Pirates of Equestria

12: Determination

Shining Armor stares out at the ocean from the edge of the new outpost trying to wrap his head around the recent onslaught at sea. The base of operations had been relocated to allow easier access to the ocean and aid with cooperation with the Royal Coast Guard. For now, the only the prince can think of is the sight of his old friend commanding a ship that tried to kill him. He replays the event over and over again in his head hoping to find some reason that Sky would attack him. Perhaps he did not know that Shining was on board until they locked eyes. But then, why did he order a coup-de-gras volley on the debris of a sinking ship and a lone lifeboat?

Shining looks down at himself still surprised he survived the encounter with such minor injuries. The rest of the crew had not fared so well. Images of the mangled bodies floating in the water continue to flash in Shining’s head. Of the twenty-five members on board, only two besides the prince and Braeburn had survived. Even worse, one of the two other survivors died from his wounds shortly after arriving at the outpost leaving a total of three out of twenty-five still alive from that attack. Sky is truly living up to his nickname as the “Demon Captain.”

Shining continues to try to understand his old friend’s motives until he hears the soft sound of hoof steps behind him. He turns to see Braeburn who walks over and sits beside the prince. The two sit quietly for a full minute before Shining finally draws the courage to speak.

“How are Soarin’s efforts doing?”

“They managed to recover as many bodies as possible, meanin’ eleven are still unaccounted for. They are busy buryin’ the bodies right now.”

Shining stares out onto the ocean again and both sit quietly for another two minutes before Braeburn summons the courage to ask the prince a burning question.

“How’d you and Sky Runner become friends? I mean, if you and he were friends then he couldn’t have always been like this.”

The prince looks at the settler pony with an inquisitive look then smiles. He looks back out at the ocean before answering.

“Sky Runner and I met when we joined the Canterlot Royal Guard. Shortly after your cousin Big Macintosh joined, one of the few earth ponies to join the Royal Guard. Soarin came in sometime later. The three of us were put together in a squad where we quickly became friends, forming a formidable trio.

“Our superiors took note of each of our skills as well as our cohesion with each other. Sky was one of the greatest fighters I had ever seen and Big Mac was an excellent strategist, as well as wise beyond his years. I was said to be a born leader, but I only noticed it myself later. We continued to prove ourselves and were granted a great honor, joining the Elite Guard.”

Shining sits quietly for a moment staring out at the ocean. He smiles as the memories fill his head. Despite these happy memories, his face hides a deeper sadness. Braeburn listens, waiting for the part that is bringing so much sadness to the prince.

“When we joined the Elite Guard,” Shining continues, “we remained together as a squad, joined by Soarin and two mares. Soarin had been added because of his speed and scouting skills while the mares had exceptional skills of their own.”

Braeburn nearly asks about the two unnamed mares but keeps quiet. The mere mention of the two brings about more sadness in the prince prompting the settler pony to wait until a later time.

“After a while, the time came to choose the next Captain of the Royal Guard. As much as I wanted the position, I was sure that Sky would get it. His tactical skills rivaled that of Big Mac, who he always challenged to games of strategy, and he was a better leader than me. But Sky was turned down because his tactics always took high risks and he was always hot-headed, unable to stay calm.

“Big Mac had left the Royal Guard by this point, having left when our group disbanded. And Soarin had transferred to the combat wing of the Wonderbolts. He was still too young anyways. The other two…well…they were gone.”

Again, sadness overcomes the prince as he mentions the two mares. Braeburn keeps quiet and allows the prince to continue.

“In the end, I was chosen to be the next Captain, a decision that Sky resented for a while. He tried to hide it but I saw it. Even so, he still followed my lead. I decided that he would be my successor when I left. It was the only thing I could do for him.”

Shining stands and takes a few steps towards the coast. He picks up a rock and sends it sailing out into the water were it vanishes amongst the incoming waves. Frustration paints the face of the prince as he watches the waves climb the shore before retreating.

“I still can’t understand how, why, he would end up like this,” he says. “I have known him to enjoy fighting and have his moments of violent outbursts, but this…this is beyond anything I’ve ever seen in him.”

Braeburn snaps to attention and gives a salute, smiling as big as he can. “Well then Mister Shinin’ Armor Sir! What is our next step?”

Shining turns to the settler pony and can only smile back. Braeburn definitely has a way of lifting one’s spirit. The prince smiles and returns the salute.

“We need to acquire a new ship and find Sky Runner again.” His salute drops slightly as his emotions weigh on him once more. “If at all possible, I need to talk with him and figure out what is going on with him. I want to know why he turned against the crown and to a life of piracy instead of coming to me for help. I would have done anything to right the wrong against him.”

The somber moment is broken as Soarin flies over with a member of the Royal Coast Guard in tow. The pegasus salutes and begins his report once the other pony catches up.

“We finished burying the bodies and are ready to move out.”

“Thank you,” Shining replies, his mind still not quite at ease at the loss of so many.

“I hear you need a new ship my lord,” the other guard says.

“Unfortunately yes. I am sorry about the other one. Can you help us?”

“As a matter of fact, we just finished construction on a new ship. Given your recent encounter and the fact that you still wish to pursue the Demon Captain, it is only fitting that you receive it as your own.”

“I am very grateful. I will take great care of this one.”

The guard bows and leaves the three alone. Determination builds inside of the prince. Now he is ready to face Sky again. This time, he will be ready.