"In here." Black Helm said, entering his quarters, "I may have something that might interest you."

Twilight followed the captain inside and watched as he opened a drawer and took out an object wrapped in cloth.

"Behold, the only journal of Silver Spray." Black Helm said proudly, unwrapping the cloth and revealing the book, "One of the very few records relating to the Crystal Legend and Captain Moonlight."

The book appeared worn and damaged from age, but intact. Carefully, Black Helm let Twilight grasp it in her magic.

"That journal has been passed down through my family for generations." The captain explained, seeing the curiosity in Twilight's eyes as she slowly opened the book, "Silver Spray was my ancestor and once was part of Crimson Moonlight's crew. He was also the only survivor of the crew. Perhaps, his story may help you find what you're looking for."

"Why are you so willing to let me see this?" Twilight asked with some suspicion, "When I mentioned what we were looking for, your interest in us suddenly rose and it's making me slightly uncomfortable. Don't take this the wrong way, Captain, but I'm concerned you may try something against us when the treasure is found."

"Then I'll be very blunt here. I've also been looking for that treasure for years. When the end came and my ancestor was faced against life and death, he chose to save himself. However, he never got his fair share of the treasure he was promised. By rights, some of that treasure should've been given to him and passed down through my family. But it wasn't, so I've been trying to collect it in his place."

Twilight looked the captain in his eyes, trying to see if he was telling the truth.

"I'm not greedy, Princess." Black Helm continued, "All I ask is that me and my crew get a fair share and that we can cooperate with each other. Nothing more. And you can keep the Ocean's Soul. Even though something that powerful shouldn't be in anyone's possession."

"Why do you say that?" Twilight asked, cocking her head to one side.

"Read the book. It explains why. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to make my rounds and see how everyone is holding up. It's going to be a long voyage."

With that, Black Helm exited the small room, leaving Twilight alone with the book. Opening to the first entry, Twilight began to read and visualize the world through Silver Spray's words.

August 12, 754 A.L.

This is the day I finally become the stallion I aspire to be. To live on the ocean and breathe the sea air as we venture to far away places. If only my father were here to see such an endeavor and achievement. I fear, however, my rash and hasty actions may have torn a rift between him and I. He is my father and I love him dearly, but I am no farmer. I may have been born on land, but my heart belongs to the blue waters of the vast ocean.

Our captain is a stallion I hope to be inspired by and prove that I am worthy to be a part of his crew. Although, he is a stallion I respect and fear as well. This is for many reasons. However, I dare not pry on such a thing. I have seen enough already to convince myself to join his crew. And here I shall remain.

Our ship is one of pure majesty and strength. A Mare O' War I believe they call it. Cannons lined both sides of the massive vessel. Masts as tall as a full grown dragon with large grey sails. It is an astonishing sight to see. The name even has a certain respect woven into it. The "Crystal Legend" is perhaps the most beautiful ship I've ever seen.

When I arrived today, the ship appeared to be under repair. Upon what I saw, the damage looked very similar to cannonballs. This did not sway me, however. I know the risks and I feel confident in myself that I can conquer such things.

Twilight closed the book and wrapped it in the cloth again. As she was setting it on the captain's bed, Twilight looked over at the nightstand beside the bed and saw a framed photo. In the picture, Twilight saw Black Helm at a younger age standing next to a young blue unicorn mare who appeared to be the same age. But, something about the unicorn in the picture seemed odd to Twilight. It was hard to make out, but it looked like the mare was wearing a neckless with a heart shaped gem attached to the chain.

Twilight picked up the picture to look closer and noticed something interesting. The neckless looked identical to the neckless Surf Salt was wearing. The same neckless that belonged to his mother.

"Ahem!" A voice coughed from the door, "Find something?"

Twilight turned and saw Black Helm standing in the doorway.

"I thought you were still doing your rounds." Twilight said, eyes fixed on the captain.

"It's not a very big ship, Princess." Black Helm replied, entering the room and approaching Twilight, who was still holding the photo in her magic.

Black Helm carefully took the picture out of her magic and placed it back on the nightstand. Twilight watched as he stood there, looking over the old photo.

"That neckless she's wearing," Twilight began to say, "I've seen it before. Surf wears it around his neck. He told us that it belonged to his mother, before she died. Is that her in that picture?"

"Yes." Black Helm replied in a sad tone, "This was taken on our honeymoon. I bought her that neckless a little while before the picture was taken. About the same time she bought me this pin I have on my jacket."

"Then that means, Surf is your son. But, he always said his father ran out before he was born? If that's true, then why?"

Black Helm turned towards the princess and wore a pained and frustrated expression.

"Do you have a family, Princess?" Black Helm asked sternly, "I mean a husband and children?"

"No," Twilight replied, recoiling slightly by the odd question, "I don't."

"Then you'll never understand how far I had to go in order to protect my family. Making deals with demons and monsters just so they don't come and take the thing you value most. I might not look the part, but I can assure you, I'm not proud of myself for leaving them in that place. And I'm definitely not happy to hear from my son that my wife is dead and have him think that his father never loved him. But, I made a deal that if I left and never came back, then they could live peacefully and wouldn't be harmed. I even have the scar to prove it."

Finishing his explanation, Black Helm undid the top buttons of his jacket and opened it, revealing an oddly shaped scar. It looked more like a burnt brand mark on his chest, but it had the same signs as a large cut.

"S.E." Black Helm said sharply, keeping his voice low, "You know who that is, don't you?"

It took a moment for Twilight to piece together the mark. But, before she could say, Black Helm answered for her.

"Sharp Edge did that to me with a hot knife." The captain seethed, closing his jacket, "He did that to me and made my pregnant wife watch with a blade resting on her stomach, right where my unborn child was. He gave me a choice to have my family killed and kill me after. Or, be exiled and keep my family as insurance that I never came back. I chose to leave, because I saw no other way to ensure their safety. And all that was because I refused to rob a cargo freighter. I guess I should've known better before I decided to work for a cutthroat tyrant."

Twilight stared at the captain, awestruck by his story.

"I'm truly sorry." Twilight said quietly, "I didn't mean to upset you."

"You wanted to know why, now you know." Black Helm replied, turning away from her, "Now, if you please, leave my quarters. I trust you've already found your quarters with your friends earlier. And, if you need anything, you can find Mr. Horizon in the wheelhouse, along with my first mate Star Shot. He runs the ship during the night."

Twilight made her way to the door and stepped out of the room.

Eeek! *click!*

She closed the door and began walking down the hall. But, as she walked, she heard the sound of muffled crying coming from behind her. It only took her a second to realize who the sounds belonged to, but she just kept moving until she reached her room and crawled into bed.

Author's Note

Hey, everyone.

I know this story is moving kinda slow right now, but that's because I've just been really busy. But, the story is still going so everything's ok.

P.S. For some of you who might be curious, "A.L." stands for After Luna.