and confront him before he led a few castle guards to the ship.”

At those words every pony felt a little uneasy.

“What happened?” Applejack asked nervously.

“After I confronted him he attacked me,” Jack sighed. “As you probably would have guest from last night Heatwave specialises in fire-based magic, probably due to the fact he grew up to become a pyromaniac after being born into a poor family. Anyway after he attacked me he tried to burn me enough so that I wouldn’t be able to move.”

Jack then sighed again, this part of the story in particular he wasn’t too fond of.

“Needless to say it didn’t turn out so well for him,” he continued. “That scaring on the right side of his face… that was the result of me using my magic to turn his own fire against him. After that me and the crew escaped and never returned to Trottingham again.”

It was at that moment every pony gasped in shock.

“Whoa,” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“Shiver me Timbers,” Dripfang added.

“What happened to him after that?” Cadence asked.

“Just what one would expect,” Jack answered. “The Trottingham guards heard the commotion, came running, I only just managed to escape before they spotted me and Heatwave was arrested there and then. No doubt without me as a bargaining chip, Heatwave had no chance against the justice system and probably spent the next twenty years in Trottingham Prison, although how he escaped and who that Pegasus was is beyond me.”

“I think I might be able to shed some light on that subject,” Celestia said, much to everyone’s surprise.

“What do you mean?” Jack asked.

At those words Celestia levitated a scrolled up piece of paper and lowered it onto a nearby table, when she unrolled it the paper revealed to be a wanted poster with the images of two ponies on it.

“After Twilight told me what the intruders looked like, I took the liberty of looking over the wanted posters of any criminals on the run, and these two seemed to match the description.”

As every pony examined the poster, Twilight, Shimmer and Jack instantly recognised the ponies upon it.

“Yep,” Jack sighed. “That’s Heatwave alright.”

“But who’s ze other one?” Gem enquired.

“Her name is Fedora Green,” Celestia explained. “As I understand it she used to be a reporter for the Trottingham Newspaper who used to visit this Heatwave while he was in prison, no pony knows why but about a month ago she helped Heatwave escape and they’ve been on the run ever since.”

“And now for some reason they took it upon themselves to steal the Crystal Scrolls,” Luna added.

“But what are the Crystal Scrolls?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah and why are they so important?” Rainbow Dash added.

“When I became the ruler of the Crystal Empire, me and Shining Armour discovered several old scrolls hidden in the archives.” Cadence explained.

“We didn’t know what they were so we sent them here so that the Canterlot scholars would be able to decipher them.” Shining Armour added.

“Now we might never know what secrets they contain with them being in the hooves of this Heatwave,” Celestia stated. “Whatever it was he must have known enough about them to try and steal them, but for what purpose.”

Suddenly Jack’s face lit up and a smile appeared on his face.

“Maybe we can find out with these,” he said.

At those words, Jack levitated two more scrolls out of his coat pocket and placed them on the table.

“During the commotion last night, these managed to fall out of Heatwave’s pocket,” Jack explained. “Luckily I managed to swipe them up during the chase otherwise the idiot probably would have burnt them up without realising what he was doing. Perhaps now we can figure out what Heatwave was after.”

Upon peering at the scrolls every pony saw that the symbols upon them seemed to be in some kind of weird language, one that was clearly not of Equestrian origin.

“We tried comparing them to every other language in our history books but none of them seem to match what’s written here,” Celestia explained.

“That’s because all the books that had this language in them have been lost to sands of time,” jack said with a serious look in his eye. “Shipmates, don’t you recognise these symbols?”

At first no pony knew what Jack was talking about, but when the Mane Six and the pirate crew looked closer at the scrolls they saw that the symbols upon did seem familiar, suddenly they realise where they’ve seen them before.

“Is that what I think it is?” Rarity exclaimed.

“The language of the Changelings,” Slash said answering her questions.

And that’s exactly what is was, the very same language that the Mane Six saw while traveling with the Pirates of the Alicorn in search for the Element of Hope a year ago.

“Dripfang can you read it?” Shimmer asked.

“I can try,” Dripfang said studying the parchment. “Some of these symbols are a little smudged but as far I as can tell both of these scrolls say the exact same thing.”

Turning the one of the scrolls towards him Dripfang began to read them allowed.

Know all who read this that there is more to our world that our history records, I Starswirl the Bearded have entrusted my greatest secret to be imprinted on these scrolls in hopes that they will be safe from the clutches of those who seek to abuse it’s power. While these scrolls shall remain safe within the halls of the Empire of the Crystal Ponies I fear that my life might be reaching its end, should anyone discover the hidden enigma I have placed here I pray that they shall use it for harmony rather than chaos. It is a secret that only a flicker of light can reveal within the darkness, one that even the earth and sky can appreciate. May those who read this scroll be happy in this world and the next.

Regards

Starswirl the Bearded.

When Dripfang finally finished reading, every pony was astounded.

“A… hidden message from Starswirl the Bearded?” Twilight said, almost ready to faint out of pure overexcitement.

“Incredible,” Celestia added.

“But what secret is he talking about?” Shining Armour puzzled. “And why would he write it in Changeling language.”

“Well lad, what better way to hide a message than to write it in a way no pony understands?” T-Cog explained. “Whatever he was hiding obviously had to be of great importance if he wanted to go through much trouble.”

“But what secret could be so important?” Rarity puzzled. “And why would any pony go through some much trouble for a bunch of scrolls that no pony but a Changeling could understand.”

“No pony would,” Jack said calmly “Unless of course the legend was true.”

“W… what legend?” Fluttershy asked nervously.

At those words an excited grin spread across Jack Silver’s face

“The legend of the Silver Spirit,” he smirked.

At those words all but Princess Luna and Celestia looked at Jack in bewilderment.

“What the hay is the Silver Spirit?” Applejack asked.

“It is the name of a ship that is rumoured to possess the ability to travel between worlds,” Luna explained. “Similar to what Twilight Sparkle used to find her stolen crown in the Crystal Empire a while ago only on a much greater scale since it would be able to travel to more than one world and would be able to do so at any time.”

“As far as the legend goes, Starswirl the Bearded built the ship with the same kind of magic he used to create the mirror Twilight used and hidden it somewhere across the sea to avoid any pony else abusing its power,” Celestia added. “However this was way before Luna and I began our reign, before Equestria was even founded so naturally we regarded the legend as simply that, eventually the legend became so rare barley anyone knows about it.”

“And the only reason that I know about it is because it was in one of the many books I used for my research when I tried to find the seventh Element of Harmony.” Jack pointed out.

“And you believe that Starswirl the Bearded concealed where he hid the Silver Spirit on these scrolls?” Twilight asked, Jack giving her a nod in response. “Don’t you think that’s a little farfetched?”

“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash added. “Are you sure that’s not just another one of your crazy theories?”

At those words Jack simply smiled and walked towards the table, suddenly out of nowhere Jack levitated Slash from where we was standing and squeezed him like a set of bagpipes, sending a gush of sapphire flames from his mouth directly at the scrolls.

“Hey what are you…” Twilight screamed in horror only to be silenced by Jack’s raised hoof.

Suddenly the flames dispersed and the scrolls revealed to be unharmed, in fact they looked better than they did before, they looked… new.

“A light that even earth can sky can appreciate,” Jack said repeating a section of Starswirl’s message. “While Unicorns may be able to use their horns for light, Earth ponies and Pegasus have to use other methods of illumination and I seriously doubt they had flashlights back when old Starswirl was around so what did they use?”

It was then they realised what Jack was talking about, while Unicorns always used their horns to create light, Earth Ponies and Pegasus had to use torches and any other source of fire. When everyone looked at the scrolls again they saw that they had changed, instead of the Changeling symbols they saw that the each scroll had an image of a map, both different from the other.

“Rocky,” Shimmer said calling him over “Do you know these?”

While most of the ponies in the room seemed a little confused as to why they asked the obviously insane Diamond Dog to inspect the maps, they were suddenly met with how amazingly accurate Rocky was checking every line and being as serious as he can with them.

“Oh yes, yes,” he giggled. “Yes I know both these places from Mr Jack’s books, this map shows the coast of the country of Zebrafrica, ooh and this one shows the centre of the country of Prance. They even have latitude and longitude coordinates written across them to indicate certain areas on where to go.”

“But what does it mean?” Cadence asked.

“How many of these scrolls were in the archives?” Jack replied.

“There were three,” Cadence answered.

At those words, Jack’s smile widened, seeing the confused look in every pony’s face he explained.

“Well as far as the legend goes Starswirl the Bearded made three keys and engraved a piece of information of each of them,” Jack explained. “Find all three and they will show the way to the Silver Spirit, obviously each map must be showing where he hid them all across the world.”

“That would explain his recorded global travels I read about in the history books,” Twilight pointed out. “But I thought he was studying new forms of magic during that time.”

“Well if the legend is true then that was just a ruse so that he should hide the Silver Spirit along with the three keys.” Shimmer stated.

“And now we have the means to find zem,” Gem said with a smile.

“Not exactly,” Twilight pointed out. “Heatwave still has the third map.”

“Does that mean he might come back for them once he finds the other two missing?” Fluttershy whimpered.

“No it doesn’t,” Jack said calmly. “Heatwave’s too much of a coward to stand up to me again, knowing him he’ll probably try to get his hooves on the third key before we do and then try to use it a bargaining chip just so he can stab us in the back later and steal the other two keys.”

“But how could he have possibly known about these maps?” Shining Armour asked. “They’ve been locked up in the Crystal Empire probably ever since Equestria was founded.”

“How far away is the Crystal Empire from Trottingham?” Jack simply asked.

“About two miles away from the icy boarder.” Cadence answered him. “Why?”

“Well he probably learnt about these scrolls when he and his new girlfriend snuck aboard the train over here and they have been planning the theft ever since.” Jack rationalised. “If they escaped from Trottingham a month ago then the timing would have been perfect, although how Heatwave knew what the scrolls were is beyond me, I don’t even know how he plans to read them yet alone use them.”

“Maybe that Pegasus can translate the writing,” Rainbow Dash stated. “Maybe she studied the Changelings after that swarm attacked Canterlot a while back, after all it was pretty big news throughout Equestria.”

“That is a possibility,” Dripfang said, giving it some thought. “Although she would have had to have been directly inside the hive if she did, after all it’s not like we Changelings just go around selling books.”

“Either way we can’t let Heatwave find whatever’s on these maps,” Jack said in a serious tone. “If the Silver Spirit really does exist then Heatwave would have the power to travel between worlds and who knows what kind of chaos he could get up to.”

“He’d probably try to find a world that would be easy to control and try to take over it,” Shimmer said in agreement.

“Or a world with an army he could use to attack Equestria,” Twilight added, remembering the last time such a thing happened when a mare named Sunset Shimmer took control of the human world while she was there.

“Or maybe he’s just trying to find the perfect escape,” T-Cog pointed out. “According to his wanted poster he put ten guards in the hospital after burning them with that magic of his. Maybe the coward is just trying to find the perfect hiding place.”

“Doubt he would go through so much trouble just for that Cog,” Slash stated.

“Perhaps he would,” Jack admitted. “Who knows what’s been going on in his head while he was in prison, either way we can’t let him find that ship.”

“Is this another treasure hunt?” Rainbow Dash said excitedly. “If it is then count me in.”

“Well that depends,” Jack answered. “I trust we have permission for such a quest from you Princess Celestia?

“Indeed you do,” Celestia said with a smile. “Although I doubt you wouldn’t have gone either way.”

Hearing this Jack then smiled and turned towards his daughter.

“What do you say Shimmer?” he said to her. “The Element of Hope was my greatest treasure hunt, what do you say we make the Silver Spirit yours?”

But Shimmer didn’t even need to say anything, she what she what the answer was going to be even before Jack even asked the question

“T-Cog, Slash," she said. "Both of you go check on Rummy and Marina and see if they’re ready to leave the infirmary,”

“Aye-Aye Captain,” the two said simultaneously before leaving the room.

“The rest of you go and have the ship ready to set sail as soon as possible, we cast off with the next tide!”

In an instant almost every single pirate left the room save for Jack and Shimmer.

“There are a few extra hammocks if you want them,” Shimmer said with a smile. “What do you say girls? Care for one more adventure?”

“Oh you know it!” Rainbow Dash said instantly.

“I’m in!” Applejack added.

“Me too,” Rarity declared.

“Me three!” Pinkie Pie giggled.

It was unanimous, at that moment Jack couldn’t help but beam at the smiling ponies, the Mane Six were all back in the crew, he then took the two maps and stuffed them in his pocket.

“Are you sure about this Twilight?” Shining Armour asked his sister before she left the room.

“Hey it’s not the first time I sailed with these guys,” Twilight reassured her BBBFF “Don’t worry Shining, I’ll be fine.”

As every pony left the room to prepare for the voyage only Shining Armour and the three Princesses were left.

“Not to question your judgement Princess Celestia, but do think it’s wise to trust those pirates with something as important as this?” Shining Armour asked. “Perhaps I can take a few of the royal guards and capture this Heatwave before he can even…”

Celestia however raised her hoof and silenced him

“While I know your skills as a Captain are great Shining Armour, you and Princess Cadence have your own duties in the Crystal Empire,” she said sternly. “Besides, the crew of the Golden Alicorn have the most experience in sailing the seas and discovering hidden treasures, therefore  I believe them to be the ideal ones for the job, admittedly not even the Equestrian navy can match the skills these pirates possess.”

Shining Armour may not have liked it but even he had to admit Celestia had a point. Suddenly Princess Luna spoke.

