Pirate Nights, Book One

Part IV

The Friends I Don’t Remember Having

Chapter 22

“I was a dark and strange time,” Pinkamena began, as she told her tale to Twilight Sparkle. “There probably isn’t a pony alive who is old enough to remember this, but it’s something that really happened. It all started during the Last War. The Nation of the Sun and the Nation of the Moon were at each other’s throats. This wasn’t a matter territory or power. Both nations were bent on destroying the other once and for all. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna collected all their forces to make the greatest war ever fought. That included the pirates of the Cascade Sea.”

“But, pirates have always inhabited these waters. As soon as the Last War was declared there was an immediate action to rid the water of pirates. All the pirates who didn’t join sides in the war were immediately exterminated. At that time, there were two ships that were both owned by privateers. One of these ships chose sides with the Nation of the Sun. The other chose the Nation of the Moon. There must have been some miscommunication, or something, because both ships were sent on a mission to destroy the other. They believed each other to be rogue pirates who were not loyal to either side. Before the war started, both captains believed the destruction of the other ship was necessary to purge the Cascade Sea and make it ready for war.”

“This must be it!” Twilight suddenly interrupted. “This must where the Dark Fortune comes in, right?”

Pinkamena seemed upset to be interrupted like this, but nodded her head. “You probably recognize the Dark Fortune,” he continued. “It was a sleek frigate class airship that could cruise faster than any ship of its time. Single decked with a furnace inflated balloon, yellow along the bottom with blue painted across the side... It had twenty six guns; eight on either side, two in front and two in back with an extra six on its underside. That is the Dark Fortune.”

Twilight couldn’t believe how accurate Pinkamena’s description was. It was like the pink earth pony had seen it herself maybe once during her life. The alicorn did not interrupt as the story continued.

“The Dark Fortune was loyal to the Nation of the Moon. She always was,” Pinkamena explained. “But the Nation of the Sun had their own flag ship. A privateering vessel that was almost just as infamous as the Dark Fortune was. She was a galleon class airship known as the Death Rage.”

“She was a monster of a ship who appeared frightening from whichever angle you looked at her. The hull of the ship was painted black and her massive hot air balloon was red like blood. She had two decks of guns, twenty on each side with even more on her bow, stern and underside which made fifty two altogether. But most distinct of all was the black flag of a pony being stabbed through with a giant dagger that seemed to symbolize the way she would crush her prey without mercy.”

“The two ships were given instructions to destroy each other,” Pinkamena continued. “Little did they know, this was the very first battle of the Last War. Neither side knew that they had already sworn allegiance. They were both under the impression they were each battle rogue pirates. High above the sky, they engaged and found each other.”

“It was close to a forbidden island known as Grimdark Rock that they battled. It was daylight when their cannons opened fire and the battle for the Cascade Sea began. Although they were like tiny specks from below on the ground, their cannons thundered loud enough to be heard for miles. Battle continued through the night as the Death Rage nearly had her prey trembling underhoof. But, the captain of the Dark Fortune was a tricky one who always had something up her sleeve. She stalled the battle long enough for a lightening storm to roll in and give her plenty of cover.”

“It continued to be a very intense fight for more than three days! Cannons fired shots back and forth for hours on end. Unicorns even used magic to command the lightening to strike each other’s ships with devastating force. Neither side was about to yield. It got to the point where the sun rose on the forth day and the storm cleared itself just in time to reveal how tired this battle had made everypony.”

“It was then during that morning that the most unexpected thing happened. The captains of both the Dark Fortune and the Death Rage declared a truce and met each other on the peak of Grimdark Rock. Meeting each other face to face, they talked and tried to work out their differences. They actually started laughing when they realized what fools they were. When they discovered that neither of them were rogue, a strange respect and admiration between the captains created a friendly sort of rivalry.”

“At the peak of Grimdark Rock, the two captains made a pact. Since it was never determined which of their two ships was the stronger, they came to believe that neither ship would ever destroy the other without destroying itself as well. So at Grimdark Rock, both pirates swore that anypony who captains their ships would be bound to the fate of their ships. If either ship were to sink, their captain would die with it. If a captain died, the ship would go down with her. It was a strange sort of oath, but they agreed to it and each captain went their separate ways.”

“Almost a week on the open sea, both sides were tired and their ships were hardly airworthy when they returned to their nations. The battle was so incredible... well... nopony believed it when the story was passed down. Everypony simply forgot about the story as the Last War went underway and battles raged for months at a time. But since that fateful day, the Dark Fortune and the Death Rage would never cross paths again. But still... the few who remembered that day never forget the pact the captains made and the battle that had yet to decide a victor.”

