My head pounded, nothing too bad, but I must have had something too heavy.

Wait. I remember now, Red called it ‘Lunas Kiss’, and I think I can still feel it burn. There were some drugs too, more chill I think, which would answer why the rest of my body felt a little numb. I tried to push myself up, but something held my legs in place, not only that, but I could see a larger lump next to me from under the covers.

“Good, you're awake. Supper will be ready in an hour.” Narwhal trotted around the bed I was on, pulling back the drapes from a window. The sun glowed red like blood, hovering just above the water.

“What's going on?” I asked her, now seeing the leather straps holding my forehooves to the steel bedposts. “And can you free me.”

Narwhal rolled her eyes. “Ask Lady Red Steel, you are her new play thing.” The unicorn huffed, as she trotting out of the room.

A giggle came from under the covers, as the lump moved over me. “Don't mind her, she just gets a bit spoiled if I play with her too much.” The covers pulled back a bit, and Red Steel sat on my pelvis, stataling me, and her hooves on my chest. She had on jewelry covering her neck, ears, and legs, it all made of teeth. I was at a loss for words. “You on the other hoof, well, you're going to be fun to tease.” She let herself slide down, placed her head next to mine, her mouth next to my ear. “Your a dom, just like me. It's a terrible match, but seeing who comes out on top, that's where the fun is at.”

Regaining some calm, I was not amused, and sighed. “Red, getting off,”

“That's the plan.” she pushed up and started grinding on me. “Don't worry, I’ll be gentle and take my time.”

I struggled as she rubbed her sensitive parts in my own. It was enough to make me feel a little heated, but not enough to overcome the mild numbness I felt all over. “Don't you have Circlet to ride? Not to mention that I'm not into mares...”

Red stopped for a moment, looking down at me, biting her lip. “I do prefer the stallions, getting filled in, but the prince is far too easy to make submissive, no spine.” She began her grinding again. “oh, I also took a trophy, but don't worry, I gave you a replacement.” She rubbed a chipped tooth that dangled from her ear.

I checked with my tongue, pressing on the tooth behind the scar on my lip. The tooth was there, but it was also undamaged, like I had never face planted a tree. I could feel her fluids on me, making this even more uncomfortable.

“Sorry, but who hurt you?” I sighed, “This is fucked up, you know that, right?”

Red lowered to nibble on my ear for a few seconds, then pushed herself back up with her forehooves, looking me in the eyes. With a better look at her, her eyes were red and puffy, like she had been crying.

“Where to start,” She gave a sigh of her own, “maybe with my late husband. He was a thirty eight year old captain, and I but a filly of ten. I was his wife till the age of fifteen, when he died of a bad liver. Told him for years that all that wine was going to kill him.” She bit her lip, trying to hide a smile. “He was a good husband, I mean, there were far worse out there, he was just a bit fond of discipline if I didn’t perform my wifely duties. It's how I learned how to tie a pony up until the point it hurts just enough that it feels good. Also where I learned the magic to grow new teeth. That was more out of necessity though, as I was missing half of mine by the time I could cast the spell.

“Oh, I did tell you about my first time, right?” She suddenly scooted herself onto my stomach. “Well, that was a lie. It was actually my honeymoon, and I thought he was going to kill me,” Red giggled, looking almost mad. “He actually tore up my insides, to the point I can't have foals of my own.” Her eyes were filled with a burning rage, and a deep sorrow, it made me pity the mad mare.

“Why would you parents let that happen?” I asked, not being able to do much else.

Red looked back down at me, once again letting her body slide back, stopping until we were face to face. “It's how things are. It's how things have always been.” She licked my cheek, pushing herself up a bit. “My mother sold me to gain enough power to become the admiral, and I broke free, and became her trusted agent.”

I felt my blood run cold “But, that's sick, and just... wrong.”

“Like I told you, you either fuck others, or get fucked by them.” She planted kiss on me, but I turned my head away, rejecting it. I felt hooves grab my head, turning it to look at her. “No, no. You’re mine now, even if you don't think it.” She forced the kiss on me, even forcing my jaw open, and her tongue into my mouth. The taste of ash and booze was forced into my mouth, along with the feeling of metal. It happened for few seconds before she let me go to breath.

“Crazy bitch.” I spat her taste in her face, and she licked it off, showing four small gold rings pierced in her tongue, two on each side. “Go get some psychological help.”

Red giggled. “But I am… don’t you see? You’re it. With your help, I’m going to kill the Corps Brigade, kill their backers, and kill anyone that gets in my way.” she buried her face into my neck, and her touch made it burn. “I just need an in, or I’m completely useless trash.”

A sharp bang came from the door. The short and hard sound somehow conveyed annoyance, but it snapped Reds attention immediately back to it. Red chewed the air for a moment before her expression shift to something more neutral.

“Right, Carving Doll’s little dinner party.” Her face scrunched up, and her leg twitched. “I can't just leave like this, I need this.”

Red began scratching her mane, looking stressed. “If I have to deal with fucking Carving and Blackspot, I need to get off or I'll start shooting.” She looked back at me, her eyes glaring. “If you had a dick, this would be so much easier...”

I rolled my eyes, a bit glad that she had stopped, but another problem had come up. I was now feeling horny. I blamed the drugs in my system, I was far to calm around this crazy bitch of a mare. “Red Steel, if you let me go, I'll help you out.”

“No, you stay there! I-I’m in control” Red said, biting her hoof. She was obviously losing control of herself, I could only guess it she was on more drugs than even I was at the moment.

“Then prove it and let me go. Or... are you scared of me?” Her eyes widened at my accusation, and her nose scrunched.

A red aura covered her horn, and I found myself free. I knew I was going to regret this, but I sat up, and pushed her down, pinning her forelegs with my metal legs. “I have to agree, I prefer dick too. So you better fucking work hard.”

