Red & Anon (Anon & Red) CYOA Part 10

>guess it was about time to inform the bats that they're no longer the freshest lads onboard
>you walked into the unofficial, official bat ship and down to the sleeping quarters
>not surprising, they were asleep
>well, it was good to see most of them rounded up at least
>Christ, had they just been falling asleep in the streets for the last two days?
>Red did inform you that your newest visit to the Earth God, took you and Aldreda two days
>give or take
>you knew the bats were nocturnal, and thus, slept during the day
>and seeing how they all grew up without ever tasting alcohol, the bottles they now downed so causally, must really pack a punch
>but damn
>they couldn't just pass pout whenever they felt like it, and leave Marcus to pick up the slack
>though he did deserve some appreciation for doing so
>you stomped your food and rattled a few bunks
"Hey assholes. We got our first assignment. Well, your first assignment, anyways."
>you saw an increasing number of sleepy eyes, rise from the bunks and fixate on you
"We'll be escorting some Germaneian solders, and aid them in taking out some of their opponents! That means they'll answer to you, as long as they're on my ship! The official chain of command is now Me, the zebras, bat ponies, and Germaneian solders lastly."
>you looked around to make sure everyone was paying attention
"Don't let them lord you around. They don't have that authority. Likewise. If I find out Germaneians are being ordered around for shits and giggles, there will be lashings coming your way. Just a heads up."
>a choir of sleepy grunts and hungover murmurs of understanding came from the occupied hammocks, as you left the room
>you didn't mention Aldreda or Red, but figured that Red would bark her way to what she wanted, regardless of what you told the crew
>and Aldreda? They wouldn't dare oppose her, for obvious reasons
>you left the ship, in favor for the town to look for Red, as she was nowhere to be found by the docks
>while on your way looking, you saw a bat pony fly from the west, towards the ship
>must have been Red's handy work
>you followed in the direction the bat pony flew away from
>sure enough, Red and Marcus were outside the shop were you bought your clothes, drinking tea with the owner
>well, Marcus and the owner drank tea, Red was already working the booze
>once spotted, Red waved you over with a smile on her face

>you waved back as you sat down with the rest
"So. You talked to them?"
"Yeah, actually. We'll escort them to that shipwreck, maybe do some fighting. In exchange for some new weapons. Canons and stuff."
"Great. The slave ships only have twelve canons each. Sub standard ones at that. so it'll definitely be of use to us"
"Wait. They have twenty four canons."
"Yeah, but you can only use half of them at a time, dummy. That means we count them as twelve."
"Oh, yeah alright. Gotcha."
"Plus, I doubt anyone but me have any experience in using them, let alone aiming. I think, if we're really gonna do this, we'll need to rely on something other than brute ship-to-wreck combat. Especially if they have military stuff like rotating turrets."
"That's… one option."
"A good one at that. Asuming the Hoffiets won't be hostile as soon as they spot us."
"Yeah, that's a pretty big factor as well. Hey Marcus?"
>the stallion looked up from his tea
>"Hmm?"
"Good job with rounding up all the bats while I was away."
>"Thank you. Red helped, but it feels good to be recognized for your work. Celestia knows you don't get a lot of that as a slave."
"Did you talk to Red about our mission?"
>"I did. And I can't say i'm a fan of the Germaneians. But as long as you know what you're doing I'm in, Captain. Along with the rest of the zebras."
"That's good to know. Hey, did you talk to a stallion named Blitzen Hoof or something? He wanted a word with you."
>"A Germaneian? No. Haven't talked to him."
"Hmm. Strange."
"Friend of yours?"
"Not really. He's supposed to be with us to represent the Germaneians we're working for, until we're ready to sail."
"Damn, that's something. I still haven't found the handyman I was supposed to hire."
"The communist guy?"
"Ex communist. He quit the military. I told you last time we talked about him."
"Well I hope you find him."
"Me to. Otherwise, Marcus and I have to deal with all the boring purchases and storage managementbahblah screw that."
"Maybe I could help?"
"Do you have any experience in what's needed to run a ship? If you wanna help, you can go out hunting for some new sails."

"Sure. Were do I look?"
"There's a stupid looking shop, shaped out like a ship to the north of the docks. Go there. Pick something out."
"Consider it done, Red. And Marcus?"
>"Captain?"
"Do we have anyone looking after our guest?"
>"The Nazi?"
"Yes."
>"I… don't think so. This is the first time I've heard of him."
"Well, get someone on that, after tea."
>"Aye."
"Oh, and one more thing."
>"I'm listening."
"When can I buy you that new leg?"
>"A leg is a pretty big deal. No. Not yet."
"I understand."
"You understand? Marcus, you doofus. You'll never pick up a mare, while looking like a damn Popsicle."
>"Are you deaf, woman? I said no."
"But look at you. Look at that stump! It's disgusting."
>"Losing this leg was my own fault. I'll say when it deserves to be fixed."
"Zigga you dumb."
>"Grass eating cunt."
"What was that? I'll have you keelhauled!"
>"Ohh! The big bad cabin-mare is threatening the quartermaster! Oh please."
"He he hahaha"
>"Hehehe"
>the two replaced their arguing with genuine laughter
>"Ehehe. Ah. I've been around you too long, my friend."
"Cheers you striped madman!"
"You're just awful, Red."
"Yep! Must be your bad influence."
>yeah right
"Speaking of influence. We should really train the crew in using canons. Don't you think? I doubt slaves get a lot of experience in the field, and the bats are new to open bodes of water, let alone boats."
"Sure. I'll buy a ton of liferings and some canon balls. Should be fun. We already got booze stacked so… Bring back some drugs, and sweets for me when you get back from that ship shop, and we'll have a blast. Literally!"
"Drugs and canons? I'll think about it."
"You do that."
>you left the table after watching the other finish their tea
>proceeding, you walked the docks and headed north
>it didn't take long to stumble over the shop
>shaped like half a ship, with the bow hoisted up in the air, like a whining stallion
>too bad by the way the "ship" was angled, it looked like it was sinking
>yeah, not great advertising
>you entered the store, only to find a young looking unicorn mare, sowing away religiously
>feeling polite, you knoked on the already open door
>"Oh! Customer! What's up?"
"Hey, looking for two complete sets of sails."
>"You the strange looking minotaur that runs them there twin ships?"
"Um. Yes?"
>"The twin ships were those fanged leather hides always keep spawnin' from?"
"Yes. They. Um. Sleep there."
>"Well then YOU owe me an explanation, mister."
>the mare huffed up her chest
>"One of those bats flew drunkenly into my storage and got herself caught in a bunch of my sails. She freaked and started spazzing out like crazy, ruining my sails in the process! I've been working a whole day, stopping only for piss breaks, trying to repair my inventory."
"Shit. Did you get the name?"
>"I did one better. I locked the brute in the basement."
>well
>shit

"Let me have a chat with her. And, just go ask the quartermaster for compensation. Tell him Anon sent you."
>"Generous for a troublemaker. She's under that trap door over there."
>the mare pointed at a set of wooden planks on hinges, partially covered by a mat
>you opened the door and headed downstairs
>the basement was obviously home made, being roughly carved out of the rock
>you could see a few materials laying about, but it was hard to tell, due to the darkness of the room
>it wasn't lit or anything either
>you saw a pair of the distinct slit pupils that bat ponies had, creeping forth from the shadows
>"I messed up. Didn't I?"
>oh shit
>you recognized that voice
>it was the mare who got all lewd after tasting your blood
>when you traded for water. was it?
>you couldn't really remember
>it was definitely the same mare though
"Yes. You did. I'm still on the fence whether you be lashed or assigned to the worst duties I can think of. For now, apologize to the mare, who's business you could have ruined."
>the mare didn't even make eye contact as she skittered past you to apologize
>fuck
>now what do you do?

>you climbed back out of the storage basement and saw the bat pony apologizing profusely to deaf ears
>the mare simply spat on the ground and barked at her to get out of her store
"Look. I'm sorry about this. They're new to the whole civilization thing."
>"It shows. If you don't want the ponies making a living around here to chase them out, you better teach them some manners."
"Believe me. This was the final straw. They'll be disciplined."
>"Good."
"So. I still need those sails…"
>"Alright. Give me…. A week. I'll get the store up and running and have your sails ready by then."
"Alright, great. How do you do payment?"
>"Usually half up front, but i'll take it up with your quartermaster. Leave you to figure out what to do with those bats."
"Alright. Have a nice day."
>"You too. Oh, and Minotaur guy?"
"What?"
>"…Thanks for paying for the damages. It'll keep me in business. Not everypony would do that."
"It's my responsibility. Don't worry about it."
>you exited the shop, only to find a pretty down looking bat
>"Sorry I was… This drink is… It does things, makes the body and mind not tick like it should tick. Yet. Good. And warm, soothing."
"That's alcohol for ya. Look did the discipline of the Germaneians teach you guys anything?"
>the bat cringed upon hearing about the Germaneians who raised them
>"By Terra. They'd be so disappointed…"
"I think it's overdue you guys got a chain of command."
>or responsible quartermasters
>looking at you, Whiskey and Smoker
>"Yes. Yes! We could be like the solders in the old stories."
"We'll think of something."
>"So… this means I won't get any lashings?"
"Don't push it."
>"Sorry! Sorry!"
>at least you had a week before sailing
>maybe Blitzen Hoof could help them out?
>he was still a stranger, but it would give him something productive to do
>and a chance for him to get to know the crew
>on the other hand, you'd be putting a lot of responsibility on a stranger
>course, you could just have Aldreda rip his throat out if he tried anything funny
>hehehe

"What's your name, by the way?"
>"Rubber Patch."
>wow, those Germaneians really did pull the names for these bats out of their ass
>to be fair, if you had to name half a thousand, you'd probably do the same thing
"Who, in your group, do you answer to?"
>"Um.. You?"
"No, I mean among the bats."
>"Oh. Smoker is the strongest of the stallions, and Whiskey is the strongest of the mares. Back home, we listened the most to our best fighters."
"Interesting, Patch. Can you tell me a bit about the old solder stories you've heard?"
>"Well, there is this story about Frau Frost Zahn. Did you meet with her?"
"You mean on the mountain? No, only talked to stallions."
>"Well. She takes care of the young ones now but, back in the day she was a really mighty solder."
"Tell me about her."
>"The airship she was stationed at crashed, after an encounter with a ton of diamond dogs. Blinded by her sense of duty, and the love for her fellow pony, she held off the approaching hordes, by using the blade of a propeller as an axe."
>brutal
"So she is a unicorn?"
>"Yes. Scared away the dogs by catching the heads of her opponents in her magic and flinging them back at them. She thought us that fear, fear can make even the smallest mare seem big."
>Christ, these bats were raised by psychopaths
"Fear is the mind-killer, Frost Zahn didn't lie about that."
>"There's also the story about Zengif, the immovable. I haven't seen him myself, only heard the stories. They told us that he was a stallion who switched over from the evil side, to the good side. One time, in the prison camp he was stationed, there was a riot. The evil ponies inside tried to get to Zengif and his friends, to kill them. The stallion wasn't afraid though, because he knew that he and his fellow solders, were the only thing standing between the evil ponies, and freedom."
"Go on."
>"Zengif fought the rebel scum, even if they were from his old army, and ended up with over forty crossbow bolts, lodged inside his hide by the time the riots ended. He died, knowing that no matter how much wrong you have done in the past, there is always a path to redemption."
>sorta grim but whatevs
"I want you to go back to town. Tell Marcus what you've done, and how he see fit to punish you for now."
>"Seriously?!"
"Yep. Until I put together something of a proper leadership for you guys. Look at yourself as Zengif. Self sacrificing for the good of your friends. If you guys' behavior keeps up, you'll all be kicked out by some angry towns-ponies. What you'll be doing is setting an example for the others to follow."
>"Well… When you put it like that…"
>you patted the mare on the back
"Go on. Show your fellows that you're above fear."
>"…I will. Thank you, Captain."
>with that the mare took off
>holy shit, that was easy
>these ponies were mad easy to convince
>now to find Blitzen
>you walked onboard the ship, since that's were you directed him
>to take a look
>on deck, you found the stallion, stripped of his armor, talking to a stripped member of your crew
>the zebra shook his head as Blitzen sighed
"Hey."
>"Begrüßung."
"And a bear tongue to you as well. What's up?"
>"Trying to find Markus. You told me he vas a zebra, but not which."
"Oh. Yeah, my bad. He's not onboard right now. Handling some business, you see."
>the stallion sighed, with mild annoyance under his breath
"But! I have something else you can do. Something that'll get you, and your Germaneian buddies in good standing with the crew."
>"Vell then. Let us hear it."
"I want you to help the bats in forming a chain of command. So they won't act like… Um."
>"Savages?"
"A fitting word, yes. Savages. I think some sort of ranking system would really help with morale and order."
>"But. vhy vuld they listen to me?"
"Because they were raised by retired Germaneian solders. Me, you, Marcus, and the two "representatives" of the bats could get together and hammer some military discipline into them. Naturally I won't force you, though."
>"Vell. This mission means a lot to Franziska. Unt when she is happy. We are not ligned up against a firing vall. Deal."
"Alright, great."
>"Um. May I make a suggestion?"
"I don't see why not."
>"Hov about ve take this tonight? Zhese bats are nokturnal in nature. I vould have a much easier time, vorking with fully rested ponies."
>what do?


"Alright, but Red is gonna be busy with the zebras, and maybe some bats tonight. Training the crew to refine their cannonball aim. So, if we're doing it tonight, "
>"Unterstandable. Not eksperiensed in navel varfare meineself."
"Hmm. Well what are you good at?"
>"I am a Rottenführer. Tactics, leadership, magic unt physical fitness are meine prides."
>you noticed
>now that he had his armor stripped, it was apparent that he was pretty well built, for a unicorn
>not quite earth pony tier, but he made the zebras, and the bats especially, look like starved dogs by comparison
>the stallion gave you a questioning look from you eyeing him
"Don't get any ideas. Just. I didn't realize how skinny my bats were until now."
>"They lived in the woods?"
"On a mountain, apparently. Being omnivores didn't help either."
>"Ah, nich a lot of food on mountains. You should make sure they eat vell, grow strong from real nourishment."
"Yeah."
>"If there is nothing else, I vant to take a shower. Trotting around vith armor is death, in this heat."
>what do?

