The Rarity and Gearbox Chronicles

Chapters

Discord Returns
The Two Faces of Love
The Ship of Curses

Discord Returns

Our story begins just before the Royal Wedding between Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. Rarity and the rest are just walking through Canterlot.

Rarity: “I see you all there in a minute, I need to do something.”

And all the other ponies nodded to her and they went to the castle. Waiting for the wedding to get started. While walking through the streets Rarity heard a desperate voice coming from an alley. “No, this doesn't do it, how will I ever get ready for the wedding, how do I ever get this oil out of my mane?”

Rarity“Well excuse me sir, allow me to help.”

Desperate voice: “Well, what do I have to lose, the name is Gearbox by the way, and your name was?”

Rarity: “My name is Rarity. A pleasure to meet you Gearbox.”

Gearbox: “Same here Rarity”

Rarity took a good look at him. Gearbox was an Alicorn, an ALICORN, with a white coat, a brown mane and tail, and goggles. His cutie-mark appears to be 2 gears. Rarity didn't bother about asking what an Alicorn is doing in these parts. She found it, unladylike to ask.

At the spa, Gearbox manes lost much of the oil but still not enough.

Gearbox with a voice about to burst into tears:“I always end up in such a panic before about these things. I'm so pathetic.”

Rarity with a calm and relaxing voice: “It will get out of your manes, don't worry about it. And you are not pathetic. It isn't everyday that you go to a royal wedding right?”

Gearbox, with a little unrest in his voice: “I know, but it's meeting royalty. You and the others have all met them at least once before. I haven’t seen Celestia nor Luna before! What if I mess it up? I will never be able to show my face again...”

Rarity: “Stay with me, everything will be alright then, and remember, both of them are quite normal. Remember the party for Princess Celestia at SugarCube Corner? How she pulled that little joke in the Cakes?”

Gearbox: “I remember, but I couldn't get in, it was way too crowded. And now I am going to her niece’s wedding!”

Rarity: “As I said, stick with me and everything will be alright. You can also stay with Applejack. But what ever you do, do not, and I repeat do not stay with Twilight. It is her brother who is getting married, so for her it is even worse.”

Gearbox: “Yeah...man, I'm having a complete Fluttershy moment over this, I will stick with you and help me not to make a fool out of myself.”

Rarity: “I will make sure you don't do that. Just remember, be yourself. Don't pretend that you are a pony you are not. A lesson I learned the hard way.”

Gearbox hugs Rarity and says: “Okay, thanks for everything, this is a great help.” *realizes he hugs Rarity* “Oops, I'm sorry, I was kinda caught up in the moment.”

Rarity hugged back and says, “It is nothing darling. I am alway happy to help a friend.”

Gearbox, with pride in his voice:“You are right, this isn't the time to break down, this is a time to show everypony that i'm not just some mechanic who can do a bit of engineering, but that i am a pony who can show devotion to his nation!”

Rarity: “That is the spirit Gearbox.”

When the two were done at the spa, they went shopping for clothing for Gearbox. Rarity found a store, and Gearbox got a perfect tuxedo. It fitted him like a glove. You know what they say: The clothes make the colt. They made one last stop at a jewelery store for a perfect present. They found it. A tiara. But not just any tiara. The most wonderful one a pony can ever see in his or her life. Rarity check if they had everything, and went to the castle. Where the rest was waiting.

Applejack:“Well hello, and you are?”

All the other ponies started to wonder as well. Gearbox introduced himself to them all.

Rainbow Dash, with a teasing voice: “Hey Rarity, was this what you had to do earlier?”

Rarity: “Well no Rainbow. But let's say that what I had to do was being replaced with helping Gearbox to get ready for the wedding.”

Gearbox: “About the wedding, when does it start?”

On what Pinkie replayed: “Well, we don't know really. But I have heard that when the bells start ringing it is time to go inside.”

And after she said that, the bells in all the towers started to ring. Everypony went inside, but Rarity and Gearbox stayed outside for a little.

Gearbox: “Rarity, thanks again for the preparation advice, I wouldn't have gotten here without you. You are the best friend I have ever had. That is no lie. Sorry if it sounded a little weird. Nerves.”

Rarity, but the further the sentence progressed, her voice got darker with every word she sayd.: “It is nothing darling. As I said, I am always happy to help a friend. But remember this, my heart belongs to Spike, we can still be friends though.”

Gearbox: “Wait, why did you assume I have a crush on you, when I said you were a friend?”

Rarity: “I, I don't know... It just came out of my mouth.”

Gearbox with a disappointed and little angry voice: “Look, I have a habit of speaking my mind okay. If I DID have a crush on you, which I never will of course, this would be a whole lot more awkward than it already is. So I have to move again, because I can't find anywhere in the whole of Equestria where people like me!”

Rarity: “NO, please, stay. I didn't want to scare you away.”

Gearbox, with a lot of anger in his voice: “I’ll just read all about this stupid wedding tomorrow in the paper.”

Rarity's eyes started to fill up with tears, she looked to the beautiful sky and asked herself: “Me and my big mouth always.... always gets in trouble thanks to it.... what have I done.... if there only was something I could do.... but what!” Fluttershy came out to see what took the two so long and saw it all. She also had tears in her eyes.

Gearbox:“Fluttershy? No please, don't cry... It is not your fault... I'm sorry you had to see this...”, Rarity looked down to Fluttershy: “F-F-Fluttershy? If you hate me for this... I understand... It could have been... a wonderful... friendship... and I had to blow it...”

Fluttershy with a calm and kind voice: “No, no, no, it still can be Rarity. Gearbox, give her another chance. You will see. If you need me, I will be inside.”

Rarity sniffed and wiped the tears away “What do you say Gearbox? Fresh start?” And she reached out her hoof to shake those of Gearbox.

Gearbox: “Okay, fresh start” And shaked Rarity's hoof. “You go in Rarity, I will see you soon, I need some time to think.”

Rarity: “Sure Gearbox, take all the time you need.”

While the minutes passed away Gearbox repeats the one line over and over: Pull yourself together, you can do it, it is just like any other wedding.

From behind a calm yet familiar voice is heard: “Of course you can do it. Just remember, be yourself.”

Gearbox, a little confused: “Wha-, Rarity!Where you here the whole time?”

Rarity: “No, I was taking a walk through the castle for some ideas, and I heard somepony whispering and I saw you. Don't worry, I only caught the last part.”

Gearbox: “I have been a little uneasy about earlier.” The only thing Rarity could say was: “Just let your mind speak...”

“I just wanted you to know that you were the most generous pony I know and even though that's your element that can't just explain it and you've got me through hard times physically and emotionally and...”, the more Gearbox talked, the more gibberish came out, until he fainted. “Somethings are best left unexplained darling”, said Rarity while she brought Gearbox to the Castle Hospital. After a while Gearbox comes by. “I missed it didn't I?”, asked Gearbox. “I'm afraid so. Everypony went. But I stayed to keep an eye on you. Everypony was surprised it was me who stayed.”, said Rarity with a calm voice.

Everypony else comes in the room and talked about the wedding. About the moment Princess Cadence got her gift from Rarity and Gearbox. The fact Applejack told the whole story, that everypony had to wipe tears away after it. And the wonderful wedding itself. Which walked without a problem. When everypony left. Gearbox needed to tell Rarity something. “Let your mind speak dear.”, she said. “Well, I saw something. Something bad. Just darkness. For a while. But then , out of nowhere, Discord walked up to me, and said ''Wake up. I'll be needing you soon.'' But what I saw next scarred me forever. It was like when Ponyville was under Discord's spell. But darker somehow... more ominous. Instead of the normal maniacal giggles, there was screaming. And...Rarity... we couldn't find Spike anywhere.”, after Gearbox said it, he passed out again. Rarity called for a doctor, but in her mind, everything was set on what Gearbox said. This is not good, not good at all. If Discord is in the loose once more... Gearbox heart faded away. “Stay with me, stay with me, whatever you do. Don't leave me here. There is a whole world of opportunity waiting for you!” A under breath voice was heard, not loud, but loud enough to understand it: “No... I can't... let her...be.. alone...I can't! I WON'T, DISCORD! I WON'T!” “YOU. STAY. WITH. ME. You hear me?! Fight against it. You must fight it! You are the only pony who can make a difference you, FIGHT AGAINST IT!”, said Rarity with tears in her eyes. Gearbox under breath voice was heard again: “She needs... to be... happy...”