Straddling Red, I forced myself on her and ground against her. At first, Red just laid there, leaving me to grunt on my own. But soon she matched my rhythm, and the blood began rushing to my face. There was no passion, no care in our movements. It was just primal list that needed to be fed.

Red looked to the side as her horn began glowing. Something hard and rubbery hit my face and bounced off. The double ended dildo fell onto Red, and she looked up at me, her eyes filled with heated lust. I needed to make this quick, so leap off of her, I grabbed it and pushed it deep into Red with one quick motion. She let out a deeply heated moan as it hit home for her, and that was just one more tick in my brain that somehow made this whole fucked up situation seem all the hotter to me.

Taking a deep breath, I bit my lip, and lower myself onto the other end. The fake dick filled me up, and while it couldn’t compare to the real thing, my mind still told me that it had been exactly what I’d needed right now. Everything in my head became fireworks and bursts of intense pleasure for I don’t know how long before I collapsed onto her.

“No… don't stop yet...” Red bethed, as she rolled us over, putting her on top. She began riding me like a stallion, drilling into me with her hooves firmly on my chest. My pelvis was convulsing, I lost myself in the feeling, making me feel weak. “More, more!” Red painted with her back arched, and her hips rocking back and forth. She let out a long moan before falling back and panting heavily.

We just stayed there for a few minutes, as I let it sink in what just happened. I was not pleased with myself, feeling dirty to have given in like that. The dildo suddenly jabbed deep into me, and my hips spasmed on more time.

“Fucking whore!” I yelped, trying not to moan. Then I just felt calm, like all the stress had just fizzled away. I chuckled to myself as the ridiculousness of the situation sunk in. “I don't know if Merit will be up for it, but if he is, do you want to have a threesome?”

“Help me with the Corpse Brigade, and I’ll choke on any dick you want me to. But you have to do it with me.” Red got herself up, and put her head on my chest. “After I get to use my toys on you, got it?”

I pushed myself up, putting us nose to nose. “Threesome or nothing.” I gave her a kiss, my tong caressing hers, the feeling of mettle still a bit off to me.

“Okay.” She breathed.

With little time, the two of us washed up and got dressed. Under her burgundy fur, Red was covered in scars and burns, though she wouldn't tell me which ones were from fights, and which ones were from pleasure. I also I got a glimpse of her cutie mark, two silver ribbons in the shape of hearts, one inside the other, with the smaller inside one torn. I asked her about it, and she just told me ‘Love is complicated’.

Trotting down the hall, we found Harp and Circlet waiting fo us, chatting away as string and percussion music played from beyond the door.

Circlet gave Harp a bow. “Excuse me, aunt Harp.” He trotted over to Red, who put on a relaxed smile. “Um, Lady Red, how have you been?”

“Feeling better. Just had to let off some steam after what happened the other day.” She lifted her hoof, and Circlet stumbled over to kiss it. “Good boy, now escort me inside before I'm unfashionably late.” As the two trotted to the door, she gave me a wink.

Harp looked from Red, and over to me, cocking an eyebrow. “What was that about?”

“long story short, we had sex.” I trotted to the door, Harps mouth agape.

“You're pulling my leg.” She responded, pushing her jaw back up.

Chuckling, I opened the door. “Might be.” and stepped inside, Harp following close behind.

The room had a few light bulbs illuminating the area, but the rest of the light came from candles that were all over the place. At the center was a long wooden table, covered in food and drink. Decorating the walls were trophies of animals, monsters, and disturbingly, even a few pony heads.

At the table was Carving Doll, who was already stuffing her face. Blackspot sat not far from the captain, flanked by Shamrock Bayonet and Couteau Duel. The first mare gave me a smile and a wink. A griffin sat back, paws on the table, hat covering his head as soft snores escaped his beak. There was also Snowbird, whom was playing with some small bones.

Harp and I took a set closer to Red, and as far away from the captain and the first mate as possible. As soon as my flank hit the chair, Red tapped a fork on the glass, getting everypony's attention, even waking the napping griffon. The catbird was large and muscular, with long dark brown fetters that were white at the tips, and a face that looked like an eagle from the books I read as a foal.

“Before we pray and eat, I have a few guests to greet for this dinner” Red put down the fork, and cleared her throat. “First we have prince Silver Circlet, and princess Harp Melody. Both descendants of princess Platinum. Actual royalty.” The Corps brigaders only looked mildly interested, but the griffin started himself up, giving the two royals a serious look. “Between them is Vibraphone Echo, a member of a group called Orthrus. I'm still learning more about them, but from what I know, they have technology that surpasses what even the fleet has, such as what you see see on her, cybernetics.” The griffins eye fell onto me, sizing me up. “And inquisitor Iron Wing, how's my mother doing?”

“Ever vigilant as always.” He had a voice deeper than any pony I had ever met. “But let's save any more pleasantries for later, it's time for prayer.” The griffin Iron Wing clapped his talons.

Stumbling from behind a curtain Tarberry choked on some bread, trying to wash it down with a bottle of wine. Quickly gulping it down, he cleared his throat and pulled out a thick book. “Eye, I’ll be reading from the first records of Saint Rosland, of her speeches aboard the Leviathan to the survivors fleet.”

The pirates put their hooves and talons together, and heads down. The remaining three of us were left confused, though Circlet almost immediately copied then.

Across from me was snowbird, who quietly whispered “Twenty lashes for those that forget their prayers.” I nodded, and made sure Harp copied me as mimicked the others in prayer.

