Cainiam

Helios swung with all of his might, but Moondust spotted him at the last moment, and avoided the vicious blow. He vanished once more into the darkness, when she suddenly put her weapon away. Shadow Helios didn't hesitate to take the chance to charge forwards wildly again, this time straight at her front, when suddenly he staggered back. A powerful light was emanating from Moondust herself. Something inside him shrieked and writhed in pain as his sword dissolved back into nothingness in front of his eyes. Then she tackled him to the ground, and he was in no position to stop her. She slammed her hoof against his chest and all of his shadowy armour was obliterated in an instant, leaving only his fur for protection. As her hoof touched his now naked chest, it glowed an incandescent orange, seemingly as bright as the sun in the sky. The final remnants of his bubble spell erupted outwards, taking a few staggering shadow pony survivors with it as he was flung mane-over-hooves into the wall of the rocky canyon. Then all was silent., bar the extremely light exhalations from Helios himself.

Helios's axe was sent spinning out of his hoof by a hit from something up high.. Then came the archer's fire. It was an ambush! Shadow ponies left, right, and centre were speared by arrows and sent exploding into the nothingness they came from. Helios watched in horror as almost all of his forces were completely decimated before his eyes. He then turned with anger to Moondust when he noticed her sword of pure light. He tried once more to pull out his blade, but it was still stuck fast in his scabbard. Helios began to panic. Maybe this was a sign to... urk. His entire demeanour suddenly changed as an expression of pure malevolence took over his face. "You think that I can be beaten by the mere application of light? I am darkness personified! I will swallow up your sickening light and cast us all into an age of shadow!" A voice not quite his own snarled through his mouth. He cast a spell that created a bubble of pure darkness around the two combatants, Moondust's sword being the only source of light. He himself conjured up a greatsword that he had to stand on his rear hooves to wield properly. He then vanished into the shadow, only to emerge form the side with a large swing from his sword.

(Well to be honest I too am more than a little confused. I'm pretty sure these shadow ponies and shadow armour and all that are just imagination. And Helios is imagining attacking the fort, when in reality he just trotted up to it, saw nopony was in, then trotted away again. I think. This whole MAC cannon business though is now throwing me off. I mean there's nothing it's representing. I only used the shadow ponies to emulate an army, but then you guys fled anyway. If it had come to blows, then the shadow ponies would have just been cannon fodder, as they're pure imagination. I think.)

Helios figured that he had left enough time. He tried to draw his enchanted sword, but it stuck fast in its scabbard. Strange, it normally responded to his touch. Instead he held up a hoof and concentrated and a blade of pure shadow materialised in his hoof. Much better. Plus it goes with the armour of almost solid shadow that clad his body. He trotted forwards and turned to the assorted ponies. "It is time! Your failure has been noted, Moondust, but if anything I believe in second chances. If we wait any longer, then the walls themselves shall crumble with old age! Now come! Look to me! The dawn of a new age is nigh! For Helios!" he shouted, much to the cheering of the shadow ponies. As one, the body of shadow ponies marched in rank, with Helios at the front. Then nothing happened. No return fire. Nothing. Helios raised his sword and slashed the air downwards, and all the shadow ponies charged into the fort. There was no way possible they could of learned about their attack. Maybe they saw the prisoner escape, well it had to be either that or... Moondust. Helios was suddenly filled with an unquenchable rage. He span around, and it was as if a cloak of darkness suddenly surrounded him. He stomped over to Moondust, and pulled out his blade which then morphed into an executioner's axe. "Hold her down," he hissed.

Lance jumped as the prisoner suddenly started talking. After he realised it certainly wasn't Black Powder, he turned around and saw it was just Soul Flare. He instantly acted as if he had never jumped, and put on his usual degrading sneer. [colour=#00ff00]"The other prisoners may have escaped, but they have nowhere to flee. They will not leave this boat alive. If you want to join them, then by all means make your escape,"[/colour] he snorted. A sudden clank behind him made him spin around with his sword out, but he saw it was just one of the troopers had knocked over a metal tray. He wheeled back around looking even more enraged. [colour=#00ff00]"If I were you, then I'd stay put. You'll live longer that way."[/colour] Before he can respond, a sailor from on deck came galloping down. "Sir! You're wanted on deck!" [colour=#00ff00]"At ease, man. Guard this cell,"[/colour] Lance barked back before pushing him to the side and trotting back up the stairs. The two soldiers who had followed him down, promptly followed him back up. He looked around for Royal Range, only to see Black Mane talking to Black Powder. He pulled out his pistol and went to fire, when he saw him take off and fly into the distance. Lance, now enraged stomped over to Black Mane.[colour=#00ff00] "You just let a prisoner escape! That is a crime under the laws of the court of Canterlot." [/colour] Royal returned to his quarters, removed his fine jacket and hat, and lay back on his bunk. He was technically now captain. Not that he'd ever asked to be Captain. True Majesty hadn't finished his training yet, and now his mentor was dead. Not just his mentor though, his friend. It was hard being an officer on a ship, you had to distance yourselves from the men, you had to rely on only those closest to you to support you, and to Royal and for True, that had been the case. Sure, Royal had seen sailors die before. The Alicorn was one of the most dangerous ships to serve on in that regard, but it was worth the prestige. True Majesty was a hero, and nopony deserved to die that way. Shot in a sword duel. What kind of conniving, immoral, inequine beast would shoot somepony in a sword duel. Not an ounce of honour in his entire being. Royal just stared at the wooden ceiling and tried to organise his thoughts. Brass jumped awake at the sound of a cannon tearing through the hull, then promptly tumbled out of the bed and landed messily on the floor. His head was absolutely pounding, and his tongue felt like parchment. [colour=#ffa500]"Celestia,"[/colour] he croaked as he attempted to get to his hooves. It took three attempts and a good five minutes, but he eventually made it. How the hell did the sailors drink so much. It was absolutely horrible. Wait, where even was this? This was not the group quarters. He noticed the chains and the open door, and was suddenly filled with a sinking feeling.[colour=#ffa500] "Oh Celestia."[/colour] He tried his best to gallop out of the room and distance himself from the evidence. ([colour=#00ff00]Lance[/colour] is still a bit skittish, but responds to [colour=#a52a2a]Soul Flare[/colour] with the same disdain he showed Powder. [colour=#00ffff]Royal Range [/colour]returns to his quarters to try and organise things.[colour=#ffa500] Brass [/colour]wakes up with a terrible hangover, and leaves Sleek's cell.) (Edited to include [colour=#00ff00]Lance [/colour]going up deck to see Black Mane.)