Chapter 23

When Pinkamena was done with her story, Twilight Sparkle knew the earth pony was right about one thing. She didn’t believe the story at all. After Pinkamena returned her mind from imagination back to reality, she could tell what Twilight was thinking just by looking into her eyes.

“I knew you’d find it hard to believe,” he mumbled.

“Hard to believe!?” Twilight found herself laughing after a moment. “How could a battle possibly last for three days? Are you sure you haven’t gotten the facts mixed up with some other story, maybe?”

Pinkamena’s expression only darkened. “Don’t laugh at me,” he said under her breath.

By the way she was grinding her teeth and giving Twilight the cold stare, Twilight realized this was no laughing matter to the earth pony. Becoming like a serious investigator, the young alicorn asked the one question that bothered her the most. “I don’t understand one thing. How is it you know so much about the Dark Fortune when you claim everypony else has forgotten? That kind of story sounds exactly like the kind of folklore that finds it way around.”

Pinkamena simply turned away and returned to her cupcakes. “That is everything I know,” she said, putting it bluntly. “I know it’s true, even if everypony else laughs at me when I tell it to them. You can go ahead and laugh if you want but I’m not going to answer any other questions. You might as well go if you don’t believe me! I just hope you have lots of funerrific fun being free while I stay here and enjoy myself.”

At that, Pinkamena shoved another cupcake in her mouth, but it didn’t cheer her up in the least. But with her mouth full and with nothing else she wanted to say, she stared at the wall as she waited for Twilight to leave.

When Twilight realized how she offended Pinkamena, she couldn’t help herself. She felt downright horrible for laughing, even if she thought it was all in good fun. Although she wanted to stay and apologize properly, it was apparent Pinkamena would not accept it.

Suddenly, the guard who had been waiting patiently all this time came behind Twilight and put a hoof on her shoulder. The princess was startled when she forgot he had been there all this time. Facing him, Twilight already knew what he was going to tell her.

“Princess, I just thought you aught to know, it’s time you should be moving on,” the guard began. “I’m sorry that I have to insist. It’s just that, Pinkamena doesn’t talk with anypony else when she becomes like this. It’s better if you left before anypony else finds you down here.”

When Twilight Sparkle heard she nodded her head and understood. Though the conversation with Pinkamena seemed like a pointless waste of time to the young alicorn, she couldn’t help but look back, wishing there was something she could do to help the little pony. But since she had already wasted enough time trying to sneak her way back into the fort, she knew it would do no good hanging around any longer if there was nothing she could do to improve her situation.

With a heavy sigh, Twilight turned and found her way out. She left the prison block behind, as well as the dungeon and the fort. None of this mattered to her any longer. Only her official duties concerned her, which Twilight was all too happy to get started on.

Chapter 24

Twilight Sparkle left the Port Cretaceous fort and found her way back to the Red Reef. It was quite a distance to walk. Although Twilight could have flown with her wings, walking was her preferred method of travel. Back home there was hardly ever a reason to rush to wherever it was you wanted to go.

After paying a visit to Razor Sharp the princess was actually pleased to discover most of the crew gone. With the ship secured and everything in order, everypony had the free time to catch up and pursue their own interests. Since Razor Sharp was happy to report everything was as normal as could be, Twilight didn’t see any reason why she couldn’t get started with her own royal responsibilities.

After giving her maidservants the rest of the day off, Twilight left the Red Reef and followed the street signs that pointed in the direction of the library. Going by herself seemed a little odd for a princess, but after the way she failed the crew during the pirate attack, Twilight thought it best if she didn’t show her face around them for a while. Although she still beat herself up for the things that happened last night, she was just glad to finally have time to herself.

“First, I’ve got two ponies to meet,” Twilight Sparkle said to herself as she walked. “I’ve got my liaison named Spike. Geez... hardly a fitting name for a pony. Then after him, I’ve got the governess. I hope they’re both good company. I can’t say most of the other ponies I’ve met have been friendly.”

Twilight went up and down the winding roads that zigzagged up the cliff face until she found the financial district. This part of Port Cretaceous had many of the rich, upper class ponies she was more accustomed to meeting with. Walking a short distance up the road, Twilight came to a stop when turned to the side and saw the place she had been waiting all day to visit. Next to town hall, almost like an extension of the building, was the library. When Twilight saw the library and town hall next to each other it made her hopeful that she could complete her task quickly.

“Look’s like things are finally looking up,” she smiled. Stepping towards the door, she signed before turning the handle with her magic. “I can’t say this has been the best errand I’ve ever run for Princess Celestia... but now I guess I’m finally on the right path.”