“Gearbox, what ever you do, don't give up, keep fighting, hold your thoughts! Of me, of everypony you just met! Please, stay with me!”, with even more tears in her eyes, all the other ponies have gathered in the room by now except Twilight. “Listen...Rarity...I don't have much time... you need... to... run... Keep her happy, Spike... do what I couldn't...”, after these words Gearbox lost his consciousness again. “I will not leave you like this Gearbox. Fight against it, Discord may not win!”, the tears started to walk all over Rarity's face. Gearbox under breath voice is heard one last time: “He won't... if you fight... you need to... Spike can only be saved by one pony... and that p..pony... is you.” Twilight comes in running: “Spike is gone!” “No, no, no! Please...I beg you.... stay with us... I won't lose another friend!”, said Rarity while crying. Gearbox mouth opened, but instead of his under breath voice, another voice was heard. One that they know all too well. Discord. “You can't save him or Spike Rarity... Nopony can... *maniacal laughter* The only way you can is to beat me, and that is, well... impossible. Prepare for chaos ETERNAL!” This made some wires snap in Rarity's head and she goes into mental meltdown state: “No, no, NO! NO! I can not, and I will not believe it! This can not be happening. Gearbox, if you can hear me. Fight him off! Not for me. But for Lyra. You told me how much you love her. FIGHT FOR HER! FIGHT HARDER THEN EVER BEFORE! DISCORD! I WILL FIND AND DEFEAT YOU!”

For some time it was quiet, but Applejack broke the silence: “Rarity... there's nothin' we can do sugarcube. *everypony silently, solemnly agrees* we'll help you fight Discord. He will never win as long as we're all together.” “I think your right Applejack... But still, keep fighting for Lyra! And after this is done, I will make sure you 2 get married in a marriage you deserve. But please, fight against it!”, said Rarity in the hope of Gearbox coming back. Twilight said: “Rarity, the heart monitor... *Rarity finally noticed the heart monitor beeps have deteriorated to one long continuous beep*

Rainbow Dash: “I'm sorry... I just don't know what to say...”

Fluttershy *tears streaming from eyes*

“No...this...no, I WON'T BELIEVE IT! This can't be... we just met each other... we started fresh again... I helped him.... and now its all... gone... NO, I will not accept this. This can't be happening right here, and now, Doctor, check everything. I need to be sure about this!

Pinkie: *Hair is in 'Pinkamena' style* “He... he would have wanted you to have these.” *hands Gearbox’s goggles* Mane 6 (except Rarity, for obvious reasons): “We'll fight for him. Together.”

Rarity sees the goggles: “What Pinkie... *gets furious* DISCORD, COME HERE AND FIGHT LIKE A MAN! And you *starts pumping Gearbox chest* you need to come back here! I will not leave this room until I have you back!” *gets tears in eyes because of the goggles*

Some strange beeping is heard across the room and everypony looks at monitor.

“Whaaaa- What happened... Somepony explain please?”, said Gearbox with a confused voice. Rarity explains all what happened. But during the explanation Gearbox faints again. The doctor is called and he stands for a mystery. Princess Celestia and Luna both come in. Luna recognizes Gearbox. And says that she was the one giving him access to the wedding. When Gearbox finally wakes up again, the monitor still shows him as dead, yet he is alive. The doctor is just as confused as the rest. Gearbox asks if he can unplug him, and the doctor does it. “Spike isn't gone. Not yet. We can still rescue him. Keep in mind I just said we couldn't find him. From what I saw when I was asleep, Spike's soul is frozen in the heart shaped crystal he gave you, as most of your happy memories with him are intertwined with it.” “That gem. That gem is in my room in the castle!”, Rarity had a little eureka moment. Gearbox said: “But there is one last thing. I got a riddle from Discord: At the end of all this, you will have to make a choice. And this choice will break your heart.” “Knowing Discord, it can mean anything. But I have the feeling either you have to make a choice between me or Lyra. Or I have to make a choise between you and Spike.”, said Rarity after some time thinking. “Let's not waste anymore time, and go straight to my room... In the far side, in the highest tower of the castle... Why did I choose that room again...”, Rarity added.

Once by the room, the gems was just laying there. A little bit too convenient. “This is too easy. If Discord knows the crystal is here, he would have taken it already, unless...” Discord appeared and says: “Very good, Rarity, very good. Now for your choice. Spike is in here. Tell me to free him and I'll do it. But at a price. Gearbox goes in instead.” “DISCORD! I knew it came down to this! What will you do to Gearbox if I hand him over! And don't you dare to lie!” Rarity said with a lot of anger in her voice. Discord continues: “Or you can stay with the *mocking tone* 'dashing young stallion Gearbox' and I'll make your life happier than it ever was. But then Spike stays where he is. Your choice.” Rarity had no idea it would come down to this. She never thought about it. Choose between Gearbox, a stallion she just met, or Spike, the dragon who has a crush on her. Gearbox said she should choose for Spike. But she couldn't make the call. Not for both of them. She can't live with the fact that one is gone forever. While the others of the Mane 6 entered, they found Rarity frozen. But she was deep, deep in thought. “RARITY, CATCH THIS!” yelled Twilight as she threw the Element of Generosity, Rarity snapped out of it, catched the element, and placed it around her neck. “Wait! It's a trick! If Rarity defeats Discord, it'll be just like choosing Spike. We can't win either way.”, said Gearbox after some thinking. On what Discord answered: “SO our little Gearbox isn't full of nuts and bolts after all...” Gearbox said he had no regrets if Rarity choose for Spike instead of him. This brought her back into the frozen status. Deeply in thought. She started mumbling: Who to choose? I can't live with the fact that one is gone forever. If I choose Gearbox, I lose Spike, but if I choose Spike, I lose Gearbox... That. Is. It. Gearbox was ready to free Spike and offer his own soul up. “Discord, I have made up my mind.” ,said Rarity. Gearbox stopped to listen. “I made my choice, and I choose you, Discord.” Everypony was shocked when they heard it. Everypony started to ask why. Why Discord? Why not Spike? Why not Gearbox? “Let me explain. I can't live if one of the two is gone, I simply can't. That is why I choose Discord. So both of them can still be here.”, said Rarity.

“I'm sorry Gearbox, Spike, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy for everything. But that is my final decision.”, said Rarity with tears in her eyes. Gearbox couldn't take it anymore and charged at Discord, only to get caught in a bubble. “Well, I didn't saw this one coming. Now, now, now Gearbox, you need to calm down, then I let you free. *Gearbox start yelling at Rarity why* Rarity... Rarity... Rarity... Now Gearbox if you would kindly shut your mouth and let me finish this, I would appreciate it. *Gearbox holds his mouth* Where was I, Oh yes... Rarity... You found the escape in my game, nopony ever figured that one out. And therefore, I can't believe I say this. I shall free Gearbox, and release Spike. You see, there are always more options then you are giving, and you made the right one Rarity.” Once Discord said it, Gearbox started to think, this isn't like Discord at all, there has to be a catch of some sort. “Oh, I hear you thinking Gearbox and you are right. There is a little catch. She still broke the rule of my game. And that shall not be going unpunished!”, said Discord. “NNNOOOOOOOO!!!!!!”, was all Gearbox could say and started to twitch. “Oh for goodness sake, I'm not trying to take over you! But her!” Discord points to Rarity, then start laughing evilish. Rarity is frozen from fear of what might happen next. Gearbox passed out.

Discord paid a little visit to Gearbox mind. Explaining his plan to take him over and use him against Rarity. But Rarity stopt Discord by her yelling at him, which gave him strength to overcome him. “Remember just before the wedding? When she said you could be friends. That was I! Now, if you will excuse me. There is something I want to show you. And you don't want to miss it.”, said Discord in a very evil tone. “No, rather kill me than watching that.”, said Gearbox while the tears were coming. Rarity is still frozen of fear. “Now this should be an easy one.”, said Discord. He takes a dive into Rarity, but is bounced right off. Everypony looks like they have seen a ghost. “What.. A deflection spell? But how..?” asked Gearbox. “No, I have seen deflection spells before and I go around them, this is something different.”, said Discord. Rarity unfreezes and says with a lot of anger: “NO. PONY. TAKES. OVER. MY. BODY! Discord, you messed with the wrong pony.” During this Gearbox pulled himself to the gem to set Spike free, and being locked up himself forever. But is stopped by something, something powerful. He looks to Rarity and sees fire sparks going through her manes and tail. And all the sudden. Rarity's manes and tail burst into a hellish fire. “Has anypony seen her like this before?”, Discord asked scared. Everypony said no, and Discord was preparing for the worst. “Gearbox, leave that gem alone. What ever you do, don't touch it. I beg you. I'm going to have a couple words with Discord.”, Rarity said in a last attempt of changing Gearbox his mind. “Rarity, he loves you more then I do, I couldn't never make you happy. I can make nopony happy.. not in 1000 years...”, said Gearbox with tears coming in his eyes. “JUST LEAVE IT!” yelled Rarity to him. She stopped time to make sure Gearbox doesn't do anything stupid. Only Discord and herself could move.”So you like to go into some ponies mind. Let's see if you like it.!” Rarity enters Discords mind. While in his mind, Gearbox appeard. The real Gearbox. He askes why she couln't let him go. His was nothing, a nameless piece in a greater game. He was a bad stallion, and made his share of mistakes. Rarity tried to to explain it all. Once Gearbox enterd her life, she cared about him. As much as Spike. She simply can't make the choise, between the two.

