The morning sun peeked over the horizon, painting the sky a beautiful orange. The air was cool and tiny wisps of clouds hung in the air. A perfect morning for anypony who started the day early.

At least, a perfect morning to anypony who liked seeing the sun rise over a hill. However, for Surf Salt, it didn't match up to the glimmering ripples on the water as the sun rose over the ocean.

It was the day after and he was already wide awake and ready to get a start to the day. But, Surf was the only one to rise before the sun. So, he decided to wait for the others and watch the sun from the balcony.

"On your hooves, sailor!" A voice burst out, causing the colt to nearly jump out of his skin.

Falling over from being startled, Surf looked at where the voice had come from and saw Spike with a big grin on his face. The dragon then started to chuckle as he approached the colt and held out one of his claws to help Surf up.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist." Spike smiled, pulling Surf up to his hooves, "It just seemed way too quiet this morning. Plus, I figured you might've wanted to hear something familiar."

"Well, I'll admit, you got me." Surf replied, smiling back, "And you're kind of right, that is familiar, but I've never had it directed at me before."

The two of them shared a laugh as Twilight walked onto the balcony.

"Good morning you two." Twilight greeted, "What's so funny?"

"Spike startled me, but we're good." Surf replied, "Just a practical joke."

Twilight looked between the both of them and smiled. It made her happy to see that Surf and Spike were getting along. But, today was a big day for them. Today was the day they were going to the seaport and hiring a ship.

"So, since you believe a steamship is our best option," Twilight began, looking at Surf, "I suppose you know what we might be in for, right?"

"Actually, no." Surf countered, "Out on the ocean, there's a large number of things that could surprise you. Sea monsters, storms, massive waves, and other stuff. I only said a steamship because they're big, sturdy, and reliable. For example; the Riptide Class steamship, the Thunder Hoof survived five hurricanes and one monster attack. Now, that's a tough ship."

Twilight raised an eyebrow at the colt as he told her what he knew. In a way, it sounded promising, but she wasn't fully convinced.

"Five hurricanes and one monster, huh?" She said, skeptical of the information about a ship she had never heard of.

"Yep." Surf grinned, "Steamships are the armoured beasts of the sea. Almost nothing can beat them."

"What can?"

"A heavily armed ship with large cannons and icebergs. But, where we're going, icebergs won't be a problem. Can't say the same for other ships though. However, the ocean is pretty big. With luck, we won't meet a modern battlecruiser that's under pirate control. Now those are something to fear. I've seen one up close and the shells they use are bigger than you, Princess!"

Twilight showed little interest after hearing about such a thing. She didn't know a lot about ships, but she was having difficulty believing a projectile that size existed. Unless it was made by magic.

"Uh huh. Okay." Twilight said in a casual tone, "Well, you should come in for some breakfast then we'll pack while we wait for the girls."

"I'm not coming too?" Spike asked, almost sounding left out, "I thought I was."

"I need you and Starlight here to take care of things while I'm away. Don't worry though, we'll probably be back in a week or two. And, I'll bring back some treasure for you, if you like. I'm sure Captain Moonlight wouldn't mind if a few gems became snacks."

Spike smiled a bit while hearing Twilight's plan for him. Surf, meanwhile, went inside, followed by Twilight and Spike shortly after.

About three hours had past and everypony who was going met at the castle.

"We'll be back before you know it." Twilight said, giving Starlight and Spike a hug, "With luck, we'll have the Ocean's Soul with us."

"Good luck and be safe." Starlight replied, "We'll do our best to take care of things here."

"I know you both will."

With that, Twilight and the rest of them made their way to the train station. Surf Salt, however, remained oddly quiet as they walked. In a way, it made Twilight wonder why, but given the task ahead, she believed that it was because he was somewhat scared. So, deciding not to openly say anything, Twilight extended a wing and draped it over the colt, causing him to look up at her in confusion. However, his confusion turned to understanding when he saw her expression and the message it carried.

WOOO!!! WOOOO!!!

"Last call for the train to Manehatten!" The conductor called as they arrived at the station, "Last call for Manhatten! All aboard!"

Quickly they got aboard and took their seats. Then they felt the train lurch forward as it began to roll away from the platform.

"I've never been on a train before." Surf said, looking out the window as trees, hills, and greenery raced by, "It's nice."

"But, ya still love the ocean, huh?" Applejack asked, looking over the seat at him.

"Always have and always will."

Twilight looked over at Rainbow Dash, who sat by herself across the aisle. Twilight also remembered that Rainbow Dash had not said a single word since they left the castle. Which was very odd for someone like her. And worrisome.

"Hey." Twilight said, getting out of her seat and moving to sit with Rainbow Dash, "Are you okay?"

"This is a bad idea, Twilight." Rainbow replied in a low whisper, looking her in the eye, "Other than the fact we're basically racing Sharp Edge to a mythical and powerful gem, there's something wrong here. You can scold me if you want, but I think Surf isn't telling us something important. I don't trust him."

Quickly, Twilight looked other at Surf and noticed he was caught in a conversation with Applejack and Rarity.

