Once Upon a Time

CHAPTER 5

“Memories Left Forgotten”

“Do you see clearly?”

I looked around to the supposedly pitch dark room, glancing from left to right. I can make out the just about everything around the room, from the stacks of crates beside me down to the stacks of sheet at top of the table on the corner of the room, although the images were quite a bit fuzzy. “Yeah, I can see clearly but not as clear as before but enough to make out everything around here.” I turned to the voice. “Are you sure it’s pitch black here or you’re just shitting me?”

”Of course, why would I test this experiment to begin with if it’s on, Michorean?” the voice replied.

I heard a flick of a switch and then suddenly light flooded the room. Looking at my right, I saw a human who looked exactly like me but he was wearing a lob coat and appeared to taking notes on a clip board he’s holding. “Michorean…” I snickered at my goofy name. “Are you sure that’s what you’re naming me. You just combined your first name and your last name, Michael Orion .You know for a geek like you, you should’ve thought of something better when you created me.”

He was still busy writing on his clipboard, muttering to himself every now and then. Without looking up, he replied and said. “Firstly, you call me Alpha understand?” I didn’t answer or nod. I just rolled my eyes making him sigh and shook his head. “Second, I chose Michorean Vesper as your name because as you already said, it’s a combination of my name and Vesper is the name of this project.”

“Vesper, what is that? And why not Gemini? That would make much more sense.”

He grumbled something and looked up to me. “Vesper means prayer, and you’re the first human clone ever created. Connect the dots and you’ll know what I mean. Besides, my last name is already some constellation like the one you’re suggesting. No need to further our connections together, considering your rebellious attitude.” He flipped a page on his clipboard. “But enough of your identity crisis, you’ve already had that last week. Now, you’re night vision on your slitted eyes are working I presume?”

“Yeah, they’re working fine. I can see in the dark, although things are quite fuzzy.”

He suddenly appeared in thought for a moment, glancing towards to ceiling before turning back to me. “When I turned on the lights, did you get blinded or react negatively at all?”

I shook my head. “No, not really.”

He smiled. “That’s understandable.” He turned to his clipboard and continued to write. “Your eyes’ night vision may not be perfect but it is as good as the cats and owls. Your eye not reacting negatively on bright lights should give you an edge in combat. You can still be blinded but that’s unlikely.”

I shrugged. “Why would I need all of this stuff anyway?”

Michael stopped writing and looked up to me. “That’s classified, for now.” He raised his clipboard and began to read. “So, we’ve gotten your nanites, the canines, endurance, reflexes and your metabolism, making you independent for food and water for weeks without the need of both.”

I winced as I relieved all the things injected to me for the past weeks. “Again, why would I need this stuff anyway?” I said with a hint of annoyance.

“And again, it’s classified. I can tell you after our experiments but not right now.” He flipped another page on his clipboard. “For the next test, problem solvi--.”

“Oh, come on. Another fucking test, are you fucking kidding me?” I grunted. “You said I’ll get to visit the surface the moment we’re done here.”

“But we’re not. We still have a couple more tests to do. We need to know fully your capabilities are before I introduce you to the general. You’re the only being alive capable of having nanites in your bloodstream without them acting haywire inside you. It was essentially created for you. Once the general sees you…” He chuckled. “I don’t know how he would react.”

I crossed my arms. “So, I’m created to be like a…”I snapped my fingers and thought for a moment.  “Super soldier of the army or something like that.”

He waved a hand, dismissing it. “No, not exactly. When ‘Project Vesper’ started you were only designed to be the first human clone ever to be created, that’s it. But the way things happening right now, I can see why the general suddenly became interested in you. Your potential and capabilities are off the charts. He believes he can make you into something more. Besides, those alien bastards can’t be trusted, even how peaceful they continue to ‘act’. You’re new task right after we complete this tests and meet the general is to defend the president at all cost. That’s why I’m injecting you this things and giving you test and experiments. But! That’s if the general determines you worthy. So don’t be cocky. ”

“So… that’s the classified stuff you said earlier.”

He nodded. “I wasn’t supposed to tell you that until after the general takes a look on you, but I don’t see what the big deal is. I know you’re not going to blurt it out to the public given tha--.” He was interrupted by the sound of his phone ringing. Reaching to his pocket, he pulled out his phone and looked at the screen before sighing. “One moment, it’s my wife.” He turned around and started pacing while he talks.

I rolled my eyes and turned to his clipboard he left just on top of the table beside me. Picking up the clipboard, I began to read its contents not caring if Michael sees me rummaging his papers. The stuff written in here were pretty much the one I already know of. It consists of the results of the various tests we conducted for the past weeks, ranging the amount of weight I could carry to my speed and reaction time. Below it are my combat capabilities. It said here that I was excellent when it comes to hand to hand combat but it also said that I was lacking on the defensive department and I have a tendency to be out of control sometimes almost killing my sparring partner.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. “Yeah right.” I continued to read the contents. I was also said here that my weapons of choice are daggers, even though rifles ar--.” I was interrupted when Michael raised his voice.

“Of course dear, I’ll be able to attend our daughter’s wedding. In fact, I’m driving there right now.” I heard Michael said, lying to his wife of course. Turning around, I saw him nodding on his phone while pacing in the room. The moment I looked at him, he stopped and turned his head to face me. He gazed at me for a few second before his mouth shifted to a knowing grin. ‘What is he up to?’ “No dear, I’m not remotely busy at the moment. I promise I’ll come in time. I’ll be there in say—“ He raised his hand to look at his watch. “half an hour, just before the ceremony starts.” He listened and nodded to his phone again before answering. “Okay dear, I love you to and tell Micah good luck.” He hangs up and turned towards me with a shit eating grin. “Well, it looks like you’ll be getting to visit the surface sooner than I thought.” He declared smiling

I raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? What’s with the sudden change of heart and that fuck face you’re wearing?”

“You’ll get to visit the surface in under one condition.” He started. “You have to attend my daughter’s graduation ceremony disguised as me. Seeing as you’re nearly an exact copy of me except for your eyes and canines you’ll have no problem blending in. Just avoid talking to my wife and daughter and you’ll be fine.” He said as a matter of factly.

‘What the fuck is he talking about?’ “Why the hell do you need me to do that?!” I glared at him. “Why don’t you go to your daughter’s wedding yourself? I may be your clone but she’s not my fucking daughter and it’s a fucking wedding why wouldn’t you go?”

He sighed and shook his head. “I wish I could but I can’t. I need to stay here to set the tests and experiments while you’re out. The Shreas might change their mind of being peaceful towards us at any given moment, so we need you ready as soon as possible.” He shrugged. “I don’t get why you’re being upset and all. You’re finally going to see the surface, plus my wife and daughter could see somewhat me attending the graduation. So everybody wins.”

“Yeah I win. Not your family though.” He didn’t respond to that. “But if that’s your case, then I won’t stop you, ‘Alpha’.” I mockingly bowed and turned to leave. “Father of the year material right there…”

“Why do you even care?” he scoffed. “You don’t have any family. You don’t know what it feels like.”

I stopped dead on my tracks, my hands closing into a fist. I took a deep breath to calm myself a bit before turning around to face him…still pissed. “That’s fucking it, Mike!” I screamed. “I don’t have anyone. No wife, no kids, no shit! Why are you even thinking of putting me in your place on your daughter’s once in a lifetime event?” I stared at high in disgust. “What, Are you high?!” He didn’t respond. I sighed and grabbed a box of contact lens on a nearby table to hide my slitted golden eyes. “You know what, I’m going to the wedding anyway. Not because I want to see the surface, but because I don’t want to see your daughter heartbroken on the absence of her ‘father’ in her most important day of her life.”

Well, there goes my good mood for the day.

With that, I stormed out of the testing room and walked towards my room to suit up a tuxedo.

After I got dressed and made myself decent enough for the wedding. I glanced at the mirror one last time before stepping out of my room and seeing a familiar face of a smiling human, waiting beside the door. “Oh, umm agent…” I rocked my brain, trying to remember his name. “…Davis.  What do you want?”

His smile dropped and he sighed. “I’ll say it again. It’s pronounced Dah-Vis, sir.” I rolled my eyes. “Anyway sir, I’ve been informed that you’ll be visiting the surface. I’m tasked to lead you the way.”

I smiled. “Well, let’s get going then.” He nodded and we set track to the elevator that would bring us to the surface. While we’re walking to the hallways, I noticed something different in the facility… “Is it just me or is it a bit more crowded than usual here?” I asked, looking around the crowded halls.

Davis glanced around and nodded. “We’re having a bit of trouble dealing with the Shreas barging into the planet. They said peace but we don’t have any exchange whatsoever. We have a feeling that they have another motive.” ‘What is he a robot? I can’t get small talks out of him.’

We reached the elevator and we stepped in. I couldn’t hide my excitement of finally getting to see the surface for the first time since I was created, but deep down I was still pissed at Michael for deliberately choosing his work over his daughter’s wedding. Nothing bad is really happening right now, why shouldn’t he go?

“Are you okay, sir? You look a bit troubled.” I heard Davis asked me in concern.

I turned to him and nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just get me to the surface. I have a lot in my mind right now. Mainly on my Alpha.” I waved him over as the elevator door opened. The trip to the surface mainly last around fifteen to twenty minutes so there are chairs and television placed around in order to accommodate the long trip up.

Lazily plopping down the nearest chair, I turned towards the television in front of me. It was displaying the news happening around the world, mainly about the aliens visiting Earth. I didn’t really pay it much attention at all. It’s the same news over and over again. I heard someone sitting on a chair beside me, probably Davis. He looked at the screen for a moment before turned towards me. “What’s wrong with Mr. Orion? You know sir. He’s just doing all sorts of experiments on you because you have an important task later on.”

“No. That’s not it.” I leaned back on my seat. “I just don’t feel right on attending his daughter’s wedding disguised as him.” I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. “Let’s just shut up for a moment. I don’t want to talk about it. I’m bummed enough as it is.”

With my eyes closed, I don’t know if he nodded but I think he did. He just kept quiet the whole tri… Wait why is the elevator shaking?

I opened my eyes to see the elevator was indeed shaking lightly. “Do you feel that?” I asked Davis. I turned to him to see his gaze glued towards the television.

He suddenly gasped. “Dear god…” ‘What?’

Confused, I turned towards to what he was watching, but before could get a look at it, the elevator shakes violently, nearly throwing me off my seat. I managed grab hold of my chair and shouted. “What the fuck is happening?”

“Shreas!” he screamed, holding on his chair for his dear life.

“What?!” He pointed towards the television.

I blinked and turned towards it. The newsroom was in total chaos. There seemed to be a huge earthquake happening in there and the reporters from earlier appeared to be missing. I could only see a few words were left written below the screen before the signal completely went out.

BREAKING NEWS: EARTH UNDER ATTACK

As the signal went out, there were still a couple of things written below but I didn’t have time to read them. Besides, I already know what’s happening. ‘Those alien bastards!’