Don't know how I missed this before. Westerns are darn cool. I also just noticed that every single person who's posted here is involved in Pony Pirates. Small world, eh? Anyways, I too would like to know if this is still running, because if it is then I am 100% in. Shame I missed voting, it'd be handy to know which plot won out too. Liking the name though.

True Majesty's confident smile was replaced with an expression of outright shock as the bullet tore through his leg and forced him to kneel. His sword dropped to the floor with a loud clatter that rang out across the deck. He heard the screams of the pegasus soldier echoing from behind as if he was was underwater. He looked up into the sneer on the face of the still bleeding Russian Captain as he pulled out another pistol and pointed it at his muzzle. [colour=#282828]"Now, humor me. Any last words?"[/colour] True Majesty narrowed his eyes and lit up his horn, teleporting behind the captain and grabbing the gun with his good hoof. He then tore the captain's blade out of it's sheath with telekinesis and buried it into Red. As Red then fell to his knees, True Majesty brought his own blade flying back over and sliced it all across Red's face, leaving a long cut all the way across and through his left eye causing a spray of blood to splatter across the deck. As the Russian Captain fell to the floor, True Majesty sheathed his sword. [colour=#ffd700]"Perhaps you should have been more concerned with honor," [/colour]he said curtly before galloping over to the scrum that had formed around his pegasi companion. A burst of magical kinetic energy sent a group of the sailors flying back onto the deck, some clasping flags in their grubby hooves. Other holding something considerably more grizzly. He turned around and bucked a final pair of sailors who span around to face him onto their backs. As he grabbed a last sailor and tossed him away with his magic he saw the pegasus was already dead. Then a second shot rang out from behind him and tore through his own chest. He twisted around just in time to see the blood soaked face of Captain Red just as he prepared another pistol and this time fired straight away before the unicorn could teleport again. Royal Range let the spyglass fall to the floor. True Majesty was dead. He saw Red pull the trigger, and he saw the bullet explode out from the back of his head. [colour=#00ffff]"No. No, a boarding action would be quite impossible,"[/colour] he mumbled just loud enough for Black Mane to hear. [colour=#00ffff]"They can't reload the cannon while moving anyway. You saw how they all went below deck. The best course would be to outrun them to Colt's Cove. Could you do the honour?" [/colour]he asked quietly as he held up his enchanted loud hailer and offering it to Black Mane. [colour=#00ffff]"I need to go sit down,"[/colour] he added. (True Majesty grievously wounds Red, but is shot in the back and killed. Royal Range begins to despair and temporarily gives control of the ship to Black Mane.)

True Majesty held the blade with a flourish. [colour=#ffd700]"En garde!" [/colour]He shouted as he brought the sword up to meet Red's blade. The loud clashing of steel sounded once then twice as he parried a strong blow from the Russian captain, before serving up a quick riposte and almost catching the stallion's wing. Before Red could seize the opportunity his sword flew back towards him and into the guard position just fast enough to deflect his blade to the side, which he aided with a slight side step. He then feinted left, and right with surprising speed before going in for a stab dead in the centre and caught the stallion in the chest with a light cut. [colour=#ffd700]"If you wish to stand down, then just give the word,"[/colour] he said rather confidently, bolstered by his own performance. The pegasus bearing the requested flags cheered from his position on the very edge of the ship, his guard slightly relaxing. Things on the other vessel had suddenly gone to the dogs. Troopers ran around everywhere accosting every pirate they could find as to the whereabouts of the good Captain Powder, or the swabbie Sleek. The navy boys all crowded around the top deck and watched the fight play out with interest. Some opportunistic sailor was offering good odds for the Russian Captain, not that anypony seemed to be taking it. Royal Range watched the fight with interest through True Majesty's spyglass. Everything looked to be going well. Lance was heading up the investigation into the whereabouts of the missing pirates.[colour=#00ff00] "I want every single lifeboat being watched,"[/colour] he ordered before ducking down below the decks. Knowing that Black Powder probably had a score to settle with him, he decided that maybe his own talents would be best utilised watching over their one remaining prisoner. He trotted down into the ship with two marines as extra guards and stopped by the cell of one Soul Flare. The pirate seemed to be reading that ****ed book that was so valuable. He briefly considered riling him up, but he already potentially had one homicidal captain baying for his blood. (True Majesty displays his skills with a blade while Royal Range looks on fearfully. Sergeant Lance and a pair of guards arrive at Soul Flare's cell, while the remainder of his soldiers comb the decks for the missing prisoners.)

