Once Upon a Time

CHAPTER 3

"The Traveling Party Mare"

There we are walking along the path to what I hope the way towards the port. I toned out Surprise some time ago and focused on the path ahead of me. She was constantly babbling about some shit I didn’t care about, still I was grateful she decided to come with me and liven things up in this boring trek.

I still couldn’t believe that she was a ‘traveling party mare’ and yet she didn’t know which way to the port but I guess beggars can’t be choosers. If I follow this path maybe I’ll find a village and ask the locals for directions or if we are lucky enough this path might be the right way to the port, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up.

Suddenly I felt a slight breeze of wind on my side. I glanced to it and saw Surprise flying and looking at me with a cheerful grin on her face. Sometimes I wonder if she ever frown.

Must be once in a blue moon.

“What, do you need something?” I asked.

She shook her head. “Nope, but I found the place we are looking for.” She flew high up in the air and pointed at the direction. “There it is... I think. There are ships and houses and there’s the market and the dock and ooh, there is the ocean.” She beamed.

I smiled. “Good job Surprise,” I sighed in relief. “Good thing you can fly or we would have a hard time finding it.” Sometimes, I forget that she’s a Pegasus. I was about to set track but stopped at that thought. I looked at Surprise, annoyed. “Wait, why didn’t you did that before?”

She grinned sheepishly and tittered. “I guess I forgot, come on I’ll lead the way.” Before I could respond she flew away with blinding speed. I was a bit surprised that the little wings of hers could propel her that fast or even managed to carry her weight for that matter but I guess, well ponies.

She slowed down for a second and I managed to catch up on her. She looked at me. “I can’t wait to finally to get to the pony lands and see other ponies. I haven’t seen anypony in like forever. I don’t even remember what they looked like anymore.” She put a hoof on her chin.

I just shrugged, I can’t respond to that. I didn’t know what ponies looked like either. From what I have heard there are two types of ponies, the unicorns and the pegasus but I think there might be more of them. I’m still guessing since there are ponies, maybe there also might be horses around here….but I digress.

After minutes of following the hyperactive pegasus, we finally reach the port. There were many ships of different sizes that are docked, mostly pirate ships. Finding one isn’t going to be a problem but convincing the captain of the ships to cross the ocean might be. I can hijack one but I doubt I can maintain the ship with only the two of us and I didn’t know jack shit about maintaining ships, so that’s plan B.

Looking up to the sky, it is now nearing dusk. I need to find us a place to sleep like an inn and fast. I doubt I would want to spend the night on the streets littering with pirates and thieves. Getting mugged here was likely to happen and I didn’t want Surprise to get hurt in the middle of things.

Looking at Surprise I could tell that she was visibly exhausted from our journey, but she was still wearing the smile I have grown accounted for.

“Hey,” she looked at me. “Come on let’s go to the inn. I’m tired from all of this and I haven’t slept in two days."

She cocked her head. “But how are we gonna get a room, we don’t have any bits?”

I looked around and found a generous pouch if bits laying exposed on the side of a thing with black stripe on its bod—wait is that a zebra? I shrugged my thoughts, talking animals might be common in this world. Stealing the bits from it was gonna be easier than I thought it would be. The zebra was a bit distracted talking to a shopkeeper. I grinned. “Leave that up to me.”

We casually move towards the target. I was walking at a normal pace and looking around ala ignorant tourist, while Surprise followed me looking confused. I pulled the hood of my robe up in my head. My appearance might cause someone to look at me, I wasn’t gonna risk it, especially not right now.

The zebra appeared to be buying something from the shopkeeper. I snickered. Good luck paying for that, kid. I walk by him and professionally swiped the pouch of bits off of him. The zebra didn’t flinch or even felt it. He remained oblivious of his stolen bits while continued to talk to the shopkeeper.

I grinned. The pouch was loosely tied to his backpack….er horsepack so he should have seen it coming. Well, someone gotta teach lessons to these young ones.

I looked around and find that no one saw me except my faithful companion beside me. Looking at Surprise I saw that she was glaring at me. “Why did you do that for?!" she flew to me eyelevel and poked my chest. “Why did you steal from poor Mr. Zebra there? We could have just ask him some bits!” She scolded me like a child.

Oh, boy...

I rolled my eyes. “Sure let’s ask someone we don’t know for money.” I scoffed. “Sorry but I don’t beg for shit and I doubt he’ll even give us some bits anyway.”

“We could’ve just asked my friends here for some bits.”

I raised my eyebrow. “Well why didn’t you?” I continued. “And I thought you didn’t know where or what this place is?” I asked suspiciously.

