Propelling to the Unknown

by Doctor D

Rating: everyone
Tags: Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Adventure, Crossover, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Diamond Dogs
Length: 5393

Propeller Knight grows weary of his life and decides to go out and explore the lands over the vast seas with his airship. Too bad he has some stowaways.

After his defeat and pseudo-redemeption at the Tower of Fate, Propeller Knight has begun to change in ways he would never have expected. He began to grow weary of his life of luxury.

Wishing to mend his sudden boredom he is now determined to take his Flying Machine and sail it to see what lies in the unknown lands across the vast sea. Where will his journey take him?

Unfortunately for him, there are a few unwanted stowaways on board.

[An MLP: FiM crossover with Shovel Knight. Warning! Does not contain that much shovelry. I own none of these characters, except the ones I do.]

Published 2014-09-16 22:40:02 UTC
Last updated 2014-09-18 12:27:00 UTC

1 ~ The Weary Knight

Somewhere in the vast world is a Kingdom.

Above this Kingdom, high in the air rests a truly magnificent sight. A massive airship known only as the Flying Machine, a truly unique piece of technology kept afloat by numerous powerful propellers.

And the owner of this grand vessel was none other than Propeller Knight.

The Gyroscopic Jester, who had just a few months ago counted himself amongst his compatriots, the late Order of No Quarter in service of the also late Enchantress. The group of eight knights had been beaten by Shovel Knight in the Tower of Fate and has since been disbanded.

Even to this day Propeller Knight, or any of the Order had no idea what had happened to the Enchantress, but some of them were satisfied with the simple answer that she was no more.

The Knights all parted ways, each going to deal with their own walks of life. Well, except King Knight who was still serving his punishment for overthrowing the true King.

No one cares about King Knight.

Propeller Knight was amongst those of the Order who no longer bore ill-will towards the master of the Shovel who had bested all of them as if it was nothing. He had no reasons to. Since his defeat he had simply enjoyed his life, even holding small parties on his vessel.

But not today. Today Propeller Knight simply lay on his very luxurious quarters, on his very comfortable red silk couch to be specific. While his quarters were on the glamorous side, at least he didn’t overdo it like King Knight did.

Again, no one cared for King Knight, the pompous brigand!

Everything in his quarters was fine, well crafted and top quality. From the dark mahogany tables and drawers to his golden chandelier and green felt carpet. All paid by the gold he had pillaged over time, but that’s just how a sky-pirate works.

But we digress, so back to the point. Propeller Knight was feeling something he hadn’t felt in a long time.

He was bored.

No, bored was too light a word. Weary was more like it,though it failed to encompass everything. He didn’t feel like throwing a party. The mere thought made his muscles feel heavy and turned his breath stale.

This was a most unfavorable thing for the Knight. He didn’t want to feel this way but he couldn’t help it. He wasn’t even sure why he was feeling so utterly miserable… No, no. Miserable is a bit too strong.

Still, there he lay, sighing heavily.

“What to do?” Propeller Knight wondered out loud. “This feeling, it radiates from my soul. But why?”

He kept asking himself that, but never could grasp the answer, even when it felt like it was just within his grasp only to be whisked away. A truly demonic game fate was playing to him, but it was not like he didn’t deserve it.

No, Propeller Knight was more than aware of his misdeeds. While he had some regrets he most cherished living life a day at a time. What you do in that day is up to you and you alone. He wasn’t a bad person, no. Was he a good person?

… Ehh.

Now finally getting frustrated the elegant Knight sat up, bringing his palm on his helmets visor as if massaging his temples. “No, this won’t do. This feeling, it must seize!”

He got up and walked in a circle for a while with his arms crossed behind his back. While not the most productive it did give him time to ponder.

“Why? Why is this feeling present?” He questioned himself. “Why can I not feel it anymore? That feeling of living. What is wrong?“

“Something is off, but what? Why cannot I see?” He blabbered on and on, trying to make sense of his predicament. “What in the world is wrong?”

… A spark.

“Hold on...” Propeller Knight said, something dawning to him. “Yes, maybe that is it. My life has grown dull, so spice it up I must.”