“Now you listen to me, if you say it over yourself that you fail, you will fail over and over and over. Never say that of yourself, that you fail. Always give your best in any situation what so ever!”, said Rarity to help out Gearbox. On what he said: “Not this one. I'm the cause this time. It's my fault for us even being here. If i hadn't been in Canterlot when Discord tried to take me over THIS WHOLE THING WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED!” “It is not your fault Gearbox. Even if you weren't here, Discord would have found somepony else to take over.” “I suppose so... now where is he.”, said Gearbox, with a look of killing something in his eyes. “No, stay away! Don't come near me!”, Discord begged. “There you are. YOU. JUST. MADE. THE. BIGGEST. MISTAKE. OF. YOUR. LIFE! I will not hurt you, I only want to hear the truth out of your mouth.”, Rarity said angry. Her manes went from a Hellish Fire too little sparks. “Thats good Rarity, keep calm while in his mind”, Gearbox said. “Allright, allright I tell you the truth! I wanted to take over the Princesses, to create chaos all over Equestria, but during the progress, I found that you are far more powerful then they are. So I throw a little game together to see what your capabilities are. I swear, that is it. The whole truth. Please don't hurt me!”, said Discord with a crying voice. “Discord, I give you a chance... come with us peacefully, and we will not hurt you... fight, and be prepared to be destroyed. And... what is that!”, Rarity said. Discord and Gearbox looked at each other with same look on their faces, what is she doing.

She pointed to Discords memory lane and it was one big mess, but she started ordening a bit. Discord felt the chances and started crying in pain. “MAKE IT STOP! My wonderful chaotic head! Why? Why are you doing this? I will do anything you ask! JUST MAKE IT STOP!”, Discord asked in his pain. “No way, this is impossible, this can't be!”, said Rarity. She showed a memory to Gearbox. “Oh, my, sweet, Celestia. This can't be true.” “Discord, what is your answer to this”, Rarity dropped a memory right before Discord, who was still in pain, but took a look at the memory. “But.. how... I thought...I thought I forgot this a long time ago. I own you an explanation for this. I wasn't always like this... This chaotic... I once ruled over Equestria, with Luna, and Celestia at my sides. But I became more chaotic with the years. Until I ended up like I am now. They imprisoned me in stone to keep me away from everypony. This memory must be 10.000 years old. We were young, playing together...*starts having tears* This memory, makes so many more come back. What happened to me.... Rarity, Gearbox... I beg the both of you. Help me... I want it to be as in this memory...” “What do you think Gearbox? Should we help him?”, asked Rarity. “Well, I still don't like him, but I think he means it.” Rarity nodded and decided to give Discord a chance. Once out of his mind, Discord made Spike normal again. And Spike got the scare of his life seeing Discord. “Let me explain. Discord wants to chance. He wants that it is like old times. With the two of you princesses.”, Rarity explained.

“Then we shall give him a chance what about you sister?”, asked Princess Celestia. “I would love it. To be it as old times. It has been far too long””, answered Luna. Discord made apologies to everypony what happened, and they all accepted it. But the biggest thing, they accepted Discord. Twilight: “But that is all fine and such. But how, how did Rarity's catch such a heavy fire?” “Twilight, I don't know, and I don't want to know it either.”, Rarity reacted.

“Well, I guess I'll just head on back to the garage, devoid of anything interesting to do...”, Gearbox said, a little disappointed, on what Princess Celestia reacted: “Gearbox, you have shown some great courage today, when all hope seemed lost, you still fought back. You said you didn't do much, but you made the difference for today, if you didn't fought of Discord, I'm sorry to bring that up again, then all hope would be lost and didn't we end up here, but somewhere else. Gearbox, I would like to give you a job as the Royal Castle's Chief of Engineering, what do you think Luna? Discord? And above all, what do you think of it Gearbox?” Almost with no hesitation: “I'll take the job!” Princess Luna: “It's the least we can do.” Discord: “That seems a very good reward for the good man.”

“Aww you guys you're making me blush.”, said Gearbox, and he indeed blushed.

Rarity: “You deserve it Gearbox. And I think somepony is waiting for you. *points at Lyra*. Go on, and remember, be yourself.” “Ok then, I guess I'll see you guys later.”, said Gearbox.

Everypony nodded. Rainbow Dash: “Go get them tiger!” Gearbox brohoofs rainbow dash.

Rainbow Dash brohoofs back.

Gearbox and Lyra have a pretty good relationship. Discord got all of his thought in order and was proud to rule again next to Princess Celestia and Luna. And Rarity? She never wanted to enter that state of mind again where her manes would get caught on fire. But you never know what is going to happen next.

Written by, Gearbox and Rarity, 4-21-2012

The Two Faces of Love

The Two Faces of Love.

Written by Rarity and Gearbox, 4-22-2012

In the days that followed everything was going quite well. Gearbox and Lyra had a wonderful relationship and everything was going for the wind with them. Yet, Gearbox had the feeling Lyra didn't feel the same way. Gearbox went to see Rarity, to thank her, but also for advice, how to improve his and Lyra's love life. And they started talking. And somehow they came to an experience Gearbox rather left behind. Princess Molestia. She got him once. And Lyra as well. Most unpleasant to say the least. Rarity listened to the whole story and felt sorry for the both of them. She got the idea to get some cupcakes, for Gearbox and Lyra, maybe that would break the ice between them. So Gearbox and Rarity went to SugarCube Corner to get some cupcakes. But before ordering them, they wanted to taste them. Misses Cake agreed and got them 2. Gearbox took a bite. “Woah.. I feel a little..woozy.”, said Gearbox, and right after he said that he fell asleep. “I can't.. remember... I... was... this sleepy.”, said Rarity after she took a bit out of one of them. Both of them don't know for how long they were asleep. Only that it was long. Gearbox woke up first. He saw he was in a dungeon of some kind. Then he saw he was chained to the wall. He saw Rarity and yelled: “Rarity! Wake up!” Rarity slowly woke up and couldn't believe what she saw. “What is this place? How did we end up here?”, she asked confused.

Some lights went on. To both of their horror, Spike and Lyra were hanging there. Both of their mouths were tight shut. “Lyra? Spike? You too?”, Gearbox couldn't believe it. Then a door opened. 2 figures entered the dungeon. “Do the both of you care to explain what this all is about?”, said Rarity with a little anger in her voice. “Your turn comes soon enough. Little miss Rarity.”, said one of the two figures. The light went on and there they were. Princess Molestia and Psycho Twilight. The four of them couldn't believe it. “The first turn is for Gearbox...”, said Molestia with pleasure in her voice. “Oh no... not again”, said Gearbox scared. “Say, who in the name of Equestria do you think are? Don't you know that ladies always go first? Both of you should learn some manner.”, said Rarity in the hope they would leave Gearbox. “No, we always go with him first. He has the most adorable scream you can imagine hasn't he Twilight”, said Molestia. “Yes, yes he has!”, said Twilight, she was too far gone. “Get your hooves off me!”, yelled Gearbox at them. But they didn't listen. “No, stop, please, I beg you...”, said Gearbox in pain. “Now, the both of you listen to me. I don't know who you are, or what you want. But I demand that you let us go. Or I will hurt you. A lot!”, said Rarity with a lot of anger in her voice. And as Rarity said that, her manes started to catch a little bit of fire. “NO, they are still Twilight and Princess Celestia!”, said Gearbox afraid of what might happen. “Not when they are in this state of mind! I will not let Lyra and Spike look while they do this to you. Twilight, Princess, this is not who you really are. Please, both of you come back... please.”, said Rarity, a couple tears started to roll out of her eyes. Molestia and Twilight didn't even care. They just had their way with Gearbox. “It is no use Rarity. They can't be reasoned with. They are to far gone. Both of them.”, said Gearbox with a lot of pain in his voice.

“No, no, no. I will make them remember!”, said Rarity. Her manes went from a light fire into a hellish inferno. She broke her chains and run toward Molestia and Twilight. She spoke a spell nopony heard before. “Well, well, well.”, said Molestia rather uninterested. Molestia used a deflection spell and Twilight said with her crazy voice: “Not yet Miss Rarity. I'm almost done with him, then I will have fun with you!” Rarity got knocked back by the deflection spell. She got back on her hooves and had a lot of anger in her voice: “I give you a choice. We can do this the easy way. Or the hard way. The choice is yours. But choose wisely.” On what both of them answered: ‘’We are almost done here!” “Then we do it the hard way.”, sair Rarity a little uneasy. With her manes still burning as a hellish fire. She teleported herself, Molestia and Twilight away. Away from the dungeon. Gearbox collapsed on his self, but at least he was free. Free from their torment.

“What? Why? Why did you take us away from him?”, asked Molestia confused. “What, where are we!?”, asked Twilight confused. “A place I'm sure you won't hurt anypony.”, said Rarity calmly. Back in the dungeon Gearbox got up his hooves. And something told him to go. Free Spike and Lyra, and go away from that place. Gearbox released both of them and hugged Lyra. “I hope Rarity is alright”, said Spike with a little fear in his voice. “She will be fine. I know her to well to know she won't fail.”, said Gearbox to convince Spike. “I'm sorry Gearbox... I couldn't look away...”, said Lyra, with tears in her eyes. “It's okay Lyra, it’s over now.”, said Gearbox. All three of them escaped the dungeon.

