I blink and it seems as the world around me is falling apart. Pieces of building flying through the air. I see a bright pink unicorn running away with a small bundle of blue cloth. A large, dark pegasus flies into the battle, guarding the pink mare. She just keeps running.
I awake with a start and rub my head. “Why is it always the same dream?” I ask myself standing up. I stretch my blue wings and legs. I may be little now, but that's going to change. I've been alone for a while now. I stay here next to this crystal pond. This place is most of what I know. There is a bigger world out there. I go to a port that is run by pirates, that is a three day walk, to get food.
I've been here for almost a month now, and still, nopony has come to look for me. I've learned a little language from the pirates but nothing that you can shake a stick at. I'm not one for speaking, but I can at least write. I haven't any memory of who I am or where I came from. All I know is this place, but that's going to change. Today, I set out on an adventure.
I gather what food I have and fill a hollow gourd with water. I decide to head east, away from the pirate port. Very unlikely they would help a lost foal anyway. I make my was across the barren land to the shore. I stop by the large dragon skeleton to rest for the day. The sun quickly begins to set as I look into the twilight.
“I wonder what lays beyond that horizon?” I ask myself as I lay down to sleep. I awake before the dawn and head out. I can already smell the sea, two more days and I'll be there once more. The next day and a half are, uneventful. I must have been walking faster than normal because I arrived at the sea at noon on the third day. I look at the sea with gladness in my eyes. The sea will be my guide until I find another port.
The journey to the next port takes almost a month. I ran out of food and had to scavenge for water, but I finally made it. I pull my cloak over my shoulders as I walk into the small trading town. I feel so small and out of place. I run into a light gray earth pony which makes me stumble. I start to back away, not sure what to say.
“Easy there little one,” he says with a smile. “Ya new around these parts, eh?” he asks looking at me. I nod my head, not knowing what else to do. “Are ya lost? Where's ya mother?” he asks taking a step forward.
“I... I don't know where she is,” I say. My heart is racing and my ears pounding as I look at the large stallion standing before me.
“Well, what she look like?” he asks looking around.
“I... um... I don't remember,” I say rubbing my head.
“Don't remember ya say. Hmmm. Let's see the cap'n, she might know,” he says with a smile.
He starts walking up a long flight of stairs. I follow closely behind so I don't get lost in the mass of ponies. I feel like I shouldn't be here. I see a sign over a door at the top of the stairs. It reads 'Port Master', this is a little unsettling for me. We walk in the door and I can hear somepony yelling in a different language. I can't see them because the desk is full of papers.
“Port master!” the gray earth pony says with a raised voice to get the busy ponies attention.
“Carl! My dear friend how are you?” a feminine, high pitched voice asks from the other side of the desk.
“We seem to have a lost little colt 'ere, Ma'am” he says pointing to me.
“Have we now? Let me see,” she says as she walks around the desk.
I look at her and she looks at me and smiles. I lower my head and take a step back.
“It's alright little one. You know what?... I had three little ones at one time me self,” she says as she sits down beside me. The golden buttons on her jacket almost jingle as they hit the floor. My eyes widen as I remember her voice. It makes me flinch, which I try not to show, but obviously failed at it.
“You ok there?” she asks.
“I know your voice, I've heard you at the port down the coast,” I say looking at her.
The look of shock on her face is replaced with a wide smile and a chortle. Carl looks at her with a confused expression. She regains her composure after a moment. Wiping a tear from her eye she motions for me to sit next to her. I sit down in front of her with the same confusion in my mind.
“You must be thinking of me sister. She likes to gamble with those pirates to get their money. Clara is her name,” she says with a chuckle. “Now, back to matter at hand,” she says with a caring smile. “What's ya name little one?” she ask.
“I... I don't have one,” I say looking at the wooden floor.
“Don't 'ave a name, well now, that's a shame. A good looking colt like you gotta 'ave a name,” she says in disbelief. I shake my head as I flump to the floor.
“I don't think he's jokin, ma'am,” Carl says with a frown.
Somepony starts yelling in a foreign language at her. She yells over the desk, “ Qu'est-ce que vous entendez l'expédition est en retard?! Faire en sorte que cela se produise, MAINTENANT!”
(Translation- What do you mean the shipment is late?! Make it happen, NOW!”)
I flinch as she raises her voice. “Sorry about that,” she says as she turns her head back toward me. I try to hide under my cloak, which makes her laugh. “Why so shy little one?” she asks with a chuckle. “Captain Amelia ain't gonna hurt ya',” she says lifting my cloak. “Now, where are your parents?” she asks with a caring voice.
