The battle raged across the two ships just outside of the harbor. Crew from both sides throwing everything they had at the other but even in the chaos of the storm one man stood tall with a grin plastered across his face. “ These gentle sailors have put up a fair fight lads!” The man shouted above the clashing swords and booms of cannons. “But I think it’s about time we stop playing around!” He added, the roar of his crew blew through the fight as the tides of battle quickly turned. Soon the offending ship was sinking below the waves, taking any who remained on board to the afterlife. The crew quickly began the clean up of scragglier’s while looting what they could. The ship turned quickly back towards the harbor where cheering could be heard. The second the crew stepped foot on solid people from the town swarmed them, chanting their names. Soon though as the celebrations were in full swing a messenger found the captain with some of his crew in a tavern singing songs.
“Sorry to bother you sir but I have an urgent message for you.” The young boy said with a shaky salute.
“Well let’s hear it lad!” The man said with a laugh, leaning in to hear the kid. When the child got close enough he whispered into the captains ear. His eyes shot wide open as the same grin grew back on his face.” Now that my boy is some of the best news you could have given me.” He gleefully spoke, passing the kid a decent sized pouch of coin. “Treat your family to something nice.” The man ordered the boy gently. Swinging his coat back on he barked out a command to his crew. “Ready the ship lads! We have a new destination!”
“Where to Captain?” Asked one of the men.
The man smiled as he set back his hat on top of his head. “Canterlot!” And with that his crew scrambled to action. Soon the man stood back on top of the helm, steering the ship in the right direction. A shanty began to fill the air as the crew sang. “Let’s see what treasure you have for me princesses.” He whispered to himself as the ships sails unfurled. A new adventure starting.
Twilight and her friends were gathered around the throne room in her crystal palace. Each had been summoned by Twilight for some news. "Well come on Twilight, we aren't getting any younger." Rainbow Dash finally spoke up, waving her hand for her friend to speak.
The rest of her friends all confirmed their impatience as well leading her to give a sigh. "Princess Celestia and Luna have given me a mission and even extended it to you all." She began. "With my rise to becoming a princess I need to learn more of the other nations across the world so they have chartered a ship for us to take that will take us across to each individual capital to meet the different rulers." She explained.
"When would this be happening darling?" Rarity questioned with a raised eyebrow, perfectly manicured.
Twilight looked between them all as she gave a sheepish chuckle. "Um, in a week..." She quietly said. But they all heard what she just said.
"A WEEK!" They all shouted, rushing out of the room to get ready.
Leaning with a heavy sigh Twilight blocked the sun from her eyes as she closed them. "Well, at least I know none of them will say no." She muttered to herself.
One week later
The girls took the train up to Canterlot, full of excitement even if it was in such a short notice. As they passed a bend in the mountain the great city came into view with air ships sailing in and out of the various ports. Ever since the boom of technology a few years back people have found new ways for travel and commerce leading to a golden age. Though that still came with its own complications, Twilight thought to herself thinking of how some places have seen an increase in crime. Even the Crystal Empire wasn't free of it. She shook her head as they drew closer to the city and prepared to disembark, her friends already moving to grab their luggage. The train pulled into the station smoothly with a hiss of steam. As the group stepped off they were shocked by who they saw. "Tempest?" Twilight asked with surprise at the now royal guard member gave a salute.
"Long time no see." Tempest replied evenly, the barest hint of a smile at the corners of her mouth. "I imagine you all were summoned as well by the princesses." She stated, eyeing them up and down.
"You betcha!" Pinkie Pie happily shouted, bouncing around with a spring in her step. "I can't wait to try all the new types of sweets these places will have!" She added with glee, already hopping towards the castle.
The others followed closely, each talking about what they wished to see in this trip. Even Tempest was sharing what she expected from it. Soon they all stood in front of the door to the throne room, their bags already being prepped. "Well... best get started." Applejack said, pushing the doors open and letting the light inside spill out.
The captain stood as the top of the mast, looking over a map as the clouds moved past his ship. "Now if I'm right we should be there in three." He muttered.
"Two." The clouds began to thin as if opening up.
