It had been about a month since Spike ran away from home. Celestia had finally taken the collar off her sister, and actually felt bad about putting it on her in the first place. Luna walked up to her and said, "Dear sister, I'm very sorry for telling Spike he should run and become a pirate. I-"

Celestia stopped her, "Don't worry about it Luna. I admit, ever since Spike's father died in the war, I've been far too overprotective of him. I just don't want to lose him like I lost the love of my life. And I'm sorry about the collar, that was uncalled for"

Luna nodded, "I understand that dear sister, but Spike is a grown adult, it's his right to decide what he does with his life. Even if that means he doesn't want to be King." when her sister apologized for the magic restricting collar, she rubbed the back of her neck and nodded, "Apology accepted."

Celestia sighed, she knew what her sister said was true. The more she tried to tighten her grip on Spike, the more likely he would slip through her fingers for good. She pulled out her crystal orb and contacted the HMS Pinafore.

When Twilight saw the communication orb glowing, she answered and saluted, "Your majesty, to what do I owe for this unexpected call?"

Celestia took a long, deep breath and said, "I have new orders for the HMS Pinafore. If you are able to find Spike, the next time you see him, I want you to be with him to keep him safe."

Twilight's eyes widened when she realized her orders to return the prince to Equestria were replaced with joining Spike's pirate crew. She cleared her throat and said, "If that is what you wish my queen, so shall it be." Before the communication ended.

Back on Spike's Ship...

Spike was in his quarters getting ready to head off into Devilfish Hollow, only to see the necklace glowing from inside his drawers. He gulped and took the necklace and answered the message, "Mother... I didn't expect you to call me again."

Celestia put on a light smile and said, "Spike... I'm so sorry about how strict I've been with you. You'll always be my baby boy, but you're still a grown adult now. I realize that the more I try to control you, the more and more I push you away. I've given the HMS Pinafore new orders. They are to join your crew instead of taking you back home."

Spike's eyes widened when his mother told him about the HMS Pinafore's new order, a tear shedding, "Thank you mother, this means a lot. I promised I'd be home one day, and I'll keep that promise, no matter what." before walking out to the deck and said, "Everyone just wait a minute. Penelope, how long do we have before Tiny Tooth Ed gets here?"

Penelope checked her pocket watch, "With his crappy ship, he should be here in about 6 hours."

Spike nodded, "Good. Dash, my mother just contacted me, she's given the Pinafore new orders, to join the crew."

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened when he told her that, "Then I sent the girls to Puerto Mico for nothing?"

Spike shook his head and took out his necklace before blowing some smoke on it, turning the gem from emerald green to sapphire blue and activating it, "Twilight, do you copy?"

Back at the HMS Pinafore...

Twilight was shocked when she got a message from the prince, "My prince, we've been given new-"

Spike nodded, "I already know, mother told me through the necklace I'm using to contact you. We're at Devilfish Hollow, meet us there as soon as you can."

Twilight nodded, saluting Spike, "As you say my prince!" before cutting off communication and having her ship turn away from Puerto Mico and towards Devilfish Hollow to meet with the prince.

Back in Equestria...

Celestia sighed, "I hope I'm doing the right thing."

Luna placed a hand on her sister's shoulder, "Trust me, you are."

And now, Celestia realizes how controlling she's been, and calls off the manhunt for her son, instead telling the HMS Pinafore to join Spike's crew and serve with him as pirates. Spike knows this as well, and awaits his new crew mates to arrive at Devilfish Hollow

Next Chapter: The Bounty: Tiny Tooth Ed Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 31 Minutes