I shake my head and say, “I don't know.” I hang my head as I think of not knowing what they even look like. I can hear Amelia thinking. She starts humming as she stands up.
“Carl,” she says after a moment.
“Yes ma'am,” he says standing up straight.
“Go ask all of the port men if they have any reports about strange ponies coming or leaving the port,” she says pointing at the sea.
“What 'bout him?” Carl asks pointing at me.
She looks at me and smiles and says, “He'll stay 'ere with me.” She walks around her desk as Carl walks out the door. “How good are ya with numbers kid?” she asks after a moment.
“I'm not sure,” I say as I walk around the desk so I can see her.
“I'm gonna teach ya something,” she says as she pulls a scroll from her desk. She lays it out in front of me. “This here is a cargo count of two ships that just came in. We need to add the numbers together to get a total that we can ship out,” she says pointing accordingly. She picks up a quill to write. “See, there were four crates of powder on one, and six on the other. Four and six is...”
“Ten,” I say interrupting.
“Very nice,” she says as she writes on the paper. “Now, how many barrels of salt are there?” she asks.
I look at the paper and see seven on one ship and ten on the other. “Seventeen,” I say, more as a question than a statement.
“Perfect!” she exclaims writing the number down. “It seems like you know how to do this. I would like you to finish this sheet for me while I go talk to the gentlecolt over yonder,” she says standing up. She sways her hips as she walks out the door. I shake my head as I look back to the document. I quickly add the numbers together and write them down as I go. I start mumbling as I add the numbers in my head.
“ Thirty-four barrels.... twenty-two crates.... sixteen... forty-five,” I stop mumbling as she walks back in the door. I set the quill down as she walks up beside me.
She looks at the document and sees that I have finished it. She looks at me in surprise. “How did ya do that?” she asks.
I look at the paper and then back at her. “Did I do well,” I ask shyly.
She stands there with her mouth open. “Well, you have a gift there, ya do,” she says looking back at the paper. “If you want, you could stay here and work for the trading company,” she says with a smile.
I start to back up. “I... I just want to find my parents,” I say looking at the ground.
“Well.. a shame to waste such a bright mind, but you seem set on your goal,” she says looking at me. She lets out a sigh and then smiles. “It's been a while since I've been out to sea,” she says looking out the window. “COLIN!” she yells at the top of her lungs. A small, blue earth pony quickly enters the room.
“Yes, ma'am,” he says with a salute.
“Prepare my ship for travel,” she says with a big grin.
“Where to ma'am?” he asks as she walks up to him.
“Round up a crew and supplies for The Breach,” she says with a crooked smile. Colin takes a step back, as if he had been struck.
“Ye.... yes ma'am,” he says as he quickly runs out the door.
I look at her and she looks at me. “Have you ever been on a ship?” she asks as she pull out a scroll. “We're gonna need a map,” she says with a smile. I nod my head as she starts walking. We walks out the door and around the small office. “Silver!” she exclaims to a gray winged pony.
“Ye.. Yes ma'am,” she says dropping whatever she was holding.
“You are in charge until I return,” Amelia says as she continues walking. We walks down a series of steps and planks to the waters edge. I look up and see a ship with large white sails unfurling. “There she is, the Angel. The fastest ship on the Eastern sea,” she says pointing to the large ship. I stand there in awe. I have never been this close to such a large ship. She leads me on board and I am doing circles trying to take everything in. She chuckles at this. “Come on little one. You better stay next to me,” she says with a smile.
Carl runs onto the ship and nearly trips over me. “I'm sorry to report that the others haven't seen any strange ponies coming or going from the port,” he says looking around. “Getting ready for a voyage?” he asks.
“We're gonna take the little one to The Breach to start his search,” she says pointing to me. He looks at me and then back at her. They way he looked at me makes me start to wonder if this was a bad idea. It's too late to turn back now. I hear a load of crates and barrels drop onto the deck.
“THAT'S THE LAST OF IT!” I hear somepony yell from the dock.
“EVEYPONY TO THEIR STATIONS!” Amelia yells as the deck becomes a blur of ponies running here and there.
I follow her up a small flight of stairs to the helm. Everything begins to slow and I can follow the actions of every pony on the ship as my eyes dart back and forth. I follow a pony up the mast to raise the flag.
“SHOVE OFF!” she yells as the ship is pushed forward. The sails fill with wind and the ship lurches forward out of the bay. She takes the helm for a little while as the ship gains speed. “Ya alright there?” she asks as I stumble over to where she is standing.
“I haven't been on a ship before,” I say standing up straight.
“Once we get out to sea and you get your sea legs, I'm gonna teach ya something,” she says with a smile.