"One." he finished with a broad grin as the clouds parted to reveal the shining capital of Equestria. "Man I'm good." He said with a laugh, grabbing a hold of some rope and riding it down to the bottom. Calmly letting go he started to walk into his quarters whistling an old tune as the bustle of the city slowly filled the air. It was time to see where this adventure will really start.
Author's Note
For those waiting for my other stories to update, don't worry they will be coming soon!
The girls entered the throne room of the castle, light from the sun illuminating it through stained glass windows. They quickly took notice of those already present in the room. For one in particular it was a shock. “Shining!” Twilight shouted in glee, rushing forward into the open arms of her older brother. “What are you doing here? I thought you and Candance were in the empire still?” She asked, looking up from where she was in the hug.
Giving a small laugh Shining answered, “Celestia and Luna summoned me. Though I would have come anyways if my little sister and her friends where leaving on a trip of this scale.”
“ Which leads into the question dear, why weren’t we told about this sooner?” Rarity butted in gently, casting a look over at the two smiling rulers. “Not that I don’t mind the opportunity to see the world and all it holds but a political mission like this seems more like something you two would be doing.” She added with a tilted head. Her purple hair falling perfectly in place to frame her features.
Spike stepped forward “Also what’s this about a ship? Aren’t we kind of land locked in Equestria?” He questioned, Rarity taking ahold one of his arms. “Is Shining coming with us?” He added, absentmindedly rubbing a finger in a circle on Rarity’s hand.
Celestia gave a giggle at the display of affection. “Really glad he finally asked her out.” She thought to herself before clearing her throat. “ For your questions yes it could have been sooner but there were a few things to be taken care of first.” She began “For starters we had to wait for a conflict to end between the eastern and western dragon clans. On top of finding the right route for you all to take.” She answered.
Luna got up from her seat and approached Tempest. “Next was security as we can’t send just you bearers without someone to represent our military so Tempest was selected as she has been rising rather nicely up the ranks. Shining also has his family and the Crystal Empire to deal with so that’s why he wasn’t selected.” She explained further.
“So who’s this person that will be taking us around to the other nations? I hope he isn’t lame.” Rainbow questioned, floating above the others lazily.
The doors opened making everyone turn towards them. “That would be me!” Came a happy voice.
Shining’s eyes widened before narrowing. “YOU!?!?” He shouted.
The captain and his crew slowed down the engines of the ship as they slid into port, already having removed their flag and any markings that would cause problems. As the ship lightly bounced against the floating dock, ropes were quickly thrown to any workers on the platforms to tie down the ship and lock it into place. “ We’re all set to disembark captain.” Came a smoky voice from a woman with blood red hair.
“Ya think they’ll actually let us walk into there with how much history we gots?” Asked a grizzled looking man with an eyepatch over one of his eyes.
A large, muscular woman stepped up, “Captain says they let us in, they let us in.” In a thick Sibearian accent.
The man in between them all just gave a chuckle at their talking. “The powers that be called us here for something important. So why don’t we see just how far we can walk before the guard comes ay?” He asked, sticking one foot out to take the first step into the city. He made it exactly three steps off the walking plank before guards surrounded him. “Ohhh three steps that’s a new record I think!” The man said with a grin.
“Beat the old one by half a step captain.” Came a young, scratchy voice of a thin and pale teenager.
The captain gave another laugh before playfully holding out his hands like they were in cuffs. “Well lead on lads.” He teased the guards who just grunted, guiding them to the castle and through the gates to a large set of doors. Voices could be heard on the other side that gave him all the info he needed. “Show time.” He whispered to himself as he began to throw the doors open. His ears picking up a scratchy voice that reminded him of a crew member on his ship.
“So who’s this person that will be taking us around to the other nations? I hope he isn’t lame.” Said a woman with rainbow hair.
“That would be me!” He replied, a broad grin on his face. He watched as everyone turned to look towards him and took great pleasure as a familiar guardsman recognized him.
“YOU!?!” Shining shouted, lunging forward with magic welling to attack. He was quickly yanked back by Luna who had an annoyed look on her face. "Princess what are you doing?” He asked incredulously.
“Now now Shining. We know how you are feeling right now but please do not attack the man that will be sailing our people around the world.” She softly spoke.