Rarity had the feeling Gearbox, Spike and Lyra got out of the dungeon and teleported herself, Molestia and Twilight back. “The two of you need to remember everything.”, said Rarity with a tear in her eyes. “Why? Why do we need to remember? I know who I am. And I'm beautiful”, said Molestia with the usual pleasure in her voice. “We just wanted to do him, was that too much tp ask!?”, said Twilight with her crazy voice. Rarity had more then enough of Twilights gibberish and spoke a spell out so her mouth was shut. “Now Princess. What is it that makes you this way?”, asked Rarity to Molestia. “I just like other ponies.”, she answered. “And that is why you do this to them? Do you think they like you when you do that?”, asked Rarity in anger. “Some do... the first time with Gearbox... He seemed fairly happy...”, Molestia answered back. Rarity's manes had calmed down, but when Molestia said that, they went back into that hellish fire. “I have more then enough of the two of you. I hereby declare, let Celestia and Luna be on my side, that Princess Molestia's and Psycho Twilights personalities, go into me, where I can fight them. For the better of everypony.” And with those words Rarity spoke out her most powerful spell she ever pulled off. Molestia and Twilight shivered in fear when they saw it. They couldn't do anything. And got merged into Rarity herself. And the moment they merged, Rarity's manes became normal again.

“Must... not... lose...”, said Rarity in pain. “Give up darling!”, yelled Molestia through Rarity's mouth. “You lose!”, said Twilight using Rarity's mouth. “No, I will not *argh* lose... I will *aaahh*

be victorious. And *ugh* you two, will perish! I will never give in.”, said Rarity with a lot of pain in her voice. “You can't win. You can't even stop Gearbox from dying as we speak!”, said Twilight. “What?”, asked Rarity. Twilight showed her a vision of Gearbox laying under rubble. Stuck, unable to move. “Him or us Miss Rarity.”, said Twilight with a strange joy in her voice. “Now. You. Two. Did. IT!”, said Rarity with so much anger in her voice. Her manes instantly got back into the hellish fire. “BE GONE!”, she said to them. She saw Spike and Lyra by the rubble, “Gearbox, please, don't die.”, said Lyra with tears in her eyes. This did it for Rarity. With one loud scream her eyes became white and when you look into them you saw Molestia and Twilight being vaporized.

After that Rarity telepathically found contact with Gearbox, she told him to lay still, as she moved all the boulders away. After that she fainted. Gearbox went back to the dungeon. Lyra and Spike went to Ponyville to tell what happened and gather help. But not before Spike got a message from Pinkie. She wrote that some of the cupcakes had a sleeping potion in them. Gearbox wrote a message back saying they all had to come Canterlot Castle. A little while later all of them were at the castle. “Where is he? He said he would be here 10 minutes ago.”, said Pinkie slightly irritated. “Uh, Pinkie, not everypony is as fast as you are.”, said Applejack. “Even we had trouble keeping up with you Pinkie!”, said Rainbow. Spike burbed out another message. “It's from Gearbox! It says: I found Rarity. We are coming up.” “What are we waiting for?!”, said Rainbow, eager to leave. “Hold it partner. We don't know where this dungeon is located remember.”, said Applejack while holding Rainbow. “Fine then, we wait...”, said Rainbow disappointed.

After a little while Gearbox came walking out of the castle with Rarity on his back. And her manes still on fire. Not much. But still noticeable. He laid her on the ground and used a spell to wake her up. Rarity gasped, want sitting straight up and started to talk gibberish. “Wow, I have never seen her like that.”, said Pinkie. “Rarity, you hear me sugarcube?”, asked Applejack. Rarity only spoke more gibberish and fell back to the ground. “Come on girl, stay with us!”, said Rainbow. “Rarity... please...”, said Fluttershy. “Oh no, not after what we have been through. She needs to go to the hospital now!”, said Gearbox. A strange yet familiar voice is heard: “Allow us to help. She helpt us. Now it is our turn to help her.” Nopony could believe it. Princess Celestia was standing there, with Twilight.

In the hospital the doctors were fighting for her life. Gearbox told everypony what happened and they were all shocked. None of them could believe it. Then Lyra was standing in the door. She asked how everything was. Gearbox explained it all again to her. When the doctor came out he said Rarity would sleep for at least 2 days. Everypony stayed next to her bed. And then 3 days later, she woke up. Her manes finally went back to normal. “What... what happened? Where am I? Did, did I do it?”, asked Rarity. Gearbox explained it all to her. “Thank you Gearbox. For dragging me out of there.”, said Rarity with a little tear in her eye. The door opened and Princess Celestia and Twilight came in. Rarity's eyes went into war mode. Ready for the next blow. “Rarity, it is okay dear. We are back to our normal selves.”, said Princess Celestia to calm her down. “We know the story of what happened Rarity, and we are thankful of it.”, said Twilight. “But, how did the two of you know...”, Rarity looked confused. Twilight continued: “When you sucked Princess Molestia and Psycho Twilight out of us and into you. We became normal again. We heard what happened inside of you. We both passed out. But could still hear it. And after that, we both lost our consciousness. But there is one thing that fascinates me. How did your manes catch that much fire? Please, please, please tell me!” “Twilight, I don't know how, and I don't want to know how I did it.”, Rarity answered to her. And after that Princess Celestia and Twilight both left the room, nopony noticed it.

“But one of you noticed that Princess Celestia and Twilight were gone every once and awhile? No?”, wondered Rarity. Everypony said they never really paid attention to those kind of things. “But still... How was I able to defeat 2 stronger minds in my own mind?”, asked Rarity. On what Gearbox said: “I guess when you go in that state of mind, you can do more than you thought you could. And might I add one more thing: Molestia is creepy!” “She was indeed”, Rarity answered with a little fear in her voice. “Wait, where are Celestia and Twilight?”, said Gearbox while looking around. “Oh boy, I know where she is. She said something about a royal meeting Princess Luna”, said Applejack while she broke out sweating. “Come on Applejack. Would you mind telling us”, said Rarity with a little annoyance in her voice. “Spit it out Applejack”, said Rainbow. “Tell us, tell us!”, said Pinkie Pie. Applejack signed and then said: “This is what I heard. Celestia remembered what you did Rarity. She saw you vaporize Molestia. Where Twilight only heard it. She saw and heard it. And while I was walking down the castle, I heard her talking to Luna, a meeting about something I didn't catch. That is the whole truth right there.”

Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Twilight came walking the room. Rarity asked: “I'm sorry if I come over as rude, but how. How did you know that I vaporized Molestia and Psycho Twilight? And what was the meeting about?” Princess Celestia said: “Dear Rarity. I'm stronger in my mind then Twilight here. I remained my consciousness longer than her. And I saw it in your eyes. Clean as could be. When you sucked them out of us, we became our normal selves again. And about the meeting. Luna?” Luna signed deep and then said: “We came to the decision it is best that you leave Ponyville for a while. Then we can sort this 'fiery mane' thing out. And you can give your mind a little rest.” “Then I only have 2 questions left, where did they go, and for how long do I have to leave Ponyville?”, asked Rarity. Luna said: “They are gone, to another world. Another universe. Where they belong. And you only have to leave Ponyville for a couple days, or as long as you need to give your mind peace dear.” Rarity nodded and said thank you, but nopony heard it. Due to the fact so spoke it out so softly.

Spike, Gearbox and Lyra agreed to go with Rarity, just in case something went wrong and to get some well-earned privacy. And Gearbox saw another chance to break the ice with Lyra. They all packed their needs and went out. Into a forest. A couple hours later, deep in the forest, they found the perfect spot to stay. Near the lake. It was too nice to believe. The view was breathtaking. Gearbox promised to build a house there. A wonderful house. And so he did. And a day later, most of the house was standing there. And 2 days later, the house was finished. Enough room for 4 ponies. A living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. They spend Celestia knows how much time there. “Anypony noticed we have been gone for weeks now?”, said Gearbox in a funny tone. “Weeks? It feels like days to me.”, said Rarity while she was laying in the afternoon sun. “Well, you have been spending a lot of time with Spike.”, said Gearbox with a teasing voice. “Well that is true.”, said Rarity. “But what have you been doing lately?”, asked Gearbox. “I have been thinking of everything that happened, trying to place it in my mind. And how I am able to unleash such powers. I think it happens when a good friend or loved one is in so much pain, something snaps in my head, which causes my manes to catch fire and unlock my full magic.”, said Rarity. “Gearbox? Can you come here for a moment? I have something for you.”, said Lyra while she was going behind the house. “Coming Lyra!”, said Gearbox and he also went behind the house. “Spike, I think it is the best if you stay here.”, said Rarity. “Okay, I think I will look for some wood”, and Spike was off to find some wood for the campfire. But it wasn't long before a loud scream could be heard. It was both Lyra's voice and Spikes.

