Fluttershy scooched towards the window of the train car, peering out at the passing scenery.
Sandy hills dominated the land, covered with tufts of long grass and strings of worn fences. Tall palm trees shot out in between the dunes, curving and winding towards the sky. The sands bore a faint shade of pink as they bathed in the glow of the setting sun.
Fluttershy sat back on her seat as she leaned against the window, her flowing mane serving as a makeshift pillow. Her drowsy eyes slid closed, only to pop open after each rattle of the train car. If the rails hadn’t been so jittery, she could’ve fallen asleep hours ago.
It had been a while since Fluttershy’s last solo trip, when she went to study the Breezies. That trip was only a few hours journey, unlike this one. Already Fluttershy had hopped from two trains at stations in Baltimare and in Marecelona before catching her current ride. Even after leaving in the early morning, more than half the day had past. A whole day of trains. Though it would be worth the effort.
Similar to the Breezies venture, Fluttershy had received a letter only yesterday asking for her assistance from a member of the Equestrian Society for the Preservation of Rare Creatures. There was a dire need for her animal expertise at the marine center in a seaside town called Coralston, one of the few small towns on the coast of the Serenic Ocean. Fluttershy’s good friend Tree Hugger had delivered the message herself, stating to be good friends with the E.S.P.R.C. member. Knowing that some poor birds, seals or turtles could be in need of her help, Fluttershy couldn’t say no.
The speakers crackled to life as the train began to slow.
“Final stop; Coralston. The Link to the Serenic Ocean.”
The train screeched to a halt, settling within the station. The car doors slid open as a green light signaled for the passengers to disembark.
Stepping onto the stone platform, Fluttershy exited the train car onto the mostly empty station. Only a few scattered ponies hung about the ticket booths and directional maps.
The station itself was fairly simple in layout, not too different from those in Ponyville. Though it stood out from most others thanks to its colorful and beautiful display of tiled mosaics. They covered every wall which could afford space, smothering them in blues, tans, and whites. Each one celebrated what the town of Coralston was known for.
The ocean, and all the life that lived within it.
As she proceeded further into the wide walkways, Fluttershy couldn’t help but marvel at the mosaics dotting the station. The town must’ve been full of artists and sculptors. Along with the various fishers, sailors and biologists of course.
Fluttershy, toting her teal bag full of necessities, stopped to look at one mosaic, the largest of any of the others nearby. There were beautiful sea creatures, from sea turtles to dolphins, to sharks and jellyfish, all depicted in brilliant white tiles. They stood out amongst the blue backdrop and multi-colored coral beds lining the bottom.
The one part which caught Fluttershy’s eye, however, lied in the very center of the large mosaic. Spanning wide across the blue tiles was a winged creature…
“Er-hem…”
“Oh!”
Fluttershy squeaked as she turned away from the mosaic, facing the startling voice.
Before her stood a very gruff zebra stallion. He seemed disheveled and tired, and his blue jacket looked as though it had spent a fair amount of time soaked in salt water. The same could be said for his mane and tail, which were short and frazzled. His flank bore the zebra-equivalent of a cutie mark, which was a symbol that looked like wind.
“Are you the one called Fluttershy?” he said, his words carrying a Zebrican accent.
“Y-yes… That’s me. Hello.”
The zebra nodded. His indigo eyes remained in a state of either boredom or sleepiness. Fluttershy couldn’t tell which.
“My name is Captain Cruz. Miss Marigram is waiting for you at the Beachfront Center. I will be taking you there,” he stated.
Marigram was the mare who had written the letter, as Fluttershy recalled. The letter had hardly any detailed explanation of what Fluttershy could expect to be doing, except that her skills were urgently needed, leaving Fluttershy feeling mostly left in the dark. Though the letter did mention that Marigram had a zebra partner who would greet her upon her arrival.
“Oh, yes. It’s very nice to meet you… I’ll follow you, then.”
“This way.”
As their hooves were muffled by the sandy paths leading outside the station, Fluttershy followed Captain Cruz towards the center of Coralston, which glowed under the orange evening light. The town was much more packed together here, with the roads quickly turning from dirt and sand to assorted gravel. The various stone buildings were painted in bright colors, their bricks and tiles ranging in yellows, blues, greens and reds. Even though the sandy dunes were nowhere near the town’s center, the sand still found its way into street corners and alleyways, seeping in between walkway bricks and lumping together on stone steps.
Fluttershy picked up a trot to keep up with Cruz, ceasing her sightseeing.
“You said you were a captain, right? So you have your own ship?” She asked with a friendly smile.
“Yes. The Skipping Stone is her name. She is a small day boat I use for merchant work and as a diving… diving… Ah… What is the word?”
“Platform?”
“Yes, that is it. She has been my home for as long as I have known.”
“I guess that makes you the skipper of the Skipping Stone,” Fluttershy said, giggling.
Cruz blinked, as if thinking hard about Fluttershy’s words. Though a tiny crack of a smile soon appeared on his lips.
“…You are right. What a title that would make. Captain Cruz, Skipper of the Skipping Stone… Hmm. Not bad,” he chuckled gently.
