Off Course

by Bottled Tension

Rating: everyone
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Princess Luna, Original Character, Comedy, Adventure, Pinkie Pie
Length: 5010

The Mane Six are going to sea with Applejack's pirate uncle! But things may not be as fun as they seem on the Harmony's Heave.

When Pinkie Pie needs an internship while the Cakes are gone, she finds Applejack's uncle, Scurvy, and Pinkie, as well as the mane six, join him on his trade ship, the Harmony's Heave, to Manehattan and the Griffin Yonders. There they meet the unicorn captain, Avast, and a young, mysterious unicorn named Toran. While it may all seem like a fun, calming trip on the sea, the trip's course changes for everypony when secrets are revealed and intentions shown.

Cover Art made by the talented AJxKS35

Published 2013-12-08 22:10:03 UTC
Last updated 2013-12-31 22:31:18 UTC

Getting Scurvy

Off Course

Pinkie Pie sat at the front counter of Sugarcube Corner, surrounded by a colossal stack of ancient books and albums. The pink party pony was at the moment looking through a dusty brown scrapbook, her snout deeply embedded into the pages, making her oblivious to the ever growing line of angry ponies waiting to have their orders taken.

“What the hay is goin’ on around here?!” a certain honest country pony shouted from the back. “I ain’t got all day just to pick up some cupcakes!”

Pinkie instantly gazed up from her tome, the harsh tones of one of her best friends reminding her of her OTHER job. Extending her arm to an impossible length, she soon pushed every scroll and novel to the other room.

“Oh, I’m super-duper trouper sorry everypony, I won’t let it happen again, Pinkie promise! I’ve just been really busy lately with some future pla…”

“Just get me my croissants!” the first pony in line exploded. “I’ve been waiting in this line for two hours…I’m going to go insane!”

“Oh, I know what it’s like to go insane…” Pinkie whispered.

Soon, everypony was given their sweets, and the line dissipated. Applejack was last, and wanted to know what was going on with her favorite Pink Pal.

“What were ya doin’, Pinkie? I don’t usually see your head buried in books. Somethin’ botherin’ ya sugarcube?” she asked as she took her rainbow frosted cupcakes. However, when she looked up, her friend was nowhere to be seen. “I’ll just ask her at the pony pet playdate later today…” she sighed.

Later that day, in the Ponyville Park, all of the mane 6 had gathered for their weekly pet get together. As usual, Angel was abusing Fluttershy, Rarity was grooming Opalescence, Twilight was analyzing Owlowicious’s bone structure, and Rainbow Dash was trying to fix Tank’s helicopter pack. However, Pinkie and Gummy were nowhere to be found. Applejack was a little worried though, of all of her friends she hadn’t expected Pinkie to be late to any party related event. She thought it may have had to do with what happened at Sugarcube Corner earlier that day.

“Have any of ya’ll seen Pinkie yet? When I saw her today, she was acting weirder than a rattlesnake at a triathlon! She wasn’t focused at all, and she was readin’ all these giant books!”

“So what?” Rainbow Dash replied as Tank began to rise up, “She’s Pinkie Pie, she’s always acting weird and random. She’ll probably come any moment, she was probably polishing her party cannon or flossing Gummy or something like that.”

“What’s so wrong with reading books? Books are the most amazing things you can bury yourself into! Why, once I went a whole week just reading the entire history of Equestria, it was so interesting, especially the Griffin Wars! The sea battles they had there would go on for weeks, sometimes even months, oh and don’t even get me started on…” Princess Twilight had gone into one of her book tangents, and there was no stopping her. Everyone began to sigh, until Applejack felt a drip of liquid come out of a tree.

“What in tarnation…?” Pinkie Pie was laying on a branch of a tree, hidden from everypony, books still surrounding her as she laid, and her head resting on a large atlas. Pinkie was fast asleep, and she had made a trickle of drool flow down the tree branch. “Oh, there you are Pinkie. What was goin’ on this morning, and why are you still surrounded by books?”