"Alright. Gives me some extra time to go through stuff."
>"Very gut."
>the stallion yawned as he stretched, while laying down on the deck. Sighing
>"I am still a bit shaken up by meine last campain. Do you mid if I?"
"Oh no, go ahead. Just lay down for a spell. Marcus will return to the ship eventually."
>"Danke."
"Just look for the zebra with the missing leg. That's him."
>"Ja Wohl."
>sails were being made, Red was buying cannon balls. And… oh, bats
>you went bellow deck and found Smoker and Whiskey, sharing bunk like they did barrels
>adorable
"Hey. Psst"
>"Hmm–?"
>Smoker was the first to wake up
>"Captain?"
"Do a headcount. Do we have every bat onboard?"
>the stallion raised his head from Whiskey's sholder and sniffed the air
>"Yeah. except for Rubber Patch."
>you sent her to town to find Marcus, so that was understandable
"Good nose, thanks bud."
>"Mhm…"
>Smoker went back to sleep, on top of Whiskey
>cute
>oh fuck!
>realization
>you were supposed to get Red some self medication
>if you really wanted to party


>you decided it would be best to look for a pone coffee shop
>was drugs even legal in Equestria?
>did you give a shit?
>you made your way to the town, making sure your pockets were lined with bits before leaving
>yeah, made that mistake one too many times
>you looked around at the different buildings, shops and markets, but nothing resembling dubious substances looked to be on sale
>you even went to a few actual coffee shops, with little luck
>exhausting your options,m you quickly grew frustrated
>then you remembered the zebra hut
>if drugs were legal in Equestria, they would have to have some
>you also remembered stalking Red
>she went and talked to somebody in a back ally, not too far away from the center of town
>what did she do there?
>meet and greet with a dealer?
>if so, that was also an option

>hmm
>well, you didn't want your knees broken by tiny baby horses
>perhaps you should just see the zebra shop
>you could probably pay them back the bits you owed as well
>from borrowing that one potion
>you headed that-a-way
>you entered the store to find the same, bored looking zebra mare eating an apple by the counter. While hoofing through a similar looking magazine
>only this time, she wasn't alone
>there was an elder, more gray maned zebra, tending to the shelves
>"Ah, traveler."
>you slammed down like, 400 bits
"Borrowed a potion from you, a couple of days ago. Didn't have time to pay, it was a live or death situation."
>the stallion looked pleasantly surprised
>"I was wondering were the dragon essence went. Did you know about this?"
>he turned to the younger zebra, who simply shrugged
>"Well thank you for repaying us. Very kind. Now, something tells me you want something?"
"Yes, potion seller. I am going to a party and I want your strongest potions."
>you did air quotes for full effects
>the stallion seemed to know what you were talking about, by the looks of it
>the stallion got uncomfortably close as a semi-smug grin, creaked past his wrinkly lips
>"My potions are too strong for you, traveler."
"Potion seller. I'm telling you i'm going to a party and I want only your strongest potions."
>"You can't handle my potions. They're too strong for you."
>you sighed
"Potion seller, listen to me. I want only your strongest potions."
>"My potions would kill you, traveler. You can not handle my potions."
"Potion seller. Enough of these games. I'm going to a party and I need your strongest potions."
>"My strongest potions would kill you. Traveler. You can't handle my strongest potions. You better go to a seller that sells weaker potions."
"Potion seller. I'm telling you right now. I'm going to a party. And I need your strongest potions."
>the shaman's tone turned sinister
>"You don't know what you ask, traveler. My strongest potions will kill a dragon, let alone a man. You need a seller, that sells weaker potions. Cause my potions. Are too strong!"
>you felt your knees getting weak, and sketti building up in your pockets
"Potion seller! I'm telling you, I need your strongest potions! I'm going to a party. I'm going to a party and I need your strongest potions!"
>"YOU CAN'T HANDLE MY STRONGEST POTIONS! NO ONE CAN! My strongest potions are fit for a beast. Let alone a man."
>you felt so overwhelmed
"Potion seller what do I have to tell you to get your potions?! Why won't you trust me with your strongest potions, potion seller? I need them If I am to be successful at the party!"
>you managed to squeak out
>"I can't give you my strongest potions, because my strongest potions are only for the strongest beings and you are of the weakest!"
"Well then that's it, potion seller. I'll go elsewhere. I'll go elsewhere for my potions."
>"That's what you better do."
"I'll go elsewhere for my potions, and i'll never come back."
>"Good! You're not welcome here. My potions are only for the strongest and you're clearly you're not of the strongest You're clearly the weakest."
>you sniffed
"You've had your say, potion seller. But i'll have mine. You're a rascal. You're a rascal with no respect for mercs. *sniff* No respect for anything… except your potions…"
>the stallion gave you a grim, soul-crushing glance, and his voice carried every hint of malice projected through his eyes
>"Why respect mercs. When my potions can do anything that you can?"
>with that you were thrown outside
>damn
>what the fuck happened back there?

>fuck it
>might as well look for some shady horses
>you lurked around the ally you saw Red enter for about half an hour
>sure enough, a shaky looking zebra entered the alleyway
>you followed
>the easy living mood of the town changed quickly, once you entered the back ally
>sour brick and garbage lined your peripheral vision
>oh hey, it's the garbage can Red pissed on
>you tallied the stallion, further down the alley
>finally, he made a turn and walked into the wall and through
>what the fuck?
>did Red's piss have hallucinogenic properties?
>you inspected the wall further
>it did nothing to stand out from the rest of the red bricks in the vicinity, that was, until you felt it
>you dragged your fingertips over, causing the wall to ripple like lake water
>an illusion?
>knowing horsie world logic, most likely
>only problem being, you didn't know what was lurking on the other side

>you pushed your ear, hard against the solid part of the brick to listen in
>nothing
>being careful as to not disturb anything, you moved your focus over to the illusion
>still, not as much as a peep
>if visual illusions were possible, muffling magic wouldn't be too far of a stretch
>fuck it
>you decided to enter
>ass you passed through, you felt your belly tighten up, as if you were on the presephis of a roller coaster
>the transition wasn't too uncomfortable though, thankfully
>you looked back form were you came, only to find a similar, boring red brick wall
>upon touching it, it rippled, as before
>that's some Harry Potter shit right there
>good to know there was an exit about
>looking forward again, you took in your surroundings
>dim red lights, the odd smashed beer bottle here and there
>and two unicorns in suits, rapidly zeroing in on you
>"You sure you outta  be here?"
>the younger of the two asked
>"He sticks out like a sore hoof, Sweet-Tooth. I say we stick him in the rack."
>the older one with shades indoors replied
>"Nah, boss. We'll take him to Raisin. He'll know what to do with him."
>"Sweet Tooth. I've told you half a million times. He likes to be called Ray-Sin"
>"C'man. He's not around. Who's gonna tell him?"
>"The intruder might."
>"Boss. You're right. Let's stick him in the rack!"
>"Oh, so now you agree?"
>"Look boss. I just don't want this to cause more of a headache than it needs to. Let's let Raisin deal with him later."
>"Ray-Sin! Who's mother did you come out of, Sweet Tooth? If Ray-Sin was here, he'd have your rump on a silver platter."
>"But he's not here."
>"Look, just make it a habit out of pronouncing his name like that. Like we practiced."
>to be fair, Ray-Sin was a pretty fucking gay name
>so was Raisin, for that matter
>boy, whoever these two were talking about must have been bullied in school
>Raisin? So many jokes you could make about that, to a stallion

"Scuce me, have you seen a red-maned mare named red. nothing read on the way here, and i was bo-red. hopefully you don't see red."
>"Um… What?"
>"He's loosing it, boss. Ray-Sin's not gonna be happy if we let a two hundred something pound ape run around in her place of business."
>"You sure that's not a Minotaur? A really, really weak Minotaur? And does he look two hundred pound to you?"
>"I don't know, boss. Peachy always says it and it sounds cool."
>the older of the two sighed
>"We really need to get you a first grade education, Sweet Tooth. And you. Minotaur. Said you were looking for Red. That's all I got from ya. You know Equestrian?"
"No, nothing fancy like that. I'm from Earth, like to keep myself grounded."
>"Aha. Well we don't give out clientele info like name, coat color, mane color, cutiemark. You name it. We don't have it."
"Yeah alright. I really don't give a shit either way. I'm just here to buy some… party supplies."
>"Party supplies? What does it look like we're running novelty store here, buddy?"
>"Shut it, Sweet Tooth. He means drugs. You'll need to see our boss for that. Ray-Sin. And don't you forgets it."
"So it's not a stallion with a shrived old cock, got it."
>"Hey, what makes you think the boss lady is a dude?"
"Well, Raisin, Ray-Sin. Sounds kinda boyish, no? You sure it's not a bull dyke?"
>"A bull what? Never mind. We're taking you to Ray-Sin. Let her decide whether she wants to sell or feed you to the cooler."

"Sure. Take me to your leader."
>"This way."
>the two stallions followed a narrow hallway, growing gloomier and gloomier
>shit was getting smaller as you walked along
>whoever built this shit had not heard of a spirit level
>spirit level
>funny word, sounded like some new age hippy bullshit
>the stallions opened a door and the room exploded with color
>it was like some sort of kid's funhouse theme going on
>no.. Chinese opium bar
>on second thought, That's so 70's show… something?
>you didn't rightfully know
>the room was littereed with old … really? Hoofball… memorabilia, had a gorgeously cheesy disco ball, reflecting colorful horseshoes
>while a bunch of ponies and zebras sat around in couches getting high out of their minds
>some were dancing to the tunes of a pony garage band, with the vocalist half asleep on stage
>the whole place just struck you as bizarre and uncomfortable
>the stallions lead you up a stairway to a room overlooking the mess downstairs
>"Right in there. And don't come out until the boss says so."
>"Yeah, unless. You're being tossed in the cage or something, then you can come out. But only for the cage."
>the stallions left you alone in front of the entrance to the door, on to of the staircase
>funny
>you really hoped they knew you were armed
>like, damn, that's some shitty guards
>almost as shitty as the bats, looking over your treasury
>almost
>you opened the door, slowly
>an earth pony mare lay on a sofa-bed thingy, looking at the ceiling all cozy like
>she was obviously dyed, with most of her coat consisting of gray and black tones, along with her mane
>you knew this because normal, pony colored ponies, did not exist in Equestria
>you saw an arm rise from being her and a bushy smile, grin at her
>holy shit
>"Holy Shit!"
"Rodgers!"
>"Anon, dude!"
>Rodgers gave you a hearty smile as the mare underneath him squeaked in surprise
>what the fuck was he doing here?

"Sup man. How you holding up?"
>Rodgers smiled as he got up, butt naked
>so his beard was the second most bushy thing on him
>"Yeah man. I'm doing great, bats have been acting up lately tough. Think the booze is bad for them."
"It's bad for all of us. Hey why don't you introduce me to your friend?"
>"Oh this? Anon, Raisin, Raisin, Anon."
>the mare furrowed her brow
>"And just what are you doing here, we're busy. Go away. And for pony's sake, my name is Ray-Sin."
>Rodgers really stepped in the dog shit now
>"Sorry, baby. You're just so. Natural, and tasty. Like a Raisin. I just can't help it."
>the mare wasn't impressed
>"Sometimes I wonder why I even bother."
"We obviously got off on the wrong foot, I'm sorry. I just came here cause I wanted to buy some drugs."
>"Ha. Ha. We don't need your blood money in this den, merc."
>Rodgers finally got some fucking pants on, thank god
>"Don't be like that, Ray. Anon's a good guy, deep down."
>the mare got down from her sofa bed and looked you in the eyes while snaring
>"We do not trade in blood. And this one reeks of death and ill intent. Little Ray knows these things."
"You don't know jack. I just came here to do business."
>"Or what? You're in my hole now. You play by my rules…"
"And those are?"
>"Um… A fight! In The Cage! TO THE DEATH!"
"I thought you said, you didn't deal in blood? Am I missing something?"
>"Um.. Well, it's like- Oh… One moment."
>the mare scratched her chin in thought, as Rodgers slowly shook his head
>"Oh! It's my way to punish death dealers! I'm the dispenser of cruel justice to the scum of this fair town. Feel the Ray of your SIN!"
>nothing personell, kid
"So. I'd need to risk my life, in order to buy your product?"
>"Yes! Muhahaha!"
"Doesn't seem like a good deal."
>"WAIT! I'll give you the best drug known to pony kind…"
"Alright? Go on."
>"Um. But only if you scare off my competition."
"So.. I fight your competition in the cage?"
>"No! You… um. You'll be my pawn, yes. And take the lefthoofed tunnels to his lair, and smash her lab."
"And kill her?"
>"NO! No. You just… scare her off."
>either this pony was tweaked out of her mind, or she was trying to play hard
"And if I do that, I'll get the best drug known to pony kind?"
>"Well… No. I don't have it. But i'll let you pick and choose from my top shelf. What do you say?"
>you gave Rodgers a questioning look, in which he returned

"Hmm, no. I don't think so. I'm not the type to destroy private property and mentally scar innocents for financial gain."
>you totally were
"Nor am I the kinda sick fuck that enjoys watching ponies die in cages."
>"No nonono. It's not like that. Nopony dies in the cage. There.. It's a- Hmm. Um, a jail. A little jail."
"That doesn't sound as cool."
>"Well it is. It's way past cool! The bars are made out of super steal. And it's all unbreakable and stuff."
>Rodgers patted her on the back as he sat down next to her
>"Anon is just having some fun at your expense."
>the mare looked at Rodgers funny
>"Well, it's not funny."
"It's a little funny."
>"Anon, let me deal with this."
>Rodgers coddled the mare
>aw, now you felt like the bad guy for being a little harsh on the pony who wanted to see you fight in a cage, like some sort of diseased animal
"Look. Either I get my stuff from here, or i'll go ask your competition."
>the mare sniffed, obviously having her feelings hurt
>"O-ohkay. Just talk to the stallion behind the bar…"
"Thank you, GOD!"
>you were sick of this bullshit
>"meet you topside, bro."
"Alright, Rodgers. Have fun."
>"Yeah, Ah- Dude. Ask for some Greenhoof, you won't regret it."
"Nice, will do, dude."
>with that you left the room
>waaa waa waa, be my lapdog, please!
>pah, fucking idiot ponies, you didn't have time to run their stupid errands
>shoving away a passed out pony, you met with the cold glare of the bartender
"Greenhoof. Enough for half a dozen."
>he gave you a slow nod
>"Six hundred bits."
>600? Jesus, this stuff better be pope blessed
>you handed him the bits, as he gave you a  discrete sack of goods
>nodding, you turned around and headed outside
>you left the uncanny hole, lead by the mare with the biggest identity issues since Aldreda
>low blow? Low blow
>just were was that pony anyways
>at least you had yours and Red's goods

>you just hoped she wasn't getting herself into trouble
>then again, she was very low down on the list of ponies you worked with, who would get themselves into trouble
>and that's worrying
>speaking of trouble, Red..
>you should probably head back to the ship and see what's up
>so you did just that
>the walk back was uninteresting for a change
>thank God
>you approached the harbor, seeing three zebras and Bitz, carrying a large crate, filled with cannon balls onboard the ship
>with Red lazily looking from the side
"Got everything in order?"
"It wasn't cheap… Okay, it kinda was. Yeah, everything is ready to go. Now we just need to wait until nightfall and we can do some practice. Did you get the stuff?"
"The sails will be ready in a week."
"But what about the. Other stuff?"
>you dropped the sack in front of Red
"Here."
"Sweet. Don't tell me what it is, I wanna be surprised."
>you heard a hefty thud as the stallions dropped the crate
"Good work, fellas!"
"You could have given them a han- hoof. You know."
"Nah. That' there is stallion work. Besides, having five ponies carry a crate just creates unbalance. And i'm not picking up these balls."
"Do you have gunpowder as well?"
"Do I look like a landlubber to you?"
"No. I was just making sure. Oh, speaking of landlubbers, have you seen Aldreda?"
"She's bellow deck. I was just about to teach her how to cook. Wanna join in?"