The two walked further into the town, coming within sight of the modest harbor of Coralston. It was congested with denizens and sailors alike, the many docks and jetties hosting dozens of ships of many sizes. The port was filled to the brim with vessels, so crowded that there was no possibility of making room for more. Many crew ponies loitered around on or near their ships, as though something prevented them from going out to sea. Fluttershy thought it odd, but didn’t put much of her mind to it. She didn’t know a whole lot about what ports were supposed to be like.
“Is the Skipping Stone in the harbor right now?”
“No. I keep her on a pier we have placed just outside the center. Come. We are almost there.”
Coralston’s Beachfront Center was not what Fluttershy had expected.
The building was a medium sized beach house, built on top of a stone base just at the head of the shoreline. The tiny pier sat just ahead, built on top of a rock bluff jutting out from the beach’s edge. It was far from the kind of marine research center Fluttershy had imagined. Many of the walls were wide and open, covered with shaded screens.
Cruz walked up to the door, knocking twice as Fluttershy stopped behind him, his unruly tail brushing her nose.
No answer. Cruz raised a hoof to knock again, but decided against it, sighing.
Fluttershy skirted to the side as Cruz moved past her, stopping before a nearby potted plant. He tilted the pot slightly and scooped out a key, ignoring the beetles scurrying out from underneath.
He fit the key into the door and unlocked it, pushing it in with a creak.
Fluttershy followed close behind, scanning the insides of the building as Cruz deposited the key onto the foyer table.
The interior of the beach house was very welcoming and open. The walls were painted bright blue and salt white, with all sorts of different artifacts and keepsakes adorning the tabletops, windowsills and ceiling. Paintings of ships, diving equipment and a menagerie of colorful shells made up the seaside setting. A heavy twinge of ocean air lingered in the halls.
Passing by a messy kitchen and a comfy living room, Cruz and Fluttershy rounded a hallway corner, arriving in a study room filled with everything a pony would need to do research; books, charts, quills, nautical equipment, maps, and more.
A snoring blared from behind a rustling mound of papers resting on the wide desk at the center of the study room. Cruz took a hoof and knocked heavily on the wall beside him, startling Fluttershy. The mound of papers instantly flew off into the air as the snoring stopped with a loud snort.
“Wha-huh?! Who’s knocking about?”
“Calm yourself, Miss Marigram. It is Cruz. I have brought our guest.”
“Guhh,” the earth pony mare behind the desk murmured. “Hang… Hang on. I need my bloody coffee. Where…”
Slinking from around the side of the desk, the exhausted and grumbling mare stumbled up to Fluttershy, nearly bumping into her. She placed a hoof on her to steady herself, her eyes still closed.
“Oop! Sorry, Cruz. Good morning…”
“Uhm…”
“Wow… you’ve been grooming? That’s new.”
The groggy mare continued towards the kitchen, oblivious of Fluttershy’s mumbling. Cruz followed her closely, making sure she didn’t stumble into anything sturdier.
Left alone in the cluttered study room, Fluttershy took a moment to look around, noticing a nearby book shelf adorned with unique items, past the disarray of boxes and paper. She fluttered her wings to hop over a large box, reaching the one shelf lined with photos. Most of them were pictures of the half-asleep mare as a filly. Her bright blue coat and sandy mane and tail fit perfectly among coastline backdrops. A glimmer in her coral-pink eyes showed in one picture, where the mare posed next to a shark rescued from a fishing line while showing off her new cutie mark; a deep blue heart above an ocean wave. It seemed the mare shared a love for animals as Fluttershy did.
Cruz returned, lightly tapping Fluttershy on her side.
“She is more awake now. Miss Marigram would like to speak with you.”
“Ok.”
Following Cruz into the kitchen, Fluttershy smiled as the sky blue mare trotted over to her, placing her empty coffee mug next to a row of five other recently used mugs. The coffee maker on the nearby countertop looked like it had seen better days.
“Hello.” Fluttershy said, shaking Marigram’s hoof.
“G’day! You’re Fluttershy, right? You’re the pony I’ve been waiting for! It’s a right pleasure to meet you. Call me Mari!” She beamed in return.
“Oh, It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Mari-”
Mari shook her head. “No. It’s Mari.”
“That’s what I said… Mari…” Fluttershy squeaked, hiding behind a lock of her mane.
“No, no, no. MAHREE.”
“Umm… Maaahreeee?”
Mari paused, a hoof to her lips. She nodded in glee.
“Now you’ve got it! Right then. Sorry ‘bout all the mess everywhere. Let’s go talk in the lounge.”
The three left the kitchen, swinging around into the hallway with a clattering of hooves on the tiled floors. They arrived in a spacy room, lined with large, open windows to let the oceanfront air in. The pleasant feel of the room relaxed Fluttershy’s entire body. The salty air did wonders for the body and mind, as she had heard.
Mari plopped herself upon the small couch, inviting Fluttershy to join her. Fluttershy did so, followed closely by Cruz, who sat opposite of them. He had fixed himself some sort of tea while Fluttershy and Mari were conversing in the kitchen. It had a strong smell, even from across the glass table between them.
“I’m so happy you could find your way down here to Coralston. We’ve been needing an animal expert like you.”
“Oh absolutely, I’m more than happy to help you. But, why did you ask for me specifically? Aren’t there any experts in Coralston? Aren’t you experts?”