He broke the circle he had been walking and went to his mahogany desk and pulled out a piece of parchment. It was a map of the Kingdom. On it was the land he had come to know, surrounded by endless reaches of water. Or so it would appear.

“This world, this land is all I’ve known.” Propeller Knight muttered. “But this map, it tells an incomplete tale. The seas and what’s beyond… Yes.”

He could feel a fire light in his chest, a fire he had thought gone forever. The fire of adventure.

“... Yes, this is what I must do.” The Gyroscopic Jester said surely. “To break free of this monotonous life I’ve lived. To go and discover what is beyond the magnificent blue!”

His mind was set. Propeller Knight swore on his name that he would do this! His ship could carry him anywhere but his mind thought of something else. What he was about to do was more than likely a long voyage, so perhaps he should ask one of his former compatriots to accompany him?

And Propeller Knight most certainly, most absolutely didn’t want to invite Plague Knight. Goodness knows that’d lead to disaster sooner or later. And he doubted having Treasure Knight around would do good to his possessions, the greedy brute. Spectre Knight was just a drag to be around.

King Knight was out also. His punishment was still ongoing.

No one likes King Knight.

So that only left…

“Sorry, but I’ve got some things going on. There’s a big dig going on and, since I’m such a great digger, I thought I might go try my hand at it.” Mole Knight explained why he couldn’t go.

“Travel? None sense! I am far too busy to trifle with such humbug! Now shoo, I have work to do!” Tinker Knight said, launching Propeller Knight out with a well placed floor catapult. Good thing he could fly.

“... Hmph!” Polar Knight ignored Propeller Knight’s suggestion.

“...”

“...”

“... Nay.”

Propeller Knight groaned just slightly. “Come now, Shovel Knight, my friend. The past is all water under the bridge, as they say.”

“I believe I made myself quite clear.” The cerulean Knight said dryly, holding his weapon, his shovel on his shoulder.

Propeller Knight sighed. “Well, pardon me then. I was just thinking of how grand it were if you and I, former foes were to join forces for something magnificent.” He spoke, almost pleadingly. “My compatriots refused, those who I dare ask anyway. I even tried that nice young sir with the boomerangs, but to no avail. Are you sure you-”

“Not happening.” Shovel Knight said bluntly. “Besides, we have plans for the time being.”

“We?” Propeller Knight asked, brow raised inside his helmet.

“Hey, Shovel Knight!” The feminine voice of Shield Knight called from a distance, the red clad Knight calling for her companion. “Finish up there or someone will beat us to the ancient crypt!”

“In a minute!” Shovel Knight shouted back, turning to his former foe. “Propeller Knight, if your soul truly yearns for adventure then do not let such minor details bother you and just go and do it. You’ll never get anywhere by worrying over minor details. Company is always a plus, but what matters most is the adventure itself!”

Propeller Knight stared down at the spade wielding warrior, pondering his wise and somewhat encouraging words. “... I… Understand.” He said, just a tinge awkwardly. “Thank you, Shovel Knight.”

“Just stay out of trouble.” Shovel Knight said before bidding the Knight a brief farewell before following his companion to an adventure of their own, leaving Propeller Knight to embark on his own.

Back at his ship, the Flying Machine, Propeller Knight was glancing down at the land he had traversed all his life. Then he turned away and faced the seemingly endless sea the reached the horizon.

He drew his trusty golden rapier and pointed it at the looming horizon. “May this ocean know, whatever you hide behind yourself I, Propeller Knight will surely find it!” He shouted with passion. “Flying Machine, onwards to the unknown!”

And so his vessel began moving, propelling forwards, leaving behind a familiar land. His path was set to the reaches of the world yet untapped!

Unknown to him, he was not alone on his vessel.

A lid of a barrel somewhere opened slightly.

“My, what great idea, hee hee! Why wasn’t I informed sooner? This will be… Hee! Most amusing!”