The man took off his hat and gave a deep bow before putting it back on a strolling forward quickly. “It’s always a pleasure to see you, your majesty’s! I believe you wanted a ship?” He spoke freely.
The girls and Spike couldn’t help but be confused about all this. “Um, excuse me sir?” Fluttershy asked softly causing the man to turn towards her. “W-who are you exactly? Why doesn’t Shining like you?” She asked, hiding away in her hair.
The woman with red hair stepped forward. “This man is Captain Ward. The Crazed Pirate as he’s known.” She replied with a flourish.
As the group gave a gasp at that response of him being a pirate, the captain laughed. “Thank you kindly Scarlet, I’ll handle the rest from here.” He said to the now named woman.
“It’s good to see you to Mr.Ward.” Celestia answered, getting off her own throne seat. “We do hope you’ve been behaving yourself with our trade routes.” She said, casting a questioning state at the man.
“Of course, of course! I’d never rob an Equestrian ship just ships from Prance and Spain!” He confidently boasted.
Luna gave a grunt. “So the reports of a ship matching your description wasn’t the one that took out The Unicorn?” She asked, Twilight and the more worldly known bearers and even Tempest gave wide stares at the man.
Stepping forward Twilight asked “You don’t mean the man-o’-war that had over five hundred men on board? It’s unbeatable!”
Ward gave a cough at that statement before addressing Luna. “Well you know there are many impostors around though I’m sure if someone did take out that ship they were very skilled and great at fighting. But that’s neither here nor there is it! I believe you have something I want?” He said.
Shining finally got over the shock of the situation “Princesses we have a wanted criminal literally in the heart of Equestria right now! Why hasn’t he been arrested yet?” He yelled, still sitting in a magical grip.
“Because little one he’s the safest person to send them on their trip.” Celestia answered, gently placing him down. On everyone’s different faces at that response she explained further. “We know it’s rather unorthodox to send representatives on a Pirate ship but Captain Ward here is not only one of the top sailors both in sea and sky travel but he also has a code that guarantees protection for you all. It just comes at a cost which.” She added at the end, stopping the Captain from asking again. “Will be shown to him and then delivered to him on completion of the mission with the full safe return of all our subjects.” She stressed at the end. A small box floated out behind the throne chairs over to Ward, light gently pouring out of it as he took great care to make sure no one else but him could see inside. After what felt like a year he nodded letting the box float back behind the seats.
He simply gave a bow before addressing the group with a serious face on. "I know you are going to have worries about being on a pirate ship but let me explain somethings. First, My crew is the best there is. We've never lost a fight and don't plan too. Second, as was mentioned, I have a code that extends to my crew. We do not enjoy killing. If we can win a fight without making a drop of blood then we will go that way. Women and children are also off the list unless they become an actual threat. And third, I never break a contract. If you hire me to deliver something it will get there, if you hire me to protect something I'll protect it." He explained. "Just don't double cross me or break any of my rules." He added with a dark growl that made the girls quickly nod. Tempest and Spike reacted by slowly sliding themselves in front of them. "See you on the ship!" He said suddenly shifting back into the happy form he had entered as. Leaving quickly he made his way back to his ship, seeing his crew at work fixing any problems with even various crates and barrels waiting by the plank.
The group watched the retreating man and woman before turning to the princesses. Silence filled the air till Celestia said. "Okay, ask your questions." Chaos worthy of discord quickly erupted as questions flew left and right, each clamoring to be answered first.
"ENOUGH!" Luna shouted, putting on the royal voice. "We know you all have your concerns and each is well earned but know that we would never put you on a trip like this without proper care or thought. He is a unique man filled with more tricks then there are books in the royal library. But above all else he will treat you fair and get you safely to each destination." She said, now much more quiet with the noise gone. “Just trust us.” She begged slightly.
“With all do respect princess why not send them with a Royal Navy ship? Why a pirates of all things, wouldn’t that cause more problems?” Shining asked, his arms folded in annoyance.
Giving a sigh Celestia answered this one. “A royal ship would not only draw attention from other pirates but also could worry other nations if a battle ready ship sailed near their cities.” She explained, the others couldn’t help but nod at how it made sense. "But for now I suggest you all grab last minute things before heading for the ship. This will be an adventure you won't soon forget." She warned.