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!” Twilight began to shout as she teleported to Pinkie’s side. “My atlas! Pinkie, you got drool all over this! Do you realize how much it costs to get a Royal Equestrian Atlas nowadays? I may be a princess, but I sure am no Fancy Pants!”

Pinkie’s eyes immediately fluttered open, and she jumped.

“Oh I am soooo sorry Twilight, I just haven’t slept for days, and I couldn’t control myself.” She was beginning to sniffle, and soon tears escaped from her eyes like fire hydrants.

“NO! You’re going to get all of these books wet!” Twilight screamed as she teleported all the books away and Pinkie to the grass.

Rarity stopped braiding Opalescence’s fur and walked up to Pinkie. “Even though they say curiosity killed the cat,” Opal meowed at her. “…I suppose Applejack’s curiosity is contagious. What were you doing up there Pinkie?”

“Well, I’ve been looking for some family to visit for a month.” Pinkie admitted.

“What? Pinkie, why are you leaving?” Fluttershy asked, swatting Angel aside from her mane.

“Well, you guys know how the cakes are going to Fillydelphia this month? Well, after that whole baked-bads incident a while back, they’re still worried about how I’d manage the bakery while they’re gone, so they’re closing it down until they get back.”

“Well, you don’t have to leave, sugar cube,” Applejack responded. “I mean, you can still rent your apartment upstairs while they’re gone. You don’t need to find somewhere else to live.”

“I know that, but without the Cakes, it would be so boring to be alone for a wholesale month. I’d go super loco in the coco!” Pinkie’s eyes rolled around and around before she fell to the floor. “Anyway, I want to try a new mini apprenticeship, have a little change of scenery! Imagine, I could be baking and/or partying on the moon,” Pinkie jumped, and she slowly fell back down, “Oh, or maybe, I could be the apprentice of a famous sailor-mouthed chef!” Pinkie took out two knives and started grinding them together.

“I doubt you’ll find any opportunities like that.” Rainbow Dash whispered.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying Dashie!” Pinkie came out from behind her Pegasus pal. “My family has been rock farmers ever since the dawn of time, and not a single family member so far has given me anything to offer!”

Applejack had been thinking, when suddenly, a light bulb lit up in her head. “Well, I can’t offer you a job on the moon or a job on Tartarus’ Kitchen, but I just so happen to know someone who may take you under his hoof!”

Pinkie’s neck stretched all the way to Applejacks face. “Oooh, who?”

“Prepare yourself Pinkie, I’m gettin’ you a job on the Harmony’s Heave!”

All the other ponies looked at Applejack with confusion. Applejack continued,

“A royal Equestrian fleet ship, manned by my Aunt Orange’s brother, Scurvy!”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hey Twilight, welcome back!" Spike greeted to the six mares walking in the library. "I didn't think you'd...!" Suddenly, he burped a letter from Princess Celestia out of his signature green fire, into the purple alicorn’s face.

My dearest Twilight,

I have been flooded with requests from all over Equestria for the presence of their newest princess, and of course, the ponies that made her ascension possible. Manehattan will be hosting an elite exhibition gala in two weeks, and the citizens have been begging to see all of you. I will also be attending, as well as Princess Luna, Cadence, and Shining Armor. Enclosed is a page in which you may write who is going with you. We won’t be having ticket troubles again. Feel free to bring as many ponies as you wish. I will see you soon.

With fondest regards,

Princess Celestia

“Girls, I guess we’re going to Manehattan.” Twilight monotonously said as she levitated the letter to the other side of the room. “Well Pinkie, I guess you can’t be a pirate pony, you have to come with us to the big city.”

Pinkie Pie had been wearing a pirate costume during the entire trip to Twilight's library after Applejack’s announcement, and she couldn’t help but sing pirate songs every other minute. As Pinkie heard Twilight, her eye-patch popped off and her hair began to deflate.

“But, but, I want to be a PIRATE PONY!” Pinkie began to cry.