Tarberry continued his sermon after the short pause. “Bellies growling in hunger, bodies ravaged by sickness, and muscles pushed beyond by tireless work. I know you feel this pain, as we all feel it, as I too feel it. So why keep going? Why do we not stop? I ensure you that you already know why. For over the horizon is your destiny, our destiny. You keep on living, keep on suffering because soon you will be rewarded. All you must do is reach out and take it. If we simply sit back and wait for our rewards, it will always be out of reach. Now, work hard, harder still until death nips at your hooves, for soon is the time to feast, but we must get their first.” Tarberry closed the book with a slam. Peeking my eye open, I saw the pirates end their prayers.

Iron Wing raised a glass of wine. “A fitting sermon. We must work Celestia’s day hard and tirelessly, so that we may reap Lunas beauty and feast.”

“Eye!” the rest of the pirates yelled.

Tarberry took the last seat next to Snowbird. “I’m flattered that you agree inquisitor, it has always been among my favorite of Saint Rosland’s speeches.” The preacher poured himself a strong helping of wine, taking taking a long gulp of it.

Carving Doll and the other Corps Brigade tore into their food like ravine beasts. Looking at the table before me, there was food aplenty, so I just grabbed whatever and placed it on my plate. Whatever happens next, I knew I was going to need to get my energy up. Harp and Circlet were a little slower in taking the food, but it was clear that hunger pushed them along.

“I have to admit, ponies like you all are a grand find.” Iron Wing spoke to us. “But can you prove it? Are you related to a founder of Equestria, and do you truly share bloodline with Celestia herself?”

“Oh yes, it's why were superior to other ponies.” Circlet said excitedly.

Harp cleared her throat, and Circlet closed his mouth. “We know we're related to Majesty, the youngest of the ruling nobles during the war. It's all been documented, including a family portrait that includes Celestia and Luna. Though our relations to the Goddesses is somewhat debatable, it is clear that at one point they were considered part of our family.”

The griffins laughed softly. “Then I will be sure to look over this evidence, and if true, it will make this day truly glorious. The Royal family in Avalon are descendant of Blue Blood, though with lack of solid evidence, the common ponies have been growing restless. The addition of an another royal bloodline may put them at ease.”

Food entered my greedy belly, quelling the pain it made. And the cider was just what I needed, a little bit of alcohol to help with my hurting head.

“Miss Vibraphone Echo.” Iron Wing called me. “So this advanced technology, I do hope it's not just mostly well maintained stable-tec gizmos.”

I finished off my mug, giving me some time to think, having to be careful with my words. “Maintained stable-tec materials is to be expected, Orthrus use to be Stable-Tec long ago. But since then, things have changed. You have likely seen the different prosthetics and cybernetics we’ve created, but Orthrus has help to develop other new technologies as well.”

“I see.” A small smile formed at the edge of the griffins beek. “Care to explain further?”

I closed my eyes for a moment, thinking what I should, and should not say. Definitely anything about the specters was out, or the rail guns. But anything put into the public sector would be fair game. “It's hard to pick where to start, and somehow I feel that you might not be interested in our air guns. But along with cybernetics, the field of medicine has vastly improved, mainly in childbirth and curing damaged cells. We can even clone organs, as well as modify them to make them stronger. It's expensive, but with the treatment we were forced to develop, in infertile mare can even be made fertile again.”

At that, Red nearly choked on the wine she was drinking.

“Interesting, that is without a doubt.” Iron Wing nodded, he then gave me a very serious look, making me shrink back a little. “But its weapons and armor that I'd like to know more about. Or perhaps, are you trying to hide that from us?” He grasped his glass with his talion, each nail make a tap before wrapping around it. Bringing the glass to his beak, he took a slow sip as he kept his judgemental gaze locked on me.

“I see, maybe the airguns was a good place to start.” The griffin was subtly intense, making me feel small with little effort. Pulling up my air rifle, I passed it over to the griffin, hoping this would help please him enough to not pry deeper. “This rifle is not standard in the metro, but follows the same system that most of our air rifles use. Actually, the main advancement in the rifle is the talasman and arcane circuitry, though this rifle has a few brand new engineering advancements.”

Iron Wing kept an eye on me as he inspected my lelantos, so I continued. “What makes the more common rifles usable as service weapons is the inclusion of quality air pressurizing talismans. They allow the rifles to easily become and stay pressurized. My rifle also has a secondary talisman that forces the bolts to spin when fired, giving more power and accuracy over longer ranges.”

He passed me back my rifle. “Interesting, but I highly doubt they’re as effective as using gunpowder rounds. But these talismans, to use such a valuable resource in service rifles sounds wasteful. Well at least to me it does.”

I caught what he was hinting at, lucky the area of talisman was far from sensitive. “We can make artificial gems for talisman production, so while talismans are rare for you, they’re a more plentiful resource for us.”

The griffin scratched his beak for a short moment. “You said your rifle has a second talisman to help make the rifle better. What other things can they do? Could they perhaps be used to add magical effects to a normal rifle?”

I had to stop and think about that. We did use the talisman to copy unicorn spells, and Cornett said she used one of her vortex talismans, so it may be possible. “I’m no arcano engineer, but I think you would first have to install arcane circuits into the weapon, along with a micro spark battery and a talasman interface. If you can do that, then I assume you could be able to add a magical effect to a weapon, depending on the talasman of course.”

A smile formed on the corner of the griffins beak. “Intriguing. But now I must ask this; how much resources do you think it would cost to obtain those talismans, and the means to produce more?”

A cold chill crept up my spine, as that question was far from a bluff. Though I was certain they could do it, take down Orthrus, something inside me also told me that if given enough time, Orthrus could easily survive this. Reds plan for diplomacy could potentially give Orthrus the time it needed to ready itself to fight the pirates.