“... GASP!” Princess Celestia sprung awake suddenly, as if waking up from a nightmare. She was laying on her bed, in her personal quarters. Her coat moist and beaded with small amounts of sweat. She shook her head to gather her bearings from what she had seen…

Only she could not clearly remember it anymore. Whatever jolted her awake was in her mind no longer. But Celestia could not shake the feeling that what she dreamt of was important. But no matter how hard she tried to remember it just slipped away.

She groaned and checked the time while she was at it. Almost an hour before she should wake up to raise the sun. This day was not starting pleasantly.

And why the hay did she remember an outrageous accent?

Author's Note

This is a silly thing I though up... I hope I was taking LSD at the time, because then it'd make me a bit less crazy.

Also, I think this is the first, if not only MLP/Shovel Knight Crossover... Eh.

Why Propeller Knight and not Shovel Knight?
The little guy had his time. Someone else needs to shine.
He also has an AIR SHIP! Your point is invalid.

Also, just to hammer this joke in real deep:
NO ONE LIKES KING KNIGHT!

3 ~ Hectic Airspace

Usually, mornings were spent at ones own leisure. Sitting in front of the desk, relaxing with a truly delightful cup of tea. The air quiet and homely. No care in the world.

And yet this morning Propeller Knight found himself sitting by his desk, holding his head in his hands, trying very desperately to ignore the constant chattering of the three stowaways occupying his quarters and sitting around his round breakfast table.

“Might I say, this tea is most splendid!” Mr. Hat praised the tea he had taken the privilege to “sample”. What we mean by this is he pilfered it before Propeller Knight could object.

“Ick! This concoction is not nearly vile enough!” Plague Knight complained, utterly refusing to drink the beverage of gentlemen. “I’d put my, Hee~! Money on something I brew in my lab daily!”

“Oi, speaking of money.” Chester said, holding up the bag(1*) he was still holding onto. “This bombastic thing is still for sale. Only for 2000 gold, a real prize!”

‘It was just 1000 gold yesterday!’ Propeller Knight mentally screamed.

“Bombs?!” Plague Knight yelled out in his manic excitement, immediately holding a huge sack full of dingly gold. “Hee~! Sold!”

Propeller Knight swirled around on his seat, pointing a very accusing finger at the beak face maniac. He knew where that thing came from. “Relinquish hold of my sack at once!”

At the moment he said that time stopped. Or rather, everything was quiet for a full minute. Then Mr. Hat chuckled slightly, followed by Chester and Plague Knight’s roaring mad laughter as the merchant and Knight fell off their chairs and onto the floor.

Propeller Knight sat there, index finger still poignantly staring at where Plague Knight had been seated, having no idea what had come over the stowaways.

Ah, yes. The stowaways. Even now Propeller Knight had no clue whatsoever why those three were on his ship, or how they’d even got aboard. Even yesterday he had tried to fish even a small answer out of the three, but the only one who even tried to answer his question somewhat was Mr. Hat.

Not that his reason of “My Hat Sense told me so” was any good, but at least he co-operated somewhat. Plague Knight was… well, Plague Knight and had just gone off-point so many times propeller Knight just gave up. Chester had just said that he’d tell everything… for 100,000 gold.

100,000! That’s just absurd! Propeller Knight also found himself considering that ‘everything’ may be a much wider spectrum than he cared to pay for.

To sum it in a few words: Propeller Knight knew diddly-squat!

Of course he couldn’t throw them out, they were far out to the ocean now and turning back would have left a bad taste in Propeller Knights mouth. This led to Propeller Knight to, as much as he perished the thought, allowing the stowaways to accompany him.

While Plague Knight and Chester writhed on the floor in laughter and Mr. Hat was politely chuckling, Propeller Knight sighed and turned around to place his hands over his visor so he could bathe in the darkness and horror.

This is not how this trip was planned. Not. At. All.

Below the deck, Engine Room, time unknown

“Don’t this just beat all?” The Blue Mage mook said as he and his fellow disposable meatshields scavenged the interiors of the room that housed the great engines that kept the Flying Machine in the air. “Others get to do whatever but we need to find a stupid rat? What’s up with that?”