Carl walk up and salutes. “We're up to speed Capt'n,” he says.
“Good, take the helm. The lad and I are gonna have a talk in my cabin,” she says walking down the stairs.
She quickly turns at the bottom of the steps and pushes open the wooden door. She closes the door behind me. I see a large wooden desk in the middle of the room. I look over to the left and see a large bed and chest. My thoughts are interrupted when she whistles for me to come over to the left side of the room.
“This is where you will be sleeping,” she say pulling back the curtain. I see a little niche in the wall with a bed tucked inside. A small chest at the head and a small desk with a lantern on it.
“Why are you helping me?” I ask as I turn to face her.
She lets out a sigh as she turns around. “I know how it feels to have a little one taken from you. One of my little ones was taken by the sea when he was just a foal. I know the heart ache that comes when a mother looses a little one. That is why I am helping you,” she says as she wipes a tear from her eyes.
I lower my head. I feel really bad for asking her now. I slowly raise my head and say, “Thank you.”
“Don't go thanking me yet. You have a rough three months ahead of ya,” she says with a grin. I look at her with a question on my face. “You think this here is gonna be a free ride ya have another thing coming. You will be under my command and teaching for this voyage,” she says walking to the trunk at the foot of her bed. She takes out a red wool coat and lays it on her bed. Returning to the chest, she motions for me to come over. She pulls out a smaller red coat and holds it up for me to see. “This was my sons when he was about your age. Try it on,” she say handing it to me.
I untie my cloak to reveal my feathery wings. She takes a step back in surprise. “I thought you were an earth pony,” she says taking another step back. I fold my wings up as I put the coat on.
“I am sorry if it frightens you, my wings that is. If you wish, I shall continue as an earth pony. I'll just keep my wings under the coat,” I say with a smile. It takes her a minute, but she eventually snaps out of whatever trance she was in.
“I'm sorry, I haven't see a pegasus in a very long time,” she says hanging her head.
“I am sorry that I remind you of something that you wish to forget,” I say putting my hoof on hers. She looks up at me with teary eyes. “Let's go get some air, shall we?” I ask leading her to the door. The wind picks up a little as we walk up to the helm.
“Hows our baring Carl?” she asks.
“The wind is working with us and we are on course Capt'n,” he says not moving his head.
She takes over the helm and moves the wheel a little bit. The wind catches the sails and the ship juts forward a little more. Carl lays down and motions for me to come over.
“Nice coat. It looks good on ya,” he says looking at me with a smile. “Would you like to see the compass?” he asks.
“Where is it?” I ask looking around.
“Stand on my back and I'll show you,” he says with a smile.
I clumsily get up on his back. He stands up, which makes me wobble a little. He stands behind Amelia and watches her for a moment.
“You see that large round thing on the other side of the helm?” he asks. I stretch my neck to see what he was talking about.
“Yes,” I say more as a question.
“That's the compass. It tells us which direction we are going. Right now we are headin' North East,” he say.
I look at the compass and see it wobble and bob inside its glass dome. I slide off Carl's back and walk around the helm to the wooden box in which it sits. I look off to the sun in the Western sky and then back at the compass.
“Your compass is off,” I say staring at it.
“What do ya mean lad?” Amelia asks.
“The sun points West, right?” I ask. Amelia and Carl both shake their heads. “According to your compass it's about... 10 degrees off,” I say looking at it.
Carl and Amelia look at each other, then at the compass, and then at me.
“Where did you learn that from?” Amelia asks.
“I learn by seeing. If I can see it, I can learn it,” I say looking back to the compass. “Please stop staring at me. It makes me... jittery,” I say.
They look at each other and whisper something. Looking back at me Captain Amelia smiles.
“If you weren't on this quest I would recommend you to the Royal Academy,” she say looking at me.
Something here is making me uncomfortable, so I head to the bow. I walk up the bowsprit and lay down on it about half way. I lay there and watch as the water moves under the ship. My mind quickly begins to wander as I lay there. Questions begin to race through my head. “Who am I... Why am I here... Who were my parents.” I ask myself out loud. I look up as the sun is blocked by a cloud. I look off in the distance and see something that isn't right. Abandoning my thoughts I quickly run back to the helm.
“What is it child?” Carl ask as I catch my breath.
“Some.... thing... not... right... Storm... maybe...,” I say through big gaps of breath.
Amelia and Carl look at each other. Carl takes the helm as she pulls out a small telescope from inside her blue jacket. She gasps as she see the oncoming storm.
“What is it Ma'am?” Carl asks.
“We got one mean looking hurricane commin' this way,” she say turning around.