All of the sudden, in the violent trembling of the elevator, I heard a loud snap just above us. Suddenly we were forced up as the elevator rocked and fell a few feet downwards.

“Shit!” I managed to grab hold of my chair as the elevator lurched down.

“Sir!” I turned to look at Davis to see him now firmly seated on his chair trying to get my attention. “There are seatbelts just below the seat.” He gestured below. ”You need hurry sir. I don’t think the elevator can hold on much longer!”

The moment he said that, I tried to seat myself on the chair from the constant quavering of the elevator. I managed to do that and reached below just as Davis said. I found the seatbelts safely tucked. I was about to put them on but suddenly a couple of steel cable snapped above that sends us plummeting a few feet below…but that’s not going to stop me.

I noticed that my vision was suddenly getting brighter every second, but I didn’t ponder on it. With one last push I successfully slid the seatbelt on with a satisfying click before hearing the final steel cables above us snap, sending us and the elevator plunging down to the ground.

The sudden feeling of weightlessness from the falling elevator, my vision was suddenly engulfed by white…

My eyes sprung open and my body jolted awake. My chest heaved rapidly with heavy panting. At an instant, I instinctively reached for the Benevolence and frantically looked around for any sign of danger. I didn’t know where I was for the time being until became aware of the familiar wooden walls around me, the smell of salt and rum fills the air, and the uncomfortable rope hummock I’m currently lying on to. Oh right, I’m in the Mickey…

I sighed and leaned back down to my hummock. I closed my eyes as I began to calm myself, slowing down my rugged breathing. With each breath I take, I finally slowed my heart rate down to normal. But as much as I want to relax, I just can’t seem to get my dream out of my mind. Opening my eyes, I sat up and placed a hand on my forehead, massaging my temple.

“What. The. Fuck.” I muttered between breathing.

I haven’t had a dream for decades. Every time I sleep, all I could see were just nothing but a black void, nothing but a dreamless slumber. But why do I have one now? Come to think of it, that wasn’t a normal dream either. It was a memory of my past two hundred years ago. It was from Earth, my birth planet, the same time as the Shreas attacked…Why?

Those memories were left forgotten and should be forgotten for the right reasons. My mind is not safe on relieving dark pasts, not when I’m in borderline insanity.  I was quite happy in not having dreams whenever I slept thank you very much. But what seemed to trigger it?

With a couple of firm knock on my forehead in an attempt to push to any of the lingering thoughts out of my mind, I took a deep breath and sluggishly stood up from the hummock, slipping on my robe and boots in the process and started my journey to the deck.

After finally making my way up towards the deck, I saw the view of the open ocean. There was nothing but seawater as far as eye could see. We’re currently in the middle of the ocean, on the way to the pony lands. We left the port about a week ago. The goodbyes were quick and brief, since Captain Quinn was the only one I really know. I got a warm hug from her and even a peck in the cheek as gratitude for helping her save her crew even though I said it was fine. I could tell she was a bit sad to see me go, but if she really is then she didn’t really showed it in order to maintain her reputation.

If I didn’t know any better, that fox had a soft spot on me.

Anyway, after remembering the last days in the port, I noticed that everyone on board was currently gathered around on the other side of the ship staring blankly and muttering towards each other.

“What’s going on here?” I approached the group.

Winsor poked his head out. “Have ye seen it lass” he walked towards me. ”There be black mist hovered above us ten minutes ago.”

I looked confused. “Black mist?”

“Aye,” he led me to the railing and pointed out the sea. “It be went over there, lass. I can’t put me paw on it, but about the black mist over there is bad news. The way the cloud be moving looks like it’s alive.”

Straining my eyes, I did in fact see a black bellowing mist far out the sea moving west at the edge. It might be just a coincidence that I had a dream or a memory for that matter, the same time that mist past the ship. The idea seemed to be far-fetched but I wouldn’t cross it out completely. However, is that probably a windigo maybe? Nah, it’s black!

“Probably nothing, it’s gone anyway so forget about it.” I said staring on the open ocean.

Winsor shrugged. “I guess yer right lass. What harm would it do? It’s just a black cloud.” Yeah…Just a black cloud.

He went silent for a moment before tapping my sword’s sheath. “Aye, lass.” I turned to look at him. “Remember the offer I gave yer to teach ye swordfigthing?” I nodded. “Whattaya say?”

“Well okay, I guess it’s the best I learn now since it’s going to take a month to cross the sea, why not.”

Winsor beamed at my answer. “That’s great ta know,” he pushed me towards the middle of the deck. “Ye wont regret learning from the best of the best. Let’s get started right now.” Yeah, the best of the best…right.

As we got to the center, Winsor handed me a wooden sword. Grabbing it, I looked at in confused. “What is this for?”

Winsor looked at me like I was stupid. “That’s a training sword laddie. It’s to keep us from killing each other.” He replied, swinging his own wooden sword, testing it. “Now before we start the lesson lass,” he smirked. “I want yer to call me ‘master’ for the time being while I train yer. Understood?”

I blinked. “…eat shit.”

The smile of his face vanished and he sighed. “I knew you would say that.” Then why did you ask me in the first place, dumbass. He raised his sword and assumes a stance. “Now, why should we spar first lass. I’d like ta know how good ye are before I judge yer.”

I nodded, raising my wooden sword and assuming my own stance. The quick lesson of Quinn suddenly popped out in mind. Be aggressive and observe the footwork.

After a minute pass with nothing happening. I took the first swing, knowing full well Winsor isn’t going to start it at the given time. My swing got blocked with ease. Winsor then reared back, thrusting his sword to me which I promptly dodged and took a step back creating distance.

“Well, looks like ye got it in yer lass. Just a bit—YAAAGHH!” he charged towards me with his sword high up in the air.

I froze and recoiled a bit at his sudden…er expected attack, but regained my composure just in time to shield his blows. Unlike Quinn, Winsor wasn’t holding back in the spar. Although, he could have gotten me with his surprise attack if he didn’t yell before charging. Even now, he still hasn’t learned.

The fight was one sided as far as I could tell. The two of us standing in one place, trading feints, thrust and parries with lightning speed…well not really, it’s just him. I just stood my ground and blocked all of his blows. The only thing keeping me from losing right now is that I can dodge and block every swing he’s given to me. That’s it. Every time I tried to thrust my sword to him, he swiftly parried it before swinging to me with renewed vigor. I know he’s not as good as Quinn or mobile for that matter. But, damn the old rat can swing.

A smart change of approach was all I need to turn this spar around. I need to do something unexpected to even this fight. The rat might be a veteran when it comes to a sword fights, but my experienced mind has a few tricks under my sleeve…and a trick I have.

Which is cheating.

I jump back out of range from the ass whooping Winsor was giving me. I didn’t know if throwing your sword to your opponent is part of the rules…but what the hell he’s a pirate, they don’t have rules, I think. I flicked the sword up and hold it like I would if I’m about to throw a dagger. My action seemed to confuse him just enough to lower his wooden sword, giving me the opening I need.

With a viscous overhand motion, threw my sword towards the rat in an attempt to end the fight…just for it to fly across him, pathetically missing him by a few inches to the left. Damn!

Winsor froze as the wooden sword sailed across, barely missing him. He looked back and stared at it wide-eyed before turning to me with a grin and charging to me, sword raised up. Shit!

I raised my arms up, blocking the blow of the wooden sword from hitting my head.  “Okay, okay I lose. Fuck!”

He stopped the beating he was giving me and took a step back snickering. The hits weren’t exactly painful given that it’s just a wooden stick that looked like a sword, but I could tell the hits will probably give me bruises. “Yer should have known better than to throw yer weapon, lass.”

“Yeah, I get it. I was trying something new and unexpected and it backfired. A habit I have handling daggers and spears, I guess.” I shrugged. “I could have hit you though.” All I need is a little practice.

He frowned. ”Nay lass, swords aren’t made for that.” Try me. “Yer problem is ye treat yer weapon like a dagger when you find yerself in the losing end. Don’t make a habit on throwing yer sword lass.”

All I need is a little practice…Yeah.

“Yer should have known better than try something new on a fight.” Winsor continued.

“Well, you’re wrong about that.” I started. “From all my years of fighting, when you clearly no match on a fight, then all you need is a change of plan and do something unexpected to them.”

He chuckled. “Nay lass, we don’t actual—.” He was suddenly interrupted by a white pegasus tackling him to the ground.

“Why are you hurting Michoroonie?!” Surprise yelled at the rat, voice filling with rage.

Winsor froze at the sight of enraged Surprise. He hadn’t seen Surprise this mad before, In fact I haven’t seen Surprise this mad before. “Umm..I…I… Miss Surprise, the lass and I were just sparring. No one is actually getting hurt.”

I took a step forward approaching them. “He’s right Surprise. We’re just having a spar no big deal.” I continued, “Although, he could have stopped swinging his stick when he already hit me once to win the spar, not until I start sporting several bruises on my arms.” I swear I’m not being a pussy here. That scene was more annoying than painful, believe me.

This made Surprise glare at the pirate captain, which in turn made him glare towards me.

I shrugged and went to pull the enraged pegasus out of Winsor. “If I ever catch you hurt Michoroonie again, then I won’t throw you a party. Understand?” Surprise hissed. Wow…threatening.

“Aye,”

Later that night, I found myself beside the captain eating on the ship’s deck. Apples, rum, and most importantly meat were placed around on the long table. My doubts on eating pirate foods soon disappeared once I took a bite. Winsor wasn’t kidding around when he said Ratatouille can cook and damn, he can cook indeed.

Normally, I wouldn’t attend on this kind of feast especially with the dirty ass foods of the pirates, you know full of salts and stuff. I wasn’t even a bit hungry when Winsor invited me…well, more like forced me to join. The rat captain said that it was tradition that in the night of the first week travel, they would gather around the deck and eat like there’s no tomorrow. I would have said fuck it but instantly change my mind when I heard that they’ll have meat. Fuck yeah!

Just in the opposite of my position, Surprise was mauling off all the food she could see around her, except the meat of course. Surprisingly, Surprise wasn’t fazed or grossed out by the slabs of meat beside her. The perks of living and travelling most of her life on the land full of meat eaters, I guess.

“Mister Vesper.” I heard a voice behind me. Ratatouille?

“Hmm?” I turned around and it was in fact the chef of the night.

He held out a mug. “Care to join us in our drinking game?” he pointed towards a group behind him. There was the rat from the raid…umm I think his name is Whiskey or something, and three griffons. Ratatouille remained stoic, casting his eyes on me completely devoid of emotion, waiting for an answer. What is he up to?

I shrugged. “What the hell, why not.”

I saw a small grin on his face and motioned for me to follow him to the group. They were probably thinking I was some lightweight. What they didn’t know that it was practically nearly impossible for me to get drunk.