The engines were one elaborate system that was spread out all across the ship to distribute power to the many propellers across the Flying Machine’s outer surface. But this area housed the main power source, the thing that kept the whole system running.

It was a maze like area of brass pipes and multiple levelled corridors. Not a nice place to walk in. But unfortunately three mooks were there just to do that.

Green Propeller sighed in frustration. “This ain’t fairl. Why’d we have to do this?”

“Fair? What’s not fair is that unlike you jesters, I. Can’t. Fly.” Blue Mage snapped at Green Propeller who, unlike the grounded mage, was flying about.

“Hey, it isn’t my fault we got stuck with this!” Green Propeller snapped back. “In fact, it’s likely that we’re are here because you aren’t working optimally.”

“Hey, having breaks between your breaks is a real thing. Don’t hate the player, hate the game.” Blue Mage stated flatly.

“Game?! Is that how you see our lives?” Green Propeller snapped angrily.

“Well, duh.” Blue Mage said as if it was obvious. “We come in troves, if one of us dies we just get replaced. Remember Joey? The guy who got smacked by a shovel so hard he disappeared? No. Funeral. We just went on with out lives and he got replaced with a guy who was exactly. Like. Him. Coincidence?”

“I… That…” Green Propeller stuttered.

“See? You can’t handle the truth!” Blue Mage yelled out.

“You- argh! I’m going to shove you off that platform!” Green Propeller fumed and approached his fellow mook.

“Come and try me, cock bite!” Blue Mage said, ready to blast the other mook with his magic.

“For the love of holy Troupple Mary, shut yer traps!” Propeller Soldier shouted and flew to the scene carrying his pole-axe. “What in tarnation is happening here?”

“He started it!” Both mooks said while pointing at each other.

“Soldiers, now ain’t the time for fightin’ between our own forces! Every soldier need to carry his own weight to complete the mission given to us!” Propeller Soldier said in a gruff and stern manner.

“But I’m not a soldier!” Blue Mage said. “Does that mean I can go take a nap or something?”

“Oh, absolutely.” Propeller Said.

Blue Mage looked a bit surprised by the answer. “Oh… Gee, thanks-”

“If by nap you mean a gruelin’ fall into the depths of the boundless blue to be nabbed by sharks or sea serpents and whatever other sea varmint lurk below our very feet!” Propeller Soldier barked like a nasty drill sergeant.

“And there we go.” Blue Mage said in an ‘I knew it’ kinda way.

“What a great threat, sir!” Green Propeller said.

“Kiss ass.” Blue Mage coughed under his breath.

“Shut it you two! We have a mission and we will see it through.” Propeller Soldier barked. “You two have names, right? Identify yourselves!”

“Sarge, you know who we are.” Blue Mage said with a hint of snark.

“Shut it, Dexter!” Propeller Soldier, affectionately(or not so much) named Sarge, ordered. The nickname was due to his angry drill sergeant routine.

“I am-”

“Same goes for you, Dick!” Sarge yelled at the Green Propeller mook.

“It’s… umm, Richard, actually, sir.” He pointed out.

“Don’t care. Now get a move on it! We have a compatriot to find!” Sarge said and flew off ahead.

“Right behind you, sir!” Richard the Green Propeller said and flew after their apparent leader.

Dexter the Blue Mage mook muttered under his breath, “All this for a dumb rat,” before reluctantly moving along for fear of termination.

Just a level above them a Propeller Rat flew about aimlessly.

And it so happened that just a few levels below a big brute of a man was hatching plans that were sure to bring on the storm.

“This’ll teach those stupid Order of No Quarter morons to diss me!” The Baz said while preparing his dastardly plan.

Canterlot Castle, some time in the future

Two Royal Guards trotted along the courtyard, having a small conversation.

“I feel so stupid right now.” The younger one of the Guards said. “I don’t even know why I have to carry around this… stupid thing.”

Both he and almost a whole battalion of Royal Guards were out and about in full armor and carrying around what looked like huge pony-sized butterfly nets.

The older guard snorted a little. “Boy, you’re new here, aren’t you?”

