Night One
I never thought I’d actually be writing in this dingy, old thing. A fellow shipmate of mine lent it to me, she said it just might help me somehow. Since I’m going to be writing in this for who knows how long, I might as well pour my thoughts onto these pages. I can only hope this can help me get an easy night’s sleep for once. I feel I’ll never get used to the constant shifting and creaking of this ship, same for the roar of the restless ocean. I’ll never get used to the potent smell of seawater and algae. Perhaps if I had a simple bed of hay to sleep on instead of this filthy hammock, I just might be able to find a chance to rest.
Anyway, I might as well introduce the ‘fellow shipmate’ I mentioned earlier. I can’t quite tell if she was trying to be friendly and genuine, or if she was simply trying to get me to leave. It was during our lunch hour, a time where we can all sit and converse. I suppose the only good thing about this is that our captain is kind enough to allow us to have a break from our jobs. I must say, I never thought I’d share words with many ponies from such distant islands. Many of which I had never even heard of. As for my aforementioned shipmate, I’m not too sure of her origin. She never spoke to anyone, always to herself. Oddly enough, I believe I’m the only one to even attempt a conversation with her out of the crew. Although, it seemed I was the one who did most of the talking. I had noticed she always carries this worn, tattered bag around with her at all times. I asked her what was inside, but all she told me was that it was filled with her belongings. Nothing at all specific, but I suppose it’s none of my business after all.
It’s actually just now occurring to me that I never did get her name—and honestly—I’m a bit intimidated to ask. For the sake of this journal, I might just approach her once more. I could start up a conversation by thanking her for this book. I’m not too sure how long it’ll last, but it’s worth a try. Thinking back on her now, her stern voice is just about the only thing I know about her. I don’t even know the color of her coat nor mane as everything was covered by clothing. A black cloth tied around her face covered everything from the nose down to her neck, and a wide-brimmed hat masked the rest in shadows. If I’m going to be completely honest, I had believed she was a stallion for the longest time since there were no easily identifiable features to be seen.
Well, I suppose I might as well get on with introducing myself. My name is Alass, I’m responsible for swabbing down the deck. I never thought the job would be that difficult, but I was surprised to find out just how nauseating this job is. The smell combined with having to collect all the algae and grime is simply revolting. Then again, I could’ve been one of the lucky lads to have to scrape the sea barnacles off the ship. I’ve watched them do it, and to me it looks like a horrifying experience. They tie themselves with a rope to the ship, and drop down into ocean to do their job. I can barely handle being on this ship surrounded by the ocean, I can’t imagine actually going down in it. If anypony were to read this, I’m sure they’d think of this as strange. A sailor who fears the ocean, now that is a paradox all on its own. I’ve had this fear since I was little. Whenever I imagine myself in the water, I always see this pitch black abyss below. My heart starts to race, and as soon as I picture the creatures that could very well be in the water with me, I feel the need to snap myself out of it. One would ask, then why am I here? The answer is simple, I chose to. My home consists of a small island with small villages. We have to grow our own food, weave our own clothing. We aren’t as lucky as those prestigious islands that get imports of such things overseas.
One morning, we see this beast of a ship anchor near our shore, and fear crawled up our spines. We’d been visited by filthy, low-life pirates in the past. Granted there wasn’t much for them to take, but they took from us everything they could. I was so very young when it happened, my Uncle told me stories about that day. Stories that fueled many nightmares to come. He was the one that instilled this fear of pirates in me, and rightfully so. Since then, our village has developed a deep hatred for these ‘filth’ of the seas. We’ve grown smarter since, crafting weaponry of our own to defend ourselves. My Uncle, being the excellent craftspony he is, built many of our weapons. Things like slingshots and makeshift spears. He’s a well-respected stallion amongst our village, my Uncle. Building and fixing homes, bringing smiles to everypony around him. He’s been there for me every day of my life. Writing about him almost makes me feel like he’s still nearby.
The captain and her crew stepped onto our land, and just about everyone in town gathered at the shore armed and ready. My Uncle had one of his hooves place on my shoulder. When I turned to look at him, I could easily tell the fear had been building inside him as well. The captain's maroon hat was tilted down to block her eyes, and her thick, brown coat along with the red jewel tied around her neck finished off her 'superior' appearance compared to her crew. The captain held out her hoof to halt her crew, and she tilted her hat to reveal her face. It was rather hard for me to believe such a young and gentle face could command a band of heartless thieves. Her lilac coat of fur, violet mane and lush purple eyes didn’t help either. “Good ponies, there is no need for your weapons,” she began. “We aren’t here to pillage, or to harm. We come to your island to offer you a proposal. I am traveling across the sea in the search to assemble a crew. A crew to aid me in my search for a treasure long thought to be lost. However, I assure you it does. I know it to be true. . . Riches that you once thought could only exist in dreams could be yours. If you so choose to join me and my crew, you shall receive that and much more.” By this point, many of the townsponies had lowered their weapons to then whisper amongst themselves. “But be warned, it will not be an easy task. By joining us, you are placing your life at risk. So, does anyone wish to come aboard?”