“There's a port West of here we could dock at until it passes,” Carl says nodding towards the sun.
I can see her thinking. Her mind is working. 'But why wouldn't she want to go to the dock,' I think to myself.
After a moment I speak up. “The storm is heading in a South West direction. We can either head West and risk getting stuck in the storm, or we can head East and try to avoid it. Heading East will add time to our travel, but it will more than likely save us in the end,” I say watching the clouds move.
“Capt'n... I..,” Carl sputters.
“LISTEN TO THE BOY!” an old crew mate yells drawing our attention. He is missing a leg and an eye, and white mane and tail tell part of his story.
Amelia and Carl look at each other and nod. Carl turns the ship toward the now darkening horizon. The old pony smiles an almost toothless smile. I take a step back, almost afraid of him.
“That's just Ol' Hob. He's a harmless one,” Amelia says with a smile.
“Come 'ere boy,” the old pony says as he turns around.
I look at the captain with fear in my eyes. She nods with a smile which gives me little ease. I slowly walk down to where the old pony had stopped. He quickly turns around and starts to stare at me. His eye almost looks like a clouded marble. It's white glossiness burns into me like a hot flame.
“Yer a special one, ye are. Ya got somethin' 'bout ya that makes ya differn' from da rest. I've been watchin' ya, ever since ye came ta port. Ya got somethin' inside ya,” he says with a strange smile. I almost fall over at how close he comes to me face. He starts walking to a set of stairs going down into the ship. “Follow me young'n,” he says stepping down.
I follow the old pony down to the lower deck where all the other ponies were on the ship. I hear them all talking and murmuring about this or that. I see some eyes follow, but most just looked away. He leads me to almost the bow of the ship. He opens a door to a small room and walks in. I hesitate at the door for a moment and then enter. As my flank enters the room the door slams shut, nearly catching my tail in it. He lights an oil lantern and sits on the bunk against the wall. As the orange flame flickers on the wall the air becomes stale and silent.
He speaks after a few moments. “I've been through many things, and seen many ponies. You are different than the others,” he says lifting his hind legs up on the bunk and laying down on his back.
“Wait, you are talking normal. What happened to your lisp?” I ask astonished at his change. His voice had become something of an eloquent nature.
“Tis only a show for everypony to see,” he says with a chuckle. “I've been searching for a young'n like yourself. You see things others don't. You stop and see everything going on around you and in that instance you can decide what needs to be done. You see farther and can do astounding things with this gift,” he says. He turns his head to look at me.
“How do you know what I can do?” I ask looking at him with both worry, and wonder.
“I used to have the same gift. That is until them blasted pirates took my one eye, and time dulled the other. There's something else about you, I haven't quite figured it out. I can tell that there is something there that other ponies don't have,” he says rolling over. Laying on his belly he looks up as if looking into the sky. “There are some ponies who only wish to see the world burn. You will meet them on your journey. Now get going, before they think I've done something to ya,” he says with a smile.
I hurry out the door to his room and back up the stairs. The lanterns have been lit and the moon has begun its rise. I run into Amelia as I step on deck.
“Just the pony I was going to go find. I thought you'd gotten lost. I think we should both get some sleep. You've got a big day ahead of you tomorrow,” she says with a creepy smile. I follow her into the captains cabin. She leads me to my bunk. “If you need anything, come to the curtain and stop. I'll be right there to help you. Never, I mean never, enter the other side of the curtain without permission. Do I make myself clear?” she asks in a stern voice.
I nod my head silently. Her voice scared me. I walk to my bunk and lay down. She pulls the curtain to my bed shut and blows the lanterns out in the cabin. I hear her walk to her bed and close the other curtain. “She's hiding something, but what is it?” I ask myself as I lay down to sleep. I remember to take my coat off and hang it on the corner of the desk. No sense losing sleep over it. I lay my head back on the pillow that was given to me. The soft pillow hugs my neck and head. I quickly fall to sleep.
I awake with a start bashing my head on the top of my bunk. I roll out of my bunk and lay on the floor for a moment to make sure my brains were all still intact. I sit up, my head still throbbing. I blink away the sleep left in my eyes. I open the curtain to my bunk. The blackness of the cabin reminds me that it is still the middle of the night. I walk to the door and open it slowly. The quiet creaks of the iron hinges makes me cringe. I peer out to see if any pony was there. Not seeing anyone, I proceed. I know that there is at least a pony at the helm and one on look out. That is fine by me. I needed to stretch my wings. I shut the door behind me and walks out onto the deck. A few lanterns are the only thing lighting the ship. I look up at the stars and stare for a minute. I look at the full moon and all of its glory.
