Waves of Discoveryby SpannerChaptersPrologueChapter One: Coping With ItChapter Two: Party ConflictPrologueWaves of Discovery By: Spanner Prologue: Getting Out There *** Her hooves felt hot and her wings ached, but she felt more free than she ever had before. “I wish the girls could have seen that,” she said, while turning around and observing the slowly dissipating rainbow streak. Actively panting as she hovered in the sky, she searched for signs of land. However, upon bringing a hoof to her brow and scanning the horizon, land was nowhere in sight. The pegasis didn’t see anything but the blue of the sky and the ocean below. There was nothing but a few clouds and the smell of the salty ocean spray. “Uh oh,” was all she could say. At least this was all her fault, so nopony would feel guilty. *** “She could be gone forever. This all my fault” an orange pony said, with a heavy southern accent. “How is it your fault? I should have told you girls this was much too dangerous of an idea. Clearly, I’m at fault,” a white unicorn with a well kempt, purple mane chimed in. Applejack shot a sideways questioning look. “You do know this is Dash were talkin about here; she loves danger.” “Well, why yes, but…” “Besides, this wasn’t some suicide mission. It was just supposed to be a simple little attempt. If I hadn’t a challenged her, she wouldn’t have had to prove me wrong,” “Oh, uh,” a clearly distraught, yellow Pegasus flew up. “If you need to blame somepony just blame me,” she said as her voice trailed off at the last few words. Her head dropped to look at the floor. Both the white and orange mare stopped, to look at their Pegasus friend, saying “You?” in unison. The two proceeded to look at each other in confusion. During the past conversation, a hyper-looking pink pony remained silent, while popping up behind everypony who spoke up. Fluttershy landed softly among the Applejack and Rarity. “Please go on,” said Rarity in her usual regal tone. “Yeah sugar cube, what’s your angle?” remarked AJ. “Well, when Rainbow asked me what I thought about breaking the record…” “Ooh ooh pick me I did it,” she said smiling. Both AJ and Rarity turned towards Pinkie Pie, with a look of puzzlement and annoyance. Fluttershy just looked meek and surprised. “I’m sorry, I just wanted to be part of the party…I mean argument. Arguments are kind of like parties, except everpony is fighting, so I guess there not like parties. Fighting isn’t really fun is it? Unless its pillow fighting, because that can be really, really fun. So I guess arguments can be…” “Pinky…Pinky…PINKY!” It took Rarity and AJ in unison to get her attention. “Sorry,” she apologized, removing her hoof from her chin, still dwelling on her former thoughts on the subject. “Go on dear,” Rarity said batting her eyelashes at Fluttershy. “Well, when Rainbow asked me what I thought about breaking the record, I told her that she should do whatever makes her happy. Then she said that doesn’t help her make a decision, and that I should tell her what I really wanted. So I said that whatever she thinks is best for her… is fine.” Fluttershy started lightly dragging a hoof slowly over the floor, before continuing. “Then Dash sighed and clapped a hoof to her face. I don’t think she really meant what she said next.” “I think you mean sarcasm sugar cube,” AJ almost cracked a smile, but promptly returned to a look of worry and concern. “That is a lovely story, but I don’t see how”…Rarity got cut off by Spike as he slid down a ladder. He was coming down with some books with names like, Cartography of Equestria and Beyond, The World as We Know it and I’m a Pony in a Pony World. “You girls should stop arguing. It isn’t going to help get Rainbow back,” “Could you girls and Spike stop fighting, it’s not going help get Rainbow back!” A voice exclaimed, from the upper level of the library. “But Twilight, that’s what I was trying…” “Spike, everypony get up here. Besides, it is all obviously my fault,” said Twilight in an exhausted and sad tone; as sad and exhausted as yelling can sound. “Don’t step on the maps on your way in!” The door was open, which would explain why she could have heard the commotion downstairs. Spike gulped as he saw the scene before him. The walls and floor were covered with maps. A few bare spots in the floor, were like islands among the grid patterns and scrolls of paper. It took the group a few moments to realize that their purple friend was standing on a round wooden stool, set on top of a table. She looked almost as disheveled as the time of the Smarty Pants incident. However, instead of twitching and laughing maniacally, she was tapping and scratching a hoof to her head, mumbling lots of coordinates and names. Twilight didn’t notice the group carefully making their way in, even though she had been spinning around on the stool. The lavender unicorn lost her hoofing and gave a yelp. Luckily Rarity caught her in her magic just before hitting the floor. Twilight gave the group a sideways smile before Rarity let go of Twilight. She fell on her back, sending many maps and scrolls into a shower of paper. “I’m soo sorry dear. I have been working all day for the preparations. I’m not really used to lifting anything so heavy…I mean heavier than a roll of fabric,” Rarity blushed. The lavender Unicorn, got up and shook her head and gave a slight glare. Rarity returned the look with an innocent smile and a batted her eyelashes. After clearing some of the maps away from the floor around the table, Twilight magicked some stools around it. Eventually, when everypony was seated she levitated a letter, a few more charts, and some instruments to the table top. “So, unfortunately this is not going to be as simple as traveling out in Rainbow’s direction and picking her up. “Twilight, you don’t make anything simple.” Spike immediately bit his lip, gaining a scowl from the librarian. “The first problem is she is potentially so far away that our current means of transport, such as the balloon will be insufficient. Luckily, the Princess has solved this.” Twilight unrolled a letter with the Royal Seal in the middle of the table. Everypony knocked their heads together, as they rushed to read the letter. Dear elements of harmony. I can only imagine how much you worry about your lost friend. I would be so eager to join you myself, except I must attend to matters both in the present and those that could concern the future of Canterlot. The best I can do is to give you the means of travel for your journey. Based on what Twilight has told me thus far, you will need to travel far out to sea. I have convinced a few members of the Royal Guard to supply you with transport to New Saddle. There you will find the ship you need. The crew is a friendly bunch and the Captain is an old friend of mine. His ship will take you the rest of your journey. As for how you will track down your Pegasus friend, I am unsure. Best of luck my little ponies. Finding your friend may not be important to just you. Princess Celestia PS: The captain is not a pirate. There was a short pause, then a flurry of questions. “What does she mean far out to sea? “Well Rainbow was…” “What does she mean ‘Finding your friend may not be important to just you’?” asked Applejack. “If you recall, the…” “We're going on a ship?” “Yes.” “Is it a fancy ship?” asked Rarity. “Why isn’t the captain a pirate?” asked Pinkie. “I don’t …” “How will we find her Twilight?” “I don’t know. I mean, let me…aghhhh.” The questions kept beating down on Twilight. Her head lay on the table, with her ears covered by her hooves. Without warning, a crack was heard throughout the room and she was gone. A few moments later, hoof steps could be heard at the steps and the lavender mare re-entered the room. “Ok.” I’m just going to tell you what I have figured out, and if you still have questions then you can ask.” Her voice was very rushed, so nopony would interrupt. They were quiet and looked sorry for making her teleport. “According to some data I collected; Dash can travel at about mach five at max, before transitioning into a sonic rainboom. After this point she about doubles her speed to mach ten. When she left our visible range her speed was increased by about thirty percent or mach thirteen. This is about 10,010 miles per hour. That means, she goes about 167 miles in a minute. Assuming she traveled at least 2 or three minutes, she could be at least 335 to 501 miles away.” Twilight paused. “So do you want to hear the good news or the bad news first?” Twilight scanned the group expectedly. They looked confused at what they had just heard. Understanding didn't go far beyond she is really far away. Applejack finally broke the silence. “Let’s hear the good news first, I’ve heard bad news a plenty lately,” Applejack said with a frown. “Well the good news is, I have been able to narrow down the search area and I have devised a way to track Rainbow, if we get close enough. Also, not that it matters right now, but Dash beat the record.” “She really did it, well I’ll be darned. What’s the bad news? Of course besides bein lost of course,” Asked the vexed cowpony. Twilight unrolled a map on the table. “We are here.” She pointed to a small village symbol labeled Ponyville with a levitated compass. “This red line leading south east is roughly Rainbow’s flight path. The Yellow rounded cone is the area that she could be in after leaving our sight. This all depends on whether she changed direction or not.” “But if that’s where you reckon she could be, then... she might be...” “Somewhere in the middle of the ocean,” Rarity finished AJ’s thought. “There isn’t any land in most of that area, she could have…” “Don’t say it,” a teary eyed Fluttershy wheezed. She covered her folded back ears. “Now I understand why the princess wasn’t sure how we could track down Rainbow. Even if we were five miles away, we wouldn’t know.” The farm pony seemed to get more nervous. “That’s right. If she missed the southern islands of Bridle Shores, she could be anywhere in the heart of Eternity’s Crossing. There isn’t much land, so we may... already be too…” Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie nodded in understanding. Twilight didn’t need to say more. The awkward silence, left Twilight looking down at the wooden floor, lightly tapping an irregular rhythm. The orange mare, removed her stetson hat and lowered her head to Fluttershy’s level. “Are you going to be ok? Do you need to leave for a spell?” Fluttershy shook her head. She then turned to pinky who didn’t seem all that concerned. “What’s with you Pink, aren’t ya worried she could be gone?” “Of course she’s gone. She’s isn’t here, but she’s not gone gone,” replied Pinky with exasperation. “What the hay is that supposed to mean.” “Remember when I got the signs that Fluttershy was in trouble at the bog. Well, I have a similar sense that happens when somepony I know really well… passes away. Dashie disappeared and I haven’t gotten it yet. All we need to do is find her.” Everypony looked at Pinky, and gave a slight sigh of relief. “Why didn’t you mention this earlier?” The Orange earth pony, still had a look of annoyance. “Do tell” added Rarity. “I don’t like to talk about it, and you didn’t ask silly.” Her pink hair sagged for a split second. Twilight looked clearly annoyed. “This next bit of news is both good and bad. My first concern brought up by Celestia’s letter was why she mentioned that ‘Finding your friend may not be important just to you.’ I knew it had to be something Dash had, that nopony else does. Then it hit me. The answer will also help us find her. What is it that Dash and all of us have in common?” “Oh I know. Were all ponies and all girls and live in Ponyville,” said Pinkie, waving a hoof and falling over. “Yes that’s true, but not what I was thinking of,” Twilight said with a slight smile. “Well I ain’t got the darndest idea Twi.” “Neither do I,” says Rarity. “Oh just tell us,” Fluttershy said leaning over the table. “The answer, is an Elements of Harmony. More specifically, the Element of Loyalty. Without it, we can't find Rainbow or use the elements against an attack. ” *** She drifted back and forth, tapping her head for ideas and then realized three things. One, she was really tired, two Twilight’s spell had worn off and three, her pacing back and forth had caused her to lose track of the exact way back. Her trail had all but dissipated. All of this culminated to, there being no hope in going back. She could take her best shot at the way to home, but it was too far to make a mistake. On the other hoof, she had no idea what was ahead. All she knew for sure, was staying here would tire her out and she would drown. With a look full of confidence, the sound of flapping began. “Wings, don’t fail me now.” The only land I remember was way back. There has to be something ahead. That thought was almost two and a half hours ago. The pegasi’s pace was going down bit by bit, and so was her altitude. The breeze was pleasantly cool and the glow of a fantastic sunset had started to form. If I wasn’t in mortal danger, this would be awesome. If... no, when I live through this, I think I’ll fly around the ocean more often. Hours more passed and her eyes slowly closed. Rainbow Dash bolted awake, shaking her head. “You can’t sleep now Dash.” The prismatic pegasus was passing in and out. Her flight path was a bob up and down. It was starting to rain as it grew darker. Many grey clouds were visible in the dark blue vale. Normally she hated flying in the rain, but this was keeping her awake. The mare’s face winced and relaxed every now and then, as the droplets flowing over her wing muscles soothed some of the pain. Why are my hooves so cold, now my legs? What is with all this water in my room? The light blue head tipped up from her bed, realizing her cloud castle was flooded up to her neck. Dash woke up just in time to see the salty water rise over her. In panic, she inhaled a swig of salt water. The small cyan pony kicked and flurried under the waves, struggling to fight her way up as waves pounded down. Even her wings were at work to help break the surface of the watery grave. Finally, she made it coughing and hacking with the taste of salt in her nose and mouth. It had become pitch black. The sound of thunder filled her ears. She could briefly see the disturbances in the glistening water, as lightning bolts shot out of the sky. Treading water and tipping her back upward, she flapped her wings in an attempt to shake some of the water out. Her legs were cramping up, almost sending her under again. She had never been a good swimmer, and knew getting airborne was her best chance. The ordeal reminded her of when the dam broke, except this time no superhero would save her. New determination showed on her face. You can do this… “YOU CAN DO THIS!” The clumps of feathers started to break apart from being soaked in seawater. With all her concentration on getting lift her body was out of the water, taking to the sky. Rainbow took her classic flying pose, both hooves stretched out before her. The plan was to make her way up and over the storm. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw something in the short flashes of light. A dark shadowy shape was illuminated, promptly disappearing in the black. Rainbow Dash stopped to get a better look. A small smile formed on her muzzle. There was no mistaking it this time. ...It was land. Evasive maneuvers were so much harder when tired like this, but hours of practice still made it look easy. “Wings, don’t fail me now. Just a little bit farther,” she said, in an almost whisper. Energy was fading from her. Tapping into reserves of energy, she continued. Another strike came way too close for comfort. Her body twisted out of the way and a wing cramped for a moment. She was sent tumbling. With a grunt and a hard flap later, she was back on track. The coast was visible now. She was too high for a good landing angle, but it was now or never. Attempting to lower her altitude, both of her wings cramped. The cyan blue body, barrel rolled through the canopy of some trees, crashing to the foreign ground. *** END Part 1 Here is a map. Yellow is general search area. Doted red is general sailing direction. Chapter One: Coping With ItGreat tracks I listened to while writing: Thievery Corporation, Radio Retaliation; Gramatik, Water For The Soul. Chapter One: Coping *** News of Rainbow’s accident was known by nearly everypony, and Twilight was sure there would have been a big send off. That was a delay she and the others agreed to avoid. Even pinkie, begrudgingly agreed saving time was more important than a “proper” send off. Two days had already passed. Nothing could be done the day of her disappearance, except the early stages of planning. The next day had been getting all affairs in order for the trip. Applejack sent letters to a few family members to tend to the farm, Rarity regretfully closed her shop and had a connection in Canterlot continue her orders. Fluttershy was surprised that Lyra and Bon Bon, agreed to watch over the animals and Twilight sent for a Castle Librarian to take over for her. As for Sugar Cube Corner, The Cakes insisted the shop could be handled. The guards pulled the five mares, plus one baby dragon into the main street to take off. Only a few early rising shop owners and citizens were milling about. The townsfolk looked up, with expressions that were almost as serious as the guards pulling the two chariots. Due to the amount of luggage and numerous passengers, the pegasi had to get a galloping start. The large, wooden, spoked wheels started to pick up speed and the beating of wings picked up pace. “Wait...Wait!” A small orange Pegasus was trying to catch up to the carts. Twilight motioned a stop. The orange filly screeched to a halt on her scooter, forced to slide sideways so as not to ram into the chariots. “You…have…to bring her back,” the young filly said between breaths. “How can I run a Rainbow Dash club, without Rainbow Dash?” Rarity realized Scootaloo was beginning to get teary eyed. She hopped off the cart and wrapped a foreleg around the small philly. “We will find her, I just know it. You don’t need to cry.” “I’m not going to cry. Rainbow Dash wouldn’t do something uncool, like cry,” Scootaloo said, as she wiped her face and tried to put on a serious face. “Oh darling Scootaloo, crying just shows that you really, really care about something.” “That must mean you really care about everything Rarity,” Applejack mused.“I’m sorry, force of habit. I know it must be hard missin your biggest inspiration. “You don’t know what it’s like. She...she was supposed to start giving me flying lessons. She promised.” Scootaloo’s face twisted from sorrow to slight anger. Twilight turned to face the distraught child. “I know what it’s like. When Celestia was cast down, during the invasion, I felt as though I may have lost the world. Not because she was defending Equestria, but because she is my teacher, my mentor. Celestia is like a...second mother to me. “It’s not the same! I don’t even have one mother.” Scootaloo, broke away from Rarity. The words cut into Twilight with surprise. The lavender unicorn’s head drooped down for a few moments. The orange philly was breathing heavy. Twilights voice was quiet, but clear enough. “You know, I have seen Rainbow cry before?” “No...no way!” The young pegasus came closer and refocused her gaze upward. “Oh yes, on a few occasions.” A soft smile showed on Twilights muzzle as she looked down. This seemed to distract the orange filly from some distress. The orang pegasis jumped, as a light yellow wing covered her back and brought her into the warm body. The grasp was resisted at first, then tears were shed from both pegasi. “Ms. Sparkle, we must be on our way to New Saddle.” “Of course sirs.” Twilight gave a nod to the group and everypony re-boarded the chariots. Fluttershy took a few extra moments with Scootaloo, whispering something in her ear, before joining the mane five. “You can plan a party for us,” said Pinkie Pie, ecstatic as always. Scootaloo waved as they took off. Soon, Ponyville shrank out of view, along with the few early rising denizens of the small town. *** The argument could be heard, long before the knock at the library door. “Hello Applejack and Rainbow Dash.” “Hi Twilight,” Applejack and Rainbow responded, and then turned to argue again. “Speed is my game; I’ve been practicing my whole life to be the fastest flyer. If I can win the best young flyer’s competition, I think I can beat a simple flat out dash.” Rainbow put a hoof to her chest, radiating confidence. “HA, you said dash, and that’s your name,” Pinkie fell to the ground laughing outside the library. Applejack glanced at pinkie for a moment, then turned back to tap Rainbow in the chest in retort. “Anyway, I still think you’re biting off more than you can chew here,” “Are you three just going to stand there and argue, and…roll on the ground or are you coming inside?” Applejack and Rainbow, stopped arguing for a moment then entered the library. "So what are you two so worked up over? What can a good friend like me do for you?” she said, stressing the good with a broad smile. “Now Twi. Don’t be so coy. You’re the worst liar I ever did meet. I didn’t even need to be the Element of Honesty to see through that.” The orange mare shot her a serious glance. “You know we're both here, because of a certain book you lent Dash here,” indicating a fat book with the title Equiness Book of World Records. “You knew that Dash would find that record and have a hankering’ to take it on.” Rainbow dash hovered in the air, with her arms crossed, ready to hear the unicorn's response. “Is that a bad thing?” Pinkie Pie was hoofing through the pages. Pinkie was being distracting, with her many expressions of awe, disgust, confusion and excitement. “No I guess not, but you really think she can beat that record?” “Yes I actually do.” “Is she going to beat the record for longest distance traveled by pogo stick under water, because I think I could beat that record easy peasy!,” Pinkie Pie said in excitement. “Huh,” Everypony looked at her for a moment. “No, I think AJ is talking about the fastest recorded flight speed of a pegasus.” There wasn’t any use in hiding her part anymore. “Well in that case…” Pinkie started to bounce her way out the door. “Where are you going Pinkie?” "To go practice my pogo sticking while holding my breath, duh. Oh and Applejack should try the fasted flight speed of an earth pony, on stilts.” AJ refocused her attention. “So you think a little pegasus like Rainbow can beat an alicorn’s record?” Her voice and expression were full of doubt. “Not to deny any skepticism, but I believe she has a chance.” Rainbow Dash, finally spoke.“Well thank you Twilight, for believing in my awesomeness.” The record book was levitated into view, flipping to the appropriate page. “It’s not your “awesomeness” it’s my scientific analysis and fact collection that backs up the case” “See AJ, Twilight says my awesomeness is scientifical, scienti…proven by science.” The purple unicorn sighed and facehoofed. “Based on my analysis of the record and what I have seen Rainbow perform, she has a few advantages. One, she is smaller than an alicorn. This gives her less wind resistance. Two, the alicorn that set the record, was allowed to use magic auras.” “I don’t see a horn growin’ on Rainbow,” Interrupted Applejack. “That may be true, but I mailed the judges and convinced them that because the record setter was allowed to use magic, anypony who wanted to challenge the record should also be allowed to have magical auras.” “I still don’t get it.” Twilight pointed at her horn. “Oh, then what’s number three?” “Three, is the sonic rainboom.” Detailed charts graphs and diagrams, were brought over in a pink veil of magic. “I’ll just be leavin you two to your fancy mathematics.” Rainbow Dash, nodded as the finer details were explained. “…and with this spell and your sonic rainboom, you should be able to crush the record at speeds around mach 13. Rainbow Dash looked excited and confused at the blackboard and equations. “So, um. How did you gather the know how to figure this out, and mach 13 are you insane?” Dash looked suspiciously at her. “I may have taken a few measurements at Cloudsdale after your performance.” Rainbow’s gaze narrowed. “Okay, okay, I may have also watched you through my telescope…and sometimes from the bushes or trees...and one time in the balloon, while invisible.” Rainbow glared in annoyance and blushed in slight embarrassment. "I had recently become enthralled by an aeronautics craze, and you were the best... live subject.” “Watched or spied?” Rainbow asked in accusation. She could feel the embarrassment. After an awkward silence, Rainbow moved on. “So you’re sure this won’t kill me?” “As I explained before, all pegasi have a natural dampening field. Yours seems much more developed than others, probably due to your extreme aerobatics. Rainbow made an awe yeah look. This field is also gives pegasi the ability to fly, compensating for wing size versus lift capacity. The spells I cast, should increase your field’s power. You shouldn’t have to worry too much if you’re going straight. However, If you turn the G-forces could be…less than comfortable.” Rainbow started to look bored, but her ears perked up at her next comment. “What you should be worried about is… “Twilight…Twilight. Are you okay darling? You have been staring blankly for a while.” “Oh, yes Rarity. I was just making sure I didn’t forget anything.” *** A small cyan shape could be seen through the break in the canopy foliage. Sunbeams highlighted the groove created by the crash, along with the streaks of dried crimson on the body. Brush and debris, were caught in the rainbow colored mane and tail. As the heat bore down, the small equine figure slowly rolled off of her side, emanating a quiet groan. The l mare’s eyes were still closed, clenching tighter as her gaze turned towards the morning sun. Ok, time to see if everything is working. She set her right hoof forward for support, then the left. As she set down weight, the joint above the left hoof fired in pain. The weak figure collapsed back to the ground. Her right wing gave a spasm of pain as she hit the earth. She could only open her eyes a little at a time, as the bright light was still too intense. A slight ringing was left in her ears, even after shaking her head a few times. Gotta get up. Looking down she could see the swollen joint above her hoof. First the right hoof, then the left. This is easy stuff Rainbow. Compensating for the weakness, a wobbly stance was finally achieved. There were aches throughout her body, but her hind legs seemed more or less in working order. “Ok, now for those wings.” She flapped the left lightly then neatly folded it to her side. She looked back at her right wing, realizing it was bent over her back at an awkward angle. Seeing it brought on a new wave of aching pain. “No no no! This...this can’t happen.” Fear was building in her gut, as she scoped out the surroundings. Her eyes traced up the trough her body had carved in the ground. The gouged ground lead toward the shore. Dash desperately limped her way to the shore line. The sound of breaking waves and ocean mist grew stronger. The salt water stung her cuts, but also soothed her swollen leg with cool waters. Reluctantly, the mare’s head turned her gaze to her reflection. She looked awful, like the zombie ponies spike showed her in his comics. Veins of blood matted her coat, coming from many cuts and scrapes. Her eyes finally settled on her injured wing, confirming her greatest fears. “No no no.” It was hard to see under the dried blood but the small tip of white bone was unmistakable. She jerked her head away, but the image hung vividly in her mind. Her head slumped down, as she hobbled closer to the edge of the trees and the mare let herself down in the sand. “That’s it Rainbow. You can’t get back now. You just had to go and get yourself all mangled.” Rainbow’s chin lay in the fine white grains, a hoof struck solidly against the nearest tree, in an attempt to fight back tears. Not far from shore her sobs were drowned out by the rolling waves. Farther out, the technicolor and cyan mass was nearly invisible. Shedding tears only made things worse. The spasms of breath caused all the injuries in her body to scream out, especially her broken wing. The pegasus remained in the same position, as her shadow rotated degree by degree. What am I doing? How could I act so pitiful? She observed her matted, bloodied and sandy coat. The misshapen wing mocked her. With things like this there is no hope. The small cyan pegasus stood up slowly, turning towards the rippling tide. She marched forward, with sure steps. The water was over her hooves, then up to her flank. The thought of her friends, Ponyville and passion for flying passed through her mind in one blurred haze. The salt stung on all her wounds, like the sting of a swarm of bees, but she kept going. Time to get this over with. After a slight hesitation, she dunked under the water, becoming fully submerged. The salty solution licked over her wing. A big gulp of seawater was inhaled as the pain coursed through her open wound. The signals traveled through her back and took refuge in her stomach. She was still as a buoy for a moment…then another, suddenly she twitched and shook her body. No sooner did Rainbow make it to shore before she threw up. She remembered Twilight saying something about cleansing wounds with salt water, but she was sure jumping in the ocean is not what Twilight would recommend. Twilight’s egg-headedness was part of her realization. No matter how much suffering she was going through, she had to endure...somehow. As long as she was alive, she felt she owed it to her friends to hang on until they got there. That or she found a way to them. Rainbow felt ashamed for losing her cool. Good thing Scoots didn’t see me back there. No stupid island beats Rainbow Dash. Besides being sticky with salt and her odd wing, she at least looked cleaner than before. Cleaner in dash standards. However, the hardest part was yet to come. One, two, three… Hesitation took hold. There aren’t many other choices. She couldn’t even sleep, as she kept rolling over her broken wing. It was at such an odd angle she had woken up multiple times from the cascade of pain. More importantly if she left it this way it would never heal properly. The avid flyers face winced at the notion, but soon her face grew resolute. Already queasy from the very thought of the idea, she picked up a broken stick in her mouth. "Un…ouu…ree…" With a quick up and down flap of her battered wing, the sound of shifting bone against bone resonated in her head. She spit the stick out, which had deep teeth marks. The sick feeling in her stomach multiplied, causing a choking gag. As the adrenaline wore off, her breathing slowed. The dizziness of shock set in and the small pony once again fell unconscious. Dash arose to what she figured to be late afternoon. Time of day was pretty easy to tell for a weather patrol expert. She gazed up at the sky, already longing to take off. She felt it odd that the sun in the sky now, was the same one Fluttershy and the others would be seeing. A little blood, had sprouted once again from moving her injured wing. The next couple hours were spent jerry rigging a splint from branches and vines. It wasn’t pretty, but at least her wing looked more aligned and she could nap without problems. She carefully tested the movement of her wingtips and she exhaled in relief, that they were still functioning Having thrown up what was left in her stomach, she was reminded that she hadn’t eaten anything for almost two days. As she explored the thick masses of trees and vines for food, she couldn’t help but to draw similarities to Daring Do. Especially the one she had read in the hospital. The mare looked back and forth suddenly, listening carefully. She just hoped the similarities would end before she was surrounded by predators. After hours of searching, she