“Uhh, yes.” The younger guard replied with a raised brow.

“Then you’ll get over it.” The old guard told him. “This here is a rare event and a good opportunity to train ourselves while keeping the land safe.”

The younger guard looked dubious. “So… finding and catching Princess Luna with these nets, which on its own sounds so insane and stupid it’s a wonder I can even say it out loud, is a training opportunity AND a way to keep the place safe?”

The older guard looked at the young one, face straight and completely serious. “Boy, you haven’t been through one of Princess Luna’s Coffee Highs before. To say that it took months to fix the damage last time is an understatement. Trust me kiddo, you’ll appreciate the experience.”

The young guard gulped audibly. “D-damage?”

“Boy, hope you don’t have to witness something like that. But if you do, you’re prepared for anything life brings your way.” The old guard said, dead serious.

The younger guard was aa bit freaked out at this point. To try and take his mind off of that he looked into the sky to try and spot the on the run Alicorn. But he stopped dead on his tracks and dropped his net.

The old guard turned to look at the youngster, who kept staring into the sky with eyes wide a dinner plates. “Hey, what’s up with you?”

The younger guard said not a word but pointed at the sky, the older guard following his gaze. His jaw opened wide as they both looked at something very big approaching Canterlot, followed by a trail of black smoke

“Is that a flying ship?”

“Is that a flying ship exploding!?”

Author's Note

Dun Dun DUUUUN!

2 ~ In a far off land/Stowaways

Princess Celestia trudged into the dining room. The sun had been risen but she was less than happy right now. Being woken an hour early was a definite annoyance and she had yet to shake of the drowsiness. Maybe coffee would help.

When she entered she saw Luna already present, munching on a salad. Celestia forced a weak smile despite her bad mood, though from the look Luna was giving her it was clear her condition was apparent.

“Are thou well, sister?” Luna asked. Despite Celestia’s attempts her younger sibling still had trouble letting go of those old and archaic words.

The Princess of the Sun sighed and went to take her place opposite to her sister. “I just didn’t sleep well, that’s all.”

“Does thou need our assistance if sleep is the issue? We would help most certainly.” Luna offered. Celestia just shook her head in response.

“No, that’s not needed. I appreciate the gesture though.” She said before turning to the waiter who had magically appeared to take their orders. “The usual, extra strong.” Celestia added to the waiter, who nodded.

“We demand our usual as well!” Luna placed her order for the morning beverage, albeit a bit forcefully. Nevertheless, the waiter nodded, bowed and left to the kitchens.

Celestia let out a stressed sigh, which was not boding good considering she still had Day Court to sit through, listening to nobles whine about their petty squabbles.

And then there was Blue Blood with his endless issues with life in general.

Nopony cared about Blue Blood.

“Are you sure you do not wish our aid, dear sister?” Luna asked one more time. Celestia smiled a tad at her sister’s worry.

“No. I’ll find ways to deal with it on my own. I always have.” She said before changing the subject. “How was Night Court, Lulu?”

Celestia could not help but chuckle a bit at the face and audible groan Luna made, which admittedly told more than enough of what she was thinking. “It was horrible! All those nobles with their whining and- and-”

“Blue Blood, correct?” Celestia guessed.

“I hate Blue Blood!” Luna stated in frustration, her glare intensifying. “That oaf spent hours complaining how his mirror wasn’t shiny enough, or that the birds outside his window were too loud! How can we possibly be related to that imbecile in any way, shape or form!?”

Celesti held back her small snort, which for a Princess was most unbecoming. “I suppose life has it’s quirks.”

“Blue Blood isn’t a quirk. He’s a big, selfish, narcissistic prick!”

“Luna, language!” Celestia scolded her younger sibling but made no effort to hide her smile.

We’d like to reiterate that no one likes Blue Blood.

Luna looked very miffed, to say the least, but took a deep breath, held it in and blew it out. Already she was feeling calmer, though only a smidget “Apologies, sister. I don’t know what came over me. Blue Blood is just so… so...”

“Insufferable?” Celestia suggested.