I shake my head, snapping myself out of my own trance. I arch my back and stretch my wings out. I flap them a little lifting my hooves off the wood floor of the ship. I quickly realize that that isn't the best idea. I see the ship slowly move underneath my hooves and drop back to the deck. The sea is rather calm and the wind has died since the evening. The cool night air sends a chill up my spine. I look out the bow of the boat and see that the sun has begun to rise. The orange glow stretches across the eastern horizon. Suddenly the ship turns, throwing me off balance. I watch as the brightening eastern sky drifts to the right.
I walk up to the helm to find Hob standing there. “What are you doing at the helm?” I ask a little surprised.
“Tis me shift,” he says with a smile.
Carl walks up behind me with a smile on his face. “Time to switch shifts Ol' Hob. How was the night?” he asks taking the helm.
“Clear as can be,” Hob grumbles in his usual way as he limps to the lower deck.
“You're up early for a foal. Couldn't sleep?” he asks with a hint of worry in his expression.
I shake my head and answer, “No, I just wanted to stretch my wings. They get tense under that jacket.”
He smiles at me and gives a small chuckle. “What I wouldn't give to be young again,” he says remembering his days of youth. “Why don't you go wake the Capt'in?” he asks with a smile.
I nod my head and head back to the captains cabin. I put the red jacket she had given on. Remembering what she had expressed last night I stand outside of her curtain and stomp a hoof. I hear her walking around on the other side. After a moment she opens the curtain with a huff.
“Thank you for waking me. Let's go see how the winds are faring today,” she says with a smile. I see that she is wearing the red jacket she had taken out o the trunk yesterday. The gold stripes and buttons down the middle seemed to almost glow in the morning light. We walk to the helm together.
“Mornin' Capt'in!” Carl shouts as we walk up the steps.
“How be the winds faring today?” she asks, looking at the cloudless sky.
“Gentle as can be,” Carl says with a smile.
“Good... You ready young one?” she asks looking at me.
“Ready for what?” I ask.
“We start yer training today. I'm gonna teach you how to handle a sword,” she says with a smile.
She walks back to her cabin and I follow her. She opens the trunk at the end of her bed and pulls out two swords and lays them in front of me.
“This is called rapier,” she says picking up one of the long thin swords.
She pulls it out of its sheath to show me. Standing up on her hind legs, she shows me how to hold it with my hoof. I follow her actions. She holds it pointing up and I do the same. I wobble a little, not used to standing on my hind legs like that.
“Let's get you used to the way it feels to move with the sword. I want you to walk around the cabin here. Hold the sword however it is comfortable for you,” she says sitting on the floor.
I take a wobbly step forward, loosing my balance for a moment. I hold the sword pointing to my left so I wouldn't fall on it. I stumble a few more steps and then begin to get the hang of it. I smile and laugh at this. Look over to Amelia and can see she is smiling as well.
“This feels really odd, but I can see how it is easier to fight like this,” I say stumbling back towards her.
“You'll get the hang of it after a little while,” she says with a smile. “I'll show you how to walk a little straighter at least,” she says standing up on her hind legs again. I set my sword down and stand next to her. “Left hoof first... then the right... left, right, left right... Now you're getting it,” she says.
I smile as I follow her steps across the floor. With every step it becomes easier to balance and walk. As time progress, so do I. After a while I begin to feel the affects of lack of food. I drop back down to all four with a grunt.
“It feels really weird to be walking like this again,” I say shaking a little.
“Why don't we take a break and see what there is to eat in the galley?” she asks.
I nod my head and follow her out the door and down to the lower deck. Going around the stairs we enter the galley.
“MR. SILVER!” she yells.
A stark white pony ventures out of the shadows of the galley. He is white from his mane to his tale. He almost seems to glow in the dim light of the lower deck. This earth pony didn't seem like he wold be the sailor type, but what do I know.
“Why, if it ain't the Capt'in. What brings you to grace my humble galley with yer presence?” he asks with a smile and a bow.
“Some food and a mug of cider for the young one and I,” she says sitting down at one of the tables.
“'Aven't seen 'em around. New guy?” he asks looking at me with curiosity in his eyes. He walks closer to me making me jump.
“HE, is the reason we are makin' this voyage. Now, I ordered some food! Where is it?!” she asks with fire in her eyes. The white pony jumps and runs back to cooking. “He's nothin' but a slacker. I keep him around because he is the best cook you could every find,” she says watching him with contempt.
“He doesn't see to be the brightest pony,” I say watching him as he drops a bowl on his head.
“He isn't, you should see his sketch book though. He is an amazing artist,” she says.