“Well, yeah, but… Uh-… Didn’t my letter explain why?”
Fluttershy shook her head, “Uhm… No… It didn’t say why. It just said you needed urgent help from me as soon as possible.” She fetched the letter from her saddle bag and gave it to Mari.
Mari looked over the letter with bewildered eyes. “Ohh… Ah… Hah. I must’ve wrote this when I was burning the midnight oil. I’ve been doing that a lot, heh.”
“That is an… Understatement.” Cruz mentioned.
Mari sent a frowned at him before turning back to Fluttershy.
“Y’see, I heard all about you from the Equestrian Society for the Preservation of Rare Creatures. We’ve been members for a little whiles, though our center here is owned just by us. Tree Hugger actually’s the one who offered us the membership. And she was the one who recommended you as the best pony for this job.”
“That’s so nice of her to say. Though I just wish I knew a little more of what you need help with. Are the animals in the area in danger of anything?”
“Right. I’m sorry for not making things clearer in my letter. I’ve been working myself bloody hard, as that striped fella of mine had just said. Now, we’re, ahh… more like oceanographers, with minors in biology. That’s why I’m hoping you can help us out. Something strange has been happening, and we need somepony who really intermingles well with animals, like you do.”
“Of course. W-what’s happening?”
Raising a hoof, Mari hopped to her hooves and trotted back into the cluttered study room. She returned only seconds later, toting a large book stuffed with records and maps. She set it upon the glass table, flipping it open to where the maps and papers were amassed most.
“Around a week ago, powerful and unusual currents have been affecting the Serenic off of Coralston. These currents are so strong, that it’s dangerous even for the largest of ships to be out at sea. We’ve never seen anything like this before.”
“Oh dear… is that why the docks are so crowded?” Fluttershy asked, putting a hoof to her chest.
Mari nodded. “Yup. We’ve been trying to discover the cause of them, day and night. Our bobbies-”
“Buoys.” Cruz interrupted, stopping himself mid-sip of his aromatic tea.
“That’s what I said,” Mari replied, “Our bobbies keep track of the currents as they go, but none of our findings make any sense. The currents we’re seeing now haven’t been in line with their usual factors: waves, wind, temperature, salinity, the Corilestia Effect, none of ‘em!”
Fluttershy began to think bringing Twilight might had been a good idea.
“I… don’t know a whole lot about oceanography… How does this all relate to the animals?”
“Ah! Everything in the ocean, like everything I just rattled off, is crucial for the animals! That’s why you’re here, Fluttershy. I need you to dive into the ocean and observe the state of the marine life. See how they might be changing. They could give us clues as to why the currents have been acting like this!”
Mari was borderline ecstatic. Fluttershy… significantly less so.
“Y-you want me to dive… in the ocean? The deep…wide…endless… ocean?”
“Yes! Amazing isn’t it? Oh, wait… No!” Mari threw her hooves forward at Fluttershy, “Not that far into the ocean. That’d be too dangerous. I only want you to dive into the coral reef that’s close to Coralston. It’s not very far.”
Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief. “O-ok. I’ve never gone diving before though...”
“No worries! I’ll give you a crash course in the morning before the real dive. This is so exciting! You might see some pretty big guppies out there!”
“Oh, guppies? You mean those tiny, adorable baby fish which sometimes travel in giant schools?”
“She is referring to the sharks,” Cruz corrected.
Fluttershy frowned. “…Oh.”
“No worries! You’d get along with them fine! Just make sure you don’t have an open wound when you go in. They get pretty aggro at the smell of blood.”
Fluttershy turned to Cruz.
“Aggressive.”
“…Oh.”
Fluttershy felt like she would lose her breakfast at any moment.
Like Mari had described the day before, the waters off of Coralston were anything but peaceful. Though the sky above was sunny and cloudless, the waves surrounding the Skipping Stone were choppy and rough the moment they had set out from the Beachfront Center. It was thanks to Captain Cruz’s skillful handling of the wheel that allowed them to actually get out to the fringes of the reef. A small lull in the storm-like waters gave a much needed relief to Fluttershy’s fragile stomach.
Hiding from the sunlight beneath the shaded deck of the Skipping Stone, Fluttershy did her best to stand as still as a statue as her diving suit was fitted to her with Cruz’s help. Mari had taken her out in a much shallower and safer area to learn the basics earlier in the morning, and although Fluttershy had done pretty well for a first-timer, she still felt shivers as she thought of going into the deeper waters leading to the reef.
“The ocean seems a little bit calmer here.” Fluttershy noted, looking out at the churning waters as the Skipping Stone sat in place, its two heavy-duty anchors keeping it from drifting. Anything not secured on the deck rolled and rocked with the rest of the boat.
Cruz took his own gaze out at the sea, unfazed by the swelling waves. “It likely will not be this calm for long. It is unfortunate that the Sea of Repose must go through so much unrest.”
“Sea of Repose?”
“Oh, yes, I apologize. It is the name my kin had given to this body of water. Just as Equestria gave it the name the ‘Serenic’ after the word ‘serene’, Zebrica named it similarly, the translated name meaning ‘Sea of Repose’. If you travel southwest from here, you can reach my tribe’s land in Zebrica in only a few weeks.”
“That’s very interesting. Do you ever visit home?”