Well, jokes on them.

“So,” I sat down next to them. “What’s the game we’re playing?”

“Just a simple wee bee dice game lass, didn’t really think of a name that be fit this one.” Ratatouille answered as he places two dices at the top of the table. “Each one of us will have a turn rolling the dice. The one that gets lowest has the lowest has ta drink a whole mug of rum and answer one question to whoever wins on spinning the bottle.”

I grinned, a plan instantly formulating on my mind. “That sounds interesting. What are the stakes?”

“Yer secrets are,” with a snap of Ratatouille’s fingers, a barrel of what I think is rum rolled next to our table. “Sometimes when we get drunk, we start spewing secrets on our tongue. Better be careful with that. And that’s the specialty of me rum right here.” Oh, I’m sure I will.

“So, who’ll be the first one to start?”

The rat from the raid...umm Whiskey snatched the dice and said. “Me.” He shook the dice in his hands for a few second before throwing them.

Five and four.

The rat grinned as Ratatouille grabbed the dice on the table, signaling it was his turn to roll. The other guys from the group didn’t join us in the game, satisfied on just watching us three play our game.

“My turn.” Ratatouille said. He didn’t even shake the dice. He just casually threw it to the table.

Six and six.

Well, these bastards are unnaturally lucky aren’t they? With a deep breath, I reached out and plucked the two dices at the center of the table. I started shaking my hand. Okay, I just need a number not lower than five and four. No big deal.

With a gentle flick of my hand, the dices bounced and rolled on the table, eventually stopping and landing on…

One and one.

I blinked. Fuck, I suck.

I gulped down a mug just in time for Ratatouille to ask me a question since he won the spin the bottle. How does that even work with just the two of them?

“Okay Mr. Vesper. What are you most afraid of?”

I began to think of an answer. I knew better than to tell them the truth…but there’s no rule in here about lying. Oh what to do what to do?

I lied.

The night went on rather swimmingly per se. At first, I wondered how I keep getting one and ones on my dice roll but then after a few turns, I noticed I just suck at throwing dices. Jokes on them though, they didn’t noticed I was lying through my teeth the whole time they questioned me. Of course they didn’t notice this. I kept my very good poker face on.  Hundreds of years of practice didn’t let me down.

Eventually, after a couple of more rounds, I found myself getting a hang of throwing the dice, finally ending my losing streak and winning a couple of rounds for myself. I should have known it was just like throwing a dagger.

When the barrel we have had gone empty. I was greeted by the sight of two, hammered pirate rats. Even though I think I was the one that drunk half of the barrel of rum because of my early game antics, I was just feeling tipsy at the moment, far from being drunk.

Feeling accomplished, I managed to squeeze a few secrets out of them. Ratatouille was a former captain of the ship…well I didn’t really understand the name he said, he just slurred it out. He was relieved from his position when he lost a duel from one of his crews on the ship. That’s all that is to know about him. I’m a bit amazed on his ability to control himself despite being drunk off his as. Heck, he can even lie too, but he was a bit bad on since I can easily see through him, either he was just really drunk or bad at lying altogether. Whiskey on the other hand was not quite as subtle as Ratatouille. The drunken pirate whispered to me that he was a homosexual and he has feelings for our pirate chef. Oh the things I can blackmail him.

“Whishkeyy!” Ratatouille slurred as he shakily stood up, almost toppling over in the process. “Pull out…a..anootthher…barrel. We be ains’t done…yet!” He ordered.

What the poor, drunken chef didn’t realized was that his friend had passed out about ten minutes ago.

“I think ye had enough, First Mate.” Winsor stepped forward. “Yer drunk off yer rear there, and don’t forget that we still have three weeks of travel. So spare the rums.”

Ratatouille tilted his head, unamused at the Captain’s intervention. “Yer mishhtaken there…Cap’n…I ain’t drunk.” He slurred. “I’m be jushht a bit…tipsh--.” He passed out and landed on the floor with a loud rather thump.

…Well, then I guess I win.

Winsor sighed, massaging his temples, “He always gets like this.” He turned to me. “Remember lass, never join in me first mate’s drinking game. It’ll do more harm to us than good. The rat is a bit competitive in game like this. Anyway, how are ya ain’t drunk anyway? I think ye drunk like twenty mugs o’ rum.”

I shrugged. “I’m a freak. What can I do?”

“Just don’t be joining anymore of drinking games lass, we ain’t got enough rums to get yer drunk.”

I waved a hand. “Don’t worry, I don’t plan to. It’ll take me like five barrels for me to get drunk, I think.”

He nodded. Letting out a yawn, he turned towards to the rest of the crew. “Night’s over me hearties, let be get some shut eye. And if I ever catch ye gizzards taking out a barrel then I’ll throw ye landlubbers overboard.”

The crew…or what’s left of them that wasn’t hammered or passed out saluted. With that, Winsor lazily walked over to his quarters.

“Some party huh?” I heard Surprise said beside me. “What does rum taste like?”

I turned to her, quirking an eyebrow. “Wait, why don’t you know? You didn’t drink?”

She giggled. “Nope, I don’t drink at all. I don’t really like alcohol that much.” Good girl.

“Well to tell you the truth, it didn’t taste that delicious. Alcohol is not as good when you can’t get drunk from it. I just joined in the fun since I’m bored as shit.”

She gasped. “How can you get bored at a party?”

“I don’t know. I don’t really care about it.” I shrugged. “I’m just here because I heard they have meat.”

“Mchoroonie,” she sighed. “Sometimes, have fun with little things. Now that I think about it, how about talk to someone other than me or Winsor. Sometimes you just lean on the deck and stare at the ocean all day. Have fun even a little bit, you can’t just go and mope around all day.”

“I’m not, and where can I have this fun you’re saying on this ship?” I continued. “There’s nothing here but dirty old pirates and rum.”

She let out a huge smile. “You just asked the right mare for the job.” She grabbed my hand with her hooves and pulled me forward. “Come on, times a wastin’.”

“Ugh, Surprise?” I stopped her. “You know it’s like about midnight right? Why don’t you go to sleep and we’ll continue this fun tomorrow. Besides, I don’t think we’ll find fun in the deck full of this.” I gestured over to the deck of passed out, drunken pirates.

Her ears flatten, disappointed of the delay. “Oh okay, I guess it can wait. I’ll wake you up early then, so we get started on my fun tour first thing in the morning.” Oh right, we’re roommates.

“That won’t be necessary, I’m not gonna sleep tonight. I’m not a bit tired.”

“Okie dokie, Michoroonie!”

With that, she flew away towards our cabin. I wondered how she could get some sleep with that kind of energy she’s having even dead at night, but what the heck. It’s not my problem.

Walking towards the bow of the ship, I leaned forward to the railing and stared at the open ocean in front of me. The night was cold and calm. Times like these keeps my mind relaxed and prevents me from snapping and going insane. Being immortal has it pros and cons. While it’s good to live forever, keeping your mind sane and intact especially from the experiences I had encountered during my two hundred year life was quite tasking.

My thoughts suddenly shifted from the dream—no memory I had earlier today. What is the reason it suddenly popped up? I didn’t have any dreams every time I sleep before. That black cloud has got something do to with this. Since it wasn’t around anymore that could mean I could go back to sleep, but still I wouldn’t risk of dreaming again.

I took a deep breath of the cold night air, draining my mind devoid of anymore thoughts. I came here to relax and I will relax. Thinking any more of those problems would just probably stress me further.

I bowed my head down and closed my eyes, listening to flapping of the huge sails above me, catching the cold night breeze, propelling the ship forward. I waited until sunrise to come.

“And here’s the crow’s nest being watched by Tealow. Hi Tealow!” she waved at the griffon on top of the crow’s nest, which in turn the griffon flat out ignores her. That made my pegasus companion raise an eyebrow. “Hmm…I think she can’t hear me, I’ll introduce you to her later.” She’s a chick?

“That’s nice, but I thought you said we’ll have fun not give me a tour of the ship.”

“But, this is fun!” What?!

“If you count walking around all day meeting dirty old pirates fun, then I think you should get your brain checked. There’s nothing fun about this.”

“But there is! You get the joy of meeting new ponies. Perhaps, make new friends.”

“Friends? I ain’t got no time for that.” I sneered. “And I’m sure I don’t want to be friends with pirates, well except for Winsor and Quinn that is.”

Surprise frowned. “Michoroonie,” she started. “If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all.”

“But, what if the thing I’m saying will help her in the future?”

“Don’t be silly, Michoroonie. Then I guess it is okay to tell. You’re helping her after all.”

“You know, that contradicts what you said earlier, right?”

“And that’s the beauty of it!”

I stopped and shot a confused look at her. “…What?” I shook my head. “You know what, forget about it. Let’s continue on your fun tour or whatever it’s called.” I said. Surprise was just smiling all the time. “But I have just one question for you, how do you stay happy with all that’s going?” she giggled. “Like that.”

“I just think or do something I like, something that makes me happy. That’s all is to it.”

“Which is?”

“Hanging out with my bestest best friend.”

You know what. I might learn a thing or two from her all along.

“That’s nice. So, are there any more of your new friends you want to introduce to me?”

“Ooh! I know, I’ll introduce you to two minotaurs, Perseverance and Vitality.” What kind of names is that?

“Well then, go ahead. In fact I think there they are.” I pointed to the upper deck where the two minotaur stood, talking to one another.

She beamed and pulled my hand to follow her. “I bet you’re gonna like them.”

“A minotaur?” I rolled my eyes. “Probably not, so don’t get your hopes up.”

“Why not.”

“Last time I saw one, he’s a greedy suicidal bastard. Though, I can give them a benefit of the doubt, but I can’t see us getting along. However, that’s just my two cents.” I answered as we stepped inside the upper deck.

“Greetings Surprise the pegasus and um…whoever you are.” One of them greeted us.

“Vitality, Perseverance, I’d like you to meet my bestest best friend, Michorean.” Surprise continued. “And don’t anyone of you dare call him Michoroonie. I’m the only one who can say that.”

The burly minotaur paused, but shrugged a few seconds after.

“He sure is odd looking, right Perseverance?” The other minotaur said, eyeing me.

“Didn’t know I was a mirror.”

In the corner of my vision, I can see Surprise giving me a stern look. The minotaur chuckled. “No. I didn’t mean it like that, you just kind of look like us but without the horns and less muscles, if you know where I’m getting at. How about this, let’s start over.” He stood proudly. “The name’s Vitality, the toughest minotaur to walk the lands. And this here is--.”

“No! let me introduce myself.” He shoved the burly minotaur to the side. “Perseverance, the most persistent son of a bull you’ll ever meet.”

“Let me guess, your brothers aren’t you?”

They nodded.

“Okay, then I’ll be on my way.” I turned around to leave but Surprise stopped me, tugging my sleeve with her mouth.

“Nooo! Don’t leave.” She pouted. “We haven’t gotten to the fun part yet.”