“Well it depends,” I spoke up again, “If you want to just take it, the metro makes some mean bottlenecks. It could take years to capture a vital station. And if you try and dig from the surface, the local flora and fauna are beyond difficult to deal with. Though, I supposed if you are willing to buy the talismans, I'm sure you can easily reach an agreement to get what you need.”

“Mirage ponies are known among the islands for their greed.” Circlet spoke up, and both Harp and I glared him down.

Iron Wing finished off his glass of wine. “You think so?” He relaxed back in his chair, giving off a calm and confederate look. “And I'd agree. Though, your kind lack something important, something that without it, you have no true hope to survive.”

“And that is?” I asked, somehow knowing I would not like the answer.

He slowly opened up his arms, the palm of his talons open, as though raving something very important. “It's faith.” Sweeping one talion over the table, grabbing a nervy empty wine bottle. “You see, we have faith. The flames of war feed that faith, and that faith sustains us, empowers us.” He tipped the bottle into his beak, finishing off the wine. Slowly, he pointed the empty bottle at me, turning it upside down. “But you, without faith, war can only grind you down, and turn your will to dust. And in the end, your kind would be left shattered.” He let go of the bottle, letting it fall to and shattering upon the floor.

There was a short pause, a quiet broken by Red tapping on a wine glass again. “Now, I do agree that in time all the Islands will fall to the grand fleet, but I also like the idea of diplomacy. It would give ponies like Tarberry the chance to convert others to the heard without having to cull it. But better still, the ability to obtain new tech and weapons without seriously draining our own resources.”

“A sound argument, that I agree.” Iron Wing stabbed a piece of meat with one of his nails. “But may I remind you, in this fleets entire existence, suffering heathens has never ended well.”

Carving Doll chuckled, as she forced some food down. “The grace of the goddesses is on our side, so no need to show your belly.”

Red huffed, sounding increasingly annoyed. “It would cut into the Equestrian campaign. Of which Captain, your faction leader is in charge of. I would think you of all ponies would not want the supplies diverted and squandered with some needless conflict.”

“And you want to play nice because, what? You’ve got a stallion you want to fuck?” Carving Doll bit into the cooked leg of some bird, snapping the bone as she chewed without pause.

“You’re an uncivilized swine, you know that, right?” Red had cut a clean square peace from a bloody piece of meat, popping it in her mouth she chewed it slowly.

A mug slammed on the table, Black Spot spilling some of his drink. “May I remind you who's ship this…” He ducked as a spoon flew at him.

“The good captain can defend herself.” Red chastise the first mate, and used her magic to steal Black Spots spoon. “Now returning to the topic at hoof, unless you have forgotten, you’re here to access the local inhabitants strength. Taking territory and resources are secondary. You’re damn little stunt at stable 50 will only make things more difficult. You also know that the admiral is not going to just give you her resources. Trying to engage in a prolong conflict without a clear plan for victory? That's only going to piss her off.”

Carving Doll looked uninterested, bored even as Red talked. Spearing a piece of meat with her cyberwing, she plopped it on her plate, and gave me a cold stare. “You, metal legs. Hypothetically, let's say, if we were to gas those tunnels of yours. How many ponies do you think would die? Nothing specific, a rough estimate, or even a total percentage will do.”

Looking back at her, my blood ran cold. “You wouldn't!”

She took a bite of her peace of meat, taking her time to chew before swallowing, and finishing it off from a foaming mug. “Our ships tend to have a nasty pest problem, rats, roches, parasprites, to say the least. So every few years we dock at a cityship, and gass our own vessel. We use chlorine gas because it's cheap to makes and very effective. Not just that, but I was also told by a wrench mare that air purification talismans can actually produce chlorine gas if reprogrammed. Though the only ones known to be strong enough to be effective at it are ones used by stable-tec. But where would I find a stable all the way out here?”

I poured myself a glass of wine, and then drank state from the bottle, taking in a few gulps. “Try it, and all you will have done is to convince the council to finally stop hiding in their holes, and come out to kill you.” Putting the bottle down, I stared Carving Doll down.

“How, and with what army?” Carving Doll smirked. “Trapped underground, there is little your kind can do against our fleet. From your answer to Iron earlier, I know you still are trying to hold on to many secrets. But we can just dig them out of you. It will turn your brain to mush, but we will learn what you keep from us. Besides, a cum dumpster does not need to think, which will be the only place for you on this fleet after we finish with you.”

“Two airships, well armored and armed.” The captain threats felt far from a bluff, so I figured I’d give them a little of what they wanted to buy some goodwill. It was clear that Carving Doll and Iron Wing were going to get their way anyway, so I might as well help nudge things toward Red’s side of the argument. “The main guns are the mark one railguns, basicly cannons that turn metal slugs into explosive ordinance. Alongside the mark one, the mark two railguns are capable of rapid fire, and can act as anti air. The night when you ponies blew up the radio tower, I used a similar railgun to drive one of your vertibucks off.”

Carving Doll looked annoyed, but Iron Wing was smiling now.

Red whistled loudly, gaining everyone's attention. “All the more reason for diplomacy. I've already obtained similar information about Orthrus, and without the grand fleets proper attention, Orthrus can be a dangerous enemy. But, if we were to establish trade relations, they could become a great asset to the fleet, and a possible source of new recruits.”

“There's also the republic.” I said loud enough for all of them to hear me. “They’re planning to go to war with Orthrus soon, and I know it's going to be a nasty one. They have a stockpile of energy weapons, an army of brainwashed soldiers, and a few of their own cybernetic psychopaths at their disposal.” At that, I shot a sideways glare at Carving, who simply smirked as she took another bite of the meat she held with her wing. “Even if you were able to take on Orthrus, the Republic would simply wait, biding their time and attacking you when your guard was down.”

