My Little Pony - Pirates Adventure

by V.I.S.I.O.N-K.I.N.G

During a cruise, Twilight's group goes on an adventure when a group called: The Sparrow Pirates, plunder their ship & accidentally take the Cutie Mark Crusaders for a journey of the high seas. On a rescue mission, the gang learns more of the pirates & a great treasure they seek. But danger be near, for an evil below the waters has other agendas, to rule the Seven Seas...

10. 09: North Serpent Key

Author's Note: Greetings to all my loyal viewers & followers to see another chapter up the horizon. Ready to ENVISION another exciting story, I bet ye be thrilled? Now the "King Of VISIONS" has another chapter of a tale to tell here. This be another in which ye can VISUALIZE the feats of another adventure to come. For while we near the final key to unlock the treasure prize ahead, trouble begins to stir, as a powerful evil opponent left in the shadows appears…somewhat? And the price to save the lives of those in peril, is it something to truly treasure….That will be the greatest thing to see, so lets see what we got now, shall we….?

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Chapter 09: North Serpent Key

Near The Northern Sea Area

The scene slowly opens towards where the Black Pearl was sailing across the sea borders of the northern coast. As of right now, the Sparrow Pirates were getting closer to finishing their journey, they have achieve in acquiring three Serpent Keys, one more to go and it's off to claim a big reward. Right now on the ship it's self, the Mane Six were done filling in the details of that last adventure on Spiral Mountain to the fillies, and boy were they excited from what they heard and have notice from such a show.

"Man, I can't wait ta see wha de next island will be?" Apple Bloom spoke off in feeling excited in what they'll come across next.

"We been to an island of beast, mazes and mountains so far?" Scootaloo pointed off each of the different island adventures they've seen in their young lives.

"I'm feeling so excited to not know where we'll be next!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed with pure excitement that her horn spark a bit from this thrill of the moment of what comes next.

"Now hold them hooves there, who said ye can come along?" Applejack spoke off against this little eager matter of the fillies going on another island that maybe just as terrible as the last one.

"Well they did miss out on that last one?" Spike pointed out that last time they told the CMC to stay put, but the other times they weren't around, the pirates brought the fillies along.

"For good reason Spike, they have to climb that awfully tall mountain, and avoid falling and facing that terrible Gido creature?" Rarity stated in recalling how they just barely survive scaling Spiral Mountain and handling a close encounter with that Gido foe.

"Yeah, but it was so awesome how it all went down, especially when the bad guy got beat!" Rainbow Dash proudly spoke this out in having no fear over the manner of how in the end, it was all good.

"Especially when learning about SparrowJack being an alicorn, who knew, right?" Pinkie Pie smiled off to mention this as something that really earn their surprise of the day; SparrowJack is an alicorn.

The gang awaited to hear something, but heard nothing…especially from their smart mare friend nearby. As they look, they saw Twilight seem pretty distracted with certain thoughts going through her very mind it seems.

"Um, Twilight….are you okay?" Fluttershy meekly spoke in a shy tone in being unsure what was troubling her friend.

"Yeah, just that….I can't figure out how SparrowJack is an alicorn? I mean, I can figure how Professor Righteous came to know him for a long time, but what's the captain's story in doing all this?" Twilight explained herself in trying to figure out much about SparrowJack, why hid much of his alicorn form and be out traveling at sea. What was the story behind it?

"Doing what?" Spike asked off in not being able to understand much of the message.

"Wanting to sail the seas, earning names like being a Pirate Overlord? Even when he's an alicorn, why live a pirate life instead of a royal life? And now he's after the keys to get this trident, why?" Twilight felt that SparrowJack was trying to achieve something, something of which they haven't the foggiest knowledge of understanding.

"I thought he already explain that story to us?" Fluttershy asked off in recalling they asked the question about the keys already.

"Yeah, didn't he?" Pinkie Pie spoke off in feeling that they already did that.

"Twilight, while Mr. SparrowJack is a rather…complicated stallion, he isn't as bad as we assume he be?" Rarity spoke in assuring her friend that such ideal facts are only just the meaning to hid one's own inner self, so far that is.

"Right, who else would save our hids and keep his crew safe? Not some lowdown critter dat was one of them villain folk." Applejack shrug off to mention that the captain of this pirate band ain't all bad, some tales say they are evil, but not the Sparrow Crew.

"Yeah egghead, maybe your overthinking again, or maybe you rather this adventure not end and we don't get back home?" Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in mentioning what Twilight was even trying to do at this time; making an excuse to not end their sea adventure.

"Of course I do! I want us to complete this and once we finish it, they'll help get us home." Twilight protest in making her defense of such an objection clear.

"Then if you say so…" Sweetie Belle slowly spoke in figuring what this would mean for them/

"That would mean…" Scootaloo perk a smile on her face in coming to the correct term.

"We'll get to continue…?" Apple Bloom issued in knowing what it means, they can have more adventure now.

"YEAH! CUTIE MARK CRUSADER PIRATES AWAY!" The CMC cheered forth in loving the idea of their adventure not ending yet.

"Well they took that well?" Spike scratched his head in feeling surprise by such enthusiasm.

"AHOY! Island approach!" The sailor above in the crow's nest shouted out this message that earn much of the pirate crew & those also aboard their ship to.