Her eyes darted back and forth. “U-uhhh I f-forgot, yes that’s it. I forgot that’s all.” There’s that lie again. ”Come on, let’s go find the inn.” She suddenly bolted ahead before coming back to me a few moments later. “Uhh can you lead the way?” she tittered.

I rolled my eyes and set tracked. Besides, this place being the home of hundreds of jobless pirates finding an inn and a pub wouldn’t be that of a problem at all. I just need to ignore my aching body.

With the way things have gone through on my first week on this planet, getting knocked out on the fall, whipped hard at the back by the dogs while working on the mines, chased by a hulking dragon, and not being able to eat or drink for days was getting its toll on my ‘artificial body’. Not to mention I had been poisoned by a powerful venom before getting here…and raped by griffons, don’t forget that.

I was right, finding the inn wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. After minutes of walking around the port, I saw a four story house with a sign that said ‘Come on Inn’. Wow, that’s not really a bad name. I smiled and entered the establishment.

We entered and I paid the sluggish looking rat innkeeper for our rooms about a week long. It might be difficult for us to find a ship or highjack one if we’re desperate since I was pretty sure the captains of the ships wouldn’t set sail when the windigos are lurking in the ocean.

The room cost us fifty bits. I didn’t know if it was overpriced since I have no clue how money works here. I could tell the generous pouch I had lighten up a bit but altogether it was still full.

The innkeeper led us upstairs into our room. It was a bit small and dusty. It conveniently had two beds so I didn’t have to worry about sharing beds with Surprise. There was a rusty broken down door that leads to the bathroom. Like the rest of the room, this one didn’t escape from dusts and there were a couple of tiles that were either broken or missing throughout the floor. It had a toilet that was missing a flush handle and a shower that appeared to be rusted shut. And don’t get me started with me smell. It feels like I’ll get a chronic bronchitis at the moment I entered it. So far I rated this room to be…shitty.

I was starting to think that fifty bits was a bit much for this shitty room, but who the hell cares. I only bought for the bed and a place to stay while I’m here. Besides the money I had were stolen anyway.

I walked over to the bed and set down the short sword and a couple of daggers I got from the armory by the nightstand. I should probably buy myself a backpack to carry all of this but it could wait for tomorrow. All in my mind right now is lie on the bed and sleep like a log.

I heard wings flapping right beside me. “So why did bought the room for a week, Michoroonie? I thought we’re gonna cross the ocean?” Surprise asked as she laid on her bed, stretching like a cat.

I walk over to the cabinets to check if there are some things useful that’s left in there. “We’re gonna have to stay here for a while and find for someone to help us cross it.” I said, opening the cabinets and drawers one by one. “From the way things happening now, I think we’ll have a hard time finding one. Though no need to worry about that. We have more than enough money to extend our rent here. I’ll even look at some things I could buy while I’m out finding it.”

She frowned. “But that’s not ours!” Surprise said. “We should return it to Mr. Zebra. Besides we already have a room here for a week.”

“Like hell I won’t. We need this bits in case we need to stay here a bit longer.” Opening the drawing on the nightstand beside my bed, there was a small empty coin pouch inside. “Oh, and here is your half.” I said, grabbing a handful of bits to the pouch. “I don’t care what you buy with it, it’s yours. Do whatever you want with that except give it to the zebra we’ve stolen to. You’ll only be mistaken as the thief. ” I handed her the pouch.

“But—.“ I cut her off.

“Nope. Do not do it. Now if you excuse me I’m going to sleep like a log.” I placed the Benevolence just on top of the nightstand within arms reach. In the event someone stupid enough to try and bust in our room.

She sighed and nodded. “Okay…”

I smiled triumphantly and ruffled her curly mane. “Good.”

With that I laid on the bed and tried to get some sleep. It was a bit small for me. My shin was out laying suspended on the foot of the bed but it’ll do. It was a nice change from sleeping on the floor of the cell after all. With the help of the soft bed, I quickly found myself asleep. Like every time whenever I go to sleep, I didn’t dream of anything. Which is good.

But before I completely lose consciousness I heard Surprise whispered ‘goodnight’.

Morning came by quickly. I was woken up by the sun shining directly on my face. This cheap ass room doesn’t even have curtains.

Who would’ve guessed...

I got out of the bed and stretched like a cat, popping a few bones on my back. Surprise was already awake and out doing whatever she does. Seeing this place is full of pirates and thieves I should probably check if she’s alright, but the again she is a traveller so there was no need for me to do that. I already told her I wasn’t gonna babysit her and I need to find a ship to take us across the ocean.

Grabbing the Benevolence, I exited the inn. I left my sword and daggers at the room. I wasn’t going to need it. I’m not out looking for a fight and the extra weight will just bother me.