“Interesting.” Iron Wing spoke up. “So this Republic, how would they be a danger to our fleet?”

I took a bite out of a bread roll, hanger driving me to scarf it down. “They have hoverships, a small fleet of them. Also stolen railguns that they are likely copying and reverse engineering now. Their also likely planning on countering the airships Orthrus has, so some large weapons have likely been built. So trust me, that shit you pulled with the Orphic Kingdom has already disturbed the Twitter-mite nest. But why not go ahead and see what happens when you try to attack it.”

The griffin didn't lose his grin, he actually looked more satisfied with my response. “Two heathen armies ready to tear each other apart. I do believe Admiral Flintlock may have made a mistake in choosing to go after that cloud city. But, that's for her to decide.” He grabbed a leg by the bone and bit off a piece, gulping down the meat. “I’ll have to concede for now, and return to the admiral with this information. Though against my better judgment, I’ll support Reds call for diplomacy. But, I must produce benefits to the grand fleet; converts, weapons, food even. As the teaching of Saint Rosland left us, if blasphemers are left unpunished, they will leave nothing but ruination for our world.”

“Eye.” Carving Doll nodded. “And I’ll be keeping an eye on Red Steel. Daughter of the admiral or not, I’ll cut you down if you get in my way.”

Red just smiled back at Carving Doll. “Trust me, I'm not so stupid as to stand in your way. Though all the same, it’d be best if you watched your back.”

Red Steel was still a crazy bitch, but I had to at least feel some respect for her. Though, I was just glad to have washed her taste out of my mouth. As I took a bite out of a potato, my eyes drifted to Black Spot. Other than the one time he’d spoken up, he and his trio had been too quiet. Shamrock and Tarberry looked to be chatting away quietly, both drinking rum from the bottle. Couteau on the other hoof was nowhere to be seen, though I had not seen here leave. Black Spot himself looked a bit subdued, slowly chewing on his food.

Feeling a bit of the heat rise up my body, I decided that was enough wine, and I poured myself some water. Taking a quick gulp, I immediately regretted not sipping, as it burned all the way down. “Fuck, not water.” Laughter burst out from the pirates as I tried to hold the bile down in my stomach. “Fuck you all.” I gave out through gasping breaths.

Regaining my composure, I looked over at the griffon, he eyeing me back. “Right, I told you about my kin, now tell me your deal. What the fuck do you want.”

The griffin picked up a cloth and wiped off his beak. “Simple, we want to save this world from evil. The evil that bears down on us in the day, the evil that claws at us in the night, and the evil from within our own souls. For at the true end of this world, our souls will be counted, and the righteous will join the goddesses. The sinful and unrepentant shall be devoured by the evil which even now has begun to consume them. By bringing more believers into the heard, we strengthen the will of the goddesses. And by cutting down the heathens, we prevent them from feeding the innocent to evil in order to save themselves.” Iron Wing had a smug smile, his attention drifting his glass of wine.

I sighed as the conversation with the griffin was going nowhere. A slight poke turned my attention to Harp, whose face looked a little pinker than before. She pointed under the table, and with nothing else to do, I quickly stole a look. I found where Couteau had gone, as she was in the middle of deep throating Black Spot. The mare was dedicated, to say the least. She was going all the way to the hilt, which also now answered why Black Spot seemed so quiet.

Deciding I was not interested in the show, I sat back up in my seat. Harp was looking at me, half confused.

“Just ignore it.” I whispered to her.

“Let's change topics, we can always stamp out the negotiations with Orthrus tomorrow.” Red gave me a knowing glance as she spoke up and shrugged. “Now the topic of Equestria. I’ve only been told bits and peace about it. Iron Wing, you must have a bigger view of the picture?”

“You are correct.” Iron Wing wiped a bit of wine off his beak with a clean cloth. “Since the fall of the Enclave, many of the bishops have started to come around to the idea of retaking Equestria. Right now, it's mostly going to be missionary work. The salvation of souls must come first and foremost, but resources have already been put forth to reconstructing a few port towns that will act as safe harbor for the fleet.”

“And of Victoria?” Red probed.

“That’s none of your damned business” Carving Doll injected in.

“Missionary work.” Iron Wing lifted a Talon, making Carving Doll calm down. “She's been sent to the east coast to assist the wild fleet’s own missionary work. A semblance of government has grown up on that coast, founded by a false prophet who is growing her own heretical cult completely unchecked. Frankly, the wild fleet is at a knife's edge from declaring a crusade, which could well sabotage our own chance to save countless lives. With Victoria Rosary’s help however, they should be able to find their way in as missionaries, and hopefully begin saving souls.”

“Now things are making a bit more sense. That would at least explain all the resources we’d being giving to her.” Red nodded. “Well, I guess all I can do is wish her luck, and may the goddesses look fondly on her righteous task.”

“That we all do.” The griffin said with a smile.

Snowbird started cackling through her teeth, getting a few less then pleased glances from nervy everypony. “Excuse me.” She said, hiding her mouth with her claws. “I just remembered a few funny tales, ancient ones, ones that involved Equestria as it had been.”

Iron Wing looked least pleased out if all of us. “Then keep it to yourself abomination.”

The harpy frowned, though it was hard to tell if she was mocking him or not. “What's wrong, bird cat? Have you had a nest of yours raided, perhaps you’ve lost a cub?” The griffin remained stoic, and Snowbird sighed. “You’re no fun. Well, I’ve had my fill, but I'll be taking the fire water with me.” She grabbed the bottle I’d mistaken for regular water, and left the table. Her large talons tapped on the floor as she walked out the room.

Shoving a potato down my throat, I washed it down with real water this time. With my hunger sated, the need to avenge my sister started to return, only balanced out by the need to protect Harp, and to abide by the deal with Red. Truthfully, I was starting to see the bigger picture, and how careful I needed to be right now.