Soon many of the sailors of the pirate gang were gathering by the front of the ship. And also coming through the crowd was the elite pirate bunch; StoneGibbs, Lightning Flash, Wilson Ramon, Sharky & Bones, CrisisCross, Roxas, Victor Krieg, Professor Righteous, Khazim, even Jack the Monkey riding on Captain SparrowJack's back as the latter two came up to take the front lead. The Mane Six, the CMC & Spike came up to see what was the commotion, and saw what island destination they arrived at. It was a strange darken land where it look like the ground was dry as gray dirt, trees without leaves that look dead, and even a strangely medieval fortress looking structure that was carved into a mountain. The mountain wasn't as tall as Spiral Mountain, but it look like a volcano with it's open spot. The gang saw this ruin landscape, and began to have chatters among themselves.

"Argh, it be thy ruins of Cabal Fortress!" StoneGibbs spoke off in announcing what manner of place they have arrived at.

"Hugh?" The Ponyville gang responded in not knowing what sorta area that is or the meaning behind it.

"Ye mean yah land-lovers never heard of this place?" Lightning Flash raised an eyebrow in seeing that some newcomers never heard of this place or know the history.

"Tis a dark place, where an evil dictator ruled thee land ye see." CrisisCross spoke off with a stern expression on his face in addressing the situation as it maybe.

"Aye, they say the scallywag heard there be treasure & setup a fort ta keep venturing' swashbuckle pirates out?" Victor Krieg nods slowly with a stern expression, whoever lived in that fort was looking for treasure; maybe another key they seek.

"But even though he kept it safe, his troops began to question the treasure's existence? It lead to mutiny!" Wilson Ramon firmly stated the manner of what happened no sooner of an evil dictating character's mind and attitude that effected the troops he hired.

"Mutiny?" Fluttershy yelped in hearing this, sounds rather scary now.

"Yeah, the troops went against their dictator & his history in the making…is in ruin." Roxas stated that in the end, this Cabal Fortress was left to be slowly decrypting as time moves on and it's forgotten, but is still recalled in stories.

"Not only that, some almost feel the place be haunted by specters?" Sharky spoke off in feeling a tense of a chill to his bone of spooky ghost that haunt the place.

"Aye, them ghosty's might try to catch us, and never let us go?" Bones held himself in fear of picturing that happening to them, they might not like that at all.

Much of the crew were beginning to ponder if things could be alright, they heard many sea tales and about ghost, especially vengeful spirits of sailors that appear to seek revenge against those that made them perish at sea. Would it be safe to go explore the island after hearing some of this. Even the Ponyville gang were curious to wonder how they can handle this?

"Avast, Me Hearties! Wha's all this gibber-jabber nonsense?" SparrowJack spoke off in stating a fact here that seems to be going around. "Are we gonna let a few ghost stories keep us from the treasure? Don't forget, we have somethin' those old departed lads didn't have." He showed his compass out in having the crew settle their worries of their fear of not finding the treasure.

"Ahhhh, ye compass that points where ye heart desires!" StoneGibbs smiled off to say this in recalling the captain's special compass. "It maybe our best chance ta find that final key!" He can see that when others never found where the North Serpent Key be, they have the 'right' means to get it.

"Precisely my point." SparrowJack smiled off to proudly state that this was what he was going for. "So I'll be asking which lads will be coming along with some of ye guard the ship. So any takers?" He looked around to find any that would wanna venture with him on the next adventure here.

"US!" The CMC raised their hooves up in wanting to go forth on this adventure with much excitement.

"What?" Rarity, Applejack & Twilight yelped in seeing this, the fillies are wanting to explore what could be a haunted island.

"Well now, that surprise almost scared me more then any ghost tale?" SparrowJack slowly responded in seeing this shocker, brave stallions aren't speaking, yet wee little fillies are; awkward, isn't it? "But very well, ye wee lasses miss the last boat, so hope aboard fer this one!" He shrug off to say in feeling it don't matter, all can be welcome to have more adventures with the pirate group.

"Aye-Aye!" The fillies saluted in willing and awaiting to join the fun.

"Anyone else?" SparrowJack looked around to anyone else, surely if three fillies can brave this, then surely some of the others here can to.

"Argh, where ye be if ye gone in a supernatural place, without a matey that's superstitious? I'm in too, says I!" StoneGibbs shook off his head in thinking that he best go along, if not, who else can be careful in superstitious territory like this place.

"Hah-hah-hah! Be it pony or beast, or even phantom spooks! I'll grind them to the dust!" Victor Krieg laughed off all hearty-like, as he was daring to go to.

"And blow them from here to the gallows!" Khazim raised his mini-cannons, as he'll also go along as well.

"Argh, they try somethin', I'll cook them and serve them fer supper!" CrisisCross proclaimed this with his knives seen to threaten any ghost that they'll wish they gone to the afterlife when he gets through with them.

"Count me in!" Sharky held up a left hopf to say he'll be joining to.

"Me four, or am I five?" Bone did the same thing as Sharky, but was lost in the number count.

"I won't wanna miss this one!" Lightning Flash proudly spoke in his daring manner of wanting to join the fun to.