“Only when the merchant lanes pass near. How does the suit feel? Are you uncomfortable?” Cruz asked.
“The waist feels a little tight. I’m afraid I won’t be able to breathe if I panic.” Fluttershy replied.
Cruz adjusted Fluttershy’s diving suit and loosened it, allowing her to breathe better. The first layers were almost complete, her hoof-flippers and sleeves to turn her wings into wide fins all secured. Prior to this adventure, Fluttershy never knew that diving fins like these were used by pegasi divers. The unique sheathes, resembling broad pectoral fins, allowed for some limited propulsion underwater.
“The most important thing is to not panic. You must remain calm and…. And…”
“Not-incredibly-horribly-nervous?” Fluttershy rattled.
“Yes. I… suppose that’s the word… or phrase.”
Despite Cruz’s advice, Fluttershy continued to worry about the dive ahead, finding herself shaking at the legs. Cruz easily took notice, and stopped with his adjustments.
Stepping out from underneath the shade, Cruz whistled loudly while looking up to the sky. A bird-like squawk answered back, coming from a pelican which had been nearby. The pelican landed on Cruz’s back, its webbed toes gripping to his captain’s jacket.
Cruz brought his friend under the shaded deck, bringing him close to Fluttershy.
“This is Pepo. You could say he is the ‘first mate’ of the Skipping Stone.”
The pelican cooed proudly. Fluttershy immediately brightened up, casting aside her worry.
“I didn’t know you had a pet pelican! Hello there, Pepo. You’re such a beautiful bird. Yes you are! Such nice feathers, and what wonderful beak you have!” Fluttershy said, giving Pepo a gentle stroke of his beak. The pelican rustled his wings slightly at the gracious petting, though soon squawked in surprise as the cabin door further up the deck burst open, revealing an accomplished Mari.
“We’re all set! Are you ready to get the rest of your equipment?” Mari beamed as she came down the cabin stairwell.
“Uhm, I was just thinking, before…” Fluttershy muttered, “If you two work here in Coralston, can’t you dive with me? Why do I have to go alone?”
Mari smiled. “Well, Cruz can’t swim. And I… Uhh…”
Doing her best to keep her jovial attitude, Mari stumbled in her words, leading Fluttershy to raise an eyebrow. Cruz remained silent.
“Well, I… I’ve just got a bad lung, is all. It makes it tough to dive, and I… I can’t go with you. B-but its ok! All’s well! And I’ll show you why! Cruz, let’s help her with the harness.”
Cruz moved to aid Mari with suiting Fluttershy with her buoyancy control harness, complete with an air tank attached to the back. Pepo flew off to the top of the cabin to begin his preening as Cruz passed a black-colored line to Mari.
Taking the metal tip of the line, Mari firmly secured it to a specialized port on the side of Fluttershy’s harness. The hardened line stretched out from several large coils to the left of the boat’s stern, which was then fed through a reeling device mounted on the side of the railings.
“This diving line will make sure you won’t get separated from us. Though, if you’re feeling lost, you can always resurface to have a look around. Just make sure to let your buoyancy harness do it for you. With all of this, you’ll be as safe as a grommet strapped to a boogie board!”
Fluttershy’s eyes darted to Cruz. He scratched his chin, glancing at the deck.
“…I have not heard that one before.”
Regardless, having the diving line brought a wave of relief to Fluttershy. So much so, that she started to feel some excitement at the adventure which awaited her.
With most of her equipment all in check, Fluttershy gave the o-k for her friends to equip the final piece. Mari helped slide on the diving mask, making sure the visor was clear and the regulator hooked up properly. As the straps were secured firmly behind her head and on the sides, the bridge of the mask rested comfortably on Fluttershy’s snout. There was enough space around the end of her muzzle to allow her to speak and breathe normally. Much to her surprise, the full mask didn’t feel restricting or heavy at all, and she could see through the visor as clearly as she could without it.
“How’s that? Everything good?” Mari asked, overlooking all of Fluttershy’s extensive ensemble.
“Yes, I think so,” Fluttershy replied, her voice slightly muffled from behind the mask.
“Right then! Just to recap. When you get down to the reef, take a look at the animals there. See if they’re acting strangely. We’ll be setting a time limit, so explore the reef as much as you can. Once it’s up, we’ll reel you back in so you can tell us what you find!”
Fluttershy nodded, calling upon her confidence. “Right.”
“Ready?”
“Ready!”
The three moved to the stern of the Skipping Stone, stopping just before the lowered platform which served as the diver’s departing point. The low, flat railing allowed for ponies to sit on and fall back into the water, as is diving procedure.
Fluttershy faced the railing, stepping down onto the platform. Her diving line had been given some slack to allow her to enter the water without accidentally tugging the line. Mari and Cruz kept their eyes on her as Pepo watched from new perch above the shaded deck.
“Ok… Here I go!”
Fluttershy moved towards the rails of the boat’s platform, but she tensed as the waves lapped at the ledge. Her breathing sped up, though her mask’s unique design prevented her breath from fogging the visor.
“Here I… Uhmm… I… M-maybe we should wait a bit longer…”
“You’ll be fine, Fluttershy. If things look bad, no worries! Just keep swimming!” said Mari, keeping a patient smile while she turned Fluttershy around and sat her on the rail.