I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my body. This was the opportunity of a lifetime. A pirate promising riches to any who join her crew, something like this doesn’t just happen by accident. That was the moment where I made one of the riskiest decisions of my life. To join a ‘pirate’s’ crew nonetheless, and leave my home to sail the dreadful sea. However, if I were indeed to last until we found those riches, I could return as somewhat of a hero for my island. Just one gold coin would already be more than what we have, and returning with more than that could change everything for us. I glanced all around to see if any were brave enough to step forward. Instead, nopony budged. The captain turned her head away, and I reached my breaking point. “I will join!” I shouted. Everyone around me gasped, and my Uncle turned me around violently to glare into my eyes.
“What are you doing?!” he asked exasperatingly.
“This is it, Uncle! Our chance to dig our village out of the peasant life!”
“Joining a ‘pirate’ isn’t the only way of doing it!”
“What else can we do?! We’ve lived our whole lives without any improvement. Are you telling me that we should just wait for coin to just be given to us? You’re the one who taught me about ‘fate’! Things happen for a reason, right?” He thought for a moment. It was then I could tell in his eyes that he understood me. “Something like this is never going to happen again. You even said, when an opportunity presents itself—”
“You take it. . . Listen, as far as I’m concerned, you’re the most important thing in the world to me. I made it my mission to make sure I keep you safe. . . Promise me that you’ll be safe.”
“I will.”
“And when you go out there, promise me you won’t forget who you are. You aren’t a cold-blooded thief.”
“I promise, Uncle.” He embraced me as tightly as he could, and I could feel my heart quivering.
“Who said that?” the captain asked, turning back to us. I sucked in a deep breath, and stepped out from the crowd. “Just you? No one else wishes to speak up?” A silence filled the crowd, and she then beckoned me forward. “I’m giving you one last chance. Once you board our ship, we will not be turning back. Are you sure this is what you want to do?” I had almost wished she never asked me that. I had my mind made up, and now she offered me my last chance to turn back. Yet I still nodded my head, and planted my hooves firmly on the sand. “Very well then. I’m pleased to have you as a part of my crew. Climb aboard, and I’ll give everyone a briefing on our next steps.”
“Wait, can I just—”
“Whatever it may be, I’m afraid not. Night will be falling soon, and we must set sail to our first destination. So, I suggest you give them one last wave goodbye.” So, I turned, and waved to every familiar face as my final goodbye. My Uncle’s face . . . I had never seen such sorrow adorned on him like that before. It crushed my heart to not be able to have just a few more words with my Uncle, but the captain hurried me aboard before I could continue thinking about it. I watched from the deck as my home began to vanish into the horizon. It felt like some part of me had been left behind, and will never be recovered. I had never set hoof on a ship before, it felt like stepping into a completely new world. The captain gathered us all on the deck, clearing her throat.
“Attention, crew!” she began. “Firstly, allow me to express my deepest gratitude to you all! It takes true bravery to sail these waters, and I am without a doubt that I’ve assembled a brave crew indeed. I am Captain Sparkle, and you will address me as such. From this point on, you are not the same as you were before you boarded my ship. Times will come where you need to make choices, act in ways you never would, and you need to be prepared to make these adjustments. I warned you all before you made your decision, and you still took my offer. Remember that all of our lives are in danger every minute. Whether it be in the midst of battle with ponies like us, or the very sea itself, we must be alert at all times. Now, this is something I’ve had to come to grips with myself, and you all must as well. Believe it or not, we are pirates. There’s no getting around it. We are despised, yet we are feared!” Everyone in the crew raised a hoof, and cheered for her words. “And it’s that very fear that we must use to our advantage! We cannot lose it. If we do, then our future at sea will not be a pleasant one. And, speaking of our future at sea, I suppose it’s time to inform you all of our step towards our treasure!” The crew cheered once again, this time greater than before. “We must pay a visit to an old . . . acquaintance of mine. She resides at the ornate island of Copperstone. We’re going to need some information she possesses if we are to continue forward. For now, I want you all to get comfortable, we will be sailing for a while.”
After that, we all dispersed and got settled in to our new home. Captain Sparkle assigned us our duties to the ship, as well as our designated rooms. And, well, here I am. The captain’s been consistently giving us updates on our estimated arrival to Copperstone Island, and we’ll apparently be anchoring very soon. I’ve been constantly asking myself if I made the right decision, and I always manage to convince myself I have. I just hope I’m not wrong. Everything does happen for a reason, I know it.
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.