kind of hoped something might jump out of the lush foliage. Things were getting dull, and all she could find was an odd slightly bruised fruit. It was shaped like a bloated lemon and had the color and feel of an orange peel. Whatever it was it wasn’t anything she had seen. Figuring no better way to eat it she started by peeling it. The inside was purple with many large seeds. Rainbow paused just before it touched her lips. It could be poison or the seeds could be poison or it could cause weird hallucinations. Weird hallucinations wouldn’t be soo bad…she was bored and hungry, but poison not so much. The fruit in question, was set on a log. She slowly made her way around the fruit staring at it as if it would divulge some information. If it’s poison I die, if I don’t eat I starve. “Ah what the hay? It’s all you’ve got Rainbow. Happy birthday to me.” Rainbow Dash half hoped half expected the a peppy Pinkie Pie to burst out from a bush, with a surprise and streamers. she remembered it was today. the thought made her smile at first, until she remembered the day of pranking she had planed with the party pony. After tearing the fruit in half, then tearing it in half again, she took a small bite. Her face tightened and her eyes watered. “Soo sour.” “At least it’s...food.” After waiting ten minutes with no ill effects, she ventured deeper into jungle, disappearing into the thicket of trees and vines. *** The flight to New Saddle went relatively smoothly, besides Applejack getting airsick. Twilight just wished the same could be said about the current situation, as stool narrowly missed her head and splintered on the wall behind her. Nopony amongst them had been to New Saddle, but Twilight had read a bit about it. Many buildings of stone and wood, not unlike buildings in Ponyville, were built up and around the coast. The whole town seemed to be settled on a large slope that ran down to many harbors and docks. What made this town so much different than Ponyville, besides all the sailors, merchants, and moving cargo cranes, was all the noise, especially by all the commotion at the docks. Noise was greatest near the main road, which paralleled the docks. Low and high whistles pierced the air, shouting vendors aggressively pitched their trades, preaching prophets spoke of various dogmas, carts constantly thundered down the cobblestone road, exotic animals screeched and growled from their cages and orders to shippers and movers could be heard, as cargo was scrambled on and off the decks of various vessels. The groupe got strange looks from sailors and denizens, as they passed by. A circle of gruff looking colts, surrounded by a rowdy crowd, stopped mid mid fight to gaze at the odd newcomers. Rarity turned away from a toothless grin she received from a stranger in an alley. Fluttershy frowned as she saw the caged animals, cramped and underfed. “There’s nothing we can do sugar cube,” said the country pony, when they passed. They had arrived early, and still had time after making their way through the many streets and alleys to the docks. Dock 23 was empty, but they left their luggage in view of dock guards. Not quite trusting of the locals, Twilight tipped them a few bits. The colts pretended not to be surprised at the obvious overtip. Pinkie Pie finished examining a large cannon being hoisted by two sailors and turned to the groupe. “We may as well go eat and explore. Just because we’re on a super important quest, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some eats and sights.” There was a general hunger in the group and this certainly was an interesting change of pace. However, every place they went seemed to be a tavern or bar. Giving up on finding anything more innocent looking, they headed into the “least threatening” establishment. “Spike it’s probably best you stay outside. You can go back to the dock, if you like.” A concerned twilight put a hoof to silence his objections. “Don’t worry little Spiky Wikey, well get something for you.” Spike’s cheeks reddened at Rarity’s comment as they entered. Fluttershy showed up a few moments later. “Oh spike, did they go in there?” she asked nervously. “Yeah, but why weren’t you with them?” She looked like she was about to break into a sweat. “Ok, thanks bye,” she said as she slinked in through the door. The Salty Hoof Tavern, was set in the row of buildings behind those that stood closest to the docks. The street was fashioned from small cobble, with pot holes and mud a plenty. The wood beams, set in between the plastered walls of the building, were weathered and cracked on the outside and glossy smooth from the touch of visitors on the inside. An earth pony was complaining that a unicorn wasn't releasing his magic on his darts at the line. Applejack observed a mighty fine hoof wrestle, anxious to challenge the winner. almost every patron had some sort of blade, weather it be attached attached to their belt or strapped to a leg. They had certainly picked a popular spot. The crowd was a mix of ponies griffons and a few menatours, that hung in a private corner of the tavern. “Ha…ha haheh. You think this is a restaurant. We don’t serve daisy sandwiches or gems. Twilight looked taken aback by the hysterical rejection of the bar tender. “What sort of food do you serve then,” Rarity asked as respectfully as she could. The large stallion looked up and down the white pony, eyeing her propper sun hat and matching dress. He adjusted collar, which sprung back to a wrinkled mess. “Well we certainly don’t serve your type” He pointing at a sign near the door and behind him. Welcome to the hard working folk, beware the prim and proper. “I’ll serve your orange friend here.” Applejack shouted in triumph, as a hoof slammed down on the table nearby. “Now who's’ next?,”she said eying a few curious gentlecolts, rising from tables nearby. “She looks like a hardworking cowpony, but the rest of you Canterlot types give us hard working types a sour taste. We bust our chops down here, while pansies up in the city make bags o bits, off of so called fancy art and sewing.” “Why I never…” “On top of that we pay almost the same taxes, which are nothing to you folks, and you think you can come in here and order a sandwich and gems.” “Now you listen here, you ruffian. I am not from Canterlot. I am a hard worker from Ponyville.” “A hard worker in daisy picking!” Applejack’s current challenger got distracted by the commotion. He begrudgingly made way for the next competitor. The farmmare was keeping an eye on her friends at the bar. Pinkie looked nervous as she switched her gaze between the two hotheads. “We can just be friends. Let’s just stop fighting.” They turned and barked “NO!” in unison. Pinkie grew meek, as her mane deflated a little and Fluttershy just hid under a stool shaking. The patron sitting in the stool looked down in annoyance. “Uh I think it might be best to oblige to that there suggestion.” A few colts that had followed the cowpony, nodded in agreement. “Yep yep yep.” Pinkie was already her cheerful self again Customers at the tavern were all focused on the bar or the hoof wrestling upset and the steaming bartender. “If you will serve me, I’ll take five ciders and salt blocks, plus a round for these gentlecolts,” said AJ as she desperately tried to intercept Rarity’s tirade about the importance of art and fashion. The orange earth pony had gotten up from the table, ready to assist her friends. Just as she ushered rarity out of the way, a bottle smashed squarely in the bartender’s face. Any other pony may have been knocked out cold, but he had obviously been in a scrap or two. Rarity turned around in rage, “IT IS ON!” “Who the hay threw that?” The bartender said. He spotted a guilty looking subject hiding behind a hand of cards. The enraged bartender chucked an empty bottle. Unfortunately his aim wasn’t as good as his observation skills, and he hit a passing sailor. His shipmates looked up and retaliated, as their friend hit the floor out cold. Friends of the bartender joined in, and vaulted behind the counter. Twilight quickly levitated a card table to intercept the bottles and stools, upsetting the card players. It turned into a madhouse. Twilight ushered her friends behind four levitated tables for cover. It was like a Spartan Phalanx formation. As they made their way towards the door, Pinkie and Rarity were grabbing anything not bolted down and releasing a barrage of debris, through the openings between the tables. Pinkie’s Pinkie senses were going haywire. Applejack and her new friends followed the floating tables, firing back at the crowd. The crashing of glass and wood, was mixed with grunts and shouts. They were almost at the door when new hoof steps came through the door. A loud bang made everypony freeze. After a few moments of panic, Twilight ducked down to view the newcomer from under the hovering tables. They were a light reddish brown color, with a short, black, cape, covering their flank. She couldn’t see their mug, but she could see the tip of a smoky grey tail. It was hard to tell if his color was faded from age, dirt or both. “I’m lookin for a Twilight Sparkle.” There was a moment’s pause, “Well?” Nopony stirred. “Purple Unicorn, probably showed up a half hour ago?” The voice confirmed they were a stallion, as Twilight had expected from his build. She heard the sound of something pouring and the clinking of metal. Whatever he was doing was making everypony uneasy. Too curious for her own good, Twilight lowered the forward table slowly, and peered over the edge. She hadn’t been noticed yet. He was focused on some contraption in his hooves. He had a grizzled face and a mane to match. A slightly weary expression, along with a pale coat probably made him look older than he was. It didn’t help that a lack of shaving gave him a case of five o’clock shadow. The stranger suddenly looked up, scaring the purple mare so badly that she lost her concentration. The four tables crashed to the ground. “Ah, there you are. This makes things easy,” he said, as he finished jamming a rod down his blunderbuss. “Well, get moving” he said as he kept his weapon drawn towards potential attackers in the tavern. It was either leave with the armed stranger or risk getting pelted by the perturbed patrons at the bar. The group hesitated, until Twilight took the initiative to follow him out the door. “Hey Iron lass! If you survive out there, I want a rematch.” “Sure thing sugar cube,” Applejack answered, before slipping out the door.” “Horseapples! Who’s payin for this?” The barkeep wiped his face and snorted. *** END part 2 Thanks for reading, and pleas comment any thoughts; negative or positive are welcome. Chapter Two: Party ConflictChapter 2: Party Conflict *** The atmosphere of the town outside of the tavern had changed. There was a new sense of tension among the town of New Saddle. Ponies were rushing here and there, locking doors and windows as they disappeared behind them. As far as the mane five and spike could tell, everypony seemed to be rushing away from the docks. They silently followed the caped stranger, with spike and Fluttershy hiding behind Rarity and AJ. The tension was still high, even after the stranger had holstered his pistol; not to mention he also bore a cutlass. As they trotted up dock 23, Twilight froze at the sight of a black hulled ship. The wood was blackened by fire and a layer of tar. She easily recognized the distinctive profile. From the books Twilight had checked out from the Canterlot Library, she knew that ‘The Jackal’ was a brig ship, captained by Grim Blade. A scoundrel deadly in close quarters combat, with powerful magical barriers that protect protect from almost any projectile. Legend says he has even blocked a cannon ball. But how was his ship here? It had been reported sunk at the edge of the trade routes. There was no time to indulge her curiosity now. Twilight startled her friends as she swiveled around with a worried look on her face. They didn’t need a verbal queue to know it was a run now kind of face. Unfortunately, it was already too late. A pegasus, a yellow unicorn, and a very large earth pony cut off their escape. They were halfway down a boardwalk, with no way out, unless they took the high plunge off of the dock. Still a risky proposition, as the dock was built up a ram to accommodate taller ships. The pegasus looked as though they were about speak, but Applejack reeled around to buck the unicorn in the way. The orange earth pony almost called on Rainbow Dash to back her up, quickly remembering that impossibility. Fluttershy froze at the sight of the large smoky colored stallion, before Rarity stepped in front of her with a defensive stance. She uttered something about being uncouth. Spike stood next to the white unicorn with the toughest look he could make, While Pinkie PIe had disappeared all together. “Everypony Freeze! just calm down.” The six friends expected to be facing the muzzle of a pistol, thus everypony obliged to the command. To the group's’ surprise, the three cutting off their escape, retreated a little. The stranger looked slightly confused as to what had spooked them so much. The caped stallion looked at Twilight’s horrified stare, then at the harbored ship. He let out a short chuckle, when he realized the answer. “What in the hay is going on?” said AJ, still ready to fight. Pinkie Pie was dead still behind the the three blocking ponies, with a barrel lifted over her head. “This ship sails under friendly flags, so to say. You don’t have to worry. Call me Captain Weatherside,” he gave a short deep nod. “I was given official command of ‘The Jackal’...by Celestia.” The princess’s name was spoken in a hushed tone. It wasn’t until “by Celestia” was mentioned, that everypony calmed down. Twilight gave an exhaustive sigh. “Wait, he could be lyin. Why is there a pony skull and bones on that there flag? ” said a cross Applejack. Weatherside checked for eavesdroppers, scanning back and forth towards the other docks, before revealing a letter with the royal seal. “I can explain later, but is this proof enough?” said the captain. Nopony spoke for a bit, and Applejack still had a look of mistrust. Finally, the lavender mare broke the silence. “This certainly isn’t how I expected to meet the captain of this voyage, but thanks for help at the tavern.” “I could say I was just as surprised by you and your friends. You certainly know how to make the locals happy. Your wit for recognizing a ship that has never been photographed on a first hoof basis from that distance, certainly doesn’t disappoint Celestia’s description of you Ms. Sparkle. However, based on your blunders so far, I'd say you have a lot to learn about the way things work out here.” Twilight flushed red. “You give me too much credit. It was easy to figure out, once I saw the two sets of square sails, counted the guns, saw the woodwork on the quarterdeck and estimated the length compared with the other docked boats. I also should have figured you were the captain we seeked, sooner. A lot of paperwork or the right contacts are necessary to carry a firearm. A captain who is friends with the princess is just the sort to have such privileges. Now that I think about it, the letter from the princess said something about the captain is not a pirate.” “That was not a compliment.” Seeing the sad expression on her face, Captain Weatherside changed the subject. “So she called me a friend huh?” He seemed to dwell on something for a moment, then continued on. “Before we get on our way, I was curious if you knew anything about”… Some metal pins fell out from beneath Fluttershy’s wings, with a smile and squee from the yellow pegasus. “About a large number of escaped animals...” Well that answers that question. He didn’t pursue the topic further and changed topics. “Is your pink friend coming?” Weatherside asked, looking at the statuesque party pony. “You didn’t say unfreez,”remarked Spike, with mild exasperation. Only because I owe you Celestia. This group is going to be a hoofull of trouble, thought the weary captain. The