“You can’t just refuse Princess Celestia, Pinkie, if she says we’re going, we have to go.”

Applejack interjected. “Now just wait a minute.” Pinkie’s hair began to inflate again. “Of course Pinkie can do both. Scurvy told me all about the ship’s journey at the last reunion, and it just so happens that Pinkie can do 'em together.” Applejack grabbed a map from the corner.

“Now look here, Scurvy told me that next week the ship will be starting its course in Baltimare, it’s docked right now at Horseshoe Bay. Scurvy told me the ship is mostly used for trading with Griffins, and that they’ll need to go to Manehattan for a few days for supplies and exports. I’d say that the ride would take 5 days tops, and Pinkie would be able to be at the gala early. Heck, we could even go with her. I’ve always wanted to see how it is on a ship.”

Fluttershy jumped into the conversation. “Oh, I’ve always wanted to commune with the creatures of the sea, it would be so amazing to meet so many types of creatures…I mean, if it’s okay with you, Pinkie, if I tag along.”

“Maybe we could rendezvous with Pinkie for a few days.” Rarity chimed in. “I’ve heard that the air and water is simply divine for the pores, and who knows, I may come up with some ideas for my fashion line. I can picture it now, Saltwater Styles! Or is that too tacky?”

“Out on the sea like that, I could practice some new moves I’ve been trying to practice.” Rainbow Dash spouted as she flew over the others. “I wouldn’t have weather duty getting in the way, and I also need to work on my swimming for the new Iron Pony Competition section next moon.” Rainbow swam through the air, when she hit a wall and Twilight became covered in texts.

“Well, as fun as all of that sounds,” Twilight muffled while trying to tunnel out of her own books, “It would be much more efficient for us to go directly on a train instead of a boat. After all Applejack, did you even ask your uncle if Pinkie could be his apprentice?”

“Well, no, I didn’t yet, but I'll bet my hat if he doesn't say yes. After all…” Applejack leaned in close to Twilight, “You bookworm types never get to study oceanography and all that stuff outside. Besides, this could be a good way for our new princess to get herself familiar with the whole foreign affair deal.”

Twilight gasped.

"Pinkie, we're going to get you aboard the Harmony's Heave!"

“Hooray! Boat Partaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!”

“Package for Mr. Scurvy,” A grey pegasus swerved into a bar at Horseshoe Bay, where a dreadlocked pony lay asleep, salt surrounding his lips. The unnamed mailmare was pointed to Scurvy by the owner of the saloon, and while attempting to tap him awake, dropped the box on top of his head.

“Yarr, what ye be wantin’, lass?” The pony took a sword from his side and pointed it to the pegasus’ snout, where she began to have her eyes move in opposite directions of distress. “I could slice you up like a carrot. A grey, cute carrot.”

“Uh, I just have a package for you sir, direct from Ponyville. I didn’t mean any harm. I just don’t know what went wrong…”

“Ugh, it be fine. Just don’t be droppin’ any packages on salt-drunk ponies, it could get ye in a mess of trouble one of these days. Trust me, I’ve seen it all,” He sighed as he slid his blade back to his side. “Now, what be in this package anyway? It be as heavy as a bag O’bricks!” He carefully opened the box, when suddenly, explosions of confetti jumped out, accompanied by polka music and a cake.

“What the-”

A recording started to play from the cake, going as fast as lightning.

“Oh my gosh, Oh Mr. Scurvy, my name is Pinkie Pie and I’m friends with your niece Applejack, and I just heard you’re going on a super awesome Pirate ship and you’re gonna be fighting evil sea monsters and opening portals and going over the end of the Earth and having fun… and Partying! And-”

“Well howdy Uncle Scurvy, this is your niece Applejack, and my friends and I, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Princess Twilight Sparkle...” Scurvy could hear a voice groaning in the background, “...and especially Pinkie Pie, the mare you heard at the beginnin’, asking to join you on your trading excursion to Manehattan. We’d all be as pleased as plums if we could come aboard. Write back soon…”

“Say Yes! I’ll bring cupcakes!!”

