A Pirate's Diary

Night Two

Today was a big day. We finally reached Copperstone Island, and it was such a beautiful place. The entire crew was ecstatic as we gazed at the glimmering island. It was like staring down a diamond on the horizon. Captain Sparkle gathered us all together to inform us of what would be happening as soon as we reached the harbor. “Alright, crew, we will be anchoring soon and I need you all to understand the plan. Firstly, just because I titled the pony we’re visiting an ‘acquaintance’ does not mean that she will be entirely friendly. So, to earn her trust, I am going to need most of you to remain aboard the ship. However, I am going to ask that just a few of you join me as a precautionary measure. Do I have any volunteers?”

I wanted to make a good first impression to Captain Sparkle, so I immediately thrust my hoof into the air. She seemed rather surprised by my enthusiasm, and I was the first to be picked. The next crew member to get picked was one of the barnacle-scrapers, I supposed he wanted to get off this ship just as badly as I did. The last member to be picked, oddly enough, was the silent mare who gave me this journal. Despite how bright the morning sun’s rays were, her large hat still shrouded her face in shadows. “You three will do. As for the rest of you, remain here and keep a careful eye on the ship,” she announced to the rest of the crew. “Now, you three follow me.” Captain Sparkle led us down below deck to a room hadn’t seen before. It was filled with rifles strung up on the walls, and tables lined with blades. They ranged from double-ended swords down to small daggers. I felt uneasy being around so many weapons. It made my stomach turn watching the light glimmer off of the sleek metal blades. “Welcome to the armory. Feel free to arm yourselves with whichever weapon you choose. Just . . . don’t make it seem like we’re there to start any altercation.”

The quiet mare was the first to step up and choose her weapon, rather impatiently I might add. She took one of the longer, curved blades as Captain Sparkle watched her a tad suspiciously. Probably a bit surprised by her insistence on picking out one of the more visually threatening weapons. The barnacle-scraper went up next, and he picked out a medium-sized blade. Then, Captain Sparkle turned to me. “Well? Go ahead and choose.” I didn’t want her to lose her patience with me, so I went ahead and waved my hoof over the pile of blades searching for one that made my skin crawl the least. Eventually I settled on a small, double-edged dagger. “Now, let’s head above deck and prepare to dock.” As Captain Sparkle led us back, the silent mare pulled me aside for a moment to whisper something to me.

“You haven’t ever handled a blade before, have you?” she asked.

“No . . . no I haven’t,” I nervously replied.

“Don’t worry, it gets easier over time.” That was the last thing she said before continuing to follow Captain Sparkle back above deck. At the moment, what she said puzzled me. I suppose I was led to believe she’s had prior experience with a sword. The circumstances, however, I have a strange feeling I’d be better off not knowing.

Our ship docked, and we weighed anchor. As the three of us—along with Captain Sparkle—stepped down from the ship, we were immediately greeted by two tall stallion adorned in sleek, metallic armor that gave off a hint of violet. They said little, and guided us through the gorgeous, porcelain city of Copperstone. Everything around us looked as though it belonged in a dollhouse. There was not one flaw nor spec of filth to be found. Moving on to the ponies that lived there, they were the definition of dolls. Nearly every mare was made up in a powdered face and rosy cheeks. There dresses appeared to be masterfully crafted with so many intricacies in their design. Every stallion had the posture of royalty, and their suits added the final touch on their regal appearance.

The two stallions brought us to a tall, white mansion with a golden roof that outshined everything else in the city. We were led inside, and were met by several other guards dressed in the same armor. We followed a long, violet rug all the way to mare sitting comfortably on her throne. My eyes surely must’ve been deceiving me, for I was able to gaze upon an actual unicorn. I had heard that they had gone completely extinct, but it seems that she must be one—if not the last—of her kind. Not only that, but she was simply radiant. Her pure white coat of fur, her neatly curled royal-purple mane and ocean-blue eyes made it difficult to look away. She stepped down from her ornate chair, and casually approached us. “Well,” she began. “It’s a sincere pleasure to see you again Twilight. Or, is it still ‘Captain Sparkle’?”