I crossed my arms. “I think that classifies what you think is fun.”

“Well, what do you think is fun?”

“Umm…I don’t know, how about something other than talking all day. In case if you haven’t noticed, I’m not really that social. I don’t do small talk, I talk about something serious.”

“That’s the problem with you Michoroonie! You’re always serious and grumpy grump grump. Have fun every once in a while. “

“Don’t waste your breath on him Surprise. He’s not worth it.” Vitality butted in, earning a slap behind his head from Perseverance.

Surprise turned to glare at him while I took a step forward menacingly. “Interesting face you got there. It would be a shame if I fuck it up.”

“Hah! You wouldn’t even get a scratch on me even if you try.”

“Well, that’s your opinon.”

At an instant, Surprise flew between the two of us. “Whoa, whoa time out guys. No need to fight.” She turned to me. “I think it is best if we skeedaddle here.”

Surprise then pulled me down towards the lower deck.

“You should have been friendlier to them, Michoroonie.” Surprise said as she released me.

“What? Friendlier? The fuck are you getting at?” I scoffed. “I’m trying my best here. It’s not my fault they’re a bunch of racist assholes, in fact, they should be lucky they’re not dead right now.”

“See! That’s where I’m getting at. You keep easily get angry at small things.”

“What, you think I’m angry?” I snickered, “Annoyed yes, but not angry. I know how to keep my emotions in check thank you very much. If I was angry then they should’ve have been wallowing in their own bloo--.” I stopped myself when I realized who I was talking to. “You know what, forget it.” I sighed. “I still don’t think how this would help me.”

“Trust me Michoroonie, this will help you.”

“Yeah, right like that wi--.” She gave me another look. “All right, all right I give.” I sighed. “So, what’s next on your fun tour?”

She placed a hoof on her chin. “How about we go meet Tealow? I think she should be done on watch by now.”

I shrugged. “Fine by me, you’re the boss here. Just make sure she ain’t racist then we’ll all be okay.”

She smiled. “Don’t worry, she’s nothing like that. Ohh! And here she comes.”

Just like that, the said griffon landed beside surprise. “Hiya Surprise…and Mr. Vesper.” She greeted with a cheerful tone. She has bits of teal colored feathers covering her upper body. Maybe that’s where they got the name Tealow. That’s just a quick guess though.

I raised an eyebrow. “You know me?”

“Of, course I do. I’m the watcher of this ship. It’s kind of my job. I even heard you lead the raid that freed Captain Quinn’s crew why wouldn’t I?” You know I’m starting to like this fellow…you know, not being racist and all that. “And friendly advice, stay out of Whiskey and the three other griffons.”

“Why, is something wrong?”

She looked both sides before continuing. “Maybe, but I’m not sure. What I know is that they’re planning something big and it’s not good. Plus, from the looks of it, I think they’re targeting you.”

Surprise gasped and I rolled my eyes. “They’re just probably pissed that I beat them in their drinking game. I didn’t even get drunk from their game, just a bit tipsy at best. Maybe they thought I cheated…eh I don’t know, I don’t care as long as they don’t try something to me.”

Surprise’s ears perked up. “Wow, I didn’t know they are a bunch of meanies. So, that’s why they’ve been avoiding me…” she mused. “I thought they just didn’t like me, but know I’m glad that happened.”

“If they didn’t like you, then they’re assholes…or they just don’t like you, but either way they’re still an ass.” I continued. “Oh and Tealow, thanks for the tip by the way.”

She nodded. “No problem, that’s what fellow pirates are for.”

“I’m not a pirate, I’m a mercenary or an assassin if you might prefer.”

She shrugged. “Assassin, pirate, they are all the same.” No, they’re not. “Well, it was nice meeting you two, but I gotta get some shut eye.” She let out a long yawn. “I haven’t slept all night. And remember my warning you two.”

“Will do,” I answered. With a mighty flap of her wing, she flew off towards the lower deck. “Well then, best I get going then.”

“Wait! Where do you think you’re going?” Surprise stopped me.

“What, we’re not done yet?” I sighed. “I was going to go do my thing.”

She tilted her head, brows furrowed. “Like what? Standing around all day watching the sea?”

“Yeah, something like that…”

She huffed. “Well, I’m not gonna have it. Why do you keep insisting yourself to be alone? Why don’t hang out with me, you’re my bestest friend. Don’t you like me?”

“Of course I do, you’re the only friend I have left. Why did you even ask me that? I’m just not in the mood right now. You’ve gotten yourself acquainted to the pirates here right? Why don’t you hang out with them for the time being?”

“I don’t know, but something in my gut says that I can’t trust them.” Hmm…where are you getting at? “I don’t know what or why, but the feeling is stuck with me whenever I get near them, like they are going to hurt me any second.” I could see tears welling in her eyes as she said that.

I knelt down and patted her back. “Hey, Surprise it’s okay. As long as I’m around, I will kill anyone who even tries to put a hurt on you.” I said softly, comforting the weeping pegasus. “You know what; go ahead let’s continue on your fun tour.”

She nodded.

There’s something definitely wrong in Surprise, I can tell you that. As much as I know her, there was something troubling her deep inside. She hides it by being happy, but clearly failed as seen by that near breakdown there. I didn’t pry or asked her about it though. I know it’s best to leave it alone, it might trigger unwanted memories. Sometimes, memories are best left forgotten.

We continued the fun tour without any disturbances. She taught me how to tie a knot, swing on ropes on the masts, and other stuff she classified as fun. If you’re thinking how the hell she taught me…Well, she used her wings. Kind of creative right? For her sake, I didn’t let Surprise catch me not being interested in her tirade. I even put on a fake laugh and smile at one moment.

The days went on as usual, with Winsor teaching me swords half of the day and hanging out with Surprise after that, even with Tealow every once in a while. I seemed to notice that Ratatouille has been avoiding me for some reason. I didn’t ponder on it though, his cooking is the shit! Although, I can’t shake this feeling that the food I’m eating was kind of bad for me on some reason. It seems to give me slight stomach cramps every time after my meal. It wasn’t too disturbing. As a matter of fact, I didn’t even felt a single thing. Maybe it’s just the pirate food…meh.

However, on the start of our third week of sailing, I suddenly felt the temperature drop. It wasn’t too cold or anything, but enough to be noticeable.

“Ship ahoy!” I heard Tealow shouted from the crow’s nest.

“What?!” Winsor yelled, confused as he lowered his training sword and turned towards the crow’s nest. “Did yer say ship? That’s impossible!”

We were currently sparring as Tealow interrupted us. I would have landed a cheap shot on Winsor since he was currently distracted, but it is best I decided to play good for now. There were important matters at hand.

“Aye Captain! It’s heading to our side.”

After hearing that, Winsor and I and even a few of the pirates that were currently on the deck rushed towards to the bow to get a good look of the ship ahead of us. It sounds like Tealow was right, but from the looks of it I can safely say that no one on board is alive on that thing. The state of the ship was much like the Rusted Feather when it came to the dock except that the deck is still intact.

“Well, it’s a grost ship.” I muttered as I turned to look at Winsor whose eyes were glued ahead. “Why don’t we board it? From the looks of it, I can say it wouldn’t collapse on us when we step foot inside.

“What?! Are ye crazy lass? What could we possibly get in the damned ship? And believe me that things gonna collapse ye bet on it.”

I gave an unamused look. “Look, how many times have you said that and it turns out I’m right?” he respond to that. “Yeah, that’s what I thought and hey, it might give us an idea on what were gonna fight.”

“…I still think it’s gonna collapse on us.”

“Look, as long as we don’t step in the ship all at once, then we won’t be in danger of dying.” I shrugged. “Beside I think I’m the only one going in there.”

“Yer right about that, cuz’ I aint stepping one foot on that Tartarus hole.” That’s the second time I he mentioned that, and I think I remember Astra mentioning about something like the Tartarus is slowly opening and breaking free or something like that. From what I could think of, it might be some sort of underworld. But then again, I can’t be sure about it. I’ll ask him about that later.

“We be going there too, Captain.” Ratatouille spoke, as his posse as I like to call them, him, Whiskey, and three griffons step forward. “We be going there see if there’s any survivors, even check if anything is worth getting there.” Something on my mind clicked when he said that. There was a lie somewhere in there. I don’t know where, but it warrants my attention.

I remained to act oblivious about it though.

Winsor shrugged. “Fine by me First Mate.” He said. “Is there anyrat else that be going?”

“…I am.” We heard a soft, croaked whisper behind us…Wait Surprise?

“Why in blazes do yer want to go there, Miss Surprise?” Winsor asked with his eyes wide, clearly surprised.

“I-I just need to see something?” she stuttered. There was no doubt something about that ghost ship was bothering her. Her voice was soft and weak which made our eyebrows rise.

Winsor was about to protest but I cut him off. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on her. If she wants to come, then why should we stop her?” I whispered to the rat. “Now, when do we expect to board the ship?”

The rat captain sighed and looks at the floating ship ahead of us, calculating the distance. “About fifteen minutes, give or take. Wait on the deck lass; we’ll board the ship at the side. I’ll get some planks to cross it.”

Exactly fifteen minutes in, we found ourselves on the deck, about to cross the ghost ship. The Mickey shot some kind of harpoon, immobilizing it. However, before we could cross it, I turned around and set a last minute reminder. “Okay, listen up. So, to make sure the ship’s deck won’t collapse on us, Surprise and I will go first.”

They nodded.

We boarded the ship rather slowly. I could see Surprise’s head moving back and forth, her eyes fixated like she was examining every nook and cranny of the ship. But she seems to ignore what’s in front of her. There are fucking pieces of limbs scattered around the deck, holy shit!

Fortunately for us, the cold air appeared to be covering up the rotting smell emanating from the corpses. That or I have just gotten used to the smell, either way I was fortunate.

It was kind of similar to the ones on the Rusted Feather, except all or most of the ones here are encased in ice. The whole ship seems to be emanating some sort of a cold feeling. I could feel a slight breeze of cold wind every minute since I got here. It was kind of expected when most of the ship was covered with ice and snow.

Placing a hand on the wooden pole, it was freezing cold. The brown color of the wood has been replaced with a slight bluish color, with bits of icicles protruding at the side. The sail of the ship weren’t frozen solid, but it was kind of wet from what I could see. The ship’s sail was a skull of a rat with a single cutlass embedded on it.

This whole ship is freezing cold, I could tell you that. Hell, I even saw my breath at one moment.

A gasp from my side interrupted me from my observation. Looking at Surprise, she was breathing heavily and her lips were slightly trembling as she gazed around the ship.

“Hey, are you okay?” I asked, concerned at my pegasus companion.

She ignored my question and head towards to the captain’s cabin. Before I followed her, I gave a few test stomps on the floorboards of the deck before waving towards Ratatouille’s posse, signaling them it’s safe for them to cross. The floor seemed to be sturdy enough not to collapse on our combined weights.