True Majesty looks to his own blade. A ceremonial sword with a surprising bite presented to him by Celestis herself on his assignment to the Alicorn. [colour=#ffd700]"Lance. Fetch the flags and have them flown over. Royal, I want you to retrieve the prisoners and bring them above deck."[/colour] Before either of them could refuse, he took a few steps forward and then his horn flashed a brilliant gold and he vanished, only to reappear on the Russian vessel. He looked to the pony who was holding his own blade. [colour=#ffd700]"Swords then. I must warn you, I received meritorious distinction for my swordplay in the Royal Naval College of Baltimare."[/colour] He stood in a clear circle made by the crew and drew his sword, holding it with the magic from his horn. Meanwhile Lance trotted down into the storerooms and grabbed the flags as instructed. Eleven they had collected since their last trip to Canterlot. Each from pirates reigning in notoriety from Fill the Fisherpony to the Infamous Foall. These flags were worth a small fortune, and Lance had an overwhelming urge to keep some for himself, but he had faith in the captain, and the captain would notice some missing flags. He hurried back on deck and handed them to one of his pegasi soldiers, who flew over to the Russian ship and perched not far away from Majesty. However, Royal was not having the same luck. First of all, he went into the cell where Sleek was meant to be tied up, and he found a sleeping guardspony with an empty bottle of wine. If more important things weren't happening right now, then he would be furious. As it was all he felt was cold dread. He then charged into Black Powder's room, to find the lump under the bed was a dead guardspony. Things just got a million times worse. Instead of going to fetch Soul Flare he charged back onto deck and galloped into Lance. [colour=#00ffff]"The prisoners are free! Black Powder and Sleek Wind are both missing!"[/colour] ([colour=#ffd700]True Majesty [/colour]and a pegasus soldier bearing the flags arrive on the Russian vessel.[colour=#00ffff] Royal Range [/colour]discovers two of the prisoners are missing, and reports it to[colour=#00ff00] Lance.[/colour])

True Majesty lowered the loud hailer and awaited their response. On one side of him stood Lance, and on the other stood Royal Range. He nodded to both and pulled out his spyglass. The crew on the other ship seemed to all be fleeing off of the top deck. What could they possibly be... a sudden colossal boom filled the air, almost deafening the ponies on deck. A cannonball bigger than a pony tore across the top deck like lightning, splitting wood and throwing up splinters all around. What was once two cannons fully ready to fire with full crews was now a mess of twisted wood and blood. The deck went completely silent as all the serviceponies shared mixed looks, but held strong and silent. True Majesty raised the loud hailer again. [colour=#ffd700]"I cannot in good conscience surrender Naval Property without a fight. However, this ship and it's crew are not expendable. If you want these prisoners and our collected flags, then I challenge you to a duel. Captain vs. Captain. You win and our spoils are yours. I win, and your crew will back off, and not accost this vessel again. I leave the terms of the duel to you. Does this sound agreeable to you?"[/colour] Royal Range instantly turned to the captain in shock. [colour=#00ffff]"Sir! You can't possibly risk yourself for some pointless flags and prisoners! I'm sure Celestia will understand."[/colour] [colour=#ffd700]"This isn't about them, Range. This is a matter of honour. I can't simply let them win, just because they're better armed. Besides, you've seen me fight. I can handle myself in a duel. Worst comes to worst, and at least honour will be satisfied, and you'll have charge of the Alicorn. She's a good ship."[/colour] True Majesty then raised the loud hailer again. [colour=#ffd700]"I await your response!"[/colour] ([colour=#ffd700]True Majesty [/colour]realises a ship-to-ship battle will end badly, so instead challenges Captain Red to a duel over the prisoners and flags, much to [colour=#00ffff]Royal Range's[/colour] displeasure.)