“The pleasure is mine, Rarity.”

“Everypony else calls me Miss Radiance, but I’ll make an exception for you.” She glances over at the other two ponies and I, then back to Captain Sparkle. “I see you’ve brought guests.”

“I hope you don’t mind.”

“Oh, of course not. The more the merrier. Although I will say, it truly wasn’t necessary. I would never do anything to warrant the need for bodyguards.”

“You never know. After what we’ve been through I don’t see a reason why I shouldn’t be concerened.”

“Well, I’m happy to see that dusty brain of yours still works like a charm. Always thinking ahead. Yet you’ve gone ahead and picked out a few of the scrawniest stallions to be your guards. Let’s just take a moment to meet who you’ve brought along with you.” She stepped towards the barnacle-scraper, and examined him from head to hoof. “You, sir, without a doubt reek of the ocean. That smell of salt and fish, it’s enough to make any well-kept pony gag.” She moved on to me, as I took a deep breath out of fear of her judgement. “Now, aren’t you a mess? Trembling like a wet dog, and not too far off from the smell of one either. And you’re supposed to be guarding your captain? No captain would be proud to have a fear-stricken colt such as you as part of their crew.” I swallowed her insults as she moved on to the silent mare. “And what is this? A scarecrow? This one’s completely covered in rags!” She smiled and giggled out of amusement. “Let’s just see what’s underneath that hat.” Rarity attempted to lift the brim of the mare’s hat, but she yanked it back down and away from her grasp. “Well then. . .” Rarity cleared her throat. “How about we move on to the task at hoof, shall we? Why don’t you all join me for tea? Then we can chat about what’s on your mind, Twilight. It must be of great importance if you have the nerve to show your face around my city.”

“As a matter of fact, it is.” All of us were gathered at a round, glass table as Rarity had a couple of her maids prepare cups of tea for each of us. It was so warm and soothing with every sip I took that I yearn for more at this very moment.

“So, Twilight, what brings you to my humble abode?”

“Well, I feel ‘humble’ isn’t the word I would’ve chosen, but I’ve come in need of your help.”

“My help? Why, I never thought I’d hear those words leave your mouth. You know, there was a time I needed your help once as well.”

“Rarity, now’s not the time to dwell on—”

“And I’m glad you weren’t there. Because as you can see, I’ve done quite well for myself. I provided the foundation for this island to thrive and prosper. I’ve given each and every pony that lives here nothing but riches and a bright future. I’ve given more than you ever have to even one pony!” Rarity’s voice grew harsher, and she slowly brimmed with fury before she calmed back down. The barnacle-scraper and I nervously glanced back and forth between everypony as silence ensued. “I could’ve done so many things. I could’ve rejected your request, I could’ve done away with you as soon as you walked through those doors. I could’ve even done away with you once you set a hoof on my docks, but I’m better than that. So, go on. What is it that ‘you’ need from ‘me’?”

“You know everything there is to know about gems, jewels and the like. Is that correct?”

“Perhaps.”

“Have you ever heard of something called, undersea glass?” Rarity, unable to keep herself contained, bursts with laughter as Captain Sparkle looked on in confusion.

“So, that’s what you’re after, is it?” she asked, calmed down from her excessive laughter. “A stone that only exists in a fairytale. Dear me, you must be in worse shape than I thought.”

“Well, since that’s the way you feel, then you shouldn’t have any issue answering a couple questions for me.”

“Oh, please, go right ahead. I’m always in the mood for a good laugh.”

“That fairytale, is it possible I can find somepony who still has a copy of the book?”

“I’d be surprised if you did. Unless you’ve honestly been completely oblivious to the world around you, you would know that the king ordered all copies to be destroyed and none further printed.”

“Yes, I’m well aware of that. I’m guessing you don’t know anyone who’s perhaps hidden a copy of the book?”