“B-b-but what if-”
“Just keep swimming!” Mari gently assured, before shoving Fluttershy forward. She fell over the rail and into the water with a splash.
Cruz and Mari looked over the side of the platform as bubbles floated to the surface.
“Was that truly necessary?” Cruz asked plainly as Mari sighed.
“She’ll be ‘right. The line will keep her close. I think she’ll have a blast.”
“You misunderstand,” Cruz articulated, turning to face Mari, “Was the lie truly necessary?”
Mari’s enthusiasm slowly disappeared as she turned to her friend, the smile on her snout replaced with a frown of guilt.
The plunge into the ocean was so shocking that Fluttershy nearly forgot she had been shoved in.
The water’s frigid temperature caught Fluttershy by surprise, flowing along and seeping into her fur and mane. Though in only a few second, the shock of the cold wore off, her suit and wing-fins insulating her.
“Just… be calm… keep swimming… to reef.”
Paddling awkwardly, Fluttershy got a feel for her flippers and wing-fins and began a slow descent towards the reef below, her diving line trailing loosely behind her. She immediately felt the strain of her legs as she fought against the currents, though luckily the ones on the way to the reef were not strong enough to pull or push her around. The wing-fins were especially helpful here, giving Fluttershy the boost she needed to get past some of the currents.
Soon, Fluttershy came into view of the reef. Sunlight casted itself through the surface, illuminating the colors of the reef in bright hues and tones. The underwater community was alive with hundreds of creatures, from beautiful anemones and sea slugs, to fishes of every color of the rainbow.
Fluttershy floated just above the coral, directing her gaze at the life around her with wonder. Cleaner wrasse attended a large grouper’s mouth and teeth, while all kinds of crustaceans moved about in the sandy banks. A moray eel poked its head out of a rocky hole. Throngs of unique fish came near, swimming around Fluttershy with glee.
Her attention was pulled upward however, as Fluttershy spied a silvertip shark close by, keeping watch over its section of the neighborhood. With fins coated in a silvery sheen and a sleek body, it prowled over the various corals, accompanied by an entourage of black and white striped pilot fish. Fluttershy slowed down to let the shark pass by. It didn’t seem to mind her sudden appearance in its home.
Closer to the sandy banks which mimic tiny courtyards among a vibrant city of coral, a bright green sea turtle appeared. With its broad strokes, it moved alongside Fluttershy, allowing her to stroke its magnificent shell with a flipper-hoof.
All of the reef seemed to be full of blossoming life. Everything looked to be in harmony, bringing a smile to Fluttershy’s masked muzzle. The only thing that seemed out of place was the lack of currents. None of the animals here displayed any signs of agitation or duress from the forceful currents, though Fluttershy could only guess it was because none of the currents went into the reef itself.
As Fluttershy made her way further along the reef, the fish around her moved at a brisk pace, not showing any signs of stress or duress. Though suddenly, all of the fish started to swim away with growing speed.
Fluttershy gasped as she realized that the fish weren’t moving faster. The rushing of water and the reef moving away into the distance told her that she was caught in a much stronger current.
The sudden riptide yanked Fluttershy through the water like the lure at the end of a fishing pole, causing her to tumble and spin uncontrollably as the current dragged her along. She yelped and squealed in fear, shutting her eyes and gritting her teeth, the whirling water brushing against her mask like she was in the midst of a whirlpool.
As quickly as the ordeal began, it stopped. Fluttershy’s buoyancy gear stabilized her as the violent current vanished. She opened her eyes to regain her bearings and a glimpse of where she might have ended up.
But there was nothing.
No coral, no reef creatures, not even sand. Only the open, bottomless ocean.
Fluttershy’s breathing intensified. She flipped back and forth through the water, eyes widened as she tried to spot any sign of the reef she was in only moments ago.
Still nothing but blue.
Against her better judgement, Fluttershy lowered her head down to gaze at the ocean depths below her. She cringed, imagining what untold forces could be lurking in that darkened void of nothing. Nopony knew what existed down in the deepest, darkest trenches of the oceans.
Coming out of her frozen terror, Fluttershy noticed something missing, feeling along her harness. She gasped as she found that her diving line had snapped off in the violent riptide, having been torn from her harness so quickly that Fluttershy didn’t even hear or feel it.
The Skipping Stone had no clue where she was without that line. Fluttershy was completely alone, though she didn’t fall into fearful thoughts. The unknown patch of open ocean she was floating in was as peaceful as a pond, absolutely still and silent. The lack of any currents whatsoever was like being in the eye of a storm. It baffled her, though brought her comfort that she wasn’t being continually dragged out to sea.
Realizing the loss of her line made Fluttershy come to her common sense. She turned upwards to the surface, which looked a lot farther away than it seemed, and paddled up while letting her buoyancy harness aid her.
Before she could ascend to the surface, however, something caught her eye. A shape, dark and small, growing larger and larger from the distance.
Fluttershy’s gaze locked onto it, though instead of shivering in fright, she became strangely enthralled by the mysterious being, as it approached even closer.
It soon came into a recognizable shape. That of a manta ray.
A huge manta ray.