"There maybe lock passages, I'm joining to." Roxas stated that if there are any lock things, he can unlock them.

"Any other takers?" SparrowJack asked off in seeing only a few of the bravest are coming.

"Eek-eek!" Jack the Monkey leaps up to make his monkey calls.

"Yes, I know ye wanna come, I meant any other takers?" SparrowJack spoke off in looking to Jack in seeing the monkey is eager to join, but he's still looking for anyone else.

"Me and the professor will watch the ship with half the crew staying behind. Ye got enough strong hooves ta keep ye safe." Wilson Ramon issued off to say this to the captain of who will be running things on this ship.

"Yes, besides…we need to keep the other three keys safeguarded." Professor Righteous nods in agreement, taking a lot of their strongest mates and leaving so few here would mean the keys they have be at risk of being taken.

"Good on ye, alright, then lets…" SparrowJack nods while seeing the other crew mates are near him, as they prepare to go however…

"Hold it! We're coming too!" Twilight stops the pirates from leaving to say that she and her friends will come to.

"Yeah, you think we'll let you have all the fun here?" Rainbow Dash stating they aren't gonna miss out on another grand adventure.

"Besides, dat place look mighty suspicious ta us?" Applejack stated in looking to that fortress, something about where it is seems…mighty strange.

"Yeah, it looks like whoever built this place, set it up onto of a volcano?" Pinkie Pie pointed out something that might equal a problem to the gang, like if that mountain blows it's top.

"A dormant volcano, thing hasn't been active fer years." SparrowJack pointed out easily to have the worrying mares not worry about it, the volcano won't be active and they'll be fine.

"Oh, well…that's nice to know." Fluttershy slowly spoke in feeling a bit more glad to hear this.

"But we're coming along, to make sure the fillies are in no danger!" Rarity spoke off in stating her own cause for worry was her sister and her little friends.

"I'll come to….ugh, yeh know…to protect the girls who need…protecting the other girls?" Spike spoke when he stood near Rarity, but yelped in how he was trying to sell himself as a hero between his sentences.

"Hugh, an folks ponder my own puzzlin' sentences?" SparrowJack stated in how Spike was trying to look pretty convincing, but the lad had trouble speaking out. "Then welcome to our next exploration bunch, savvy!" He happily spoke in allowing more company to join them on their adventure.

"Aye!" The crew cheered in feeling raring and ready to get going.

Now the scene focuses on where we see many of the pirates getting themselves ready to set out for the next island of adventure. The Mane Six & the CMC along with Spike were gonna tag along, the older ponies could only hope that this last key won't be as hard as the last three.

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Within The Ruin Fortress?

At this moment within the window area of Cabal Fortress, were some hidden shadowy figures. As the camera zooms in where they are, we see who they are precisely. They are General Ogun & the Katastrophy Brothers: Khaos, Kalamity & Konfusion. They all had binoculars in watching the Black Pearl, as it sent out it's rowboats with those planning to come onto the island to reach Cabal Fortress to find the final key. But what they heroes don't know, is that the villains are expecting their arrival here.

"At last, they finally are here?" General Ogun spoke please to seeing the heroes have at last arrive, all according to what they were hoping for.

"Yeah-yeah, they're here! They're here!" Konfusion was happily cheering in seeing their foes have arrived. "Pow!" Then he got bash on the head by Khaos for his brainless happy go-attitude.

"You dolt! We can see that from up here?" Khaos remotely issued this to his brother for trying to keep reminding them of the issue.

"So what are we gonna do, General Ogun…sir?" Kalamity asked their general in what they are gonna do here?

"We shall wait until those pirates and those element bearers of harmony enter the fortress." General Ogun explained the first step to their plan to perform. "Once they enter these walls, we must separate them as much as possible. And then we'll go aboard their ship that will have lesser guards and snatch the three Serpent Keys they hold in their possession." He explained that they shall divide and conquer their foes to secure the true prizes inside that pirate ship.

"Divide & Conquer." Kalamity spoke off in knowing the strategy as it's name states.

"Oooooh, you know I think I read that in a book somewhere?" Konfusion replied off in hearing this, that sounded like a catchy title.

"So when do we go and get those keys?" Khaos asked off when they go and snatch the three keys the pirates have?

"You don't, fools." General Ogun snapped off sternly in stating these three chaotic fools aren't going in. "In case you forgotten, Gido failed to get the last key, and his failure was paid with a hefty price…." He reminded those that one of their associated allies failed them miserably. "Frsuvhmm…" Then near him, something of a swirling vortex appeared off his front appearance. "As I had him become another to be sent into the Void and never seen again." Yep, General Ogun took care of Gido by swallowing him into his void and is now lost forever.

The Katastrophy Brothers made sheepish chuckles while being nervous, after Gido failed in his mission, General Ogun punished him….really badly to the guy outside the Iron Crow Golem. Since Gido's only best card was that special golem weapon, with that out of commission and buried under the rubble of Spiral Mountain, Gido's use was…expired.

"The one to snatch the keys, Mistress Demona had acquired the aid of an infamous bounty hunter. Here he is now." General Ogun stated to explain their employer acquired the aid of another, and turns to what was behind them.