“Hmmm, so my landlubber niece Applejack and her friends wants to join the crew, eh?” He asked to himself. “Better ask Avast about that...and I better stop talking to myself.”

Scurvy boarded one of the ships docked outside, and immediately knocked on the door of the Captain’s quarters, when the door magically opened.

“What is it, Scurvy?” the captain seemed annoyed with his lackey’s presence. Scurvy took the recording from his saddlebag and played it in front of his boss. “Hmmm. Yes, I suppose they can come,” A smile spreading on his face. “We could always use more ponies in the crew.”

Scurvy replied, “I’ll get to writing a response right away sir.” He took a quill and parchment from his cap. “I can’t wait to see my niece, and there was that one pony who sounded like she was eating too much sugar. I think I’d like her. And I’ve also never seen a real princess before.”

“Yes, I can’t wait to meet them as well.” Captain Avast responded with a smile on his face.

Author's Note

Coolio! My first fanfic! I'll be adding more chapters soon, and quickly, hopefully. They'll all probably be longer than the first. Please leave comments below and tell me what I could do to become a better writer!

Sail-utations

Chapter 2: SAIL-UTATIONS

A week later, the Mane Six and Spike arrived at Horseshoe Bay, early in the morning. The dock was thick with fog, and the ponies couldn’t see the ship anywhere.

“How the hay are we supposed to get on the ship if we can’t even find it?” Applejack complained. “I can’t even see the hoof in front of my face, its like were treading through soup!”

“Be patient, Applejack,” Twilight responded. “I’ll just cast a spell to clear the fog, and then I’m sure we’ll find the Harmony’s Heave.”

Pinkie Pie interjected, “Yeah, and even if we did have to go through the fog, we could just make it into a game of hide and seek! Did you know that Fluttershy is the world champ?” Fluttershy blushed.

“Only for the past 3 years, it’s nothing major…” Fluttershy elaborated.

“Girls, we won’t be playing hide and seek today…” Twilight began to put her magic to work. As each second passed, the mares were able to see more and more of the landscape, until it was all gone. “Nothing to it.” Twilight smirked, just when the fog began to return, thicker than ever.

“Wow, this is really stubborn fog.” Pinkie exclaimed. “I guess we ARE going to play hide and seek! Not it!” Everypony except Twilight immediately exclaimed ‘Not it!’. “Twilight’s it!”

“Pinkie!” Twilight shouted. “I don’t understand, how could that spell fail? I’ve practiced loads of times!” A burst of energy came from Twilight’s horn, sending it off again, only for it to appear once again, even more opaque. “This can’t be natural fog…”

“...'Cause it ain’t, lass,” A stallion came out from the fog, into the view of the ponies.

“Uncle Scurvy!” Applejack beamed in delight. “It’s so good to see you, It’s seems like it’s been forever since our last reunion.”

“Aye, it’s been quite a while, but we can chat later. We best be gettin’ on the ship. Avast doesn’t like to be late, savvy?” Scurvy led the way, and the group followed behind him. As they walked toward the water, Twilight couldn’t help but ask Scurvy a question.

“What did you mean when you said that the fog isn’t natural?”

“It’s unicorn magic,” Scurvy answered, “The captain of this ship, Avast, be one of the most powerful unicorns I’ve ever seen.”

Rarity poked her head into the conversation. “But why, pray tell, would he be casting fog in the first place? Seems awfully ominous, and just terribly damp for clothing!” She frowned down at her red and gold seamed dress.

“I think you look beautiful no matter what you wear Rarity,” Spike sighed.

“Oh, so kind of you, Spike, but I’ll still need you to bring all my outfits on board.” Spike had been carrying a plethora of bags and suitcases on his tiny, dragon back.

“Anything for you, my lady...”