five ponies and dragon, followed the other four further down the large boardwalk to a large platform in front of the docked ship. Weatherside stood before a line of ponies, which included the three they encountered moments ago, with the addition of two more. He motioned for the mane five to line up in a similar fashion, facing the other group. The brown cloaked stallion, paced up and down between the two lines while he spoke. “I may be the captain, but since half of you are new to life at sea, you will be assigned under a member of my crew. I expect you to learn from them, listen to them and follow them, unless directed otherwise by me. He began to call names, and the pairings met half way. As each name of the captain’s crew members was addressed they stepped forward and shook with their partner, some more reluctantly than others. “Applejack.” “Yes sir,” she replied with a sour face. “You will be working the sails with Bitt.” It was the same yellow unicorn she had nearly bucked. As they shook hooves, Bitt leaned in close. His teal and turquoise mane almost brushed Applejack’s ear, as he whispered. “I may be ordered to work with you, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.” “I was just thinkin the same thing.I don’t trust you anyhow.” Applejack returned in the same snide tone as he had made. “Rarity.” “Present.” Rarity stepped forward and gave a curtsy. “Help Chips with maintenance and repairs.” Rarity pulled out a cloth to shake hoofs with a wary, tired looking unicorn stallion. With a brown coat and mustard colored mane. He had no words and rarity didn’t push for any. “Pinky Pie.” “Yay, that’s me,” she said hopping energetically as always. “You’ll be working with Hardtack, on ration management and preparations. “Oh boy, cooking is only like one of my most favoritest things after parties and bonanzas, and hoedowns and maybe a good fiesta.” Pinkie’s nature seemed to please the large grey stallion with a coal colored cap. He lifted Pinkie off the ground with his hoofshake as she giggled. “Fluttershy.” “Ye…yes,” she stuttered. “You will work the watch with Windlass. Fluttershy noticed the pegasus addressed as Windlass, was one of those who had had blocked them at the pier. “I’m sorry bout our misunderstandin earlier.” The blue-green pegasus had a red braided tail, short cut mane, with red irises to match. Her accent reminded fluttershy of Applejack. “It...It’s okay,” Fluttershy stuttered, as that shook hooves, without direct eye contact. “Spike.” “I’m ready. What do you want me to do?” “Well, the doc. works pretty well alone, but I’m sure Dr. Breeze won’t mind having an assistant.” “Sure thing.” “I hope you are ready to learn a lot. Details are important in my line of work.” The stallion adjusted a pair of spindly round glasses. Spike looked up at the dark-brown pegasus, with an orange mane, before speaking. “I happen to live with the most studious mares I have ever met. I know what it means to hit the books.” Cool Breez gave a slight smile. “Very good to hear.” Weatherside looked over his crew and the five mares. “Now I know some of you are itching to complain about these matches, but they are orders. That goes for my crew, and you and your companions Ms. Sparkle,” indicating each group with a sheathed saber. "Now, are there any questions not regarding these pairs? Good!” He didn’t give time to answer. It’s going to be a dangerous voyage, not only are we traversing almost uncharted waters, we will be passing through the lost trade routes. All this with a half rookie crew. He then focused on his familiar crew. I have no intention in losing anyone or my ship. Now, get those crates loaded and get set to weigh anchor. As every pony started to board, Twilight addressed the Captain. He stopped midway up the boarding plank. “Cpt. what is my assignment?” “Isn’t it obvious? You’re the leader of the search. I’ve got a ship to run. I’ll be working with you of course, and calling the final shots, however, you will be more or less in charge of our main course and search plans.” The crew within ear shot was shocked; one of them dropped a crate. Twilight was left speechless. *** Despite his cheerful-looking aquamarine main and sunshine coat, Bitt could be pretty abrasive. Pinkie Pie said he looked like cotton “candy on a banana.” “Four hours in and you're still keeled over.” the yellow coated deckhand adjusted some rigging while coiling up some rope. “It’s not like I can’t manage everything myself, but I almost wish I had gotten the pretty white one of you girls. At least she could be of use with her magic or at least sit and look nice. But no, I got some cowpony who can’t even hold their food down.” He moved close up next to her, after securing a few lines with his magic. Applejack turned, showing the colors of both Granny Smith and Big Macintosh apples. She was red with rage and green with sea sickness. Before she could make a retort, she leaned over the railing once again. Why do I have to get air sick and sea sick? “That’s what I thought, too sick to be a darn bit o help. I knew a bunch of mares was going to be a barrel of trouble. Sailing is a man’s work. Besides it’s bad luck...” “A man’s work huh?” Bitt hadn’t noticed that the blue-green pegasus had landed behind him and heard most of the conversation. “Oh but you’re an exception Windlass,” he spouted hastily. “You’ve proven you’re as good a worker as any stallion.” The red headed pegasus leaned against the main mast with crossed forelegs. She wasn’t convinced. “As good as, huh? so are you saying us mares can never be better? Well, we can see bout that one.” She said with a confident smile, as she opened and closed her wings and pumped her hoofs like a boxer. “Let’s have us a friendly tussle.” The stallion looked a bit intimidated, but he held his ground. “Alright, I know all your moves.” As the two began their approach towards each other, they were surprised as the orange earth pony jumped in. “I’ve got this one sister. My hard working family pride is on this one.” Applejack spit out a bit of stomach juices. *** Weatherside's tricorn hat sat next to the small tin mug of coffee on the small round table. Alcohol tended to lead to less than preferable circumstances. He thought running a ship was hard work enough, but that was before he met Twilight Sparkle. She kept handing him more maps, charts, and scrolls, all covered in meticulous scrawling notes. Glancing back, Weatherside did a double take. He could have sworn he saw her reading two to three books at once. Still quietly sitting at his desk, the purple figure was surrounded by books and rolls of paper. Had she not moved since he offered up his desk? “So, what makes this one so important to you girls?” He was never good at starting conversations. Responding was much more natural, especially when it was with a blade or lead ball. Twilight didn’t seem to have heard him from across the room. The afternoon light cast a square beam down the center of the captain’s cabin, but left either side in a darker state. Weatherside passed through the shaft of light to the other side of the quarters, which was lit by a pink glow and candle. He then repeated his question. “So, what makes this… “AHH,” shrieked Twilight, as she fell back in the chair. So important to you girls?” The grey maned stallion grunted, as he caught her chair with a bow of his head. After she regained her composure and shuffled some papers back in order, The captain continued.” I know she must be beyond a good friend, but what makes you go through all this work to find this one pony of yours?” The unicorn tipped her head slightly, in thought. Besides being beyond a good friend, what else was there? A few more moments passed. “I feel I should tell you something right off.” She paused for a moment as Weatherside looked confused. “Have you ever heard of the Elements of Harmony Captain Weatherside?” The captain looked thoughtful, as to the relevance. “I think so... They are a set of mighty powers, locked in the Canterlot vaults, right? He left no time to answer his question, a common habit. “Rumors in port have claimed the elements were recently used by six mares, Putting a stop to stop Nightmare Moon and Discord himself. Though I’m a sailor, and have heard a lot of tall tales.” There was a slight hesitation, before Twilight spoke again. “You're right about everything except their current location.” Twilight had been given a bed in the Captain’s cabin, much to the dismay of some of the crew. Her eyes lined up with his for a moment as she turned to her new hooflocker. It appeared that she had broken some sort of magical lock, and her horn glowed brighter before she undid the latches. An ornate box now sat on the desk before them. The stallion eyed it with curiosity and apprehension. It took a bit before one of them finally thought of what to say next. “Whatever is in that box, you don’t need...you shouldn’t show me.” Weatherside turned away, but kept an eye trained on the small chest. “Captain, I feel that in order to gain your complete trust, I must show you.” The box opened, revealing four jeweled necklaces and one tiara. Each bore a shaped gem. Weatherside thought she might get worried, when a depression for a fifth artifact appeared in the case lining. That was, until the connections all clicked. Twilight was puzzled by his response. I expected him to be more surprised. Maybe he is hiding it. “That makes you and your friends the six mares of the rumors I’ve been hearing about,” he said. Twilight nodded. His face showed a Contemplative. “The sixth element is on your pegasus friend is right now.” Twilight nodded again, this time with a slight smile. “I thought it would be less conspicuous to have her wear it before meeting the crew rather than appear with it on later.” “True, but why have her wear it at all, and why pick the most...well, most timid of you?” “That is in itself the reason. Nopony would expect a shy, gentle one like her to be wielding a powerful artifact. I mean who is foolish enough to wear something that flashy, that isn’t costume jewelry or surrounded by guards and paparazzi.” He waited silently for her to continue. “As for why have it on deck, that is part of my search plan. When you asked me to send you a list of who would be best for the roles you requested, I knew she would be great on deck, ready to spot things before the rest of us. She is pretty paranoid about her surroundings,” Twilight chuckled a little. He looked intrigued, but still lost. “I found that the elements have an attraction to each other. This not only applies to the artifacts themselves, but also the embodiments of each element. I cast a spell on our missing friend’s necklace, the element of Loyalty. Once I found the connection, it was not hard to make a spell that should cause the pendant to signal the wearer of Rainbow Dash’s presence. That is, once we get close enough.” “So you need your friend back because she is the only one who can wield the element of Loyalty.” “No. Like you said before, she is important because she is beyond a good friend. She would do the same for any of us. She just happens to carry a power that could be important for everypony else, if evil rears its head again.” She sounded stern and slightly miffed. “I didn’t mean any offense. In my line of work no one has that much raw dedication. That is, without a good payout.” He seemed to get more serious. Walking closer to the desk, he slid a hoof across the border of the open box. “I can respect your motives and appreciate you sharing this with me, but...” he firmly closed the lid, “I don’t think you should share this with anypony else.” He finished, still holding a hoof on the cover of the intricate box. “Any of it.” Only the sound of the wash along the ship could be heard until a knock at the cabin door broke the mood. The box was quickly levitated into the hooflocker. The knock came again. Weatherside donned his hat and adjusted his cloak. “Just because you're famous saviors where you come from, doesn’t mean you get special treatment aboard this ship.” He said before answering the door. Twilight nodded in agreement. I hope I’m not putting my friends in too deep. “Wait if you’re here, who is steering?” The unicorn inquired. “Hardtack.” “I thought he was the cook?” “Hardtack is a lot of things,” he chuckled. The door swung open to reveal the ship's pegasus lookout. "Uh, Captain. Bitt had a bit of an accident... *** “So, how did this happen exactly?” To say Windlass was intimidated by her captain’s tone as he stood over Bitt’s unconscious form, would be an understatement. Applejack stood close by, with her hat held to her chest. “Well we all know Bitt can be a bit grinding and sexist at times, but I know he’s usually all talk. So when he was a hasslin’ poor AJ here, I thought I’d step in to get him to back off, hoping he would quit like usual. But…” She trailed off at her leader’s intimidating expression. Twilight just stood by with her ears drooped back. “Well then what?” “Then AJ stepped in to defend her name.” “So it was a gang of two versus one?” “No. Bitt took AJ’s challenge one on one, and took him out in one blow. “Did he have a good reason to be upset at this mare?” “He was mad, on an account of she couldn’t do any work, while being sea sick and all.” “That seems somewhat reasonable now don’t it?” Now he was bearing down on Windlass. Her chest was almost almost touching the deck when the orange mare stepped in again. “You’re right Captain, I shoulda been more useful, but don’t take it out on Windlass.” There was an exchange of hard faces. “Alright, get me a bucket,” Weatherside commanded. AJ was able to promptly deliver a bucket, the handle in her mouth. “Ms. Sparkle.” “Yes sir?” “Water.” He tossed the bucket over, Twilight barly catching it before it clattered on the deck. The bucket was lowered over the side, by pink magic. Bitt was left sputtering awake, drenched in salty water. His head sore from AJ’s blow and his ribs bruised from the Captain's ruff awakening. Turning back and tipping his hat, Weatherside spoke. “Now get to work!” The captain headed to the bow to take the helm. “AJ you should’ve told me you had seasickness.” Twilight sighed. Does the captain always treat his crew this rough? “I was embarrassed. Besides, what is telling you goanna do for me. Have you got some fancy spell for that too?” “Not exactly,” the purple mare giggled. “I do have some herbs from Zecora that should do the trick. Though, learning a spell might be a good idea.” “Oh.” “Just try to stay out of trouble. The captain told me we wouldn’t get special treatment.” “Hey I didn’t start noth...fine” The cowpony submitted to the purple unicorn’s glare AJ turned her attention to the Yellow bedraggled deckhand. He had finally gotten to his hoofs. “I’m mighty sorry. I didn’t mean to go this far.” She was about to continue with her apology, but Bitt just looked up briefly at her, before shoving past. As he went, she was given a close up view of the small sailboat on his flank. She was about to take back her apology, but a foreleg over her shoulder stopped her. “He’ll come round, he always does. Nice moves by the way.” “Thanks Rainb…Windlass, for backing me up.” AJ smiled, hoping neither mare hadn’t noticed. The red haired pegasus took off towards Fluttershy in the crow’s nest with, a “No problem.” Applejack realized that Twilight had been staring blankly over the railing. “I’m sure your plan is gonna work. Well find her.” “It’s not the plan that’s bugging me. I just feel like everypony is hiding something. The captain, the crew. and maybe even Celestia.” The studious mare headed down the deck, deep in thought. The rest of the day, Bitt simply gave orders and explained what to do. He never made direct eye contact Applejack. Running the standing rigging, bulwark and pinrails were just a few of the first tasks. He was moving pretty fast. She was sure glad she read the books Twilight had given her, and that rope tying was a given talent. *** END Part 3 Sorry this took so long. The new updates will be faster. Also sorry for the long dialog. I just needed to introducea lot of characters.