“Sister, I request permission to join the Golden Alicorn’s voyage” she stated much to everyone’s surprise. “I know this comes at a shock to you, but this Heatwave has insulted my honour by destroying my celebration and I do not wish for him to get away with stealing what might be the most important discovery …”

By Celestia places a hoof on Luna’s shoulder and she became silent, Luna then looked up to her older sister’s gentle face.

“Go Luna,” she said softly. “If it is truly what you desire then you have my permission to go, I can handle things here while you’re gone.”

“You… you mean it?” Luna asked.

With that Celestia simply nodded, Luna couldn’t believe it, she was actually going on a seafaring voyage.

Chapter 3: Setting Sail Again

While the Mane Six and the Pirates prepared the Golden Alicorn for the voyage, Heatwave paced back and forth across the floor of the cave in the side of the mountain where he and Fedora Green were hiding, evidently he had already discovered his unfortunate situation with the Crystal Scrolls.

“One scroll,” he growled in anger. “I go through so much time and effort in planning that theft and all we manage to bring back is one damn scroll!?!”

“P…please sweetheart,” Fedora said nervously. “You need to calm down…”

“HOW THE HELL CAN I CAN DOWN!?!” Heatwave screamed at her. “WITHOUT THE OTHER TWO SCROLLS, WE’VE GOT NOTHING!!!”

“W…well at least we still have…” Fedora began only to be suddenly pinned against the cave wall by an angry Heatwave.

“Don’t try to tell me the bright side of this Fedora!” he snapped. “You know full well it won’t make me any less…”

Suddenly Heatwave stopped in midsentence after seeing a huge shadow lurking over him, nervously he turned his head to see a dark figure standing in the dim torch light, needless to say he was alarmed by the mere sight of it.

“I… I thought you weren’t coming until tomorrow.” He said nervously.

“Situations have changed Heatwave,” the figure said in a cold feminine voice. “News of your theft has already spread all across Canterlot.”

“It… it has?” Heatwave asked anxiously.

“Indeed, however that’s not the only news I have been hearing,” the figure continued. “It would seem that two of the scrolls you have tried to steal have somehow landed within the hooves of a bunch of pirates that are staying in Canterlot castle. Care to explain how that could have happened Heatwave?”

It was at that moment Heatwave fear of the figure got too much for him.

“It... it wasn’t my fault!” he said trying so hard not to wet himself. “Fedora was the one who…”

“SILENCE!” the figure screamed, instantly shutting the scarred Unicorn up. “I don’t care for your excuses Heatwave, when I ask you to do something I expect you to do it right, not botch up a simple robbery and dishearten me, I have already suffered enough disappointment when my entire hive was scattered to the winds after our failed invasion of Canterlot.”

“I… I understand mistress,” Heatwave said instantly bowing to her.

Suddenly the figure stepped out of the shadows and revealed herself, she appeared to be a tall, black pony with a twisted horn, a pair of tattered insect wings, a pair of fangs and wore a small, black crown atop her tatty green mane, it was Queen Chrysalis.

“Honestly, what am I going to do with you Heatwave?” she said coldly. “You know I can’t allow failure to interfere with my plans, I did not spend so many years plotting my revenge against Canterlot just for a pair of incompetent ponies I found shivering in the snows of the Icy boarder to present me with yet another disappointment.”

It was at that moment Fedora decided to speak up to the Changeling queen.

“But… but we didn’t completely fail your highness,” she said showing her the one remaining scroll. “We… we did manage to get this.”

As Chrysalis quickly looked over the scroll and read the Changeling writing upon it, an evil looking grin spread across her face.

“Heatwave,” she said looking towards the frightened Unicorn. “Would you please ignite your horn?”

Though confused by this request, Heatwave did what he was told at set used his magic to set his horn alight, instantly Chrysalis lifted the scroll to the flames on Heatwave’s horn and it instantly caught ablaze. At first Heatwave and Fedora gasped in horror after seeing what Chrysalis had just done, however after the flames dispersed and the scroll revealed to be both unharmed and renewed, they understood why she did it.

“How predictable,” Chrysalis said. “My Grandmother always said Starswirl couldn’t resist such an obvious riddle. Ah, the island of Trotkyo, this must be where one of the keys is located.”

“M… my lady?” Heatwave said, obviously still confused.

Seeing the muddled look in his and Fedora’s faces, Chrysalis simply rolled her eyes in annoyance.

“Why do you think I ordered you to steal these scrolls for me?” she said in an irritated tone. “I would have thought the legend of the Silver Spirit would be well-known within your kind, however judging from your faces I can clearly see I was mistaken. However we must not dwell on the ignorance of you ponies, for now we have business to take care off.”

“B…business?” Fedora said nervously.

“Judging from the gossip I’ve been hearing throughout Canterlot, those mangy pirates have already discovered the secrets hidden on the other two scrolls and they plan to set sail as soon as possible to the locations marked upon them with one of the princesses in tow.”

“W…what do you want us to do, your majesty?” Heatwave asked.

At those words Chrysalis’s eyes narrowed.

“YOU will be staying here and figuring out how we can reach the island of Trotkyo without drawing any attention to ourselves, Fedora on the other hoof will be doing something far more crucial for my plans…”

The next morning, Jack Silver awoke to the sounds of clamping hooves about deck, when he finally managed to pry himself out of his hammock and stretched his tired, old body out, he clambered up the wooden stairs and walked out onto the deck of the Golden Alicorn. When his eyes finally adjusted to Celestia’s late morning sun Jack saw that the entire deck was completely full of ponies and Diamond Dogs, some of which he didn’t recognise.

“What in the name of…?” He mumbled.

Deciding to get to the bottom of this, he walked down the gangplank to where Slash was sitting at a small wooden work desk on the dock writing what looked like a list of ponies’ names.

“Good morning Jack,” Slash said with a smile as he jotted a few more names down on the scroll. “Nice to see you can finally join us.”

“Morning Slash,” Jack said in a quick reply. “Hey, who the hell are all those ponies on board the ship?”

“Oh they’re a bunch of new recruits,” Slash explained. “After word got out that we were on a mission for the princesses, sailors from across Equestria have been showing up all morning offering their services, so Shimmer thought it was a good idea to welcome them into the crew as a temporary workforce.”

“Why?” Jack said with a raised eyebrow.

“Need I remind you that he last time we were short-handed we all almost passed out due to exhaustion,” Slash said jotting more stuff down on the scroll. “This way we’ll be able to get to each country without the loss of any speed, Heck its only 11 o’clock and I’ve already got at least twenty new recruits in the logs.”

As Jack peered down at the list of names Slash has been writing down he had to admit Slash brought up a good point, if the crew was to reach the keys before Heatwave tried anything then they needed all the help they can get. Shimmer was indeed turning into quite the Captain for making such a decision.

“So where is our dear Captain now?” he asked.

“She said she was going to help out Twilight and her friends prepare for the voyage this morning,” lash answered. “And Rummy and T-Cog went with her, I think they’ll be back in about an hour or two though.”

Hearing this Jack simply nodded and began to walk back up the gangplank

“I’m going to see how Rocky’s doing with those maps,” he said. “Call me when the others come back.”

“Will do,” Slash answered as Jack disappeared from view.

As Slash filled in the last of the information on the document he was working on, he suddenly noticed the shadow of someone standing above him, when Slash looked up he saw two ponies standing in front of the desk, one a white unicorn with a frizzy blue mane and tail and wearing sunglasses and the other a grey earth pony with a long black mane and wearing a pink bowtie, however both ponies seem to have a musical note for a cutie mark and have a suitcase next to them.

“Um, excuse me sir,” the grey earth pony said. “But is this the Golden Alicorn?”

“Of course it is Octy!” the unicorn stated “Don’t you see the name on the side of the ship?”

“I was trying to be polite Vinyl!” the earth pony snapped. “Sorry about her, my name is Octavia Melody and this is my friend Vinyl Scratch.”

“And what is it that I can do for you two lovely ladies?” Slash said, trying but obviously failing to put on a charming face for the unimpressed earth pony.

“We understand that you intend to travel to Prance as soon as your ship is ready to leave,” Octavia explained. “And since the Princess has ordered all the other ships that were supposed to be leaving Equestria to remain docked until further notice, this seems to be the only ship that is allowed to leave the country at this point.”

“Basically we were wondering if we can hitch a ride with you guys until we reach Prance?” Vinyl Scratch added.

At words Slash’s expression changed from a smile to a look of concern.

“Okay firstly how did you know we were heading for Prance?” he said sternly. “And secondly, what do you think we’re running, a taxi service?”

Needless to say Octavia was taken aback by the baby dragon’s rude attitude towards her, however she soldiered on and tried to talk him down.

“At this point every pony knows you pirates are on a mission for the princesses, granted none of them know what the mission is given all the secrecy.” She explained. “As for how we know you’re all going to Prance, we just happen to be walking by the door when your Captain was discussing it with Princess Celestia.”

“How’d you…?” Slash puzzled. Suddenly realising what Octavia meant. “Wait, that’s right you were that pony you was playing the cello at Princess Luna’s birthday party back at the Castle, I must say you play quite brilliantly for someone without claws.”

“Indeed,” Octavia said, slightly flattered that the dragon can appreciate such fine music. “And I simply must get to my Auntie’s estate in Prance, I’m expected to play at her daughter’s wedding in a week.”

“And I have to come along because SHE thinks I’ll burn down our apartment as soon as she leaves.” Vinyl added.

Suddenly Slash’s eyes narrowed in frustration.

“Look, I told you the answer is no,” he said sternly, “Unless either of you has any experience in sailing a ship then there’s nothing I can do.”

But Octavia wasn’t going to give up without a fight.

“Look, clearly you aren’t willing to listen to reason,” she said, suddenly obtaining a sly grin. “But I think we know a way to convince you to let us on board.”

“Oh yeah?” Slash said in response, just dying to see what the earth pony was planning, “And how exactly are you planning to do that?”

“By speaking your language buddy” Vinyl smirked, levitating a somewhat large ruby from her suitcase.

Slash’s eyes suddenly widened at the delicious cherry-flavoured stone staring him in the face, however after years of learning to control himself around gems he wasn’t going to let these two ponies push him around over just one stone.

“Keep talking,” he said with a sly grin.

At those words, Octavia nodded her head and Vinyl levitated a small bag from her suitcase and emptied it out onto Slash’s work desk to reveal several gems of different sizes. Now Slash was satisfied.

“Yep this’ll do,” he said smugly as he put all the gems back into the bag and stuck it under the desk. “Welcome aboard the Golden Alicorn ladies, just head below deck and ask for Marina, she’ll show you to your sleeping quarters.”

At those words the two ponies smiled, grabbed their luggage and walked up the gangplank, witnessing the whole thing from the mast, Dripfang flew down to the dock.

“Do my eyes deceive me Slash?” he said sternly. “Did I just see you let two civilians on board?”

“Maybe,” Slash said sheepishly.

At first there was silence for a few seconds, all of a sudden both the baby dragon and the Changeling burst out laughing.

“Oh man, this is going to be hilarious!” Dripfang smirked.

“You bet it is,” Slash giggled. “Just imagine the looks on their faces when they find out that they just paid a load of gems to WORK on board this ship.”

“Oh Slash you sly son of a seadog!” Dripfang said giving him a playful slap across the back. “But in all seriousness though, Jack was just wondering if there was anything else we needed before shipping off.”

“Well after those two and our missing crewmembers that should be returning within the hour I’d say we’re alright for sailors,” Slash said looking over the paperwork on the desk. “The cargo hold has already been filled to the brim so we should be okay for supplies for the next few months and Rocky should already be setting our quickest course for Prance at this very minute.”

“So we’re all good to go then?” Dripfang asked.

“We’ll be ready to leave as soon as Shimmer and the others come back,” Slash said backing everything up. “Although for some reason I keep thinking we’re forgetting something.”

Indeed they were forgetting something, due to the events of Heatwave’s theft Slash and Dripfang had completely forgotten the prank they pulled on Prince Blueblood, in fact he was still hanging upside-down from a tree, still dressed up in a filly pink skirt and with his mane and tail tied up into pigtails, right where Slash and Dripfang left him.

“Get me down from here!!!” Prince Blueblood screamed. “For love of Auntie Celestia get me down! Please! I have to use the Bathroom!”

That scream echoed throughout the entire Canterlot gardens however no pony bothered to help him out due to the other ponies simply not caring what happened to him due to his pompous attitude or the fact that they were just too busy laughing their heads off at his expense.

“Eh, I’m sure it’s nothing,” Dripfang said shrugging the idea off. “Come on, we better get ready to cast off.”

And with that Slash and Dripfang folded up the wooden desk and the paperwork and walked up the gangplank. An hour later, A small group of ponies consisting of Shimmer, T-Cog, Big Rummy, the Mane Six, Luna, Celestia and a few castle guards came  walking up to the docks.

“Are you sure you have everything Luna?” Celestia asked her sister.

“Tia, please stop worrying,” Luna said reassuring her. “I have all the necessities I need in my trunk.”

At those words two of the castle guards walked ahead of the group and lifted a somewhat medium sized trunk onto the Golden Alicorn.

“Well at least you packed lighter than SOME ponies” Shimmer said glaring at Rarity and her fifteen suitcases.

“Hey, I may have been traveling rough the last time I was on board this vessel but this time I plan to have all the necessary requirements I need,” Rarity stated flipping her mane. “After all I must look fabulous when we arrive in Prance.”

At those words Shimmer couldn’t help but give small groan.

“Fine,” Shimmer sighed. “But if we end up slowing down due to weight problems, every single one of those suitcases will be thrown overboard, understood?”