Fluttershy looked on in astonishment as the massive manta patiently glided over her, not making a single ripple in the water. She had seen pictures of manta rays and read about them, but this one was unlike any other. Its wing-like fins stretched outward like the enormous curtains found in Canterlot Castle, instantly dwarfing any average pony. The skin of the manta was covered in an ornate yet irregular pattern of white splotches on its belly and back, outlined in a jet black tone. As the ray banked downwards, Fluttershy saw the bright white streaks coming from the front of its wings and crossing diagonally to its spindly tail. The ‘horns’ of the manta were folded inward, shielding its wide, filtering mouth.
To Fluttershy’s surprise, the manta ray lingered, as if inspecting the strange, four legged invader before it. A feeling of curiosity emanated from the graceful ray. Its presence was almost commanding of Fluttershy’s attention.
“H-hello there... You’re so beautiful… Are you looking for a friend?”
Fluttershy could only imagine what the manta was thinking. She normally had an easy time communing with animals and understanding them, but the animals of the sea were an entirely different world on their own. Their language was almost alien, and nigh incomprehensible to most without rare forms of magic.
Fluttershy couldn’t help the feeling of this manta ray being some kind of royalty. It skimmed delicately through the water with little effort, and its massive body reflected the presence of a king.
The manta ray began to swerve slowly in a strangely familiar pattern. As if it were asking for a dance, with a slight dip in its turn resembling a bow of courtesy.
Fluttershy’s eyes locked onto the ray as she instinctively turned to keep facing the manta.
Her thoughts melted away, her eyes becoming hazy as her eyelids lowered sleepily. Though sleep had not claimed her, for as the manta twirled, so did Fluttershy, extending a hoof as she went. The two remained at an even level in the blue ocean, swirling on an underwater stage, captivated in a ballroom serenade beneath the waves.
The royal manta leveled out its wings, gliding through the water with Fluttershy directly above, imitating the move with her own wings. They zigged and zagged, as if soaring through open skies on a radiant summer day. They rolled to and fro, in complete synchronization.
The two dancing partners stopped, leading into a wide oval as they revolved around each other. Fluttershy’s eyes opened and closed slowly, as though she were caught in the middle of a deep sleep and a waking dream, her body moving through muscle memory alone.
The manta ray moved close once again, diving underneath Fluttershy and looping above her in a cartwheel. Fluttershy spun with the poise of a ballerina in the loop’s center, a dreamy smile upon her lips.
Their undersea waltz slowed in pace, as the manta finished a final loop before returning to its wide circling. It dipped in its turn to bow once more, causing the spell-bound Fluttershy to do the same in kind.
Then, as quickly as it had arrived, the manta ray headed off into the open ocean, slowly fading into the blue beyond.
Fluttershy’s eyes blinked rapidly, becoming lucid.
Instead of feeling fear once again, Fluttershy felt only calmness and peace, as if she was just visited by an angel. And perhaps she was, in a way. The manta ray was gone, however, leaving Fluttershy alone.
Remembering her current predicament, Fluttershy ascended and breached the surface, her head bobbing up and down along with the chopping waves. Though only moments after Fluttershy had surfaced, the waves began to diminish, as though the invisible storm above had finally ended.
From only a short distance away, the Skipping Stone spotted Fluttershy, and made its way over to pick her up.
“Are you ok, Fluttershy? I-I can’t believe the line snapped! ” Mari questioned shakily as she and Fluttershy sat in the shaded deck of the Skipping Stone. She and Captain Cruz had aided in removing Fluttershy’s equipment moments before, freeing her of her suit, fins and mask. The boat floated peacefully with the now temperate waves, having to use only one anchor.
“I’m ok. A really strong current broke the line.” Fluttershy replied, sipping a bottle of refreshing water.
Cruz remained silent, looking to Mari as she looked back. A sullen frown appeared on her muzzle, one of regret. She returned her coral-pink eyes to Fluttershy, who cocked her head at the sudden shift in mood.
“I’m sorry, Fluttershy. I shouldn’t have sent you down on your own. I should have gone with you.”
“But, don’t you have a bad lung?”
Mari fell silent for moment.
“I… I lied about that, Fluttershy. I can still dive, I just… I have a… thing…”
“She has a fear of diving in rough waters.” Cruz finished.
“Really?” Fluttershy asked, bearing a look of concern.
Mari sighed deeply. “Have you ever… had times as a foal when you just get scared out of your mind? That’s what happened to me. I can go diving anywhere at any time, but when I think of riptides or currents like that I can’t do anything. It’s just such a stupid thing!”
She ended her words with a huff, panting as though she had just finished a race. Mari rubbed her face as she calmed down, hiding it from view.
“I’m so sorry… I should’ve been the better pony and gone down with you.”
Hearing the quiver in her voice, Fluttershy scooched over on her seat and wrapped her hooves around Mari, hugging her gently. The move startled her a bit, but Mari quickly hugged her back, accepting Fluttershy’s attempt to soothe her.
“I forgive you, Mari. I know what it’s like to have a huge fear of something. It’s not your fault…” Fluttershy cooed, perking up as another thought came to her, “Actually, I don’t think I was in any danger at all down there.”
Pulling away from Fluttershy, Mari twitched her ears at the statement as Cruz sat closer. “R-really? It wasn’t that bad? What happened?