At that, Twilight opened the door and stepped through. Inside, the library wasn’t very big and there definitely weren’t as many books as Twilight was accustom to seeing. But to say the least, all the books were preserved nicely along oakwood shelves with some of the more valuable hardcovers protected under glass display cases. There was also a sitting area and a staircase that Twilight assumed led to the bed room she’d be staying in.

Twilight took a moment to consider her surroundings. “It’s not much, but I guess it’s alright,” she smiled. “Nice and tidy, but I bet they couldn’t have anything that Pincess Celestia’s library doesn’t already have.”

“Oh really?” came a voice.

Twilight’s ears perked up with surprise as she looked around for the pony who just spoke to her. “Hello!?” she called.

“Give me just a minute,” the voice answered.

Twilight searched but couldn’t tell which direction the voice was coming from. It sounded low, almost like the voice of a younger colt. The princess smiled with amusement as she wondered what interest a filly could possibly have with the library. She never knew of a boy who liked to read.

Curious, the princess began searching in between the shelves for him. “Where are you?” she called.

“Just a few shelves over,” answered the voice. “Sorry, but I’ve been busy shelving books all morning. I’ll be done soon. My name’s Spike by the way.”

“Spike!”

Twilight suddenly remember, that was the name of the liaison she was supposed to contact. The young alicorn felt excited that something was going right for once. Standing upright, she closed her eyes and put a hoof against her chest so she could properly introduce herself.

“I’ve been hoping I’d find you soon. My name is Princess Twilight Sparkle. I believe I was expected.”

At that, a young dragon suddenly came into view with a very surprised look in his eyes. His arms were piled high with every kind of book but he hardly seemed to notice when he stared up at her. “Princess Twilight!?” he gasped.

When Twilight opened her eyes and looked down at him, the princess suddenly screamed in surprise. “Wh-what in the Cascade Sea are you!?” she yelled.

It took the baby dragon a moment to realize it must have been his appearance that frightened her. His scaly skin with both grey and purple hues was no doubt a change from a nice fur coat. Putting down the books he had been carrying he took a few steps towards Twilight and tried to explain. “It’s okay, it’s okay. There’s nothing to worry about.”

As Twilight began to recover from her initial shock she changed from frightened to curious. “Are you Spike... the one I was just talking to?”

“Yup, that’s me,” the young dragon smiled.

“But... I thought I was meeting with another pony,” Twilight said, partly to herself.

Spike simply shrugged. “I don’t know what to tell you,” he answered. “I got the letter from Princess Celestia just last week. She told me I’d be meeting with you and I’d be promoted to your personal assistant once you got here. I’m guessing the princess didn’t fill you in on all the details either, did she?”

“What do you mean ‘either’?”

Spike sighed with frustration as he answered. “Well... when Princess Celestia wrote to me about my new assignment with you, she didn’t include the fact that I’d continue managing this library at the same time. As if this job wasn’t already hard enough as it is,” he muttered to himself.

Twilight Sparkle took another look around and was actually impressed how clean and tidy the library truly was. Half the ponies in the Cascade Sea couldn’t even read. It made her pleased that somepony... or somedragon, actually cared to keep these books protected. Even though Twilight still had mixed feelings about Spike, she knew there was at least one thing they had in common.

After deciding she wasn’t afraid of Spike, Twilight figured she’d help him out. Using her magic, she lifted his pile of books off the floor and began reading their titles. The instant Twilight saw the front cover of each book she immediately knew where the book belonged.

“These are some good books you have here,” Twilight smiled as she put them away. “You’ve got some titles that even I have trouble finding.”

Spike wasn’t sure how to answer. “If you say so,” he shrugged.

Twilight pulled out a book from the stack and read the title aloud. “Tales of Equestria. I’m surprised. That’s a very rare edition.”

Spike chuckled with amusement. Even though it was only his job to maintain the library he felt flattered somepony cared enough to complement his work. Twilight, meanwhile, became hooked sorting through the books he had been carrying and had them all sorted by their title in less than a few seconds. Then suddenly, she scattered them across the library and had them stacked all at once on the shelves exactly where they belonged.

Spike almost couldn’t believe it when he saw it. “Oh my... gosh! Gee... thanks Twilight!”

“No problem,” Twilight grinned, feeling particularly proud of herself. Without even thinking, the young alicorn galloped to the check out desk and wondered what else she could do. Spike, meanwhile, watched her from a distance and was puzzled by this strange pony’s obsession with the library. Out of curiosity, the baby dragon followed her to see what she’d do next.

Chapter 25

Twilight Sparkle felt right at home in the library with Spike by her side. There was so much for the young alicorn to do she didn’t realize how much she missed library management during her week-long trip. She was eager to set everything up exactly to her liking while the baby dragon was just happy to have a break from his work at long last.