At those words, Rarity gasped at the very thought of such a thing, however after seeing the serious look in Shimmer’s eyes she nodded in defeat. Shimmer then turned towards Applejack and Twilight who seemed to see down in the dumps for some reason.

“Are you two okay?” she asked. “You seem to be pretty quiet.”

“Hmm? Oh yeah, we’re fine,” Applejack said lifting her head. “Just had a little trouble at home is all.”

“What happened?” Shimmer asked inquisitively.

“After we told Applebloom that she and her friends couldn’t come with us on the voyage, they got terribly upset.” Applejack explained. “We tried to explain that it might be too dangerous for em but they wouldn’t hear of it.”

“And the same thing happened with Spike,” Twilight added. “After what happened with Blackhorn last year I couldn’t bear the thought of Spike going through that kind of ordeal again, so I made him stay behind.”

At those words, Shimmer couldn’t help but feel sorry for the two mares, even Rarity and Rainbow Dash looked as though they felt guilty for telling the little fillies who admired them to stay behind while they went off on another adventure without them.

“In all honesty guys I was actually surprised YOU all said yes to my offer,” Shimmer admitted. “I would have thought after what happened last time you would want to sit this one out but instead you just said yes without any hesitation.”

“We all know the risks Shimmer,” Twilight reassured her. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t just sit back and wait for something to happen while you guys are sailing half way across the world trying t find those keys.”

“Yeah, and besides why did you offer us a spot on the crew if you felt this way?” Rainbow Dash added.

“I don’t know,” Shimmer said sheepishly. “I suppose it felt right to ask, after all we wouldn’t have found the seventh Element of Harmony without your help so I suppose having you with us now just seems… right.”

“The Captain does bring up a good point lass,” T-Cog added as he pulled one of Rarity’s heavy suitcases with his hook. “After all, it wouldn’t be the same without you guys.”

“And Rummy and I only just reunited,” Fluttershy pointed out. “I couldn’t even bear the thought of spending any MORE time away from my Rummy-bun.”

“Hehe, Me neither Flutter-cup,” Big Rummy giggled.

Rainbow Dash instantly tried to hold back her laughter at that last remark, Fluttershy and Big Rummy were already giving each other nicknames? Luckily she managed to hold back her tear-filled giggles long enough for Shimmer to change the subject.

“Either way I’m glad you’re all coming along again,” she said with a smile. “And I am also honoured that you could join us Princess Luna, it will make the discovery of the Silver Spirit that much more special when the Princess of the Night is there is claim it.”

“I’m glad you’re so welcoming Captain Shimmer,” Luna said expressing her gratitude as she and the others walked up the gangplank. “I just hope my presence on the ship won’t be too much of an inconvenience.”

“Oh that’s just nonsense your nibs” T-cog smirked, pulling Rarity’s suitcase onto the deck. “It will be a pleasure to have you with us.”

Luna smiled at the albino Pegasus’s remark, she was indeed glad to be welcomed aboard the ship. When everything was loaded onto the ship and every pony was on board, all that was left to do was to say their farewells.

“Goodbye dear sister,” Celestia said with a teary-eyed smile as she gave Luna a tight squeeze.  “And good luck,”

“She will be in good hooves your majesty,” Jack said walking up to say his goodbye to her, “You have my word as a gentlecolt.”

“Thank you Jack,” Celestia said gently as she gave the old Unicorn a slight pat on the shoulder. “I wish you all the best of luck, I hope you find it.”

“As do we princess,” Shimmer said giving a slight sigh, “As do we.”

When everyone finally said they’re goodbyes, Celestia walked down the gang plank onto the dock.

“Ugh… I don’t feel so good y’all,” Applejack said, suddenly turning green.

“We haven’t even cast off yet!” Rainbow Dash said face-hoofing. “Are trying to tell me your already getting seasick!?!”

“Guess the memories of the last voyage kicked in the ol’ stomach a little early,” Applejack said shrugging.

“Good job I stalked up on the tonic then, eh lass?” T-Cog chuckled, giving her a small, familiar-looking bottle from his vest pocket.

“Thanks Cog,” Apple jack said gulping down the entire contents of the bottle in one gulp. “There was no way I was going to go through all that again.”

“Alright that’s enough chit-chat,” Shimmer stated. “Let’s get this ship out to sea!”

“You heard the Captain lads!” Jack called out to the crew. “Raise the gangplank and let’s cast off!!!”

Instantly reacting to the command, every pony and Diamond Dog gave a salute to their captain ad screamed “AYE-AYE CAPTAIN!”

In an instant all ponies and Diamond Dogs ran to their posts and began preparing the ship for cast-off, even the Mane Six suddenly found themselves getting back into their old jobs and assisted in getting the ship  out to sea. When Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Big Rummy finally managed to raise the anchor the ship finally began to leave port and sail towards the horizon. As Celestia stood upon the dock and watched the golden Alicorn sail into the distance she couldn’t help but sigh in awe.

“Good luck my friends,” she said quietly as she saw the Alicorn disappear into the horizon.

Chapter 4: Another Enemy, Another Country

Though the everyone on board the Golden Alicorn was sailing across the sea, Fedora on the other hand was traveling somewhere by air, it had been several hours and her wings were starting to give out, she may have been used to traveling longs distances due to her previous job as a reporter but  never this far, and certainly never across the ocean .

“Why?” she kept muttering to herself. “Why me? Ever since that stupid Changeling came into the picture, me and my poor Heatwave have been getting into nothing but trouble, sure we’re both wanted criminals but that chrysalis  is just making Heatwave even hotter under the collar. Huh?”

It was then she spotted it, a ship emerging out of the fog, a large forty gun ship with jet black sails with a jolly roger painted across them in luminous paint. Suddenly, Fedora felt a twitch in her wing, she had been flying for too long, and she was losing altitude fast, finally she came plummeting down, and before she knew it all went black. When Fedora finally managed to regain consciousness, she was met with nothing but blurred colours.

“Oh no,” she said, now scurrying across the ground trying to search for her glasses. “Not again, I really need to consider using contacts.”

Suddenly, her eyes widened in shock when she felt something else, another hoof.

“Well, looky here boys,” Said an unsettling voice. “It would seem that we have a visitor.”

“And a pretty one too.” Said another.

She may not have been able to see very well due to her bad vision, but she could easily tell that she was surround by a least half a dozen stallions judging from their voices.

“I call first dibs!” One of them

At first, Fedora cringed in fear, she couldn’t tell what was happening but she didn’t like it, suddenly another voice interrupted the others, a mare this time.

“Hey knock it off you animals!” she said. “Honestly sometimes you all make me sick to my stomach with such perverted ideas.”

“Oh lay off Sea Rose, it was only a bit of fun.” said one of the stallions.

“Perhaps, but don’t you think the Captain would have a better idea with what to do with our guest, here go sweetie.”

Suddenly, Fedora felt the mare thrust something in her hoof, upon its touch Fedora was relieved to find that it was her glasses. Now with her vision back, Fedora could see the large assortment of ponies, they may have been of every type but the one thing they had in common was that they were all stallions, save for one mare, she was a lime green Pegasus with a bubble-gum pink mane and was wearing a brown vest and a large hoop earring in her left ear, this had to be Sea Rose. Finally Fedora plucked up her courage and spoke.

“Um… excuse me,” she said. “But is… is the “Broken Unicorn?”

At those words, a few curious eyes all gazed at her.

“What’s it to you missy?” Sea Rose asked.

“I… I have a message for your Captain, f…from Queen Chrysalis”

Upon hearing Chrysalis’s name, many of the stallions obtained looks of fear and started muttering amongst themselves; Sea Rose however kept her composure and spoke to Fedora.

“Come with me.” She said.

Sea Rose then led Fedora to the upper deck and knocked on the door to the Captain’s Quarters.

“Captain Brokenhorn,” she said “There’s somepony here to see you.”

“Bring them in,” a rough voice said from the other side of the door.

Sea Rose then led Fedora inside, it was a dark and gloomy chamber with several shelves surrounding a four-poster bed with red curtains, on each of these shelves was what Fedora would have assumed was a personal souvenir from the many plunders this ship has performed, griffin skulls, gold and silver ornaments etc.  But what scared Fedora most of all was the Captain sitting at his black, wooden desk on the other side of the room, he was a navy blue Unicorn who had brown mane with a red strip, a torn up left ear, a scar across his left eye hat reached down to his small moustache and beard, and he was wearing a dirty brown hat topped with a red feather. However what intrigued Fedora most of all was the fact that his horn seemed to be broken I half, one could easily guess that this was why he was called Captain Brokenhorn.

“Who are you?” he said with a stern tone.

“M…my name is Fedora Green sir,” Fedora answered nervously. “And I bring you a message from Queen Chrysalis.”

At those words, Brokenhorn’s eyes widened in shock and he slammed his hooves against his desk, causing Fedora to jump back.

“Chrysalis!?!” He shouted “Good grief, you ask one favour of a Changeling Queen and you end up paying for it for the rest of your life, alright, what does that hag want from me this time?”

Fedora might have been scared out of her mind, she knew that Brokenhorn is one of the most feared pirates in the world and with a bounty of 95,000 bits to top it all, but she had a job to do and so she told Brokenhorn what she needed to say. After passing on the message from Chrysalis, Captain Brokenhorn listened intently to the details about the situation; suddenly an evil smile appeared across his face.

“So, Chrysalis is search from the Silver Spirit is she?” he said with a smirk. “And she wants me and my crew to sail across the sea to hunt down the competition.”

“Yes,” Fedora said. “And she wants you to meet her at the coordinates I mentioned with both maps and whatever keys those pirates have.”

“Will she requiring any prisoners?” Brokenhorn asked with a smirk. “Or will I be able to let my crew have some fun?”

Fedora didn’t want to answer this, but then again what choice did she have at this point?

“She… she doesn’t care happens to the pirates as long as she gets what she wants.” She said.

“HA! Excellent!” Brokenhorn said with an ecstatic tone. “We haven’t had a good raid in months, and a little slaughter of some helpless ponies might cheer my crew up a bit. So who are the unlucky saps that we’re going to sink?”

“It’s the um… crew of the Golden Alicorn.”

Fedora would have expected Brokenhorn to laugh upon hearing the names of the poor ponies to taste his wrath but instead she witnessed him widening his eyes in fear and spitting out the bottle of rum he was drinking.

“The what!?!” she said choking on his drink. “Is that hag crazy!?! The Golden Alicorn is the one ship that the rest of us pirates stay clear of, that ship is home to one of the strongest crews to ever sail the seas. Don’t think I haven’t heard the stories surrounding that ship, in the past year alone that crew has destroyed the “Black Death” and its crew, found the lost Element of Harmony and that’s just on top of the dozens of ships that they have sent to the bottom of the ocean! Forget it, we’re not doing it! There is no possible way I am sending any of my crew up against them!”

Fedora couldn’t believe it, Brokenhorn, Captain of one of the most feared pirate ships on the entire ocean, was scared. Fedora may not have been sure whether this fear was justified but none the less she had a job to do, luckily Chrysalis managed to tell her a few details about Brokenhorn which she instantly put to her advantage.

“Well that’s too bad,” she said in a more casual tone of voice. “I guess Chrysalis will have to find another way you can pay off your debt to her, perhaps a certain crewmember of yours.”

At those words, Brokenhorn began to fill with rage, in a matter of seconds he jumped up over his desk and pinned Fedora to the floor by her neck.

“Don’t you dare say such things girl!” he growled. “Just remember where you are right now. Alright, we’ll do it but you tell Chrysalis that once we get what she wants then our arrangement is finished, I want nothing more to do with her once all this is over.”

Brokenhorn then released her and stepped back, allowing her to stand up.

“Oh I’m sure you can tell her yourself, if you get those maps to her before she gets too impatient.” She said rubbing her throat. “Oh by the way do you mind if I stick around to make sure you get the job done, it’s just that Chrysalis doesn’t want anything to go wrong.”

Fedora didn’t know why she was being so cocky all of a sudden, but whatever the case she knew she was in for a real headache with these pirates.

Meanwhile on the other side of the sea, the Golden Alicorn had reached the east coast of Prance, while most of the crew were on deck doing their duties, Shimmer Jack, Twilight, Luna and Rocky were in the Navigation Room looking over the map.

“Are your sure about this Rocky?” Jack asked

“Oh yes, yes, Captain Shimmer.” Rocky said with his usual goofy grin. “We simply travel up this river for about three miles and we enter the next port. After that we look through the town until we reach our destination.”

“So it’s just like the river you used to get so close to Canterlot the last time you were in Equestria.” Twilight pointed out.

“Exactly.” Jack said with a smile. “But unlike the Equestrian river, the we have to travel up now  is far more narrow so the Alicorn won’t fit through.”

“So what exactly is our plan of action?” Luna asked.

“Well, since the canal we need to go up is too narrow for the Alicorn to travel through, then we need to just take a smaller boat and travel with a small group of crewmembers so that we don’t look suspicious.” Shimmer explained.

“Let’s not forget that while we’re welcome in Equestria we Pirates are still wanted everywhere else.” Jack added.

“So what do we do?” Twilight asked. “Use one of the longboats?”

At those words, a smile spread across Jack and Shimmer’s face.

“Not exactly,” Jack said with a smirk. “I think we should use something a little faster. Don’t you agree Shimmer?”

“Absolutely father,” Shimmer said, returning the smirk. “Rocky, tell T-Cog to get his newest project ready.”

“Aye Captain Shimmer,” Rocky said with a salute, before running out the door.