[colour=#ff0000]"Ship sighted! She's flying the Russian flag! Looks like a Russian war vessel! It's on combat approach."[/colour] A cry came from the crow's nest. Royal Range instantly narrowed his eyes. Technically the Russians and Equestrians were currently allies, but navy protocol was to enter battle stations whenever a war vessel entered the immediate area. The magic loud hailer was out in a second. [colour=#00ffff]"All crew to battle stations! Russian war vessel sighted on combat approach! All crew to battle stations!"[/colour] he bellowed through it. Instantly crewponies who had once been lounging on the decks or cleaning the cannons after the brief firefight with the Scorbuto Cane were galloping back over to man them. More crewponies poured out from below deck along with the odd member of Black Mane's crew who just happened to get caught up in proceedings. The Russian ship pulled up alongside the Alicorn, despite the fact the speedy ship was currently running with full sails. The deck was bristling with cannons, so many cannons, and at the front was something that struck fear into the heart of many a naval pony, the biggest cannon they'd ever laid eyes on. If that behemoth were to open fire, then it would tear through most of the deck, it was a wonder the deck underneath the cannon could even take it's weight. If it came to blows, then Royal doubted the Alicorn could win, and that was saying something as the Alicorn had some pretty powerful armaments of their own thanks to the magic imbued into them. True Majesty didn't get time to hear Soul Flare's rebuttal as he heard the cry of [colour=#00ffff]"Battle stations!"[/colour] coming from up above. [colour=#ffd700]"I'm afraid I have to call this conversation to a close. Farewell, Captain Flare,"[/colour] True Majesty said curtly, before trotting at a surprisingly fast pace back up to the top deck. He too saw the cannons, and instantly recognised the vessel. [colour=#ffd700]"The E.R.S Sobraine,"[/colour] he said to himself. He had heard the rumors coming in from Stalliongrad concerning their hard line approach regarding pirates. The E.R.S Sobraine was effectively the Russian version of the H.M.S Alicorn, a specialised pirate hunter, just the Russians would do anything to get a catch. A sudden squawking parrot on a nearby cannon barrel catches his attention. Parrots, really? These pirates were definitely going the extra mile to look piratey. Then he noticed a small scroll attached to the parrot's leg. He pulled it off, and unfurled it to see it was a letter from the captain of the Sobraine. He read it to himself and began to shake with anger at the sheer gall of the other captain. Taking another captain's hard earned prizes. This was why Russian and Equestrian relations had always been frosty. There was no way he'd surrender his honour to another captain! He strode up over to the helm to Royal Range and grabbed the loud hailer from him. [colour=#ffd700]"Attention Captain of the Sobraine! You are dealing with Captain True Majesty of the HMS Alicorn. These prisoners and flags are property of the Equestrian Navy. We are not authorised to relinquish them. Not to mention the fact that we wouldn't even if we were. For the sake of Equestrian-Russian relations, I sincerely suggest that you and your crew go hunt their own catches, rather than preying on fellow hunters. If you have come here seeking a fight, then a fight it is you will get. I will not back down, for to do so would be failing my country, and that will never happen," [/colour]True Majesty shouted rather acidly at the opposing captain. The guardspony who had been drinking in Black Powder's cell heard the call to arms, and instantly corked his flask. He took one more look at the lump in the bed, before galloping out of the room and locking it behind him. He would be needed to hold the line. He may seem like an uncivilised lout, but he was a well drilled soldier, and could handle a musket with the best of them. He was up on deck and in front of Lance in seconds. [colour=#0000ff]"Sir! Prisoner's still in his cell!"[/colour] he said in a forced accent. Lance gave him a nod and motioned for him to join the other assembled troopers. Only Private Tacks was missing now, this would not look good on his report. Lance had finished his speech on pirates and their lack of etiquette, when the cry came down, and he turned to see the ship for himself. [colour=#00ff00]"Present arms!"[/colour] he shouted at the troops who all galloped off to grab their muskets from the nearby arms chest. In less than a minute all the troopers returned with their muskets loaded and ready to fire. [colour=#00ff00]"Stand by for further orders!"[/colour] he ordered. The soldiers all stood in line armed and ready to fire. Lance then strode over to where True Majesty was shouting through the loud hailer. The second the order went out, everypony was ready to open fire. Brass was vaguely aware of Black Mane's retort, but he couldn't quite seem to process it. Sleek's sudden shout punctuated his drunken haze however and he instantly stood to attention as if she were his drill sergeant.[colour=#ffa500] "Ready and present, sir!"[/colour] he shouted out of sheer habit. He then recalled his previous conversations and let his hoof fall again as he stumbled back into Black Mane's path, only to be pushed back over onto the floor and off to the side again. He shakily rose back to his hooves just in time to see Sleek pass, then stop to give him a quick peck on the cheek, sending his heart a-fluttering again. He tried his best to fight through the drunkeness and profess his love, but some coherent part of his brain managed to stop that, and he instead settled for this.[colour=#ffa500] "I'll get off this ship, I promise, but I'll miss you!"[/colour] he called out after her in a brief moment of clarity before collapsing onto her now vacant bed, and falling asleep almost instantly. (The E.R.S Sobraine is sighted and recognised by [colour=#ffd700]True Majesty[/colour]. [colour=#00ffff]Royal Range[/colour] orders the crew to battle stations while[colour=#00ff00] Lance[/colour] preps the soldier complement. [colour=#ffd700]True Majesty[/colour] returns Red's ultimatum and makes some rather baseless threats of action. [colour=#ffa500]Brass[/colour] watches Sleek go, and then passes out on her empty bed in her cell.)