After Twilight got a feel for how each book was organized she set to work taking inventory of the library’s treasures. There weren’t many but there were a few very impressive things to look at. In particular, she looked into one of the glass cases and saw something she didn’t quite recognize.

“Spike, do you mind if I ask what this is?” she called.

The baby dragon got down from the bench he had been resting on and went to take a look. The two of them had a look of astonishment that stared back at them through their reflections in the glass protecting the treasure underneath.

Spike quickly identified the relic. “That thing is known as the Gauntlet of Chaos. It’s a very old treasure. Some believe it was created by the Ancient Ones themselves.”

“Ancient Ones?”

“Guess you never heard the story, huh?” Spike grinned. “Some ponies believe the Ancient Ones created the Cascade Sea many thousands of years ago... before ponies even as old as Celestia and Luna can remember. Of course... it’s all just a legend. Stuff like the Gauntlet of Chaos are among the only things we have left that hint they might have once been real.”

Twilight didn’t find it far fetched that there might have been civilizations that lived here before ponies, but she was finding it hard to believe that a certain civilization thousands of years ago created the whole Cascade Sea. Staring into the glass case again, she studied every detail about the gauntlet in fascination.

Strangely, it seemed perfectly molded to fit a pony’s hoof. It was a gold cylinder shaped device with strange writing on it. On the very end were two strange appendages that Twilight would have never identified before she met Spike.

“There are claws on the end,” she pointed out.

“Only two,” Spike added. “Some ponies say the Gauntlet of Chaos is supposed to have as many as five, but I doubt anypony knows where the other three claws might be. It’s probably not that big a deal aways. Nopony is sure what the Gauntlet of Chaos was created for.”

After Twilight felt she had stared long enough at the ancient relic, she turned and looked at Spike. While they were on the subject of other people and other civilizations, she couldn’t help wonder about her new liaison. “So what’s you’re story, exactly?” she asked, almost forgetting to phrase her question politely. “How did a baby dragon like you end up here in this library?”

“You’re guess is as good as mine,” Spike shrugged. “I’ve been the librarian of Port Cretaceous for almost as long as I can remember.”

That wasn’t a very thorough answer but Twilight didn’t blame the baby if that was all he really remembered. After a second, something that was almost equally as peculiar crossed her mind. “Does anypony ever mention that your fur... I mean scales, are two toned?”

“Two toned?”

“You know... the scales on one half or our body are grey and the on the other half they’re purple instead. Is that natural for a dragon to have?”

Spike wasn’t sure. For as long as he could remember his scales had always been this color. He was never conscientious of this, unless he took time to notice most ponies had only one color in their fur coats.

“I really don’t know if two toned scales are natural or not,” he eventually said. “It’s never bothered me, though.”

“I’m sorry if I come across as rude,” Twilight eventually said. “I’m just really curious to know everything about dragons there is to know. I’m especially curious to know if Princess Celestia knows she gave me a dragon for a liaison.”

“Oh, she knows alright,” Spike chuckled. “She’s one of my oldest memories. When I was given the position of librarian I almost think Princess Celestia herself was the one who gave it to me.”

“That really is strange,” Twilight thought aloud. “I don’t think there’s been a dragon in the Cascade Sea for hundreds of years. It makes me feel lonely just thinking about it.”

Spike looked the other way. “Eh... it’s not that big a deal,” he responded. “Besides, me and Princess Celestia keep in touch... which reminds me!”

Spike hurried to a writing desk and drew a piece of parchment paper and a quill to write with. As he wrote a letter, Twilight paid attention to the unusual way he held the quill with his claw. The princess had never seen a pony holding a quill with anything but their mouth or their horn, but it didn’t surprise her a dragon happened to be holding it by his claw tips instead.

Spike spoke the words aloud as he wrote his letter. “Dear Princess Celestia. I have received your letter from before and am reporting to tell you Princess Twilight has arrived safe and sound. She is with me at the library and we’ll get back to you as soon as we have something to report. You’re faithful servant, Spike.”

Twilight blushed with embarrassment at the way Spike worded the letter. He failed to mention the pirate attack that delayed her, but she decided not to worry Princess Celestia about it. Maybe if the story was important only sometime in the future she didn’t see any reason why the princess had to know right this minute. Without speaking up, she allowed Spike to sign the letter as it was and didn’t ask him to change anything.

After Spike had the letter rolled up and sealed, he went to the open window and inhaled a deep breath. Then, much to Twilight’s surprise, he blew green fire from his mouth and the letter was suddenly burned.

Twilight almost couldn’t believe it. “Are you crazy!?” she gasped. “You destroyed it!”