“We’ll need supplies,” Jack pointed out. “It may take a while to find that key, oh and we’ll need disguises as well so that no pony recognises us from our wanted posters.”

“I’ll let Rarity know about it,” Twilight said. “She’ll be able to whip up something quickly.”

And with that, she rushed out the door herself.

“And here I thought it was a BAD idea for Rarity to take all those suitcases.” Shimmer chuckled.

“So what will it be princess?” Jack asked Luna. “Will you be joining the shore party or staying on board?”

“As I have told my sister Jack Silver,” Luna answered. “Heatwave has insulted my honour and as Princess of the night I intend to make sure that he does not succeed in his mission. So I SHALL be joining the shore party.”

Hearing this, another smile appeared across Jack Silver’s face.

“That’s what I love to hear,” he said. “I love a Mare with a bit of determination.”

At those words Luna couldn’t help but blush.

“Then we’ll need a disguise for you too,” Shimmer pointed out. “If those locals see and Alicorn they’ll start swarming us.”

“To see one in these parts is like seeing a comet that appears once every three generations.” Jack Added. “And we’ll have to do something with your mane as well, if an ordinary Alicorn makes the locals go crazy then imagine what they will do when the princess of the Night land on their shores”

“That does seem to be a problem,” Luna said touching her chin thought. “But…”

Suddenly a smile appeared on Luna’s face and a blinding light appeared across her body, when it finally faded, Luna’s appearance was quite different, her coat was now a lighter shade of blue and her mane and tail were no longer translucent but instead looked like a regular mane, which was a lighter blue in colour. In perspective, she looked like she first did when the Mane Six first met her after the whole Nightmare Moon incident.

“I should be able to blend in more easily with this form I presume.” She said with a smile. “Of course I will need something to hide my wings.”

At those words another smile appeared across Jack’s face.

“Oh I’m sure we’ll come up with something.” He said.

Before long a small shore party began gathering out on deck, consisting of the Mane Six, Princess Luna, and a small group of pirates, along with the two civilians Slash let on board in exchange for a few gems. All the preparations were made, while Rummy provided the necessary food rations for everyone, gladly assisted by Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy of course, every pony was dressed for the occasion thanks to Rarity’s efforts. Each and every one of them was dressed in either a simple yet, stylish dress or a smart looking suit, both of which suited for the culture of Prance. Even Gem and T-cog were prepared with Gem wearing a light blond wig to hide her mane and T-Cog using a change of prosthetic limbs that looked more like real hooves. At first glance you wouldn’t even guess that most of these ponies were pirates, especially since rarity made sure they all combed and tied their manes, even the Alicorns looked like regular unicorns due to the dresses hiding their wings and Dripfang easily looked like a real pony due to his abilities. The only one who wasn’t dressed up was Slash, who at this point was reluctantly swabbing the deck with a filthy looking mop, with Marina keeping a very close eye on him.

“Oh come on, why can’t I come along?” he moaned.

“Because you’re still being punished for that little stunt you pulled,” Shimmer said sternly, though seeming less threatening due to the frilly dress she was wearing.  “Once again I apologise for the misunderstanding girls.

“For the last time don’t worry about it, we weren't expecting a pleasure cruise.” Octavia said rolling her eyes, clearly this apology has been going on for a while.

“Yeah, the cabins aren't anywhere big enough for that.” Vinyl added.

“Well either way I hope you will accept our deepest apologies,” Shimmer continued. “And rest assured Slash will be punished severely for what he put you through.”

“I said I was sorry,” Slash pointed out. “Plus it’s not like I wanted them to come aboard in the first place.”

“And yet you let them on knowing that they would have to be put to work despite them not knowing a thing about sailing,” Shimmer argued. “And to top it all you ate all the gems that they gave you.”

“Uh just to point out Shimmer, none of us knew a thing about sailing and we turned out fine.” Applejack stated.

“Yeah don’t you think your being a little hard on the guy?” Rainbow Dash added. “I mean, he was been Swabbing the deck all by himself for two days straight, don’t you think he’s had enough?”

Shimmer then pondered for a moment, was she being too hard on Slash? She may have been Captain now but Slash has been like a little brother to her since her father hatched his egg.

“I’ll tell you what Slash, you can stop swabbing the deck…” Shimmer began.

“I can!?!” Slash said, interrupting her.

“But you will still have to wait on the ship until we get back.” Shimmer finished.

“Aww!” Slashed moaned.

“Marina, I know you want to come along too but a Kelpie will be too much for the ponies of Prance to handle,” Shimmer explained. “But can you keep an eye on Slash and make sure he doesn’t sneak off.”

“You have my word Shimmer,” Marina said, giving a salute.

“Oh great,” Slash mumbled to himself. “Here I am on one of the greatest treasure hunts ever and I’m stuck here being babysat by a Kelpie.”

“Alright every pony let’s move out!” Shimmer called out.

Hearing this, all members of the shore party followed Shimmer below deck to the deepest regions of the ship, when they reached the lowest deck they found a large empty space with a dip in the floor that had a large contraption covered in a dirty sheet right at its centre. T-cog then pulled off one of his prosthetic limbs to reveal his hook and inserted it into one of his makeshift keyholes on the wall, upon doing that, a gush of water began flowing from the side of the ship and filling the dip in the floor.

“Ahh!!! We’re sinking!” Rarity squealed.

“Whoa, relax there lass, all this water is deliberate.” T-Cog quickly explained, trying to calm everyone down. “About a month after we dropped you lot off back to Equestria I was given permission to turn this whole area into a dock system.”

“This part of the ship remained empty for so long, it was a shame to let it go to waste.” Jack added.

“After docking in Trottuga, I began converting this whole area into a base for my latest project,” T-Cog continued, placing back his prosthetic limb. “Making sure to keep above the water line of course.

“And what project would that be?” Twilight asked.

At those words, T-Cog’s smile became so wide every pony could see his golden tooth.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts, allow me to introduce you to…”

T-Cog then walked over to the contraption and pulled off the dirty sheet.

“…the Mini-Ally!!!”

Though amazed at what they were seeing, all couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at T-Cog’s announcement.

“Okay, so the name needs a little work, but this little beauty has been built to withstand anything from magic to cannonballs,” he explained. “And as you can see by the built in machinery, there is no need for oars, all it takes is a few kicks from the built in peddles driven by our own Big Rummy here and she’ll be moving even faster than the Alicorn herself.”

It was indeed incredible, from first glance one would think that this small boat was a miniature version of the Golden Alicorn, however instead of sails it looked like it only moved due to the power of the motor T-Cog built at its rear. It may have been small, but it looked spacious enough to hold at least thirty ponies. When everyone was aboard, and the water was at the right level, T-cog nodded his head in approval and Jack used his magic to open the side panel in the Golden Alicorn, allowing the Mini-Ally to be paddled outside by Big Rummy. This was it, as they all made their way up the canal towards the centre of Prance, the first step of the adventure had begun.

Chapter 5: An Unwanted Welcome

As he watched his friends float away on T-Cog’s newest creation from the top deck, Slash couldn’t help but feel disheartened, he had been looking forward to this adventure and now he was missing out because of one little mistake. He knew he deserved it but that didn’t stop him from complaining to himself as he laid back in his hammock.

“Dammit, it’s not fair!” he moaned. “All I did was play one lousy joke and here I am stuck on the ship like some child. Shimmer may be the captain now but that doesn’t mean she has the right to treat me like I’m barley hatched. For crying out loud, I get enough of that from Jack!”

Slash then jumped off his hammock and started stopping across the room in a big huff.

“Oh yeah, Shimmer is the big-shot now isn’t she?” he continued. “Can’t do one little thing without getting some kind of big lecture! Seriously, what is that mare’s problem!?!”

He then kicked one of Rarity’s suitcases in a fit of childish anger, causing a small yelp of pain, however this yelp didn’t come from Slash, despite his now throbbing foot.

“What the hell?” Slash said with a raised eyebrow.

Was someone inside Rarity's suitcase? There was only one way to find out, Slash then slowly edged his way towards the lid and undid the latch, when Slash peaked inside the suitcase wih his one good eye, a large toothy grin appeared on his face.

“Well, well, look who’s here.” He said with a smirk.

Meanwhile, the shore party had finally made their way into Prance, as they travelled up the river to their destination, each couldn’t help but feel a little excited, Gem however looked more nervous than excited, something seemed to be troubling her.

“Is something wrong Gem?” Fluttershy asked.

“Hmm? Oh no I’m fine,” Gem answered. “It is just that zis area seems incredibly familiar.”

“Well sort of makes sense doesn’t it?” Twilight asked. “After all weren’t you born in Prance?”

“Oui” Gem said with a small smile. “I suppose coming back here is bringing back a few memories.”

“How long has it been since you left?” Rarity asked.

“Fifteen years,” Jack said, answering her question. “Fifteen years to this day in fact, and I’m sorry to tell you this Gem, but according to the map we’re going to be getting into even more familiar territory.”

“What do you mean Jack?” Gem asked.

“The coordinates Rocky’s following is leading to the centre of Prance’s Capital, your hometown.”

At those words, gem’s eyes widened in shock and her stomach turned, they were heading for her hometown? She hasn’t even set hoof on those shores ever since she left, and now she was going back? She began to turn pale just from the very thought of it.

“You okay Lass?” T-Cog asked.

“Oui,” Gem answered trying to regain her composure. “I’ll be fine.”

But everyone in that boat could tell that was a lie, the truth was that Gem was not looking forward to once again seeing the ponies you ridiculed her about her mane, thus causing her run away to the sea in the first place. However despite this fact, Gem kept trying to re assure everyone that she was fine. Finally after about an hour of traveling up river, T-Cog told Big Rummy to stop peddling and steered the boat towards the nearest dock. Everyone them climbed out of the boat and proceed to walk down the dock towards the town, however this didn’t go unnoticed by a gruff looking, Unicorn stallion with a dull grey coat, white mane and wearing wireframe glasses and holding up a clipboard by his face.

“Excuse’ moi,” he said sternly. “I’m afraid it is five bits to tie you boat to ze dock, and I shall need to know your names.”

While Luna, Octavia, Vinyl  and the Mane Six looked a little nervous, the pirates however kept their composure, knowing that their former captain has been in this situation before.

“What will you say to twenty bits,” he said, giving him a small bag of cash. “And we forget the names.”

This Unicorn was obviously an official member of the law but Jack knew a crooked pony when he saw one and this pony was no different.

“Welcome to Prance, Messieurs et Madames” he said with a slight smile, putting the bag of cash in his saddlebag.

“Thank you very much,” Jack said tipping his bowler hat.

Jack and Shimmer then lead everyone towards the town, but not before giving Rocky a small, unnoticed nod telling him to pick the Unicorns pocket for their money back. When they reached the town square, everyone gathered around the golden fountain right in the centre and said goodbye to Octavia and Vinyl.

“It has been a pleasure knowing you Miss Octavia.” Jack said kissing her hoof. “And you Miss Vinyl.”

“Same here, Mr Silver.” Octavia said with a smile. “And thank you again for the lift.”

“I just wish we could have spent more time on the ship,” Vinyl added. “A pirate’s life must be epic!”

“Keep it down Vinyl!” Octavia said shoving a hoof into Vinyl’s mouth. “You don’t want them to be caught do you?”

“Sorry,” Vinyl said, though slightly muffled.

Finally, the two walked away from the fountain, leaving the shore party to do their business.

“Alright, roll call,” Twilight said taking out a clipboard from her saddlebag.

“Roll-what-now?” Pinkie Pie said with a raised eyebrow.

“Well since we’re probably going to be searching for a while,” Twilight explained. “I thought it would be a good idea to make a check list of every pony her in case we get separated.”

“Oh no, she’s going egg-head on us again.” Rainbow Dash moaned.

“No, wait, that’s an excellent idea,” Shimmer pointed out. “Starswirl may have given us coordinates but they may not necessarily lead us to the key… but rather another clue to its whereabouts. This checklist might be a good way to keep track of everyone.”

“Spoken like a true Captain, Shimmer,” Jack said with a smile, “Alright, Twilight who’s here altogether?”

“Well in alphabetical order…” Twilight began much to the annoyance of some of the group. “Applejack, Big Rummy, Dripfang, Fluttershy, Gem, Jack, Princess Luna, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Rocky, Captain Shimmer, T-Cog and finally me so that’s 14 members of the group altogether all ready to go on an adventure.”

“Good to know,” Dripfang said, though clearly irritated. “Now can we please get back to the search? I’m beginning to get bored.”

“Very well,” Shimmer said with a nod. “Rocky, how far into down do the… Rocky!!!”

Rocky then snapped back into attention after losing focus and chewing his own tail for the third time.

“Yes Captain Shimmer?” he said spitting out his tail and letting drool dribble onto the suit Rarity made for him.

“Rocky, how far are we from where the coordinates point?” Shimmer said sternly.

“Well about three inches Captain Shimmer,” Rocky giggled in his usual goofy tone, before taking a small jump to his right. “Now I’m there!”

Though slightly irritated by Rocky’s goofy attitude, everyone then turned towards the fountain with a puzzled look upon their face.

“The coordinates lead here?” Rarity asked. “Are you sure?”

“Rocky may not have been with us long but, he’s never wrong.” Shimmer said confidently. “There must be something about this fountain that Starswirl the Bearded had been involved in.”

“Well zis town is centuries old, perhaps Starswirl was here when it was founded.” Gem pondered.

“Perhaps,” Jack said scratching his beard. “Let’s just take a look at this plack here.”