"Sure."
"Great. Alright, Blitz, dear?"
>"Madam?"
"Do you know how to load cannons?"
>"Thiz… cavepony technology? Nein. I have vorked with artillery in the past though."
"Well this is very different, probably. Never mind then."
>"Madam."
>you followed Red downstairs
"Really polite that guy."
"Yeah, them Germaneians breed some fine stallions. Strong, reliable, a bit fucked in the head, fetish wise, but all around, they're pretty handy to have around."
"You do know Aldreda is crushing on him, right?"
"Duh. She's been so flustered lately, why do you think i'm learning her the art of cooking?"
"That's nice of you."
"I am nice."
"You um. Yeah."
>you and Red entered the tubs kitchen and watched as Aldreda struggled to keep a knife straight in her mouth as she cut up some onions
"How are we doing?"
>"Cry. It cries!"
"Yeah. he he. Onions will do that to you."
>"Why?"
"I don't know, Magic, probably."
>Aldreda turned away in pain
"You big baby. Let me take that for you."
>you noticed were Aldreda was standing, lay a bumbled mess of bent metal and splintered wood
>looks like she went through a couple of knives before you arrived
>Red seemed to notice this as well
"Those knives aren't free, dear. You need to stop chewing through them."
>"Sorry."
"It's alright."
>Aldreda sat down next to you
"Hi, sis."
>"Hello. Are you here to make food with us?"
"Nah, I think i'll just watch."
>"Why?"
"Men suck in the kitchen, Aldreda. We mares have a certain knack for it, the little extra attention to detail."
>"But then. He should also learn."
"Ha!"
"Don't worry about me, Aldreda. Go on, let Red show you how it's done. What are you making anyways?"
"Hmm! Pizza. Like the one when we first met. And some dip for later. Is that alright with you?"

"You're tugging at my heartstrings, Red. By all means. Do."
"No problemo."
"So, Aldreda. What do you think about Blitzen? Pretty efficient at his work, right?"
>the mare whinnied
>"Eh… Hmm. He is nice."
"I set him up to teach the bats about discipline and the chain of command tonight. Do you think that's a good idea?"
>"O-oh. I could help."
"You think so?"
>"…Yes."
"Aldreda. Come help me with the dough first at least."
>Aldreda got up and walked towards the calling mare
>maybe not the best time to start a heavy conversation
"So, Anon. Got any experience with shooting cannons?"
"Can't say I do."
"I thought you humans were like, super advanced or something."
"Exactly. We're way past cannons."
"So, you should know about them then."
"But I don't."
"Seriously? Am I the only one on this ship who knows how to care for a cannon?"
>a quick glance at Red's face, proved that she caught her Freudian slip
>"How does cannons work?"
"This is the first time I've heard you ask about the new world."
>"Sorry."
"No no. I didn't mean it like that. You know how black powder explodes, right?"
>"Mmm. No."
>Red sighed
"Well. Black-powder explodes. If you put black powder inside of a barrel, too strong for it to be broken, and focus- you know what. You wanna take this question, Anon? You obviously know more about projectiles than me."

"you got a little chamber filled with explody stuff. Black powder here, apparently. then you take a long, strong, hard barrel that won't disintegrate from the blast of that black powder firmly attached to that chamber. On top of the exit of that chamber, you put a heavy load, and you excite the powder. The blast erupts from the barrel. And because it has only one way to go, it pushes its load out the front exit and it fires. In the end it is a matter of exciting the source of the blast. Works with more then just cannons."
>Aldreda simply blinked, deadpanned
>"So. your loud fire stick, is that a cannon as well?"
"No, that's a shotgun."
>"Oh."
>the mare seemed a bit overwhelmed
"Maybe it'll make sense to you once we try 'em out. Speaking of loud fire stick. Wet black-powder dries if you leave it out in the sun long enough. Maybe you should try that with your mose berg, Anon?"
"You just want to shoot it again, don't you?"
"Guilty as charged."
>it could be worth a shot (heh)
>but you didn't have too much info on wet ammunition
>you just kept yours in a locker most of the time
>maybe the do/k/ could help?

"Yeah, maybe. I'll look into it."
"Good- Oh, Aldreda. Don't drool on that."
>"Sorry."
"Great, now I need to find a new cheese. I'll be right back."
>"Why can't we use this one?"
"Cause, Heaven knows were that mouth of yours has been."
"The same could be said about you, Red."
"You're the last person to comment on what I choose to put in my mouth. Besides, I don't know if she's still carrying that plague around or not. Better safe than sorry, I say."
"Hmm."
"Look, I'm not immune to that bat bile. Just look at Marcus, they had to take his leg off. This cheese is going in the trash."
>"Sorry…"
"It's not your fault, honey. Well, it kinda is. You should take her to Redheart for a checkup before we start blasting life rings, Anon. See if all she got from that ordeal was an ashy white coat, or if there's something else."
>Aldreda was about to speak up but Red interrupted her
"Oh yeah. And a pulse, I bet you're real happy for that, aren't ya?"
>the ashed mare smiled and nodded happily
"Yes, the thought has crossed my mind."
>Red left the kitchen, in favor of storage
>"Is my mouth really venomous? The bats can control that."
"You're asking the wrong guy. I'm not a vet. Nurse Redheart is the expert in that department."
>"Hmm. She is very smart."
"I also want to talk to you about what happened back there with the Earth God. But not now."
>Aldreda slowly nodded her head
>"Okay."
"Maaph."
>Red spat the block of cheese out on the counter
"Great, so the food gets spit in in no matter what?"
"Unless you have one of those fancy magic sissies to prep your food? Yeah. You're bound to get some spit in your Equestrian home cooking."
"You sure we can't just get a unicorn chef?"
"Whiskey already agreed to make the food while we're out sailing. Now, it's not blind bragging when I say i'm the better cook, when compared to the mare who's spent her entire life, cooking dead squirrels and cleanly picked bones. But she's better with handling a lot of dishes at once. All she need is to learn some recipes that won't make us herbivores sick in the long run."
"Gotcha."
"Can you light up the fires for me, Aldreda?"
>you sat back and let the mares continue doing their thing
>you still weren't happy about being exclusively served food that ponies spat in
>oh well
>judging by the amount of time you've spent here, you figure you only had time for either browsing the do/k/ or get Redheart to have a new look at Aldreda, before the firework started

"You know. Night is coming. I should really let Redheart have a look at Aldreda soon."
"Well, if you two hurry up, the pizza will be done by the time you get home."
"Really?"
"Sure, you kids go along. Last time I checked, bats are pretty… flammable. I'll cook this one on my own, Aldreda. You go get your checkup."
>Aldreda looked back and forth the two of you
>"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I wouldn't relinquish you from kitchen duties if it wasn't. Heh, Relinquish. Don't think I've ever said that word out loud before."
"Alrighty then. Aldreda, come with me. Red. Thanks."
"I'll have a nice mug of rum waiting for ya when you get back."
>Red was wife martial
>when she was in the kitchen, anyways
>eating out was just embarrassing
>you and Aldreda left the ship, in favor of Reheart's clinic
>on your way there, you spotted Franziska, browsing a couple of shops, with two unicorn stallions dressed as civilians (naked) behind her
>"Oh. Hello, Anonimous. Are you taking your creature out for eine little walk?"
>Franziska gave out an overly thick aura of friendliness
"Yeah, taking her to the doctor for a checkup."
>"Mene. I am almost a doktor. I kan do it."
"Oh. Yeah, I don't know…"
>"Relaks. Ve Germaneians are vurld renowned for our sientific prowess in ze field of medicine. *Ahem* Why are you taking it to tze doktor? Vat is ze condition?"

"Yeah, that'd be great but. We already have a doctor who has her medical history. And that's what we're gonna do, compare since the last checkup."
>"Unterstandable."
>Franziska circled Aldreda, slowly inspecting her
>"Nice… Wings. Auf Wiedersehen."
>the mare left your presence, with her company trailing behind her
>weird
>you entered Redheart's clinic
>once entering, you noticed there were no one home
>hmm, maybe she must have left for the day or somethi-
>"I'm in the basement!"
>you herd a muffled mare utter from bellow your feet
>you located Redheart's trapdoor and opened it
"Good day, Redheart."
>"Anon? Hi. What's up?"
>Redheart was splayed out on her back, resting on her corpse trolley, down in the basement, by some books
>"I just tried to get some sleep. Horseshoe bay doesn't have a lot of medical professionals, so I often get called out in the middle of the night."
"Oh."
>"So. What did you want?"
"Oh. Well. Aldreda kinda changed."
>"Horseapples. She can't be walking around in sunlight, Anonomous."
>Redheart sighed
>"I'll get some sunscreen."
"No. Not like that."
>Aldreda crawled through the hatch and downstairs, meeting Redheart's gaping gaze
>"Oh…kay. Did I miss something? Do Black Crows grow winter coats?"
>Redheart giggled to herself
>"But really. What is this? And should I be worried?"
>should you tell her the entire thing?
>in front of Aldreda?
>what do?

"We may or may not have talked with that Earth God fella."
>"Aha."
"He, she, the god. It did something to Aldreda. But I don't know what."
>"I'll need more information than that. What happened?"
"I don't know. We agreed on helping Aldreda. I blacked out, woke up in a library. And now we're here."
>"Divine intervention? Hmm. Just to make it clear, if he did something he didn't want us to find out. We wouldn't find out. Just so you know."
"Got it."
>"Come over here, Aldreda. On the gurney."
>Aldreda did just so as Redheart popped a pill
>"Ah. Caffeine. Helps me focus. Now. What can you tell me about your transformation?"
>"I bleed. And can bask in sunlight, once more."
>"Really, huh? Do you still get black emesis?"
>"Emmm- sis?"
>"Puke. Do you still puke black goop?"
>"No. Not in days."
>"And how long have you been… like this?"
>"days."
>Redheart facehoofed
>"Okay. So. You talked about bleeding. You and me know that you didn't do that last time."
>Aldreda nodded vigorously
>Redheart pulled out an over sized needle
>"Stay still."
>well, not necessarily over sized
>ponies lacked fine motoring skills, so it was understandable, their tools had to be bigger
>Redheart retried a sample and shoved it inside her magical wizmo machine
>"Interesting."
"What?"
>"It's blood alright. Looks like live cells as well."
"I figured as much. But I also wanted to know if she's as durable as she was before this happened."
>"What do you mean? Elaborate."
"You know. If she's still immortal."
>"She wasn't immortal in the first place. Her cellular structure still disintegrated into ash when in contact with the sun, you know."
"I know what you mean, but you know damn well what I mean as well."
>"Calm down, I do. And I couldn't tell you."
"What? Why?"
>"Because I'm simply not familiar with this race, if you can even call it that. Old Aldreda was simple. Ash, black waste goo and necrotic flesh. This is a living, breathing entity. I can't even tell if you humans are immortal or not. I'm a stranger to the anatomy."
"So…"
>"So as bad as it sounds, if you really wanna know. You'd have to do a field test."
"Oh. Okay."
>"I'll keep the sample in the back of my mind, and take some pictures for later."
>Redheart yawned
>"Is there anything else you wanna know that I might help with?"
"Damage resistance?"
>Redheart looked over Aldreda again
>"Thick hide, strong er bones. Not too sure about the rapid regeneration though. Oh! Can I switch your bandages, Aldreda? They look old."
>"Okay."
>Redheart did just that and was left with bloodied bandages and the stained, ashen coat underneath it
>"No scarring or hair loss. Hmm. Are these bite marks?"
>"Yes."
>"When did you get them?"
>"Few days. Ago."
>"Hmm. Well. That's healed impossibly quick for an average pony. Something tells me you still have the ability to self-heal."
>"Good!"
"That's a relief."
>"So. Was there anything else I should have a look at, or did I sate your curiosity?"