“And stay out of our business next time will you Spike!”, sayd Gearbox with some anger in his voice. Spike was confused and Gearbox and Lyra went in the house. “Spike, what was that all about?”, asked Rarity. “You have no idea what I saw... I saw them... kissing...”, said Spike. “I told you not to go. So why did you go anyway?”, said Rarity annoyed. “I'm sorry okay!”, said Spike. “You tell that to them when they come back.”, answerd Rarity to that. As the evening felt, they all had dinner by the campfire. Spike appologzied to Gearbox and Lyra. Which both accepted it. Rarity and Spike went to bed early. But Lyra and Gearbox stayed near the lake. Waiting for the full moon. As Rarity was ready to go to bed she took a look outside. She saw Gearbox and Lyra kissing, under a big full moon. It was so romantic. She gave Spike a little kiss on the fore head and then went to bed. She thought about how great life was. Here, now. In the house near the lake.

“Hey look! Gearbox and Lyra are laying there!”, said a familiar voice. “Wha, oh I see.”, said another voice. “Shhh, be more quiet please, we don't want to disturb any pony's or any animals sleep”, said yet another voice. Both Rarity and Spike woke up to see who was making all that noise. They went outside and couldn't believe their eyes. The whole gang was there. Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy Rainbow Dash and Princess Celestia. Gearbox and Lyra slowly woke up. “That was a wonderful night Gearbox.”, said Lyra with a sleepy voice. “It sure was. Morning everpony.”, said Gearbox. Then he went into shock. He turned back around and saw everypony. “Oh shuts...”, was all he could say. “It is alright Gearbox.”, said Twilight. “That is one amazing house you all built here.”, said Applejack while she was checking it out. “Everypony, just why, why are you all here.”, asked Rarity confused. They all went down to the campfire place and sat there. Princess Celestia said: “Well, it has been a long time since you left. It has been weeks now, and we did a lot of research in the Canterlot Library. And it seems you have a special kind of magic Rarity.”

The eyes of Rarity, Spike, Gearbox and Lyra all became a big as possible. “But, but what kind of magic?”, asked Spike. Princess Celestia continued: “A magic that only 4 ponies every 100 years can have. In many cases the pony who has it doesn't get in any situation that triggers it. But you did Rarity. And thus triggering the magic. It is one of the most powerful forms of magic known to unicorns. But also one of the most forgotten.”

“We found out that this 'magic' can be roughly translated from the ancient Equestrian tongue as 'angermane'. There are 4 known ones. Water, Earth, Electricity and Fire. Which you have. And the magic is triggered by intense mental or physical strain.”, explained Twilight. “And mental or physical strain, as in seeing a good friend or loved one getting hurt?”, asked Rarity. “Yes. Those kind of strains. But not only good friends or loved ones. Yourself as well. Remember when Discord was trying to take you over, but didn't succeed? Because of the 'angermane'.”, added Twilight. “Enough with the chit chat, we came to bring you all home! Remember?”, said Rainbow. All four of them nodded and they packed up their gear and went back. Spike learned his lesson, Rarity finally knew where her powers came from. But the ice between Lyra and Gearbox, still wasn't broken. Rarity found it sad, for both of them...

Back in Ponyville everything was back to normal soon. Yet the feeling Rarity had over Gearbox and Lyra, it made her mad. She couldn't take it anymore. She wrote letters to both of them and said she wanted to meet them in the park, during the sunset. And not much later, both Gearbox and Lyra were there. Both of them didn't know the other was there aswell. Rarity had a word with both of them. Though words. But brought them to each other. Stood back, and with the sun going down, it was the perfect moment, to declare love to each other. As Gearbox and Lyra looked each other in the eyes. Rarity saw the spark. And she knew more then enough. They are meant for eachother. Rarity was waiting for the words but they didn't come, at least not the words she was expecting. “I like you Gearbox. But not as a loved one. But as a friend.”, said Lyra with a tear in her eyes. You could hear Gearbox his heart break... And then he ran away. Faster than he ever did, crying...

Rarity just sat there, with open mouth and tears in her eyes. She couldn't believe it. “I'm sorry Rarity, I know you meant it well, but i just couldn't do it. I just couldn't”, said Lyra when she passed Rarity. She sat there of an other hour, crying. Then she came back into movement, thinking: What have I done... I destroyed it for the both of them... All my fault... I thought I would help... Yet, I destroyed it... She only saw one last option. A Chest. A mythical Chest. She didn't know where Gearbox ran off to, nor did she know where Lyra went to. But she didn't care about it. As tears left her eyes. She found it. At the beach near the Great Sea. She thought about this. Never feel anything again... That would be nice... All the pain, gone... All the suffering, gone... She took the Chest home and did some research. The name... The Dead Pony Chest. It was the only way.

Rarity made everything ready, cleaned a sharp working knife, opened the Chest and said the geis: “I hereby sacrifice my heart, to never feel anything again... never. They who stab my heart, theirs must take its place.” She closed her eyes, raised the knife with her magic, and was ready for it. But something stopped her. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't do it. She opened her eyes and saw Gearbox in the door opening. Tears left both of their eyes. They hugged each other. “But why, why are you back? I thought you had left.”, said Rarity through the tears. “I couldn't leave you. Never...”, said Gearbox through his tears. “But what are you doing with that cursed thing?”, Gearbox asked. Rarity told him the whole story. “Rarity. I didn't look into Lyra's eyes when you saw the spark, I looked into yours. We are meant for eachother. Not Lyra and I. But you and me.”, said Gearbox. “What... we... together?”, Rarity said a little confused. “If you insist.”, said Gearbox. “Gearbox, yes. Yes I will.”, Rarity added. “Now, we don't need that thing anymore, since you will keep your heart.”, said Gearbox., but from behind him a voice asked: “Mind if I take it, and use it?” It was Lyra. “No Lyra... This thing caused to much harm already. It will stay in my possession to make sure it does no further harm.”, said Rarity. Gearbox agreed and added: “But we can make you forget everything we went trough. So you can start over again. If you want that then that is.” “Yes... if I can't use the Chest, then please. Do that. So I don't torment myself any longer with this.” Rarity and Gearbox agreed. They asked if Lyra went with them to townsquare. It was around midnight. There they froze her, and erased her memory of Gearbox. Everything she and Gearbox had done was erased. Rarity and Gearbox went on a safe distance Gearbox hide himself behind a wall. To make sure Lyra wouldn't see him, they unfroze her. Lyra was first confused, but then went home to sleep.

Rarity and Gearbox went back to the boutique, where Rarity set the Chest on a shelf. As a trophy. A trophy of love and victory. Both of them went to bed. The same bed. Not a single word was spoken that moment and they both fell asleep quickly. Laying their minds to rest of what happened...

The Ship of Curses

The Ship of Curses.

Written by:

Rarity, Gearbox

In the weeks after the incident with Lyra, Gearbox and Rarity grew closer to each other with every day that passed. The rest of the Mane 6 found it wonderful that Rarity found the love of her life. Gearbox and Rainbow sometimes had a race against each other. But no matter how hard she tried, Gearbox was always faster. Spike didn’t like it at first, but after he and Rarity talked for hours, he accepted it. She knew he had a crush on her. But he is a dragon, she is a mare. And she is a couple years older than he is. So it would have never worked. And for Sweetie? She was as happy as she could be. But who wouldn’t if your sister met the stallion of her life. Every time Gearbox came back in the Boutique, Sweetie was most of the time to greet him first. Both didn’t mind that. They loved it. Next to his job in the Canterlot Castle, Gearbox also helped out on Sweet Apple Acres with whatever job Applejack could come with for him, bucking, sorting, you name it. But one day, things turned out other than planned.

Applejack ran to Ponyville, harder than she ever ran. To find Rarity, which she found at the market. “Rarity, Acres, NOW! I’ll explain on the way.”, said Applejack with a exhausted voice. Rarity nodded and she went with Applejack and both started running to the Acres. “It’s Gearbox, he was sitting, under a old tree, then I bucked the tree to hard, It broke and fell on him. We must hurry!”, said Applejack along the way. “I hope we aren’t too late.”, said Rarity worried. As they rushed to the Acres Rarity saw what happened. The old tree had fallen onto Gearbox. Big Macintosh tried his best to move the tree, but it just wouldn’t budge. Gearbox was laying under it, he lost his consciousness. “Applejack, I need you to buck this tree, harder than ever before, Big Mac, same goes for you. Gearbox, you will make it. Just stay with us”, said Rarity. “Got it sugarcube”, said Applejack when she started bucking the tree. “Alright then”, said Big Mac. Both bucked harder than ever before. Rarity tried to lift the tree with her magic. “Come on, come on.”, she said. But it didn’t work. She wasn’t too strong to do it. The moment she realized it, something snapped. Her manes started to get fire and she lifted the tree almost instantly. Applejack and Big Mac looked with open mouths. Rarity moved the tree off Gearbox and teleported Applejack, Big Mac, Gearbox and herself to the hospital where her manes became normal again.

