Off Course

by Bottled Tension

Sail-utations

Chapter 2: SAIL-UTATIONS

A week later, the Mane Six and Spike arrived at Horseshoe Bay, early in the morning. The dock was thick with fog, and the ponies couldn’t see the ship anywhere.

“How the hay are we supposed to get on the ship if we can’t even find it?” Applejack complained. “I can’t even see the hoof in front of my face, its like were treading through soup!”

“Be patient, Applejack,” Twilight responded. “I’ll just cast a spell to clear the fog, and then I’m sure we’ll find the Harmony’s Heave.”

Pinkie Pie interjected, “Yeah, and even if we did have to go through the fog, we could just make it into a game of hide and seek! Did you know that Fluttershy is the world champ?” Fluttershy blushed.

“Only for the past 3 years, it’s nothing major…” Fluttershy elaborated.

“Girls, we won’t be playing hide and seek today…” Twilight began to put her magic to work. As each second passed, the mares were able to see more and more of the landscape, until it was all gone. “Nothing to it.” Twilight smirked, just when the fog began to return, thicker than ever.

“Wow, this is really stubborn fog.” Pinkie exclaimed. “I guess we ARE going to play hide and seek! Not it!” Everypony except Twilight immediately exclaimed ‘Not it!’. “Twilight’s it!”

“Pinkie!” Twilight shouted. “I don’t understand, how could that spell fail? I’ve practiced loads of times!” A burst of energy came from Twilight’s horn, sending it off again, only for it to appear once again, even more opaque. “This can’t be natural fog…”

“...'Cause it ain’t, lass,” A stallion came out from the fog, into the view of the ponies.

“Uncle Scurvy!” Applejack beamed in delight. “It’s so good to see you, It’s seems like it’s been forever since our last reunion.”

“Aye, it’s been quite a while, but we can chat later. We best be gettin’ on the ship. Avast doesn’t like to be late, savvy?” Scurvy led the way, and the group followed behind him. As they walked toward the water, Twilight couldn’t help but ask Scurvy a question.

“What did you mean when you said that the fog isn’t natural?”

“It’s unicorn magic,” Scurvy answered, “The captain of this ship, Avast, be one of the most powerful unicorns I’ve ever seen.”

Rarity poked her head into the conversation. “But why, pray tell, would he be casting fog in the first place? Seems awfully ominous, and just terribly damp for clothing!” She frowned down at her red and gold seamed dress.

“I think you look beautiful no matter what you wear Rarity,” Spike sighed.

“Oh, so kind of you, Spike, but I’ll still need you to bring all my outfits on board.” Spike had been carrying a plethora of bags and suitcases on his tiny, dragon back.

“Anything for you, my lady...”

“White unicorn, ye want an answer to ye question or not?!” Scurvy was fed up with the hopeless romantic dragon. Rarity and Spike went silent. “Anyway, Avast casts the spell before all of our trips to make sure no thieves or pirates can follow us out to port. Nowadays, we need to be extra careful while on the seas. Losing one ship of cargo would be enough to topple the whole system.”

Pinkie Pie popped behind Scurvy and stared him directly in the eye. “Wait, are you telling me you’re not pirates!? And who’s this Avast? Applejack told us that YOU were the captain!” Scurvy chuckled.

“I guess I must have given Applejack here the wrong impression. I ain’t the captain of this ship, I’m just the chef. And you,” Scurvy pointed at Pinkie, “Are going to be my assistant.”

“Aaaw, I thought we were going to plunder villages with parties and sing pirate songs all day long! Oh well, I’ll just have to make it into a party!”

“Eh, the cap’n ain’t much for parties, but you can try,” Scurvy answered. The ponies arrived at the docks, where a sole boat lay. “Ah, here we go!”

The ponies looked at the ship in awe, as it was one of the largest they had ever seen. Extremely regal and rustic, each plank of wood making up the hull was worn, most likely from years at sea. The mast went high up, beyond the ponies’ vision, but they could easily see the large pattern on the sail.

“Hey! That’s Luna’s cutie mark!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Yes, actually, I’ve read about that,” Twilight continued. “Before her banishment, Luna was not only the princess of the night but she also controlled the seas,” The ponies looked at her blankly, “You know, how the moon controls the tides?” They weren’t following. “Nevermind...I do remember from my reading that all Equestrian ships before her banishment had her cutie mark on the sail, to warn enemies. This ship must be a thousand years old!”

“Don’t go makin’ assumptions lass,” Scurvy told the alicorn. “This ship’s only been on the seas for a few years, believe it or not. Avast just likes his sea history, and thought it fittin’ to have the sail in Luna’s honor.”

“Ugh, enough talking!” Rainbow Dash moaned. “Can we get on this ship already? I need some Z’s, I don’t usually wake up at five in the morning!”

A tiny bridge fell to the docks, connecting the dock to the ship.