"One more."
>Redheart yawned
"Can you tell if Aldreda's bites are poisonous?"
>"I can tell you right away that they're not."
"How so?"
>"Because there are no such thing as poisonous bites, only venomous ones."
>cheeky cunt
"Tomayto, tomahto."
>"It really isn't. Nevertheless.. Open up your mouth for me, Aldreda."
>the mare did just that as Redheart took a peek
>"Hmm. I'm no dentist but, aha, alright, let's see…"
>Redheart got a sharp steal rod and started prodding around in there
>"Aaand nope. Don't think so. I don't see any venom canals. But it really dosen't matter."
"What makes you say that?"
>"Just look at those jaw muscles. There's no reason for a predator to have venom when it can simply tear ligaments like the stalks off of apples."
>Redheart walked over to a cupboard and brought back some sort of scale thingy
>"Picked this up a while back. It's for testing bite force. Convenient, huh? Got it from an old friend that used to work with crocodiles. Here bite down on this, Aldreda. Let's just make sure I didn't miss any venom canals."
>Aldreda did as she was asked
>"See how her teeth are different? Instead of a row of pearly whites, with a layout of broken glass, and two gruesome hooks. Now she has a real row of teeth instead of that second, hinged jaw …Still got those fangs though, ugh. Try biting down as hard as you can, Aldreda."
>"Hoonk I haahih?"
>"No, it's designed to handle crocodile bites."
>as soon as Aldreda bit down, you could hear the padded sensor thingy crack and whine to the sound of metal bending
>"Stop stop stop! Okay. Spit that thing out."
>"Ptihuuh."
>"Well now we know for sure why you're no longer venomous."
>"Why?"
>"Because there's no reason to when you can rip literal chunks of bone out of prey. Just look what happened to my croco-gauge-"
>"Sorry."
>"Don't apologize to me it's going out of Anon's pocket."
>Aldreda looked at you, slightly frazzled
>"Apologies. I didn't mean to…"

"Don't worry about it. I'll foot the bill, Redheart. As soon as you finish testing the limits of your equipment."
>"With all due respect, forget about it. I'm not risking my possessions for her to chew to pieces. Pony's sake, that thing was mostly solid metal. But never mind that. It's not healthy for anypony to chew metal."
>Alderda lulled her tongue out as a couple of her teeth rested firmly on the wet surface
>"Let's hope this whole self-heal thingy comes with a dental plan. I can assure you, molds for those kinds of teeth do not exist."
>"My next-to-teeth flesh, tastes funny."
>"Those are gums. You probably pressed your teeth into them way too hard."
>"Oh."
"Can you fix that?"
>"I can't. I'm not a dentist. Just cross your hooves my thesis holds true."
"Yeah alright. Then I think we're done here."
>"Just might."
>Redheart whistled
>"Out of my gurney, Aldreda. I need some sleep."
>"Yes. Thank you. Redheart."
>"Save your thanks for when I actually patch you up."
>"You did change her bandages."
>"Yeah, I did. You're welcome, Aldreda."
>that brought a smile upon the mare's face
"We better get going. Red's ,making dinner."
>"Have fun."
>leaving Redheart's clinic, you figured it was about time to ask Aldreda about her possible mortallity
"You know. Seeing how you're probably more vulnerable now, than when you were a shambling potato sack of dead meat, I think it's best that you play it safe in the future."
>"Safe?"
"Yeah, stay back the rest of them, don't just go charging in, head on."
>Aldreda paused for a minute, looking conflicted
>she finally stomped her hoof
>"No. I am a protector, a sentinel. I do not- will not stay behind."
"But Aldreda-"
>"No. "
>wow, this might have been the first time she had  protested against you
>maybe her change was more mental than physical?
>defilement required confidence, so you guessed this was a good sign

"I'm not telling you to quit fighting. Just don't go charging in head first, alright? Be smart. Work with the team."
>"I can do that."
"Speaking of things you can do. Can you feel pain?"
>"Couldn't. Before. Now I can."
"Then didn't you stop biting down on Redheart's pressure thingy? You lost teeth because of it."
>"You do not understand, Brother. A hundred lifetimes with no pleasure, no pain… Every emotion is a blessing when compared to absolutely nothing."
>oh
"Oh. Yeah alright. But modern Equestria is a lot more advanced then it was thousands of years ago. They have primitive firearms, and wearable AA weapons."
>"A A?"
"Anti-Aircraft. But i'm amusing it's used on pegasi and flying things."
>Aldreda cocked a half grin
>"But brother. I do not fly."
"But still."
>"I understand your concerns. But we shouldn't attack during the day anyways. I know bats, I know bats better than the flock from Foal Mountain. And they operate more efficient when not seen. I do so too. Their strength is fear. My strength is much the same. And fear is as powerful weapon today, as it was four thousand years ago."
"Okay. Not a dumb move. Yeah, I could see you guys as some form of terror squad. But we'll talk tactics later. I wanted to know about your visit with the Earth God. Particularly the parts in which I was not conscious."
>"I woke up. Before you. Met with him. Talked with him …Attacked him."
>dayum
>"Demanded.. things from him, things I did not know about. Things I regretted to know about. He told me I shouldn't know, that I had repressed it for a reason. But I was angry. Didn't think. And… Yes. You know the rest. All the voices. Once I realized what I was. Something broke."
"You know. I talked him into a deal to fix you. On your behalf."
>"I know. And I thank you for it. These few days. Just walking in the sunlight. Thinking clearly. Feeling the warmth, breathing. They are all things I have not experienced in so long. So, so long. Just the quiet that comes when I close my eyes is worth a hundred deals with the Earth God."
"So, he told you about it?"
>"He tells of a lot of things. All at the same time. All you have to do is listen. But yes. He did tell me. And I thank you for it."
"Heh, not gonna reserve a thanks for the Earth God himself, I see."
>"Oh he knows."
"So, what happened afterwards?"
>"My old Sentinel armor. I saw it. With you. He placed it on this earth. Somewhere."
"Yeah, but before that?"
>"I woke up, by the tree. With knowledge. And a calm. It's… hard to explain. I do not with to talk about it unless I have to."
>should you press her for more knowledge or just let it be?

"It's alright. There's no need if you don't feel like it. Just want to let you know that I took the decition for you. The others were… Questionable."
>"For whom?"
"It doesn't matter. You're here now. Let's just grab ourselves a bite to eat."
>the two of you headed towards the ship
>going bellow deck, you found Red impatiantly tapping her hoof, waiting over a few jugs of rum
"Took you two long enough-"
"Sorry, but look at the bright side, at lest you won't have to throw away anymore food Aldreda touches with her mouth."
"So she's clean?"
>"As clean as our mouths get."
"That's great. Damn, just threw away a prefectly good cheese."
>"I can retrieve it."
"Since you're offering. It's somewhere in the bay. Pretty sure it floats."
>"I will get it."
>Aldreda swooped past you and crawled up to the deck
"Really?"
"Hey. She asked."
"Do you need that cheese?"
"No. But I want it. Do you need clothing?"
"Totally different thing."
"Is not. It's a luxury. No sit down, i'm starving."
>should you start eating without Aldreda tho?

"No, I think i'll wait for Aldreda."
"Trust me, you could fee that mare cork and she'd be happy. Besides, she likes to help around."
"We should set an example for her to follow."
>Red sighed
"Fiiine you big doofus."
"I'm glad to see there's some manners in you."
"Eat my ass."
"Is that an invitation?"
>Red paused and bit her lip
"…Mmm njaybe?"
>you sat down and sneaked your arm around her neck, while petting her withers
"So, when do you plan to start the cannon ball thingiy?"
"After dinner, we need to set sail beforehand though."
"Why?"
"So we won't get Royal Guards snooping around, I don't know how it is down there in the human world. But here, firing cannons, right next to towns is a big no-no."
"Ahh, I get you. Are the others onboard?"
"Blitz is currently beating the lazy out of a few zebras and bats, daring to challenge him in some silly round about."
"So he's assaulting our crew?"
"They just want to brag about being the one to knock out a high ranking Germaneian, Blitzen was willing to humor them. In short yes, he is. But they're the ones asking for it."
"I didn't know our crew sucked so hard."
"They're fighting one-on-one over at the other ship. I wouldn't call them sucky.. But compared to somepony with military training? Yeah, I don't think Blitzen is going down anytime soon."
"Have you tried?"
"Pfft. No. I've been making food."
"I bet Aldreda could kick his ass."
"She probably could. Now that would be funny. Don't think she'd do it though. She's crushing on him pretty hard…. Then again, the bats have strange customs. Maybe the bat hunters do as well."
"What do you mean strange?"
"They beat each-other up to establish some sort of pecking order I guess. That's how Whiskey and Smoker became the unofficial leaders of the herd. Or is is a pack?"
"A pack. Or, it will be. Once they establish a proper hierarchy."
"Whatever. The others still respect the brother sister duo because they're the most capable fighters."
"They're brother and sister? I thought they had something going on."
"Why would you think that?"
"I saw them sleeping together, several times."
"Oh. That's not unusual. Not for ponies anyway. Oh! THAT'S why you were so weird whenever we slept together, before we started dating. You thought sleeping together was a strictly romantic thing. Is it because all humans wear clothes all the time? And you only take them off to sleep and plow? Aw, that's adorable."
>you heard the hatch to the kitchen open as a soaking wet Aldreda hauled in a big block of cheese
"Why thank you, Aldreda. That was quick."
>the mare proceeded to drop the wheel and gulp up water
>"You have to- hur-ehk! Breath- errhk-k-kerh!!- All the time?!"
"Welcome to the land of the living. Enjoy falling asleep on your tail at the wrong angle and accidentally knock your hooves into things at night."
>"Sounds like misery!"
"Yeah, but does come with some benefits. Like plowing."
>Aldreda sat down, and with that, you all harmonically grabbed a slice of pizza
>"Plowing?"
"Yeah, you know. Like. Getting your cunt pumped with cum?"
>Aldreda coughed up her food
>"What?!"
"Yeah. Didn't you like the food?"
>Aldreda was almost radiant in her blushing
>Red noticed this and almost twitched with potential
"You haven't lived until some strong, handsome male pulls your tail. Rams you into the closest floor or wall. And violently starts kissing you."
>Aldreda sunk under the table, shaking
>looks like Red found the chink in her armor
>lewdness really seemed to terrify Aldreda
"Oh come on up from there. I promise I'll quit."
>Aldreda slowly poked her ears over the table, before showing the rest of her face
>"Stallions, are scary."
"You really should be more comfortable around them. They love that sort of stuff, right, Anon?"

>>"You have to- hur-ehk! Breath- errhk-k-kerh!!- All the time?!"
>"Welcome to the land of the living. Enjoy falling asleep on your tail at the wrong angle and accidentally knock your hooves into things at night."
>>"Sounds like misery!"
>"Yeah, but does come with some benefits. Like plowing."
>>Aldreda sat down, and with that, you all harmonically grabbed a slice of pizza
>>"Plowing?"
>"Yeah, you know. Like. Getting your cunt pumped with cum?"
>>Aldreda coughed up her food
>>"What?!"
>"Yeah. Didn't you like the food?"
>>Aldreda was almost radiant in her blushing
>>Red noticed this and almost twitched with potential
>"You haven't lived until some strong, handsome male pulls your tail. Rams you into the closest floor or wall. And violently starts kissing you."
>>Aldreda sunk under the table, shaking
>>looks like Red found the chink in her armor
>>lewdness really seemed to terrify Aldreda
I really enjoy reading your work

"What stuff~?"
"A mare who know what she's doing~? One that will challenge and fight his place of dominance? Gives 'em a real sense of accomplishment once they've conquered you."
>"I do not understand. Why would you fight somepony. And then want to be conquered?"
"Gee, it's like talking to a little filly. "
"Some want to eat food. Some want to eat you. Some want to put you in a tower and call you princess. Some want you to put him in a tower and call him princess. Depends on the stallion."
>"I am so confused…"
"What Anon is trying to say is that different stallions have different preferences in mares. A buff, tough stallion like Blitzen Hoof, would probably like a mare with confidence and strength. A borderline filly-colt like a Royal guardstallion, would probably like a mare with a foot-long pole between her legs."
>"How do you know?"
"Oh we mares just do, Aldreda. If you talked with Blitz for a moment, you'd know."
>"So. It is an in-born ability?"
"It's more of a universal status quo. With most stallions being too dumb to notice."
>you grabbed another slice
>"Okay. But how do I talk to him?"
"I know. Challenge him to a duel."
>"But that's an act of war!"
"The bats do it all the time for fun, And they were raised by Germaneians."
>"So. Do I let him win so he could conquer me?"
"Hmm. What do you think, Anon?"


"Kick his ass. Show him who's boss. Just don't seriously injure him. Or show off"
>"I would never."
>Red let out a pretty unladylike belch
"Let's get to it, then!"
"But there's still more food left."
"Save it for later. I'm stuffed."
>taking the chef's advice, the 3 of you left the dining table, in favor of the other boat
>as you walked towards the deck, you saw a bat stallion (possibly) being flung off the ship in an almost cartoony fashion
>once on deck, you could see a half circle of zebras and bats, cheering at the opponents getting the snot kicked out of them by Blitzen
"Alright, Blitz. You've had your fun, and this mare has had her dinner. Now she's here to knock you down a peg."
>the stallion patted his forehead with a towel being suspended in the air, using his magic
>"Madam. You do know how I feel about fighting mares. It vill not be a fair fight,."
"Think you're hot shit? I could kick your ass. I'm not going to, since I just ate. But still."
>"Ha! Thiz challenge tradition ze bats have come vith ist entertaining. Sure. I vill fight your Aldreda."
>"I will show you who's boss."
>Aldreda uttered, with the confidence of an 8 year old, during a school play
>"Very vell. I assume you are familiar vith ze rules, madame?"
>"Um.. No?"
>"Sinse ve are different species, you can either choose to allow my magic unt your wings to play a factor. Or we could fight, earth pony style. First to bleed, loses."
>"…Deal. Keep your magic."
"But Aldreda! You can't fly."
>"Irellevant. You will still be conquered, Sir Hoof."
>"I admire your enthusiasm."
>"I- Oh. Really?"
>Blitzen pulled forth the top of a barrel, using it as some sort of sparing shield
>"Ja."
>he knocked the shield against the deck a few times
>"Shall ve?"
>Aldreda flared out her wings and lowered her entire form into a prone position as she slid from side to side
>Blitz used his "shield" to smack Aldreda over the head
>Aldreda took this as her call to action and dodged his next swing
>"Impressive."
>the shield came down again as Aldreda lashed out and got her powerful jaws around it
>in one grotesque crunch, Aldreda turned the stallion's shield to splinters
>that caught the stallion by surprise
>Aldreda charged as Blitz found a new improv shield
>he did a pretty impressive matador roll, away from Aldreda's charge, as the mare smashed through the ship's railing and splashed down the side of the bow
"Damn it. I'll have to get that fixed."
>the stallion's breathing quickened in pace
"Not feeling so tough anymore, are ya?"
>Red mocked
>you heard another splash on the other side of the ship as Aldreda burst forth and thankfully jumped over the railing this time
>she paused, taking a breath
>you could see, she still did not have wounds, and thus was still in the game
>"You are strong, like iron. But now it ist my tur-"
>Aldreda was already on the move, cutting Blitz off, forcing him to use his shield once more
>he missed his swing, as Aldreda unexpectedly pounced the mast and maintained her speed about 1/3rd of the way before launching off, twisting her body into a half backflip, so she'd land on top the stallion, hooves first before he managed to recover his shield
>she raised her head to, presumably nibble, as the shield came rushing back, smashing into her side
>Aldreda took the impact as a champ as Blitz, resorted to hovescufs
>Blitz aimed a forehoof at the face of the mare, standing above him as Aldreda opened her jaws
>The stallion now faced a row of razor sharp teeth instead of soft tissue and immediately withdrew his hoof
>Aldreda smiled as she rolled off of him
>the stallion got up and immediately dodged out of Aldreda's range, but she simply stood there
>"Your capabilities far surpasses zat of anypony I have met in years. But you vill not win."
>"Check your hoof. I already did."
>Aldreda spoke in a commanding tone
>the stallion did, and sure enough, he hadn't withdrawn his hoof quick enough
>three small ruptures in his coat, accompanied by single droplets of blood
>fucking surgeon like precision at that
>Blitz looked surprised to say the least
>"Didn't even feel it. Heh, …thank Celestia this is just for fun. You bested me, Aldreda. Fair and square."
>the crowd cheered with big smiles on their faces, knowing one of their own so flawlessly took down the guy that's been beating them for so long
"I guess you deserve a drink, Aldreda. You too Blitz, for being a good sport."
>"Thank you."
>"I do not normally drink while on duty. But got got company brings out ze worst in me."
"That's good. Wouldn't want to give you what-for myself. AND FOR THE REST OF YOU LANDLUBBER LOOKING SEA SPONGES! We set sail. NOW!"
>Red turned to you
"Anon, you come too. I still owe you that mead. "