He runs out with two plates and two mugs balanced on his head and back. Laying them on the table he quickly returns to work. I manage to squeak out a “thank you” before he runs back to the kitchen. A plate of grilled apples, delicately arranged on the plate. I hesitantly take a bite out of a piece of apple. It tasted a little strange, but good at the same time. I sat there, eating slowly. Thoughts running through my head. I stop and stare off into the distance.
“Boy!” I hear Amelia shout snapping my back to reality. “You alright there?” she asks looking at me with a worried look. “You're eyes got this strange glow to them,” she says standing up.
“I just zoned out for a moment,” I say shaking my head.
She stares at me for a moment, long and hard. Letting out a sigh she picks up her mug and quickly drinking down the rest of the contents. I do the same so I can follow behind her. We walk back topside. The deck is bustling with ponies running this way and that.
“WHAT THE HAY IS GOING ON HERE!” she yells making everypony stop in their tracks.
“PIRATES!!!” one of the crew members yells running off again.
“BATTLE STATIONS!” she yells with a smile.
She rushes into her cabin and grabs her sword. She tosses me the one I was using earlier to practice with. She pulls a large hat with a feather out of her trunk. It's golden buckle and huge black feather stands out against her body.
“It's been a long time old friend,” she says with a broad smile. She sighs and pulls out a small gold locket. “Has it really been that long?” she asks herself. She sighs again and slams the trunk shut. “We got some pirate tail to kick,” she smiles again as she struts out of the cabin. I follow behind her.
The dark ship is closer now. I can see the ponies who are all yelling and clanging their swords. Amelia pulls out her telescope and scouts the boat.
“There is about fifteen of them, most look like they can't even walk straight,” I say staring at the blackened sails. “The one at the helm seems to be the only sober one among them. He should be the captain,” I say.
“Ya got some eyes on ya kid,” she says looking at me with a grin.
As the ship comes closer it explodes. Pieces of wood and metal fly past me in slow motion. I see a large chunk heading for Amelia. I shove her out of the way just as the piece hits me in the flank. I hear her scream and the pirates all screaming for help out in the water. I smile as the pain hits me. I can at least go knowing that I did something good with my life. The pain mixes with another feeling that is new to me. I can feel something moving down my leg as the light begins to fade to a black abyss.
I awake in a blackened plane. “Hello,” I say as it echos around in the empty space. I feel a almost burning sensation in my right flank. Doing my best to ignore it, I try to find something, anything. I attempt to walk, but end up falling to the ground.
“Never thought I'd see you here,” a voice says from somewhere in the darkness.
“Show yourself!” I demand gritting my teeth in pain. A blue unicorn with black and white mane and tail walks into what little light there was in this dark place. “Who are you?” I ask looking at the pony, he looks like me.
“I was your twin, but I died before we could be born,” he says stepping closer to me.
“Why are you here?” I ask trying to back away a little.
“I'm trying to keep you alive. You die here, it's over. You have accomplished nothing!” he exclaims swinging his hoof.
“Where are we?” I ask trying to stand again.
He walks over and helps me up. I put one of my legs over his shoulder to help me balance.
“As to where we are, this is your subconscious. I'm your bodies last resort to keep you alive. Do you remember mom and dad?” he asks looking at me.
“I can't seem to remember anything about them,” I say looking into the blackness.
My dream flashes in the black. As it plays I look at the other pony with me.
“That's them,” he says with a smile. “Fleethoof and Iron Wings, the best war ponies anypony has ever seen,” he says watching my dream.
I fall to the ground once more, screaming in pain. My heart begins to race and my head starts hurting.
“Looks like someone wants you back.... See you again brother.... someday,” I see him smile as he and his voice fades into the black.
†††††††
I sit up gasping for air. I hear Amelia scream and quickly put her coat on. She rushes over to me and puts a cold rag on my head, laying me back down.
“What happened? Where am I?” I ask frantically.
“Calm down. You are in my bed. You've been out for almost a week,” she says dabbing my forehead.
“The only thing I remember is the other ship exploding,” I say rubbing my head.
“You pushed me out of the and got hit with a large piece of wood. It mangled you pretty good. I don't think anything got broken,” she says pulling the blankets up to my chin. “Now you just lay here and rest,” she says with a loving smile. She walks over and picks up the bowl of water she was dabbing the rag into.
“I... I know who my parents are,” I say.
She drops the bowl of water she was carrying and stands there with her mouth open. “Wha... wha... how?” was all she could stammer out.
“It's hard to explain,” I say looking at her.
She rubs a hoof against her head. “I just... don't understand. How could you have found out who they are?” she asks. Her confusion was only intensified as I try to explain.