I set forth to the docks. Being more observant than yesterday, this place has griffons, minotaurs, rats, and dogs. Grabbing the hood of my robe, I hastily pulled it up covering my face. Even though if those dogs weren’t the same as the ones on the den, I wasn’t gonna risk it.

I can’t help it. I’m a paranoid son of a bitch.

With my hood up and my hand on stuffed in my pockets. I could easily be mistaken for a minotaur or even a dog if I walked hunched.

I took the fastest route to the docks. I can already smell the salty air and the ancient infinity of the sea as I slowly got near the docks. It was filled with ships of shapes and sizes. I could see a couple of minotaurs and griffins putting crates and barrels into the ships. I set forward to the nearest ship I saw.

Just below the ship, on the docks. There was a rat motioning a couple of griffins where to put the crates and barrels they were carrying. I approached him. He seemed to notice me coming and turned to look at me. His face went slack and his eyes widened at the sight of me before regaining his composure.

“What ye want, laddie? Can’t ye see we’re busy at the moment?” He asked, eyeing me with curiosity and slight annoyance.

”I just want to talk to the captain about business. Mind if I see him?”

He waved a hand. “Nay, but I’m afraid tah say he’s not here. The old seadog hasn’t return here for two weeks since he went out to the pubs in town one night.” He continued, “Can’t say I’m a bit worried fer him but the old man and I had gone enough time for me to doubt he’ll not comeback. I’m sure he’s just out there doin business or even picking up a couple crew fer the ship. So if ye want business you can talk to me fer now. The name is Ratatouille, the ship’s First Mate and cook. A darn good cook that is.” He held out a hand.

I shook his hand. “Michorean Vesper.”

He smiled. “So, what do ye need?”

I looked at the ship’s crew placing crates and barrels into the ship. “I can’t help but think are you planning to set sail? Because I’m planning to go somewhere and I need a ship to cross it.”

He chuckled. “Darn right. We’re planning on leaving after we’re done restocking and as soon as captain returns. Good to know ye trust us pirates than those merchant ship in terms of traveling safely at the high seas. No one attacks fellow pirates at the seas. Well except for the ones who are not part of our alliance but I guess we can hold them off with you and the crew.”

“Actually I have someone coming with me. She’s a pony is that cool?”

He nodded. “Aye, we don’t mind. The ship is full of other races too, we don’t mind a bit if she’s a pony, dragon or other scallywags I don’t know.” He thought for a moment. “Well, except for diamond dogs. Those good fer nothing furbags are nothin but trouble to us.”

I smiled at that. “Well if that’s the case, I guess you don’t have a problem for me then?” I reached for my hood and pulled it down, revealing my face.

“Of course we don’t. Yer a minotaur aren’t y—whaa?” He stared at me with wide eyes with his mouth agape. He stared at me for a few seconds before chuckling. “Hehe, well that’s a surprise. But mind if I ask where ye headed?”

“To the pony lands.” I answered. “I was thinking on talking to your captain on helping us cross the ocean in exchange for something.”

That seemed to catch him off guard. He did a double take and looked at me in disbelief. “Wait, I don’t know if I heard it right but did ye say ye want to cross the ocean?” I nodded. He sighed and shook his head disapprovingly. “Well, sorry to burst yer bubble there, Mr. Vesper but we’re not doing anything close that involves crossing the ocean. No ship has ever returned from their voyage on there. I think I know me Captain well enough that he’ll decline to whatever offer ye make to him.”

I let out a defeated sigh. “Well, I guess it didn’t hurt to try but I think I can persuade some other ships with a stupid or greedy captain on my offer.”

He chuckled. “Well good luck on that Mr. Vesper.” He patted my shoulder. I kind of like the tone of that name... Mr. Vesper. “And sorry fer my curiosity but what’s that offer you we’re giving to the captain?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know, whatever he wants. I’m a Mercenary, an assassin. I think we can work for something on that, given that you are pirates.” I answered. “If asks for something he wants to get from someone then I can steal it or if he asks for someone he wants dead then I’ll kill it, no witnesses or anything but given the right reasons of course.”

He raised an eyebrow and tilted his head. “Umm, right reasons?”

“Well yeah. I’m not gonna steal or kill someone just because asked for it. You better have a damn good reason for it or else I’ll have to decline no matter what you give or how much you pay me. I do that so no one would get the wrong message that I just work for money. I won’t allow allow myself to become a tool for someone.”

“Hmm, that’s sounds reasonable and wise of ya.” He smiled. “Well it was nice talking with yer but I think it’s best I get going then.  I can’t trust me crew on placing those crates on the ship. Until then, Mr. Vesper.”  With a nod, he left and returned to guiding and helping his fellow crewmates on the barrels and crates they were stocking on the ship.