As I entered the chilly cabin, I saw Surprise with her eyes watering and her head gazing every corner of the cabin, like she was frantically looking for something. I knew better than to bother her with a question at this moment. She was breathing heavily, glancing around from time to time and weakly whispering something incoherently. She was relieving something, maybe a memory or some sorts. There was one thing on my mind that I was questioning… What’s so special about this ship anyway?

“N-now…I remember.” Surprise mused, tears running down from her face.

I was about to question what she meant, but she flew out with droplets of tears trailing her. I could have gone after her, but my curiosity on this ship grew even further on that. I know Winsor wouldn’t let us stay here long so I had to make a choice whether to stay or not.

The curiosity won.

I felt bad for myself for leaving Surprise like that, but I have to do what I came here to do. She’ll benefit from this anyway. The more I learn about Windigos, the more I feel safer confronting them.

I saw Ratatouille enter the cabin, albeit slowly. “What be gotten into her, Mr. Vesper?” he asked as he stared blankly into me. The tone of his voice even, no emotion present whatsoever.

That made my hand slide towards the Benevolence for good reasons. Ratatouille has been acting strange lately. But despite that, I remained to act oblivious of his actions. Act being the keyword.

“I don’t know. So, what have you found so far?” I asked, changing the subject.

He eyed me for a moment before he sighed. “Nothing so far but ice and scattered limbs.” He said as he glanced at the cabin. “Mind if we look here?”

I waved a hand. “Nah, go ahead. I’m done here anyway.”

I got out of there as soon as his posse entered and examined the captain’s cabin. Whenever they get close, I get an odd feeling towards to the group. I don’t know why, but my hunches never proven me wrong before. There was nothing there but frozen chairs and parchments anyway, so why bother?

I decided to continue on the pirate’s quarters below. Swiftly gliding myself from the scattered remnants of the ship’s crews while also being careful not to slip and bust my ass from the icy floorboards.

Climbing down the stairs to the quarters, my eyes widened as I entered. There were dozens of bodies frozen solid. They were completely intact except the one on the back that looked like the body was severed in half. I counted about eight of them save for the one on the back. There were five rats and two griffons all encased in thick ice.

I didn’t know anything about cryogenics, but I think they’re still alive in there, just frozen solid. Well that’s what I’m hoping to. They could shed some light about the Windigos.

I approached the frozen rat closest to me and gently picked it up. Rats are quite light and small so I would have no trouble carrying them back to the ship. Climbing the stairs back up to the main deck, I saw Ratatouille and his posse, rummaging something from the cabin I entered earlier.

One of the griffons that glanced toward my direction jaw dropped as he saw me carrying a frozen rat on my arms and flew over me. “What is that? Wait, is that a rat? Where did you find him?”

“On the quarters.” I answered, my arms straining from carrying the rat but not from the weight but from the iciness of the one I’m holding. “Tell Ratatouille to stop whatever the hell he’s doing there and go get the remaining survivors down below. The frozen crews are more important than stealing shit from the cabin.”

I saw his eyes narrowed at my order for a second before hesitantly saluting and flying to the cabin.

Crossing the makeshift plank bridge was a bit hard for me, given that I have to carry an eighty pound frozen rat on a three feet wide bridge across. The danger of the plank breaking from the combined weight of me and the frozen pirate was not unlikely. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. Well, good for me.

Finally boarding the Mickey, I immediately went to find Winsor and tell him what I had just found. Not seeing the rat anywhere on the bow of the ship where he usually is or even the stern for that matter. I figured he was in his cabin, doing his captainy things and all of that shit.

Placing the frozen rat beside the door just in front of Winsor’s cabin, I entered his cabin, finding the groggy captain on his desk looking all over his parchments, massaging his temples while reading.

I let out a small cough, causing him to look up. I smirked. ”Well, it looks like I’m right again. There are survivors in there.” I continued. “Though they’re frozen solid, they could still be a help to us with the small crew we’re having.”

“What?! Are ye serious?” I kept a straight face and he let out a small laugh. “Well, blow me down. Survivors were the last thing on my mind on that ship. Given the ship the ghost ship be frozen blue.”

“Yeah, I kinda noticed that. The ones on the deck are kind of shattered to pieces yet the ones below are intact and alive.”  I shrugged. “Not that I’m complaining or anything.”

Winsor stood up and quirked an eyebrow. “Yer said ‘they’. Are ye saying there are more of the frozen scallywags?”

I nodded as I lead him outside of the cabin where the frozen rat stood. “Here is one of them. There are seven of them left in the quarters below the main deck, four rats and three griffons, if I’m correct.”

Winsor examined, bemused. “The lass looks like he be frozen on the spot.” He placed his rat ear to the frozen pirate. “Is it alive lass? I don’t hear any heartbeat comin...”

I shrugged. “I don’t really know what happens when you get frozen solid, but it doesn’t matter. I wouldn’t hurt us to try to get them here. And by the way, I think you won’t hear any beat from him because of the thick ice encasing him, Sherlock.”

He looked at me confused. ”Who’s Sherlock, lass?”

I sighed and facepalmed. “Just someone you don’t know, forget it.” He shrugged. “Have your crew get the remaining survivors while I’ll go check on Surprise.”

“Why? What happened to her?”

“I’m not sure, she’s not hurt physically or anything, but she’s going through some deep stuff right about now.”

“Well, look after her for us lass, aight? She boosts morale on this ship whenever she’s around. I wouldn’t imagine her being hurt.”

“Will do, now call your crew and get your ass to the ship.”

He smirked and lifted an eyebrow. “Ye do know I’m the one in charge of the ship here lass, right?”

“Yeah, I don’t give a shit though.”

Winsor wholeheartedly chuckled and gave me a mock salute. “Aye, will do lass.”

With that, we parted ways as Winsor rounded up the remaining crew and crossed to the ghost ship. I on the other hand set track to our cabin to comfort my pegasus friend. Winsor was kind enough to give us our own cabin other than letting us sleep on the dirty hummocks on the ship’s quarters. If you ask me, I’m getting tired of this comforting stuff that’s happening quite often between Surprise and I. But of course, anything for a friend…right?

As I neared our cabin, I can someone whimpering and sobbing through the wooden door of our cabin.

Checking the door, it wasn’t locked. I decided to politely knock and wait for her permission for me to come in. If she doesn’t want to be bothered, then I won’t disturb her.

“…W-who’s there?” I heard her answer behind the door, in between sobs.

“It’s me.”

“…Come in.”

As I entered the cabin, I immediately saw her lying face down on her bed, crying.  The mare that was all fun and joy now lying on her tear soaked bed, weeping like there’s no tomorrow.

What happened?

That was the one question running through my mind as I saw this scene happening right in front of me. What could she possibly have seen in the ship that made her act this way? It wouldn’t have been the dead bodies that littered the ship because she appeared to have ignored it. I’m coming up blank in this one.

After about a minute she stops sobbing. She lifted her head and whispered, “Why?” She turned to look at me. “Why?” Her eyes bloodshot as tears flowed down on her cheek.

“Why what?” I asked. I was beyond confused at this moment, but concerned as well.

“I try to tell everypony to smile and have fun…but why can’t I do that for myself? I’m a wreck…Why would they believe me if…” She didn’t finish as she buried herself again in the pillows of the bed.

I walked towards her bed and sat down next to her. “Hey, the one knows better is the one who had experienced it and that’s you, don’t ever let anyone tell otherwise.”

“…”

“…”

Okay you know what; I suck at this kind of things.

As much as I didn’t want to ask her what it was because if she doesn’t want tell me then it’s fine, it wasn’t my goddamn business anyway and she didn’t snoop into my personal life. Why should I?

But I can’t shake this feeling that she somehow needs this, like weeks ago at the port’s town square. It seems like what happened there was somehow connected to this…

Okay…

I sighed. “You know I’m not the one to pry but, what did you see in there?”

“…You do know how I got here…from the pony lands, do you?”

“Yeah, you said you grew up in the pony lands and you crossed the sea when you were a filly.”

She nodded and took a deep shuddered breath as she starts her story, “I was only a filly, just a few years old when my parents decided to leave the pony lands and travel across the continent…’to see new sights and live a new life’ as they said. We boarded a merchant ship and my dad paid all or most of our remaining bits get them sail us across the ocean.

“One night, we were halfway across when suddenly a group of pirates attacked our ship. I didn’t remember what they looked like, but I knew what their flag looked like. When I saw that ship earlier when was in the deck, it reminded me of the one when I was a filly. But as soon as I saw the flag, I…I never forgot the skull with a thin sword drawn in it.”

Wait, it was the same exact ship?!

“I c-can’t remember what happened when the pirates attacked us. The memory is too hazy for me to remember, but the next thing I know was we were standing at the center of a cabin with my mom draping her wing on me, trying to protect me from those nasty old pirates…A-and my dad nowhere to be found.”

She looked down as a single tear rolled down to her cheek…

_____________________________________________________________________________

Sixteen years ago.

The night was gradually getting late as the sun set many hours ago. Out in the middle of the ocean, there is a large ship, with massive masts and a skull of a rat with a cutlass drawn on its huge sails. Most of the ship’s crews were out on the deck, singing, dancing, and drowning themselves with rum, celebrating their success on ‘catching a fish’ that night.

Inside the grand cabin of the ship stood a little pegasus filly with bright curly yellow mane, her eyes casting to the priceless ornaments at the large cabin, completely oblivious of what was happening around her.

“Mom,” the filly nudge the pegasus mare who was draping her wings on her. “Why are the mice bringing us here?”

A rat wearing a tricorne snapped his head towards the filly at the mention of ‘mice’. “I suggest ye shut child fer now, Miss.” The rat said straddling his cutlass on his hips, making the filly whimper. “Ye don’t want anyrat hurting yer child now, do you?” he said as he turned back to the rat pirate in front of him.

The filly bowed her head, tears threatening to fall down her face. She had been woken up in the middle of the night by the sounds of metal clashing with one another and the loud screams and roars coming from the upper deck of the merchant ship they were in.

Her mother then wrapped her wings around her shielding her vision and trotted somewhere else with her in clinging on her mother’s chest. She did not see anything, only hearing the disturbing sounds of screams of pain and anguish. Only thinking of happy thoughts, she did not dare open her eyes until her mother told so sometime later, finding herself in a large cabin. There was a line beside her, everyone wearing shackles on their feet and talons. She was tired, terrified, and now there’s a mean mouse threatening to hurt her.

“Be quite for now, Surprise dear. It’s going to be alright.” The mother whispered softly, comforting the filly.

“B-But where’s daddy?” she asked, her lips quivering.

The mother draped her wing closer and nuzzled Surprise. “He’s….He is on a better place now…”

Suddenly a rat pirate from outside entered the cabin, reeking with the stench of rum. He casually walked to the center of the cabin and whispered something at the rat wearing a tricorne, presumably the captain of the ship.

