Silas walked through the streets of Canterlot, the 'Elements of Harmony' forming a circle around him as they headed toward a giant castle in the distance. Sure, he got weird looks every now and then from the locals - scratch that, every few seconds - but he frankly didn't care - partially because of his general apathy, but also because of the knowledge that none of the 'upper-class' ponies (like the one from the train) would do anything that might potentially upset the Princess of Friendship or one of her friends.

As they walked, he causally glanced around at the stores and building they passed. Each one looked fancy beyond belief; that, plus the way they looked at him and the other tourists, reminded him quite a bit of the nobles from his hometown. He still remembered the shock of watching a noble order the execution of a homeless man simply for leaning on the noble's fence. The noble had justified it as 'making sure his property stayed clean'.

Silas was suddenly pulled from his thoughts by someone calling his name. Looking down, he saw Twilight looking up at him.

"You alright?"

"Yeah." He said, pushing the memories away. "Sorry for making you worry."

It was only now that he looked up and realized just how close they were to the castle; apparently he'd been following them on autopilot for quite a while. Scratch that, her for a while; the other Elements had apparently all scattered to look around as

As they got closer, a series of guards - clad in what looked to be fairly weak armor, Silas noted - stepped forward to block their path. However, they quickly stepped aside and saluted once they realized who they were about to block.

"Friend of yours, princess?" One of the guards asked, glancing up at Silas, who simply looked back with a bored expression.

"Correct, lieutenant." Twilight said, nodding. "Thank you for your concern."

The guards waved them through, allowing them to enter the Canterlot castle.

It didn't take them long to reach a giant set of double doors. Two unicorn guards on either side used their magic to open it, revealing what appeared to be a throne room inside.

Walking inside, Silas's gaze was immediately drawn to the tall alicorn standing on a small dais, right in front of a throne. Twilight bowed respectfully, Silas doing the same after a second.

"No need to bow, Jericho T. Silas." She said in a kind tone. "You are not one of my little ponies, thus I have no hold over you."

"I still think it is best to show respect when meeting someone for the first time." Silas said in return, lifting his head.

"Well said." Celestia replied, smiling. She turned to look at her former student. "I have looked over your reports, Twilight. They were quite.. enlightening."

"Thank you, princess. But... why did you call us all here?"

"In your reports, Twilight, you said that Silas here commonly fought against a group known as the 'Marines.' I decided to call Silas here today to ask some questions of my own."

"You've heard of the Marines before?" Silas asked, tilting his head. Celestia nodded.

"Yes. Many years ago - before you were even born, Twilight - a human arrived in Canterlot. He claimed he was a member of a group called the Marines, who would fight against evil and injustice. Initially we believed him and trusted him... until he stopped a simple robbery."

"W-what happened?"

"He stopped the thief, then killed him before our eyes, simply saying that 'all evil must be purged from this innocent world.' The royal guard and I confronted him and demanded that he leave. He complied, and simply vanished without a trace."

"Unfortunately, that's an accurate representation of most of the Marines I've met. High-and-mighty, and willing to kill even little children in the name of justice." Silas said, frowning. Celestia frowned as well, nodding.

"Then it seems we are indeed talking about the same group."

"Still..." Silas mused. "Given that I haven't heard of Equestria before arriving here, not to mention that if only one Marine arrived here instead of a whole platoon, that the Marines might not know of this place either. Count your lucky stars, because the World Government would love to get their hands on a place like this."

"World Government? The Marine did mention a 'World Government', but never elaborated..."

"The Marines are often viewed as the attack dogs of the World Government, a coalition formed of over 170 nations and islands to 'help protect the world'. So far, they have managed to do some good and save quite a few people... but some pirates - all of whom the World Governmet displays as the worst criminals imaginable - have actually done more good for the people than the World Government ever did. For example, a warlord once tried to manipulate the citizens of a country to turn against each other, so he could kill the royal family and claim the throne during the civil war. His defeat was credited to a member of the Marines, according to the papers, but that country's royal family refuted those claims and let the people know that the real hero was a rookie pirate who'd befriended the princess. But the World Government chose to cover up that fact and take the credit instead."

"So, pirates are the true peacekeepers of your world?"

"No. far from it; most pirates would happily watch the world burn if into meant they got treasure."

"...your world is truly harsh, isn't it?"

"You have no idea." Silas said. After a few more moments of silence, he spoke again. "So, was that all you wanted to talk to me about? Or are there other things to discuss?"

"There is." Celestia fixed Silas with a serious glare. "I need your absolute assurance that you will never intentionally harm my little ponies."

Silas was silent for a moment before he stood tall, placed his fedora over his heart, and spoke.

"You have my word as the Captain of the Dreadnought Pirates that I will never intentionally bring harm to your subjects, outside of self-defence should they attack."

After a moment of hesitation, he reached into his hat and pulled out an oddly-shaped fruit.

"And as a sign of trust, I will give you this. Do whatever you like with it."

He held the Devil Fruit out for Celestia to take.

Author's Note

Hey, I finally got a cover image to stick! Good for me!

Anyway, I know the meeting wasn't the best thing I'd ever written, but I didn't have much of an idea about what to write. Also my computer is a piece of junk and won't stay connected to the internet for more than ten minutes at a time before refusing to connect for the rest of the day.

Anyway, yes, Silas is offering Celestia a Devil Fruit. It will come into play later on. I intend for it to be a very powerful one, and I already have one idea (that is, Mythical Zoan). If you want to suggest a potential power for this Fruit, please, send me a message! If I like the idea I might just pick it!