"Of course."
>the three of you retired back to the Captain's Cabin were you sat down in that damn comfy chair as Red brought drinks
>still a shame about that chip in the table though
"So, not used to losing, Blitz?"
>"Nein. Aldreda. Who trained you?"
>"Um.. No one?"
>"No one?"
>Blitz shrugged with a half cocked smile on his face
>"Ve all have our secrets. I do not need to know."
>"No. I didn't. Used wings. Listened to your heart. Saw your movements."
>Blitz raised an eyebrow
"Aldreda does this thing were she picks up small details all the time, since she can't fly, she uses her wing membrane to pick up minuscule changes in her opponents. I know it works on bats, but I didn't know she could do it to ponies."
>"Me neither."
>"I have never heard of such a being. Were are you from, Frau Aldreda?"
>"The mountains."
"It's complicated."
>"Unterstandable. Some training vould do you well, Aldreda. Vith your heightened senses, unt proper discipline, you could be zo much more than you are today."
>"Um- You were good, as well."
>"Danke."
"So, have you been working on training my bats or just fucked around with them?"
>Blitz turned to you with a more professional expression
>"First, physical unt mental checks. Zese need to be in order to lay ze groundwork of eine effieicent group. Zey are weaker than they should. Unternurished. Zey need more meat on their bones. Second. Zey have obviously been trained. But not in realistic environments. Zey vould exell in cage matches against other winged opponents. But zey struggle with unpredictability. Zey vill need to adjust fluently, if they are to survive active combat. Thankfully though, Aldreda does not have thiz problem. She used her environments to her advantage, unt showed great use of abilities I did not know existed. Meine failure was mein inability to adapt to her strengths quick enough."
"I bet the fact that she can take a beating didn't hurt either?"
>"She is unnaturally sturdy. No pony should have been able to shrug off zat last shield bash. Zat is why I recommend you use Aldreda as ze leader of the bats."
>"''What?!' I can't!'"
>"Nonsense. You are ze strongest, ze bats vill respect your strength unt follow the commands of ze alpha."
>"Alfa?"
>"Ja! Ze leader of ze pack."
>"I- I need to think about it…"
"Other than that?"
>"Zey nned to unterstand that actions do have consequences. I believe a publik display of authority vould rectify most of their behavioral malfunctions."
>Red walked through the door, mead plate on her back and all
"Who wants to stop talking boring shit and shoot stuff with cannons?"


"In a minute, Red. Keep your pants on."
>Red hoofed a mug 'o mead over to you
"I'm not wearing any pants."
>this bitch
"So, speaking of punishment. I had the two current "leaders" of the bunch walk all around the town, retrieving hungover bats as punishment for sleeping on the job. Is it that kind of authority you mean?"
>"Hahaha. Maybe. If it vorked."
"I don't know yet."
>"Vell, zat is a threshold ve should figure out. You do not wish to alienate your troops with brutality. Ve are not Communists, after all. …But I am sure you already knew this, seeing how far you've come."
"Yeah. And Aldreda?"
>"Yes?"
"Don't feel pressured to take on the responsibility of leadership if you're not one hundred percent sure. A indecisive leader is a shitty leader."
>"Ha! Vell said, Anonymous! Cheers."
>you cheered with the stallion, as was custom
"Losing our secret stealth ace for a proper leader instead. Sounds like a viable sacrifice."
>"Nonsense. Stealth are these bat creatures' strength. Vat they lack in raw, physical power, unt the ability to fly great distances. They make up for in their nokturnal nature. Unt the fact that they can move through the shadows, causing absolute chaos on ze enemies side of der battlefield. Imagine, having to deal vith a full frontal assault, unt at the same time, hear the shrieks of your kammerades being devoured alive by an unseen horde of night crawlers. It is enough to break ze will of all but ze most disciplined armed forces. I know I vould not be able to keep my stallions in line, without proper preparation."
"The choice is still yours, Aldreda."
>"I understand…"
"We got all that?"
"Yeah."
>"Ja."
>"Yep."
"Alraight, great. Now let's get out there to the rest of the crew, make sure the zebras don't run us into an iceberg or something."
"We're in the middle of the tropics."
"Don't underestimate the incompetence of a drunken crew."

"We should probably get this show on the road."
"Aye aye. Aldreda, wrangle up the bats. Blitz, go get the captain some rum. I'll go a- Anon! You haven't finished your mead!"
"Oh shit."
>you grabbed the mug and took a swing
"…Go on."
"I'm not gonna drink the entire thing in one gulp, you glutton."
"Fine, fine. Little filly."
"Don't make me tie you up to a post and lash you. I have that authority on this ship."
"Anon, please. We have guests."
>god dammit
>the gang left the cabin as they each tended to their duties
>out on deck, the zebras were doing a good job sailing the ship away from the little harbor town
"So, how long until we can start training?"
"Shouldn't be long. Townsponies will hear muffled thumps, but nothing too distracting. In my experience, it always seem to brighen up the nights of the little fillies and colts. …Or terrify them, depends if they're cool or not."
"That reminds me. What did you do to those children back at that one restaurant?"
"What restaurant?"
"Um. The one were the waitress was giving you flack?"
"Oh… Well, they were curious. And stuff… They didn't touch it or anything. And we're naked all the time anyways. She was overreacting."
>Red lead you over to a table by the main deck
>nothing special about the table, just a regular, old wooden table, supporting some cloth and paper, residing on top of it
>next to the table, resting in a basket, were several filled pouches
"You're going to have to help me. This stuff is tricky using your hooves and muzzle."
"What are we doing?"
"We're gonna pack some fancy pre-loads, for the zebras. Back at my old ship we always used black powder and a big salt shaker- Um. Not really a salt shaker. Can't remember the name of it. Anywho. We were used to it. Zebras aren't. And since I don't want them to add too much black power. We're gonna do it for them."
"Like making deadly ice tea."
"Ice tea…? Never-mind. Now, grab that pouch. Good, good. Now let's see if you'd get yourself killed without my help. Our cannons are twelve ponders. That means the projectile fired by this cannon weighed-"
"Yes yes. I know what a twelve pound cannon is."
"Alright. Good. That's good. Then I guess you wouldn't have any troubles remembering the correct load of black powder these babies need. Right?"

"That… really depends on how far you want to shoot and how much the cannons can take, Red. I don't know what sort of composite makes up Equestria's iron. Nor do I know if your black powder is the same as the one back on earth, or if it is black powder in the first place, and not something different with the same name. And as if that isn't enough. Who's to say our units of weight are the same, or even similar? There's too many unknown factors for me to tell you."
>Red was taken a bit back at your retort
"…True. But just guess then. I really wanna prove you wrong."
"Well, if you wanna be a bitch about it. One third the weight of the projectile in black powder."
"One third? Hahaha! We're ponies, Anon. Not griffins."
"But these are griffin ships."
"Yeah, and you definitely COULD load these cannons up with that much. But griffins can see a whole lot better than a pony can. We wouldn't be effective at the range a one-third load would provide. At all."
"So, what do you use?"
"Well, if you're weighing by projectile… Not a whole lot, compared to one-third anyways. But enough to get the job done in the five-six hundred meter range. Any further than that and you're looking at expensive, custom made optics to get an accurate shot off."
"I see."
"Lucky bastard. He he. Now. Use your hands to scoop 'this much'. Good. Good. A little less. Don't worry. It'll still make a big boom. There we go. Perfect!"
>you helped Red pack up a sizable amount of black powder charges
>if what she said was true, bats might be good at this shit, if you take vision into account
>though the term "Blind as a bat" came to mind
>even if you knew the statement was false, you also knew that Equestria ran on cartoon logic
>Aldreda would probably be pretty good at this, considering she has excellent heightened senses
>as you finished up the last load, Blitz came up with a couple of drinks, with Aldreda following right behind him
>in turn, a big crowd of bats tailed Aldreda
"So! We're all here."
>Blitz magiced the jug of rum over to you
>man, magic might be gay as shit, but pretty cool at times, you had to admit
"The captain has gotten his rum and you've all gotten these fine vessels to sail. But you gotta earn it! Zebras, on me. I'm gonna teach your sorry striped hides how to shoot a cannon. Bats, Kicking your sorry rumps isn't the only thing Blitzen can do. Meet with him on the main deck for some disciplinary training. Go on. Impress your captain!"
>a round of merry cheers all around as the different ponies took position
>what was up to you was to pick who to watch first. Cannon firing zebras. Or basic training with the bats

>you decided it would be neat to see what Blitzen had in mind
>you turned to see the stallion with his snout raised high as the bats struggled to form a straight line of two rows
>"Gut evening. As a guest of this ship, I have been informed zat your unit is struggeling to adapt to ze norms unt customs of society."
>you heard a thundering boom come from behind you, as Red started showing the zebras the ropes
"Woo!! Don't shit yourself, Marcus! HAHAHA"
>the bats turned to look
>the moment they did, Blitzen raised his voice
>"ACH-TUNG!"
>the bats snapped out of it
>"Vere you under my command, such a brazen display of poor attention vould net you an hour in ze volf pits. Now."
>Blitz produced a small tennis looking ball, being levitated by his magic
>"Your biggest failure is ze failure to vork as a unit. You can be the most capable of warriors in the lands. It vill not matter if ze fundamentals of your unit proficiency has not been set."
>Blitzen walked slowly past the crowd of bats while bouncing his ball, using his magic. Eyeing them down all the way
>most avoided eye contact
>"Whiskey, Smoker! What makes you good leaders?"
>the brother/sister duo stept forth
>Smoker was the first to speak
>"Um. We're… Hmm. Never really thought of it."
>Whiskey tried to salvage her brother's fuck up, as you could see Blitzen was getting impatiant
>"We know everypony here. We care about them. And are willing to protect them at any cost."
>another cannon shot, boomed in the background
"You stink at aiming! Here, let me show you."
>Blitzen smiled to Whiskey, not paying any mind to the thundering cannons
>he was probably used to it
>"Das ist gut. When was ze last time you set a goal for this group?"
>"When we first got here."
>Smoker spoke up
>"We agreed to show the ponies here that we're not bad ponies. Las time a group of bats tried contacting civilization, things didn't turn out so good…"
>"Unt have you succeeded in your task of showing ze world that you are not a nuisance?"
>"Um… Not really, no."
>"Very vell. You have failed in doing ze bare minimum. Functioning in peaceful, daily life. Instead of drinking your incompetence to the back of your minds. Vat can you do to succeed in your mission? Anypony?"
>Smoker and Whiskey exchanged looks for a moment, before Whiskey responded
>"Bring flowers? I don't know. Sorry."
>another bellowing boom came from one of the cannons
>you could see that black powder smoke, start to form on and around deck
>such a fantastic smell though
>"Unt there is your unterlaying problem. You lack unity of command, a plan for resolving your problem, unt ze willingness to do so. To name a few. Let's hear from a real leader, what you should do, to stop being a nuance to ze pony population. Herr Anonymous?"
"Weren't you gonna teach them military stuff? "
>"Before ve can even begin physical training of thiz regiment, I need to know zat they can handle ze most basics of tasks as a group."
>so, he wanted you to tell them how to, essentially not be drunkard sacks of shits that blackout in the streets
>shouldn't be too hard

"You could start with getting a designated sober pony, to watch over the others. Second. Keep an eye on eachother. If one of you gets too drunk. Just help that one back to the ship. You could even just stay on the ship. Ever thought of that?"
>the bats nodded in unison
"And as for the ponies here?Treat the harbor as if it was your home. We rely on harbor-towns to sell goods and resupply. So having a good relationship with them is a given. Be polite, don't start fights outside of the ship. Respect that ponies don't want you to enter their homes or places of business without permission. Just do the opposite of Red, and you should be fine."
>"Wunderbar. Did you get all that, Whiskey, Smoker?"
>""Yes""
>the two of them said in tandem
>"Gut. Now. See this ball of mine? Zat is your goal. To get it, you vill need a plan."
>"So. We ask for it?"
>Whiskey said, with a hopeful tone in her voice
>"Nein."
>yet another boom, roared from the cannons. This one accompanied by some rather explicit cursing
>the Germanian threw it out to sea at an impressive distance, on the opposite side of were the zebras were firing
>"Find it and you vill succeed, earning my attention to train you. Fail me, unt I vill bring you misery on par with ze great Germaneian volf pits. Now move!"
>the bats took to the air and started making strange horse noises
>probably revving up their echolocation thingy
"Think we got through to them?"
>"Zey must have heard about ze volf pits. Ha ha. Good times. Always a favorite to use on recruits."
"Yooo. What happened to the bats?"
>you turned to see Red covered, tail-to-snout in soot
>"Ve are playing fetch."
"Cool. Hey, Anon. Some zigger asshole detonated prematurely. Is my coat singed?"
>you had a look around her
"No, not really- Oh. Yeah, by your left wither. And your cheek… No, the 'other' cheek."
"Unbelievable. Can you rub me out with some aloe vera before this gets infected?"
"Rub you out?"
"Not like that. Look. My ass was on fire not two minutes ago. Cut me some slack."