Spike chuckled with amusement. “Relax Twilight,” he smiled. “Ponies aren’t the only creatures who can use magic.”

Then, quite suddenly, Spike’s chest began to swell up and he looked sick for a moment. But then, he suddenly let out a large burp and Twilight was shocked to see a scroll fall out of his mouth. After Spike recovered, he bent down, unrolled the letter and read it aloud.

“Dear Spike, thank you for informing me of Twilight Sparkle’s safe arrival. Keep me up to date regarding any further progress my pupal has made during her stay in Port Cretaceous, and please provide her whatever she needs. I look forward to my own visit in the next two weeks when Princess Luna and myself shall be there to discuss the first peace treaty between our two nations in over a thousand years. In the meantime, I trust you and Twilight Sparkle shall get along splendidly and I look forward to meeting with you both in good time. Sincerely, Princess Celestia of the Nation of the Sun.

After Spike finished the letter, Twilight wasn’t sure which of the two peculiarities she was more impressed with. Either the letter of complement from Celestia... or the way in which it arrived.

Spike could tell Twilight was surprised by the look on her face as he rolled the letter back up. “Princess Celestia keeps in very close touch with Port Cretaceous,” he said, smugly. “There’s a reason why news goes back and forth so quickly.”

Twilight believed Spike. She couldn’t begin to understand what kind of magic he was using but she was curious to figure it out later. Right now, however, she had something more important she knew she had to get to.

“It seems Celestia doesn’t want me wasting a moment to get my assignment underway,” the alicorn said.

Spike wasn’t sure if the letter he just read was implying that, but if that was what Twilight wanted to do he didn’t see any reason why she couldn’t do exactly that. After putting the princess’s letter safely away he walked towards Twilight and stood beside her.

“The princess told me I’d be acting as your liaison... whatever that is. But, is there anything I might be able to help you out with? Seems we’ll be working together for a time.”

Twilight smiled with amusement. As young and inexperienced as Spike might be, it made her happy her new assistant was enthusiastic to help. After hearing the dragon’s question, Twilight searched her memory and tried remembering the first thing she knew she needed to do.

“Well... I’m new to these parts,” the princess answered. “Do you mind introducing me to the governess of Port Cretaceous?

Spike’s expression suddenly changed. His face was blank for a second before his mouth curled around and his eyes became dreamy. “Oh... I can most certainly help introduce you to her”

Chapter 26

Spike and Twilight walked together out of the library and went next door to town hall where they hoped to find the governess of Port Cretaceous. Twilight did not know what kind of pony the governess was expected to be. She didn’t receive any hints from anypony during her voyage, but it was apparent Spike already knew who the governess was.

The baby dragon had a peculiar smile across his face, like he was some kind of hopeless romantic. Twilight wasn’t sure how a dragon still so young could have a crush, but it made her all the more curious to meet this governess for herself.

Opening the doors into town hall, Twilight Sparkle was blown away when she stepped into a room that was beyond anything she expected. The entrance hall passed the front door was decorated like it was already prepared for the visit of Princess Celestia and Luna. When Twilight stepped inside she couldn’t take her eyes away from the decor.

“Is... is this really the right place?” she gasped.

Spike chuckled. “Yup,” he answered. “Governor Rarity is very excited to be visited by royalty. She’s getting this place set up well in advance.”

Twilight suddenly got the feeling Rarity might be a very welcoming pony to visit with. With all these decorations, the town hall was almost as grand as the royal palace itself. There were gold tapestries glowing with the light of wax candles. Polished silver was positioned where the most light could touch them and gleam with brilliance. Fruit was even chosen as a decoration and placed near the paintings that had complimentary colors to help make them more noticeable.

As Twilight tried finding her way in this neatly decorated town hall, she got an idea of where to go when she heard a voice coming from one of the doorways. Following the noise, she peaked around the corner and saw exactly the pony she was looking for.

Spike peaked around the corner too and held his breath. “Isn’t... isn’t she beautiful!?” he exclaimed.

Twilight couldn’t deny, the governess was a well-groomed and very tidy pony. Her coat was perfectly white and her purple mane was curled and shined more than seemed necessary. Not noticing her visitors, the governess was busy sorting through decorations as she began fixing up the next room.

“This won’t do at all!” she said aloud. “Why do I have to work with only second hoof decorations? This won’t be nearly enough for Celestia upon her arrival!”

Twilight Sparkle slowly stepped inside while Spike waited at the door. The baby dragon seemed shy to follow her in. After the princess was in the middle of the room, just a few hoof steps from her host, she cleared her throat to introduce herself.

“Uh... excuse me?”