Analysing the various new bits of information, I had a sort of complex cluster fuck in front of me. The pirates were part of a fleet, the Grand fleet, one of at least three; the Holy fleet, and the Wild fleet being the others. They had their own royalty and religion, with the religion having different groups. Red Steel is a non believer, but pretends believer, where Iron Wing must be a true believer. Or at the very least, he’s a hell of a convincing actor. Then there's the Corps brigade that Red wants to get rid of, whom a bunch of insane ponies who are under Phobetor’s control.

Gauging it all, I could see the motives for each of them. Red wanted to gather power, likely while keeping others from gaining power themselves. Iron Wing forwarding his religion and ‘saving’ others was likely his main, if not only goal. Carving Doll at first seemed baffling to me, but then it clicked. She's a thug, plain and simple, striving to be the biggest cunt in existence. It's the source of her authority, like with bandits, displays of viciousness keeps her underlings in constant fear of her. As for Black Spot, he is Phobetor’s pawn, plain and simple. Which was probably the most concerning out of all of them, as I still don't know what she wants, only that it somehow involves me.

“And now you see, this is what destroyed the Orphic Kingdom.” Theremin poked her head out from under the table, just under my chest. “The constant study of your enemies, the complexities of unraveling their true motives. Plays followed by counter-plays in a delecate neverending waltz leading to complete destruction and chaos. Do you think Orthrus can avoid the same fate? How about the Pineapple Island?” I ignored the psychopath, but her hooves came out of my blouse, reaching around my neck. “You know it's true, you can feel it. Only those connected to true equality would be able to resist this. And not just that, but rather than resist, they would have the tools to fight it.” She stretched her head up to mine, the fur and skin on her neck tearing apart, revealing bloody cables underneath.

I pushed away from the table. “Sorry, I… I need some fresh air.” Practically jumping out of the chair, I rushed outside into the cold night air. Placing my hooves on the railing, I looked back to see Theremin peeking from the other side of the door, staring at me.

“Seen a ghost?” Snowbird said from above me. Looking up at her, in the dark her eyes looked like two black holes, but her teeth reflected what little light there was. It all gave her a monstrous look.

I shook my head. “Just, slowly going crazy.” Theremin was beyond just dead, there was no way she could haunt me. Chill had an hallucination effect if I recalled, and though I haven't been abusing the drug, the possibility was there that this was all because of my use in the first place.

Snowbird jumped from her perch, landing next to me. “That's normal. You ponies have a habit of going crazy, or driving other tribes mad.” I cocked my eyebrow at her, and she smiled back at me. “Oh trust me, I’ve read many historical books going back over a thousand years.”

“Really, why?” it seemed odd, since I’ve never even heard of a harpy before. “Why is it normal?”

“Obsession, most likely.” She shrugged. “the oldest book involving ponies was written by a harpy queen. She was a friend of Celestia, or so it says. Then later, the harpy queen became jealous and bitter over the pony goddesses immortality. It was clear that she had hoped to learn the secret of eternal youth, and even turned to dark Magic to extend her life. It also suggested she would send cursed books to Celestia as gifts. Not the description of a sound mind, wouldn’t you agree?”

“That doesn’t sound like ponies were the problem. Noone wants to die.” I was not all that interested, but it was a good distraction. “But maybe I’m missing your point, how does this relate to crazy ponies?”

Snowbird laughed softly “Magic, or what I have to believe. The ability to bend reality to one's own will is something that ponies excel at. Think of the great and terrible things you can do with that power, and what lengths others would go to in order to take it.”

Sighing, I looked over on the water, watching the moon rise. “When you put it that way,” my stomach lurched, and half of my dinner practice jumped out of my throat. It only just hit me now, how Sorrow died. I was just too damned distracted to think about it. I’d seen ponies die before, but never reduced to bubbles. “How could she do that?” Not just that, but everything was just so fucked up; the republic, Golden Rule, the as fucking pirates. Me.

“Why do we do anything? It's in our nature.” I looked up at Snowbird, a too wide toothy grin on her face. “You ponies are just better at deluding yourselves, but I'm glad I could help you see the truth.”

“I…” I couldn't find the words.

I wanted to tell her that she as wrong, but... I’m a murderer. I can justify it all I like, I've done it, many times now. What Red had done earlier, no way around it, she had raped me, and yet... I simply accepted it. What else could I have done other than just accept it?

My stomach lurched again, but I managed to hold it down.

“I know that look,” Snowbird walked around me, almost dancing. “as though standing at the edge of a deep pit. Give it time pony, eventually you will have to jump.”

“She could run away, pretend to forget.” A voice came from above. Looking up at where Snowbird was before, I saw another harpy peaking for over. Her feathery mane hid her eyes, but her teeth were just as intimidating as Snowbird’s were.

“Or stay in place, be consumed by what might be.” A third Harpy poked her head over. Her mane was pushed back by a golden band that glinted in the moonlight.

“Great, more of you creepy freaks...” I let flow from my mouth.

Snowbird chuckled. “Well, certainly I could not level my coven behind. These are my sisters.” she pointed at the one with covered eyes. “Magpie.” Then pointed at the one with the golden ban. “And Nutcracker.” The two harpys waved back at me.

I sighed, hoping there were not more bird monsters on this ship. “You know, I got a good read on everypony at the dinner inside. Everypony butyou,that is. What's your part in all this? What game are you playing?”

She shrugged. “Red Steel asked, so we came. The Nevermore was feeling less homey ever since the captain took on a new apprentice.”

“Stupid puppet pony.” Magpie shouted, as she ruffled her feathers.

“Yes, sister Snowbird is the only one to appreciate the captain’s needs.” Nutcracker said with malice in her voice.

