"Okay, okay." Rainbow Dash said, holding her forehead, "Could you tell us why you thought it was a good idea to steal from Sharp Edge? Because no one in their right mind would do that."

"I did it under pressure from two things." Surf replied, burying his face in his hooves, "I was pressured into it because of some other foals. Plus, I was living on the streets and was desperate. I saw an opportunity and took it, hoping no one saw me."

"Did anyone see you?"

The colt went silent as he remembered seeing a large stallion enter the room and spotted him. He knew he was very lucky to escape, but that didn't necessarily mean he was safe.

"Well... yeah." Surf replied in defeat, rubbing one of his hind legs with the other hoof and looking down, "I was spotted just as I was leaving through an open window I had come in. I managed to lose him and stowed away on a ship. The rest you know."

The room fell silent again as they all thought. Now fully aware that they had a thief, a foolish one at that, in their presence, the group were left with the question of what to do next. However, a few factors played into their next action. On one side, they weren't sure if Sharp Edge was aware of the colt's location. And, if he was, would he go to the trouble of tracking the colt? On another side, the chance to find a recover a long lost treasure from a famous pirate did sound appealing. But, that also left the fact that they'd have to use a stolen map and might have to bring Surf Salt along to help understand it. And, it could be dangerous.

"Girls," Twilight announced, "group meeting in the throne room. Spike, stay here with Surf."

"Okay." Spike replied as the others left.

Once they entered the throne room, they closed the door and took their seats, except for Starlight.

"So, what's the plan here?" Applejack asked, looking at the purple alicorn, "From where I'm sittin' we've only got two options."

"What?" Rainbow Dash commented sounding slightly worried, "Stay here and hope Sharp Edge doesn't come here, or go out there and find a gem powerful enough to control the sea? Both choices are pretty bad."

"Even so, Dash," Twilight said, looking over the map she still had in her possession, "we have to make a choice."

"But, it's Sharp Edge. No one's crazy enough to challenge him."

All eyes turned to the cyan pegasus, slightly confused about her current behavior. It was rare to see Rainbow Dash scared of something. But, they never thought she'd be scared of another pony.

"He's only a stallion, Rainbow." Rarity said, playing with her own mane, "I'm sure his reputation isn't as bad as most think."

"He's a unicorn stallion that can wield a hundred blades at once." Rainbow Dash protested, tapping her hoof on the table-map, "Not to mention, he's very coordinated and talented in magic."

"How would you all that? Have you ever met him?"

"Well... Uh... Well, no. But, I've heard enough to know that he's not someone to get upset. So, here's my thought, why not wait for him to come here and we give him the map and the jewels. That might smooth things-"

Thump!

Rainbow Dash stopped as she heard a hoof hit the arm of a throne. Everyone looked at Twilight and saw that she wasn't interested in that idea.

"First of all," Twilight began, "we can't do that. The reason is because there's no guarantee that he's coming here or that he'll be grateful if he does. Plus, if he does get the Ocean's Soul, he'll be able to control every ocean in the world. And if that happens, there's a good chance of him using it to bend the world to his will. How Captain Moonlight managed to get something so powerful, I'm not sure. But, one thing is certain; that gem is way too powerful and dangerous for one pony to handle."

There was a slight pause in the room, which made them somewhat anxious.

"So, what's the plan then?" Applejack asked, breaking the silence.

"We go and find it." Twilight replied, looking around the table at her friends, "We find it before Sharp Edge and make sure that it's given proper protection. It would be safer under watchful eyes. But, before we do, Starlight, would you please tell us of the gem's origin."

Stepping forward, the unicorn mare stood next to Twilight's throne, clearing her throat.

"Well," Starlight began, "it's more of a legend than actual fact, but it should shine some light."

Her horn lit up and a large projection appeared above the table-map.

In the beginning, there was only the land, the ocean, the stars, the sun, and the moon. The universe had a certain magic with untold amounts of power. But, what good were all of these without someone to see and enjoy them?