“In a moment my dear, I’m very busy,” Governor Rarity answered.

Twilight Sparkle wasn’t sure how to interrupt without appearing rude. Rarity definitely seemed in a zone of some kind. The white colored unicorn refused to take her mind off her work as she lined the walls with even more tapestries.

After a minute, Twilight Sparkle cleared her throat again and spoke louder. “Excuse me, my name is Princess Twilight Sparkle and I represent Princess Celestia of the Nation of the Sun.”

Upon hearing those words, Rarity suddenly froze in place with a look of shock; which Twilight didn’t notice.

“I’m here to lend you my services as thee representative of Celestia to guarantee the successful meet up of the two princesses and their peaceful diplomatic mission.”

“IF YOU MIND!” Rarity suddenly spat. “YOU CAN WAIT YOUR TURN IF YOU WANT MY ATTENTION SO BADLY!”

Twilight stumbled back in surprise; her eyes wide and her heart skipping a beat. To be suddenly yelled at while trying to be polite, it was the very last thing she expected. “I was only thinking that maybe we could acquaint ourselves,” Twilight said after a moment. “Since we’re going to be working together for a time you don’t think that’s too much to ask, do you?”

“I can handle my end of the responsibilities without your help,” Rarity responded. “Just stay out of my way while my schedule is busy. I have a lot to do besides decorating this place for royalty.”

“I’m surprised you care,” Twilight interrupted, starting to grow impatient. “I don’t normally care to tell other ponies that I’m a princess, but you’re not exactly being a gracious host to the ponies you’re trying to impress.”

“Correction,” Rarity cut in, “I’m trying to impress our esteemed ruler, Celestia. Not some underling who has the title of princess but without any actual power. Twilight Sparkle, if you want to make yourself useful, you can get started on some paperwork and leave it on my desk when you’ve arranged it for me. In the meantime, I’ve got other things to attend to.”

“I... I can’t believe you’re being like this!?” Twilight exclaimed. “I’m only trying to help! You act like I’m already useless to you!”

Rarity sighed. Maybe deep down she didn’t really mean all the harsh remarks she said but she was too preoccupied to care. Turning around for the first time to face the princess, she spoke her honest opinion.

“Princess Celestia only sent you here to make sure I can do this job properly, but I already know that I don’t need you looking over my shoulder to tell when I’m doing something wrong,” Rarity stated. “I know that I have to tolerate your presence while you’re staying, Princess Twilight Sparkle, but let’s not make this anymore complicated between us than it has to be! You mind your own business and I’ll mind mine!”

Twilight found herself loosing her temper as she put her hoof down. “Governess or not, I am still higher within the hierarchy than you, and I have the right to get into your business!” she stated. “Actually, now that I’m on the topic, I have a bone to pick with the way you seem to be running this town! You know you have two lieutenants, right!? One of them is trying to undermine the other and you could probably lend a hoof to stop it!”

“Lend a hoof?” Rarity wondered. She laughed after a second before getting back on topic. “Those lieutenants can work it out for themselves. I couldn’t care less... even if I had the power to stop them. And besides, I think Blazing Trail is right to put Applesauce back in her place. An earth pony like her shouldn’t have that much authority.”

Twilight Sparkle found herself even more disgusted by Rarity. “Do you want me to report you to Celestia?” she asked, grinding her teeth.

Rarity continued to have an air of confidence as a smug grin crossed her face. “Go ahead if you want,” she responded. “I can save you the trouble and tell you it won’t do any good.”

Twilight Sparkle didn’t mean to actually send a letter. It was an empty threat she was hoping would scare Rarity, but it alarmed the young alicorn that it had no effect at all. Instead, it backfired and Twilight found herself afraid that her sincereness was not going to win her the respect she deserved.

After a second, Rarity turned away and went to continue her decorating. “Now if you don’t mind,” she said, “I have important business to attend to. It was a pleasure to meet you, your highness.”

Twilight didn’t feel satisfied at all. She was almost traumatized to discover there existed such an unpleasant person... and it was worse that she was going to have to put up with her for the next two weeks. Never before did she feel helpless in quite this way. As Rarity ignored Twilight and started again on her decorations, the princess lowered her head and decided her only option was to walk away.

But just as Twilight was about to do that, there was a sudden sparkle from Rarity’s jewelry that caught her attention. Twilight looked again and was alarmed to find a sizable gem on the front of Rarity’s dress. They were so busy arguing, Twilight didn’t notice it. Despite the immense size of the gem, it hadn’t stood out very well considering the dress’s color scheme.