Everyone then gathered around the small golden plack placed at the edge of the fountain, upon it were the words…

“Dedicated to ze marvellous efforts by Starswirl the Bearded,” Gem read aloud. “Who gave the citizens of Prance the strength and will to create our shining capital.”

“So this fountain was built in honour of Starswirl the Bearded?” Twilight said with a smile. “Ooh, this is so exciting!”

“Easy there Twilight,” Jack said with a slight chuckle. “I doubt this fountain is just a mere dedication to a great Unicorn, judging from experience there is more to this fountain than meets the eye.”

“T-Cog?” Shimmer said.

Nodding in response to his captain, T-Cog then quickly and quietly removed his prosthetic limb to reveal his hook, with the added help of the group to crowd him from any ponies passing by. He then jammed his hook under the plack and tried to pry it off, after a few small heaves the plack came off with a slight crack to reveal a small crevice in the stone, inside was another scroll, small enough to fit inside a vest pocket. After quickly pulling out the scroll and putting the plack back in place, T-Cog gave the scroll to Shimmer and put his prosthetic lib back on.

“More Changeling language,” Shimmer said reading the scroll, “It’s your call Dripfang.”

Shimmer then passed the scroll to Dripfang who then moaned upon reading the contents.

“Oh I don’t believe this,” he said.

“What?” Big Rummy asked.

“What’s wrong?” Fluttershy added.

“It’s only another bloody riddle!” Dripfang moaned. “Honestly, why do these treasure-hunts never have maps with X’s on them!?!”

“Never mind all that, what does it say?” Applejack snapped

Dripfang then sighed and began to read the scroll aloud so that everyone could hear.

“Now you’ve navigated to the place, walk to the bell of the south pier,

Then follow these set instructions and you will find the key here,

Keep pacing East in an unbroken line,

Count a hundred thrice, and then add 29.”

“Starswirl certainly has a knack for poems doesn’t he?” T-Cog said.

“Probably wanted to make it more difficult to find the key,” Jack added. “This ship must be something massive if he needed to take such measures to hide it.”

“Then let us not waste any more time and journey to the south pier,” Luna stated making her way towards the piers. “We must make haste immediately.”

“She’s certainly determined to find that ship isn’t she?” Jack said, following Luna with Twilight at his side. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so serious before.”

“I have,” Twilight said with a sigh. “It was she saw her first Nightmare Night in Ponyville, she got so upset she almost cancelled the holiday altogether.”

“Blimey, what happened?” jack asked.

As Twilight proceeded to tell the story to Jack, the rest of the group followed as they made their way to the pier, all the while having a conversation to try and pass the time.

“Ooh, I’m so nervoucited!” Pinkie Pie said in her usual cheery manner.

“For the last time Pinkie, that’s not a real word!” Applejack said, getting slightly annoyed.

“Okay, so the Mini Ally is a bad name for a boat,” T-Cog said. “So how about the Silver Unicorn”

“No that won’t do,” Dripfang argued. “That sounds more like a battleship rather than a small transport.”

“Alright, how about the Little Filly?”

“No,” Gem moaned. “Zat doesn’t sound right at all, far too cute for a pirate ship.”

“The Wave Smasher?”

“Absolutely not!” Rarity snapped.

“The Nyx!?!”

“That doesn’t even make any sense!” Applejack pointed out.

“You know, for such a brilliant shipwright, your certainly aren’t much of an egg-head when it comes to naming things.” Rainbow Dash pointed out.

“Um, may I suggest something?” Fluttershy asked nervously.

“Go ahead Lass,” T-Cog sighed, “Can’t be any worse than any of MY suggestions.”

“Um… how about the Little Gold?” Fluttershy asked. “It’s appropriate for the size and it sounds more like the name of a ship.”

Hearing this, everyone looked at Fluttershy with a surprised, look especially T-Cog.

“Oh my, it’s a terrible suggestion isn’t it?” Fluttershy said turning away.

“Terrible?” T-Cog said keeping his surprised tone. “It’s perfect, so perfect I think I’ll carve it into the side as soon as we get back to the ship, the Little Gold, it does have a lovely ring to it.”

“It’s… it’s really that good?” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“Oh absolutely Fluttershy,” Rarity said, complementing her, “It is without a doubt the… is everything okay Gem?”

Of course Gem had her mind on other things, it had been fifteen years and with every step she took old memories began to flood her mind, every childhood dream, every ounce of pain she felt from her ridicule, however there were happier times to remember as well. She remembered getting her favourite flavour of ice-cream when she was seven years old, as they walked by her once favourite restaurant, of course this back when her parents still believed that she would grow out of her skunk-coloured mane. Finally she snapped back into reality long enough to answer Rarity’s question.

“Hmm? Oh pardon me Rarity, my mind is on other zings,” she said. “It’s just that being back here brings back a lot of memories, ze place had not changed a bit since I left.”

“Are you sure you’ll be able to handle it Lass?” T-Cog said placing a hoof on her shoulder.

“Don’t be silly T-Cog, of course I will,” Gem said with a smile. “After all I am Gem La Stone, part of one of ze strongest crews on ze entire ocean, if I can’t handle some nostalgic memories then there is no point in being who I am meant to be.”

It may have been a moving speech but anyone who heard would most definitely see that Gem was being a bit of a Drama Queen, however that thought was short lived when they heard Luna’s voice.

“Okay we’re at the pier,” she said.

Indeed they were, when the group finally stopped they found themselves standing on the edge of a stone pier, one that was completely surrounded by sailors of all kinds. After surveying the area for a few minutes, the group fund a small bell tower which they could only guess was what Starswirl’s riddle was referring to, instantly running towards it, Rocky took out his compass from his pocket and proceeded to look for the direction the group need to go.

“Now we head…” he said, with another goofy grin. “…East! Huh?”

However when the group looked towards where  Rocky was pointing, they were met with a sight that they did not want to see, something that the pirates considered to be far more annoying than bounty hunters… a building belonging to the local government and a punch of Police Officers, all wearing blue and white unfirms and waiting outside the building, blocking the road the group needed to travel up.

“Oh great,” Dripfang moaned. “The Prance Police, how the hell are we supposed to get past them?”

“They’ll catch us as soon as they see us,” Rummy whimpered, trying but failing to hide behind Fluttershy. “I don’t want to go to jail!”

Needless to say the feeling was mutual for all of the pirates, even Luna and the Mane Six felt a little nervous, luckily Rarity was able to say something that put them at ease.

“Oh relax all of you,” rarity said, trying to calm the group down. “As long as we’re dressed for the occasion they won’t bother us will they? Now, follow my lead and allow me to show you the true charms of an Equestrian lady.”

Rarity then gracefully took lead of the group and in a lady-like fashion proceeded to walk up towards the group of Police Officers and talk to them as if she had nothing to hide.

“Oh pardon me my fine fellows,” she said in her most lad-like tone. “Could all be a dear and let me and my friends pass, it’s just that we are in a bit of a hurry.”

Needless to say before all those love-struck stallions quickly obeyed Rarity’s request and moved aside allowing the group to move by them, much to the amusement of certain members.

“If looks could kill, zen zey would not be feeling so well eh?” Gem giggled.

“Hook, Line and Sinker!” T-Cog whispered back, trying to old back a few chuckles.

As the group walked by the Police Officers, everyone tried their best to look as calm and quite as possible to avoid any suspicion, however none of them were expecting what happened next. As Dripfang walked by the Police Officer, he suddenly noticed something, while many of the officers were different from each other there was one in particular that caught Dripfang’s eye, he was a somewhat large, muscular Unicorn with a long black mane tied up into a ponytail and for some reason, feeding breadcrumbs to the large crow on his shoulder, which everyone could only assume was the officer’s personal pet.

“Oh no,” He whispered, desperately trying to hold his nose “Not that!”

But it was too late, Dripfang had already caught the smell, and a few ponies noticed his behaviour when he finally made it passed the Police.

“Dripfang?” Twilight said with a look  of concern. “What’s the matter?”

“I’m… I’m allergic to crows.” Dripfang answered, his eyes now starting to water.

At those words, every pirate’s eyes widened in shock.

“Uh oh.” Big Rummy said.

“Not good.”

“What’s wrong?” Luna asked, now beginning to feel nervous as well.

“It’s his allergies,” Jack explained. “Whenever a Changeling sneezes due to an allergy he loses…”

“ACHOO!!!”

“…control of his changing abilities” Jack finished, face-hoofing.

The jig was up, and what Jack said was indeed true, all it took was one sneeze and Dripfang began engulfed in his green flames and changed back from a gangly green Pegasus to a Changeling wearing a striped shirt and spotted bandana, and to make it worse, the force of the sneeze caused Gem to stumble backwards and let her wig slip off revealing her skunk-coloured mane. Needless to say the Police officers were shocked at what they had just witnessed, however their leader, who now revealed to be the Unicorn with the crow remained calm and pointed towards the group.

“Zose two are members of Jack Silver’s Crew!” he shouted. “I recognise zem from zeir wanted posters! Well don’t just stand zere, seize zem! Arrest all of zem!!!”

“RUN!!!” Shimmer screamed.

And so the chase was on, they may not have been dressed for it but now the group was running for their lives due to being chased by many members of the Prance Police, and more of them were coming by the minute. No matter how much they tried, the group couldn’t shake the Police off.

“Father!” Shimmer called out. “I think it’s time for a Portal spell!”

“Agreed!” Jack called back as he ran ahead of the group and readied his horn.

Suddenly Rainbow Dash spotted something from up above the group.

“Jack look out!” she cried.

“Huh?” Jack said looking behind him.

What happened next did indeed gave Jack a shock, in both meanings of the word, as it turns out, the Leader of the Police had trained he crow to attack any ponies trying to run away from his master and was now diving towards Jack’s head, the bird may not have pecked anything but none the less Jack was caught by the blow and it caused his portal spell to open too soon. However this didn’t stop the group from running straight through it, with Jack still being disoriented from the blow. Finally with every member of the group inside, the portal closed and the Police were left in a confused state as they stood in an empty ally.

“Well don’t just stand zere you fools!” their leader shouted. “Do your duty to Prance and find zem!!!”

Meanwhile, in another part of the town, far off from where the Police were, Jack was finally regaining consciousness, it would seem that he knock he took did more damage than he first thought.

“Father?” Shimmer said nudging him awake. “Are you okay?”

“Barely,” Jack moaned rubbing his head. “Since when do crows get trained in falconry? I’m I really not that up to date on certain things?”

“I’m afraid we got more bigger problems than that Father,” Shimmer said with a worried expression.

“What do you mean?” Jack asked.

“Half the group is gone!” Shimmer said in now panicked tone.

“What!?!”

Jack then quickly stood up and looked at his surroundings, they appeared to be in another ally on the other side of the town, surrounding him were Twilight, Luna, Shimmer, Fluttershy, Applejack and T-Cog, however the others were nowhere to be seen.

“What the hay happened Jack?” Applejack asked. “Where are the others?”

“We saw them go into the portal, but half of us didn’t come back out with us.” Twilight added.

Jack pondered for a moment but then he suddenly realised something.

“That knock I took from that stupid crow must have messed up my portal spell,” he said, now beginning to get angry. “It must have been aiming for my horn so I couldn’t use magic, that Police certain knows how to give chase, I’ll give them that.”

“So if half of us ended up here…?” Twilight began.

“…then the others must be in other part of the town.” Jack finished.

At those words, surge of panic began to escalated through the remaining members of the Mane six

“W… what are going to do?” Fluttershy whimpered.

“I don’t know,” Shimmer admitted. “But I do know for a fact that the others aren’t in any danger.”

“How can ya be so sure?” Applejack asked.

“Because the portal spell we used is something of my own design,” Jack explained. “It may have messed up but it’s guaranteed to take whoever uses it out of danger. Wherever they are, the Police are nowhere near them.”

“Well that’s good news anyway.” Twilight said, sighing in relief

“But the bad news is that WE don’t know where they are either.” Luna pointed out.

“Luna has a point Captain,” T-Cog said. “And if we don’t find them soon then the Police will search the entire town until THEY do.”

“Now that they’ve seen us, they’re probably searching right now.” Shimmer added.

“So does any of us have a plan?” Luna asked.

“Well it just so happens that I have a contact here in Prance,” Jack said, with a look of determination.  “If we can get to her then we might have a chance of finding the others.”

“But do you really think they’ll be alright until then,” Fluttershy asked, her mind racing with wonder where her friends and her darling Rummy was now.

“Oh don’t you worry lass,” T-Cog said trying to calm her down. “That lot can look after themselves, plus Gem knows this town like the back of her hoof, I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

“Maybe, but Gem hasn’t stepped hoof in her hometown since she left it,” Shimmer pointed out. “I doubt it’s the same sort of place it was when she was last here.”

“So where is this contact of yours?” Luna asked, looking at Jack.

“The club she hangs out in is not too far from here,” he said point in a westward direction. “It’s as good as any place to start.”

“Well then let’s get going,” Twilight said leading the way. “The sooner we find our friends the better”

“Aye,” Jack sighed “That be true.

Chapter 6: Old Friends from Prance

It was utter panic, as soon as word spread that Pirates have been spotted in their town every pony began to hurry their foals off the street and lock themselves inside, however there was one group who still remained outside, and were now at this point hiding under one of the piers and listening to two members of the Prance Police.

“Any sign of zem?” one asked.

“Nozing yet sir.” the other answered.

“Well keep looking, we cannot let zem escape!”

And with that the group heard the two officers leave, thus allowing them to sigh in relief.