“Yes, exactly that.” Luna said with a heavy sigh. “Why is this so much more difficult than I remembered?”

Celestia felt for her sister, she really did. Gone for a thousand years and the world has changed. It was only recently that she had suggested Luna to start holding the Night Court and she knew that while not nearly as active as Day Court it could be just as aggravating.

“You’ve been out of this duty for a long while and times have changed. You’ll get the hang of it eventually, Lulu.” Celestia consoled her sister.

The Princess of the Moon took a deep breath and tried to smile. “Thank you, Tia.” She said sincerely, but wished to change the subject. “So, what kept you awake this night?”

Celestia knew the conversation would go this direction. “A dream.” She said.

“Oh, I like dreams!” Luna exclaimed, understandable as her duty as a Dream Walker and an expertise in the field. “What was it like?”

“I don’t know.” Celestia admitted. “I can’t seem to remember much of it, but something in my mind tells me that it was important.”

Luna hummed while thinking. “Mayhaps this were a prophetic dream? Such things are uncommon and rare but very possible.” She theorized. “Are you certain you recall none of it?”

Celestia was silent for a while, as the waiter returned with a tray carrying two cups which he lay on the tables, in front of the respective Princesses it was meant for. Celestia and Luna thanked the stallion waiter and then excused him so they could continue their conversation.

“Well, there is one thing… though it is very odd.” Celestia admitted.

“And pray tell, what is so odd about it?” Luna asked, blowing into her drink to cool it down, eyes on her elder sister.

“It was… a faint memory, nothing specific. I remember a most outlandish accent I have heard in a long while... ” Celestia paused as she began to vaguely remember another minor thing. “And I also heard… laughter. What could that mean, Luna?”

Expecting an answer she took a sip of her drink, only for her eyes to open wide. What she was drinking had the aroma and taste of tea, earl grey to be exact. Then that meant her extra strong coffee was…

Celestia glanced up to look at her sister, whose eyes were wide open and a huge grin was rising on her face.

“... Oh, sweet Me.” Celestia muttered with a facehoof and prepared to initiate Protocol DeCaf to contain Luna to her quarters until her caffeine rush was over. Only when she looked again Luna was already skipping out of the room while singing a horribly off-key tune.

“Lal lala laa~ Lal lala laa~ The colors fill the sky~!”

Celestia quickly ran out the door, only to find no sight of Luna. She groaned audibly and turned to the one guard who apparently was guarding the dining area, looking quite confused. “Tell Captain Shining Armor that he needs to initiate Operation Mooncatcher. He will know what that means.”

“Uhh- I mean, yes, your Highness!” The Guard said with a salute and ran off to find his commanding officer.

Celestia sighed wearily and returned to the dining table to at least finish the coffee Luna had accidentally gotten. She brought the cup, which was more like a mug, over with her magic and looked at it. It was empty, not even a drop left.

“Horseapples!” Celestia cursed.

That waiter was so fired.

There was a great amount of hustle onboard the Flying Machine. The uninteresting and insignificant mooks that acted as crew ran all over the place, keeping the flying vessel in working condition.

Yes as all this was going on Propeller Knight was at an unforeseen impasse.

While his vessel flew over the endless ocean at a great speed, the trip felt… dull. He admitted to have been expecting this if he were to fly across the ocean by himself but it didn’t make it any less… well, boring.

He could have looked over maps, but those were no good as they didn’t go very far before details became useless. The Mooks could take care of everything the ship needed to do. As a captain all he could really do was… loiter around.

“... This situation, it is most frustrating,” Propeller Knight said, once again setting to pace in circles in his quarters.

“M’yes, quite a pickle,” Said Mr. Hat while sipping tea in front of Propeller Knight’s mahogany table…

Wait, what?

Propeller Knight stopped on his tracks and looked at his table, and the occupant dressed in the most dapper overcoat ever seen and a brass helmet. In his armpit was positioned a wooden cane with a medium sized ruby for a handle.

And the two stared at each other, the overcoated gentleman sipping his tea slowly.

“... You, trespasser! Why are you intruding my vessel?” Propeller Knight calmly asked the dapper gent.