Looking at the sea, I saw a figure floating far off the open sea. I squinted my eyes to see it better but still couldn’t make up the floating object. It kinda looked like a ship but I was not sure. Some parts seemed to be missing on it.

Suddenly, the bells from the ships around the port began to clang. The dock was quickly filled by the sound bells clanging from the ships. It was a bit deafening. I placed my hands to my ears to block the sounds, only removing it once the bells stopped.

Then I noticed the crews from different ships seized whatever they were doing and hastily to board their vessel and began lowering the flags, as if they were trying to move their ship out of the way, trying to create a path or something. I can hear the sounds of their cheers from my spot.

I heard someone approach me. Turning around I saw it was the rat from earlier, Ratatouille. “Hey, what’s happening and what’s that thing floating there?” I asked.

“I’m not sure, but me crew says that Rusted Feather, the griffon pirate ship that took sail about a month ago. They were supposed to cross the ocean.”

“Do you have a spyglass or something?”

He shook his head. “Nay but I think me captain has one. I suppose he won’t mind me borrowing it.” He called a random rat to fetch the spyglass.

About a minute later he returned with it and gave it to Ratatouille. After a few seconds he look through the spyglass, he chuckled. “Well it looks like it is the Rusted Feather but those lasses appeared to have been hit by a storm or something.” He cheered. “Well how about that, those feathered scallywags must be the first one to cross the sea. We might take ya on yer offer after all.” He turned to look at me and held the spyglass to me. “Take a look, Mr. Vesper.”

I grab hold of spyglass and peek through the tiny opening in it. In it I saw a ship or what I think what’s left of it. Most of the deck was completely ripped clean off, the flags was ripped into two and was slightly shredded on the sides. There was some kind of ice protruding on the sides of the ship and there was no sign of life or activity coming from it. From the looks of state of the ship, it was a kind of a miracle that the thing managed to stay afloat with that kind of damage.

Giving back the spyglass, Ratatouille led me to his ship. “What’s the name of it?” I motioned to the ship.

“Mickey.” Of course it is…

It was a bit small compared to the other ships docked here but he told me that it was one of the fastest and most manueverable ship. Overall it was kind of a decent ship. The designs weren’t half bad either, infact it could have been easily mistaken for a ship from the Navy. Well, if they have one in this world that is.

As we entered the deck the crews of the ship were cheering, celebrating. I guess being a pirate they were glad on the thought of sailing on the high seas again.

We waited for the ship to move closer. The whole port began cheering louder as the ship came near. Some of the other ships on the dock moved, making a path for the Rusted Feather.

Moments later the whole port suddenly became silent when they saw state of the ship. Just like I saw from the spyglass most off the deck was destroyed. It looked like it collapsed. If it indeed was hit by a storm, then that must be one hell of it. Parts of the ship appeared to be covered with melting ice. There were gaping holes from the bow and like the rest of the ship, it had ice inside it.

The ship was completely void of life or any activity for that matter. I tried to figure where were the griffon pirates that board the ship. The thought that they flew away was a bit impossible since griffons weren’t strong enough to fly through the ocean…or were they? I shrugged that thought, the other was they were attacked and they simply got eaten.

The crews of the Mickey and even the other ships on the port simply stared wide-eyed at the Rusted Feather as it lifelessly floated towards the dock.

‘”W-where are the crews of the ship?” one of the rats beside me stammered.

“Maybe the spirits of the ocean took them.” The other one nervously answered.

“What, how can you honestly believe that tale?” A minotaur walked to them. “There’s no such thing as spirits in the ocean. I think they were simply just blown away by a storm.”

“Oh really, how can you explain the ice covering the ship?” he replied. Hmm, that is a good question. “That’s got to be the work of the spirits and I think it ate them.”

I turned away from their argument and once again looked at the destroyed vessel. It was still moving and it was now floating dangerously towards the dock.

I nudge Ratatouille who was still in shock, staring blankly at the Rusted Feather. That seemed to get him off his trance. He shook his head and turned to look at me. “What is it Mr. Vesper, Is there be a problem?”

“That.” I pointed at the ‘runaway ship’.

Ratatouille looked at it for a moment before nodding, realizing what the situation was. He turned to his crewmates. “Bring out the ballista!” he commanded. “We gotta sink the ship before it wrecks the dock.”

“Aye aye.” The crew simultaneously responded.

Ratatouille may not be the captain of the ship but the crew followed his command without a moment of hesitation. That’s the sign how he’s well respected around here.

“You.” He pointed at a lone griffon. “Tell the other ships to shoot at the Rusted Feather. We can’t let it crash on the other boats and the dock.” The griffon nodded and flew off.

A few seconds later, the crew came out pushing a huge ass ballista and placed it at the side of the ship facing the Rusted feather. I would have asked if they have a cannon but I guess black powder aren’t popular around here.