“Well this is just peachy isn’t it?” Dripfang moaned. “First that bloody bird blows our cover, then the same bird knocks our former captain senseless and causes half of us to be sent one side of town, while the other half is probably on the opposite side!”

Suddenly Dripfang felt himself chocking as Gem suddenly wrapped her leg around his throat to shut him up.

“Will you be quiet!” she snapped. “We don’t to draw any MORE attention than we already have.”

“What do we do now?” Rainbow dash asked.

“We have to get out of site,” Gem instructed, letting go of Dripfang. “We can’t stay under this pier forever.”

“Any ideas?” Rarity asked.

“The Police may know our faces, but ze public doesn’t,” Gem explained. “As long as we keep to our disguises zen we should to be able to make it zere.”

“Make it where?” Big Rummy asked.

“I’ll explain later, let’s go” Gem said as she quickly put on another wig and ran out from under the pier.

Following her example, Dripfang used his abilities to change into another Unicorn and followed Gem, the others doing the same second later. After about half an hour of running between building and avoiding the Police, the group finally made it to what appeared to be an old wooden building covered in cracks and mould, clearly this was more run-down are of Prance.

“Zis was once my favourite tavern when I was a teenager,” Gem explained. “Zis is where I first met Captain Jack, we should be safe here.”

“Well then let’s hurry up and get inside.” Dripfang said as he quickly made his way towards the door

When everyone made it into the tavern, the smell of old wood filled their nostrils, it was no secret that this place was old, in fact one would say that I could have been built over a hundred years ago. Either way, the group was relieved to be inside, especially since no pony even turned their heads towards them, they were all too busy talking amongst themselves to even notice.

“Why don’t you all find a table, I’ll buy us some drinks” Gem said.

“Thanks,” Dripfang sighed. “I could use one”

As Gem walked over to the bar to get drinks Dripfang led the rest of the group towards a table closest to the window so that they could keep an eye out for any of the Prance Police, thought each and every one of them were still on edge, only Pinkie Pie seemed to keep her cheerful attitude.

“Isn’t this exciting” she said, keeping her smile. “It’s just like playing a massive game of Hide-and-Seek, isn’t it?”

Hearing this a few members of the group could only groan, Rocky however giggled in response. Dripfang of the other hand had something entirely different to say

“Maybe,” he said.  “But there is one major difference though, if we get caught in this game then we might as well just tie our own hanging ropes,”

It may have been hard to hear but none the less Pinkie kept her smile, However Rarity had other things to say.

“Oh really Dripfang, what is the matter with you?” she said sternly. “Everyone is already scared enough as it is, and we don’t need you to add o it.”

“Well forgive me for saying it like it is.” Dripfang snapped.

The argument would have escalated from their but it was thankfully interrupted by Gem return with a tray with seven glasses of Cider.

“So what’s the plan Miss Gem?” Rocky asked, gnawing on his own paw. “Any ideas as to how we’re going to find Mr Jack and the others?”

“None I can zink of as yet,” Gem said taking a gulp of cider. “I suppose ze best we can do at zis point is to lay low until ze heat dies down.”

“Well it’s not a plan I’m happy with but what other choice do we have?” Dripfang admitted. “Besides Jack and Shimmer will know what to do, they always do.”

“And so will Twilight and Luna,” Rainbow Dash added. “Add those four big brains together and I’m sure they’ll find us.”

“Well here’s to hoping” Rarity said raising her glass of Cider.

And with that they all clanked their glasses together and took a drink.

“I wonder all this fuss is about,” Rainbow Dash said putting down her glass. “It’s almost like there’s a party going or something.”

This was indeed true, from the looks of things the entire tavern were filled with ponies and judging from their faces and the bits of conversation the group had managed to overhear, every pony in the tavern did to be gathering for something. Suddenly the bartender spoke up, he was another Unicorn with a chestnut brown coat and a silver mane, who began to ring the bell above the bar and speak to the crowd.

“My friends, I propose a toast,” he announced. “Raise your glasses for ze biggest name in all of Prance, with a bounty of 54,000 Bits… “

“To Gem La Stone!!!” the crowd screamed, raising their glass and finishing the bartender’s sentence.

Needless to say the group was shocked to hear those words, but none more so than Gem herself, in fact she was so surprise she ended up spitting out her drink in Big Rummy’s face.

“Wha… what did he just say!?!” she said with a stutter.

She then quickly turned towards the bar, still trying to keep her wig from falling off from the shock, then she saw it, as the bartender pull a small cord from behind the bar it opened up a small set of curtains to reveal none other than Gem’s wanted poster, one that was blown up so big the whole bar could see it.

“Whoa!” Rainbow Dash said, her eyes widening in surprise.

“I have to admit, I did NOT see this one coming.” Dripfang added.

It was indeed quite the shock; however the group decided to keep listening anyway just to see where this situation goes, after a few moments the bartender spoke again.

“It was fifteen years ago to zis day that our dear Gem left our shores and made a life for herself on the sea, and wherever she is now, I hope she knows that we miss her and zat we all wish her another happy year!

“CHEERS!!!” the crowd roared.

And before the group knew it, they ended up picking up bits of conversations between the members of the crowd.

“I heard she and her whole crew saved Equestria from an army of demons.” one pony said.

“I heard it was a crew of Cannibals.” Said another.

No matter where they listened in the group picked up nothing but good things from the entire crowd of ponies in the tavern, however suddenly one of the stallions spoke out, and this one did not have such nice things to say.

“Who cares what ze stories say!?!” he snapped, causing the crowd to quiet down a bit. “Ze fact is that she has become a felon! Honestly, have you fools no shame!”

“Oh give it a rest, you old fart!” The bartender snapped back. “Haven’t you ever noticed zat ze only one in zis bar who zinks zat way about her is you? And just to point somezing out, if ponies like you never made fun of her to start wiz, zen Gem never would have run away to sea. But what’s done is done and ze fact is zat she is finally having fun out zere, and it looks like she’s made some wonderful friends as well.”

“You call zose thugs friends!?!” the old stallion retorted “Zey are criminals! Face the facts Splash Down, our town gave birth to a no-good…”

But the old fool couldn’t even finish his sentence because before he could get another word in, the bartender named Splash Down only needed to nod his head and two more Unicorns levitated the old stallion and threw him out of the tavern, much to the relief of every pony else.

“Some ponies never do change, do zey?” Splash Down said with a sigh.

“Indeed,” said one of the barmaids. “Zey all should be ashamed for what zey did to Gem.”

“But let’s not forget zat we weren’t any better.” Splash Down pointed out. “We mare not have directly tormented her but everyone in zis bar is as guilty as each other.”

“I suppose my jokes did have quiet ze impact on her.” The barmaid admitted. “If she was here right now I would tell her how sorry I truly was”

“We didn’t zink so at first but we were just as cruel as anyone else, weren’t we?”

“Remember when her sister came in asking about her when she left?  That had to be one of the most heart-breaking thing I’ve ever seen.”

“But after hearing what her sister has done on her journey on ze seas, she certainly cheered up quite a bit eh?”

Gem couldn’t believe it, after all this time, all these years, the ponies of Prance were actually sorry for making fun of her, most of them anyway. And best of all they actually missed her, could this mean that her family felt the same way? Her Mother and Father? Even her sister? The evry though brought tears to Gem’s eyes.

“Zey… zey miss me?” he said with a tearful smile. “They actually miss me.”

“And by the sound of it your sister misses you most of all,” Rarity pointed out.

“Whatever happened between you two anyway?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Well it was hard for me to talk about,” Gem explained, wiping away her tears. “Zough there were many zings I left behind zat I was happy to be rid of when I joined the crew, zere is one regret that plagues me even to zis day, my little sister may have been a brat but I cared for her so much. After all she was one of the few who never made fun of me due to my appearance.”

“I guess the feeling was mutual if she came in here asking for you,” Dripfang said, taking another sip of Cider.

“Aye, and she was only ten years old too.” Gem said with a sigh. “Zere is not a day that went by zat I don’t regret not saying goodbye to her, I may not have said it to any pony else but I could have at least given my sister a proper farewell.”

Gem’s words were indeed heart-breaking to hear, even Pinkie Pie couldn’t help but drop her smile upon hearing them.

“I’m so sorry Gem,” Rarity said placing a hoof on Gem’s shoulder, trying to comfort her.

“Oh don’t be silly,” Gem said trying to put on a smile. “It was my decision to run away with ze Golden Alicorn. But I guess in all honesty, I’m actually glad I came back here, even if only to here zose kind words.”

Upon seeing the smile of Gem’s face, the group can easily tell that this has the happiest she has been since they had first arrived in Prance, suddenly Drip Fang said something no pony expected him to say.

“Take off the wig,” he said.

“Pardon?” Gem said, clearly surprised.

“Take off the wig,” Dripfang repeated. “Show these ponies who you are and say that you’re willing to forgive them.

Needless to say Gem was taken aback by this, could she really do such a thing and risk blowing her cover, after all what if there was a Police officer in this tavern?

“I…I don’t know if should,” she said nervously, “Besides aren’t we supposed to be lying low?”

“Gem, if you don’t do it now then you might not be able to get another chance.” Dripfang said calmly. “You heard it from their own mouths, if they saw you right now, then they would probably drop to their knees, begging for your forgiveness”

“Well I wouldn’t put it so dramatically but Dripfang does have a point,” Rarity said. “This may be your only chance.”

“And for all we know your family might be in that crowd.” Rummy added.

But those words only made Gem huff in amusement.

“I rather doubt zat,” she said. “They would never be caught dead in zis tavern, far you down-to-earth for zem.”

“Well either way, you gotta do this,” Rainbow Dash argued. “Come on Gem, I thought a pirate’s life was supposed to be FILLED with risks.”

At those words, Gem couldn’t argue any further, judging from the looks everyone was giving her, they were all telling her to take off her wig and announce her identity, even rummy and Rocky were giving her a serious face and they were the most clueless members of her crew. Finally she made her decision.

“Alright zen,” she said finishing her drink.

“You’re gonna do it?”  Rainbow Dash said with a smile.

“Oh have a better idea than just whipping off my wig,”

“What are you going to do?” rarity asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Well it may surprise you to know zat I was quite the karaoke singer when I spent my nights drinking here.” Gem explained, much to Rummy’s easily caused confusion.

“Wasn’t that when you were drunk?” he asked scratching his head, causing Rocky to giggle.

“Be zat as it may, I do have quite the excellent singing voice,” Gem said with a now determined tone.

“Oh great, she’s going into Diva-Mode again.” Dripfang moaned.

“Just shut up and some pony give me a tune.” Gem said sternly.

“Oaky-Dokey-Lokey” Pinkie Pie said with a cheerful grin.

And with that Pinkie Pie reached into her wild, curly mane and pulled out what a appeared to be a medium size guitar that shouldn’t even been able to fit inside her mane to start with. Needless to say it got quite a few stares from the pirates despite being already familiar with the ways of Pinkie Pie.

“Okay seriously what the hay is this pony!?!” Dripfang whispered in Rainbow Dash’s ear.

“Just go with it.” Rainbow Dash whispered back. “Trust me, you’ll sleep a lot better if you don’t think about the things she does with her mane.”

Suddenly Pinkie Pie began to play the guitar, which in turn caused many of the ponies in the tavern to look towards the group with an expression of intrigue. In a matter of moments, Gem suddenly climbed up onto the table and began singing along with the tune Pinkie was play.

“Ze navy would never have a mare at sea,

Says dear sweet Marina,

But I went on ze lines of piracy,

Along ze coast of Equestria,

And now I sail all ze lost seas,

Says dear sweet Marina,

Now I have zose Navy Colts on zeir knees,

Along ze coast of Equestria,”

At that Moment, Gem ripped off her wig and presented her skunk-coloured mane to the crowd, which as expected caused them to widen their eyes in shock, however despite this gem kept singing to hear heart’s content, her friends helping her every time she sang the chorus of her song.

“So heave her up and away we go,

Says dear sweet Marina,

To Equestria, where the warm winds blow,

Along the coast of Equestria!

In Equestria I want to be,

Says dear sweet Marina,

With a cask of rum on a drinking spree,

Along ze coast of Equestria,

All zose adventures I do adore,

Says dear sweet Marina,

With every voyage to every shore,

Along ze coast of Equestria,

So heave her up and away we go,

Says dear sweet Marina,

To Equestria, where the warm winds blow,

Along the coast of Equestria!”

At this point, Gem had jumped onto the bar and he crowd of ponies were cheering their hearts, it was as if Gem was their long lost princess who had just returned to them, however despite their cheers, Gem continued to sing.

“When I was a young mare in my prime,

Says dear sweet Marina,

I kept all gentlecolts back for a time,

Along ze coast of Equestria,

Now I’ll never leave ze sea to settle down,

Says dear sweet Marina,

Cause I have a stallion in every town,

Along ze coast of Equestria,

So heave her up and away we go,

Says dear sweet Marina,

To Equestria, where the warm winds blow,

Along the coast of Equestria!”

The music then slowed down to a gentle rhythm and the cheers began to silence, this was the part of the song hat Gem felt deserved a softer melody.

“Oh ze times are hard and ze wage is low,

Says dear sweet Marina,

But we pirates all just roll and go,

Along ze coast of Equestria,”

Finally the music picked up again into its more up-beat tune and Gem jumped back onto her table, and she and the rest of her friends finished the song in their most powerful voices.

“So heave her up and away we go,

Says dear sweet Marina,

To Equestria, where the warm winds blow,

Along the coast of Equestria!”

When that final note echoed throughout the tavern, every pony cheered their hearts out for Gem’s return.

