Finding a Cure

A look of shock fell over Twilight’s friends as she opened the door to Celestia’s chambers. Instead of the princess standing proud, regal, and tall as she normally was when they met her; she lay weak and almost lifeless in her bed. Her mane which normally would shimmer so brightly was faded and tangled.  Her eyes normally glowing with care and compassion were pale and tired.

The princess struggled to smile as they entered. “Celestia…you look even worse than before.” Twilight said, shaking her head and frowning. The others stood in silence, not knowing what to say.

“That’s why I’ve brought you here. I need you and your friends help once more.” Celestia weakly let out as Twilight approached the side of her bed.

“And we’re ready for anything.” Twilight said confidently, looking back at her friends as they nodded their heads.

“This illness is nothing I or anypony else has ever seen before. Traditional medicine and magic cannot heal this nor can my own powers. Some recent events have led me to believe that this is actually no illness at all but instead that I have been poisoned.” they gasped as Celestia presented them with the information.  “It was recently discovered that a powerful relic was stolen from Canterlot without our knowing. It has been determined that the relic was stolen close to when I fell sick.  This relic, called the Flower of Medela, is a powerful healing object. It can cure almost any illness even ones never heard of before and can even save somepony from death itself, although its affect will not last forever. It is so powerful that it is rarely used and was kept hidden for thousands of years but now it has been discovered and I believe these thieves are planning a ransom. They will want wealth in exchange for the Flower. If they don’t get their bits then they will keep it hidden, waiting for the right buyer.”

“And that means you won’t be cured?” Twilight asked.

“Correct…” Celestia began to respond but was quickly interrupted as Twilight began to speak again.

“Can’t we just pay the ransom and have you cured as quickly as possible?”

“No, something so powerful is practically priceless. The sum of bits they will want will be too high. Equestria cannot function with so much of its funds lost all at once. I will not betray my citizens for my own well-being.” Celestia responded.

Twilight pondered what had just been said and sighed. “Yes, I understand. Then what will we do?”

“I believe I know where these thieves are headed, a safe haven for all criminals and a good place to find resourceful black market buyers, The Cutlass Coast.” Celestia said.

“The Cutlass Coast?” Applejack asked. “Never heard a it.”

“It is a land south of Equestria only accessible by sea or air. It is a lawless strip of coast filled with ports and towns housing rebels, criminals, and refugees from all walks of Equestria and other parts of the civilized world. It also houses the black market, a way for all of these criminals to sell, buy, or trade illegal goods. This market has given the coast a rather sustainable economy and an ever-growing community but beyond that lies nothing but untamed jungle. This is because most of The Cutlass Coast’s citizens prefer the ocean for trading and as a lifestyle rather than land. I need you all to go there and find the Flower of Medela. This will be no easy task. The citizens there do not trust or respect Equestrians, especially a princess.” Celestia said, looking at Twilight. “Along with this if they know any of your true identities then the thieves holding the Flower will be alerted and you may never be able to retrieve it. You must act as though you live the life of a seafarer and blend in with their community. Once they believe you to be true, then you can begin asking about the Flower. You will travel to Horseshoe Bay by train and once there you will be given a sailing vessel perfect for a small crew called the Hippocamp. I understand that none of you are trained in sailing or boats but a large crew would draw too much attention. You must go it alone and learn as you do so. This will be a good way for all of you to get used to the lifestyle and better fit in once you reach your final destination. From Horseshoe Bay, you will travel due southeast and within a week should arrive at The Cutlass Coast. Take the Elements of Harmony with you just in case. But keep them hidden and do not use them unless absolutely necessary because when you do, your cover will be blown.”

“Yes.” Twilight said. “I have some knowledge of sailing and life on the seas but not much. I know we can do this though and we will.”

“Go then.” Celestia said with a smile. Twilight turned to leave but quickly turned back.

“…How much time do we have?” she asked with worry in her voice.

“Not long. You must hurry.” Celestia said quietly. A tear began to roll down Twilights face.

“We’ll get the Flower and return with more than enough time. I promise.” she stumbled to say, choking up from the tears. The others watched, waiting in the hall as the two princesses hugged one another and listened as Celestia spoke once more.

“Go,Twilight. I will be fine for now.” she said as the purple Alicorn walked silently from the room and then motioned for the others to follow her.

***

Sitting on the train, watching the land pass by them the ponies talked of the adventure that lay ahead of them and about the strange new land and its sea oriented customs. Although they were excited, they mainly did this to keep their minds away from the disheartening site they had seen back at the Canterlot Castle. The company of friends was always a good way to keep their mind off such things and to make time pass quickly.