Soon entering from the darkness of the room, some creature entered from the opened doorway while making so heavy boot stomping sounds that even made the Katastrophy Brothers quiver in fear. A muscular unicorn stallion with apparently back-straight spike mane & tail, pointy ears, and eye color is unknown. He wears a dark blue & dark gray suit mix, mouth covered by mask, a dark tan blue vest to keep things, dark blue hoof bands of steel, ankle jewel bands around his ankles with blue gems, and his eyes are from a spec. sunglasses of a red color. Make no mistake, this guy looks serious, and could break things like they were toothpicks.

"No way? That's the hired Bounty Hunter!" Khaos yelped off in seeing who it was they hired here.

"I don't believe my eyes? It's…it's….it's…?" Kalamity was rubbing his eyes in almost unbelieving what they are seeing.

"It's none other then….then….?" Konfusion was muttering his words in having a hard time saying who was here.

"SHIV KATALL!?" The Katastrophy Brothers announced the name of this new character, the bounty hunter by the name of…Shiv Katall!

"Yes, a highly expensive bounty hunter, but well worth the price feed. You know what to do, right?" General Ogun spoke in highly crediting the service of having Shiv Katall here makes things easier.

"I know the mission. Retrieve the Serpent Keys from the Black Pearl & then snatch the final key when they find it." Shi Katall spoke with a deep male voice from his mask vizier, sounding like a tough pro in his career as a bounty hunter; and that he'll complete his assign task mission.

"Exactly! Now, we'll try to keep those meddling pirates busy by scattering their forces, weakening them to the point….of their doom!" General Ogun stated forth in what they shall do here to make sure the Sparrow Pirates will meet their tragic end here.

"Oh yeah!" Khaos responded with a smile in liking that.

"Good plan there." Kalamity nods with a smile in agreeing to that.

"Very thought out." Konfusion stated to say in what he thought of that plan.

"Don't just stand their, GET TO WORK!" General Ogun shouted off to get the three bumbling fools, to work instead of standing around.

"Ye-ye-ye-yes sir!" The Katastrophy Brothers nervously saluted to respond before rushing off to do their job; as long as they don't mess it up from their stupidity.

"Time for me to do my part now…." Shiv Katall remotely issued this off in having heard what needs to be done, and prepares to leave.

Soon the bounty hunter leaves the room while General Ogun continues to watch the heroes arrive on the island. Soon the pirates' group won't know what true terror is until they set foot in Cabal Fortress…where the bad guys have set it up to trap them. With that, the scene fads away from what's going on here…

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Pass The Shores Towards Cabal Fortress!

We soon enter the scene where we see that after the Sparrow Pirates had park their rowboats on the shores, they along with the Mane Six, CMC & Spike, climb up to stand near the forgotten ruins of what was once known as Cabal Fortress. It maybe a bit rundown and old, looking ready to come apart, but there were still hidden dangers inside, so any who enter…must be extremely careful.

"There it is crew, Cabal Fortress?" SparrowJack address the matter of where they stood, they were near the ruin fort. "Now remember, if ye see somethin' move….ye have permission to fire." He gave the order to his crew in what to happen if they run into anything.

"Um, wouldn't it be better to look before we leap, SparrowJack?" Twilight suggested a more better course of action then a straight shot and ask questions later tactic.

"First off, it's a deserted island, no citizens be smart enough to stick around. Second, if any enemies are afoot, we need to be careful. Third…it's Captain, Captain SparrowJack." SparrowJack explained the manner to Twilight so she may follow, and again corrected the matter of speaking his name with a captain title.

"Hugh, fine…whatever?" Twilight signs to roll her eyes, this guy really loves to be address as captain much.

Soon the scene shifts towards where we see an opened door of where everyone slowly enters a darken hall. The gang are now entering the Cabal Fortress, and it looks like a near wreck inside as it is outside. From the squeaky floor boards, the cobwebs and molly wallpaper coming down to where one sees the inner wood & bridge plates, this place is spelt for being creepy.

"Argh, tis givin' me them unpleasant feelin' here, captain?" StoneGibbs stated off in looking around this area, it gives the stallion that believes superstitious a harder time to handle.

"Ah relax old timer, we got each other's backs." Lightning Flash spoke off to ease the guy from feeling upset and cautious.

"Fer once, Lightning Flash said somethin' that makes sense." CrisisCross made a sly smile in making this as a joke.

"Ha-Ha-Hah, haven' the lad lecture us in this haunted place, we better not be senile?" Victor Krieg laughed off jolly-like in making this a little humor to lighten the mood.

"Tis place look more stately if better cared fer?" Khazim stated how the place look much more nicer if taken better care of.

"Alright, spread out and find something suspicious here?" SparrowJack orders his lads in what to do, they need to find something to give them a hint of where to go.

After about a full hour went by, much of the party was searching all of the rooms of the fortress before meeting in a grand hall opening where they meant underneath a large portrait of the once living dictator that rule this place before he vanished. The Mane Six & CMC along with Spike were able to meet up. Only SparrowJack, Lightning Flash, CrisisCross, Victor Krieg, Roxas Khazim, Sharky & Bones were seen with a few other pirate sailors, only Mr. StoneGibbs and a few other shipmates weren't here yet.

"Well this don't make no doubloon sense?" SparrowJack rub his head in being very puzzled and confusion, where was that they are seeking to find.