“What happened to him, if I may ask?”, asked the doctor. Applejack explained the whole story. The doctor brought Gearbox to the operation room immediately. After a couple hours he came back and said: “He will make it. But he will be asleep for quite some time.” And he let all of them to Gearbox’s room. “Thank you doctor.”, said Rarity with tears in her eyes. Applejack and Big Mac went back to the Acres. And a couple hours later Gearbox woke up, “Ugh… Where… Where am I? Am I dead?” “You aren’t dead. You are still in the land of the living.”, said Rarity. “I think and hope, I will get rid of these bruises.”, said Gearbox when he looked at himself. “You will, you are a strong stallion Gearbox.”, said Rarity, after which she gave a kiss on his forehead. On what Gearbox reacted on that with a lot of joy in his voice: “I just hope I can go home soon.” And after those words he started to cough up blood. The doctor was called and he said it was some heavy internal bleeding. He needed to go back to the operation room again.

It took hours, but finally, the operation was over. Gearbox slowly woke up and asked: “Doc? Am I dead yet?” “You, dead? Oh goodness no. In all my years of service, none of my patients passed away. And I didn’t have any plans on making you the first. It was though, I admit that. But we found out why you were coughing up blood. Might I add one more thing? You have remarkable surviving skills.”, said the doctor to him. On what Gearbox answered: “I’m not surprised about my survival skills, after all I have been trough. Anyway, why was I coughing up blood doc?” “A vein in your spine snapped, which caused a vein your lung to snap, thus resulting in you coughing up blood. Oh and, you have a couple visitors.”, explained the doctor.

“Let them in please, I could use some company now.”, said Gearbox. The doctor nodded to him and opened the door the Mane 6 entered and greeted Gearbox happily. “Thank you all so much for coming…”,said Gearbox with a tear in his eye. “Welcome back to the land of the living.”, said Applejack. “Hooray! You are okay Gearbox!”, said Pinkie. “I’m glad you are okay Gearbox.”, said Fluttershy. “Well, well, well, still alive and kicking. You better not die on me, cause I still have a race from you to win.”, said Rainbow teasing. “Thank you all, but Rarity, you have been here the whole time?”, Gearbox asked. “The whole time, I wouldn’t have dared to leave you alone.”, she answered. A couple days later Gearbox got out of the hospital and went back home. Everything went back to his normal going. But every time Gearbox left the Boutique, he had the feeling somepony was watching him, observing him, following his every move. He didn’t want to bother Rarity with it, as she was always busy. But one day, while walking to the Acres to buck trees, Gearbox got hit by something in the back of his head. He passed out.

When Gearbox woke up he was laying on the street, he saw a figure, hooded, with no visible face, its entire body was under a long raincoat like jacket. Then it spoke with a dark voice: “I finally found you. You thought you could hide from him couldn’t you. You were wrong. 13 years ago you wished to be an Alicorn so you would be accepted in these lands. 13 years an Alicorn, for a lifetime of service onboard.” “Who… Who are you, what are you talking about?”, asked Gearbox confused. On what the voice said: “You don’t remember it at all do you. 13 years ago you made a deal with him. That monster made you who you are today! And you were foolish enough to agree, 13 years an Alicorn, A lifetime aboard his ship. Your time is up. You need to keep your end of the bargain now. Captains orders.” “Wha-. Just who is this captain and ship you are talking about.”, asked Gearbox confused. “ Davy Jones and the Flying Cloud.”, said the dark voice. “Oh no…No, no, no, you got the wrong person here buddy.”, was all Gearbox could say. “No, I got the right stallion. He knows with who he dealt with. He sent me, to collect my best friend. He is a heartless one. But I must fulfill my task given to him.”, said the dark voice.

“Wait, b-b-best friend?”, was all Gearbox could bring out. “You still haven’t recognized me haven’t you.”, said the dark voice. It removed his hood, only to reveal a horrified face… Manes were clouds, parts of his face got traded in for clouds. And on his cheek, a giant ladybug. Unable to move. Just embedded there. “Remember me now?”, he asked. “S-Sp-Spectrum? Is that you!?”, asked Gearbox. “Aye, it is me Gearbox.”, said Spectrum, he continued “You have to come with me. Or he will destroy this whole town. Searching for you.” “No, no, I won’t go! You hear me Spectrum! I’m not going!”, said Gearbox while he was getting up from the street and making himself ready to fly off. “ Then you brought destruction to this town Gearbox. But I will tell you this before I go. HE always gives his becoming crew members a choice. Or come aboard peacefully and sit out your debt, or offer something more valuable. I will try to give you more time to make your decision.”, said Spectrum as he raised to a cloud, only to disappear. Gearbox couldn’t get his head around what just happened, or he got tackled again. “You still own me that race Gearbox. Let’s do it. Right here, right now.”, said Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow, I would love to, but I have to go. I have some imported business to do.”, said Gearbox in the hope she would leave. And she left, a little disappointed, but she left. Then he teleported himself to the Carousel Boutique.

“Rarity, Sweetie, I… I will be gone for some time, I don’t know if I even return. But please… Whatever happens, never forget me.”, said Gearbox. “But where are you going to then? Can’t you tell that in the least?”, asked Rarity. “I will be going where the wind takes me.”, answered Gearbox. “What is the supposed to mean Gearbox?”, asked Sweetie confused. “If I tell you, both of your hearts will be broken. I need to pack my bags. And then I need to go.”, said Gearbox. “But… Why?”, asked Rarity again. “I told you, if I tell you that, your heart will be broken.”, answered Gearbox. After he packed his gear he gave Rarity and Sweetie a goodbye kiss. Then, he went to all his friends to say goodbye. And after that it was time. Time to serve… Onboard the Flying Cloud. A life time of service on board that cursed ship. A little while later he reached the top of the highest hill near Ponyville. He had a clear view on the horizon. Out of one of the clouds came Spectrum: “Are you going peacefully?”, he asked. “Don’t have much choice do I? Watch the destruction of Ponyville, or give something of more value, which I don’t have.”, Gearbox answered. Spectrum nodded and said: “Now, look at the horizon. When the sun sets it will come.” And as the sun slowly started to decent, Gearbox saw something. A ship. A cloudship, entirely made out of clouds. No balloons to keep it in the air, no, it had sails. It appeared to be sailing against the wind instead of with it and a faint organ music was heard. Gearbox took a better look as the ship came sailing closes and closer. He saw it was a triple-master, the gun ports looked like demonic pony faces, and on the bow, the skeleton of a pony with a scythe. Upon that sight, Gearbox desperately tried to find telepathic contact with Rarity and told her the whole truth. Rarity burst into tears when she heard it. She knew the stories. Once on, there is no way of. Not until your debt is fully repaid. Spectrum broke contact with the two. He said it would be better that way.

Gearbox wanted to strangle Spectrum for doing that. But the Flying Cloud docked near the hill. “Now, there is no way back, not until the debt is paid. Take a good look Gearbox, she is the worst to be on.”, said Spectrum. Both of them went on board. Gearbox took a look around and said: “There is nopony here, is this a joke or something” “It is everything but a joke. The Captain always has a few words to anypony who comes aboard.”, said Spectrum, and with those words, the entire crew came out of the walls of the ship. All of them, hideously deformed, part pony, part cloud, part flying animal. “Sweet Celestia! How?!”, said Gearbox. “I will explain later. The Captain comes.”, said Spectrum. The organ music stopped, the door of the captain’s cabin went open, and there it came. The Captain of the Flying Cloud. Gearbox took a good look. A long raincoat that covered most of the body. The left foreleg was transformed into a toucan beak which opened by every step. The right hind leg, an eagle foot. The manes, clouds… Parts of the face, replaced by clouds. The color of the coat itself was green, as far as Gearbox could tell. But yet, under all of that, Gearbox recognized something in the Captain. The Captain spoke: “So you are Gearbox, aren’t you?” “Right then ‘captain’, why do you need me here?” The crew burst out laughing. “13 years ago… You wished to be an Alicorn. To be accepted by the Pony Society. Since you weren’t from their kind, you had a hard time fitting in. And I grated you that wish. An Alicorn for 13 years, against a lifetime of service. That was our agreement. REMEMBER?”, said the Captain. Gearbox stared menacingly at the Captain and said: “I’ll destroy you all…” “AH! Good luck with that boy. The last pony who said that, well, let’s say it didn’t end well. Prepare to sail full speed! By the first the best cloud we dive in!”, said the Captain. “Aye Captain!”, said every crewmember. As they started to depart, Gearbox felt his whole life flowing away. The Cloud rose back up into the sky, and started sailing, away from Ponyville, away from Rarity.