“I don’t, nor would I hope so. If somepony were to own that book, and a loyal Pegasus were to find out, that pony would face severe punishment. I don’t even think they’d receive a court hearing.”

“Do you by chance remember the story? Or know somepony who does?”

“I was told that story when I was just a filly. You must truly be crazy to assume anypony remembers the whole story.”

“Well, there has to be some remnants of the story. Pages, writings, poems—something!”

“I suggest you watch the tone of your voice. You’re in my home after all, it’s only polite.” Twilight took a deep breath, and rubbed her eyes. “. . . You know, I think I may be able to assist you after all.”

“Is that so? How?”

“My hired artist, the pony responsible for all the magnificent paintings you see hanging on these walls, does in fact remember a great deal of that story.”

“Really now? Do you think I’d be able to meet this pony?”

“Oh, yes indeed. Allow me to fetch him for you.” Rarity beckoned one of her guards and whispered something to him before he left the room. When he returned, he wasn’t alone. Beside him was another stallion with a silver coat of fur, and a long white mane that drooped over his face. He wore a brown trench coat and hat with a long, pointed brim, and a fluffy, white scarf around his neck.

“You called for me, Miss Radiance? I’m almost finished with that painting you requested, I just need some more time,” said the stallion.

“I’d like for you to put that on hold. For the moment, I’d like to introduce you to our guests. This is Twilight and her gang of degenerates.”

“Oh . . . I see.”

“Twilight, this is Valiari, a masterful painter to say the least.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Valiari,” said Captain Sparkle.

“Likewise,” said Valiari.

“So, I’ve been told you’re familiar with a certain fairytale. One that tells the tale of the sea, and how it came to be.”

“Oh! Y-Yes,” he stammered. “I am very much familiar with that story. It’s been a huge inspiration for me as an artist.”

“Indeed,” Rarity began. “He expresses his love for that story through his paintings, and he’s obviously produced some high caliber work. He’s been fascinated by the ocean in general, and I know he’s been curious about a life at sea.”

“What are you saying?” Captain Sparkle asked.

“I’m saying, if you’d like, Valiari could join you aboard your ship so that he may be of assistance to you and your crew on your journey.”

“Well. . .” Captain Sparkle hesitated. “Sir Valiari, are you willing to join us?”

“Oh, well. . .” He then glanced to Rarity, then back to Captain Sparkle. “Y-Yes. Most definitely.”

“I must say, out of every possible outcome, I wasn’t expecting to receive another member to my crew from you,” said Captain Sparkle to Rarity. “What is it you want in return for his services?”

“Just your word that as soon as you realize that what you’re doing is completely and utterly pointless, you bring him back in the same condition as he left.”

“. . . Deal.” Once they sealed the deal, Rarity took Valiari aside to speak with him while the rest of us waited at the exit. I’m too sure what they were talking about, but I’m thinking it must’ve just been an exchange of farewells. Valiari left and rejoined us with his luggage, a couple of brown, cloth bags. He said not a single word after that.

We boarded the ship, and shoved off. Captain Sparkle introduced Valiari to the rest of the crew, and insisted that we treat him with the upmost respect due to how important his presence means. She then took him to the room where he’d be staying, and they pretty much spent the rest of the day with each other. I suppose she’s trying to get as much information out of him as she can, but now I’m beginning to get concerned. During that meeting with Rarity, once Captain Sparkle began talking about some ‘fairytale’, I immediately had questions. I’m wondering what this means for, not just me, but this journey as a whole. I’m wondering if our Captain is still going to uphold her promise with this supposed treasure she spoke of. I hope I’m just being paranoid. It might just be that disgusting smell of algae getting to me again.

No, I have faith in our Captain. With this painter, he apparently knows things that are going to give Captain Sparkle leads on where to sail to next. Bringing us ever closer to that treasure. I really should lay down and get some rest now, I’ve been writing for quite a bit. I'm honestly quite shocked I was able to remember that entire conversation. At least, I'm sure I got it for the most part. Hopefully by morning Captain Sparkle will have some news for us.