PrologueWaves of Discovery By: Spanner Prologue: Getting Out There *** Her hooves felt hot and her wings ached, but she felt more free than she ever had before. “I wish the girls could have seen that,” she said, while turning around and observing the slowly dissipating rainbow streak. Actively panting as she hovered in the sky, she searched for signs of land. However, upon bringing a hoof to her brow and scanning the horizon, land was nowhere in sight. The pegasis didn’t see anything but the blue of the sky and the ocean below. There was nothing but a few clouds and the smell of the salty ocean spray. “Uh oh,” was all she could say. At least this was all her fault, so nopony would feel guilty. *** “She could be gone forever. This all my fault” an orange pony said, with a heavy southern accent. “How is it your fault? I should have told you girls this was much too dangerous of an idea. Clearly, I’m at fault,” a white unicorn with a well kempt, purple mane chimed in. Applejack shot a sideways questioning look. “You do know this is Dash were talkin about here; she loves danger.” “Well, why yes, but…” “Besides, this wasn’t some suicide mission. It was just supposed to be a simple little attempt. If I hadn’t a challenged her, she wouldn’t have had to prove me wrong,” “Oh, uh,” a clearly distraught, yellow Pegasus flew up. “If you need to blame somepony just blame me,” she said as her voice trailed off at the last few words. Her head dropped to look at the floor. Both the white and orange mare stopped, to look at their Pegasus friend, saying “You?” in unison. The two proceeded to look at each other in confusion. During the past conversation, a hyper-looking pink pony remained silent, while popping up behind everypony who spoke up. Fluttershy landed softly among the Applejack and Rarity. “Please go on,” said Rarity in her usual regal tone. “Yeah sugar cube, what’s your angle?” remarked AJ. “Well, when Rainbow asked me what I thought about breaking the record…” “Ooh ooh pick me I did it,” she said smiling. Both AJ and Rarity turned towards Pinkie Pie, with a look of puzzlement and annoyance. Fluttershy just looked meek and surprised. “I’m sorry, I just wanted to be part of the party…I mean argument. Arguments are kind of like parties, except everpony is fighting, so I guess there not like parties. Fighting isn’t really fun is it? Unless its pillow fighting, because that can be really, really fun. So I guess arguments can be…” “Pinky…Pinky…PINKY!” It took Rarity and AJ in unison to get her attention. “Sorry,” she apologized, removing her hoof from her chin, still dwelling on her former thoughts on the subject. “Go on dear,” Rarity said batting her eyelashes at Fluttershy. “Well, when Rainbow asked me what I thought about breaking the record, I told her that she should do whatever makes her happy. Then she said that doesn’t help her make a decision, and that I should tell her what I really wanted. So I said that whatever she thinks is best for her… is fine.” Fluttershy started lightly dragging a hoof slowly over the floor, before continuing. “Then Dash sighed and clapped a hoof to her face. I don’t think she really meant what she said next.” “I think you mean sarcasm sugar cube,” AJ almost cracked a smile, but promptly returned to a look of worry and concern. “That is a lovely story, but I don’t see how”…Rarity got cut off by Spike as he slid down a ladder. He was coming down with some books with names like, Cartography of Equestria and Beyond, The World as We Know it and I’m a Pony in a Pony World. “You girls should stop arguing. It isn’t going to help get Rainbow back,” “Could you girls and Spike stop fighting, it’s not going help get Rainbow back!” A voice exclaimed, from the upper level of the library. “But Twilight, that’s what I was trying…” “Spike, everypony get up here. Besides, it is all obviously my fault,” said Twilight in an exhausted and sad tone; as sad and exhausted as yelling can sound. “Don’t step on the maps on your way in!” The door was open, which would explain why she could have heard the commotion downstairs. Spike gulped as he saw the scene before him. The walls and floor were covered with maps. A few bare spots in the floor, were like islands among the grid patterns and scrolls of paper. It took the group a few moments to realize that their purple friend was standing on a round wooden stool, set on top of a table. She looked almost as disheveled as the time of the Smarty Pants incident. However, instead of twitching and laughing maniacally, she was tapping and scratching a hoof to her head, mumbling lots of coordinates and names. Twilight didn’t notice the group carefully making their way in, even though she had been spinning around on the stool. The lavender unicorn lost her hoofing and gave a yelp. Luckily Rarity caught her in her magic just before hitting the floor. Twilight gave the group a sideways smile before Rarity let go of Twilight. She fell on her back, sending many maps and scrolls into a shower of paper. “I’m soo sorry dear. I have been working all day for the preparations. I’m not really used to lifting anything so heavy…I mean heavier than a roll of fabric,” Rarity blushed. The lavender Unicorn, got up and shook her head and gave a slight glare. Rarity returned the look with an innocent smile and a batted her eyelashes. After clearing some of the maps away from the floor around the table, Twilight magicked some stools around it. Eventually, when everypony was seated she levitated a letter, a few more charts, and some instruments to the table top. “So, unfortunately this is not going to be as simple as traveling out in Rainbow’s direction and picking her up. “Twilight, you don’t make anything simple.” Spike immediately bit his lip, gaining a scowl from the librarian. “The first problem is she is potentially so far away that our current means of transport, such as the balloon will be insufficient. Luckily, the Princess has solved this.” Twilight unrolled a letter with the Royal Seal in the middle of the table. Everypony knocked their heads together, as they rushed to read the letter. Dear elements of harmony. I can only imagine how much you worry about your lost friend. I would be so eager to join you myself, except I must attend to matters both in the present and those that could concern the future of Canterlot. The best I can do is to give you the means of travel for your journey. Based on what Twilight has told me thus far, you will need to travel far out to sea. I have convinced a few members of the Royal Guard to supply you with transport to New Saddle. There you will find the ship you need. The crew is a friendly bunch and the Captain is an old friend of mine. His ship will take you the rest of your journey. As for how you will track down your Pegasus friend, I am unsure. Best of luck my little ponies. Finding your friend may not be important to just you. Princess Celestia PS: The captain is not a pirate. There was a short pause, then a flurry of questions. “What does she mean far out to sea? “Well Rainbow was…” “What does she mean ‘Finding your friend may not be important to just you’?” asked Applejack. “If you recall, the…” “We're going on a ship?” “Yes.” “Is it a fancy ship?” asked Rarity. “Why isn’t the captain a pirate?” asked Pinkie. “I don’t …” “How will we find her Twilight?” “I don’t know. I mean, let me…aghhhh.” The questions kept beating down on Twilight. Her head lay on the table, with her ears covered by her hooves. Without warning, a crack was heard throughout the room and she was gone. A few moments later, hoof steps could be heard at the steps and the lavender mare re-entered the room. “Ok.” I’m just going to tell you what I have figured out, and if you still have questions then you can ask.” Her voice was very rushed, so nopony would interrupt. They were quiet and looked sorry for making her teleport. “According to some data I collected; Dash can travel at about mach five at max, before transitioning into a sonic rainboom. After this point she about doubles her speed to mach ten. When she left our visible range her speed was increased by about thirty percent or mach thirteen. This is about 10,010 miles per hour. That means, she goes about 167 miles in a minute. Assuming she traveled at least 2 or three minutes, she could be at least 335 to 501 miles away.” Twilight paused. “So do you want to hear the good news or the bad news first?” Twilight scanned the group expectedly. They looked confused at what they had just heard. Understanding didn't go far beyond she is really far away. Applejack finally broke the silence. “Let’s hear the good news first, I’ve heard bad news a plenty lately,” Applejack said with a frown. “Well the good news is, I have been able to narrow down the search area and I have devised a way to track Rainbow, if we get close enough. Also, not that it matters right now, but Dash beat the record.” “She really did it, well I’ll be darned. What’s the bad news? Of course besides bein lost of course,” Asked the vexed cowpony. Twilight unrolled a map on the table. “We are here.” She pointed to a small village symbol labeled Ponyville with a levitated compass. “This red line leading south east is roughly Rainbow’s flight path. The Yellow rounded cone is the area that she could be in after leaving our sight. This all depends on whether she changed direction or not.” “But if that’s where you reckon she could be, then... she might be...” “Somewhere in the middle of the ocean,” Rarity finished AJ’s thought. “There isn’t any land in most of that area, she could have…” “Don’t say it,” a teary eyed Fluttershy wheezed. She covered her folded back ears. “Now I understand why the princess wasn’t sure how we could track down Rainbow. Even if we were five miles away, we wouldn’t know.” The farm pony seemed to get more nervous. “That’s right. If she missed the southern islands of Bridle Shores, she could be anywhere in the heart of Eternity’s Crossing. There isn’t much land, so we may... already be too…” Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie nodded in understanding. Twilight didn’t need to say more. The awkward silence, left Twilight looking down at the wooden floor, lightly tapping an irregular rhythm. The orange mare, removed her stetson hat and lowered her head to Fluttershy’s level. “Are you going to be ok? Do you need to leave for a spell?” Fluttershy shook her head. She then turned to pinky who didn’t seem all that concerned. “What’s with you Pink, aren’t ya worried she could be gone?” “Of course she’s gone. She’s isn’t here, but she’s not gone gone,” replied Pinky with exasperation. “What the hay is that supposed to mean.” “Remember when I got the signs that Fluttershy was in trouble at the bog. Well, I have a similar sense that happens when somepony I know really well… passes away. Dashie disappeared and I haven’t gotten it yet. All we need to do is find her.” Everypony looked at Pinky, and gave a slight sigh of relief. “Why didn’t you mention this earlier?” The Orange earth pony, still had a look of annoyance. “Do tell” added Rarity. “I don’t like to talk about it, and you didn’t ask silly.” Her pink hair sagged for a split second. Twilight looked clearly annoyed. “This next bit of news is both good and bad. My first concern brought up by Celestia’s letter was why she mentioned that ‘Finding your friend may not be important just to you.’ I knew it had to be something Dash had, that nopony else does. Then it hit me. The answer will also help us find her. What is it that Dash and all of us have in common?” “Oh I know. Were all ponies and all girls and live in Ponyville,” said Pinkie, waving a hoof and falling over. “Yes that’s true, but not what I was thinking of,” Twilight said with a slight smile. “Well I ain’t got the darndest idea Twi.” “Neither do I,” says Rarity. “Oh just tell us,” Fluttershy said leaning over the table. “The answer, is an Elements of Harmony. More specifically, the Element of Loyalty. Without it, we can't find Rainbow or use the elements against an attack. ” *** She drifted back and forth, tapping her head for ideas and then realized three things. One, she was really tired, two Twilight’s spell had worn off and three, her pacing back and forth had caused her to lose track of the exact way back. Her trail had all but dissipated. All of this culminated to, there being no hope in going back. She could take her best shot at the way to home, but it was too far to make a mistake. On the other hoof, she had no idea what was ahead. All she knew for sure, was staying here would tire her out and she would drown. With a look full of confidence, the sound of flapping began. “Wings, don’t fail me now.” The only land I remember was way back. There has to be something ahead. That thought was almost two and a half hours ago. The pegasi’s pace was going down bit by bit, and so was her altitude. The breeze was pleasantly cool and the glow of a fantastic sunset had started to form. If I wasn’t in mortal danger, this would be awesome. If... no, when I live through this, I think I’ll fly around the ocean more often. Hours more passed and her eyes slowly closed. Rainbow Dash bolted awake, shaking her head. “You can’t sleep now Dash.” The prismatic pegasus was passing in and out. Her flight path was a bob up and down. It was starting to rain as it grew darker. Many grey clouds were visible in the dark blue vale. Normally she hated flying in the rain, but this was keeping her awake. The mare’s face winced and relaxed every now and then, as the droplets flowing over her wing muscles soothed some of the pain. Why are my hooves so cold, now my legs? What is with all this water in my room? The light blue head tipped up from her bed, realizing her cloud castle was flooded up to her neck. Dash woke up just in time to see the salty water rise over her. In panic, she inhaled a swig of salt water. The small cyan pony kicked and flurried under the waves, struggling to fight her way up as waves pounded down. Even her wings were at work to help break the surface of the watery grave. Finally, she made it coughing and hacking with the taste of salt in her nose and mouth. It had become pitch black. The sound of thunder filled her ears. She could briefly see the disturbances in the glistening water, as lightning bolts shot out of the sky. Treading water and tipping her back upward, she flapped her wings in an attempt to shake some of the water out. Her legs were cramping up, almost sending her under again. She had never been a good swimmer, and knew getting airborne was her best chance. The ordeal reminded her of when the dam broke, except this time no superhero would save her. New determination showed on her face. You can do this… “YOU CAN DO THIS!” The clumps of feathers started to break apart from being soaked in seawater. With all her concentration on getting lift her body was out of the water, taking to the sky. Rainbow took her classic flying pose, both hooves stretched out before her. The plan was to make her way up and over the storm. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw something in the short flashes of light. A dark shadowy shape was illuminated, promptly disappearing in the black. Rainbow Dash stopped to get a better look. A small smile formed on her muzzle. There was no mistaking it this time. ...It was land. Evasive maneuvers were so much harder when tired like this, but hours of practice still made it look easy. “Wings, don’t fail me now. Just a little bit farther,” she said, in an almost whisper. Energy was fading from her. Tapping into reserves of energy, she continued. Another strike came way too close for comfort. Her body twisted out of the way and a wing cramped for a moment. She was sent tumbling. With a grunt and a hard flap later, she was back on track. The coast was visible now. She was too high for a good landing angle, but it was now or never. Attempting to lower her altitude, both of her wings cramped. The cyan blue body, barrel rolled through the canopy of some trees, crashing to the foreign ground. *** END Part 1 Here is a map. Yellow is general search area. Doted red is general sailing direction.