“Well, I was in the reef for a while, and the animals there seemed fine. The currents weren’t affecting the reef. The riptide which caught me was frightening, and so was the open water, but… when I was there, I saw a giant manta ray.”
“A manta ray?” Cruz suddenly piped in.
“Yes. He… He came from the open ocean around me and began staying with me. I can’t remember a whole lot after that but… I remember the manta had these strange markings. He had these beautiful white bands on the top of his body, which stretched to the edges of his wings. He… felt like royalty, almost.”
Mari gained the same curiosity, moving to sit across from Fluttershy, resting her chin on her fore hooves. “I’ve never heard of a manta with markings like that. What else happened?”
“I… can’t really remember… I remember spinning, twirling… He was circling me… and he bowed to me… I accepted his offer… and he led me to the center of the ballroom. We danced a slow waltz, surrounded by the shining lights of a beautiful palace… There were huge windows and marble pillars, with flowing curtains as bright as pearls… It was so… Wait. How…?”
Mari scratched her head, looking just as confused as Fluttershy.
“Uh… were you seeing things?”
“I don’t know… I’m sure I saw all of that. But I don’t know how…”
“The markings you described… I have never heard of them being seen on a manta ray…” Cruz cut in, standing to his hooves, “They belong to only one being… The King of Phantoms.”
“The… King of Phantoms?” Fluttershy echoed.
“Yes. There is a very old… fable, in my culture. Since the very beginning trade between both Equestria and Zebrica, the tale has become known among many sailors. Though it has been seldom told around Coralston.”
“Well don’t just leave it at that!” Mari exclaimed with regained enthusiasm, “Tell us about it!”
Cruz nodded, sitting down as Mari once again switched seats, now next to Fluttershy.
“The legends say…
…………………………………
A long time ago, there once lived a king, a stallion of noble birth and great inheritance. The king, young and kind, did not want to live a life of wealth, nor did he want to own a kingdom centered on possessions and power. Once he had taken the throne, the king gave all of the land he had to his family and his subjects, and with it, all that he owned. And when he had finally given away everything he had, he departed on a boat to search for himself on the seas, his only guide being the wind at his sail, and the currents beneath his vessel.
During his voyage, he met many travelers aboard their ships, and shared with them stories and laughs. He would say he was a king, and when asked what kingdom was his, he would say; ‘I am the king of nothingness. The sea, with its changing winds and winding currents, is my home.’
The king wandered the seas for many moons, surviving thanks to the compassion and generosity of the many merchants and travelers he had spoken with, but always traveling alone. At times, he yearned for companionship.
The creatures of the sea came to him, and accompanied him as he journeyed. They showed him friendship and joy, relieving him of his sorrows, for a time. But his heart still ached for another of his kind.
Then, one still and peaceful day, he encountered a merchant ship. And aboard this ship, the king found the mare of his dreams. A kind and equally noble mare, in spirit and heart.
The king wished oh so desperately to give a gift to the lovely mare. But he had no possessions of his own to give.
A wonderful thought came to the king, and approaching the mare, asked if he might give her a dance.
The kind mare, flustered, explained she did not know how to dance. But the king spoke; ‘You do not need to know. Let me teach you the steps. Let me give you this, so that it may give you a smile.’
And so, inviting the mare to his humble boat, the king danced with her in the glow of the setting sun. They danced, and danced, and danced, the mare laughing and smiling with happiness. And so too did the king smile and laugh, overcome to have shared in the joy of partnership.
When the next day came, the kind mare bid farewell to the king, speaking of her family awaiting her in a faraway land. She gifted to him her cloak, a large dark cloth with two white bands across its edges. The king professed his good tidings to her and the ship, and promised to find her again one day. Until then, he would keep her in his memories, forever dear.
As his love departed upon her ship, the king continued to roam, unbound on the seas’ whim, the kind mare’s cloak giving him warmth. A night came when the king was suddenly caught in the throes of a massive storm. The winds were howling and the currents thrashing. An endless torrent of rain.
By the storm’s passing, the king was gone. His small vessel shredded to pieces. Nothing of him remained. Only his memory lived on in the minds of those he had given to, and in the mind of the kind mare who loved him. Who would never see him again.
It was said, that as the storm had taken him away, it preserved his wandering spirit safely beneath the waves. The king remained, forever roaming as a king of nothingness, the unknown, the unseen, with the sea as his kingdom, and his home.
The King of Phantoms, like a ghost, continues in his afterlife as a nomad of the seas. And it is said, that every one hundred suns and one hundred moons, he appears in search of his love, remembering the promise he had made. Wishing to dance with her once more, before returning to the call of his kingdom of nothingness…
…………………………………
… It is a bit clearer in my native language.”
Fluttershy and Mari sat in silenced awe, mouths slightly agape.
“That’s… Incredible.” Mari breathed, completely ignorant of Pepo nestling on top of her head.
Fluttershy put a hoof to her lips, looking back up at Cruz.
“So then… could that manta ray have been the King of Phantoms? And… And if he was, then he thought I was the mare he loved?”
Cruz rubbed his head. “I cannot say for sure. In the Zebrican telling of the story, the King of Phantoms has no describable form, and seeks out those who he thinks have a similar… what is it… connection, to the mare he fell in love with. He continues to do this, choosing to forever remember each being he finds as a dear friend. Again though, that is just the legend.”