“That’s it?!” the captain yelled. “Are ye sure ye got all of it?”

“Absolutely Captain, we checked every nook and cranny on the merchant ship, but that’s all we could find.”

The captain sighed and massaged his temples before turning to the line of prisoners, wearing a fake smile. “Well, we gotta be just make do with all the landlubbers we got ‘ere.” He then approached the line of prisoners and walked menacingly, his hands folded on his back as he eyed the prisoners on line one by one as he addressed them, “Since we got an um…rather short supply of bits on yer little ship there, I’m going to have to happily take yer belongings. Personal or not I don’t care how valuable the booties you have, I just want everything ye carry. Nothing personal though, mateys, it’s just business.”

He stopped at a griffon prisoner and brought his face closer, making the griffon shiver. “Do ye want to know what happens if ye don’t follow me orders?” the griffon slowly nodded as he trembled under the piercing gaze of the captain. “Ye don’t want to know what happens if ye don’t follow me orders.”

The captain giggled. “Now go git you rear and give to me First Mate all yer things. Now, don’t be afraid of him. His name is Johhratt.” He motioned to the rat at the back, who in turn gave the prisoners a wave. “Everyrat, say hi.” He said soft and gentle, like he was talking a bunch of children.

He paused and placed a hand on his rat ears, waiting for them to greet his First Mate, but he only received weird looks. After a few moments, he let out a sigh and said. “So…do I have ta repeat myself what happens if ye don’t follow me orders?” he glared at every prisoner in line. “SAY HI!” he screamed as he gave a hard stomp at the floorboards.

“Hi Johhratt.” Every prisoner simultaneously greeted.

The captain smiled and nodded. “Good, now move yer rear.”

At an instant, all of the prisoners in line reached towards their pocket and pulled everything they got and gave it to Johhratt who stood at the back with a smile on his furry face.

Surprise felt her mother tense at that time. Looking up, she finds her mother distraught, breathing heavily and casting her eyes back and forth. Confused, yet scared, she asked. “Mom, what are we going to give to the mice?”

“I…I don’t know, sweetie. We don’t have anything.”

“B-but the mean mouse said they’re gonna do something to us.”

“I know sweetie, but I won’t let that happen.”

“Oh and what do we have here?” They froze when they heard the familiar voice that brings chill towards their spine.

The Captain approached them with a bemused look on his face, but with a slight hint of frustration, “Too cool to move? Or maybe, ye got something I want. What it be Miss?”

Surprise felt her mother shudder at the mere presence of the mean captain. “I-I’m sorry Mr. Rat, but we d-don’t have anything to give you?” The rat raised an eyebrow. “I-I mean we don’t have anything, nothing at all.”

The captain sighed and shook his head disapprovingly. “Well, they be got to be something ye have.” He said. “Do ye want ta know how hard it is ta capture merchant ship in the middle of the high seas Miss?” She shook her head. “You don’t want ta know how hard that was…”

“Well, what could we possibly give you Mr. Rat?”

The rat captain chuckled and waved a hand. “Oh, you can call me Tallouie. Mr. Rat is my non-existing father.” They looked at him confused, but slightly more disturbed at that. “Besides, I know what I’m gonna be doing ta you, Miss. I’m asking about yer filly there.”

That made Surprise held her breath. “What do you want from her?!” Her mother pulled her away from the pirate. “She’s just a little filly!”

The captain in turn giggled and shook his head “That’s why I’m going ta make her the entertainment.” They again looked at him confused. “She’s gonna be walking the plank.”

“No…NO!” Her mother gripped her tight.

Surprise’s heart started beating faster. She didn’t know what walking on the plank was. It was just walking on a wood, what could possibly be bad about that? But seeing how her mother acted, it wouldn’t probably what she was thinking.

“Are you sure about this Captain?” Johhratt approached Tallouie. “She’s just a filly after all.”

“Aye, we can’t do nothing about her, and feeding her would just cost us bits. Those wee diamond dogs don’t accept child as slaves anyway, so why should we care?” He shrugged. “Take her to the plank.”

Johhratt stood proudly and saluted. “Aye, Captain!”

The pirate was about to get him when her mother covered her in her wings and pulled her out of the way. “No, I’m not leaving her! I won’t let you!”

This made Johhratt look back to Tallouie, who in turn laughed at the display. “Well okay, why would I burst yer bubble?” He turned to Johhratt. “Make them walk in the plank.”

Johhratt nodded. Pulling out his cutlass, he pointed it straight towards them. “Are you gonna move or not.”

Not wanting to get stabbed, Surprise and her mother trotted outside of the cabin and began to head towards to the plank being placed at the side of the ship for them. The drunken pirates outside casted a confused look towards them for a second before grinning. Lifting their mug of rum and began cheering as the pair of ponies approached the plank.

Surprise turned towards her mother. “M-mom, what are they going to do us?” she asked, fear clearly evident in her voice.

“They are just going to take us on a swim, dearie. Just hold mommy tight, then we can fly out of here as soon as when we get out of range.” She whispered, her eyes trailing a couple of archers lined up if she was to escape by flying.

“Out of range?”

Her mother ignores her question as she stepped on the thin wobbly plank with Surprise clinging on her tightly. “Remember Surprise dearie, just hold me tight an—UHGHT!”

Surprise gasped and her eyes widened as blood suddenly pooled on her mother’s mouth. She felt her mother tremble her body slowly gets limp. While clinging tight on her mother, she glanced behind her back to see a sword sticking out of her back, Tallouie holding it with a mocking grin. “We don’t want yer mommy flying, now do we?”

Pulling out his cutlass, Surprise let out a gasp as the pirate delivered swift kick on her mother’s back, knocking them out to the sea.

“MOM!” Surprise screamed at her mother, trying to get her to open her wings as they fall to the ocean. She couldn’t fly yet, and carrying her mother would be impossible. She didn’t know how to swim either, so her heart started beating a thousand times faster as the neared the sea.

Sadly, no matter how loud she screamed, her mother didn’t respond in any kind nor acknowledge her.

Hitting the water with a big splash, the cheer force of the fall violently threw her limp mother away, knocking Surprise out of her mother’s grasp. As Surprise slowly sank in the ocean, she instantly felt the salt water crawling into her snout, sending Surprise to a violent coughing spree underwater.

This caused her to violently thrash underwater. Squinting her eyes, she saw a speck of light towards her right. She flailed towards the light realizing it was the surface, but her constant thrashing, thinking it was the correct way to swim, but her attempts only made her sank further.

Depriving of oxygen, she felt herself getting light headed, stopping her thrashing underwater as she count the seconds she had left to live. Tears would be falling from her eyes right now if she wasn’t underwater. However, Surprise seizing her constant thrashing and relaxing her body turned out to be a blessing in disguise. With her body relaxed, this made her float towards the surface.

Emerging from underwater, Surprise let out another coughing spree, this time getting the water out of her lungs. A piece of driftwood suddenly catches her eye floating just a few feet in front of her. Using her petite wings, she propels and latches herself to the floating log, gripping tightly as it was the only thing that would keep her from drowning.

“…Mom?” she croaked as she looked in all directions in a desperate attempt find her mother.

Tears pooled in her eyes as she glanced around finding nothing but the faint visage of the pirate ship she was were sailing away in one direction, and the vast ocean stretching for hundreds of miles.

She sniffed. “…Mom…”

Still, there was no sign of her.

For what seemed like hours in the dead of night, Surprise called for her mother. Her voice gradually getting weaker and weaker each time she calls. Stuck in the freezing ocean at night, clinging on a floating driftwood that’ll take her in whichever direction it floats. She could feel that sleep was starting to get a hold of her, her eyelids drooping every once in a while.

Shivering from the cold night winds, she struggled to stay awake but it was to no avail…

________________________________________________________________________________

Surprise looked down, taking a deep shuddering breath as she continues her tale. “Before I passed out…something saved me…I didn’t know what is was…b-but it was some kind of a large blue…no teal floating pony wrapping her forelegs around me…picking me up from the driftwood.” Astra?

“When I woke up…I found myself in an orphanage.” She sighed. “That pony saved me…and that’s all it’s to it.” With that she slumped down to her bed and buried her face in the pillows.

“…So, does telling this helped you?” I asked after a minute of silence.

No response.

I quirked an eyebrow and went to check on her. I found out she was asleep. The story must have taken its toll on her. I decided to leave her be, but before I left the cabin, I took off my robe and wrapped it around her.

“Get some sleep. You deserve it.” Surprise accepted the robe gingerly, wrapping herself around it. I saw her cracked a small smile before I turned to leave the cabin.

I wouldn’t also have slept with her in my hummock but I wasn’t tired, and I damn well don’t want to have a dream. It only happened once, but I think it might happen again.

Walking around the ship in the dead of night, I decided to go towards to the rum cellar and borrow a couple of barrels. I got nothing to do anyway, so why don’t I drink? Even though, I wouldn’t get drunk in that, it was a good way to past the time. Climbing down to the quarters below the deck, I set track to what I believe the way towards my destination.

Nearing the cellar, the ship was completely devoid of any sound, save for my boots topping on the hard floorboards and the gentle creaking of the wood as the ship rocked back and forth at the tides. The night was the same silent and eerie night of the pirate ship that I have gotten familiar with in these past few weeks of sailing. That was until I heard a sound of someone talking, probably to someone. For all of the nights I’ve been walking in this ship at night, I was certain no one is still awake at this point…Well save for Tealow, but she’s in the crow’s nest and the sound was coming from the corridor to my left.

“…sio…food….still alive.” I heard bits of pieces they said, but I couldn’t make out what they were talking. The sound was too incoherent to understand.

It was quite understandable that I may just probably wrong about everyone sleeping this time of night out since I haven’t been in this part of the ship. I was about to turn around and continue to walk towards the rum cellar I was finding and shrug the conversation, it wasn’t my damn business anyway. Walking away, I was on my way to continue my search when I heard one of them mentioned my name…

“….maybe…..on Michorean…o…” I froze, narrowing my eyes and straining my ears in hope to follow the sound.

I’m not the one to snoop on other people’s conversation, except when I’m on a job. But when my name is suddenly becomes part of that, my paranoia starts kicking in.

Following the dark corridor, the voices grew louder as I slowly crept deeper towards the sound. Finally, after a few seconds of walking, I found a door that appeared to be where the voices are.

I saw stacks empty barrels in the dimly lighted corridor just beside me, positioned right in front of the door. I grinned as I hid myself at the back of the barrels. These pirates doesn’t have as eyesight as good as me, so I won’t have to worry about them seeing me.

The door of their room was slightly cracked open, giving me of who was talking insi…

Oh, it’s Ratatouille and his posse.