Lance finished his scrawlings for now, and returned the book to the top draw in his desk, which he then locked with a key which he hid on his person. If the Captain were to see that, well he'd be lucky to only lose his career. He then stood back up, and left his office. The army complement on board would need a debrief, and to know how he was now ever more in power. Couldn't have the men acting out. Especially with pirates onboard. It was more important than ever that they all look spic-and-span, and not to associate with those lower life forms. Lance quickly strode with head held high back up to the top deck, ignoring any of the pirates who even so much as looked at him. Once he reached the upper decks he bellowed in his best training officer shout, [colour=#00ff00]"Form up!"[/colour] Troops quickly swarmed to his position, where they would endure a ten minutes speech on why pirates are inequine monsters, and the troops shouldn't so much as look at them. True Majesty halted at Soul Flare's retort, but before he could tear into him Black Mane rushed to his defence. His impression of Black Mane instantly rose. The pony clearly knew his betters now. That was a pleasant surprise. He even announced he was taking his leave! What an improvement. Majesty nodded in acknowledgment of his sudden better manners, before trotting back over to Soul Flare's cell. [colour=#ffd700]"While I will admit that Sergeant Major Lance neglected to mention this,[/colour]" Majesty began, making sure to enunciate his title, [colour=#ffd700]"you still do not fly the colours of Equestria. If you are no pirate, then which country do you serve? It is an offence to not fly the flag of your country. An offence that we can hold you for. You will be brought back to the Academy with the book. If they say you're an Adventurer, then you're in the clear. Otherwise, you're in just as deep trouble as Captain Powder. Anything to add, Captain Flare,"[/colour] True Majesty said in a clearly over-confident manner. Royal Range rolled his eyes as Lance showed up above deck. These weren't pirates, they were Privateers. They still served Celestia in their own special way. He had a feeling True Majesty echoed Lance's ideals though. Privateers were a necessary evil, and they had done nothing wrong in Royal's book. He turned back to the helmspony. [colour=#00ffff]"How long do you think until we get in sight?"[/colour] The helmspony shrugged. [colour=#ff0000]"No way to tell, sir. No landmarks out here. We've gone around Black Mane's derelict vessel now though. Could be an hour, could be a day."[/colour] Royal chewed his lip thoughtfully.[colour=#00ffff] "Very well, Helmspony, carry on."[/colour] Brass was briefly scared by Sleek's outburst, but found himself nodding along towards the end.[colour=#ffa500] "Yeah! Yeah! I'm... er... getting out of here!"[/colour] he shouted, a bit unsteady on his hooves.[colour=#ffa500] "I'll show those two-bit parents of mine that I'm completely capable!"[/colour] He shouted in agreement. When she asked to be locked back up, he tried to oblige, but his hooves were not quite as controlled as he'd hoped. A few blunders and suddenly the door slammed open behind him, and he froze. Some part of him was acutely aware that his career in the Navy was about to come to a close. And that part suddenly spurred on his drunken self. [colour=#ffa500]"You thinks that just 'cos you're the Captain of... er... um... er... that other ship that you can stumble around here and boss us about?!"[/colour] He shouted confrontationally as he took an unsteady step towards Captain Black Mane.[colour=#ffa500] "I am... er... Private! Yeah! I'm Private Brass Tacks! And...uh.... Privates! Privates have a higher rank than civilians! And... um... Pirates! Yeah! Pirates are tech-n-i-cally civilians! Because you're not in the army! So... I outrank you!"[/colour] He said in a rather slurred manner, pressing his hoof to his chest, then poking it into Black Mane's with that second part. He then reached for a sword that didn't seem to be there and instead settled on trying to raise a hoof threateningly, and then just falling down onto the floor. He quickly dragged himself back up to his hooves again, and tried to stare down the Captain, but he didn't seem to want to stay still. The Guard shrugged as the disguised Black Powder trotted past, and down the corridors. He then took up the now empty guard spot, and walked into the room and over to the chair, which he then sat on. Seeing as nopony else was scheduled to look in here for a while, he pulled a hip flask of rum out of one of his pockets and took a long draught. The pirate could rest for a bit, it was a rare moment to get a secluded spot of the ship away from any officers to enjoy some fine contraband. The prisoner would just whine and probably try to steal some, better that he stay asleep. ([colour=#00ff00]Lance[/colour] locks away his journal and orders the troops to not fraternise with the pirates. [colour=#ffa500]True Majesty[/colour] engages[colour=#a52a2a] Soul Flare[/colour] about whether he is a pirate or not. [colour=#00ffff]Royal Range[/colour] keeps the ship on course for Colt's Cove. [colour=#ffa500]Brass Tacks[/colour], now completely drunk, argues with Black Mane. The [colour=#0000ff]Guard[/colour] who replaces Drill hides away in the locked room to drink some rum.)