Loading and aiming it at the ship. The bolt heads that they were using seemed to be designed to sink a ship. It had a wide tip that was made to punch big holes on a ship.

Before they could fire, one of the ship from the port already shot its ballista to the Rusted Feather. Rocking the whole ship and making a huge gaping hole at the side. I saw the griffon that Ratatouille sent was flying quickly from ship to ship, informing the captains about Ratatouille’s plan.

“Fire!” Rataouille roared.

Their huge ass ballista fired, sending the projectile to the rusted feather at high speed and hitting squarely in the middle. The shot was enough to split the entire ship to two.

Let me tell you, this ship ‘Mickey’ might be smaller than the rest of the pirate ships here at the port but it can surely pack a punch.

The rest of the ships from the dock continued to fire their ballistae at it, completely obliterating the ship. Wood and splinters were flying everywhere. It was a good thing that we were a bit far from the kill zone.

The ship sank before it even reached the dock. Some parts of the ship like the crow’s nest were left exposed from the shallow waters though.

The griffon from earlier landed beside us and saluted. Ratatouille who in turn nodded and motioned for him to return to his post. After the griffon left he sighed. “Well, it looks like the high seas became more dangerous than ever. I don’t know any of the ships here that’ll get ye across the ocean, certainly not after that.” He pointed at the wreckage.

I rolled my eyes. “That doesn’t faze me a bit. I still need to get to the pony land one way or another.”

“Why are ye keen on getting there anyway, Mr. Vesper. What got ye interested on going there?” he continued. “There’s nothing interesting on ponies from what I could think of, well except that the horned ones can do freaky magic but other than that nothing.”

“I heard the horned ones can fix this.” I held up my hand. “It’s completely paralyzed by a powerful poison from the knife that stabbed me. I can still save it but I need a unicorn to do it and there is only one way to get there and it’s crossing the ocean.” I shrugged. “That sucks but I can’t do anything about it.”

He stared at my hand blankly. “So, ye going to risk yer life crossing the ocean that most of the ones who tried to cross it died or were lost just so you can fix yer busted hand?”

I shrugged. “That just sums it up. Plus, I need both of my hands to finish my job here.” In fact, it could be a bonus if I learned what I can about the windigos while I’m out there. That thought made me smile a bit but there is one thing I haven’t thought about. How the hell am I gonna cross the ocean with all those windigos if I ever found a ship? Fuck it, I’ll just wing it. I’m already confident that I’m gonna cross it alive……but what about Surprise?

At the corner of my vision I saw Ratatouille smile. “Well, can’t argue if that’s for yer job. A rat’s gotta what a rat’s gotta do as what me Captain Winsor said.” So that old bastard actually owns a ship. How lucky of me. “But I’m sorry to say that I can’t help ye on yer journey Mr. Vesper, I’m just a first mate and I’m sure our captain wouldn’t want to sail on the open ocean with all that’s going on there.” Oh I’m sure he will.

I grinned. “Don’t worry about it. I'm sure I can find a way to get there somehow.”

“It was nice meetin yer Mr. Vesper. You can come to me anytime if ye need something.”

With a nod I left but not before glancing back at the wreckage one last time. Besides from the planks and pieces of the ship floating around there was something off in the wreckage but I can’t put a finger in it.

Suddenly one by one the remains of what I believe the Rusted Feather’s crew emerged from the water. I grimaced at the state of the bodies. It seemed that nothing from the water came out whole, the remains were just popping out pieces of limbs and body parts. Like the bodies were chopped.

Interestingly enough, not all of the remains that emerged from the wreckage belonged to griffons. I saw some glimpse of body parts of a rat and a minotaur as well. Some of the bodies appeared to be encased in ice.

From what I see here, the windigos might have some power or control over ice. And from what their names suggests, they might also have control over the wind as well. An icestorm…er snowstorm, maybe?

I decided to investigate further. It might do me good if I gathered all the information of what I can before leaving. It even helped that this revelation got me a bit curious.

Circling the dock, I spotted a dinghy with a rat beside it which I assumed was the owner. I walked towards him and tapped his shoulder. He eyed me looking annoyed. “What do you want?” he asked sounding he was doing all he can to keep his food on his stomach.

“I like you to take me to the middle of the wreckage.” The coxswain rat looked at me like I was crazy. He was about to decline before I revealed to him my generous pouch of money or bits as to what they called them. I tapped it, letting him hear the sweet sound of the bits ticking.

The rat eyed the pouch like it was the cure for cancer. He licked his lips before looking at me and nodding. “Aight, but make it quick. I got some other things to do.” No you’re not.