“By ze stars, it is really you!” One of the said threw the crowd. “Gem La Stone has returned to our shores at last!”

It was incredible, this was the first time in over fifteen years that Prance had felt like home, Upon seeing the crowd of ponies cheering for her and desperately trying to apologise for their behaviour, Gem couldn’t help but cry. However there was one pony in the crowd who stood out from everyone else, it was a pure white, Unicorn mare with a sapphire main and tail and amethyst eyes, Gem couldn’t be sure at first, but she felt like there was something familiar about her.

“Gem?” the mare said.

“Oui, and who are you?” Gem asked with a raised eyebrow. “You seem familiar.”

At those words, the mare couldn’t help but giggle a bit.

“I should,” she said. “But of course you wouldn’t recognise me straight way, since you haven’t seen me in fifteen years, so I will elaborate… a ten year old filly looking for her teenage sister in zis very tavern just after she left to sail ze sea.”

At those words, Gem’s eyes widened in shock as she climbed off the table and edged her way closer to the mare, as she looked upon  the mares Gem could now see the face of a filly she had known long ago.

“P…Pearl?” Gem stuttered.

“Welcome home Big Sis.” The mare said pulling Gem into a hug.

Needless to say, a lot of jaws dropped upon hearing those words, there were certainly going to be a LOT of talking after this.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Jack Silver’s group were hiding in another ally looking across the street towards what appeared to be a night club, since the sun was already set at this point it made sense hat they were already beginning to let ponies in.

“Here we are,” Jack told the group. “This is where she normally spends her free time, she and I go way back.”

“So this Le Fox is the contact of yours?” Luna asked. “Is she any good?”

“Any good?” Jack chuckled. “Ha! If there’s anything worth finding in this country, she’ll know about it.”

“You make her sound like quite the expert.” Twilight said.

“Oh she is,” Jack chuckled. “She’s so good at finding things, she can spot a tiny gem hidden in a huge pile of glass, I would have had her on the crew years ago but she turned me down on more than one occasion. In most cases I think it was just to tease me.”

“So how are we gonna get in?” Applejack asked. “It’s not like we can just waltz towards the front door.”

The group would have started planning a way in without getting noticed but then Fluttershy noticed something.

“Um, sorry to be a bother but… where’s T-Cog?” she said with her usual worried expression.

Everyone else then noticed he reason for Fluttershy’s concern, t-Cog was indeed gone, however he wasn’t out of every sights for long.

“Waltzing towards the front door.” Shimmer said, answering Fluttershy’s question.

And that’s exactly what was happening, without even giving it a second thought, T-Cog came out of hiding, walked up to the security guard and the line of ponies, and smash a veil of Celestia knows what onto the pavement, causing a cloud of  purple smoke to emerge from the remains and engulf the crowd. Had any pony else been on the street at the time, they would have seen T-Cog emerging of the smoke waving towards the rest of his group who just dropped their jaws at what they had just witness.

“What by my Sister was that?” Luna asked sternly as she and the rest of the group ran towards him.

“Just another one of my latest creations Lass,” T-Cog explained as he gestured towards the line of unconscious ponies. “One whiff of that gas and whoever is unlucky enough to smell it is knocked out for at least an hour. I used the same chemicals I put into my sleep darts, but this way, no pony will have any evidence that it was me that did it.

“Crude but effective, well done Cog,” Shimmer said, admiring the Shipwright’s idea. “Now come on, let’s get inside before some pony else walks by.

And with that the group quickly hurried into the club. It was quite the scene inside the building, had Pinkie Pie been with them, she would probably have had a spaz attack, it was as if the group have walked into a 1970’s Disco scene, the dance floor lit up with multi-coloured neon lights all of which was reflected by the hulking disco ball above it, and the bar was lit up with just as much gusto. When the group walked up to the bar, the young mare tending it instantly looked towards them as she dried off a cider glass.

“Who are you ponies?” she said with a stern look in her eyes. “I’ve never seen you in here before.”

Apparently this was a town where bartender knew just about everypony, luckily Jack had a lot of practice when it came to these situations.

“We have just sailed in from Equestria Mademoiselle,” he said in his most charming  tone of voice. “We are here on business and decided to take a load off.”

“Oh, sailors eh?” the mare said, now putting on a charming smile.” Well you better be careful, rumour has it zat pirates are in town too.”

At those words, most of the group felt a lump in their throats, Jack however remained calm.

“So what are you all doing in zis part of town?” the mare asked curiously. “I would have zought you sailor types would prefer to spend your time on ze seafront club and taverns.”

“Oh we’re just looking for an old friend of mine who supposed to spend most of her time here,” Jack answered “Tell me Mademoiselle, do by any chance know anyone called Le Fox?”

A those words the mare could only laugh out loud.

“Le Fox?” she giggled. “Ha! Everypony knows Le Fox! She comes in here so often, she practically lives here!”

“So is she here right now?” Twilight asked intently.

“But of course,” the mare answered. “Take a look.”

The mare then pointed towards the neon lit dance floor, there the group saw the figure they were looking for, who at this point was dancing to her hearts content and catching the eye of most of the stallions and some of the mares. She looked like a Diamond Dog only a fair size smaller and fair more slender, she had orange fur, a long bushy tail and wore a deep purple vest and a black beret, if anything she looked like a dressed version of one of Fluttershy’s animals.

“So Le Fox, really is… a fox?” Fluttershy asked, clearly confused but at the same time excited to see a new animal.

“A Gem Fox to be more precise,” Jack explained. “It’s like a Diamond Dog only a lot more cunning, strong, fast and well known for being quite a traveller.”

“Although she is better known as being one of ze biggest jewel thieves in all of Prance” the mare behind the bar said with a slight laugh. “Ze Police may have placed a bounty on her but after so many failed attempts to catch her ze law simply gave up and leaves her alone, even many of ze bounty hunters have lost interest. If she’s a friend of yours zen I’d be careful, she has been known to pick her own mother’s pocket.”

And with that the mare walked off to attend her other customers.

“So we are seeking help from a jewel thief?” Luna said with a glare in Jack’s direction.

“If there’s anyone who knows Prance as well as any pony it’s Le Fox,” Jack said keeping his determined look. “You all wait here. I’ll be right back.”

At those words, Jack left the group at the bar and made his way towards the dance floor, after pushing through a small crowd of gawking Unicorns he managed to sneak up behind Le Fox who at this point had decided to take a break from dancing and have a drink.

“Still have everypony eating out of your paws eh Foxy?” he said with a smirk.

Hearing those words The Gem Fox’s ears perked up and a smiled etched its way across her face.

“Zere is only one stallion who would dare call me by zat nickname.” She said softly before turning to the old Unicorn. “Hello Jack.”

“Good to see you Foxy,” Jack said with a smile.

“Jack, how many times do I have to tell you call me zat?” Le Fox said with a flirtatious smirk. “It makes me feel so unprofessional.”

“Oh really?” Jack Chuckled “I always thought it was because you go gaga after seeing just one gem.”

At those words, Le Fox’s eyes practically popped out of these sockets as she when into a slight fit of excitement and pulled Jack’s face towards her hers.

“Did you say gems!?!” she squealed, suddenly realising her foolishness and releasing Jack’s face. “Pardon, I sometimes forget myself.”

Jack couldn’t help but laugh at this, every time some pony even mentions Gems, Le Fox goes crazy like a magpie to a shiny object. It was no secret that her Diamond Dog heritage is still there no matter how much she tries to be charming. However Jack needed to ask her something and her needed to do it now.

“Would I be able to make it up to you if I bought you another drink?” he said, trying to break the ice.

But Le Fox was all too familiar with Jack’s ways of thinking and decided to jump straight to the point.

“What do you what Jack?” She said.

Jack then sighed and fessed up.

“Me and my crew are in a spot of bother Foxy,” he explained. “The Police are after us and I need someone who knows the city better than anyone, in short Foxy, I need your help.”

Le Fox may have had her greedy side, but after seeing the desperation in Jack’s eyes, she knew she couldn’t ignore the pleas of a friend.

“Let’s talk.” She said.

Chapter 7: Closer to the Goal

While Shimmer and her crew had their troubles in Prance, there was another pair that was having their own troubles on the other side of the world. After sending Fedora off to recruit Brokenhorn for her dirty work, Chrysalis had Heatwave once again sneak into Canterlot and steal a mode of transportation for them to get to Trotkyo to find their first key, unfortunately the only one he could get between the time it took to sneak into Canterlot and escape the guards was a small blimp that was only big enough to fit at least ten ponies. Now Heatwave was stuck powering the blimp with his flames while using a pedal powered propeller to steer and drive it forward, needless to say neither Heatwave nor Chrysalis were happy with the situation.

“Go after the Silver Spirit she said,” He grumbled under his breath as he pedalled “Steal the Crystal Scrolls she said, steal a bloody airship she said, now here we once again where I am stuck doing all the dirty work while her royal highness…”

“What was that Heatwave!?!” Chrysalis snapped, just catching a small fraction of his last few words.

“Oh, uh… nothing your grace.” Heatwave said nervously.

Of course Chrysalis wasn’t doing the slightest bit of work, as far as she was concerned, Heatwave could do everything she wanted him to do without question, and the look of fear in his eyes, both normal and burnt, assured her that he would. So instead, she focused all her efforts in studying the map Heatwave stole from Canterlot, making sure everything was on track, suddenly her concentration was interrupted by Heatwave asking her a question.

“Not to question your judgement my lady,” he said through gasped breaths. “But why recruit another pirate to steal Silver’s key and maps? And Brokenhorn of all ponies!?! Surely you must know how dangerous he is.”

“That exactly WHY I recruited him you fool,” Chrysalis snapped. “Plus there is also the fact that stinking pirate owes me a debt, which I will not discuss with you, understood?”

“Clearly, but are you sure Fedora will be able to give your message to him without being killed first.”

At those words, a sly grin appeared on Chrysalis’s face.

“Oh I assure you that she is quite well Heatwave,” she said. “She has already delivered my message and is on her way to Prance on board Brokenhorn’s ship.”

“Wait, how could you possibly know all of that?” Heatwave Asked with a raised eyebrow. “And more to the point how’d you know there is a key is in Prance if we don’t even have all the scrolls.”

“I managed to overhear a few ponies while I was undercover in Canterlot that there was a pair of ponies trying to hitch a ride to Prance on the only ship that wasn’t docked because of YOUR little escapade a few days ago,” Chrysalis explained, putting an aggravated emphasis when referring to Heatwave’s failure. “It wasn’t too hard to figure out what that ship was and who it belonged to, as for how I know what’s going on with your little girlfriend, I took the liberty of enchanting her glasses just before she left, therefore I can see whatever she does. Needless to say all is going according to my plan… Fedora seems to be a bit more competent than you Heatwave, it’s a wonder how she could ever fall for you.”

However those words only put Heatwave’s temper into overdrive, hearing that insult at his expense really made him scowl with fury.

“That wench is nothing more than a means to an end!” he snapped. “It’s not my fault that she’s too stupid to realise that she’s the only one with those petty feelings.”

“You don’t share the same feelings then?” Chrysalis asked with a raised eyebrow.

“The only reason I keep that stupid bimbo around is so that I can exploit her skills and so that she can provide protection for me,” Heatwave growled. “As long as I let her believe that I share that stupid love crap with her then I get to keep those assets.”

Hearing this Chrysalis could only look neutral, she neither cared nor worried about Fedora and Heatwave, to her they were only a means to an end, still she couldn’t help but feel sorry for the poor Pegasus who was in love with this heartless pony with burns.

“Such a shame,” she said, turning back to the map. “I could have used a snack right about now, the love would have been much sweeter when you’re apart from your loved one. Still at least now we are on our way to Trotkyo and that much closer to the Silver Spirit.”

“Yeah, I’ll bet.” Heatwave answered still huffing and puffing through each turn of the peddles. “Personally I still don’t understand why those stupid pirates those to travel by sea when clearly there is Air-travel all over Equestria, I suppose it’s something to do with tradition or…”

“Just shut up and peddle!” Chrysalis snapped.

At those words Heatwave silenced himself and quickly continued his peddling.

Meanwhile out in open sea, on board the Broken Unicorn, Fedora was standing on the upper deck watching Brokenhorn’s crew at work. All across the deck every crewmember were hard at their jobs, while half of the crew were hosting the sails and prepping the cannon’s for battle, the remaining half just scrubbed the deck with old wire brushes and sea water. If any stallion were caught being lazy or goofing off the Sea Rose would give them a kick to the gut and put them back to work.  After giving a couple of slackers what they deserved, Sea Rose went off to the upper deck and spoke to the Quartermaster, who was at the helm.

“Steady as she goes,” she said with a stern look in her eyes.”

“ Aye-aye, ma’am,” The Quartermaster answered, sweating a little bit.

Needless to say that no matter who it was, every sailor on board the Broken Unicorn looked at Sea Rose with a hint of fear, and even Fedora had to admit she was impressed.

“Wow, Sea Rose,” She said with a smile. “How you do it? I mean how can just one mare take control of a whole ship filled with stallions?”

“Oh please, these lazy bums are nothing compared to me.” Sea Rose said with a chuckle. “You just gotta show them that even Mares like me and you can take charge. It also gives me an excuse to beat them to a pulp if they push me too far.”

“Hmm, I see…” Fedora said, clearly intrigued.

As A researcher by heart Fedora was completely fascinated that so many stallions could fear just one mare, perhaps if she had this kind of enthusiasm and gusto, maybe her beloved Heatwave would see her in a better way

“Sea Rose!” Said Brokenhorn’s voice from behind them.