Snowbird stomped on the floor, making a loud ‘clack’ sound. “Now sisters, may I remind you to not waste energy on split feathers. Once we’re done here, we can go back to being worried about the harlot.” She returned her attention to me. “If you need a better reason, then think of it this way. By aiding Lady Red Steel, it puts us closer with the admiral. A great risk with a greater reward.”

She pushed off the railing, and flapped her gigantic wings, joining the other two harpys. “Oh, some advice. Well, more of a fortune reading that is, but if you want to free yourself, jump into the darkness. But be sure that when you do, you show it no fear. If you hesitate, then another will take your place, and you will trade your destiny for theirs, as is the nature of this world.”

The three harpies dipped out of sight, the chatter between them quickly becoming too soft for me to hear, and leaving me alone with my own thoughts. Looking over the balcony, passed the mess I’d made. Across the rest of the ship, I could see ponies still at work. In the dim light, I could tell a few had wings, but they were more like a… bat, I think.

But a deep pit did seem a fitting description for this feeling. Forced to embrace the darkness, or to run from it. Was I already too far gone to have any other options? The pain around my neck was dull, yet now and then it did throb.

“Why am I so weak?” I asked myself softly, “Sis would have known how to get out of this.”

“Mother would say that Davy Jones Locker is littered by those who doubt themselves.” Red Steel stepped out with Harp close behind her. “All you need to do is pick a direction and dedicate yourself to it, as you’re a lot harder target to hit when moving.” she looked at me for a moment, and then smiled. “Here, maybe this will help you.” she pulled out a small object and tossed it to me.

Catching it, it was some sort of pin. On its face was an hourglass, with two pirate swords going parallel over it diagonally. “What's this?”

“It’s the symbol of the grand fleet. Now, stay still for a moment.” I felt my mane pulled back, and a black band put on my head to keep it in place. The pin was then taken from me, and placed on a black bow, before being placed on the side of the band. “Good. Stylish, but not gaudy.”

“looks cute.” Harp commented.

I looked at Red, a bit confused. “Is this really necessary?”

She then gave me a kiss, and I let her shove her tongue into my mouth. I couldn’t feel the rings that had been on her tongue, but I did feel a hole where one should have been. In checking for her piercings, it accord to me that I definitely need to see a therapist when I got back home. After a few long seconds Red broke off the kiss, and just smiled. “Remember your promise to me, or I will punish you.” I wacky as she walked away, her hips swaying.

“Wait…” Harp breathed. “You weren't messing with me? You actually fucked Red, and after you got made at me for the exact same thing!?”

“Truth be told, Merit’s a better lay.” It stung a little, having that thrown back at me, but not enough for me to be too bothered by it. “Also, I'm not a princess, and you know your father would be pissed if I just let you galavant around.”

“This again,” Harp groaned. “it’s hard to be a princess when your kingdom is slowly being dismantled. Unless Orthrus is setting up to have its own royal family, then I won’t be a princess for much longer anyway.”

“That's not what I mean.” I looked Harp in the eyes, so to punctuate my point. “You’re important to a lot of ponies, Harp. With or without the Orphic Kingdom, you’re more than just a princess, you’re a symbol of hope. I know it's not fair, and that it’s not like you chose to be who you are. But until I can get you safely back to your father, just please, be careful.”

“I…” Harp sighed. “Fine, but I'm sticking with Bass until I'm off this ship. Anyways, her colt is adorable. Hard to imagine she's only a year older then me.”

“And a bandit.” I reminded Harp.

She shrugged. “Hay, I'm no square.”

I face hoofed “Don't, just don't.” From inside the captains cabin, the rustling of ponies could be heard. “Let's get going before the others come out.” Harp nodded, and we trotted down to the main deck.

The ponies here didn’t pay us much mind as they clean the deck and moved supplies around. Without the crowd, the deck looked spacious, bigger than what most stations had for any room. The slave pens nearby seemed to have been moved around, and the bigger pens now held at least two ponies each.

Hearing some ponies not far behind us, we hid behind one of the pens. Stepping down from above, was Shamrock and Tarberry, both having trouble even walking.

“Then I told the runt, if he didn't properly remember the lines in the book, I'd put him in a dress, and make a mare out of him.” Tarberry slurred his words. “The next time I’d asked, the little fuck had actually memorized the whole damn book.”

Shamrock laghed. “Had a sister like that, beat my ass raw many times for being too forgetful.”

A sinker came from Tarberry. “You do seem like the naughty little sinner.”

Brushing up against him, Shamrock sinkered back. “I know, and I need to be punished, father.”

We watched the two pass by, disappearing behind one of the cannons. Harp looked at me, face a bit red. “You... want to watch?” She asked.

Considering it for a moment, the idea of watching a pony get drunkenly rutted did sound mildly entertaining. But reasonably thinking about it, it was only going to make me need a release again, and despite how fun Red was, I was going to need an actual dick. And no stallion on this ship would fit the bill, because I really didn’t like the idea of a pirate inside of me.

“I think I’ve had my fill of debauchery for the day.” I gave Harp a frown, but knew it was for the best. “But hey, if you really want to watch some ponies get it on sometime, I’ll pay for private show at the Lucky Rabbit's Foot.”

“Fair enough.” Harp frowned, and then sighed. “But we're going to need to get you a better looking leg, and then go shoe shopping.”

I nodded. “We might as well get ourselves new dresses while we're at it.”

“You mean visit that boutique? Oh I've been dying to go there.” Harp gave me a mischievous look. “Heard that the lingerie there is second to none.”

“Sweet’s had said the same to me.” I nodded to her, “Maybe I can surprise Merit with something special.”