With that out of the way, I sat on his dinghy while the rat rows. Getting to the middle of the wreckage took time since the rat had to circle around, avoiding the debris. It didn’t help that the rat was doing all he could not to look directly at the pieces of remains floating around us, relying to me for directions.

What a pussy…

When we got to the middle of the wreckage, the amount of bodies appeared to be concentrated in here. I motioned to my coxswain to stop. “Okay we’re here, you can stop now you pussy.” I grumbled. “You look like you haven’t seen the dead.”

“I have, mate, but not pieces of it. It’s disgusting!” he looked up, averting his gaze to the mass of corpses beside him. “Just tell me when you’re done and I’ll get us out of here. And be sure to make it quick.”

“Well suck it up, I’m the one’s deciding if I make it quick or not. Don’t forget I’m the one paying you.“ He grunted but continued to look up.

I picked up a severed griffon leg floating near me. Inspecting the cut, it wasn’t perfect enough to be considered chopped. It was more likely it had been completely ripped apart from the body.

Throwing it away, I picked the nearest piece of body part I could find. It was another severed griffon leg, a hindleg…or was it a foreleg? I didn’t really know, I don’t give a shit. This time however it was partially encased in ice. Like the one I threw away, this leg also appeared to be ripped apart from the body.

Looking at the mass of pieces of griffon, rats and minotaur remains in the wreckage around me. I estimated the total crew of the Rusted Feather must be between thirty to forty pirates, considering that the Rusted Feather was one of the biggest ship here on the port.

Judging by the amount of pieces of severed body part, how the hell did they find time to rip them all apart limb from limb. I need a second opinion.

I looked at my coxswain who was still looking upwards. “Hey rat.” I called to him.

He looked at me, eyes straight not bothering to glance at anything. “What, are you done yet?” he asked.

I shook my head. “Nope, not yet.” I held up the severed griffon leg. “Do you know what this is?”

“It’s a leg of a griffon.” He responed with a scrunched face, fighting the urge to gag and vomit.

“No shit it’s a griffon’s leg. This part is what I was asking.” I pointed to the severed part. “It must have not been sliced because the flesh must have indicated it. I need to know your opinion in this.”

He eyed it for a second. “Well, it looked like it exploded or something.” Hmm exploded? I might put it as one of the possibilities, but how did it exploded? “That’s all I could tell and why did you even asked me, I don’t know anything about that. Go ask a doctor or some sorts.”

Suddenly the severed limb I was holding let out a foul stench of decay, making my stomach turn a little bit. I was a bit used at the stench since I’m an assassin and I kill for a living so it didn’t disturbed me but the rat beside me didn’t take it well. He gagged and turned around vomiting, letting his lunch loose to the sea beside us.

I sighed. “Okay, you can take us back now.” I waved him off and he shakily nodded, fazed from his show earlier and rowed us towards the dock.

I was glad I learned something from the wreckage, even if it’s a little bit. They seem to have a knack of ripping their victims limb from limb and encasing them with ice…..Wait ice? Shattering their bodies maybe? I could have learned about them more but unfortunately the only one beside me was a dumbass rat.

The trip back to the dock was a bit longer since his vomiting shook him up. I would have help him row the dinghy but then I realized I would have to pay him when we got back.

Well, better make him earn his money then.

When we reached the dock, I hopped out of the dingy. I reached to my pouch, pulling out two silver bits and tossing it to the coxswain rat.

The rat caught it and eyed the bits for a moment before glaring at me. “What, this is it?” He said, sounding disappointed and angry at the same time. “After all I’ve been through you only give me twenty bits?” he fussed.

“After all you’ve been through?” I rolled my eyes “Bitch please, you only rowed a boat. What more do you want?”

“I thought you’re gonna give me your pouch there if I take you there.”

“Hell no, I only tapped it. I didn’t said I was going to give it to you.” I turned around and began to leave. “Well, it was nice doing business with you.”

He snorted. “Oh you’ll regret this. I’m gonna tell Big Daddy on you.” With that he bolted away but not without leaving me with a face that said ‘What the fuck?’.

I shrugged it off and went ahead towards to the marketplace. He might be just be one of the insane ones. While I was walking, I saw a rat posting a some kind of a wanted poster beside a house. I moved towards it and saw a familiar rat drawn on it. It was a crudely drawn face of Yuric. There was also a note that reads:

WANTED

Yuric

Dead or Alive

By order of Queen Myridia the queen of the rats. For stealing her highness’ royal crown and her prized majestic necklace that was given to her from her mother the late Queen Maya, the former queen of the rats. The said rat is also alleged for multiple counts of rape, theft and murder and is considered highly dangerous.

Reward: 5000 bits

Will be paid by her highness herself for his apprehension in addition, you will be gifted anything on your heart’s desire and the royal guard will also provide you security for all of your family.