"Hey, have you check what was hiding behind this giant portrait of a creepy dictator?" Pinkie Pie pointed out something that look like a good spot to check.

"Yeah right, that's like the oldest trick in the book, like we'll find…." Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in thinking there was no way what they are searching for is hidden by such easy methods, right…?

Then Pinkie Pie moved the large portrait in a weird manner that reacted to shake, and then some noisy tears are heard. And then before anyone knew it, the portrait moved backwards to reveal what was some sorta hidden passageway into a tunneled path that lead directly behind to into the dormant volcano. Now everyone was shock that they found this, and by the pink pony to boot.

"My goodness, there was something behind that?" Rarity gasped in shocking surprise in what they have found.

"Nice work Pinkie, ye found a clue." Applejack patted her friend's back in giving her praise for a job well done.

"But what is it?" Fluttershy asked off in not having any idea what this was.

"A secret portrait passage, it may lead into the dormant volcano?" Twilight issued off in what she could figure by the tunnel path of what it was.

"You-You mean the final key is in the volcano area?" Spike nervously spoke in having a bad feeling about this case.

"Well one was in a beast-filled place?" Apple Bloom pointed off in what danger one key was in.

"The other two were a maze & mountain?" Sweetie Belle stated the last other two places that had the keys.

"And now an abandon fortress, how awesome is this?" Scootaloo finishes in where they'll find the final key hidden; in a volcano.

"Sir, what about StoneGibbs and the others? Should we wait fer them?" One random pirate mate reported that they are still short some mateys here.

"They'll catch up soon, fer now…we gotta find us that key." SparrowJack issued off that he has fate those not here will follow their trail; especially from an open secret passage way that ain't hard to miss.

"Aye-Aye!" The crew responded in hearing the orders and are raring to find the key.

Now we see the group entering the darken passageway to follow it down to wherever it may lead them. This may explain some cases of why the treasure was never found if there was this pathway, but then why would the previous owner not tell his own troops. SparrowJack concluded it might've been because he knew his own troops were as greedy as him and kept the location a secret from them of where he found it, but never reach it; and that lead to a mutiny.

"Keep them eyes sharp & light them horns. We need light." CrisisCross issued off what they need, the unicorns are making it lighter in this dark tunnel by their magic horns.

"Aye, ye think they at least leave torches here?" Victor Krieg stated that the place had nothing lit for whoever would come down here.

"It's so dark, I can barely see?" Lightning Flash stated that it's hard for some to even see in the dark.

"I can lit me fuss and blow us some light?" Khazim smiled off to hold up his mini-cannons and was about to lit the fuse when…

"Ugh, how's about lets not and save the trouble of burring ourselves or starting up the volcano, kay?" Spike nervously ask that the guy not do that, the last thing they wanna see….is going KABOOM!

Suddenly, someone step on a loose tile that activated something unseen by the group. And by the time the Mane Six were coming near a floor spot, it reacted to their pressure to…OPEN A HIDDEN TRAPDOOR!

"WAAAhhhh!" The Mane Six and Spike screamed out from falling down a trap door.

"Blimmy! Them lasses fell down that hole?" Skarky gasped in looking down the hole in where their mare pals went.

"Aye, but where does it go from here?" Bones nods off to seeing this and was worried where this trap took the mares.

"Captain, permission to find them." Roxas turn to his captain in requesting he goes to find their missing friends.

"Permission granted, but be careful lad." SparrowJack nods with a firm face in allowing this while wanting Roxas to be careful.

Soon Roxas went off to jump down the hidden trapdoor to search for the missing mares and baby dragon. The others were a bit concern and worried, but if anyone could find the Mane Six and get them out of a stuck or lock situation, Roxas was the stallion for the job.

"Eek-Eek! Eeeek!" Jack The Monkey reacted to seeing something, it looked like a floating banana to which the curious monkey leaves the others to follow the fruit.

"Hey Jack, where are you going?" Sweetie Belle shouted off in seeing the monkey running off.

"Wait fer us, ye hear now!" Apple Bloom issued to say while the fillies had to catch the pirate monkey pet.

"Great, chasing a monkey again?" Scootaloo rolled her eyes in seeing this felt familiar to them.

Now the CMC were chasing after Jack while not knowing that it was a set plot done by the Katastrophy Brothers who snickered off in the dark while not being seen. No one could see with it being so dark that they can sneak by and off real easily to separate the next bunch here. The other pirate crew mates saw that even more of their party band was splitting off pretty thin here.

"Alright, ye stallions, spread out, find anyone that isn't here, and report back to the entrance in one half hour." SparrowJack made a quick order for them to spread out, find their missing pals and meet up outside the entrance point.

"Aye-aye, captain." The other mates saluted in hearing this before heading off to search.

"The rest of yah, keep with me? This place just got a whole lot more treacherous?" SparrowJack responded to his elite members in what they best do now, something sneaky was going on around here; and they need to keep a sharp eye out.

CrisisCross, Victor Krieg, Lightning Flash, Khazim, Sharky & Bones all nodded silently in agreeing with their captain on that subject. The rest of the pirate crew continues to venture through the inside part of the dormant volcano to search for a few things; the Serpent Key, their missing mates, and figuring out what was going on here.