“I will show you the ways of the ship, I know you don’t thrust me anymore, but I’m you only chance to survive this Gearbox.”, said Spectrum. “Right, show me what to do. And maybe I spare your life.”, answered Gearbox. On what Spectrum continued: “There are a few things you must know, every time we fly through a cloud, we appear or disappear for anyponies eyes. Second, listen to what your orders are. Or you will meet the boatswain’s whip. And he loves to cleave flesh with every swing he does. Third, the longer you serve, the more you will lose who you are, until there is nothing left of you. And lastly. Do what the Captain says. She is even worse than the last one.” “Wait… She?”, asked Gearbox confused. “Aye… she, she stabbed the heart of Jones. Thus replacing it with her own. To feel nothing again. It was a tragic story from that I heard. The transformation of how she looks now didn’t took long. Even less than 2 days.”, explained Spectrum. “But who is this ‘she’ you are talking about?”, asked Gearbox. “A pony named: ‘Lyra Heartstrings’.”, said Spectrum. Gearbox’s green eyes became as big as they could be and said: “You can’t be serious here mate.” “I tell you the truth as I know it.”, said Spectrum. “It is all my fault.”, said Gearbox while let his head hanging. “Wait, what? But how? How can you be involved by this?”, said Spectrum confused. “I… I have torn her heart to pieces… She tried to use the Chest before… But, but how did she got access to it now?”, said Gearbox. On what Spectrum answered: “There are 2 Chests. One was meant for Jones and is connected to the ship. The other was for Jones his love. She stabbed Jones his heart. Only to take its place…” “This can’t be happening.”, said Gearbox, on what Spectrum answered: “I wish that every night mate, but this is all real.

As the Cloud started to sail, orders were yelled. “You! Greenhorn!”, said Maccus, one of the longest serving crewmembers, “Help me opening those gun ports.” “Unicorns! Make the starboard side ready! Prepare the bow chasers as well! We found our next crewmember.”, said Lyra. “Who would that be captain?”, asked Gearbox. “You will see soon enough. Unicorns ready? Fire on my command! Helmsman, we go through that cloud, and give the Pegasus Navy a surprise.”, said Lyra with some evil joy in her voice. “Spitfire… Time… Is… Up.” “Spitfire? NO!”, said Gearbox, but he was too late. The Cloud raised out of the clouds and the unicorns started blasting with everything they got. The Pride ship of the Pegasus Navy was no more. All that was left was a load of smouldering timber. Any survivor was taken aboard the Flying Cloud. “Now, where is Spitfire?”, asked Lyra to a survivor. “She is right here Captain!”, said Maccus, as he pointed to Spitfire who was shaking in fear. Gearbox couldn’t stand it anymore and his manes started to turn into pure electricity: “No! You can’t do this! I won’t allow it!” “Do not interrupt with business that aren’t yours boy! Keep him in his place!”, said Lyra. “I don’t care what may have happened between us Lyra! I will kill you!”, said Gearbox, on what Spectrum answered: “No! Don’t, please. She is to powerful! Remember, we are all part of the ship. Once on, no way off.” “Not if I do this!”, said Gearbox, and with those words, he started running up to Lyra and stabs her in the heart. “It’s a good thing I’m an Alicorn!”, said Gearbox as he drilled his horn deep in Lyra’s body. “Ugh… Did you forget? I’m a heartless wreck. Tie him to the mast!”, said Lyra. “What? No! Damn you all! I will kill every last one of you right here, right now!”, said Gearbox, but his manes lost the electricity. “This again Gearbox? I though mister Spectrum had taught you it by now. Boatswain, you know what to do.”, said Lyra. While the boatswain was getting ready, Gearbox found contact with Rarity again, he told her everything what happened. And she promised him to help, to find a way off the cursed ship.

“15 would be on its place I think”, said the boatswain and he started whipping. Gearbox didn’t let a single tear go. He was too busy talking to Rarity to care about the whip. “He didn’t even cry during it. He is stronger than I thought.”, said Lyra, on what Gearbox answered: “Cry? Ha! I’m not as weak as you and your stupid crew.” “Mind your words boy, most of them are here longer then you are even alive. Now, where was I… Oh yes… Spitfire… 20 years ago, you agreed on our deal. Becoming a Wonderbolt for 20 years. Against 40 years of service. Time to pay up.”, said Lyra. “Why now? Why?”, asked Spitfire. “Time… Is… Up…”, said Lyra. “What of the other survivors?”, asked a crewmember. “There are no survivors.”, said Lyra. And any other survivors got slaughtered.

“Prepare to sail out! We are done here. I place both Spitfire and Gearbox under your watch mister Spectrum.”, said Lyra. “Very well Captain.”, said Spectrum. Lyra went back to her cabin and started to play the organ again. “I’ll help you off this ship, but do as I say, or you WILL get yourselves killed.”, said Spectrum. “Everypony, you know what to do! I want movement!”, yelled Maccus over the decks and everypony started to work. “What are we going to do?”, asked Spitfire. “Don’t worry, I have a plan.”, said Gearbox. “This isn’t the time for plans Gearbox. We need to work. We need to clean the deck, after that mess… Spitfire, can you give me those buckets over there?”, said Spectrum. “Sure.”, said Spitfire was she walked to the buckets. But as soon she got the scare of her life. “What is this!?”, she said. “What is what?”, asked Gearbox. “This!” said Spitfire was she pointed to a pony that was half stuck in the hull of the Cloud. “That, is Wyvern. He is mostly asleep. He is here the longest of all of us. It will not be long before he is a part of the ship. A fate we have all in common here.”, said Spectrum. “No… It can’t end like this.”, said Gearbox with tears in his eyes. “There is a way… And that is the only way.”, said Wyvern, “The Dead Pony Chest. Stab the heart. No! Don’t stab the heart. The Flying Cloud needs a living heart. Without a heart, there is no Captain, and with no Captain, there is nopony to have the key!” “The key?”, asked Gearbox. “I have spoken too much”, said Wyverns as he retreated back inside the hull. “Stay with me Wyvern!”, said Gearbox, but it was too late. Wyvern was back in the hull again and asleep. The three of them started to clean the top deck, as that was the most imported one. And after a couple hours they were done. “Everypony done?! Then you may all rest.”, said Maccus. Gearbox was among the first to fall asleep. “Gearbox. Wake up.”, said Spectrum after a while. “What? What is it?”, said Gearbox with a sleepy voice and his eyes half closed. “Spitfire may have found a way to escape.” As soon as he heard that, his eyes were wide opened. “Remember what Wyvern said? Without a captain, there is nopony to have the key. So the Captain knows where the key is. And there is this game called Liar Dice. Challenge her. The stakes? The key, against your soul, eternal service. I know it sounds crazy, but when you know where the key is, winning or losing doesn’t matter.”, said Spitfire. “Right. Let’s do this.”, said Gearbox. “You know how the game is played? Every dice counts. Any offer goes. Like 4 4’s you may chance the number to lower then, but you may not lower the eyes. You can say 3 5’s but not 3 3’s after 4 4’s. 6 3’s may. Good luck Gearbox”, said Spectrum. “I challenge the Captain.”, said Gearbox. Everypony started to look to him, the organ music stopped, and Lyra came beneath decks and said “I accept the challenge.”

“The stakes?”, asked Lyra. “My soul eternal service, against the key to the Dead Pony Chest.”, smiled Gearbox. Lyra walked closer to Gearbox and asked: “How do you know of the key?” “That isn’t part of the game. You can still get out.”, said Gearbox and he sat down, thus accepting the game. Lyra didn’t have much chance. The entire crew gathered around them. The only thing she could do, was accept. She showed Gearbox the key. “This is the key you are looking for.”, she said and hid it again, “Now, let’s start the game.” As the first cup of dices is being cast, a second one comes, and a third. It was Spectrum: “I’m in as well, same stakes.” “Fine then mister Spectrum.”, said Lyra annoyed. And even a fourth cup of dices landed on the table. “Same wedges.”, said Spitfire. “Any more? No? Then let the game begin.”, said Lyra. And thus the game started. After long guessing how many eyes there are up, it has reached a ridiculous amount. The order of bidding is: Spitfire, Gearbox, Spectrum, Lyra. “5 dices each, we are with the 4 of us. I say. 19 sixes. Place a higher bid, or call me a liar Captain.”, said Spectrum. “And being called a liar myself?”, said Lyra angry. She took the cup of Spectrum and saw no sixes. “Spectrum, you are liar and you will spend an eternity on this ship. For the two of you. Feel free to leave, the next time we make port!”, said Lyra laughing after what she and the crew walked away.

“Dammit Spectrum!”, said Gearbox. “I’m sorry… I couldn’t get it over my heart to let any of you lose.”, said Spectrum, and what Spitfire answered: “It was never about winning or losing remember!” Later that night Gearbox, Spitfire and Spectrum made up their plan. Gearbox and Spitfire would get the key, Spectrum would make a longboat ready. While Spectrum was making the longboat ready, Gearbox and Spitfire got back with the key. “Spectrum, do you know where the Chest is hidden?”, asked Spitfire. “I have heard rumors it is somewhere in a cloud group, somewhere in the eastern skies. That is where you need to search.”, said Spectrum. “Are you not coming with us Spectrum?”, asked Gearbox. “No, then they immediately know where you are up too. Besides, what more can they do to me? I already have to serve an eternity here. Now go. The longboat will take you to the ground, and the ground only.”, answered Spectrum. As he lowered the longboat with Spitfire and Gearbox. The longboat brought the both of them to the ground, familiar ground. It was Sweet Apple Acres! Both of them went to Twilights Library as fast as they can. They opened the door, to see everypony there. None of them couldn’t believe it. Gearbox was back. Everypony hugged both Gearbox and Spitfire and they told their stories. Gearbox went into a deep talk with Rarity over what happened. “The group of clouds you speak about does exists. But neither the earth pony or unicorn navy can get there. It is far too dangerous to go. Air currents everywhere and don’t forget the skyserpents. Only the Pegasus navy can make it through, if they survive the storms above it. We can go in the balloon while Rainbow and Fluttershy pull us. ”, explained Twilight. “But that is crazy Twilight! And you know it. The clouds are moving on their own there!”, yelled Rainbow Dash to her. “Do you have a better idea then?”, said Twilight. “Ugh... No.”, said Rainbow annoyed. “Then make the balloon ready. Everypony that wants to come says 'I'.”, said Twilight. And everypony in the room said it. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and even Fluttershy.