Chapter One: Coping With ItGreat tracks I listened to while writing: Thievery Corporation, Radio Retaliation; Gramatik, Water For The Soul. Chapter One: Coping *** News of Rainbow’s accident was known by nearly everypony, and Twilight was sure there would have been a big send off. That was a delay she and the others agreed to avoid. Even pinkie, begrudgingly agreed saving time was more important than a “proper” send off. Two days had already passed. Nothing could be done the day of her disappearance, except the early stages of planning. The next day had been getting all affairs in order for the trip. Applejack sent letters to a few family members to tend to the farm, Rarity regretfully closed her shop and had a connection in Canterlot continue her orders. Fluttershy was surprised that Lyra and Bon Bon, agreed to watch over the animals and Twilight sent for a Castle Librarian to take over for her. As for Sugar Cube Corner, The Cakes insisted the shop could be handled. The guards pulled the five mares, plus one baby dragon into the main street to take off. Only a few early rising shop owners and citizens were milling about. The townsfolk looked up, with expressions that were almost as serious as the guards pulling the two chariots. Due to the amount of luggage and numerous passengers, the pegasi had to get a galloping start. The large, wooden, spoked wheels started to pick up speed and the beating of wings picked up pace. “Wait...Wait!” A small orange Pegasus was trying to catch up to the carts. Twilight motioned a stop. The orange filly screeched to a halt on her scooter, forced to slide sideways so as not to ram into the chariots. “You…have…to bring her back,” the young filly said between breaths. “How can I run a Rainbow Dash club, without Rainbow Dash?” Rarity realized Scootaloo was beginning to get teary eyed. She hopped off the cart and wrapped a foreleg around the small philly. “We will find her, I just know it. You don’t need to cry.” “I’m not going to cry. Rainbow Dash wouldn’t do something uncool, like cry,” Scootaloo said, as she wiped her face and tried to put on a serious face. “Oh darling Scootaloo, crying just shows that you really, really care about something.” “That must mean you really care about everything Rarity,” Applejack mused.“I’m sorry, force of habit. I know it must be hard missin your biggest inspiration. “You don’t know what it’s like. She...she was supposed to start giving me flying lessons. She promised.” Scootaloo’s face twisted from sorrow to slight anger. Twilight turned to face the distraught child. “I know what it’s like. When Celestia was cast down, during the invasion, I felt as though I may have lost the world. Not because she was defending Equestria, but because she is my teacher, my mentor. Celestia is like a...second mother to me. “It’s not the same! I don’t even have one mother.” Scootaloo, broke away from Rarity. The words cut into Twilight with surprise. The lavender unicorn’s head drooped down for a few moments. The orange philly was breathing heavy. Twilights voice was quiet, but clear enough. “You know, I have seen Rainbow cry before?” “No...no way!” The young pegasus came closer and refocused her gaze upward. “Oh yes, on a few occasions.” A soft smile showed on Twilights muzzle as she looked down. This seemed to distract the orange filly from some distress. The orang pegasis jumped, as a light yellow wing covered her back and brought her into the warm body. The grasp was resisted at first, then tears were shed from both pegasi. “Ms. Sparkle, we must be on our way to New Saddle.” “Of course sirs.” Twilight gave a nod to the group and everypony re-boarded the chariots. Fluttershy took a few extra moments with Scootaloo, whispering something in her ear, before joining the mane five. “You can plan a party for us,” said Pinkie Pie, ecstatic as always. Scootaloo waved as they took off. Soon, Ponyville shrank out of view, along with the few early rising denizens of the small town. *** The argument could be heard, long before the knock at the library door. “Hello Applejack and Rainbow Dash.” “Hi Twilight,” Applejack and Rainbow responded, and then turned to argue again. “Speed is my game; I’ve been practicing my whole life to be the fastest flyer. If I can win the best young flyer’s competition, I think I can beat a simple flat out dash.” Rainbow put a hoof to her chest, radiating confidence. “HA, you said dash, and that’s your name,” Pinkie fell to the ground laughing outside the library. Applejack glanced at pinkie for a moment, then turned back to tap Rainbow in the chest in retort. “Anyway, I still think you’re biting off more than you can chew here,” “Are you three just going to stand there and argue, and…roll on the ground or are you coming inside?” Applejack and Rainbow, stopped arguing for a moment then entered the library. "So what are you two so worked up over? What can a good friend like me do for you?” she said, stressing the good with a broad smile. “Now Twi. Don’t be so coy. You’re the worst liar I ever did meet. I didn’t even need to be the Element of Honesty to see through that.” The orange mare shot her a serious glance. “You know we're both here, because of a certain book you lent Dash here,” indicating a fat book with the title Equiness Book of World Records. “You knew that Dash would find that record and have a hankering’ to take it on.” Rainbow dash hovered in the air, with her arms crossed, ready to hear the unicorn's response. “Is that a bad thing?” Pinkie Pie was hoofing through the pages. Pinkie was being distracting, with her many expressions of awe, disgust, confusion and excitement. “No I guess not, but you really think she can beat that record?” “Yes I actually do.” “Is she going to beat the record for longest distance traveled by pogo stick under water, because I think I could beat that record easy peasy!,” Pinkie Pie said in excitement. “Huh,” Everypony looked at her for a moment. “No, I think AJ is talking about the fastest recorded flight speed of a pegasus.” There wasn’t any use in hiding her part anymore. “Well in that case…” Pinkie started to bounce her way out the door. “Where are you going Pinkie?” "To go practice my pogo sticking while holding my breath, duh. Oh and Applejack should try the fasted flight speed of an earth pony, on stilts.” AJ refocused her attention. “So you think a little pegasus like Rainbow can beat an alicorn’s record?” Her voice and expression were full of doubt. “Not to deny any skepticism, but I believe she has a chance.” Rainbow Dash, finally spoke.“Well thank you Twilight, for believing in my awesomeness.” The record book was levitated into view, flipping to the appropriate page. “It’s not your “awesomeness” it’s my scientific analysis and fact collection that backs up the case” “See AJ, Twilight says my awesomeness is scientifical, scienti…proven by science.” The purple unicorn sighed and facehoofed. “Based on my analysis of the record and what I have seen Rainbow perform, she has a few advantages. One, she is smaller than an alicorn. This gives her less wind resistance. Two, the alicorn that set the record, was allowed to use magic auras.” “I don’t see a horn growin’ on Rainbow,” Interrupted Applejack. “That may be true, but I mailed the judges and convinced them that because the record setter was allowed to use magic, anypony who wanted to challenge the record should also be allowed to have magical auras.” “I still don’t get it.” Twilight pointed at her horn. “Oh, then what’s number three?” “Three, is the sonic rainboom.” Detailed charts graphs and diagrams, were brought over in a pink veil of magic. “I’ll just be leavin you two to your fancy mathematics.” Rainbow Dash, nodded as the finer details were explained. “…and with this spell and your sonic rainboom, you should be able to crush the record at speeds around mach 13. Rainbow Dash looked excited and confused at the blackboard and equations. “So, um. How did you gather the know how to figure this out, and mach 13 are you insane?” Dash looked suspiciously at her. “I may have taken a few measurements at Cloudsdale after your performance.” Rainbow’s gaze narrowed. “Okay, okay, I may have also watched you through my telescope…and sometimes from the bushes or trees...and one time in the balloon, while invisible.” Rainbow glared in annoyance and blushed in slight embarrassment. "I had recently become enthralled by an aeronautics craze, and you were the best... live subject.” “Watched or spied?” Rainbow asked in accusation. She could feel the embarrassment. After an awkward silence, Rainbow moved on. “So you’re sure this won’t kill me?” “As I explained before, all pegasi have a natural dampening field. Yours seems much more developed than others, probably due to your extreme aerobatics. Rainbow made an awe yeah look. This field is also gives pegasi the ability to fly, compensating for wing size versus lift capacity. The spells I cast, should increase your field’s power. You shouldn’t have to worry too much if you’re going straight. However, If you turn the G-forces could be…less than comfortable.” Rainbow started to look bored, but her ears perked up at her next comment. “What you should be worried about is… “Twilight…Twilight. Are you okay darling? You have been staring blankly for a while.” “Oh, yes Rarity. I was just making sure I didn’t forget anything.” *** A small cyan shape could be seen through the break in the canopy foliage. Sunbeams highlighted the groove created by the crash, along with the streaks of dried crimson on the body. Brush and debris, were caught in the rainbow colored mane and tail. As the heat bore down, the small equine figure slowly rolled off of her side, emanating a quiet groan. The l mare’s eyes were still closed, clenching tighter as her gaze turned towards the morning sun. Ok, time to see if everything is working. She set her right hoof forward for support, then the left. As she set down weight, the joint above the left hoof fired in pain. The weak figure collapsed back to the ground. Her right wing gave a spasm of pain as she hit the earth. She could only open her eyes a little at a time, as the bright light was still too intense. A slight ringing was left in her ears, even after shaking her head a few times. Gotta get up. Looking down she could see the swollen joint above her hoof. First the right hoof, then the left. This is easy stuff Rainbow. Compensating for the weakness, a wobbly stance was finally achieved. There were aches throughout her body, but her hind legs seemed more or less in working order. “Ok, now for those wings.” She flapped the left lightly then neatly folded it to her side. She looked back at her right wing, realizing it was bent over her back at an awkward angle. Seeing it brought on a new wave of aching pain. “No no no! This...this can’t happen.” Fear was building in her gut, as she scoped out the surroundings. Her eyes traced up the trough her body had carved in the ground. The gouged ground lead toward the shore. Dash desperately limped her way to the shore line. The sound of breaking waves and ocean mist grew stronger. The salt water stung her cuts, but also soothed her swollen leg with cool waters. Reluctantly, the mare’s head turned her gaze to her reflection. She looked awful, like the zombie ponies spike showed her in his comics. Veins of blood matted her coat, coming from many cuts and scrapes. Her eyes finally settled on her injured wing, confirming her greatest fears. “No no no.” It was hard to see under the dried blood but the small tip of white bone was unmistakable. She jerked her head away, but the image hung vividly in her mind. Her head slumped down, as she hobbled closer to the edge of the trees and the mare let herself down in the sand. “That’s it Rainbow. You can’t get back now. You just had to go and get yourself all mangled.” Rainbow’s chin lay in the fine white grains, a hoof struck solidly against the nearest tree, in an attempt to fight back tears. Not far from shore her sobs were drowned out by the rolling waves. Farther out, the technicolor and cyan mass was nearly invisible. Shedding tears only made things worse. The spasms of breath caused all the injuries in her body to scream out, especially her broken wing. The pegasus remained in the same position, as her shadow rotated degree by degree. What am I doing? How could I act so pitiful? She observed her matted, bloodied and sandy coat. The misshapen wing mocked her. With things like this there is no hope. The small cyan pegasus stood up slowly, turning towards the rippling tide. She marched forward, with sure steps. The water was over her hooves, then up to her flank. The thought of her friends, Ponyville and passion for flying passed through her mind in one blurred haze. The salt stung on all her wounds, like the sting of a swarm of bees, but she kept going. Time to get this over with. After a slight hesitation, she dunked under the water, becoming fully submerged. The salty solution licked over her wing. A big gulp of seawater was inhaled as the pain coursed through her open wound. The signals traveled through her back and took refuge in her stomach. She was still as a buoy for a moment…then another, suddenly she twitched and shook her body. No sooner did Rainbow make it to shore before she threw up. She remembered Twilight saying something about cleansing wounds with salt water, but she was sure jumping in the ocean is not what Twilight would recommend. Twilight’s egg-headedness was part of her realization. No matter how much suffering she was going through, she had to endure...somehow. As long as she was alive, she felt she owed it to her friends to hang on until they got there. That or she found a way to them. Rainbow felt ashamed for losing her cool. Good thing Scoots didn’t see me back there. No stupid island beats Rainbow Dash. Besides being sticky with salt and her odd wing, she at least looked cleaner than before. Cleaner in dash standards. However, the hardest part was yet to come. One, two, three… Hesitation took hold. There aren’t many other choices. She couldn’t even sleep, as she kept rolling over her broken wing. It was at such an odd angle she had woken up multiple times from the cascade of pain. More importantly if she left it this way it would never heal properly. The avid flyers face winced at the notion, but soon her face grew resolute. Already queasy from the very thought of the idea, she picked up a broken stick in her mouth. "Un…ouu…ree…" With a quick up and down flap of her battered wing, the sound of shifting bone against bone resonated in her head. She spit the stick out, which had deep teeth marks. The sick feeling in her stomach multiplied, causing a choking gag. As the adrenaline wore off, her breathing slowed. The dizziness of shock set in and the small pony once again fell unconscious. Dash arose to what she figured to be late afternoon. Time of day was pretty easy to tell for a weather patrol expert. She gazed up at the sky, already longing to take off. She felt it odd that the sun in the sky now, was the same one Fluttershy and the others would be seeing. A little blood, had sprouted once again from moving her injured wing. The next couple hours were spent jerry rigging a splint from branches and vines. It wasn’t pretty, but at least her wing looked more aligned and she could nap without problems. She carefully tested the movement of her wingtips and she exhaled in relief, that they were still functioning Having thrown up what was left in her stomach, she was reminded that she hadn’t eaten anything for almost two days. As she explored the thick masses of trees and vines for food, she couldn’t help but to draw similarities to Daring Do. Especially the one she had read in the hospital. The mare looked back and forth suddenly, listening carefully. She just hoped the similarities would end before she was surrounded by predators. After hours of searching, she kind of hoped something might jump out of the lush