Fluttershy put her hooves to a lock of her mane. “I wish I could remember what he looked like, or what he might have said to me. He was such a regal stallion… er, manta ray. He was very kind. And he did look lonely, but he hid it as best he could. All he cared about was dancing with me, seeing me smile.”
“If that is the case, and you did indeed have those visions, then it might be safe to say that the King of Phantoms took on the form of a manta ray. It would not be a coincidence that the manta ray would have the same markings as those of the kind mare’s cloak.” Cruz contemplated further, his words carrying a slight bit of wonderment.
Fluttershy felt a warmness in her heart at recalling what she could. Though she felt the memories were as faint as those she made when she was still a foal. Just barely recognizable, like a blurry photograph with smeared writing beneath it.
Fluttershy snapped out of her thoughts as she noticed Mari get up, causing Pepo to hurriedly fly off of her scraggly mane. She turned her gaze out to the expansive Serenic Ocean as she returned.
“Maybe that manta was the cause of our currents? Do you think so, Cruz?”
“Well… It does not outright state it in either version… But it is plausible. If based on the legend alone.”
“…I’d have to get readings from some of our bobbies in a few days from now to see the larger scope, but from what we noticed, the instant Fluttershy came up was when the waters became a lot easier to navigate. I’m guessing the King of Phantoms was the source of it all,” said Mari letting out another deep sigh, “Would’ve been pretty ace to have gotten the chance to study that ray. If I had only been less of a coward.”
Before Fluttershy could speak against Mari’s words, Cruz stepped forward, placing a hoof on Mari’s side. The zebra cracked a heartfelt smile at his friend.
“It is hard to say… But if you had went with Fluttershy, she may have never encountered the King of Phantoms at all. Though I believe the only way we will know for sure is to check the ‘bobbies’.”
A renewed smile grew on Mari’s lips, placing her hoof on Cruz in gratitude. Fluttershy couldn’t help but grin herself, thinking of how a friendship lesson could come out of this adventure.
Mari ran up to the cabin of the Skipping Stone, briefly turning back to her crewmates.
“I think we all deserve some R and R, yeah? Take us home, Captain Cruz!”
“As you wish, Miss Marigram.” Cruz replied, keeping his smile as he went up to the cabin to take the wheel.
“How many times- It’s MAHREE you bloody dag! We’ve been working together for how long, now?!” Mari exclaimed, a frustrated smile on her muzzle.
Fluttershy got to her hooves as the Skipping Stone turned and headed back to Coralston. Pepo flew by the ship, keeping up with its speed as the sun began to give the sky an orange glow.
To have been graced with the presence of a legend of the sea… It was a feeling Fluttershy couldn’t quite comprehend. But she knew for a fact that it was good.
“Fluttershy!” Mari called out from the cabin window, “I, ahh… You should let me treat you to dinner. So I can make it up to you… Oh! I know the perfect place! You haven’t lived until you’ve had a Coralston hayburger!”
“I suggest getting the one with kelp. It is very healthy.” Cruz added as he raised his voice above the waves. Fluttershy giggled as Mari gave him a crabby look.
“Oy! None of that grimey stuff. I don’t care if it’s healthy or not, kelp’s for the manatees!”
The night was filled with fun, food, and laughter. Fluttershy hadn’t had that much fun in such a long time, though spending good times with friends only made her miss Ponyville. Luckily, she wouldn’t have to wait much longer.
Fluttershy’s train ticket was an early one, set for a departure just before sunrise to make sure she could get home before the day would be over. There was just enough time to bid her newest friends farewell as they stood at the entrance to the station.
“Thanks for all of your help, Fluttershy. We really wouldn’t have been able to do this without you. I’ll write you about what we find as we keep an eye on the currents. Still a lot of mystery out there in the Serenic,” said Mari with a humble tone.
“As there will always be,” Cruz mentioned, Pepo resting on his back.
Fluttershy nodded with a smile, “I’m glad to have helped. And thank you both for such a wonderful adventure!”
“If you’re ever wanting to go on vacation to a beach-side paradise, remember to think of dear old Coralston, yeah?”
“I will! Goodbye, Mari. Goodbye, Cruz.”
“Farewell.”
Fluttershy and Mari hugged one another as Cruz respectfully bowed out. Though he made the mistake of standing too close, allowing Mari to rope him in with her hoof, making it a group hug. His expression was one of protest, but he accepted it as Fluttershy encompassed the hug with her wings. Pepo flew up and circled the group, briefly landing on Fluttershy’s head before returning to Cruz.
Fluttershy pulled away with a smile, waving to her friends before turning to enter the station. She passed the tiled walls of the walkways she had marveled at just days before. One particular wall caught her attention.
It was the large mosaic she had examined when she first arrived at Coralston.
Fluttershy gazed up at the center of the work of art, once again admiring its beauty before leaving it to catch her train.
A manta ray lay at its very center, spanning wide across the blue tiles.
Author's Note
This entire story was primarily inspired by the game Endless Ocean and its sequel. The scene in which Fluttershy encounters the King of Phantoms was conceived by listening to the song Dark Waltz by Hayley Westenra.
Thanks for reading! =]