There they are, Ratatouille, Whiskey, and three griffons that I didn’t bother knowing their names all grouped up. They were casually seated in various places like on top of the table, a desk, the backrest of the chair, on the floor, and wherever the hell they want. I could see Ratatouille leaning on a table who wearing a sour look.

He was frustrated at something, but I didn’t what it was. Well, let’s try to find out.

I strained my ears, leaning forward to try and listen to what they were saying.

“I can’t believe it!” Whiskey threw his arms up. “It’s been a week since you start serving that hornless minotaur food with poison and he’s still alive and kicking. Are you even sure you’re serving him poison, because I’m sure as Tartarus it’s not.” Those assholes!

So that’s why I’ve been having stomach cramps every time I finished eating. Jokes on them though, they didn’t know I’m highly tolerant to all kinds of venoms.

Ratatouille looked up to Whiskey. He gazed at him coldly and said, “Shut yer yapping, Whiskey. Mind ye that Mr. Vesper is out and about in the deck. That lass never sleeps, so kindly tone yer voice down fer the sake of our safety…Well, mostly yers if I decide ta skin ye alive fer talking to me like that.” I saw Whiskey gulped as Ratatouille stood straight and started to pace, while looking at him. “But to tell ye the truth I AM slipping poison ta his food, though not that much so he wouldn’t notice it.” He sighed. “Well, that plan isn’t working out, now is it?”

One of the griffons butted in. “Well, why don’t we just kill him, Rats. We’re gonna be taking over this ship anyway.” Oh, a mutiny.

“I know matey,” Ratatouille waved him off. “But there be some slight um…complications on our plans.” The entire group raised an eyebrow as Ratatouille pulled out a tricorne. “Do you laddies remember the ship we were just in a couple of hours ago?”

“Yeah, what about it Rats?” Another griffon who was hanging on the ceiling asked.

“Well, I used ta be the Captain of that ship.” He said as he placed the ruined tricorne to his head, his posse staring at him mouth agape.

At an instant I quietly let out a snort and narrowed my eyes as I continued to listen.

“Don’t bother asking, mateys. I ain’t going ta tell ye. It’s a long story.” He placed a hand on his chin. “Although, there’s something about that Surprise pony seems familiar ta me.” He shrugged. “I guess that’s what a simple nightmare does ta ye.”

Whiskey perked up. “A nightmare?” he stood up from the table he was sitting. “I had a nightmare too, the night the black cloud hovered us.”

“Uh-huh, that be good Whiskey, but let’s be getting back ta the topic now, aye?”

“…Aye.” He let out a loud snort and looked away.

Ratatouille grinned and clasped his hand together. “Now, let’s get down to business and plan our mutiny. The ship’s map would ye please.”

With a snap of his fingers, a griffon instantly brought a map on the table and laid it down, unfolding it for everyone to see.

“But what about the Michorean thing, Rats? What should we do about him?”

“Oh, yer right.” He looked around trying to think of something. After a few minutes he shrugged and said. “Eh…We’ll worry about Mr. Vesper later. For now, let’s focus on capturing this ship.”

With that, they went on planning their mutiny. It turns out, they were supposed to attack this night, but then again they were interrupted by Ratatouille’s old ship. Now, they were planning on making that ship’s survivors join them. They were currently on the tables of the mess hall passed out as his posse melted off the ice from them several hours ago. Thankfully, nothing bad happened to them, they were just sleeping soundly.

If the survivors refused to join them, then they’ll have no choice but to kill them. Ratatouille pointed out that he doesn’t recognize any of them anyway.

The rest of they’ve discuss was nothing but what’ll they are gonna do once they’ve captured the ship. I didn’t listen to what they said. They weren’t going to succeed anyway. Not on my watch…

As their meeting concluded, each one of the member leave the meeting room one by one. The third one to leave was whiskey. He was carrying a lantern at one of his hand. As he passed by, I instantly realized that while my eyes have impressive vision in the dark, they were slightly reflective to light that passes them. Making my golden eyes visible to whoever glanced towards stack of barrels I was hiding.

As soon as I realized this, I hastily closed my eyes and prayed to every living god out there for no one to have witness the glow my golden eyes as the torchlight passed right in front of me.

But the prayers soon ended when I heard someone slowly drew his cutlass, hearing the sword sliding from the sheath. “Well well well, what do we have here?” I heard Ratatouille said in a mocking tone.

…Well, shit.

Knowing that I’m caught, I opened my eyes to see Ratatouille walking menacingly towards me, swinging his cutlass in a circular manner. He then raised a hand and said, “Stop fer a minute me mateys, we got a spy on our tail.” He looked at my direction. “Now, what do we have on barrel number one?” He reared back his cutlass, preparing to stab the barrels just ahead of me.

I wasn’t having any of it.

I brought my foot down on the barrels sending them flying towards Ratatouille and his group. Most of the barrels hit them squarely, except for Ratatouille who nimbly jump out of the path. The impact sends them tumbling like bowling pins, knocking them on to their asses.

With a distraction on the way, I stood up and looked around for an exit. Unfortunately, due to my luck, there was none I could find. The only exit here was through the corridor I entered earlier, but it was blocked by Ratatouille’s posse, who were now slowly getting up and tossing the barrels out of them.

Getting slowly surrounded by advancing pirates, I need to think of something fast. It was highly unlikely that I would beat them in the narrow corridor with a spear. Even though I can switch the length of the Benevolence, previous battles already concluded that. Using my daggers to fight five pirates at once is going to be hard with only one hand, no matter how skilled I was with it. Although, what about the sword…

As the pirates were only several feet away from me, I tried blurting out whatever the first thing that comes into my mind. “Umm…Parley?” I asked, not even sure what it was.

At an instant, the advancing pirates stopped and look at me confused.

“Parley?” one of the griffons laughed at my face. “Parley? There ain’t gonna be no parley around here you filthy yellowbelly.”

The griffon was about to charge when Ratatouille held up a hand to stop him. He turned to me with a glare and said, “A parley?” he started. “Well, let’s hear what yer proposing Mr. Vesper, I think we have time. But ye have ta hurry, I ain’t as patient as before.”

“Okay…umm…How about this. Instead fighting like animals here, how about we have a short truce, and you and me battle to the death? Whoever wins… gets to live, obviously?” I know I fucked up right there.

He let out an amused grin. “That’s not how parley works, Mr. Vesper.” He said. “But fine, I get yer point. Ye want a duel to the death then yer goin ta have it. Ye will not be using anything besides yer sword. That means yer magic spear ye have. Anything but that, then we’ll end this little armistice and skin year filthy rear alive.” I could see deception written all over in his ugly face.

I know in hell someone is going to stab me in the back in the middle of the battle. Despite that, I have no choice but to accept that or risk fighting five pirate at once.

I nodded, pulling out the Benevolence and thrusting it to the wooden wall of the ship, embedding it. I pulled out my sword and took a deep breath as I tried to remember all I have learned for the past few weeks on sword fighting.

I’ll try to make the fight as short as possible. I only need to make a ruckus loud enough for Winsor and the other to wake up then they’ll be rushing down here. I just have to hope that they weren’t heavy sleepers though.

Assuming a stance, I looked straight ahead to see Ratatouille circling me with a cold gaze, not even bothering to raise his cutlass in case I lunge at him.

“Let’s see how much you learned from the old rat. En…garde.”

As he said the, he quickly lunged himself to me, swinging viscious swings one after the other. I mentally grinned at this. At this rate, the sounds of clashing swords will be enough to wake everyone up inside the ship.

I parried all of his swings a bit before spinning around attempting to slice his neck open. But Ratatouille immediately saw it and duck, dodging my swing, only knocking his worn out tricorne out of his head.

He then gave a few thrust towards me, which I easily blocked before jumping out of range. “Well, call me a cur, yer better than I thought.” He took slow steps on his side, eyeing me for an opening. “But I think ye still need more practice to beat me…Well a lot of practice.”

Ratatouille rears up and lunged himself to me. As we clashed swords, he was now using his tail to trip me whenever we neared each other. He grinned as one of my feet stumbled on his tail and I started losing my balance.  He then positioned himself to thrust sword to me, preparing to end this rather one sided fight. Weeks of training with Winsor wasn’t enough to even the fight, despite honestly becoming a better swordsman from the last couple of weeks, I know I still couldn’t match with them on a normal fight.

Even though I was losing my balance, I managed to expertly block his thrust and spun around in hope to avoid more of his viscous swigs. However, I didn’t see his next move as he placed a swift but hard kick to my chest that sent me flying towards the stacks of barrels full of rum by the corner of the corridor.

Hitting the barrels and the floor hard, the sheer force knocked the wind out of me. Dazed from the crash, I couldn’t help but grin at the loud noise we were making. If that didn’t wake Winsor up, than I don’t know what will, and speak of the devil there he is. I saw the old rat groggily walking to the corridor where Ratatouille’s posse stood.

“What be happening here ye filthy gizzards!” Fuck yea, it’s about time!

This caused everyone freeze and turned to look at the pirate captain in surprise, casting their eyes off me. Big mistake!

Not going to waste a perfectly good distraction. As soon as they turned their heads, I quickly drop my sword and immediately barrage them with all the daggers I was carrying. While chucking daggers blindly in all directions wasn’t such a good idea to accurately hit them. But it did, I managed to hits two griffons squarely on the chest while the last dagger nailed Ratatouille on his shoulder, making him stumble back towards Winsor.

Winsor’s eyes narrowed as he saw his First Mate stumbling towards him. He angrily brought his cutlass out and yelled, “What in blue blazes be the meaning of this, Michorean?!”

I jumped over to the Benevolence and pulled it out of the wall before pointing it at the direction of Ratatouille who was pulling out the dagger embedded on his shoulder. I simply said, “They’re planning a mutiny.”

Winsor’s eyes widened in shock and turned to Ratatouille. “What? Is that true First Mate?” Holy shit, why the hell would you question him?! Just kill the motherfucker!

Just as this shit wouldn’t get any worse, Ratatouille took advantage of his confusion and jumped backwards latching on his back. He then brought his cutlass to Winsor’s neck as he struggled at his grasp and said, “Nighty night, Cap’n.”

With that, he proceeded to slit his throat before lazily kicking him to the ground. “We don’t want yer old hide alive, now would we?”

At the sight of this, I instantly charge towards them with fury, but was blocked by the two griffons that I have thrown a dagger to. Both of my daggers sticking out of their chest, but that didn’t seem to faze them a bit. Damn, they are tough as shit.

“You two,” Ratatouille pointed to the griffons blocking me. “Would ye kindly kill Mr. Vesper while the rest of us go umm… ‘ship hunting.’” He chuckled as he turned to leave, Whiskey and some other griffon trailing him, also giggling as they left.

Turning my gaze ahead, the two griffons lunged themselves towards me. I swiftly rolled out of the way, and thrust the side of the nearest griffon, piercing his body through and through.

His partner meanwhile barely dodges the incoming spear and flew away in shock out of the Benevolence reach. I then brought my foot down and slid the Benevolence out of the body of the dead griffon.