“While I was unconscious, I met my dead twin brother. He told me about them,” I say.
She shakes her head, only more confused by the whole situation. “I need some air,” she says walking outside.
“I have to find them,” I say looking at my hooves. “I know they are out there,” I say gritting my teeth.
Throwing the covers off I try and get out of the bed. Unable to move my right hind leg I stumble a little but manage to get out of the bed. I can feel the pain pulsing through my leg, but I can't let that stop me. I hobble to the door, pushing it open I hear Amelia gasp. I stumble a little, but manage to catch myself.
“You should be in bed resting,” her panicked tone tells me she cares that much.
“I've been sleeping for over a week ma'am. I think I need to try and help some,” I say with a half hearted smile.
I can feel everypony watching me, but I am okay with that. I want them to see that I am strong, that I can do this. I stumble a few steps but manage to make it to the bow. I can feel the pain but I ignore it as much as I could while I watch the setting sun. I lay here and watch as it dips below the horizon. The stars begin to come out, one at a time, until the night sky is full to the breaking with them. I know, somewhere, they are looking at the same stars that I am. After a while I decide to go back to the captain's cabin to sleep. It takes me a moment, but I eventually make it up. I hobble my way back to the cabin. Pushing the door open I hear Amelia quickly slide her curtain shut.
“What is she hiding?” I ask myself. I shrug it off and head to my bunk. I close my curtain and lay down. I stare at the wooden ceiling for what seems like and eternity, until I finally drift off to sleep.
†††††††
The next month is spent trying to get my leg to heal and being able to walk properly. Much time is spent falling on my face. By the end of the end of the fourth week I was finally able to stand on my hind legs without falling. I had to retrain myself on how to balance. The wound on my flank has healed, but a long wide scare is there in its place. After much rest and begging, Amelia has agreed to train me again. I can tell by the way she acts around me that she blames herself for my injury. I can see it in her eyes as she watches me walk.
I walk up to her after a training session. “I know you blame yourself for what happened to me...”
“But..” she tries to interrupt, but I continue talking.
“But it isn't your fault. I chose my actions and knew what might be the consequences of that action,” I say looking at her. I can see tears in her eyes. “Now, don't be doing that. There is not need to cry. I am fine and everything will be as it was,” I say with a smile as I wipe the tears off her cheek. She breaks down there in her cabin. She slumps to the floor, sobbing. I sit there and wait as she cries her eyes out.
“I'm.... I'm sorry you had to see that,” she says standing up. She wipes her eyes with a snotty sniff. “It's just... It's the same way that my son had died. He... he was killed by pirates, he was very young when it happened, and.... and I thought I was going to lose you,” her eyes tear up again as she sniffs again.
I put my hoof on her shoulder. She looks up at me with tears in her eyes. “I am still here. I'm still breathing,” I say with a smile.
She rubs her nose and stands to her feet. She smiles at me and picks her sword up. “Let's get back to training again then,” she stands on her hind legs and I do the same.
We continue my training for the next week. I can still fell a pain in my flank, but it is endurable. We are about half way through our journey to The Breach. We can see them on the horizon. I lay my head on the railing of the ship and let out a sigh.
“Everythin' alright lil' one?” Mr. Silver asks as he joins me.
I let out another sigh, my mind elsewhere.
“I know how it feels to have lost something,” he says sitting down. “My parents were taken from me when I was 'bout yer age,” he says, looking off into the sun. “I might not be the smartest pony ye ever met, but I know a thing or two,” he lets out as sigh.
“I don't even know who they are, but I know what they look like now,” I say standing up.
“I... I could draw them for ya,” he says jumping to his feet. He pulls out a small sketch book and pencil from the pouch on his left flank.
“You'd do that for me?” I ask looking at the stark white pony.
“Well, yeah. I love drawin' in the first place,” he says with an excited smile.
“Thank yo...” I start saying before I hear the captain yell.
“SILVER!!! GET YOU FLANK BACK IN THAT KITCHEN!!!” she screams at him from the helm. He quickly picks up his book and pencil and rushes back to where he belongs. “Young one! Climb those shrouds and keep your eye out for storms!” she yells pointing to the top of the main mast.
I hesitantly start climbing. The ship seems to sway more when you are off of the deck. I slip a little, but catch myself. I climb to the top of the mast to see better. The wind is much stronger up here. The wind picks up and catches the sails, making the ship shift forward. Knocking me from the top of the mast. I can hear Amelia screaming over the rush of wind through my eyes. I manage to catch a rope on the way down. Nearly ripped my legs off, but I stopped falling. Using the rope I climb my way back down. As my hooves touch the ground I get tackled to the ground.