foliage. Things were getting dull, and all she could find was an odd slightly bruised fruit. It was shaped like a bloated lemon and had the color and feel of an orange peel. Whatever it was it wasn’t anything she had seen. Figuring no better way to eat it she started by peeling it. The inside was purple with many large seeds. Rainbow paused just before it touched her lips. It could be poison or the seeds could be poison or it could cause weird hallucinations. Weird hallucinations wouldn’t be soo bad…she was bored and hungry, but poison not so much. The fruit in question, was set on a log. She slowly made her way around the fruit staring at it as if it would divulge some information. If it’s poison I die, if I don’t eat I starve. “Ah what the hay? It’s all you’ve got Rainbow. Happy birthday to me.” Rainbow Dash half hoped half expected the a peppy Pinkie Pie to burst out from a bush, with a surprise and streamers. she remembered it was today. the thought made her smile at first, until she remembered the day of pranking she had planed with the party pony. After tearing the fruit in half, then tearing it in half again, she took a small bite. Her face tightened and her eyes watered. “Soo sour.” “At least it’s...food.” After waiting ten minutes with no ill effects, she ventured deeper into jungle, disappearing into the thicket of trees and vines. *** The flight to New Saddle went relatively smoothly, besides Applejack getting airsick. Twilight just wished the same could be said about the current situation, as stool narrowly missed her head and splintered on the wall behind her. Nopony amongst them had been to New Saddle, but Twilight had read a bit about it. Many buildings of stone and wood, not unlike buildings in Ponyville, were built up and around the coast. The whole town seemed to be settled on a large slope that ran down to many harbors and docks. What made this town so much different than Ponyville, besides all the sailors, merchants, and moving cargo cranes, was all the noise, especially by all the commotion at the docks. Noise was greatest near the main road, which paralleled the docks. Low and high whistles pierced the air, shouting vendors aggressively pitched their trades, preaching prophets spoke of various dogmas, carts constantly thundered down the cobblestone road, exotic animals screeched and growled from their cages and orders to shippers and movers could be heard, as cargo was scrambled on and off the decks of various vessels. The groupe got strange looks from sailors and denizens, as they passed by. A circle of gruff looking colts, surrounded by a rowdy crowd, stopped mid mid fight to gaze at the odd newcomers. Rarity turned away from a toothless grin she received from a stranger in an alley. Fluttershy frowned as she saw the caged animals, cramped and underfed. “There’s nothing we can do sugar cube,” said the country pony, when they passed. They had arrived early, and still had time after making their way through the many streets and alleys to the docks. Dock 23 was empty, but they left their luggage in view of dock guards. Not quite trusting of the locals, Twilight tipped them a few bits. The colts pretended not to be surprised at the obvious overtip. Pinkie Pie finished examining a large cannon being hoisted by two sailors and turned to the groupe. “We may as well go eat and explore. Just because we’re on a super important quest, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some eats and sights.” There was a general hunger in the group and this certainly was an interesting change of pace. However, every place they went seemed to be a tavern or bar. Giving up on finding anything more innocent looking, they headed into the “least threatening” establishment. “Spike it’s probably best you stay outside. You can go back to the dock, if you like.” A concerned twilight put a hoof to silence his objections. “Don’t worry little Spiky Wikey, well get something for you.” Spike’s cheeks reddened at Rarity’s comment as they entered. Fluttershy showed up a few moments later. “Oh spike, did they go in there?” she asked nervously. “Yeah, but why weren’t you with them?” She looked like she was about to break into a sweat. “Ok, thanks bye,” she said as she slinked in through the door. The Salty Hoof Tavern, was set in the row of buildings behind those that stood closest to the docks. The street was fashioned from small cobble, with pot holes and mud a plenty. The wood beams, set in between the plastered walls of the building, were weathered and cracked on the outside and glossy smooth from the touch of visitors on the inside. An earth pony was complaining that a unicorn wasn't releasing his magic on his darts at the line. Applejack observed a mighty fine hoof wrestle, anxious to challenge the winner. almost every patron had some sort of blade, weather it be attached attached to their belt or strapped to a leg. They had certainly picked a popular spot. The crowd was a mix of ponies griffons and a few menatours, that hung in a private corner of the tavern. “Ha…ha haheh. You think this is a restaurant. We don’t serve daisy sandwiches or gems. Twilight looked taken aback by the hysterical rejection of the bar tender. “What sort of food do you serve then,” Rarity asked as respectfully as she could. The large stallion looked up and down the white pony, eyeing her propper sun hat and matching dress. He adjusted collar, which sprung back to a wrinkled mess. “Well we certainly don’t serve your type” He pointing at a sign near the door and behind him. Welcome to the hard working folk, beware the prim and proper. “I’ll serve your orange friend here.” Applejack shouted in triumph, as a hoof slammed down on the table nearby. “Now who's’ next?,”she said eying a few curious gentlecolts, rising from tables nearby. “She looks like a hardworking cowpony, but the rest of you Canterlot types give us hard working types a sour taste. We bust our chops down here, while pansies up in the city make bags o bits, off of so called fancy art and sewing.” “Why I never…” “On top of that we pay almost the same taxes, which are nothing to you folks, and you think you can come in here and order a sandwich and gems.” “Now you listen here, you ruffian. I am not from Canterlot. I am a hard worker from Ponyville.” “A hard worker in daisy picking!” Applejack’s current challenger got distracted by the commotion. He begrudgingly made way for the next competitor. The farmmare was keeping an eye on her friends at the bar. Pinkie looked nervous as she switched her gaze between the two hotheads. “We can just be friends. Let’s just stop fighting.” They turned and barked “NO!” in unison. Pinkie grew meek, as her mane deflated a little and Fluttershy just hid under a stool shaking. The patron sitting in the stool looked down in annoyance. “Uh I think it might be best to oblige to that there suggestion.” A few colts that had followed the cowpony, nodded in agreement. “Yep yep yep.” Pinkie was already her cheerful self again Customers at the tavern were all focused on the bar or the hoof wrestling upset and the steaming bartender. “If you will serve me, I’ll take five ciders and salt blocks, plus a round for these gentlecolts,” said AJ as she desperately tried to intercept Rarity’s tirade about the importance of art and fashion. The orange earth pony had gotten up from the table, ready to assist her friends. Just as she ushered rarity out of the way, a bottle smashed squarely in the bartender’s face. Any other pony may have been knocked out cold, but he had obviously been in a scrap or two. Rarity turned around in rage, “IT IS ON!” “Who the hay threw that?” The bartender said. He spotted a guilty looking subject hiding behind a hand of cards. The enraged bartender chucked an empty bottle. Unfortunately his aim wasn’t as good as his observation skills, and he hit a passing sailor. His shipmates looked up and retaliated, as their friend hit the floor out cold. Friends of the bartender joined in, and vaulted behind the counter. Twilight quickly levitated a card table to intercept the bottles and stools, upsetting the card players. It turned into a madhouse. Twilight ushered her friends behind four levitated tables for cover. It was like a Spartan Phalanx formation. As they made their way towards the door, Pinkie and Rarity were grabbing anything not bolted down and releasing a barrage of debris, through the openings between the tables. Pinkie’s Pinkie senses were going haywire. Applejack and her new friends followed the floating tables, firing back at the crowd. The crashing of glass and wood, was mixed with grunts and shouts. They were almost at the door when new hoof steps came through the door. A loud bang made everypony freeze. After a few moments of panic, Twilight ducked down to view the newcomer from under the hovering tables. They were a light reddish brown color, with a short, black, cape, covering their flank. She couldn’t see their mug, but she could see the tip of a smoky grey tail. It was hard to tell if his color was faded from age, dirt or both. “I’m lookin for a Twilight Sparkle.” There was a moment’s pause, “Well?” Nopony stirred. “Purple Unicorn, probably showed up a half hour ago?” The voice confirmed they were a stallion, as Twilight had expected from his build. She heard the sound of something pouring and the clinking of metal. Whatever he was doing was making everypony uneasy. Too curious for her own good, Twilight lowered the forward table slowly, and peered over the edge. She hadn’t been noticed yet. He was focused on some contraption in his hooves. He had a grizzled face and a mane to match. A slightly weary expression, along with a pale coat probably made him look older than he was. It didn’t help that a lack of shaving gave him a case of five o’clock shadow. The stranger suddenly looked up, scaring the purple mare so badly that she lost her concentration. The four tables crashed to the ground. “Ah, there you are. This makes things easy,” he said, as he finished jamming a rod down his blunderbuss. “Well, get moving” he said as he kept his weapon drawn towards potential attackers in the tavern. It was either leave with the armed stranger or risk getting pelted by the perturbed patrons at the bar. The group hesitated, until Twilight took the initiative to follow him out the door. “Hey Iron lass! If you survive out there, I want a rematch.” “Sure thing sugar cube,” Applejack answered, before slipping out the door.” “Horseapples! Who’s payin for this?” The barkeep wiped his face and snorted. *** END part 2 Thanks for reading, and pleas comment any thoughts; negative or positive are welcome.
Chapter Two: Party ConflictChapter 2: Party Conflict *** The atmosphere of the town outside of the tavern had changed. There was a new sense of tension among the town of New Saddle. Ponies were rushing here and there, locking doors and windows as they disappeared behind them. As far as the mane five and spike could tell, everypony seemed to be rushing away from the docks. They silently followed the caped stranger, with spike and Fluttershy hiding behind Rarity and AJ. The tension was still high, even after the stranger had holstered his pistol; not to mention he also bore a cutlass. As they trotted up dock 23, Twilight froze at the sight of a black hulled ship. The wood was blackened by fire and a layer of tar. She easily recognized the distinctive profile. From the books Twilight had checked out from the Canterlot Library, she knew that ‘The Jackal’ was a brig ship, captained by Grim Blade. A scoundrel deadly in close quarters combat, with powerful magical barriers that protect protect from almost any projectile. Legend says he has even blocked a cannon ball. But how was his ship here? It had been reported sunk at the edge of the trade routes. There was no time to indulge her curiosity now. Twilight startled her friends as she swiveled around with a worried look on her face. They didn’t need a verbal queue to know it was a run now kind of face. Unfortunately, it was already too late. A pegasus, a yellow unicorn, and a very large earth pony cut off their escape. They were halfway down a boardwalk, with no way out, unless they took the high plunge off of the dock. Still a risky proposition, as the dock was built up a ram to accommodate taller ships. The pegasus looked as though they were about speak, but Applejack reeled around to buck the unicorn in the way. The orange earth pony almost called on Rainbow Dash to back her up, quickly remembering that impossibility. Fluttershy froze at the sight of the large smoky colored stallion, before Rarity stepped in front of her with a defensive stance. She uttered something about being uncouth. Spike stood next to the white unicorn with the toughest look he could make, While Pinkie PIe had disappeared all together. “Everypony Freeze! just calm down.” The six friends expected to be facing the muzzle of a pistol, thus everypony obliged to the command. To the group's’ surprise, the three cutting off their escape, retreated a little. The stranger looked slightly confused as to what had spooked them so much. The caped stallion looked at Twilight’s horrified stare, then at the harbored ship. He let out a short chuckle, when he realized the answer. “What in the hay is going on?” said AJ, still ready to fight. Pinkie Pie was dead still behind the the three blocking ponies, with a barrel lifted over her head. “This ship sails under friendly flags, so to say. You don’t have to worry. Call me Captain Weatherside,” he gave a short deep nod. “I was given official command of ‘The Jackal’...by Celestia.” The princess’s name was spoken in a hushed tone. It wasn’t until “by Celestia” was mentioned, that everypony calmed down. Twilight gave an exhaustive sigh. “Wait, he could be lyin. Why is there a pony skull and bones on that there flag? ” said a cross Applejack. Weatherside checked for eavesdroppers, scanning back and forth towards the other docks, before revealing a letter with the royal seal. “I can explain later, but is this proof enough?” said the captain. Nopony spoke for a bit, and Applejack still had a look of mistrust. Finally, the lavender mare broke the silence. “This certainly isn’t how I expected to meet the captain of this voyage, but thanks for help at the tavern.” “I could say I was just as surprised by you and your friends. You certainly know how to make the locals happy. Your wit for recognizing a ship that has never been photographed on a first hoof basis from that distance, certainly doesn’t disappoint Celestia’s description of you Ms. Sparkle. However, based on your blunders so far, I'd say you have a lot to learn about the way things work out here.” Twilight flushed red. “You give me too much credit. It was easy to figure out, once I saw the two sets of square sails, counted the guns, saw the woodwork on the quarterdeck and estimated the length compared with the other docked boats. I also should have figured you were the captain we seeked, sooner. A lot of paperwork or the right contacts are necessary to carry a firearm. A captain who is friends with the princess is just the sort to have such privileges. Now that I think about it, the letter from the princess said something about the captain is not a pirate.” “That was not a compliment.” Seeing the sad expression on her face, Captain Weatherside changed the subject. “So she called me a friend huh?” He seemed to dwell on something for a moment, then continued on. “Before we get on our way, I was curious if you knew anything about”… Some metal pins fell out from beneath Fluttershy’s wings, with a smile and squee from the yellow pegasus. “About a large number of escaped animals...” Well that answers that question. He didn’t pursue the topic further and changed topics. “Is your pink friend coming?” Weatherside asked, looking at the statuesque party pony. “You didn’t say unfreez,”remarked Spike, with mild exasperation. Only because I owe you Celestia. This group is going to be a hoofull of trouble, thought the weary captain. The five ponies and dragon, followed the other four