Meanwhile on the Flying Cloud, Lyra had discovered what Spectrum did. “You thought to be smart didn't you. But you forgot you place!”, said Lyra as she smacked Spectrum with her toucan beak foreleg. Spectrum landed on the ground and said: “You are not cruel, you are just pure evil. It is all because of him isn't?” Spectrum got up again and said: “What more can YOU do to me. I already have to serve an eternity on this hellbound vessel.” Lyra's eyes got full with anger, and she grabbed Spectrum by his neck with her toucan beak leg: “You don't even know. I will tie you up to the bow, and let you rot there.” She let him go and ordered to set sail to the Forgotten Clouds. “And make sure I get there before them. Or you all will pay the price.”, she said, “First?”, asked a crewmember. “Since they knew of the key, they must have figured out the location by now. Now get you flank moving! And tie mister Spectrum up in the brig, I have changed my mind for him, he will never see the light of the sun or moon again.”, said Lyra annoyed.

The Mane 6 flew with their balloon over mountains and valleys they have never even seen before until they reached it. The Eastern Skies over the Eastern Ocean. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy took a break as they made a plan together. “Now, we need to stay clear from the lighting. We know Rainbow Dash is the best spotter for those. Gearbox, are you ready to pull together with Rainbow?”, said Twilight, on what Gearbox said: “I am. Rainbow, when you are ready, we pull like never before.” “You bet ya!”, said Rainbow while she was getting up. “Okay, the Chest is somewhere along the western beach of the northern island. Thus somewhere here.”, said Twilight while she marked the spot. “Rarity, Fluttershy, you look for anything that looks like the Flying Cloud. Applejack, Pinkie Pie and myself will start digging. Rainbow and Gearbox you take a rest when we get there. That is the plan everypony. We need to get moving. Now!”, said Twilight. And everypony agreed on their given task. Gearbox and Rainbow made themselves ready for the long journey ahead.

“Gearbox, lighting at 12 o'clock, to the right!”, said Rainbow. “Understood!”, said Gearbox as they went to the right, and not even a second later, a flash of lightning, if they would have went straight, they all would have been toast. “GEARBOX! Hard to the left!”, yelled Rainbow, but it was too late, they got hit by lightning. The balloon started to decent. Slowly, but then it went fast and faster.

The balloon crash landed on one of the clouds. “Ugh... Where... are we?”, asked Applejack. “Oh my goodness... This isn't like the EverFree Forest at all.”, said Fluttershy. “Come on everypony, we need to find that chest.”, said Twilight. Everypony got back on their hooves and started to do their tasks, Gearbox and Rainbow rested, they deserved that after that long flight. “It has to be here somewhere...”, said Twilight. “Twilight, I think I found it.”, said Applejack while she pointed to a couple of cloud trees. “That is indeed the spot it says on the map, everypony, you know what to do.”, said Twilight. Everypony nodded and did their work. Applejack, Twilight and Pinkie Pie started digging.

Fluttershy and Rarity kept an eye out for the Flying Cloud. “We found it! We found it!”, yelled Pinkie. Everypony looked up to see it. “That is it... the Chest.”, said Rarity. “That is all fine and dandy, but who is going to stab it?”, asked Applejack. Everypony looked to each other, they didn't thought of that part at all. A couple of lightning strikes scared everypony, and under the sound of the thunder was it there, the Flying Cloud. The crew started to jump off the ship and surround everypony. They couldn't do anything against the crew. Everypony was brought onboard the Cloud, but not before Gearbox passed the key to Rarity. One by one they shivered in fear, afraid of what might happen next.

As the Cloud started to sail again, all the ponies where gathered on the deck. The Chest was placed in Lyra's cabin. Lyra stopped playing the organ and came outside. “Nopony leaves my ship without permission. Now, Gearbox, the key. HAND IT OVER!”, said Lyra angry. “I don't have it. I lost it when we crashed with the balloon.”, said Gearbox. “Search him.”, commanded Lyra. 2 crew members started to search for the key. “It’s not here!”, said one of them. Lyra grabbed him by his neck wanted to say something but held her mouth, she let him go and turned back to Gearbox. “You still have to pay your debt Gearbox.”, said Lyra. “And what of the others?”, asked Maccus. “We finish them off. All of them.”, said Lyra while she grabbed Gearbox by his throat, “And we start with you.” Lyra drew her sword and carved it right through Gearbox’s heart. Everypony started to cry, the crewmembers started to laugh. Gearbox disappeared in a cloud of fog, and reappeared behind Lyra. Nopony could believe it. “The old switcheroo, my oldest trick. Illusion magic is my specialty.”, said Gearbox. Everypony looked with a open mouth. Gearbox grabbed a sword from a crew member and started to duel Lyra. Everypony and every crewmember looked at them, what they didn't know was that Wyvern came out of the hull with all his power, walked to Rarity, which was sitting all the way in the back, and he asked for the key, he had a plan. Rarity trusted him, even though she never saw him before. Wyvern took the key and went back in the hull of the ship. Rarity watched him disappearing and hoped she did something good. Because Gearbox wasn't the best dueler out there and had a hard time against Lyra. Then, the doors of the cabin opened and there was a figure standing. It walked forward and got everyponies attention, including Lyra's. It was Wyvern, with Lyra's heart in his hooves. “Today, your tyranny ends!”, he said and stabbed the heart. “NO!”, yelled Lyra, but she was too late, she felt her life flowing away, started to walk backwards, only to fall over the railing, into the Eastern Ocean. Every crew member said the same: “Part of the crew, part of the ship. Part of the crew, part of the ship.” Spectrum came walking from the brig up decks saying the same things, he had a knife in his hooves. As he walked toward Wyvern he said: “The Cloud needs a living heart.” Gearbox knew this would get messy, he, with the help of Twilight and Rarity, teleported all of them away, to the beach of the mainland. There they saw the Cloud, going down, crashing in the Eastern Ocean, and sinking...

All of them were ready to go home, but then, the Flying Cloud rose out of the water. Instead of its grey look, it was white, as white as the clouds. The demonic pony faces got replaced by gold faces and the skeleton replaced by a gold Pony holding a gem. It was the most beautiful thing to see, yet everypony was on his or her guard. As the cloud sailed closer, the gunports stayed closed and no orders were shouted. The Cloud landed near the ponies, and a walkway came out of it. And dozens of ponies left the ship, they weren't the horrible figures as they were a couple minutes ago. They were they normal self again, they all left the ship, not noticing the other ponies. The Mane 6 and Gearbox went on board, and there they saw the new Captain of the Flying Cloud. It was nopony else then Wyvern. He noticed them coming onboard and said: “I shall bring this ship back to its original duty. Sailing the souls of those who are no longer among us, to the world hereafter” While he looked into the sky. Spectrum was still on board, Wyvern walked up to him and said: “You are free to leave my friend. I can handle it on my own.” On what Spectrum answered: “I still have a debt that has to be paid, plus, I have lost far too much to return. I'm sorry Gearbox. But I stay, I stay on board.” Wyvern nodded and said: “Alright then, I want you get the helm mister Spectrum.” Gearbox walked to Spectrum and they started talking, about what happened after they separated, and Spectrum told him the whole story what happened to him, how he came on board the ship. Rarity asked to Wyvern: “Wyvern, what happened after we left?” Wyvern explained: “After I stabbed Lyra's heart, the geis did its work. My heart was cut out and placed in the Dead Pony Chest. And with that, the ship was given back its original purpose. And I will make sure it stays that way. But you need to from board now, we need to set out.” Everypony went from board, Gearbox and Spectrum hugged each other and promised him to visit from time to time, then Gearbox left as well. As everypony left, the Cloud made itself ready to go, and started sailing towards the horizon, only to disappear in a green flash.

As everypony else went back, Gearbox and Rarity stayed at the beach, looking towards the horizon, then, then started to kiss each other, deeply. For a long time. And after the kiss Gearbox asked: “Rarity, we have been together for some time now, and I think this is the best time to ask it: will you marry? And never leave my side?” “Yes Gearbox, I will be your wife. And I will never leave your side. No matter what happens.”, answered Rarity. None of them said anything, as the continued kissing in the descending evening sun.