Duke Helios turned back once more as Moonlight replied. "Very well Dreadwhisperer. The time is almost here to strike. Once our companions return we will not only have a numbers advantage, but also we are clearly the stronger party. Fort Book shall fall, mark my words. Then we shall rebuild atop its ashes. A citadel of incomparable complexity An everlasting shrine to my glory. And then the entire world will bow before me, and it will be glorious. But first we must deal with the Pretender. Princess Dawn will make a merry fool, don't you think?" Helios then joined Moonlight in her dark laughter. "Oh this will be sweet." The sound of clopping hooves announced the arrival of Moondust and Overeasy. Two more warriors ready to give their lives in his name. He signalled them over with a wave, then turned to face the trio. "Soldiers. Today is the dawn of a new era. The era of Helios! Together we will oust the pretender, and demolish the only obstacle between us and this kingdom. We outnumber them. We outclass them. We are superior. And we will use that to destroy them. I want all three of these fools taken down, and I want their fort dismantled. They do possess a strong defensive position however, but we have help." An Inequine shriek sounded from the darkness as a group of ponies made of shadow assembled on the edge of the group's circle. "These magnificent beast will provide that final extra edge. These steeds of shadow are our comrades, but I advise you not to get in their way, for your own sakes. Now, let us ready ourselves, we will assemble on the edge of the forest and prepare to attack when night falls. The cover of darkness will strengthen our shadowy friends." He finished his speech to an imagined chorus of cheering, before pointing a hoof towards Moondust and then trotting away from the group. "Moondust. I have a very special assignment for you. Princess Dawn obviously still trusts you, and they will no doubt be strengthening the walls. I need you to open a way in for us when we arrive. It would be folly to charge the walls and then get trapped there. As soon as you see us reach the walls, collapse us an entrance, and you shall be richly rewarded," Helios said with as close to a respectful nod as he could manage. He then trotted back to the other two. "We give a few minutes for Moondust to get in place, then we charge. Be ready," he said to the group as he summoned up a powerful suit of armour that looked to be made from thick shadow itself.

Huh, so is this Side RP going to be more plot driven? I'm still in too by the way.

Duke Helios heard her response and prepared to fight when he heard mention of evil creatures. He had noticed odd things in the shadowy corners, could they be what she spoke of? Maybe something else was ahoof here. Suddenly as if in response felt something stirring. Something magical. Something old. He noticed Moonlight suddenly began to shift around as if something was grabbing at her and he took a step back, holding onto his little circle of light. "Who goes there?!" He shouted somewhat fearfully as he span around, looking this way and that. He could see more shapes forming, and the light atop his horn ebbing. Something was weakening his spell. Something out in the darkness suddenly began to speak. It's voice a crescendo of whispers. Each sentence starting in near silence, but rising to near shouts before fading away. An unnatural echo served to amplify this, twisting the words into forms that were almost visible in the darkening light. [colour=#000000]"Yes, yes I am a true leader. Nopony understands, they don't believe that I have what it takes!"[/colour] He shouted in agreement. [colour=#000000]"Destroying Book Fort? Yes, yes that would put an end to Princess Dawn's reign, and be the rallying cry for the name of Helios!"[/colour] Moonlight shouted something inaudible over the whispers of the shadow, but Helios could guess what she was saying. [colour=#000000]"Power? Prestige? Yes, yes, that is exactly what I seek. A means to show those who doubted me that I am capable, that I am the true ruler! I accept your terms! Let us show these ponies that I truly am capable!"[/colour] As he nodded and shouted, the light on his horn dulled and dulled, reducing in area and letting the shadows slowly grow closer. Moonlight vanished into the darkness off to the side. The voice finished it's speech and his magic went out. Ten seconds later his horn sparked to life again and the area around him was relit. Something felt different. He felt... empowered. Unbeknownst to him his eyes were black as coals, but when he blinked they reverted back to their usual white and blue state. He looked to the floor to see Moonlight coughing. His first follower. He offered her a hoof. [colour=#000000]"So you now renounce the name of Princess Dawn, and pledge to help bring about her blasphemous reign by means of fire and destruction,"[/colour] he said in a voice that wasn't completely his own. Another pony suddenly appeared from behind a bookcase and he had his sword out in a flash. Suddenly she lay herself on the ground and pledged in his name. A dark smile appeared on his lips. He recognised glimpsing her at the fort, but didn't have a name. Another voice suddenly whispered in his head. "Moondust". He shook himself and looked back to her again. [colour=#000000]"Moondust. If you truly serve my cause, then I have an important assignment for you. One who pledged themselves to me now resides in the prisons of Fort Book. An eggnomancer by the name of Overeasy. I need you to free her from her cell, then we shall meet you just beyond the walls. We will need all hooves on this, and her magical talents may tip the scales in our favour."[/colour]

"You've never heard of Duke Helios?! Brother to Prince Dashing, and son of King Sceptre?! Well, it's not that surprising. My family always hated me. That's why they gave me that tiny hamlet in the middle of nowhere and fobbed me off as duke. I bet they planned to have Princess Dawn on the throne all along," Helios said grandly, making stuff up at a rather impressive pace. He had read quite a few books on Medieval adventures, and he knew that as the King-in-Exile it was his duty to rally those loyal to the crown and wage a guerilla war against the foreign occupiers. Of course, this was all complete balderdash, but it was either that or he became the evil Archduke who made a deal with the devil to take over a kingdom that was never rightfully his, only to be thwarted by a group of heroes. At the moment it could go either way, and he still hadn't decided which path to take. Even the villainous Archduke would pretend to be the rightful ruler after all. He shook himself as he realised he'd been silent for a whole thirty seconds, and that Moonlight was looking at him funnily. "Sorry," he said briefly then he adopted his noble accent again. "My cousin and I have had a... falling out. She will be dealt with in due time, but for the moment I seek loyalists to aid me in taking the fort in the name of Helios. If you have any true loyalty to the Kingdom, then you will help me liberate it. If you serve Dawn so steadfastly, then we have nothing more to talk about. Now, make your choice." He said confrontationally as he too adopted a combat posture with sword at the ready. He too noticed a flickering of darkness out of the corner of his eye, but he dismissed it as unimportant.