"…Sure. You gonna be fine on your own, Blitz?"
>"Ja. After all, ve have Aldreda keeping us company, from ze platform on ze main mast."
>you turned to look and just barely caught a glimpse of Aldreda's spying gaze, before she retreated back, out of sight
>nice catch, Blitz
>you left with Red downstairs, below deck
>you headed towards the med bay and opened the door
>what sight displayed itself in front of you both shocked an disgusted you
>Charles and grace reading some medical books
>holding hands/hooves
>you were about to say something but Red beat you to it
"gay!"
>excellent and intelligent comment, Red, good job
>the two let go of each other's appendages and settled, awkwardly
"We just need some aloe. Red done got her ass lit up."
>Charles replied
>"Yeah. Um… Yeah, I saw that one jar over here, um. One moment."
"So. What are you two doing down her all alone? We got perfectly good hammocks for plowing."
>Grace was having none of Red's shit as she threw a bottle at her, using her magic
>Red ungracefully dodged, as the bottle smashed against the wall
>this seemed to provoke Charles
>"Grace. You're a guest in Anon and Red's ships. Act like it."
>"Oops. Slipped my grip."
>the mare said, unapologetic
"You royal cucks are all the same. But do go on. Throw another one, give me a reason to have you keelhauled."
"Red, calm down. You're butthurt and not thinking straight."
>Charles came to the two of you with a jar of green jelly shit
>"Here you go."
>you received the jar from him
"Thanks."
>"Hey. No problem. We'll take care of this mess. I think we can both imagine how dangerous broken glass is to a species that does not use traditional footwear."
"Oh. Yeah alright, cause I was about to say."
>Charles patted you on the shoulder
>"And good luck with her, Anon. I hope you're not too crispy, Red."
"I'd take being burned alive over being some submissive bitch made ass faggot guard. Be glad you're in good company, grace, cause if you weren't. I'd capture you and sell you for Daring Doo novels."
>brutal
>grace didn't reply as you could see Charles was giving her a harsh glare
"C'mon, Anon. I don't want this shit to get worse."
>Red started leaving


>you followed Red out
"…Guards. I just want to mosh them all into a blender."
"She's not a royal guard anymore. You seemed to play nice, last time you met."
"But still. Hey, do you think we could get Aldreda to eat her? Man, I'd love to see the look on her face as those fangs sucked the life out of her. "
>Red flashed a sinister grin
"Ease up, Red."
"You're right. But still. I need to plan something.. Black powder in her horseshoes? Maybe some of that anti-magi horn lotion."
"I'm sure you'll think of something. For now. We'll focus on your lotion."
"Agreed."
>you took Red to the captain's quarters were she lay on the chipped table, presenting her butt to you
>you grabbed a decent chunk of aloe and started applying it onto her singed parts
"Ow. Careful!"
"Oops."
>you spread that shit out more carefully
"There we go."
"So. What happened with you and that zebra?"
"The dumbass didn't clear out the barrel of embers properly."
"Ouch. Well it's a good thing you guys use less black powder then."
"He's still gonna pay though. What do you suggest? I was thinking lashings myself. That's always hot."
>Red bit her lip as you worked your way to her withers, leaning over her

"I think i'd be cool to let the bats pick out a punishment."
"The bats?"
>Red gave you a worried half-smile
"Heh, what do they have to do with this?"
>after applying lotion to her withers, you went back to nursing her butt
>Red most certainly didn't protest
"Oh nothing. Just an opportunity for them to learn about general consequences for their actions. We could get Blitz to help us pick out some non-commissioned officers."
"None commissioned what?"
"I thought you knew your military ranks from your comics?"
"Nothing that specific."
"Well regardless. They need a chain of command."
"I think we should use our old titles instead of all that military stuff. They'll either have to come up with a single quartermaster or start answering to Marcus… Well, they kinda already do. But still."
"We can call them daisy shitters for all I care. Point is, they need a chain of command."
"He he. Heh, true. Sure. As long as we don't kill the guy. Wouldn't do much in the way of motivation."
"Yeah. Doubt it though. They don't seem all that violent."
"Are you kidding? They're the most violent group of individuals I've seen in a long time."
"Not by human standards at least…"
"Oh. Yeah, I forget that you guys are all about killing sometimes."
"That's not true."
>you gave her butt a squeeze
"Hmmf~ Sure you are. Why would you have such fine tuned instruments for killing?"
>umm…


"Speak softly and carry a big stick, even if you don't see eye to eye with someone they understand that you don't fuck with someone that can fuck you up. Also humans just like to be the best at whatever we do, so developing the best tools of death follows with that as well."
"Interesting. Most ponies just want to settle down and live out their life, not making too much of a fuzz. Would explain why you jumped on this piracy thing with little to no hesitation."
"Mhm."
>you switched to massage mode, caring for the parts of her rump, not badly burned
"And you are the best lay I've ever had~ So you follow the  "best at everything" mantra pretty well. I don't think we're ready for it. Why with the current level of our crew and equipment. But if you really wanna be the best in your field. We should meet with the important looking pirates."
"Who are those?"
"Some chucklefucks only heard rumors though. The initiators to get you through to the pirate council. Were the seven most powerful pirates in Equestria run the show."
"And who are the seven most powerful pirates in Equestria?"
"Haven't looked into it. I know Blackbeak's one of them though."
"That asshole?"
"Yeah. Say what you will about Blackbeak and his attitude, that guy's a legend… Just a shame about the barbed dick."
>heh
"Do you know were Blackbeak is?"
"He's been hanging aroung Neighssau lately, though I have a feeling he's around Zingston by now. Said he had some personal business over there or something, back when we were together."
"That reminds me, you said you had some business in Equestria, when we were back on earth."
"Yeah, but it can wait."
>you continued massaging her rump, and caught yourself slipping down to her loins several times, during your converstion
"Woops."
"Don't worry. I'm not sore down there …Although~"
"Hmm?"
"It's been a while."
>it really hadn't
"And we're alone now. Feel like plowing me?"

"Roll over."
"Oh, are you commanding me?"
"Captain's orders."
"He he he."
>Red scrunch-smiled as she did just that
>displaying her goods in the process
"So, big boy. How do you and your little guy wanna operate?"

>you stuck your fingers into the aloe pot and into Red's honey pot
"Ohh~ Cold,"
"You like that?"
"Mmm ~ hi hi. Yes. This feels rather nice. Another finger, please."
>you slipped a second one in and continued in a lube-spread motion
"Ahhh. You're really good at this. Why do you even have a dick?"
>you didn't answer, but instead brushed against her clit
"Eek! I'm more sensitive than a liberal on a bad day, Anon. Careful!"
"Oops."
>you did it again
"AHH-mff ! Piss sucker!"
>this was too fun
>you continued to feel around in there, enjoying her inviting warmth and tight, rhythmic squeezes to your fingertips
>as if you wasn't hard enough, Red's scent hit you like a pheromone filled Freight Train
>the scent of her sex was nothing new to you, but good god how you've missed it
>you should just bottle that shit up and keep it for a rainy day
>or fuck Red more
>meh, whichever works
>Red was already well on her way to orgasm as you continued pounding her with your middle and index fingers
>wasn't like ponies lasted that long, after all
>should you finish her off now. and focus on nursing her ass after her orgasm, or be a clit tease, pulling your fingers out and fuck her in the ass right away?

>you gave Red a final pinch of attention before pulling your fingers out of her hot mess
"Whata- Huh? Anon?"
>you started to unbutton your pants without saying anything
"GET BACK IN THERE CAPTAIN! SMASH MY TREASURE CHEST RIGHT NOW!"
>you ignored Red's angry horse noises as you lubed up
"I'll chop off your fingers and finish the job myself. THEN i'll swab the deck with your mutinous, skirt wearing, powdered wetting, ass!"
"Calm down, Red. I need to see if your burn wounds are entirely superficial, or if you need some extra TLC."
"Touch L-otsa'red Cunt?"
"Tender Loving Care. Now, stay still while I stick this dick in your ass."
>Red's expression turned panicky
"B-but i'm not prepared for anal!"
"Frankly I don't give a shit. This dick is going in your ass, one way or another."
>you grabbed her hips and scooped her over after finishing lubing up
"I'll cut you."
"Sorry, Red. Captain's orders."
>you aimed your dick at the mare's ponut and plunged
"Hmm! Faak! Fuck you!"
"That's what I'm doing you dense horse."
"I have pony AIDS you know!"
>Red bullshitted
>you finally broke through her tight squeeze and managed to push deeper
"Shut up, Red. We both know you're into nasty shit."
"Am not! I'm a stone throw away from a cleric."
>you trusted harder
"Aii! Okay. A nun?"
"A slutty nun, maybe."
"J-ust put some more lube on you, midget cocked faggot."
>you obliged
>Red's pucker was relaxing more now, allowing you to ramp up the speed of your assfucking ever so slightly
>the mare's huffing and puffing became more sensual
"See? Told you, you were a nasty ass horse. Not like this is your first time anyways."
"S-shut up. I'll shit on your dick, faggot."
"Not if I wreck your ass first, slut."
"Enjoy used goods, you no-good rapist."
>God, Red was so fun when she was mad
>her as was about as hot as her head at this point, constantly debating between denying you entry or letting you continue your butt assault
>the conflicted face of pleasure, mixed with violation was adorable
>it was as if she was locked on constant scrunch-mode
>you took a deep breath as you slowly slid allllll the way inside of her, leaning in and kissing the mare
>her face was stoic, she didn't push you away, but didn't embrace you either
>you pushed harder, forcing your tongue through her frown
>giving up, Red closed her eyes, opened her mouth, and started sucking softly on your tongue
>Just then, the door of the captain's cabin burst open and a distressed Alreda stumbled through the entrance
>"Anon anonanonanon!"
>Red did not approve of this
>she spat your tongue out and sneered at the other mare
"Get out, Cock Blockula! Get! Out!!!"
"Butit's-! ! !"
>Alreda saw what the two of you were doing in shodck
>"Oh oh ohhhoh-! Sorry!"
"Get ouuuut!"
>well this turned to chaos real quick

"You wanna continue this?"
"Not if you gotta ask."
>Red huffed as she rolled off the table, forcing your dick to leave the comfort of Red's heavenly cheeks with a 'plop'
"And fuck you, cock-blocking, corpse grinder,"
>Red bucked Aldreda in the barrel, causing the pale mare to hit the hard wooden walls of the captain's cabin before leaving
"Hey! Were are you going?"
"Up yours, cock-block sympathizer!"
>Aldreda got back up as if nothing had happened and turned to the exit
>"Sorry Red!"
>no reply
>damn, Red pissed
"What did you want, Aldreda?"
>dumb ass horse
>dumb ass horses
>"''Blitz 'asked me out for dinner…'"
"Fucking wow. You interrupted me and Red for that?"
>"All my limbs feel funny. My belly hurts. What is this?"
>ffs

"It is definitely normal but now is probably not the time to discuss such endeavors. Staying near Blitzen will intensify the feeling, having dinner doubly so, but as you may have already noticed, the feeling will subside so it isn't that dangerous."
>"What does endeavors mean? And what do you mean normal? I'm not used to this body. And now this?"
>you zipped your dick shut, before going over to her
>leaning down, you petted her mane to reassure her
"Don't worry about it. It's just something your body does to fuck with you. It's nothing dangerous."
>you manned up your tone a bit
"But, what is dangerous is walking in on two people fucking. You knew exactly what me and Red were doing in here."
>"Smelled and herd you two… Well…. "that". Is" that" taboo now?"
"Yes."
>Aldreda blushed up
>"Oh maker. I am SO sorry. It wasn't like that before. Sorry sorry!"
"I forgive you. Red seemed pretty angry though."
>"Sorry. Oh she must be so mad. She bucked like she was mad. How can I make it better?"`
"Apologize, I guess. Bring her some Rum. Just to show her you mean it."
>"Got it! Oh, I just hope she doesn't hate me."
"Fucking relax."
>"Sorry."
"And quit saying sorry."
>"Sorry!"
>fucking hell
"About the date thing. Yes. Accept his invitation,"
>"But what do I do on dates?"
>shit
>what did horses do on dates?


"I think you'd be better off asking a member of the fairer sex, honestly. Ask Red."
>"'…'But she's mad.''"
"Don't worry about it. Just accept Blitz's invitation and meet me with Red afterwards."
>"Okay okay. I will be quick."
>the mare galloped out the door, without a second warning
>it was clear that Aldreda was not familiar with the times
>or communication in general
>you kinda had to expect that though, given her absence from civilization for so long
>you looked through the ship, searching for Red
>it just now dawned on you that she didn't have a room of her own
>she sorta just crashed at your place, the captain's quarters
>you looked through the crew bunks, and the med bay to no avail
>after some searching, you found her sitting in the kitchen, violently devouring some pizza
"Hi Red."
"Fuck off."
>Red said, with a mouth full of greasy leftovers
"What's gotten you in such a bitchy mood?"
"First-"
>Red stopped to swallow
"You rape me. Then you don't have the common courtesy to finish up."
"I was going to. But you left."
"Of course I did. I didn't wanna "interrupt" your important talky talks with that Frankenfilly. I'd just get in the way."
>Red spoke with dripping sarcasm
"Don't be like that. You know you're my favorite horse."
"Oh yeah? Then why didn't you tell that undead squirt to fuck off?"
>looks like not siding with Red back there, really pushed her buttons
>she had every right to be mad though, that back there was you & Red time. Not defending that must have felt like a betrayal, by woman logic


>you clapped your hands in defeat
"I fucked up."
"What was that?"
"I fucked up. I should have shooed her and I didn't. That back there was you and me time. And I fucked up. I am sorry."
>Red smiled, her face stained with grease and tomato sauce
"C'mere you big rapscallion."
>Red got up on her hind legs and hugged you
"You're a real faggot sometimes, you know that?"
"Y aha. I'll make it up to you, Red. Promise."
"You better. One can tell the quality of a man, by how he treats his somepony."
"Some pony?"
"It's just an expression. Nevermind."
>Red got off you and headed for her Rum jug
"Hey, you're not mad at Aldreda still, right?"
"Nah, got the worst of the aggression out of me when I banged her against the wall."
>lewd
"Why?"
"Oh, because she has some relationship issues that needs advising."
"Is she dry? I knew a mare like that once. She just used cooking oil to-"
"No no. Not like that. Blitzen asked her out for dinner, and she's a nerve wreck."
"Wait what? Blitz asked Aldreda out? Why would he do that?"
"Fuck if I know."
"No. But like. You're lucky to get with a Germaneian solder if your eye color is up to snuff. Aldreda's far from the Germaneian standard of mares. Pretty sure she'd be classified as sub-equine."
"Maybe he doesn't give a shit?"
"Still. Strange. But it's not like he could do anything to her, you know… without her consent. Sure. I'll help her out."
>"THANK YOU!"
>you heard someone sounding suspiciously like Aldreda from about 3 rooms away
>Jesus Christ, that mare could pick up a beetle shitting in an earthquake
>eventually the door creaked open as the mare slithered in
"It's not polite to listen to other ponies conversions, darling."
>"Can't help it. Can't shut it off."
"Well. In any case, yes I'll help you hook Blitzen and reel him in. Anon, leave. W'ell be talking mare stuff."