"Okay, this batch of apples are good to go!" Ward yelled up to his men on the ship, the crane came down to haul up the barrels on to the deck. He had been working for about two hours now having taken off his coat and rolled up his sleeves to better help with the inspection and ordering of supplies and manpower. "Mister Stonewall!" His voice boomed over the sounds of the docks.
"Aye Captain!" Came back a gravely voice of his quarter master. A single good eye peered through thick, bushy eyebrows at Ward. "These salts are all clear as well." Stonewall confirmed, already knowing what his superior was thinking. With a hooked hand he smacked the side of the crate leading to it floating into the air and up to the deck. "So we get some immunity for a while ay?" Asked the one eyed man.
Giving a laugh at the question Ward replied "For a little, though you know as well as I do that means diddly squat on this world." The two shared a laugh as Ward looked over the rest of his crew. He could make out the top of Scarlet's red hair as she worked near the wheel, plotting out the course for the journey. Stonewall was helping with supplies, a pad near him to help keep track of stock. A thin but fast boy by the name of Junior was running up and down the rigging, inspecting each and every line as he was ordered too. The mountain of a woman named Helga was busy patching up a sailor that had gotten injured handling supplies. A man in a freshly pressed suit and tie walked by Captain Ward scratching orders on a paper before handing it off to a crew man who immediately took off into the air to deliver it. "Hello there Allister." Greeted the captain.
The man turned and his sour face quickly turned into a prim and proper smile. "Good day to you Captain, I'm glad the meeting went over well without issue. You should know I put in that order for a new set of chain shot that should arrive any moment now." Allister said back, bowing before he headed onto the ship.
"Glad I got him as a first mate all those years ago." Ward thought to himself as he continued to look over his crew. "Let's see who's left?" He muttered to himself. His eye's landed on the last two of his circle. Xavion, a muscular and dangerously equipped man who was carrying a box full of carrots while a barrel of gunpowder rested under his arm. And an elderly woman named Teta, though Ward knew that was just her title, walked beside him as the two seemed to be talking, laughing at something the man said as she slowly inspected a bag of potatoes. "And there's the weapons master and cook. That's everyone." He said with a smile as the last boxes went up the plank and onto the ship. He turned back towards the dock buildings when he heard the families sound of guard armor moving closer.
"Is this the boat we are sailing on?" Came Applejack's voice, She with the rest of the group were staring at the large structure with mixed emotions. Some worry others excitement.
Stonewall stepped forward with a frown. "It's a ship not a boat. Does The Maelstrom look like a dingy to you?" He asked, stepping forward with an uneven hobble as the girls noticed his pegged leg.
Ward stepped with his hands out to calm the man. "Now, now Mister Stonewall. They obviously don't have much ship knowledge." He said soothingly. Turning to the group he continued "You'll have to forgive him, he was born and raised on a ship so he takes tradition rather seriously." He apologized with his hands together in prayer.
Fluttershy stepped forward before anyone her eyes on his arms. "How did you get those marks?" She asked, pointing to the scars visible on his forearms.
Looking down he gave a small chuckle. "Best you ask our doctor that one as she has better memory of each marks or blemish on each of the crew. Now I believe you all are ready for this voyage?" He asked happily.
"Lead the way Captain." Twilight replied with a wave towards the ship. The captain gave a nod as he and the rest moved on to the ship but before any of the girls even stepped off the docks, Spike in the lead, placed his left foot on the plank setting off Stonewall again.
"No,no,no! Never the left foot, it's terrible luck! Always start with your right foot! Are you trying to kill us." He scolded angrily.
Ward gave a laugh as Spike sheepishly stepped back and instead approached with his right foot followed by the others doing the same. "Don't worry everyone. Within a day you'll all know the little secrets and what not's that Stone here has trapped in his mind." Ward said with a smile. The group stood awkwardly in the middle of the ship as crewmen moved around them.
As Ward climbed the steps to the wheel, Allister called out to everyone. "Get ready boys and girls! It's time to set sail on a new adventure!" The call was answered with a cheer of joy as engines deep in the ship roared to life and The Maelstrom left the docks out into the wide open sky.