“Of course, come right in.” a male unicorn replied.

“Ah, there ya be Avast.”

The unicorn was tall and muscular, and very poised. His hair looked like the raging waves themselves, clashing with his white coat. His horn was surprisingly long, and still glowing with a black and white aura. His eyes were grey, and he kept only the slightest smile on his face.

The ponies began to walk up the bridge, each greeting their new captain for the next week.

“Well, Howdy Avast! I’m Applejack, and I’m sure that this trips gonna be a hoot! I sure wish Applebloom could have come, but she gets seasick easy.” Applejack greeted.

“Maybe we shouldn’t greet each other talking about seasickness,” Avast responded. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“My my, a gentleman,” Rarity greeted him, impressed with his beauty. “I must say, for a pony who spends all his time on the seas, you really know how to keep yourself fit and clean. My name is Rarity.”

“Well...thank you, I suppose.” Avast greeted her.

“What about me, eh white pony?” Scurvy was trying to flex in front of Rarity, to no avail.

Rarity looked away. “Uhm, maybe a stallion like yourself should...uhm...uh…” she couldn’t think of anything to say. “Hm, I’ll have to think about this for a moment.” She cautiously fled from his view. As Scurvy mulled over Rarity’s rejection, Fluttershy slowly approached Avast and whispered.

“Uhm, I’m...Fluttershy. Excuse me for asking, but …...” she began to mumble.

“I’m sorry dear, I couldn’t hear the last part of your question. Could you repeat it?”

“Oh, she’s asking if you see a lot of animals in the sea!” Pinkie appeared from inside a barrel.

“Uhm, Yes..” Fluttershy spoke.

“Well, of course!” Avast answered “The East Equestrian waters are known for being the location of thousands of marine life! You’ll see more than a few once we’re sailing!”

“Oh, that’s amazing!” Fluttershy giggled. “I can’t wait. Can’t you wait Angel Bunny?” Angel poked his head from Fluttershy’s mane and scolded her. “Uh, I’ll take that as a yes...”

“Oh oh oh, I’m Pinkie Pie, and I can’t wait, we’re gonna be best friends, and we’ll be Super Boat Buddies! I can see it now! We’ll sail across the world, singing songs and teaching friendship! Oh, we’ll also have to fight giant squid monsters and overcome differences, but I just know we’re gonna have the time of our lives! I can feel a song coming on right now! Do what you want, ‘cause a pirate is free, You are a pirate! Yar Har, Fiddle Di Dee…” Pinkie continued to sing, while Avast looked on in shocked amusement.

“She be the explosive one from the letter.” Scurvy informed his captain.

“I could tell.” Avast spoke while recovered his posture.”Well, it’s nice to meet you. I’m sure that we’ll be the best of friends.”

“We sure will be!” Pinkie exclaimed as she bounced away. Twilight and Rainbow Dash walked up to the platform, and Avast greeted them just like all the others.

“Nice to meet you. I hope you have a wonderful time with-”

“Yeah, yeah, ya know,” Rainbow Dash interrupted. She flew over to Avast, eye to eye. “I’ve been on a boat before, and I’ve done some pretty major swashbuckling before. You know, treasure hunting, crab fighting, that kind of deal.” Twilight rolled her eyes while Rainbow continued facing the captain. “Let’s see if you can offer anything for me.”

“Well,” Avast responded. “I’m sorry to say, but I don’t think I will be able to offer anything like that. But I hope we’ll have a wonderful time nonetheless!”

Rainbow whispered into Twilight’s ear, “This looks like it’s gonna be the opposite of radical. Maybe I should head out with Spike to Manehattan.” Rainbow pointed at Spike, when Avast interjected.

“Your scaly friend won’t be tagging along?”

Twilight flushed with embarrassment as she came up to Avast and shook his hoof. “No, Spike gets seasick easy. We’d prefer to keep the ship clean while here. And Rainbow, this’ll be some good bonding experience for us, seeing how last time we went on the seas, we didn’t have a moment to rest.” she made a little smile and faced the captain. “It’s nice to meet you, my name is Twilight Sparkle.”

“Ah, yes, Equestria’s newest princess. It will be an honor having you on board,” Avast kissed Twilights hoof, allowing the purple alicorn to blush. “Truly, an honor.” He turned to his crew and shouted, “We better get going then!”

The platform was taken,and all the sails were released to the relentless wind. Avast let his horn cease powering the fog, and the entire bay was shown in its full splendor. The sun was beginning to rise above the horizon line of the sea, and everywhere the ponies gazed, red tints beautifully accompanied the lush, tropical surroundings.

“A truly marvelous sight!” Rarity said in awe, then facing the Captain, “...From any angle…”

The ship began to move out, leaving behind the glimmering beach, where Spike was waving goodbye.

“See you in Manehattan, ponies!” Spike called. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be with the princesses. Have fun!”