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Aboard The Black Pearl

The scene shifts towards the Black Pearl, as many of the pirates were keeping watch and being causally careful of any attacks. The only ones around to lead them were Professor Righteous & Wilson Ramon that would hold down the fort, protect their ship & crew, along with the keys they have.

"Professor Righteous, does everything feel shipshape to ye?" Wilson Ramon asked forth to his friend in wanting to see that all is well.

"I believe our crew has secure all areas, so no one will sneak aboard?" Professor Righteous explained forth that they have all corners of their ship secure, it be hard for even a mouse to sneak pass.

"Aye, but I got a worrying feeling, whoever is after the keys is calling in some unexpected helpers?" Wilson Ramon responded to say this with an uneasy feeling, that they aren't being careful enough.

"True, the Katastrophy Brothers, Dizchord, and Gido….all random foes that could be hired for assistance?" Professor Righteous slowly nods in agreement, the obstacles of competition for the keys, are different but they are more likely hired assistance.

As the two elite pirates were chatting, within the Captain's Quarters, a window was opened from behind SparrowJack's office set area. And soon Shiv Katall enters the area, and begins to snoop around in searching for his targets. That's when his mask' eyes glowed in letting him look around before stopping near a drawer, and forcing it open to locate the three Serpent Keys; he hit the jackpot.

"So, these are the Serpent Keys? Well I've done my part, now to book it out of here?" Shiv Katall spoke off in studying the three keys before putting them away and planning to get out of here before he's discovered.

"Tell us professor, who be powerful enough to command such a rugged bunch?" Wilson Ramon's voice was heard outside the captain's room while Shiv Katall noticed he's about to have company soon.

"There are many evil creatures on both land, air and sea, but too many different motives and reasons cancel out who could be behind wanting the keys & the trident?" Professor Righteous spoke when he and Wilson Ramon enter the room of where SparrowJack comes into while explaining the manner that those they seen, are working for something or someone higher in power.

"Then we best keep our eyes pilled." Wilson Ramon stated their best guess in what they do, keep a sharp eye out for any suspicious activity.

"Noted. Hopefully we keep the keys safe in our hold." Professor Righteous responded in thinking that so long as the enemy doesn't have the keys, they can't cause any trouble.

As Shiv Katall heard all that after he snuck out the back window and shut it without being noticed. As he was scaling down the back of the ship, he was thinking over what he heard those pirates say.

"Heh, you can try, but I've gotten what I came for. And soon…" Shiv Katall issued from using his magic to levitate himself and the keys he holds. "You'll lose more then the keys when the island's volcano isn't as dormant as you think?" He responded in hinting an event that will take place eventually soon.

Soon Shiv Katall leaves the scene with the three Serpent Keys in his possession without ever letting anyone know of his presence. One silent teleportation spell did the trick, and by the time any realize what happened, it'll be too late.

---

Deep In The Volcano Behind Cabal Fortress

Now we focus on what was happening with SparrowJack's group as they were continuing their paste to find something to lead them to the final prize that is the treasure, hidden here. The pirates finally arrive near a secret door so clearly fuse to look like dried lava flow, that the strong stallions pushed it to find…another hidden alter with a familiar object; the last Serpent Key.

"Wow?" Lightning Flash, CrisisCross, Victor Krieg, Khazim, Sharky & Bones responded in seeing the final Serpent Key of the North was hidden here.

"At last, with this gents, our elusive journey is almost over." SparrowJack proudly stated, as he was going up the stairs to reach for the key.

Suddenly without warning, a bright flash sphere appeared in the room, blinding everyone's eyesight. And then when it was over, something was a miss here, and that….the missing key.

"The key?" Sharky & Bones yelped off in seeing what was gone from sight.

"It's vanished?" Lightning Flash stated what was here was gone in a flash.

"Where it go?" Victory Krieg asked off in where the final key disappeared to.

"Neheheheheheeeehhh…" Then evil snickering is heard behind to where the pirates saw some shady cloak trio characters making a brake for it out the same entrance they came from; and with the key.

"They stole the key!" CrisisCross angrily pointed out the thieves that stole what they found.

"Captain, orders?" Khazim asked off in awaiting for the captain to say the word.

"Ye know the drill, shot first, then ask questions. Now after them Lily-Livered Thieving Scallywags!" SparrowJack remarked off to state while bringing his cutlass out in announcing the attack call.

"WROOUAAaghhh!" The roaring battle cries of the pirates are heard, as they draw their blades & crystal pistols to charge after those that try to steal from them.

Soon we see that the thieves fleeing were the Katastrophy Brothers, as they were looking back in seeing the pirates were closely on their tail.

"Heh, they sound really tick off right now. Perfect for the plan." Khaos made a silly smile in seeing they got the pirates coming at them.

"Yeah-yeah! They'll chase us and rush over that set trap, and trap them good." Konfusion happily stated in what they are gonna do here now.

"Ha-ha-hah….and as long as we have the key, victory can't slip from our grasp!" Kalamity laughs off while having the key in his grip, nothing could stop them now.

"Eek-Eek!" The Jack the Monkey came out of nowhere, and then snatched the key that was exposed with his tail before rushing off the way the foolish brothers ran from. The Katastrophy Brothers cease running to realize, someone just snatch the key from under them, and it ain't the first time neither.