Combining their magic, new life began to take shape. The sun gave warmth to their creations. The moon offered shade for rest. The stars provided wonder and hope. The land presented beauty and strength. And the ocean sacrificed her soul to give the creations life.

However, in doing so, the ocean had surrendered her own life and was bond to their creations. Never to be free.

As time passed, the others began to change and lose their magic. The sun and moon began to lose control of when to rise and set. The land had difficulty keeping up his strength to grow enough food for the creatures. The stars dimmed as the ages passed. But, the ocean remained as she was, unchanged and, as time continued, unable to speak with her friends.

Soon after, she found herself alone. None of the others spoke to her, nor could they hear her. And so, out of sadness, she fashioned a gem that she hid and transferred her life force into it. But, her magic remains strong.

The projection ended as Starlight finished her story.

"So, does that mean we're connected to the ocean?" Rainbow Dash asked, trying to understand.

"Not necessarily." Starlight replied, "Think of it as a spark to a fire. Once the spark starts fire, it can be stable by itself. The Oceans energy, according to the legend, is what helped start life. But, it's still powerful on it's own. So, if Sharp Edge is trying to find the gem, I doubt he's able to control the free will of ponies with it. However, it still begs the question of what he wants with it? From what I've heard, he's a little out of control, but not so far as to rule the world."

"It's best if we didn't take any chances." Twilight said, adding her input on the subject, "Going back to what I said before, we don't know what he's planning. But, if he is after it, then we have to find it first. Plus, with Surf's knowledge of navigation on the ocean, we might have a chance."

The room fell quiet as they thought of the best course of action.

"Then we're gonna need a ship." Applejack said, breaking the silence, "Probably somethin' fast."

"I could talk to Princess Celestia and request an airship from her." Twilight replied, "I'm sure there's something fast in the Royal Aerial Fleet."

"An airship's not going to cut it." A voice said from the door.

Everypony turned and saw Surf standing at the door with Spike behind him. The expression on his face showed determination and certainty.

"In Captain Moonlights time," Surf Salt began, "airships didn't exist. The only way of travel was wooden ships that used sails to catch the wind. Of course, everyone already knows this. What everyone doesn't know is it was easier to navigate on the water, because of certain landmarks that could only be found at sea level. Pegasi and griffin pirates had the advantage of surprising others from the air, that much is true. However, getting to a secret spot and finding treasure was difficult, because the clues they had couldn't be found in the air. So, I say a watercraft is needed for this. Preferably, something that can carry heavy loads, but can move much faster than a ship with sails. A steamship might be your best bet, Princess."

Looking around the room, the colt could see that his input on the task ahead was somewhat bewildering and odd.

"How do you know so much about pirates?" Rainbow asked, tilting her head slightly.

"Books, sailors, old legends told by ponies around a fire." Surf replied, shrugging and smiling, "Stuff like that."

"Uh-huh. Okay."

Pushing past the conversation, Twilight spoke up.

"Very well, I'll ask Princess Celestia for a ship from the navy then." She said, retrieving a quill and paper.

"You're better off hiring someone who isn't military." Surf said, adding more input, "For two reasons. First, there's a good chance that the military officer in charge won't follow the proper route and go somewhere that is completely off course. And second, navy ships may attract too much attention. The cannons and flag are very big giveaways, along with the fact that it'll most likely be in naval colours. A civilian ship, however, can go undetected."

Taking a breathe and sighing, Twilight turned and looking back at the colt.

"Alright," Twilight sighed, "I assume you know where to find a ship also?"

"Actually, yeah, I do." Surf replied, "Just go to any tavern, bar, or pub near a seaport or harbour. There's bound to be a captain willing to help for the right price. But, start with the ship. Find the ship, talk to the crew, and they'll tell you where to find the captain."

"You thought this out, didn't you?"

"More or less."

Author's Note

Hey, everyone.

Ok, this chapter was a headache to put together. I wanted to make it longer, but kept hitting too many roadblocks. So, I had to make it shorter than I had hoped. Anyway, I hope it still works and makes sense to some of you. I'll try better next chapter.