“White unicorn, ye want an answer to ye question or not?!” Scurvy was fed up with the hopeless romantic dragon. Rarity and Spike went silent. “Anyway, Avast casts the spell before all of our trips to make sure no thieves or pirates can follow us out to port. Nowadays, we need to be extra careful while on the seas. Losing one ship of cargo would be enough to topple the whole system.”

Pinkie Pie popped behind Scurvy and stared him directly in the eye. “Wait, are you telling me you’re not pirates!? And who’s this Avast? Applejack told us that YOU were the captain!” Scurvy chuckled.

“I guess I must have given Applejack here the wrong impression. I ain’t the captain of this ship, I’m just the chef. And you,” Scurvy pointed at Pinkie, “Are going to be my assistant.”

“Aaaw, I thought we were going to plunder villages with parties and sing pirate songs all day long! Oh well, I’ll just have to make it into a party!”

“Eh, the cap’n ain’t much for parties, but you can try,” Scurvy answered. The ponies arrived at the docks, where a sole boat lay. “Ah, here we go!”

The ponies looked at the ship in awe, as it was one of the largest they had ever seen. Extremely regal and rustic, each plank of wood making up the hull was worn, most likely from years at sea. The mast went high up, beyond the ponies’ vision, but they could easily see the large pattern on the sail.

“Hey! That’s Luna’s cutie mark!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Yes, actually, I’ve read about that,” Twilight continued. “Before her banishment, Luna was not only the princess of the night but she also controlled the seas,” The ponies looked at her blankly, “You know, how the moon controls the tides?” They weren’t following. “Nevermind...I do remember from my reading that all Equestrian ships before her banishment had her cutie mark on the sail, to warn enemies. This ship must be a thousand years old!”

“Don’t go makin’ assumptions lass,” Scurvy told the alicorn. “This ship’s only been on the seas for a few years, believe it or not. Avast just likes his sea history, and thought it fittin’ to have the sail in Luna’s honor.”

“Ugh, enough talking!” Rainbow Dash moaned. “Can we get on this ship already? I need some Z’s, I don’t usually wake up at five in the morning!”

A tiny bridge fell to the docks, connecting the dock to the ship.

“Of course, come right in.” a male unicorn replied.

“Ah, there ya be Avast.”

The unicorn was tall and muscular, and very poised. His hair looked like the raging waves themselves, clashing with his white coat. His horn was surprisingly long, and still glowing with a black and white aura. His eyes were grey, and he kept only the slightest smile on his face.

The ponies began to walk up the bridge, each greeting their new captain for the next week.

“Well, Howdy Avast! I’m Applejack, and I’m sure that this trips gonna be a hoot! I sure wish Applebloom could have come, but she gets seasick easy.” Applejack greeted.

“Maybe we shouldn’t greet each other talking about seasickness,” Avast responded. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“My my, a gentleman,” Rarity greeted him, impressed with his beauty. “I must say, for a pony who spends all his time on the seas, you really know how to keep yourself fit and clean. My name is Rarity.”

“Well...thank you, I suppose.” Avast greeted her.

“What about me, eh white pony?” Scurvy was trying to flex in front of Rarity, to no avail.

Rarity looked away. “Uhm, maybe a stallion like yourself should...uhm...uh…” she couldn’t think of anything to say. “Hm, I’ll have to think about this for a moment.” She cautiously fled from his view. As Scurvy mulled over Rarity’s rejection, Fluttershy slowly approached Avast and whispered.

“Uhm, I’m...Fluttershy. Excuse me for asking, but …...” she began to mumble.

“I’m sorry dear, I couldn’t hear the last part of your question. Could you repeat it?”

“Oh, she’s asking if you see a lot of animals in the sea!” Pinkie appeared from inside a barrel.

“Uhm, Yes..” Fluttershy spoke.

“Well, of course!” Avast answered “The East Equestrian waters are known for being the location of thousands of marine life! You’ll see more than a few once we’re sailing!”