"Oh come on, not that the monkey again?" Khaos groans to complain in seeing that little monkey pest again.

"He took the key we stole again?" Konfusion pointed out confused in what just happened here, again it seems.

"And he's heading back to the pirates. Come on!" Kalamity issued in where that troublesome prime ape is going, and they now chase after the monkey again.

Soon Jack was rushing straight towards his Sparrow Pirate buddies with a little key around his tail.

"Looky there, it's Jack! He's got the key!" Lightning Flash spoke in seeing their monkey pet pal coming, and with something they were chasing.

"Come here boy, we got'cha! Yer safe now." SparrowJack gave a warm welcome sign to the monkey to come to them so Jack & the key will be safe.

Soon the pirates pass over something when Jack leaps up to be on SparrowJack and showed him the key. But then without another word of warning, something glowed around the floor that spread upwards like an invisible window box cube. The pirates saw this surprise act, and tried to bash through with muscles, but it was no good.

"Eventually, I seem to hav spoken too soon?" SparrowJack responded with puzzled blank eyes in seeing this predicament was the opposite when he said they are safe.

The Katastrophy Brothers ran until they bumped into General Ogun that came out of nowhere.

"You made it in time, the pirates have fallen into Shiv Katall's Magic Barrier Prison Cube, once in, they can't get out. And I've set the bombs by my Grinders & Growls to set off a chain reaction." General Ogun explained the manner of what was going on as of right now to the foolish brothers. "Now quickly, give me the key?" He asked in wanting the key they stole from the pirates.

"Gruhm…Ugh…." Khaos struggled with his words here in worry.

"Yeah um…" Kalamity yelped off a bit unsure in what to say.

"About that?" Konfusion spoke in having a bad feeling about their report.

"Well? Where is it?" General Ogun asked off annoyed by the long stall, where was the key these fools stole before they caught the pirates.

"The monkey took it?" The foolish brothers spoke in union of who actually has the key right now.

"WHAaaaaaat!" General Ogun yelled out mildly in hearing this, these fools let the final key slip their grasp.

Then without warning, coming near the magically trapped pirates were the CMC; as Apple Bloom, Scootaloo & Sweetie Belle saw this after they lost Jack the Monkey to find the Sparrow Crew..

"Look! It's Captain SparrowJack & our friends?" Sweetie Belle stated in who they saw and look to be in trouble.

"They seem trap in this weird box thing?" Apple Bloom stated in what they are seeing here that was done by magic.

"Hey! Can you guys hear us?" Scootaloo called out in wanting the pirates to respond.

The pirates were trying to talk back, but while they heard the CMC's voices, the fillies can't hear the stallions. The magic cube box must prevent sound from entering outside, but inside's a different story, sorta.

"No good Scootaloo, this thing cuts off sound?" Apple Bloom shook her head in seeing they can't talk to their friends since sound can escape this box thing.

"Then lets try to bust it open?" Scootaloo stated another idea in what they can do here.

"Well, we can try? I hope this works?" Sweetie Belle spoke in feeling that it's the only thing they can do apparently.

"This isn't good? This wasn't the plan to go by?" General Ogun remarked off in seeing the situation from a hidden location. "We have to report this to Demona at once?" He stated that this must be reported of the turn of events.

"I don't wanna tell her?" Khaos shook his head off in wanting nothing to do with that.

"I already saw how mad she got." Kalamity stated with being fearful of such an idea.

"And I saw it and almost shead my fur?" Konfusion stated in terror that seeing Demona mad is scary.

"Oooh, fine? I'll do it…you BIG babies?" General Ogun slapped his forehead to moan off in annoyance by such sniveling whiners.

As the evil foes hid within the shadows, they prepare to make contact with their mistress. All while the ponies below try to figure out a way to escape the magic invisible cage box the pirates are stuck in. This could take a while for things to get slowly settle here?

---

Meanwhile, Where The Mane Six Are Station At?

The scene shows a darken dungeon where the Mane Six are standing, leaning or sitting around, and Spike was trying to pick the lock with his nails, but it was no use. Almost an hour has pass since the mares and baby dragon were separated and have been cooped up in this place. And at the moment of passing time, Pinkie Pie brought out a harmonic, and was play a solo melody fitting those living in a dungeon cell. And if that wasn't enough, she started to play some sorta 'Blues' theme song she just seem to make up to fit the picture of their currency.

Pinkie Pie: Oh…we're's trapped in a dungeon cell?

Yeah we gone and got our selves stuck here now?

The others stared at Pinkie sitting on a bench where shades and look like a gloomy blues playing pony that was, well…singing the blues.

Pinkie Pie: We done can't get out of here?

Not with magic, cause it's magic proof!

Pinkie's blue song continues with another playing of her harmonic for the long pause effect. Courtse this song was stretching out so far to cause everyone to feel the blues.

"AAAAaugh!" Then finally, Rainbow Dash snapped to snatch the harmonic out of Pinkie's hold. "Enough with that corny harmonic and singing the blues stuff, Pinkie?" Rainbow Dash snapped off to say in feeling like she's losing her mind.