Calling to memory the Harmonious Gem that Twilight was wearing around her neck, she realized both gems were about the same size. However, Rarity’s gem was shaped like a four sided diamond and was a light purple color. Twilight almost laughed when a curious thought crossed her mind. “No... it couldn’t possibly be another Harmonious Gem like mine.”

Suddenly, just when she least expecting it, Spike appeared and tapped the young alicorn on the shoulder and broke her concentration. Twilight looked down at the baby dragon and saw the sad look in his eyes.

“Uh... sorry about Rarity, Princess Twilight,” he said. “Do you want to maybe come outside?”

Twilight suddenly remembered that she was supposed to be leaving. Looking just one last time at the white unicorn, the princess had mixed feelings when she considered all this. After turning away, she tried not to bring it up again in her mind and tried to forget she ever met Rarity. Just when things had started to get better, the day was once again ruined by yet another pony who didn’t seem to appreciate the magic of friendship. With no choice, Twilight left town hall and Spike went with her.

Chapter 27

Twilight and Spike exited town hall and stood there a while on the front step without saying anything. After the nightmarish visit with Rarity, the princess didn’t feel in the mood to talk with anypony else for the rest of her life, as far as she was concerned. But as she paced back and forth she noticed Spike sitting there on the front step, looking to be in some kind of trance.

With a sigh, Twilight confronted him. “Spike... I don’t want to pry into your personal feelings, but I really need to ask you something,” she began. “Why do you have such a crush on Rarity? She seems like such a horrible person!”

“You’re telling me,” Spike thought aloud. After a second, he rubbed his forehead and tried to explain it. “I thought she was nice too, at first. She’s the most beautiful pony in the whole world, don’t you think? Who doesn’t love pretty ponies like her?” The dragon became dreamy again just thinking about Rarity.

Twilight rolled her eyes in frustration. “Yeah... except she’s snobby and crude and completely impossible to get along with!” she exclaimed.

Spike suddenly became disappointed again when he was reminded. It was curious to Twilight that Spike seemed torn between loving Rarity and hating her for two very apparent reasons. When Twilight looked into the baby dragon’s eyes, she couldn’t help feel sorry for him as well as a little guilty for putting him up to this. If Spike understood the dilemma just as well as she did, Twilight didn’t see any reason to rub it in his face.

Shaking her head, she turned away and looked out towards the harbor. Below, there was a hundred feet of vertically descending walls and houses going straight down into the ocean. Port Cretaceous was still an engineering marvel, even if Twilight hadn’t enjoyed a moment of her stay so far.

Still, the princess tried to be strong and confronted Spike with just one request. “Guess I should be making myself at home right about now,” she smiled. “Spike, I hear there’s a room above the library we would be sharing. Mind if I get settled in?”

Spike seemed surprised by Twilight’s change in attitude. “You really want to do that now?” asked the baby dragon. “I mean... there’s still plenty of time in the day, and anyways, I didn’t think you’d care after the way Rarity treated you.”

With a sign Twilight answered with as much optimism as she could muster. “Whether I like it or now, I’m stuck here for the next two weeks. I’ll just have to put up with everypony and somehow find a way of doing my job in the process. It’s a lot to hope for... but I have to trust Princess Celestia knew what she was doing when she picked me for this job.”

Spike seemed to admire Twilight’s attitude; enough to make him stand on his feet and accompany her to the library. As they went he spoke his mind. “You seem to have a lot of faith in Princess Celestia,” he pointed out.

Twilight sighed. “I’ll be honest, it’s sometimes not easy to have that kind of faith in her,” she explained. “Celestia often puts other ponies up to some very hard tasks. Those tasks are sometimes tests and not everypony passes. But, you have to trust you can do it if you try your hardest.”

Although Twilight wanted to sound encouraging to herself as well as to Spike, her words only caused her to lower her head and sigh with regret. “But... this is one time I really don’t feel up to the challenge.”

Chapter 28

Twilight Sparkle and Spike spent the next hour setting up so the two of them could live together from the next couple of days. It was a rather easy task when Twilight didn’t have anything else concerning her at the minute. Captain Razor Sharp was minding the ship and the crew. Twilight was no longer under his watch for the time being. Lieutenant Applejack and the navy were about doing their business that didn’t include her. And also, Rarity had given Twilight the boot and refused to be bothered by her.

While Twilight Sparkle and Spike were stuck with just each other for company, they set to work minding the library and keeping it tidied up. To the princess, this felt like the perfect way to unwind. Libraries where like her second home and it pleased her to dust off some of the older shelves and then take a book for herself to read when things slowed down.

After many long hours had passed and the sun was setting in the west, Spike prepared a surprisingly appetizing looking supper for them both to eat and then the two of them retired to bed immediately afterwards. Twilight got the big bed close to the window. It seemed unfair to take it and leave Spike just a little basket to curl up in, but it seemed familiar for some reason. This was how it was going to be for two weeks, she knew.