“Oh, that’s amazing!” Fluttershy giggled. “I can’t wait. Can’t you wait Angel Bunny?” Angel poked his head from Fluttershy’s mane and scolded her. “Uh, I’ll take that as a yes...”

“Oh oh oh, I’m Pinkie Pie, and I can’t wait, we’re gonna be best friends, and we’ll be Super Boat Buddies! I can see it now! We’ll sail across the world, singing songs and teaching friendship! Oh, we’ll also have to fight giant squid monsters and overcome differences, but I just know we’re gonna have the time of our lives! I can feel a song coming on right now! Do what you want, ‘cause a pirate is free, You are a pirate! Yar Har, Fiddle Di Dee…” Pinkie continued to sing, while Avast looked on in shocked amusement.

“She be the explosive one from the letter.” Scurvy informed his captain.

“I could tell.” Avast spoke while recovered his posture.”Well, it’s nice to meet you. I’m sure that we’ll be the best of friends.”

“We sure will be!” Pinkie exclaimed as she bounced away. Twilight and Rainbow Dash walked up to the platform, and Avast greeted them just like all the others.

“Nice to meet you. I hope you have a wonderful time with-”

“Yeah, yeah, ya know,” Rainbow Dash interrupted. She flew over to Avast, eye to eye. “I’ve been on a boat before, and I’ve done some pretty major swashbuckling before. You know, treasure hunting, crab fighting, that kind of deal.” Twilight rolled her eyes while Rainbow continued facing the captain. “Let’s see if you can offer anything for me.”

“Well,” Avast responded. “I’m sorry to say, but I don’t think I will be able to offer anything like that. But I hope we’ll have a wonderful time nonetheless!”

Rainbow whispered into Twilight’s ear, “This looks like it’s gonna be the opposite of radical. Maybe I should head out with Spike to Manehattan.” Rainbow pointed at Spike, when Avast interjected.

“Your scaly friend won’t be tagging along?”

Twilight flushed with embarrassment as she came up to Avast and shook his hoof. “No, Spike gets seasick easy. We’d prefer to keep the ship clean while here. And Rainbow, this’ll be some good bonding experience for us, seeing how last time we went on the seas, we didn’t have a moment to rest.” she made a little smile and faced the captain. “It’s nice to meet you, my name is Twilight Sparkle.”

“Ah, yes, Equestria’s newest princess. It will be an honor having you on board,” Avast kissed Twilights hoof, allowing the purple alicorn to blush. “Truly, an honor.” He turned to his crew and shouted, “We better get going then!”

The platform was taken,and all the sails were released to the relentless wind. Avast let his horn cease powering the fog, and the entire bay was shown in its full splendor. The sun was beginning to rise above the horizon line of the sea, and everywhere the ponies gazed, red tints beautifully accompanied the lush, tropical surroundings.

“A truly marvelous sight!” Rarity said in awe, then facing the Captain, “...From any angle…”

The ship began to move out, leaving behind the glimmering beach, where Spike was waving goodbye.

“See you in Manehattan, ponies!” Spike called. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be with the princesses. Have fun!”

“See you later Spiky-wikey!”

“Make sure to send my history test to Princess Celestia!” Twilight cried. “Or else.”

“Sea you later Spike!” Pinkie shouted, unable to control her giggles.

______________________________________________________________________

Two hours later, the ponies had finished unpacking their things, leaving their luggage on the bottom floor of the ship.

“This place is dreadful!” Rarity wailed. “These are absolutely NOT five star accommodations! We have to sleep in bunks like, like, uncouth pirates!”

“Well,” Applejack explained, “They never said this was one of those fancy schmancy flying yachts like those ones in Canterlot. At least it’s something new for once. Give it a chance, Rarity.”

“I suppose you’re right, Applejack. I was acting rather childlike to cry over room accommodations.” She pointed at the multiple port holes against the wall. “At least we can get some of that famous Horseshoe Bay air!” She put her face against the window, and began to open it. “Ohoohoo, my coat will be getting a five star treatment from mother nature herself!”