To his credit, Mr.Hat seemed cool as a popsicle stand, sipping his tea one more time. “Why, good sir, I am the fantastic Mr. Hat! I just followed my Hat Senses that simply beckoned me to this fair vessel this very day.” Mr. Hat told the understandably wary Propeller Knight.

Under his helmet Mr. Hat was intently looking at Propeller Knight’s Heli-Helmet. “My, what a glorious hat you have. Surely my Hat Senses were not lying. The mere sight makes my head itch.” He commented, sounding a bit overly excited about it in a very bad way.

“Pardon my rudeness, but my Debonair is no mere hat but a proud helmet I wear!” He said in a mildly offended manner. A helmet was a Knight’s pride and joy and to compare it to a mere hat was just… UNACCEPTABLE!

“Hmm, I am sensing a great dejà vu at this time. My Hat Senses warn me, you are a most capable warrior.” Mr. Hat said, not making any sense to poor Propeller Knight. “Perhaps I will come to find a most grand hat in this blue chest here.”

Propeller Knight had had just about enough of this. “This room, it is mine. I am afraid I’m going to have to...” Propeller Knight stopped. “Pardon, but what blue chest?”

Mr. Hat simply gestured towards the bed with his foot, or rather the end of the bed where there lay a large blue chest on the ground. Propeller Knight was very sure it had never been there before.

In his surprise he stepped back a few paces, coming close to the door. “W-what is this? Where did that come fro-” Just then the door slammed open and knocked him from behind and sending his body crashing at the blue chest. He took the impact mostly to the gut.

“Sheesh, this place is a maze, Hee~! How is anyone supposed to walk around here?” A higher pitched voice said, a voice Propeller Knight would never wish to hear onboard his ship. He turned around his head to the short, white beak faced figure

“Plague Knight, I demand to know why you’re- UGH!” His words fell flat as the air got knocked out of his lungs as the blue chest shot open, landing painfully on his behind. Out the chest popped a certain adventurous merchant.

“Psst, hey! Don’t tell no one but I found a real nice piece from this here chest. It can be yours for 1000 gold.” The dreadlocked merchant named Chester said, showing off a bag filled with… something.

“Top of the morning, sirs.” Mr. Hat greeted the newcomers, sounding very disappointed that whatever was in the chest was not a hat.

“Greetings, Hee~!” Plague Knight greeted in his somewhat manic manner.

“Sup.” Chester said with a peace sign.

Propeller Knight sat on his arse, looking at the three stowaways in rapid succession. “What is happening?!” He screamed at the ceiling, unable to comprehend this situation.

Right outside the door, watching as the chaos ensue was a very unsubtle hulking man peeking inside.

“That’s two. Two of those no good Order of No Quarter clowns… I’ll show them...” Said a very irritated and extremely petty Knight only in name(and not even that). “I’ll show you for rejecting me!” Muttered the Baz (Knight) and “sneakily” trudged off to hatch plans.

Underneath, in the break lounge.

“Jeez, the Cap’n is really noisy today.” Muttered one of the numerous Green Propeller mooks who wore green cloaks and had propellers on their backs.

“Eh, sounds like he ain’t alone, tho.” Replied one of the Blue Mage mooks who, well, wore blue robes.

“Shut yer traps!” Shouted one of the Propeller Soldier mooks, who also had propellers on their backs, but wore green armor. “Now, anyone got any sixes?”

“Go fish!” Both Green Propeller and Blue Mage said, gaining a frustrated growl from Propeller Soldier. Above them a Propeller Rat squeaked and flew around the place with no care in the world.

Except falling. Or getting any actual control over it’s life.

Author's Note

The chapter's will be split between Equestria and the Flying Machine for a bit. It takes time to travel, you know?
And yes, if you read the comics then some of you may consider Luna's problem with Coffee as canon.

And the stowaways include not only Plague Knight, but also Mr. Hat, Chester the merchant and a vengeful Baz who will bring the storm!
And the mooks play Go fish on their spare time. Hey, if you are expendable you might as well spend it however you want, right?