“See you later Spiky-wikey!”

“Make sure to send my history test to Princess Celestia!” Twilight cried. “Or else.”

“Sea you later Spike!” Pinkie shouted, unable to control her giggles.

______________________________________________________________________

Two hours later, the ponies had finished unpacking their things, leaving their luggage on the bottom floor of the ship.

“This place is dreadful!” Rarity wailed. “These are absolutely NOT five star accommodations! We have to sleep in bunks like, like, uncouth pirates!”

“Well,” Applejack explained, “They never said this was one of those fancy schmancy flying yachts like those ones in Canterlot. At least it’s something new for once. Give it a chance, Rarity.”

“I suppose you’re right, Applejack. I was acting rather childlike to cry over room accommodations.” She pointed at the multiple port holes against the wall. “At least we can get some of that famous Horseshoe Bay air!” She put her face against the window, and began to open it. “Ohoohoo, my coat will be getting a five star treatment from mother nature herself!”

Once she opened the window, water and algae splattered all over her, soaking her entire body. Applejack couldn’t help but chuckle. Rarity, however, was far from happy.

“Of all the worst vacation spots I could choose, this is THE, WORST, POSSIBLE ONE!” She began to fall to the floor, when her levitating sofa appeared from behind her, catching the unicorn before she could fall. “Fancypants was having a soiree on a boat of his own this weekend! Why didn’t I go?” She pouted.

“Oh come on girls!” Pinkie bounced in. “We can make this place super duper cozy!” She began to run around the room, taking different items from each pony, and arranging them, as fast as lightning.

“Pinkie, did you tap into Sugarcube Corner's coffee supply again?” Applejack joked.

By the time Applejack was done asking the question, Pinkie had already completed her task. The room was split into six different sections, each with color schemes fitting the ponies and their personalities.

“Definitely not," Pinkie stuck out her tongue.. “You know I have a strict sugar diet, and coffee's gross. Actually i have a new drink i put together, though. The recipe’s a secret!" she pulled bottles out of her hair, "Anypony wanna try?" The ponies were too in awe to respond. The banal brig they had been assigned was now a bewildering base of operations. Each section had ways for each pony to enjoy themselves to their heart’s content. Twilight had a study with books and a telescope. Fluttershy had knitting supplies and animal reference guides. Rarity had all of her dressmaking accessories out. Rainbow Dash had a few Daring Do books and a trick manual. Applejack had...apples. Pinkie’s side was an exploding pink mess filled with sugary treats and party supplies. “I always get the job done!”

Each pony gasped.

“And they call me the element of generosity…”
______________________________________________________________________

Avast and Scurvy remained in the Captain’s Quarters. Avast spoke to his mate.

“Too bad that dragon couldn’t come along with us,” Avast said to Scurvy. “I enjoy seeing rare creatures.” he smiled.

“Nah, I’m happy the little bugger didn’t come,” Scurvy exclaimed. “Ah don’t trust anyone that don’t have four hoofs to walk with, and those dragons are menaces to food supply, at least I’ve ‘eard.”

“Well, you shouldn’t always trust someone based on the way they look,” Avast explained. “I’ve at least learned that from my experience on the seas.” Another pony walked into the room, and Avast looked up, "Toran?"

"Not that I’m aware of." The pony responded.

"Oh, my apologies sir, I'm still not used to having you on board with us," Avast called to the other corner of the room,“Toran!” A tall, thin unicorn emerged from the other corner. Her coat was an ethereal orange, and her hair long and interchanging between multiple hues of reddish orange. “There you are. While you plot the course for this morning, I want you to set up a little welcome party for our friends. That’s what your talent portrays, right?”

She answered with enthusiasm, “Yes, sir. I can’t wait to meet them! They look like they’ll be a lot of fun to have around on this boring trade ship."

“I can tell they will really make things interesting already. Let’s get everything ready for the trip. Scurvy?”

“Aye aye cap’n, food is fully stocked, exports ready to go, harpoons and cannons fully loaded.”

“Toran?” Avast asked.

“Yes, captain. The course has been set, and I already have plans for today.” Toran handed Scurvy a large rolled up map where she had marked their course.

“And finally, Fancy Pants?” Avast called to the other pony.

“I’m,” He coughed. “I am ready for the excursion. I am sure I will enjoy my time here with you. Definitely.”

“Good.” Avast opened up the map and stared at it. The course was highlighted bright red on the old parchment. The course circled around a few times, and was completely indirect. “Good job, Toran,” the young unicorn smiled. “This new course will bring us exactly where we need to go.”

All the crew scattered to different parts of the ship, preparing for the course and setting up. Avast stayed in his room, his eyes fixed on the parchment. He looked to his horn, cast a spell vanishing the map, and breathed a sigh of relief.

Author's Note:

Sorry this took so long, school and vacations and such. Hopefully I'll get them out at a much faster pace. COOLIO