____________________________________________________________________

If the said rat you captured is alive, her highness will double or triple your reward money depending on the condition of the thief since her highness shall be the one deciding which form of torture this rat will face.

I chuckled as I read this. It seemed that he’s popular around here. Well shit, I wonder what would Winsor think if he saw this…

After reading the wanted poster, I set track to the marketplace to buy some supplies. I bought a sturdy leather backpack for my things and some fruits like apples. Most of it was for Surprise. I didn't eed much food to survive anyway and I heard the food inside the pirate ships suck ass and it’ll get you scurvy. I bought it in case she spent her money on some stupid thing.

In fact, where is she anyway. I haven’t seen her since I woke up this morning. Before I got too deep in thought, I shrugged it off. Like she said, she’s a traveling party mare so I wouldn’t have to worry about her being alone.

After shopping at the marketplace, I returned to the inn and set the things I bought in the room beside my bed before heading back outside. Since the inn doesn’t have a clock, I didn’t know what time it was but judging by the position of the sun it was late afternoon.

Since there was nothing interesting to do that I could think of. I wandered around the port. I need to think of something productive to do for the next few days while I wait for Winsor to return to his ship. I figured when he said he’s done traveling the seas for now means like a few days of rest and I doubt that old rat would abandon his crewmates like that.

While I was wondering around a familiar white pegasus carrying what appeared to be balloons at the town square. She seemed to be in distress as the townspeople…er rat, griffon, minota—whatever. They appeared to be avoiding her for some reason.

I decided to pry a little bit to know what was going on. Surprise flew towards a rat merchant and it sounds like she was bugging him for something. I strained my ear to hear what she was saying. “Hey I’m Surprise, can we be friends? I can throw you the bestest superlific party.” She handed out her balloons to the rat.

“No.” the rat merchant violently pushed away her balloons, some even popped. “Listen winged pony, if you don’t want to buy then leave my stall. I’m here for business not friends.”

Surprise frowned and muttered ‘pegasus’ before flying over to a walking griffon, blocking its path. “Hey, my name is Surprise, can we be friends? I can throw you the biggest most bestest terrific party!”

The griffon groaned. “No we can’t be friends but it would be nice if you move out of the way.” Surprise frowned but obliged. “That’s better. I can’t get to the pub with some pony blocking me now can’t we.”

Surprise beamed a little at that. “Ooh ooh, how about we hang out in there. I can buy you the drinks, it’s on me.”

The griffon looked more annoyed at the proposal and shook his head. “No thanks pony, I’ll pass. I don’t want to hang out with you, you’re too annoying and who wants to be friends with ponies anyway? Now buzz off!” Wow, that’s racist.

Surprise didn’t say anything, she simply flew away and landed on a bench far from me burying her face with her hooves.

I stood from my spot and approached the weeping pegasus. I sat beside her and patted her back. “Hey, are you alright?” I asked, thinking how to comfort the usually bubbly pony. I understood what surprise was feeling right now. She was lying to herself and to others that she had friends when she hasn’t had any.

She gasped and looked up to me with tear filled eyes. “Michoroonie!” Why she used her pet name for me at this point of time. I will never know.

“What’s wrong?”

“N-nothing, I was just napping.” She turned around and wiped her tears off her eyes.

“Uhuh, okay.” I nodded, not really believing what she said a bit. “So what’s really the problem?” I know I shouldn’t pry at her personal life since she didn’t pry mine but something tells me that she needed this.

Surprise looked at me, tears threatening to fall once more. “I… I lied.” She turned her eyes off me. “I really don’t have friends whatsoever. I lied to you.”

“Yeah, I kinda found out about that a while ago.”

“So, does this mean we’re not umm… acquaintances anymore?” she whispered shakily.

I shook my head. “No, I wouldn’t hold that against you.” she looked at me confused. “I know what it’s like to be alone without anyone to listen or to talk to. I’ve been there, I wouldn’t let that happen to you.” She smiled a bit. “Just be sure not to lie to me anymore.” I suddenly remembered what Astra said to me at some point in time. “Remember, losing a friend’s trust is the fastest way to lose a friend.”

She nodded. “I’ll remember that. So, friends?

I held out my hand. “Friends.”

She simply ignored my hand and tackled into a hug, tears falling down her face. I held her back and let her cry her eyes out. I was happy for her that she finally had a friend even if it’s me and she finally stopped lying to herself.

My mind was about to question how did Surprise became a ‘party mare’ when she doesn’t have any friends but I immediately pushed it out of my thoughts. The only thing in my mind was comforting this weeping pegasus in front of me. I was also happy at myself that I finally found a friend and someone I could trust. I never really had one ever since Astra died.