“Are you alright?!” Amelia asks, almost yelling.
“I'll be fine, once I can stand up,” I say with a chuckle. She quickly lets me up, clearly embarrassed by the color of her cheeks. I roll each of my joints, making sure everything was where it was suppose to be. “I believe I'll be fine. I will just be sore for a few days,” I say with a smile. She lets out a nervous chuckle, I could tell she was still shaken by it. My smile quickly turns as I hear something off in the distance. My ears perk up and start turning to find the noise.
“What is it?” she asks looking around.
I quickly run, rather hobble, to the bow. I close my eyes for a moment and open them back up. Scanning the horizon in search for whatever make the noise. I hear it again, but closer this time. I look up and see a large bird flying over head. Instinctively, I whistle. The bird circles down and lands on the deck in front of me. I attempt to hide from it with no avail. It walks around Amelia and nudges me with its head.
“It's a messenger hawk, and he seems to like ya,” she says with a smile. The bird stands about as tall as I do. The captain tries to untie the message from the hawks leg. It quickly turns around and screeches at her.
“It's alright. She's a friend,” I say stroking its chest. I bend down and retrieve the message from its leg. I hand it to her and turn my attention back to the hawk. Amelia mumbles to herself as she reads the letter. The hawk nuzzles its head against my chest, throwing me off balance. The crew laughs as they gather around to see what the commotion was about.
“Looks like we will be havin' us an escort the rest of the way. The Breach is sending a ship to meet us so we can restock on some supplies and finish the trip. One of their special ships should be here by morning,” she says rolling the letter up again. She chuckles as the hawk knocks me over and keeps nuzzling me with its head. “And looks like you've made a new friend,” she says with another chuckle. “Looks like you fond somethin' else too,” she says nodding toward me.
I look at my flank and see it glowing. A hawk and a coil of rope show up on my flank. I sit there for a moment, not sure what to do. The crew lets out a loud cheer.
“Hard cider all around tonight!” one of them yells over the crowd, making them even more excited. I sit there, confused. After a moment, Amelia catches onto my confusion.
“You alright little one?” she asks walking up to me.
“I'm not sure why everyone is so excited,” I say, looking around at all the happy faces.
“It's a big deal when a foal gets their cutie mark. It is their identity. It signifies their special talents and when a pony figures out theirs, it is a special day. That is why everyone is so happy,” she says motioning to the crew. I smile as the hawk knocks me over again. I start laughing along with the crew.
The rest of the day was spent celebrating. Everyone on the ship was drinking and being happy, all but one that is. I spent the time on the bowsprit, thinking of my parents. A moment like this and I can't share it with them. I sit there and watch the stars come out as the sun begins to set.
“I wonder... if they can see the same stars that I am seeing right now. I wonder... if they can see the moon as I see it now,” I say looking up at the bright night stars. The hawk flaps his wings as he lands in front of me. “Looks like you won't be leaving me any time soon,” I say with a chuckle as I stroke his feathers. “Keep an eyes out for our escort, if you would,” I say as he takes off into the sky.
I envy him, I really do. Being able to fly up there. I haven't been off the ground to fly in a long time. It is really hard to so so while at sea though. I have a feeling that I'll have to use my wings a lot here in the near future.
“Calm night, ain't it?” Silver asks walking up behind me.
“Sure is,” I say looking at the water.
“Thinking about your parents?” he asks with concern in his voice. I only nod my head.
“Do you miss your parents?” I ask after a moment. He puts his hoof to his chin as if picking his words carefully.
“Some nights are harder than others, but I manage. I know that they loved me with all their hearts and that even now they are lookin' over me,” he says looking up at the stars. “Now isn't the time to be thinkin' of such things! You should be celebrating!” he says changing the subject.
I smile and say, “But I'm too young to drink.” We both laugh as I walk down the bowsprit and join the white stallion on the deck. “I think I am gonna hit the hay. I've had enough excitement for the day,” I say with a smile.
“We'll see ya in the mornin' then,” Silver says with a smile.
I nod as I head into the captain's cabin. I can hear everpony having fun down in the galley. Yelling and drinking to their hearts content. All of this because an image appeared on my flank. Maybe I just don't see the significance of it yet. I let out a heavy sigh as I undo the buttons on my jacket. I stand up on my hind legs and let it fall to the floor. I stretch out my wings. I can feel every feather and muscle tighten and relax. I put my front hooves back on the floor and let out another sigh. I lay down in my bunk and think about all that had happened in the day that had past. I slowly drift off to sleep.