We quickly shut our mouths when the sound of hoof steps began to descend. “How long is Shamrock going to take?” It was Black Spot, almost stumbling down the stairs, being propped up by Couteau.

“Oh let her have some fun.” Couteau nuzzled Black Spot. “Besides, I quite like the idea of it just being you and me.”

He returned her affection with a hard shove and a swift kick. “Don't try me, or do I need to rip open a new asshole for you?”

Couteau looked up at him, fluttering her eyes. “If you must.”

“Wench, ” Black Spot huffed, and stomped down the stairs. “I'm not in the mood for games. I need to know what Red Steel is after, and I need to know soon.” He kicked the wall, huffing in frustration. It's so close I can feel it. And not just my Vibraphone, but also my Star Charter too. Her voice had changed, but I know that was her on the radio. Once Luna has granted me the power she promised, then I’ll have both in my hooves.”

Couteau hugged Black Spot from behind. “But right now you have me, so why not use me.”

He turned, and clocked her in the jaw. “You are forgetting your place, I didn’t buy you so that you can pester me.” He scratched the floor with his hoof. “Get the others. If Red is trying something, we need to move before she dose. You have until Shamrock is done getting rutted.”

Couteau nodded, and scrambled off.

“Luna…” Black Spot said to himself. “Are you testing me, every time I have her in my hooves… Damnit, when I get my reward you mark my words, I'm going to skin Red Steel alive.”

He paused, and all became quiet. Harp held her breath, looking away, but I kept an eye on him. In the dim light shadows danced, as though a flickering light hung above him.

“Yes, of course I hear you.” Black Spot looked up at the moon, eyes wide. “I’m doing my best… sorry, sorry… I am yours, completely and truely, Luna.” His ears twitched, and his eye darted. “You are most merciful, oh dedicated goddess of the night.” He looked around for a moment before his eyes felt right on me, and a wicked smile split his muzzle.

“Fuck this!” I breathed, and drew my revolvers. “You can just fuck right o…”

He was gone, in his place where two green orbs. Two bleeding green orbs. Everything faded into darkness until it was just me, the orbs, and it's blood. Then, everything fell into the nothingness.

“Delightful, is it not?” Phobetor asked as she stepped into my view, somehow darker then the darkness all around me. As she glared at me, her golden eyes felt like they pierced directly into my soul. “Here I was, worried that I'd have to do things the hard way.”

I opened my mouth, only to find that I had none. I tried to shout, tried to scream, but nothing would come.

“I have to say,” Phobetor smiled, pulling my mouth from her lab coat pocket, it chattering silently. “I like you so much more this way.” she put my mouth back into her pocket. “Now just stay still, this will all be over very soon.”

The green orbs were closer now, giving me the feeling of strife and cruelty. Something else was there just past the orbs, hanging there like a ghost.

“Oh! So that's how you did it!” Theremin poked her head out from under the orbs, half sunken in a pool of blood. “You had help from a magical abomination from beyond.” She shook her head. “You know, that's not playing fair, it’s not in the spirit of equality at all.”

“What is this...” Phobetor looked from me, to Theremin, and then back to me. “What is it you looking at?”

Theremin smiled, trotting to the left as my eyes locked on her.

The darkness retreated, and Blackspot stood in front of me once more, but with his eyes bleeding. Not wasting the time, I jabbed my right forehoof at him. The bastard stumbled back in time to avoid a power hoof to the face as he looked momentarily shocked.

“Again, why must you test me?” He said, quickly regaining his composure by trying to stare me down again.

I looked away, and saw Harp cowering. “You need to run harp, get going.” Firing my revolvers, Blackspot took cover. In the corner of my eye I saw Harp galloping off. “I think this can be called self defence, jackass.”

“Try and kill me if you’d like, you won't be the first to fail. ” A chuckle came from Blackspot. “But unlike the others, I'll be keeping you after I ravage your mind into submission.” His words sent a cold chill down my spine.

Taking aim, I found him missing again. “Where…” Everything went sideways as I found myself hitting the floor.

“Shouldn't have looked away my darling.” Blackspot licked my cheek, and I swatted at him, but the bastard was too fast, dogging my poorly aimed attack.

Getting up, I found that Minerva still had both revolvers in the pipleg magic. “You’re fast, but can you outrun a bullet?”

He smiled. “No, but I don't have to.”

Before I could fire, I was swept up in the air, held by my back legs. “Pony being too loud! Sea dog can't sleep!” a dog like monster held me in his claws, glaring and growling at me.

“Good work, Ollie.” Blackspot clapped his hooves. “Now drop her you mangy sea dog.”

The monster huffed, and let me go. Hitting my head on the deck, my vision went blurry for a moment.

“Let me go!” “Harps voice shouted. As I got up, Harp was thrown at me, only giving me a moment to catch her.

“Ahh, you two forgot the most important thing about this ship.” Blackspot said as other pirate ponies crept out from the shadows, Couteau among them. “This is our ship. You can nether run, nor can you hide.”

“We don't need two of them, Blackspot.” Couteau spoke up. “What do we do with pinky?”

Blackspot scratched his chin. “With how my darling likes to get away, I say a hostage is in order.” He eyed me, this time without the bleeding. “If you try to get away, fight back, or disobey me in any way, I'll make sure your dear Harp is treated as the ships fuck toy. Do you understand?”

I held Harp closer as I glared up at Blackspot. “Crystal.”

Clapping his hooves together, Blackspot held a wide toothy grin, a few of his teeth yellow and rotten. “Perfect.”

An exhausted looking Shamrock came stumbling into the light. “Oh, hi… Sorry to report, but the preacher passed out soon after, well, finishing.”

“No matter,” Blackspot rolled his eyes. “We have what we need. We're moving out now.”

Footnote:

Addiction status: Chill Addiction (under control)