Once she opened the window, water and algae splattered all over her, soaking her entire body. Applejack couldn’t help but chuckle. Rarity, however, was far from happy.

“Of all the worst vacation spots I could choose, this is THE, WORST, POSSIBLE ONE!” She began to fall to the floor, when her levitating sofa appeared from behind her, catching the unicorn before she could fall. “Fancypants was having a soiree on a boat of his own this weekend! Why didn’t I go?” She pouted.

“Oh come on girls!” Pinkie bounced in. “We can make this place super duper cozy!” She began to run around the room, taking different items from each pony, and arranging them, as fast as lightning.

“Pinkie, did you tap into Sugarcube Corner's coffee supply again?” Applejack joked.

By the time Applejack was done asking the question, Pinkie had already completed her task. The room was split into six different sections, each with color schemes fitting the ponies and their personalities.

“Definitely not," Pinkie stuck out her tongue.. “You know I have a strict sugar diet, and coffee's gross. Actually i have a new drink i put together, though. The recipe’s a secret!" she pulled bottles out of her hair, "Anypony wanna try?" The ponies were too in awe to respond. The banal brig they had been assigned was now a bewildering base of operations. Each section had ways for each pony to enjoy themselves to their heart’s content. Twilight had a study with books and a telescope. Fluttershy had knitting supplies and animal reference guides. Rarity had all of her dressmaking accessories out. Rainbow Dash had a few Daring Do books and a trick manual. Applejack had...apples. Pinkie’s side was an exploding pink mess filled with sugary treats and party supplies. “I always get the job done!”

Each pony gasped.

“And they call me the element of generosity…”
______________________________________________________________________

Avast and Scurvy remained in the Captain’s Quarters. Avast spoke to his mate.

“Too bad that dragon couldn’t come along with us,” Avast said to Scurvy. “I enjoy seeing rare creatures.” he smiled.

“Nah, I’m happy the little bugger didn’t come,” Scurvy exclaimed. “Ah don’t trust anyone that don’t have four hoofs to walk with, and those dragons are menaces to food supply, at least I’ve ‘eard.”

“Well, you shouldn’t always trust someone based on the way they look,” Avast explained. “I’ve at least learned that from my experience on the seas.” Another pony walked into the room, and Avast looked up, "Toran?"

"Not that I’m aware of." The pony responded.

"Oh, my apologies sir, I'm still not used to having you on board with us," Avast called to the other corner of the room,“Toran!” A tall, thin unicorn emerged from the other corner. Her coat was an ethereal orange, and her hair long and interchanging between multiple hues of reddish orange. “There you are. While you plot the course for this morning, I want you to set up a little welcome party for our friends. That’s what your talent portrays, right?”

She answered with enthusiasm, “Yes, sir. I can’t wait to meet them! They look like they’ll be a lot of fun to have around on this boring trade ship."

“I can tell they will really make things interesting already. Let’s get everything ready for the trip. Scurvy?”

“Aye aye cap’n, food is fully stocked, exports ready to go, harpoons and cannons fully loaded.”

“Toran?” Avast asked.

“Yes, captain. The course has been set, and I already have plans for today.” Toran handed Scurvy a large rolled up map where she had marked their course.

“And finally, Fancy Pants?” Avast called to the other pony.

“I’m,” He coughed. “I am ready for the excursion. I am sure I will enjoy my time here with you. Definitely.”

“Good.” Avast opened up the map and stared at it. The course was highlighted bright red on the old parchment. The course circled around a few times, and was completely indirect. “Good job, Toran,” the young unicorn smiled. “This new course will bring us exactly where we need to go.”

All the crew scattered to different parts of the ship, preparing for the course and setting up. Avast stayed in his room, his eyes fixed on the parchment. He looked to his horn, cast a spell vanishing the map, and breathed a sigh of relief.

Author's Note

Sorry this took so long, school and vacations and such. Hopefully I'll get them out at a much faster pace. COOLIO