"Alright. I'll be topside if you need me."
"Yeah yeah. And Anon?"
>Red battered her eyelashes
"Yes?"
"You owe me."
"Roger Roger."
>you went topside as another boom howled from the cannons above
>shit, those zebra assholes shouldn't touch those things without supervision
>taking a look, you saw Blitzen directing the zebra cannon fire
>"Further up. Nein, up! Useless."
"What's going on?"
>"I sent the bats out for another task. They are to feed themselves tonight."
"So…"
>"Oh, don't be crass. I sent zem out fishing. Zey are not feasting on ponies."
"Alright. And the zebras?"
>Blitz leaned in real close
>"Just between you and me. Zey perform as to be expected from their race. Poorly. Zey vill need many hours unter Red's guidance to have a chance against eine equally equipped foe."
"Oh really?"
>"Ja. Zey could have Howitzers attached to thiz ship unt still lose to ein Germaneian vessel. Take mein advice. Stay clear of navel warfare until zey are properly trained. Zey do have some muscle on them tho. So brute bucking should not be a problem…"
>Blitz didn't look impressed
"…Unless."
>"Unless zey face foes vith training."
"Well shite. They run the ship pretty well though, better than most."
>you assumed
>"Troo. Zey are not kompletely useless. -cough, unlike most zebras cough-"
>another booming sound, howled from the smoking barrels
>"WRONG! YOO DID NOT FOLD YOUR EARS VEN CLOSE TO ZE CANNON! AGAIN."
>"…What?"
>you heard a dazed zebra utter
>"Forget it! Leve ze cannons at vonse! Vait for madame Red to return before touching zose things again. Zey are NOT toys!"
>Blitz resumed his posture and lowered his voice
>"Zorry. I do nich mean to order your crew around. As zat ist nich meine job. It is just a habit."
"Don't worry about it. They'd probably ruin their hearing if they continued like that anyways. Speaking of Red. She's downstairs talking with Aldreda. Why did you invite her to dinner again?"
>Blitz raised an eyebrow
>he looked at you as if you hadn't taken your shoes off before entering his home
>"Vat is it to you?"

"Oh nothing. Just wanna make sure you treat her right."
>"Vhy wouldn't I?"
"Because. It's been a loong time since I've had horse. And you'd make a fine rumsteak. Should she return, worse for wear from your dinner, ."
>"You.. Eat ponies?"
"Only the ones who messes with my little sentinel. And I can assure you. That sissy magic of yours does not work on me. To me. You're about as harmful as an amputated foal. And to Aldreda, well. Oh boy. She answers to me. And I'll give her permission to use your vertebrae as a teeth sharpener. Again. A lifetime of training wouldn't do squat to a sentinel."
>"I get your point. Frau Franziska is really protective as vell. I vould not dear to insult Aldreda or her honor, based on principle alone. Threats on top of that ist nich necessary. I have no doubt she could tear through half my squad, should it please her to do so. Zat is exactly why I vant to go somewhere private vith her. To unterstand such a being before going into battle vith her by my side."
>as good a reason as any, you guessed
>so, was it all business to him, or did he care for Aldreda?
>should you even ask, or would that be embarrassing to the mare
>you didn't doubt for a second that she was listening in on your conversion. Her hearing was pretty fucking good, after all


"Alright. just a fair warning that she is very sensitive. I want you to treat her like a butterfly when you're alone with her."
>"I vill treat her with ze respect I vould give any Germaneian mare."
>Blitz did that cute sieg heil thingy, ponies sometimes do with their hooves
>you returned the notion, doing a little heil yourself, something he seemed to appreciate
>you were happy the two of you were on the same page
>a little bang came from behind you, by the entrance to the belly of the ship
>it was Red banging the doors when leaving
"Alright you sissy saddled slave socks. I'm here and i'm not hearing cannons firing. WAHT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?! MOVE!"
>the zebras scrambled to possition
>you could see that Red had patched herself up
>or she had Aldreda's help
>didn't really matter, as she resumed barking orders at the zebras
>though she didn't technically hold any particular rank, over the common zebra on paper
>it was clear that they saw her as a leading figure regardless
>fuck, was she still demoted to cabinmare?
>hehe. Guess rank didn't matter too much to pirates
"Alright, ladies. One last shot. I want every cannon fired simultaneously. You get until i'm done with this rum to ready up. Anyone not finished. Will be used as anchor, next time we dock.."
>Red lazily walked over to you, as the zebras scrambled
"You know. I was figuring. After this. We could kick all these asshole- oh. No offence blitz."
>"None taken."
"yeah yeah yeah. We should kick all these assholes off the ship and just have her for ourselves tonight. What do you say, Anon?"

"Yeah, let's throw these assholes off, once we get back to port. But I have a better idea, why don't we take the yacht instead? Just you and me?"
"Aw. I figured we could give them a swimming lesson or something. Fine. Oh, what's th- oh. Wait. Are they bringing fish?"
>Red pointed to a pack of bats, rapidly approaching the ship, fish in mouth
>the mare did a balancing act, by standing on her hind legs and waved her fore-hooves as she shouted
"NOOO! NOO! WAIT YOU BASTARD PIGEONS! OTHER SHIP! LAND ON THE OTHER SHIP!"
>the bats seemed to catch that, and steered clear of the ship you were currently in, in favor of the one with the skeleton crew in it
>lel, why did you even bring that one?
>well, technically the zebras did
"Red. What's up?"
"We don't need two ships smelling of fish guts. As only half of us eat meat anyways."
"Hmm. Fair point, didn't think of that."
>a symphony of destruction came rolling over your poor eardrums as the zebras simultaneously fired their cannons
"Ah-hh. Shite. Good job, buddies. You finally surprised me'! Darn, ha ha. I think I pissed myself a bit! Feel free to take a hoof full of bits and spend it on a belly full of mead tonight, you striped bastards!"
>the crew cheered after finally making progress in their cannon training
"Also- um. Let's just skip the whole punishment thingy, Anon. I'm in a good mood today."
"It was your ass on fire. That's up to you."
>Red hugged your leg with a single hoof before turning to the crew
"Alright you savanna slouching slackers! The sooner we get to port, the sooner you get to use your bits!"
>the crew "Aye'd" in unison
>Red then tuirned to Marcus
"We can afford this, right?"
>"This kind of spending?"
>Marcus asked
>"A month, maybe two. If we account for cannon balls, black powder, booze, food, et cetera."
"Oh yeah, we'll have more bits by then. Don't you worry about that."
>"Maybe, if we cut some expenses. We could last even longer."
"You know all my purchases are vital."
>"Well. You did order that tub full of-"
"Ohshhh! Ut the fuck up you damn Popsicle."
"A tub full of what?"
"Nothing! Just a little something to clean the bow of the ship.."
>Red was sweating
"Hmm. Well alright. If you say so."
>the ship made way back to port, as the zebras stumbled over each other to go and get drunk
>at least the zebras didn't start any trouble when drinking, and was generally seen as a boost to the town's economy, from what you could tell
>the bats were still on the other ship, eating
>the skeleton crew of zebras had left them, in favor of meeting up with their striped friends
>fuck, you didn't want another incident with the bats
>oh, now's maybe the time to see you and Blitzen's pep talk helped
>and you could always pin Aldreda on them
>with or without them knowing


"I'll be right back, Red. I'll just bark at the bats for a bit."
"Okay. I'll go get us some sweets. Blitzen. Be useful and dump a couple of bottles inside that white boat over there. Oh, and this."
>Red pointed at the bag of…greenwood, was it?
>the drug things you bought back then
>"Okay. Madame."
>Blitz started walking towards a few small barrels
>"Why me, I am curious."
"Cause you're the only one here with a horn. Shite, it takes you guys ten times less to do stuff, we do."
>Blitzen suppressed a giggle, poorly
>"I see."
"Later Blitz."
>"Ja. auf wiedersehen."
>you walked on board the other ship, only to find a fish massacre
>fucking fish guts everywhere, accompanied by bats feasting on them
>yuck
"You assholes better have this deck swabbed by tomorrow."
>Whiskey pulled her snout out of a rather big fish and walked up to you
>"Aye, Captain. Nopony leaves this ship, until the deck is cleaned. That's what it's called, right? Deck?"
"Yes. And about your drinking habbits."
>"Woah. Already taken care of. We'll travel in a group, and watch out for eachother. We also have like three sober ponies fo tonight, so it'll be fine."
"As far as your position is conserned, I hope so."
>Whiskey gulped
>"Aye aye! Captain!"
>you waved the mare off as you retreated to the yacht
>you caressed the railing as you entered
"You're not a boat. Red is full of shit."
>sitting down, you quickly realized that Red was taking her sweet ass time with those sweets
>knowing women and candy, you probably had a few moments to spare, before she returned


>hmm, you should probably try to make it a bit more romantic in here
>let's see
>you got out a pair of glasses for the rum, lit a few candles
>not too much you could do
>you didn't have a lot in the way of womanly… date stuff in you
>would it even be a date, you were already fucking, after all
>so why this alone crap?
>you couldn't possibly imagine her still being in the mood
>or maybe she was, fuck if you knew how Red operated mentally
>you looked down on that green shit you bought, still resting in its bag
>weeeelll, Red did specifically ask you to get something for her
>in any case, you rolled up two faggots, just in case
>fuck, they came out looking like Bernie Sander's dick
>now that's just sad
>you needed to increase your rolling skill
>now that that was out of the way, you decided it was about time you changed clothes
>after a real quick dip in the ocean, you dressed in your pirate gitup
>no more wifebeater for you
>feeling pretty spiffy, you decided it was time to refresh your /k/nowledge
>just as you were powering up the machine, you heard the light clopping of hooves meeting wood, outside
>the sound halted, as you heard a thud, and the weight of the boat shift just slightly
"Ah. That shrived old cunt had closed up her candy shop."
>Red bowed down and shook off a saddlebag, filled with sweets
>Red looked up at you as she gave you one of those semi-clever, genuine smiles
>you noticed a small trickle of blood, run from her maneline, down her nose
>Red crossed her eyes to focus on it as well
"Heh, had to find myself a way in you see."
"What did you do?"
>Red wiped the blood away, using your pants leg, leaving a pink smear in her coat
"Kinda just ran at the window to be honest."
"Jesus, are you alright?"
"Prrr. I'm fine. Gonna take more than a little window to stop me. Holy horseshoe, it hurts though. Mind pouring me some rum?"
"Sure. No problem."
>you did just that
>Red did that weird snout-drinking method were she bit the glass and tilted her head
>man, never in your life had you appreciated your hand more than in magical horsie world
"Ah- That hit the spot. So what about you?"
"Me?"
"Yeah dummy. What about you?"
"Um. I was about to get some reading done?"
"Is it normal for humanfolk to dress up all fancy for their reading sessions? Oh! Maybe that's why you need me to read Equestrian for you. You didn't have any fancy clothes, on you at the time."
"I actually got dressed for you."
>Red paused for a second and smiled as she climbed on top of the couch, next to you to presumably-
>yes, cuddle
>fuck yeah
"That's pretty big of you. I don't think anyone has dressed up for me before. Well, there was this one other time."
"Oh?"
"My sister used to dress herself up as a reindeer about this time of year."
>Red sighed
>you could feel thew air leaving her lungs, as her chest was pushed up against your own
"And that's sorta the thing I wanted to talk about. Remember, you owe me."
>this was gonna be good
"I'm not gonna hold that against you though. As I'm looking for something, much more important than all that."
"I'm listening."
"Can we please go visit my sister for Hearth's Warming Eve?"
>some sort of pagan pony patron's day, no doubt
"When is Hearth's Warming Eve day?"
>Red bit her lip
"Eh. He he. A little over ten days."
>f-f-fuck
>that didn't exactly give you enough time to do much of anything

"That's a short notice."
"I know."
"You couldn't tell me sooner?"
"Sorta just put it off. But it's really important to me."
"What is Heart's warming Eve anyways?"
"Really? You don't have Heart's warming? Snow ponies, plays, candy canes, presents?"
"You mean Christmas?"
=="Krist mass?"==`
"Yeah, family, gifts, songs, that sorta stuff."
"Oh, you just have another name for it. I see. Do you like… Krist Mass?"
"It's pretty cool.  We should probably do something for Rodgers and Charles too. They might be feeling homesick."
"They can come along. They're family, as far as i'm concerned."
"Seriously?"
"You haven't seen my family, Anon."
"Heh, they gotta be messed up, to produce you."
"I'll refrain from taking that as an insult."
>you started running your fingers, playfully through her mane, as the yacht rocked slowly
"So, what are we gonna do about this Nazi contract?"
"Just get it over with, fast. We don't need new sails right away, I say we do it tomorrow."
"But the crew isn't trained with cannons yet."
"So? We'll just find some other way to get the drop on them. Dunno. Pretend we're a rescue party, maybe?"
"Trojan Horse them up?"
"Yeah. We'll pretend we're her to help them, gain their trust for a night or two.Then signal the bats to unleash Tartarus on their rumps. THEN the Germaneians will burst through our other ship and start taking them out, while they're distracted."
"Won't that leave us with the enemy, while they figure out it was just a ruse."
"It's not a perfect plan. Maybe you have some better idea?"


"liberal application of explosives, followed by some more explosives, topped off with explosives? then run in and if there's something still standing."
"You can't really get explosives in Equestria proper. They pretty much draw the line at cannon balls and personal defense weapons."
"Hmm. Don't we still have some explosives?"
"Not enough for a carpet bombing. If that's what you're asking. We could get some bats to.. I don't know, drop them on the commies, I guess."
"Wait.. You still have that AA thingy, right?"
"I do. And like, two mags worth of explosives left. Maybe the Germaneians have more."
"Let's hope so."
>Red smiled and nuzzled herself closer to your chest
"Relax, Anon. They said they'll be doing the blunt of the fighting. These guys are SS, so I wouldn't doubt their combat proficiency for a second."
"SS? Are they they famous around here?"
"They do have a reputation on them, yeah. Has the fear beaten out of them pretty early. They're not afraid to to die either. That, and their training, makes them stand out from other pony organizations."
"Heh, so then it's pretty impressive of Aldreda to kick Blitz around?"
"I was as surprised as he was, quite honestly. He'd make mince meat out of any Royal guard, for sure."
"Yeah. So, what do you say? We ask the Nazis for more explosives?"
>Red looked up from your chest, were she was currently resting her head
"I'm saying we should let the professionals handle this one, now that I think about it. Merchant ships are one thing, Griffin slavers another. But i'm not too sure about going against military forces."
"You scared?"
"That's a stupid question. You're the man around here, you're supposed to make me not feel scared."
>you couldn't tell by her expression if she was serious or not
>it there was no irony in her voice
>then again, she could merely be pretending


"Doesn't hurt with a backup plan, does it? And I wouldn't worry about our abilities. Blitzen wouldn't waste his time on our crew if he didn't see potential."
"True… But still. I don't know. I just get so faggy this time of year. Donm't listen to me. I'm full of shite."
"You are, but that doesn't make you one tough bastard. Remember when you kicked Grace's butt?"
>Red nodded
"And when you shot at that one squirt, Sooty? Remember that? He pissed himself."
>Red grinned
"Hehe. Yeah, pretty sure I traumatized him."
"So I wouldn't worry about a few sorry, shipwrecked cossacks if I were you."
"You're right, Anon. Those guys are deserting pussies anyways."
"That's the spirit!"
>you leaned back, letting Red lay on your torso, with her back against it, while keeping her in place with a single arm, lazily over her chest
"You know. Just laying here, doing nothing. It's kinda nice."
"Yeah."
>you reserved one hand to caress her neck and withers
>so cozy
"Hmm. Thanks, big guy."
"For you."
"Huh?"
"Nothing."
"Oh. Hey, how do you think things will turn out for Aldreda and Blitzen? You know her better than I do."
"Why do you ask?"
"Well. Blitz obviously has other duties to attend to. I just don't want her to get the idea that he'll have as much free time as we do."
"What do you mean?"
"Just think about it. After this quest is over, when's the next time we'll see Blitz?"
"Hmm. You have a good point."
"I just don't want Aldreda to get too attached. Y'know."
"I think it's just a phase. Like she's re-living her early teens or something."
"Yeah, maybe. Fillies are absolutely hopeless at that age. Now she's getting feelings she didn't have as a carcass."
"She'll manage."
"You really think so?"
"Yeah, s'long as we keep an eye on her, sure."
"Why does she listen to you in the first place? She's always taken your word as law, since day one."
"Fuck if I know."
"Hmm. As long as she doesn't turn on us. It's fine with me."
"What, you don't trust her?"
"I trust her as much as you should trust somepony, able to snuff you out on a whim."
"Fair enough."
"I'm just split between coddling her, or tough-loving her. She seems so obnoxiously innocent, for what she does. What do you think?"