Lance strode back to his cabin. As commander of the marine complement he had been issued his own cabin. This had better pay off, he'd overheard one of the troopers talking about Black Powder's so-called treasure when they had brought him onboard. He may have just majorly overstepped his boundaries but he wasn't going to go any further in the military without a commission and he could never hope to afford one without a large influx of cash. His dreams of becoming General Lance hinged on this, and he was willing to do anything to make those dreams come true. Anything. He sat back in his chair and opened up his journal. Time to note some things down. Captain True Majesty grew visibly more irate as he dealt with the rough-spoken captain. How anypony could act so utterly insufferable, well it filled him with disgust. [colour=#FFD700]"Look right here, Black. While you are on my ship, you are under my command. It's not my fault you couldn't hold on to your own vessel now is it? Maybe if you fought half as well as you thought you did, you'd still have that heap of lumber you had the gall to call a vessel!"[/colour] Once he'd gotten over his fit of anger he processed the information intently, and it troubled him.[colour=#FFD700] "You sure this Cold Smoke fellow is navy? Enough of you pirates get naval equipment by pilfering our convoys that any pirate could set up shop. If you're certain, then this overrules the importance of trying these captains. We cannot have Naval equipment in the hands of barbaric buccaneers. Royal, I want this ship turned around, and back on course for Colt's Cove immediately."[/colour] True Majesty then turned around and looked over Soul Flare once.[colour=#FFD700] "You sir, are small fry compared to the other captain onboard. If you would just hand over the book, then maybe we could work out a deal that doesn't involve your death. When you're interested in dealing. Send for me." [/colour]He said curtly before turning to leave. Royal saluted dutifully with a cry of [colour=#00FFFF]"Yes, sir!"[/colour] before trotting off into the halls again. He weaved his way through the vessel until he made his way topside. Once there he trotted back over to the stern of the ship and up to the wheel.[colour=#00FFFF] "Sailor! Bring us about and change course to the Northwest. We're heading to Colt's Cove."[/colour] [colour=#FF0000]"Aye! Settin' a course to Colt's Cove."[/colour] The sailor replied as he spun the wheel and the ship slowly lurched around and back to it's original heading. Brass saw a smile spread across her face and then he received a small peck on the cheek, and he practically melted. When she thought he had gone red before, now he was a brilliant shade of scarlet to rival the worst sunburn. And she called him Brass! She said his name! He rubbed his cheek with a hoof and stumbled over the implications when he found a bottle offered to him. The pilfered wine. He saw her encouraging smile and he took a swig. The sweet, fine taste danced on his tongue, this was definitely some vintage... and pretty strong to boot. He found his lips growing a bit looser, and then she asked his story. [colour=#FFA500]"Well, uh, my name is Brass Tacks, and I was planning on becoming a smith before I... uh enlisted." [/colour]He took another swig of wine. [colour=#FFA500]"All of my brothers are serviceponies, and after much argument with my family, now so am I.[/colour]" Another swig of the powerful red liquid. [colour=#FFA500]"I don't what they were thinking though. My brothers are thoroughbred soldiers, but I just can't do it." [/colour]A much longer swig.[colour=#FFA500] "You've seen me! I'm clumsy, bad at following orders, and I just can't shoot ponies!"[/colour] Yet another long swig. [colour=#FFA500]"What have they done wrong? Yeah, I mean, they are pirates, but still is that a reason to condemn them to death? It just seems... silly. I don't know."[/colour] A final massive swig. [colour=#FFA500]"I just hope to smuggle myself off of here next port we show up at. I can't take this any more,"[/colour] Brass confessed growing steadily drunker as he did so. Black Powder wasn't left waiting that much longer before indeed another guard arrived. With a musket over his shoulder and a whistle on his lips he stopped right in front of Powder and suddenly looked confused.[colour=#000080] "Ey up. I tout this 'ere was Drill's job. I've been tol' to replace 'im. Who 'the heck are ya?"[/colour] He said suspiciously. ([colour=#00FF00]Lance[/colour] returns to his cabin and ponders his next move. [colour=#FFD700]True Majesty [/colour]berates Black Mane's attitude, but takes his advice. He also requests Soul Flare hand over the book. [colour=#00FFFF]Royal Range[/colour] turns the ship around for Colt's Cove. [colour=#FFA500]Brass[/colour] confesses he is considering deserting as he's a pacifist. Black Powder is confronted by[colour=#000080] a guard[/colour] who was sent to replace the other guard, but knew the other guard personally.)