After night fell and the stars were twinkling in the distance, Twilight found she couldn’t get an ounce of sleep. She couldn’t stop watching the stars as their light came in through the window and shined upon her. Something about the stars made her feel empty inside and she felt like pulling the covers over her head. The sudden emptiness she felt was frightening. Without any explanation for her own fear, Twilight tried hiding under her pillow to feel better, but it only make the young alicorn even more scared that she was truly alone with no pony to share her feelings with.

As she squeaked the mattress springs with her constant moving about, Spike was awoken and looked up at her. “Twilight... what are you still doing up?” he groaned. “It’s been a long day. You should be asleep.”

“I don’t know Spike,” Twilight sighed. “I just... I just can’t.”

Spike sat up. While he was disgruntled at first, he couldn’t help but notice how scared she seemed. Giving the princess a moment to settle down he asked the first question that came to his mind. “Care to talk about it?”

Twilight wasn’t sure she had an answer as she looked up at the stars again. She turned over and faced the baby dragon. “It’s like... like reading a book,” she began.

“Reading a book?”

“Yes,” Twilight began. “I feel like my misadventure in the Cascade Sea has so far been all wrong. Nothing about my assignment from Princess Celestia was supposed to entail all the things that have happened. I got attacked by pirates... questioned by the navy... rejected by the governess herself...”

“But how does that relate to reading a book?” Spike wondered.

Twilight paused as she tried finding the words to explain it. She found it strange she was explaining herself to a baby dragon she met only this morning, but he was the only one she cared to talk to. With a sigh, she answered him with whatever words came to mind.

“I’ve read lots of stories in my time,” she began. “Whenever you start a story, you naturally believe the hero is going to win in the end; defeating the monster and saving their friends from doom. But ever since I left the royal palace a week ago... I feel like everything is wrong.”

“I feel like those ponies important to me are just not there. I feel like I’m fighting somepony else’s battle and this is not where I really belong. I know it sounds silly comparing my problems to some fillyhood stories I’ve read, but I can’t help myself. I feel like there’s something I was meant to do besides this mission for Princess Celestia, but I can’t tell what that might be. While Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rarity are all such unlikable misfits, I don’t feel any point behind it anymore.”

Spike scratched his head. “But there must have been other ponies you’ve met besides just them,” he pointed out. “I mean... you’re not really here for their sakes, right?”

Twilight didn’t find it at all peculiar that the names of those four ponies came up. They were simply the names that came out while she was trying to explain her own sadness. Whatever the reason why, it didn’t cross her mind why those four seemed the most important ponies she met on her visit. All that mattered was the feeling of being alone without the company of friends she couldn’t remember having.

Spike couldn’t help but share Twilight feeling of emptiness. It was odd but the baby dragon almost had the same feeling himself but he couldn’t explain why. Only this morning did he meet Twilight and they already were like best friends.

After pondering the situation until her head began to hurt, Twilight fell backwards and allowed her head to hit her pillow. She was very exhausted and all this confusion didn’t help.

Spike looked at his friend again and shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe you can think more about this in the morning Twilight,” he said. “But I don’t think it’s all bad. You made it to Port Cretaceous, after all. You could have just as easily fallen to Rainbow Dash and never made it at all.”

“I guess you’re right,” Twilight smiled. Feeling a little better she had somepony to express her concerns to, she turned over and tried getting some rest at long last. “I’ll see you in the morning then.”

“Yeah,” Spike smiled. Although he cared for the princess, he was all too happy to just lay down and go right back to sleep. “I’ll see you in the sweet sweet morning,” he said aloud. At that, he closed his eyes and began snoring until saliva started dripping from his mouth.

Chapter 29

As the hours passed later into the evening all of Port Cretaceous went to sleep and everypony settled in for the night. Every door was locked and only the soldiers on patrol walked the streets under the stars. A quiet peace descended upon the inhabitants of the small town in the Cascade Sea. Nothing was suspicious or out of place; no reason at all for alarm while everypony dreamed. But as the citizens of the quiet town rested peacefully, nopony noticed the ship that was slowly makings its way into port.

She was a monster of a ship who appeared frightening from whichever angle you looked at her. The hull of the ship was painted black and her massive hot air balloon was red like blood. She had two decks of guns, twenty on each side with even more on her bow, stern and underside, which made fifty two altogether. But most distinct of all was the black flag of a pony being stabbed through with a giant dagger that seemed to symbolize the way she would crush her prey without mercy.

Port Cretaceous continued to sleep calmly without knowing their doom had come knocking.