A few minutes later Surprise stopped crying and pulled back, wiping some fresh tears off her face. “Now that we’re friends now, how about I’ll give you a gift.”

I waved a hand. “Nah, that won’t be necessary and I don’t really like gifts much.”

“Ooh but I promise that you’ll love this.” She asserted. “Why don’t you go back to the inn and wait while I go get you a surprise. I guarantee that it’ll surprise you or my name isn’t Surprise.”

I shrugged. “Well, I guess I can’t hold you on that.” She grinned. “Just make sure you’ll be back safe. This place is crawling with thieves and pirates.”

“Don’t worry, this isn’t the first time I wandered this kind of places alone. Besides, who would hurt a poor defenseless pegasus.” I could think of several reasons. “I’ll be back in our room just after dark with my surprise.”

After that, she bolted towards in the direction of the marketplace. The sun was already beginning to set so she wouldn’t be out long. I returned to the inn and went into our room. With nothing to do for the next few hours while I wait, I would have showered to clean the dirt and grime off me but then again. The bathroom is a fucking cesspool!

I decided a quick nap would be nice while I wait for Surprise to return. Removing my robe and placing it at the nightstand beside me. I laid on the bed and quickly fell asleep.

It seemed that my quick nap got a bit longer than what I was expecting. I woke up with Surprise still hasn’t returned. Looking out of the window, I was guessing it might be around midnight or some time near it. Surprise must have returned hours ago.

Worried that something bad might have happened to her, I slipped on my robe and grabbed the Benevolence and a few daggers with me.

Thoughts began to circle in my head as I exited the inn and scurried over to the marketplace, the last place I saw her go. Was she lost or kidnapped?

The trip to the market was rather quick. Since it was the middle of the night, there was no sign of anyone. All the stalls are closed and left empty.

I began search for the white coated pegasus looking for any sign of a struggle if she might have been kidnapped. I circled around the place for what feels like hours but to no avail. I haven’t found a single clue to what happened to her or where she might be.

My search for Surprise eventually lead me to the town square. Looking around, I saw that the rat merchant from earlier was still there. He must close his shop late. I wonder if he has any clues to where Surprise might be.

I approached his stall. “Hey, have you seen a white pegasus with a curly blonde mane around here?” I asked.

His eyes lightened as he seemed to know what happened to her. “Oh yeah, I think Surprise was her name.” I nodded. “I don’t know what a pegasus is, but yeah I have seen her some time ago. That pony finally decided to buy something from my shop.”

I raised an eyebrow. “What did she buy from you?”

“Well, actually she didn’t buy anything except she asked me to engrave some words to her ring.” He said. “Though, she hasn’t yet claimed her ring from me.”

“When was the last time you saw her?”

He put a finger on his chin. “Hmm, I think it was a couple of hours ago.” That’s bad. “She was heading towards the pub with rat beside her.” Okay, that’s really bad.

I nodded. “Thanks.” I tossed out a couple of bits for him as a tip.

The rat smiled and pocketed it. I was about to leave but then the merchant stopped me. “Wait stranger,” the rat said. “You seem to know the pony, yes?”

“Yeah, you can say that.”

He nodded and grabbed something underneath his stall. He brought out a small pouch and tossed it to me. I managed to catch it and shot a confused look to him.

“What’s this?” I asked, shaking the pouch. It was light and it doesn’t seem like bits inside it.

“It’s the ring the pony asked engraved.” He replied. “I’m about to close up to get some shut eye but unfortunately your friend hasn’t come back yet. Since you know this pony then I hope you’re the one that can give it to her so it wouldn’t be my problem anymore. Besides I wouldn’t worry about the payment, she already paid for it. Well gotta go.” He began packing up his things and left his stall.

The more and more I think about it, the more and more it looked like she got kidnapped. She ordered to engrave something from her ring and it wouldn’t make sense that she didn’t cameback to it and that doesn’t include that she said she would return to the inn just after dark.

Setting track to the pub, I got a bit curious as to what ring she bought. I opened it and looked inside. There were two silver rings inside it, one was as big as an orange while the other one looked like a perfect fit for my finger but for the most part they looked the same just the difference was the size.

I grab hold the two rings and stared at it. Let me say you this, it was kind of beautiful. The design of the ring was simple but it looks better that way.

I found the engraving the rat was talking about inside the hoop. I leaned forward to read what it was. As I read the words wrote on it, my heart dropped. Those words suddenly fueled my search of Surprise. Now, I wouldn’t forgive myself if anything happens to her. Hoping to whoever took her didn’t lay a single scratch on her or I will make him surely regret it. I will kill him slowly and painfully…

I slipped on the ring that was for me and began to walk towards the pub with renewed vigor. The engraved words written on the ring was:

‘Bestest Best Friends’.