Well-Heeled would never admit it, but he was now really lost. He had never been this deep into the library before, and the tomes were getting dustier and dustier. It seemed like very few ponies ever came this far into the place. The light of his horn played shadows against some of the corners and Well-Heeled more than once mistook them for something else. It would be very easy to get caught up in the fantasy they were all into out here. Well-Heeled gave an apprehensive glance back and then forwards again, and on seeing nopony, he reached for an imaginary blade. He was now Duke Helios of Bookshire. A noble whose dukedom had fallen to the encroaching shadow, and once the next-in-line for the throne of the Canterlot Library before being ousted by his distant cousin, Princess Dawn. He needed to rally the loyalists and retake his castle. A sudden shout from his side sent him reeling as the fantasy unrolled around him. He then heard her speech and was instantly drawn back in. "I am Duke Helios of Bookshire! Rightful heir to the throne! If you serve my traitor of a cousin, then you shall taste my enchanted steel!" he shouted as he held aloft his unnaturally glinting blade of light... or he held thin air if we're talking about in reality.

Well Heeled marched staunchly around the corner without casting a single look back at their horrid eyesore they called a fort. How hard could it be to create his own castle? Those fools managed it just fine. He just needed to find a better base, there had to be some tables or something around here. These bookshelves sure were confusing. Must be very easy to get lost in here, he mused to himself as he trotted along. If he had been paying more attention to his surroundings he would have noticed the library was growing darker the further into it he went. When he finally did notice, he thought nothing of it. Just a few absent candles. Thanks to his excellent tutelage, Well Heeled had managed to actually learn a few spells, and he demonstrated one right now with a very basic illumination spell, letting his horn act as a torch. Satisfied that he could see, he continued into the maze of shelves.

Why not Equidae? Combine them the other way. I think that sounds more like an island. Also I'm liking the design for the island, although it sounds a bit... idyllic. Then again maybe the pirates will be the changing factor. I had an idea for how they all got there, but then any arriving character would have to conform to it, but if it was a prison ship that sunk off the coast, then it would explain why all manner of different pirates are there. Just a thought. I'll draft a character soon. Also it's great to see you're back, Talex. Don't worry about taking some time off every once in a while.

Well Heeled listened to the Princess indignantly. If she wouldn't step down, then there was no point being King. Might as well just throw on some rags and go farming. He always played the King. "Fine! This fort is sloppily constructed anyway. Good luck surviving a dragon attack in this hole!" He retorted nastily and turned to leave when he suddenly found himself thrown to the floor. Then books were everywhere, turning the fort into a pile. Heeled rose back to his hooves, gave one sharp look at Manzanita and the "Princess" and stormed off, unaware of how close it had come to being him that was buried under a mountain of books.

The self-proclaimed King Helios, or Well Heeled to anypony who actually knew him, was outraged at this declaration of Princesshood. How could they possibly choose some commoner with a crown of paper over a court born noble with an incredible cloak! Before he has a chance to express his outrage, the newcomer flew to his side. This... er... eggnomancer? Really? Does she resurrect chickens? Wait, did she just call me King Dude? Well, I suppose beggars can't be choosers. Helios glared angrily at Manzanita. "A King outranks a Princess. And any commoner should know to keep their tongue under control when speaking to their betters. Now run along and help fortify the walls. Do something useful, while we Royalty discuss this." Helios then turned to the Princess who seemed to be trying a new tact. "As much as I'd like to bury the hatchet, I cannot see us coexisting peacefully unless you back down. If you still insist on being the Princess, then me and aubergine here will go and build our own magnificent castle!"

Umm... Is this island charted? It could just be a mysterious island. Or it could be something like Shipwreck Island, because we all get there somehow, or umm... well, really we need defining features of the island first.

Well-Heeled glanced over the young filly that approached him with an arrogant smile. "Why, of course I'm fair! And Celestia is royalty because she has the jewellery! Look, I have this fancy cape with a golden button! Purple is the colour of Royalty you know, and my cloak is purple!" He shouted childishly. "Anyway, my dad works in the royal court, and as the pony of highest station it only makes sense that I should be King! Besides, as King, I'll have Sir Knight here lead the armies, so that won't be a problem." He pointed with a hoof at Sir Archie Bighoof as he mentioned Sir Knight.

A stunning alabaster foal with a prominent horn and long mane of flaxen hair strode through the long aisles of books. Well-Heeled had overheard several of the more common ponies talking about sneaking into the library, and there was no way he was going to be left out of that. Well, that had seemed prudent at the time, now they'd all run off to play common games of tag and bulldog, leaving Heeled strolling the corridors on his lonesome. If only he could find a couple of foals with some bearing, then maybe he could have some real fun. He tugged at his fine, regal purple cloak he had received from his father as a birthday present last year that. It had silver inlaying and a golden clasp in the shape of a leaf that secured it around the front of his neck. Suddenly a loud shout from around the aisles caught his attention: Ah, real distinguished ponies! This is where he would fit in. He strode around the corner to see a group of foals had constructed a fort out of books. Books would hardly make a decent construction material, but they were referring to each other as Lords and Ladies... why this was his chance. He stomped his forehooves against the floor loudly, and then strode on around the corner. He looked to the group with a gleam in his eye, as he noticed that there were only four foals there, and none had claimed the right to be King yet. "Greetings, my friends! I have noticed that your little party is seriously lacking in royalty. I submit my own application as King Helios of the Canterlot Library. Doesn't that sound grand?"