further down the large boardwalk to a large platform in front of the docked ship. Weatherside stood before a line of ponies, which included the three they encountered moments ago, with the addition of two more. He motioned for the mane five to line up in a similar fashion, facing the other group. The brown cloaked stallion, paced up and down between the two lines while he spoke. “I may be the captain, but since half of you are new to life at sea, you will be assigned under a member of my crew. I expect you to learn from them, listen to them and follow them, unless directed otherwise by me. He began to call names, and the pairings met half way. As each name of the captain’s crew members was addressed they stepped forward and shook with their partner, some more reluctantly than others. “Applejack.” “Yes sir,” she replied with a sour face. “You will be working the sails with Bitt.” It was the same yellow unicorn she had nearly bucked. As they shook hooves, Bitt leaned in close. His teal and turquoise mane almost brushed Applejack’s ear, as he whispered. “I may be ordered to work with you, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.” “I was just thinkin the same thing.I don’t trust you anyhow.” Applejack returned in the same snide tone as he had made. “Rarity.” “Present.” Rarity stepped forward and gave a curtsy. “Help Chips with maintenance and repairs.” Rarity pulled out a cloth to shake hoofs with a wary, tired looking unicorn stallion. With a brown coat and mustard colored mane. He had no words and rarity didn’t push for any. “Pinky Pie.” “Yay, that’s me,” she said hopping energetically as always. “You’ll be working with Hardtack, on ration management and preparations. “Oh boy, cooking is only like one of my most favoritest things after parties and bonanzas, and hoedowns and maybe a good fiesta.” Pinkie’s nature seemed to please the large grey stallion with a coal colored cap. He lifted Pinkie off the ground with his hoofshake as she giggled. “Fluttershy.” “Ye…yes,” she stuttered. “You will work the watch with Windlass. Fluttershy noticed the pegasus addressed as Windlass, was one of those who had had blocked them at the pier. “I’m sorry bout our misunderstandin earlier.” The blue-green pegasus had a red braided tail, short cut mane, with red irises to match. Her accent reminded fluttershy of Applejack. “It...It’s okay,” Fluttershy stuttered, as that shook hooves, without direct eye contact. “Spike.” “I’m ready. What do you want me to do?” “Well, the doc. works pretty well alone, but I’m sure Dr. Breeze won’t mind having an assistant.” “Sure thing.” “I hope you are ready to learn a lot. Details are important in my line of work.” The stallion adjusted a pair of spindly round glasses. Spike looked up at the dark-brown pegasus, with an orange mane, before speaking. “I happen to live with the most studious mares I have ever met. I know what it means to hit the books.” Cool Breez gave a slight smile. “Very good to hear.” Weatherside looked over his crew and the five mares. “Now I know some of you are itching to complain about these matches, but they are orders. That goes for my crew, and you and your companions Ms. Sparkle,” indicating each group with a sheathed saber. "Now, are there any questions not regarding these pairs? Good!” He didn’t give time to answer. It’s going to be a dangerous voyage, not only are we traversing almost uncharted waters, we will be passing through the lost trade routes. All this with a half rookie crew. He then focused on his familiar crew. I have no intention in losing anyone or my ship. Now, get those crates loaded and get set to weigh anchor. As every pony started to board, Twilight addressed the Captain. He stopped midway up the boarding plank. “Cpt. what is my assignment?” “Isn’t it obvious? You’re the leader of the search. I’ve got a ship to run. I’ll be working with you of course, and calling the final shots, however, you will be more or less in charge of our main course and search plans.” The crew within ear shot was shocked; one of them dropped a crate. Twilight was left speechless. *** Despite his cheerful-looking aquamarine main and sunshine coat, Bitt could be pretty abrasive. Pinkie Pie said he looked like cotton “candy on a banana.” “Four hours in and you're still keeled over.” the yellow coated deckhand adjusted some rigging while coiling up some rope. “It’s not like I can’t manage everything myself, but I almost wish I had gotten the pretty white one of you girls. At least she could be of use with her magic or at least sit and look nice. But no, I got some cowpony who can’t even hold their food down.” He moved close up next to her, after securing a few lines with his magic. Applejack turned, showing the colors of both Granny Smith and Big Macintosh apples. She was red with rage and green with sea sickness. Before she could make a retort, she leaned over the railing once again. Why do I have to get air sick and sea sick? “That’s what I thought, too sick to be a darn bit o help. I knew a bunch of mares was going to be a barrel of trouble. Sailing is a man’s work. Besides it’s bad luck...” “A man’s work huh?” Bitt hadn’t noticed that the blue-green pegasus had landed behind him and heard most of the conversation. “Oh but you’re an exception Windlass,” he spouted hastily. “You’ve proven you’re as good a worker as any stallion.” The red headed pegasus leaned against the main mast with crossed forelegs. She wasn’t convinced. “As good as, huh? so are you saying us mares can never be better? Well, we can see bout that one.” She said with a confident smile, as she opened and closed her wings and pumped her hoofs like a boxer. “Let’s have us a friendly tussle.” The stallion looked a bit intimidated, but he held his ground. “Alright, I know all your moves.” As the two began their approach towards each other, they were surprised as the orange earth pony jumped in. “I’ve got this one sister. My hard working family pride is on this one.” Applejack spit out a bit of stomach juices. *** Weatherside's tricorn hat sat next to the small tin mug of coffee on the small round table. Alcohol tended to lead to less than preferable circumstances. He thought running a ship was hard work enough, but that was before he met Twilight Sparkle. She kept handing him more maps, charts, and scrolls, all covered in meticulous scrawling notes. Glancing back, Weatherside did a double take. He could have sworn he saw her reading two to three books at once. Still quietly sitting at his desk, the purple figure was surrounded by books and rolls of paper. Had she not moved since he offered up his desk? “So, what makes this one so important to you girls?” He was never good at starting conversations. Responding was much more natural, especially when it was with a blade or lead ball. Twilight didn’t seem to have heard him from across the room. The afternoon light cast a square beam down the center of the captain’s cabin, but left either side in a darker state. Weatherside passed through the shaft of light to the other side of the quarters, which was lit by a pink glow and candle. He then repeated his question. “So, what makes this… “AHH,” shrieked Twilight, as she fell back in the chair. So important to you girls?” The grey maned stallion grunted, as he caught her chair with a bow of his head. After she regained her composure and shuffled some papers back in order, The captain continued.” I know she must be beyond a good friend, but what makes you go through all this work to find this one pony of yours?” The unicorn tipped her head slightly, in thought. Besides being beyond a good friend, what else was there? A few more moments passed. “I feel I should tell you something right off.” She paused for a moment as Weatherside looked confused. “Have you ever heard of the Elements of Harmony Captain Weatherside?” The captain looked thoughtful, as to the relevance. “I think so... They are a set of mighty powers, locked in the Canterlot vaults, right? He left no time to answer his question, a common habit. “Rumors in port have claimed the elements were recently used by six mares, Putting a stop to stop Nightmare Moon and Discord himself. Though I’m a sailor, and have heard a lot of tall tales.” There was a slight hesitation, before Twilight spoke again. “You're right about everything except their current location.” Twilight had been given a bed in the Captain’s cabin, much to the dismay of some of the crew. Her eyes lined up with his for a moment as she turned to her new hooflocker. It appeared that she had broken some sort of magical lock, and her horn glowed brighter before she undid the latches. An ornate box now sat on the desk before them. The stallion eyed it with curiosity and apprehension. It took a bit before one of them finally thought of what to say next. “Whatever is in that box, you don’t need...you shouldn’t show me.” Weatherside turned away, but kept an eye trained on the small chest. “Captain, I feel that in order to gain your complete trust, I must show you.” The box opened, revealing four jeweled necklaces and one tiara. Each bore a shaped gem. Weatherside thought she might get worried, when a depression for a fifth artifact appeared in the case lining. That was, until the connections all clicked. Twilight was puzzled by his response. I expected him to be more surprised. Maybe he is hiding it. “That makes you and your friends the six mares of the rumors I’ve been hearing about,” he said. Twilight nodded. His face showed a Contemplative. “The sixth element is on your pegasus friend is right now.” Twilight nodded again, this time with a slight smile. “I thought it would be less conspicuous to have her wear it before meeting the crew rather than appear with it on later.” “True, but why have her wear it at all, and why pick the most...well, most timid of you?” “That is in itself the reason. Nopony would expect a shy, gentle one like her to be wielding a powerful artifact. I mean who is foolish enough to wear something that flashy, that isn’t costume jewelry or surrounded by guards and paparazzi.” He waited silently for her to continue. “As for why have it on deck, that is part of my search plan. When you asked me to send you a list of who would be best for the roles you requested, I knew she would be great on deck, ready to spot things before the rest of us. She is pretty paranoid about her surroundings,” Twilight chuckled a little. He looked intrigued, but still lost. “I found that the elements have an attraction to each other. This not only applies to the artifacts themselves, but also the embodiments of each element. I cast a spell on our missing friend’s necklace, the element of Loyalty. Once I found the connection, it was not hard to make a spell that should cause the pendant to signal the wearer of Rainbow Dash’s presence. That is, once we get close enough.” “So you need your friend back because she is the only one who can wield the element of Loyalty.” “No. Like you said before, she is important because she is beyond a good friend. She would do the same for any of us. She just happens to carry a power that could be important for everypony else, if evil rears its head again.” She sounded stern and slightly miffed. “I didn’t mean any offense. In my line of work no one has that much raw dedication. That is, without a good payout.” He seemed to get more serious. Walking closer to the desk, he slid a hoof across the border of the open box. “I can respect your motives and appreciate you sharing this with me, but...” he firmly closed the lid, “I don’t think you should share this with anypony else.” He finished, still holding a hoof on the cover of the intricate box. “Any of it.” Only the sound of the wash along the ship could be heard until a knock at the cabin door broke the mood. The box was quickly levitated into the hooflocker. The knock came again. Weatherside donned his hat and adjusted his cloak. “Just because you're famous saviors where you come from, doesn’t mean you get special treatment aboard this ship.” He said before answering the door. Twilight nodded in agreement. I hope I’m not putting my friends in too deep. “Wait if you’re here, who is steering?” The unicorn inquired. “Hardtack.” “I thought he was the cook?” “Hardtack is a lot of things,” he chuckled. The door swung open to reveal the ship's pegasus lookout. "Uh, Captain. Bitt had a bit of an accident... *** “So, how did this happen exactly?” To say Windlass was intimidated by her captain’s tone as he stood over Bitt’s unconscious form, would be an understatement. Applejack stood close by, with her hat held to her chest. “Well we all know Bitt can be a bit grinding and sexist at times, but I know he’s usually all talk. So when he was a hasslin’ poor AJ here, I thought I’d step in to get him to back off, hoping he would quit like usual. But…” She trailed off at her leader’s intimidating expression. Twilight just stood by with her ears drooped back. “Well then what?” “Then AJ stepped in to defend her name.” “So it was a gang of two versus one?” “No. Bitt took AJ’s challenge one on one, and took him out in one blow. “Did he have a good reason to be upset at this mare?” “He was mad, on an account of she couldn’t do any work, while being sea sick and all.” “That seems somewhat reasonable now don’t it?” Now he was bearing down on Windlass. Her chest was almost almost touching the deck when the orange mare stepped in again. “You’re right Captain, I shoulda been more useful, but don’t take it out on Windlass.” There was an exchange of hard faces. “Alright, get me a bucket,” Weatherside commanded. AJ was able to promptly deliver a bucket, the handle in her mouth. “Ms. Sparkle.” “Yes sir?” “Water.” He tossed the bucket over, Twilight barly catching it before it clattered on the deck. The bucket was lowered over the side, by pink magic. Bitt was left sputtering awake, drenched in salty water. His head sore from AJ’s blow and his ribs bruised from the Captain's ruff awakening. Turning back and tipping his hat, Weatherside spoke. “Now get to work!” The captain headed to the bow to take the helm. “AJ you should’ve told me you had seasickness.” Twilight sighed. Does the captain always treat his crew this rough? “I was embarrassed. Besides, what is telling you goanna do for me. Have you got some fancy spell for that too?” “Not exactly,” the purple mare giggled. “I do have some herbs from Zecora that should do the trick. Though, learning a spell might be a good idea.” “Oh.” “Just try to stay out of trouble. The captain told me we wouldn’t get special treatment.” “Hey I didn’t start noth...fine” The cowpony submitted to the purple unicorn’s glare AJ turned her attention to the Yellow bedraggled deckhand. He had finally gotten to his hoofs. “I’m mighty sorry. I didn’t mean to go this far.” She was about to continue with her apology, but Bitt just looked up briefly at her, before shoving past. As he went, she was given a close up view of the small sailboat on his flank. She was about to take back her apology, but a foreleg over her shoulder stopped her. “He’ll come round, he always does. Nice moves by the way.” “Thanks Rainb…Windlass, for backing me up.” AJ smiled, hoping neither mare hadn’t noticed. The red haired pegasus took off towards Fluttershy in the crow’s nest with, a “No problem.” Applejack realized that Twilight had been staring blankly over the railing. “I’m sure your plan is gonna work. Well find her.” “It’s not the plan that’s bugging me. I just feel like everypony is hiding something. The captain, the crew. and maybe even Celestia.” The studious mare headed down the deck, deep in thought. The rest of the day, Bitt simply gave orders and explained what to do. He never made direct eye contact Applejack. Running the standing rigging, bulwark and pinrails were just a few of the first tasks. He was moving pretty fast. She was sure glad she read the books Twilight had given her, and that rope tying was a given talent. *** END Part 3 Sorry this took so long. The new updates will be faster. Also sorry for the long dialog. I just needed to introducea lot of characters.