Both mares then turned to see Brokenhorn standing in the doorway of his quarters.

“Yes, Captain,” Sea Rose said with a salute.”

“Make sure you get the lads working till nightfall,” he said with a gruff tone in his voice. “I want to get to Prance by tomorrow, got it!?!”

“As you wish…Father” Sea Rose answered with a smile.

Satisfied, Brokenhorn then closed the door and retired to his cabin, leaving Sea Rose and a surprised Fedora alone to talk.

“FATHER!?!” Fedora gasped. “You never told me you were his daughter. Heck, I didn’t even know Brokenhorn was married, from all the stories I heard about him I didn’t even think that was possible.”

“That’s because it ain’t!” said a deep, booming voice from below them.”

Hearing this, both Fedora and Sea Rose looked to the lower deck to see a large stallion, carrying a wooden crate of cannonballs on his back with ease. He had a dark red coat, a grey mane and tail and was wearing a filthy stitched up vest and two iron rings in his left ear, upon seeing him Sea Rose suddenly gained an annoyed look upon her face, clearly this particular stallion was someone she didn’t like.

“The Captain ain’t her real father,” he said setting the crate of cannonballs down. “He just took her in cause no pony else wants her.”

“For the last time Cannonball, mind your own damn business!” Sea Rose snapped. “Now why don’t you make your worthless hide useful, and get the cannons ready for tomorrow’s attack, that shouldn’t be a problem with someone of your brain power.”

However Cannonball only smiled and once again picked up the crate of Cannonballs.

“Whatever you say… Miss Orphan.” He smirked.

“ WHY YOU…!!!” Sea Rose growled as she attempted to run towards Cannonball who began to walk away, only to be held back by Fedora. “By Celestia I hate that stallion.”

“I can see why,” Fedora said nervously. “And here I thought Brokenhorn was the mean one, who was he anyway?”

“Cannonball, our resident weapons expert,” Sea Rose explained, regaining her composure. “Found him after the idiot decided to try and blow up Canterlot castle, what use Brokenhorn can see in that short-tempered fool is beyond me.”

“But is that whole orphan thing true?” Fedora asked. “That is if you don’t mind me asking.”

“I don’t want to talk about,” Sea rose said sternly.”

“I… I know it’s not my place to meddle in your personal business,” Fedora continued, knowing that she was pressing her luck but tested her courage none the less. “But I once helped a stallion who felt neglected just like you clearly do while he was in prison. So… maybe I can help you too.”

Sea Rose then looked at Fedora with a careful eye, after all she is so used to environment filled with hateful stallions that she was curious as to why this mare would offer to help, finally upon seeing the truthful look in Fedora’s eyes she gave into her offer.

“Alright,” She sighed. “It is true, I’ve been an orphan since I was a filly.”

“Oh… I… I’m so sorry.” Fedora said hanging her head slightly in shame for bringing up an obviously painful memory. “Did… did something happen between you and your parents that forced you to run away?”

At those words Sea rose couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle.

“No actually,” She said. “To be honest I had a pretty good life as a filly. I lived with my parents in a small fishing village near the main land, but all that changed when pirate raiders invaded our shores, I was only five years old when I watched them burn down my home and kill my family in cold blood.”

“By Celestia,” Fedora gasped in horror.

“Since then I ended up on the streets,” Sea Rose continued. “One day I got caught by this crew while I tried to pickpocketing the Captain himself. Luckily instead of having me killed Captain Brokenhorn saw that I had potential, after that he took me in and raised me as his own daughter. I owe him everything for that.”

“I’m so sorry Sea Rose,” Fedora said placing a hoof on her shoulder. “It must have been awful.”

“Loss and suffering harden the heart Fedora,” Sea Rose said with a cold expression on her face. “Without it, what would I be today?”

“Um, uh…happy?”

Those were the words that turned Sea Rose’s expressionless face into an angry glare pointing in Fedora’s direction, luckily as a reporter in her old life, Fedora knew when to stop asking questions.

“I’ll uh, just see what I can do below deck then Shall I?” she said nervously as she quickly walked away, trying to avoid Sea Rose’s gaze.

Once Fedora was below deck, Sea Rose regained her composure and continued shouting orders to the crew.

“Alright you worthless layabouts!” She screamed. “The Captain wants this ship arriving in Prance by tomorrow. So let’s get this moving! Double time!!!”

“AYE-AYE, SEA ROSE!!!” the crew replied in unison.

Back in Prance, in the Tavern, Gem Le Stone was just finishing up introducing all her friends to Pearl, her little sister now grown into a beautiful young mare.

“Oh Gem, I so happy you back home,” Pearl said giving her sister a hug. “Guess what, I have wonderful news to tell you.”

“What is it Pearl?” Gem asked.

“ Your little sister has been engaged for marriage.” Pearl said with a happy squeal.

Needless to say Gem gasped in surprise, after all these years at sea, she gets to hear that her little sister, who was no more than a filly when Gem left  was getting married.

“Oh, that’s wonderful darling!” Rarity said with a smile.

“Congratulations miss,” Rocky added.

“Oh, Pearl, I’m so happy for you,” Gem said, giving her sister another hug. “So who’s the lucky stallion? I hope it’s not that colt you were friends with when we were fillies, the one who always carries his baby blanket and sucks his hoof.”

At those words, pearl couldn’t help but giggle.

“Of course not, Gem!” she chuckled.  “Zat colt moved to ze countryside with his parents years ago. Ze only stallion I attend to marry is my dear Storm Breaker. See!”

Pearl then showed the group a diamond encrusted engagement ring on her horn, needless to say Gem was more than impressed, as a gem inspector for a profession on board the Alicorn she knew quality when she saw it.

“He asked me to marry him last night.” Pearl continued. “It was so romantic.”

“Well, congrats,” Dripfang said, clearly tasting the love in Pearl’s words. “So when’s the big day?”

“The day after tomorrow.” Pearl answered with another smile.

“Ooh, then that’s gives me enough time to throw you the biggest bachelorette party ever!” Pinkie screamed, being her usual happy self.

Suddenly Dripfang’s face twisted  as if he caught a whiff of something terrible, it was though if allergies were acting up again but there wasn’t enough of the scent to make him lose control, at first he was confused but as he turned his head towards the window of the tavern a look of fear spread across his face.

“Fraid that party will have to wait Pinkie, Look!” he said, sweat dripping down his forehead.

Everyone then turned towards the window where Dripfang was pointing, to see a large black crow tapping its beak against the glass trying desperately to get in.

“If that’s the same crow we saw earlier then the Prance Police aren’t that far behind,” Rainbow Dash said with a look of worry.”

“Oh man, this is it we’re screwed!” Dripfang said, clearly panicked.

Needless to say the panic spread throughout the entire group, especially between Gem and Pearl, suddenly their train of thought was interrupted by the Bartender’s voice.

“Quick! Behind the bar!” he told them.

Seeing no other option the group and Pearl followed the Bar tender’s command and went behind the bar where he banged the floor three times with his hoof before a trapdoor opened up to reveal what appeared to be some sort of escape tunnel.

“Follow ze tunnel,” the Bartender instructed the group. “It will lead you to ze catacombs. Pearl, you know ze way I trust?

“Oui,” Pearl said with a reassured look. “Zank you Splash Down.”

“Just go quickly before zose fools come in.” Splash down said quickly before ushering everyone down the trapdoor.

When the last pony was in, Splash Down quickly closed the trapdoor, leaving everyone engulf in darkness, luckily Pearl, Gem and Rarity were able to light their horns to at least see where they were going.

“Zis way,” Pearl said in a quick whisper.

At those words, the entire group followed the turquoise light of Pearl’s horn down the tunnel, after a few rocky surfaces, the group suddenly found themselves hoof deep in water surrounded by broick walls that donned several torches that appeared to have been burnt out for quite a while, needless to say the very atmosphere was unsettling.

“Ooh, this tunnel’s spooky,” Rocky said, taking a whiff of the air only to cringe in disgust. “Ugh! And stinky!”

“I agree,” Rarity said covering her nose in disgust. “This odour is simply destroying my delicate nose!”

It was true, the air down the tunnel was indeed foul, it was the kind of smell that mixed the aromas of rotten seaweed and petrol, whatever this tunnel was, no pony even wanted to know what was causing the smell.

“Splash Down found zis tunnel about a year after Gem left,” Pearl explained “Ze smell is just ze water were walking through, it used to be a burial chamber for ze revolution a few centuries back, now it’s just used as an abandoned waterway zat leads to ze harbour.

“Revolution?” Rarity whispered in Gem’s ear.

“Long story,” Gem quickly answered. “I’ll explain later.”

“It may not be pretty but few ponies know about it,” Pearl continued. “So it is ze perfect travel route if you want to get from ze Tavern towards ze manor.”

Hearing those words, Gem suddenly stopped, her eyes widening in shock.

“M… Manor!?!” she stuttered “You mean zis tunnel leads to…”

“Oui big sister,” Pearl said, turning towards Gem with a smile. “Zis tunnel leads back towards La Stone Manor… Home.”

Meanwhile in the back streets of Prance, Le Fox was leading Jack Silver and his group through the city while avoiding the Police who are still on the hunt for them. As it turns out, Le Fox drives a hard bargain, she agreed to help find the others but as Jack expected, she came with a steep price for her services.

“I still can’t believe you promised her HALF our loot for her services.” Shimmer whispered in her father’s ear.

“What choice did I have?” Jack whispered back. “Besides, she only wants the jewels, we have more than enough bits on the ship to tide us over in the vault.”

“Silence!” Le Fox said  as she and the group hid behind an ally corner. “Zey are talking about you”

At first No pony knew what Le Fox was talking about, but after taking a peek around the corner of the wall, they realised what was going on. Two ponies, not members of the Police but rather a pair of civilians, were walking across the street and talking amongst themselves, needless to say no pony could help but to try and overhear some gossip from the passing ponies.

“I still can’t believe zat zere are Pirates in Prance!” one of them said.

“ Oh, I hope zey are not the crew from The Broken Unicorn.” Said the other. “I heard zat ship was last spotted somewhere just a day off our coast.”

“Well, eizer way I zink its best we head home right now and lock our doors and windows, I don’t want to be robbed by a bunch of zose filthy rouges.”

“Agreed!”

And with that the two ponies walked away and out of site, leaving the group relieved and alone in the empty street.

“Filthy?” T-Cog scoffed. “Cheeky bugger.”

“Guess everyone must have stayed indoors tonight,” Twilight said. “Word must have spread quicker than we first thought.”

“Before we know it, the entire coast will be swarming with Police.” Luna added. “I don’t like this Captain Shimmer, any ideas?”

“Well the best thing we could do is regroup.” Shimmer answered. “I won’t leave any of our friends behind.”

“Well said Shimmer.” Jack said with a smile. “Le Fox, do your thing.”

“Oui!” Le Fox said, quickly putting her nose to the road and sniffing the air.”

Needless to say, the equestrians were a little confused by Le Fox’s behaviour, but Jack explained earlier that since Le Fox was related to Diamond Dogs then her nose was incredibly powerful, thus making her the perfect one to track down any one of their lost comrades. As Le Fox sniffed the area a question couldn’t help but escape Applejack’s mind.

“So what the hay is the Broken Unicorn?” she asked. “Another pirate ship?”

“Are the crew friends of yours?” Fluttershy added.

“I’ll explain later,” Jack said quickly, trying to avoid the subject. “Le Fox, anything?”

“Ze scent is faint but it’s fresh,” Le Fox said, raising her head from the ground. “I can smell ze Police too, Iron Hoof was definitely just here not 10 minutes ago, you know ze ugly one with ze crow.”

Indeed, the group knew who Le Fox was talking about, and more to the point they knew what that meant for their missing friends.

“If that bird gets even remotely close to the others then Dripfang won’t stand a chance with his allergies,” Shimmer said with a worried look upon her face. “They’ll be sitting ducks.”

“Then we must find the others first,” Luna said with a serious tone.

“Agreed,” Jack added.  “Le Fox, can you pick up on anything else?”

“Hold on,” Le Fox said, taking in another sniff from the ground. “Well that’s strange.”

“What is it?” Twilight asked.

“Zere is a new scent, fresher zan ze last,” Le Fox explained. “But it’s… it smells like it’s coming from underground heading in zat direction… ugh, and something else, some kind of foul stench clouding their odour.”

Upon seeing Le Fox clenching her nose in disgust, Jack’s eyes suddenly widened in realisation

“The old catacombs,” he gasped.

“What are the old catacombs?” Luna asked.

“When I last came here I took the liberty of memorising every possible escape route,” Jack explained. “Upon my search I found several waterways that run underneath Prance right towards where we left the boat if Le Fox can smell the others’ scent from underground then they must have found one of the escape tunnels that lead down there.”

“Let’s just hope the police don’t find it too.” Shimmer said.

“You say that they’re heading in that direction Le Fox?” Twilight asked, pointing her hoof eastward.

“Oui,” Le Fox confirmed with a nod. “Right towards ze East side of town.”

“Then we better get moving,” Shimmer said. “I don’t like being in one spot for too long in this sort of situation for long.”

However before Shimmer could lead the group even a few feet down the street, the entire group froze upon hearing a single word from behind them

“Freeze!”

The group then turned and saw 20 or so ponies in blue and white uniforms lead by a large, muscular stallion with a large crow on his shoulder, the Prance Police had found them.

“Halt in ze name of Prance!” Iron Hoof shouted.

“Oh great, these chumps again.” Shimmer  said, face hoofing

Suddenly a single word escaped Jack’s lips

“RUN!!!” he screamed.