"I'll admit, I'm not fully convinced either, Rainbow." Twilight whispered, looking back at the cyan pegasus, "But, if it worries you so much, why did you agree to come along? I've never seen you like this before and it's making me nervous."

"Come on, Twilight." Rainbow replied, "You know me. I'm loyal to the ones I care about. Plus, did you actually think I was going to pass up a chance to go hunting for pirate treasure? But, all I'm saying is that we should be very cautious. Surf's hiding something and doesn't want anyone to know about it. To me, that's hazardous."

"I get it, Rainbow. But, for now, just go along with it until we know for sure. Okay?"

"Fine."

For the rest of the ride, the ponies talked amongst themselves and avoiding too much attention. Soon, the city of Manehatten came into view and the train slowed it's approach. As they got closer, Surf focused his attention towards the harbour and saw various sized vessels and watercraft moving through the water or anchored.

"See one we could use?" Twilight asked, looking over Surf's shoulder.

"Not from here." Surf replied, scanning the boats and ships, "Maybe there's one hidden among the larger ships. We don't need anything too big, just big enough."

Shortly after, they arrived at the station and exited the train. The city was busy with ponies and noise filled the air. Twilight expected Surf to be overwhelmed by the onslaught of things happening. However, the colt beside her didn't show any signs of being concerned. Instead, he had the expression of determination as they moved their way through the crowd and into the open. Quickly they made their way to the harbour.

"So," Rarity said, looking around at the vessels, "are we looking for anything in particular? A luxury cruiser? Or, perhaps, something with a fresh coat of paint, polish, elegant living quarters, and a spa?"

"Actually, something like that one will do nicely." Surf said, pointing at a ship.

The group stopped to look at what he had found and were mildly surprised by what they saw.

The vessel's hull was grey with a black stripe around the bow and stern. The wheelhouse and living quarters were balanced in the center. While a large black and red smokestack stood vertically above them. On the bow and stern, three long poles on each end jutted out from the ship and into the air. The center poles stood vertically, while the others angled away from each other and held ropes and pulleys. Rust, faded paint, and grime covered certain places along the ship, making it appear to be very rundown and questionable.

"Sea Master." Surf said confidently, causing a grin to cross his muzzle, "Oh yes, this'll do perfectly."

However, his confidence wasn't shared among the group. To them, the ship was nothing more than a wreck that hadn't sunk yet.

"Are you sure?" Twilight asked, stepping next to Surf, "It doesn't look very promising to me."

"Never judge a ship by its rust." A voice said, causing everyone to look.

They watched as a gruff dark grey earth pony stallion with a silver mane, beard, and tail approach them. His cutie mark was a helm that appeared to be slightly damaged. He wore a black coat with silver buttons and a captain's hat with an anchor stitched above the brim. On the chest of the jacket, they saw a gold helm with a ribbon shaped pin.

"Oh, is this your boat?" Twilight asked, pointing at the vessel, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean any disrespect."

"Ah, no need for an apology." The stallion grinned, extending a hoof, "You're not the first. Name's Black Helm. And, if I'm not mistaken, you're Princess Twilight. Pleased to meet you."

They shook hooves, before continuing with introductions.

"Nice to meet you too, Captain." Twilight said, "This is Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Surf Salt."

"Charmed." Black Helm greeted, "Now, is there something I could help you ponies with?"

Without warning, Surf scooted between Twilight and the captain.

"We'd like to hire your ship." Surf said with some excitement.

The stallion looked down at the colt and also saw the neckless he was wearing. Appearing to show interest, the captain lowered himself to Surf's level.

"A fine bit of jewelry you're wearing, lad." Black Helm said, gesturing to the neckless, "A gift?"

Surf looked down at the heart gem and nodded.

"It's from my mother." Surf said, lowering his gaze slightly, "It was hers..."

"Oh, sorry, lad." Black Helm replied, placing a hoof on the colt's shoulder, "I'm sure she was a very caring mare."

Surf nodded again as Black Helm rose up to a normal stance.

"I'll make my ship available to you, Princess." The captain said, giving a smile.

"Oh, you don't have to." Twilight replied respectfully, "I'm sure you're busy and probably don't have time for us."

"Nonsense. I insist. As it turns out, we're currently in between shipments for the next three weeks. So, please, allow my crew to bring your things aboard. Lads!"

As if on cue, five big stallions standing nearby picked up the groups bags and carried them up a ramp and onboard the Sea Master.

"Don't be worried, Princess. Like I said before; never judge a ship by its rust." Black Helm grinned, leading the group up the ramp, "Welcome aboard and make yourselves at home. Lads, we haul anchor in half an hour! Get the engines ready!"

The group followed the captain as he lead them through a door towards their cabins.

Author's Note

Hey, everyone.

Ok, so I had a bit of a problem with this chapter. My problem was that I had lost the last quarter of this chapter and had to rewrite it. So, if it doesn't sound as good as it should be, that's because I had trouble remembering what I had written. But, it's there and done with.

Keep a weather eye on the horizon for the next chapter.