By now, I could hear the sounds of clashing happening above us, on the ship’s deck. I need to end this fight now, or who know what might happen to Surprise if she gets caught. I also need to check on Winsor…Oh, shit! I need to end this now!

I could see that this time, after seeing me fight with the Benevolence for the first time he now looked cautious, and approached me warily. These pirates have only seen me fight with a sword, so I might have taken this griffon by surprise when I dropped his partner with ease.

The griffon reached down on the floor and picked up my sword before he flew launched himself to me, swinging all the way. Since my spear’s length was short that time around, the griffon was probably thinking he can now take me out in combat with two swords at his grasp.

He didn’t know my spear magically extends though.

With a swift thrust, I downed the charging griffon dead on the floor with a considerably large hole in his heart. He thrashed, chocking and crying in pain and clutching the hole on his chest for a moment before suddenly becoming limp as his blood pooled around his body.

Now that’s done, I quickly rush towards to Winsor’s body. I let out a sigh of relief that he was still alive, and even awake for that matter, though barely. The cut in his throat wasn’t enough to kill him. The slice on his throat didn’t cut open his windpipe; it only lacerated his neck, making him bleed all over. I guess that swords aren’t good at slitting people’s throats.

I picked up a dagger I threw earlier lying on my side and used it to cut his sleeve. I used it to wrap on his neck to prevent him from bleeding out.

“Hey, you good to go?” I said, lightly tapping him awake.

“Aye, lass.” He croaked as he tried to get up. “Just help me up, and then I’ll be good to go.”

I nodded and pulled him up, wrapping his arms around my neck. Before we turned to leave, I stood up and grabbed all the daggers I threw and hid it on me. Never leave without my trusty daggers…

We then hastily proceeded to the deck of the ship where all the fight has been happening. Climbing up to the deck, I heard the sounds of war cries as I step forward to the deck with an injured captain in tow.

Just as I look around, I saw Vitality approaching me with a huge cutlass in his hand, giving me a glare.

“Whose side are you on? Answer me, NOW!” He reared his cutlass, preparing to attack.

“Well, I am carrying your injured captain. I think you can guess whose side I’m in…dumbass.” I said calmly. “Now, take your captain guard him so I can end this shit.”

He grabs hold of the groggy captain, putting a hand on his shoulder to balance him before snorting at me.

“This is ridiculous! There’s a mutiny happening here and you’re making me a babysitter?”

“Arghh! I don’t need any of yer help mateys, I can handle me self.” Winsor answered.

“You can’t even stand up, Winsor. Sleep on it.” I said as I left them.

Glancing up, I saw Tealow fighting a griffon in the sky. I took out a dagger and threw it. Though seeing as the griffon was flying far out the ship, I wasn’t expecting it to hit him, just for it to distract him enough for Tealow give her killing blow.

But it did.

The dagger nailed the griffon right at his wings. He flopped to the ocean and landed with a big splash. With that huge fall, I assume that the dive will leave him unconscious and drown in the sea. Yeah, let’s leave it that.

Tealow turned to me direction in surprise. I simply gave a wave. She flew towards me, landing in front of me with a loud thud.

Before she could say anything, I interrupted her and said, “I know, there’s a mutiny, your captain is safe, no problem. Now enough with that, I want you to guard Surprise. She’s locked up in our cabin. I don’t want anything happen to her.”

She nodded and I looked around. Before she could take off and leave, I stopped her. “Wait, where have you seen Ratatouille?” I glanced around. I only saw Whiskey expertly fighting off Perseverance and some rat, but no sign of that bastard.

“I saw him earlier heading to the mess hall, before his buddies attacked us.”

“Shit! Well, thanks.”

I quickly dashed, hoping he haven’t killed or convinced them to join his mutiny. I was determined not to lose our only guide on the Windigos. They experienced them first hand so they might know something about them. Come to think of it, the air seems cold…ridiculously freezing this night.

Hmm…

Before I could even get close to the mess hall, the door suddenly opened. Ratatouille stepped out with the survivors, all seven of them. Fucking shi—wait, seven? Where’s the other one?

Winsor gave me a grin as soon as he saw me. “Guess who’s side they be joining, Mr. Vesper?” He gestured to the survivors behind him…who looked completely lost.

I was about to answer him sarcastically when I suddenly felt a cold gush of wind…too cold to consider it a cold night time sea breeze. Wait…

“They’re here…” one of the prisoners said.

“Who ye be talking about matey?”

“The frozen spirits.” He answered. “We need to turn this ship around!”

“Frozen spirits? That be a myth matey, yer mad from sleeping in yer crystal prison.”

“He’s right you know. From what I learned the Windigos attack in this deep in the ocean.” I said, causing Ratatouille to instantly turn his head to me. “How about let’s stop this shit for now or we’ll end up to pieces like the rest of the pirates that come here.

He looked at me confused, but still cautious. “Windigos?” He laughed. “Yer naming them now? I don’t know what yer talking about. I’ll go end yer to save ye from yer misery.” He drew out his cutlass and turned to his the survivors. “Now me new crew, let be commission the mutiny!”

He went to charge me. I took a stance and drew the Benevolence. Ratatouille never got five feet ahead when suddenly a sword embedded his back. Wondering who that was, I glanced at his back to see that it was one of the survivors.

Ratatouille dropped on the ground rolling in pain, screaming every pirate insult he could think off. Which was a shit ton of it.

I relaxed a bit. “Good, we don’t need none of that shit right now.”

I took a step forward when the group suddenly drew all their weapons, making me jump back and point the Benevolence to them.

“Seriously, you want to do this now?! We’re gonna die here!” I yelled, getting really annoyed.

They looked at me confused. “Uhh, we weren’t really going to attack you…” One of them replied.

I calmed. “Oh… We’ll then.”

I looked around to find all the fighting had stopped. Ratatouille was still rolling on the floor in pain, the griffon that landed on the sea was nowhere to be seen, and I saw Whiskey’s body with a pike embedded on his chest.

I approached the group of survivors. A griffon turned his head and approached me halfway. I presumed he or she was the leader right now. “So, what do you know about the um… frozen spirits? They’ve attack your ship before didn’t they?”

“Indeed.” It’s a chick! “They’re fearsome spirits, a force to be reckoned with. We need to turn this ship around right now!”

I shook my head. “Hell no! We’ve been this far and I ain’t turning around.” The griffon glared at me for that.

Perseverance came to my side and said, “Are you sure that’s a wise decision, Michorean? We’re really on a tight spot here. We just barely stopped a mutiny minutes ago.”

“Of course, why wouldn’t I?” Okay, I can think of a list of reasons for that…but meh. “You joined this, already knowing the consequences. Are you gonna wuss out or not?”

“Wuss out?! My name isn’t Perseverance for nothing. Let’s take those bastards back to Tartarus.”

“ENOUGH!” the griffon chick screamed, drawing out her cutlass with her group following her.

Perseverance and I instantly retaliated, jumping back drawing our weapons in the process.

Okay, so it’s a standoff then. Seven against two…this is bad.

The griffon chick stood her ground and yelled, “What you’re doing is suicide! Turn this ship around or we’ll turn it ourselves.”

“We’ll see about that you feathered bitch.” I’m really starting to regret my decision bringing them here.

She huffed and slowly approach a griffon from her left, her eyes still locked on us. “Razorwing, go to the helm and steer the ship for me.”

I aimed the Benevolence at the said griffon. With a cold, threatening voice I said, “I dare you to do that, and see what happens.”

This caused Razorwing to gulp and hesitate. He looked back at the griffon chick wondering what to do.

“Well, what are you waiting for? Don’t look at me, Move!”

I could see he was still hesitating, but was about to fly. I immediately readied my dagger, preparing to throw at him when suddenly an unfamiliar voice came between our sides.

“Off killing our crew again, Gleade?” An old voice spoke.

We looked to our sides to see the rat I first rescued earlier, walking with a frown on his face.

“Severance!” the griffon chick…er Gleade yelled, flying over to the rat. “We thought you were dead. Where have you been?”

“I woke up in the Captain’s cabin,” He gestured at his back. “And which I remind you First Mate, what’s all this ruckus your causing is about?”

“These minotaurs won’t turn this ship around, and now we’re heading straight for those spirits. We’re gonna die Captain!” So he’s the one that replaced Ratatouille as the captain on the ghost ship. I got to talk to him about that later.

Which remind me, that bastard is still alive lying on the side, passed out, barely breathing. Well, he’s gonna die sooner or later.

Severance sighed. “Stop this nonsense, Gleade.” She huffed and looked away. Severance continued. “Our fellow pirates just save our lives. The last thing we should repay them is taking over their ship. Now crew, at ease!”

I looked around, finding that the group was slowly pulling back, sheathing their weapons.

“Now are we fucking done here?” I asked, my eyes still trained on them.

“Quite.” Severance answered.

I sighed and relaxed. “Good.” I turned to Perseverance and whispered, “Don’t keep your guard down. They might be bluffing.”

He nods and snorts at them. With that warning done, I approached Severance. He seemed to notice me coming as he turns around with a nod, waiting for me to speak. “So, what do you know about those spirits? We’re heading there straight and we’re not turning around.”

Severance sighed. “I know. But before we could talk, may I ask you your name?”

“Michorean Vesper.”

He nodded. “To tell you the truth we don’t know much about them. One thing we know is that there are signs of them coming.” I raised an eyebrow as he continues. “First; the air becomes considerably colder like the one we’re experiencing now. Then, cold gushes of wind rocks the ship. The last sign when they come near is when snow starts to fall.”

“Well, seeing it’s just that were just in the first, we still got time right?”

“Yes, but not that much, I’m guessing we only have just about an hour or less.”

I weighed my options. What could we possibly do with only an hour to prepare. From the looks of it, the windigos barrages snowstorms to freeze us to death. We need to get a huge fire going, but what to burn?

Glancing up, I grinned as a plan formulated in my mind.

“Take down the sails!”

Severance nodded, “Wise choice there, Michorean. The strong winds will jus—.”

“No no, not that’s not what I meant.” He looked at me confused. “What I’m trying to say is we need to rip off the sails. Go order your crew to do that while we go get the rums. We’ll burn the sails.”

He shrugged and went to his crew. I turned to Perseverance by my side. “Aye crystal clear, though Vitality might not like wasting his barrels of rum.”

“Well, it sucks to be him. We need those to burn the sails or we’ll freeze to death. Now come on, enough talking we don’t have much time.”

With that we rushed towards the rum cellar. I didn’t even know if we still have an hour left. The air got significantly freezing than what it was half an hour ago. Hell, I could even see my own breath right about now.

We got to the cellar in record time. We reached out to the barrels and grabbed what we could, Perseverance being a minotaur managed to grab a shit load of it and rushed towards the deck. Just in time for the first snow to fall.

Shit!