"Do you want me to be the enabler, or the instigator?"
"Isn't that the same thing?"
"No?"
"Then I guess… Enabler? I really don't know the difference, Anon. Do you wanna get high with me, or not?"
"Doesn't matter, yes. I do."
"Great. Now come over here. I need your hands."
>Red rose from your chest as she located the bag of dubious substances
>she opened it up and took a whiff
"Greenhoof? You spared no expense, I see."
"Is it good?"
"So I've heard. Normally I'm not rich enough to buy the top-shelf stuff. This carrier choice isn't exactly stable."
"We have cash now."
"Yeah, but maintaining ships are expensive, so is feeding a crew. …And keeping them entertained. But if we keep going like this, we'll probably be alright."
"Sounds good to me."
"Great. Now come over here and stuff the Hookah."
"Since when did we own a water pipe?"
"Since you and Aldreda were missing."
"Oh."
>kinda strange ponies would invent a water pipe, that looks, and functions exactly like the ones on Earth
>these things pretty much demanded opposable thumbs
>…or magic
>but limiting your invention to 1/3rd of the population, seems kinda dumb
>but who were you to question Equestrian logic?
>you stuffed the top of the water pipe, added some foil, punched holes in the foil, and finally applied some coal
"Niice. Kinda mirin' your hands now."
"Yeah, they're pretty great. Beats having shitty hooves."
"At least i'm not restricted by shoes. I've seen those sensitive bottom hand-feets you have."
"Eh, true enough. Humanity doesn't really shine without decent footwear."
>you lit the thing, and waited for it to heat up
>Red sat next to you, looking slightly impatient
"Something bothering you?"
"Oh no. Just been a while since we hung out, alone."
"Yeah, we deserve some time alone."
"Definitely."
>Red was the first to take a hit
"Yowza. That's the stuff. Feel that smoothness, Anon, Easy as mother's milk."
>Red passed you the pipe
>you took a huff
"Hmm."
>oh yeah, definitely some sort of weed
>but not "clumpy" as average Equestrian weed
>that clumpyness was due to the underlying magic that was present in all things Equestria
"This is very good. Were is it from?"
"Zeveres, no doubt."
"Zebra country?"
"Yep."
>you took another hit
"Tell me about it."
>you passed the pipe muzzle over to Red
"Well, it's centuries behind Equestria proper, mostly consistent of different zebra tribes. They do some trading here and there. Try to keep to themselves. Pretty friendly bunch."
"Doesn't sound that bad. Why are they lagging so far behind?"
"Same reason Marcus practices shaman magic. Traditional unicorn magic doesn't work in their lands."
"Really?"
"Yup. Nopony knows why though. That's why they tend to stick to themselves."
"That's cool I guess."
"Yeah, I guess. Wonder if Marcus would ever want to go back there?"
"He told me he wanted to become a roaming shaman, if he survived hanging out with us."
""HA! That's a big 'IF'!
"Eh, we've been doing good for ourselves, don't you think?"`
>Red passed the pipe over to you
>you took another hit
"True, true."
"I don't get all this doom and gloom, revolving our trade. We're doing great."
"You know what? You're right. We're fucking awesome. I guess I was just a bit jaded from loosing the Crippled Midget."
"Won't happen again."
"Not with you at the helm. And if it does. I'll haunt you. Boo!"
>Red wiggled her hoofsies in your face
"I'm terrified."
"So you should! Restless spirits are dangerous."
>the words coming out of Red's mouth were rather playful
>but you never knew with horsey land
"Don't tell me you guys have ghosts and stuff."
"We do. Now that you mention it."
"Christ."
"Never seen one myself, but they're out there. Things that go bump in the night."
>you passed the pipe to Red
"You're full of shit."
"I'm serious. You people don't have ghosts?"
>did you?



"In stories. nothing that can actually be proven to have the power to do anything measurable, but there's lots of stories about it."
"So, were did the stories originate from? Surly there's some truth to every myth?"
"Some people claim it to be true but no solid proof they exist is ever present, so maybe but probably not."
"Huh. For a species that prides itself at being the best at everything. You can't figure out if ghosts are real or not?"
"Yep."
"You humans are strange beasts. Would Rodger and Charles share your sentiments?"
"Rodgers? Probably thinks ghosts are real. Charles? Not so much."
"So no help there. Hmm."
>Red started to casually bump into you with her rump, signaling not-so-subtly, that she wanted to lie down again
>you obliged her, laying down on the yacht's couch, pulling her down with you
"That's better."
"Happy to help."
"You're so big, you make a good resting spot."
>she poked your chest, lightly with a hoof
"Though, not as soft as you used to be."
"Having to kill stuff all the time, along with no internet access will do that to you."
"Heh, were you out of shape when we first met?"
"I'm in better shape now, then I was back then. I'm not letting you in on anything else."
"Hmm. Fair enough. I could loose a couple of pounds myself."
>you sneaked a palm up to her rump to cup a feel
"And loose your assets?"
"Ha ha."
>Red fake-laughed, with a deadpanned expression
"That's pudge. Wouldn't you much rather have a toned, fit mare? Like one 'a those Germaneian mares?"
"I like you as you are, to be quite frank. As long as we don't have to grease up the doorways in the ship to get you around. We're good."
>Red gave you a lovetap
"Watch it, Romeo. But yeah, been thinking about loosing some weight. After the holidays, of course."
"You do what you gotta do, Red. Wait. You guys have dick.growing potions, but not weight-loss potions?"
"Weight-lo- …I don't believe we have those… "
"What the fuck? Alright, you officially have no right to dis humanity on it's priorities, ever."
"But at least we- hm.. gah! Fuck! You're right. Won't stop me from doing it though~"
"I really hate you sometimes."
"Tihihi, I know you do."
>Red yawned heavily
"This greenhoof is really doing wonders for me. You jus- hmm,"
"It's alright, is it really hitting you that hard?"
"It's primarily sleep… thingy, Anon. The real effects start when you go to bed."
"Could have told me that earlier."
"Sorry, Anon. In any case, it's what some shamans use to.. Stuff. It gives you weird dreams, supposed to mean something."
>now that she mentioned it, you were feeling a bit exhausted
>as if your muscles were really lax, and your brain was getting ready to sleep
"What do you mean by 'something', Red?"
"Dunno. Never used it before, as I said. You could run in through Marcus though, in the morning. That's what imma do."
>Red blinked with heavy eyelids
"Heh~* Feels like imma pass out any minute now."
"Well then."
>You warped your arms around the mare, and rose to your feet
>whoa, stumble feet
"I think it's time we got this snoozy pony to bed, don't you think?"
"You're too kind. I'm not too… heavy, am I?"
"You're just right."
>for a deadlift
>you carried the mare and kindly dropped her on the big, yacht bed inside
>finding a blanket, you lay down next to her and wrapped the two of you in
>it was a bit troublesome, but you eventually managed to get the two of you wrapped in, and get her in a spooning position, at the same time
"Night, Red."
>you squeezed her body, close to yours, feeling the warmth of her coat, on your now-naked body
"Sweet dreams, Nonny."
>damn, you told her not to call you that
>but, you'd let it slip for tonight.

>you woke up with a drooling headache
>looking to your side, it was comfortable to see Red snoozing on the bed
>looks like you were up first this time around
>you stroked her cheek before leaving the room
>after a sloppy shower, and a quick breakfast, you were on your way
>it was your first day of active duty, after all
>Rodgers was kind enough to give you a ride
>he didn't say much, neither did you
>Red sat in the backseat, quiet as well
>she opened and closed her mouth, as if talking, but no words sounded
>the battleship wasn't too far away now
>you placed Red over your shoulders, as she clearly did not want to join you
>you kept fighting her until she gave up, doe to exhaustion
>that's better
>your commanding officer didn't take too kindly to the mare, and kept throwing her in the sea
>you, not listening, always fished her up afterwards
>though, this was taking quite a toll on Red
>her coat was getting more sickly, her mane and eyes less vibrant
>she didn't talk anymore, as the days out at sea passed
>you were sure she could handle it, she was a strong mare, even if she didn't think so herself, anymore
>she wasn't
>you buried her at sea a couple of days later
>your commanding officer told you it was about time you stopped acting crazy
>what kind of soldier had imaginary friends anyway?
>you wanted to wake up from this, but at the same time found yourself with a fright to discover which experience was a dream
>the past or the current
>you knew Red's death had to be avenged
>dream or no dream, you din't know, nor was it relevant
>a slow breeze carried you throughout the silent ship
>people, objects, details, seemed so dull and blurry
>you ran your hand across a table and grabbed something solid
>an adjustable wrench fount its way inside your palm grip
>this would do nicely
>you loomed over the commanding officer's bed and observed him sleeping


>you raised the wrench and hacked it into his face, using an upper arm grip
>the man exploded into a whirlwind of punches and kicks, as a natural reaction from someone with a military background
>you swung the wrench around, once more and jammed it into his face, in a stabbing motion
>you continued to hammer it down, like an ice pick, shattering teeth and tearing holes in his skin
>finally, you got the wrench inside his mouth, were you pushed it down further, passed his screams, as you leaned your entire weight in on the wrench
>all while punching him in the gut, the entire time
>it didn't take long passed bleeding stubs and gurgled blood for him to drown in it
>you dislodged the wrench from the gaping hole, and threw it out at sea
>no one else seemed to be on board
>as if they all vanished
>strange, but you could not force yourself to focus on anything



>you tried to focus on dream manipulation, but failed
>already having a hard time, making out colors, you knew this was a fruitless endeavor
>you simply couldn't focus
>you decided the best course of action was to jump into the ocean
>cause why the fuck not, right?
>there was nothing left for you on this ship
>you threw yourself overboard, splashing into the sea like a sack of potatoes
>uh-oh
>you quickly realized that you didn't float
>looking down, you could see hundreds, if not thousands of barbed tentacles, all reaching from a single point, in a vase shape
>now your focus kicked in, as the fog of muted confusion left you, the moment you entered the sea
>you could see every grizzled detail
>it looked ancient, but still new born, afterbirth bleed from it's skin as the tentacles lay, un-moving
>looking up and comparing it's limbs to the battleship, it became clear to you, just how massive this thing was
>a single tentacle was thicker than the ship's length
>taking that into account, the being must have been hundreds of miles long
>still, you saw it perfectly, in all its glory
>the centered mass of the tentacles were unintelligible, even if you could see everything, down to that point
>you wanted to go back to the ship, but you kept sinking further down to the stoic titan
>knowing considering it's size, and the magic needed to sustain such a thing, you doubted even an atomic bomb could take it down
>your lings were burning at this point
>no matter how hard you struggled, you could not reach the surface
>the beast still did not move, however
>was it at fault?
>did it have it's own gravitational field?
>considering it's size, it pretty much had to
>primal instincts took over, as your body forced its lungs open, inhaling the salty water
>that was the last thing you sensed, before waking up
>you shot out of bed and observed your surroundings
>3 zebras, including Marcus jumped back in surprise
>they were all decked out in wooden masks, and various voodoo fetish items
>"Captain."
"Huh? What the fuck is going on! Were am I?!"
>"Captain! Calm down. You are safe."
"What the fuck was that? Were's Red?"
>"She's fine, Captain. You've been out for days. We… We observed your dreams."
>you grabbed Marcus way rougher than you should have
"What the FUCK is going on?!"
>"That's what i'm trying to figure out!!"
>you let the zebra go
>"You two, leave. You have a lot to do. Find out about this creature we saw. Consult the elders!"
>the two other zebras left the room, leaving only you, and Marcus
>the stallion sighed
>"Once in a trance, something sent you into a deep vision. It's… So much more than anything I have ever seen before."
"Vision? What does it mean? Is Red okay?"
>"Yes. And it doesn't necessarily need to mean what it may first look like! These visions have coded meanings."
"Just… Fuck."
>"Relax my Captain. You should get something to eat, we could not force food in you for days."
"Were are we? Maybe Redheart-"
>"Redheart is not with us, we set sail long ago."
"We're on our way to that island?"
>"To finish our mission. Yes. Red insisted after we told her, you were going to be fine."
"Well I don't feel fucking fine, now do I?"
>"No. You should eat, relax. You shall surly give yourself a heart attack if you do not calm down."
>looking down, you saw your chest raise and lower at an alarming rate
>alright, get it together, Anon
>it was just a dream, vision, coma. Whatever


"So were can I find some food?"
>"Where it always is?"
"Oh, Right. And my dream?"
>"Take care captain, I'll report back, once the elders reply."
"The old zebra mares?"
>"Yep."
"Alright, cool.
>you walked down to the eatery and binged on apples for a while
>you noticed it was probably pretty late at night
>sun hadn't come up yet
>fuck yeah, higher cognitive functions restored
>you got some water as well, for good measure
>back on deck, you asked one of the tired looking zebras, walking about regarding Red's location
>he pointed out that she was chilling in the yacht
>hmm, strange
>bitch should be here, watching over the crew
>then again, you did demote her
>you weren't at full strength, but you managed to climb aboard the yacht
>there you saw Red snoozing in your bed, looking all kinds of adorable
>should you disturb her sleep?