"Right, think it's gone an done make some of us loopy?" Applejack nods in stating how Rainbow is behaving could make anyone act that way.

"I'm too beautiful to spend my life behind bars?" Rarity groans to dramatically complain over her situation.

"Don't worry Rarity, Twilight's thinking of something? Ugh, right?" Spike tried to assure Rarity that everything be alright, and looked to Twilight for an answer.

"I'm not sure, whoever made this…wanted nothing to get putt even by magic or explosive work?" Twilight stated in not having an answer since their dungeon cell seems pretty sturdy from whatever craftsmanship made it.

"Oh dear, then we're really gonna be stuck here…forever?" Fluttershy spoke in starting to feel like they can't get out of this at all.

"Not on our watches, lasses!" Mr. StoneGibbs' voice was heard outside the door and from the little window, the gang saw him there.

"Mr. StoneGibbs?" The Mane Six responded in surprise to see that face again.

"Click!" Then the door was heard unlocking, and soon another pony was near the pirate the gang was familiar with. "Forgetting some pony else?" Roxas spoke off in showing that he was nearby to open the way.

"Roxas? How'd you do that?" Spike was lost, how this guy managed to open a door that one needs a key and can't get out even with magic and explosive works.

"Hey, I'm the stallion who's good with unlocking things." Roxas stated about his natural talent in what he does.

"We meant up with others from our crew & heard the story. Now lets…" StoneGibbs was speaking in what to do when…

"BOOM-BOOM-BOOM!/Grugrugrufruvhmmm…." Suddenly, explosive noises are heard from afar but the rumbling noises shook the place that made everyone finch.

"Goodness! What was that?" Rarity asked off in being surprise, where that come from.

"Sounded like explosions and a rumbling noise? Is some pony hungry?" Pinkie Pie asked off a random question after stating some god earlier facts.

"By The Code Of Pirating! Some scoundrels have set off the dormant volcano's reaction!" Mr. StoneGibbs exclaimed in due shock of what may have happened here.

"And…that means?" Rainbow Dash asked off slowly in not following that issue.

"The volcano is going to erupt and us along with it?" Twilight explained the case with shock eyes, they're sitting on a NOW active volcano.

"Great Apple Buck Season! We gotta find them youngin's and vamoose?" Applejack yelped in shock that they gotta find the fillies and get out.

"They're likely with our captain, we'll meet them back on the ship." Roxas explained the manner of what maybe happening as they speak.

"Wait, shouldn't we go search for them instead?" Fluttershy asked off if they should go and find their friends.

"Trust us lass, ye not wanna be in the move of a 'ruptin' volcano! Besides, the captain always finds a way to escape death perils, it be his mysterious secret of his." StoneGibbs issued to explain that they'll be cooked if they don't get moving away from this dangerous island, besides, their captain is sure to bring everyone safe and out of harms way.

"Oh man, I know dragons can handle volcanos, but maybe we should listen here?" Spike clap his head in feeling that while he could be fine, this mess of volcano lava maybe too hot for ponies to take.

"Alright, lead the way." Twilight lightly nods in getting the issue, as they all need to move it quickly…

With nothing much else to go with, the Mane Six & Spike followed StoneGibbs & Roxas with the other pirate sailors out of their dungeon chamber to return to the Black Pearl. Hopefully the others will get back to them as soon as they can….

---

Somewhere Beneath The Sea?

The scene returns to the darken depth corners of a sea area, where the prison cave that keeps Demona trapped is seen. Her eyes peak through, as they glowed to which frighten anyone that comes near her. Then in a few moments, two magic orb portal windows appeared near her; they were of Shiv Katall & of General Ogun along with the Katastrophy Brothers. The mysterious female made a sneaky grin from having seen what the matter of calling her is, and will enjoy ever moment of it.

"You have good news, I hope…for your sakes?" Demona spoke off with a remorseful tone in her voice.

"You don't have to worry, mistress. The pirates are scattered and their top best fighters are detain by the Bounty Hunter's set trap." General Ogun reported the situation, as it was under control for the villain's side.

"And the Serpent Keys?" Demona asked forth with a raised eyebrow of being curious.

"Right here." Shiv Katall showed the three Serpent Keys of West, East and South all in his clutches. "I've secured the three from the pirate's ship." He explained how he got the keys from when he snuck until the Black Pearl.

"And where…is the fourth one?" Demona asked forth towards General Ogun, for the retrieval of the final key before seeking the prize.

"Um well…ah…?" Khaos was a little slow in puzzlement on that question.

"Ye see it's…?" Kalamity tap his chin in pondering how to respond to that.

"We don't got it yet?" Konfusion shrug off to say this without noticing the upset faces, pretty clueless he is.

"What?" Demona responded with an unpleased tone of her voice.

"Um, there was some…technical manner in securing that last key?" Kalamity spoke off in fearfully stating a manner of getting the North Serpent Key.

"Yeah, we had it, then the pirate's monkey snatch it and brought it to the pirates?" Khaos stated off in that they had the key, but the pirate's pet monkey took it away.

"That's the second time that happened to us this week?" Konfusion stated off puzzled that Jack The Monkey took the key out of their clutches a second time this whole week.

"Don't tell me, it's with those that are detain?" Demona raised her eyes in almost sounding shock to believe it; the key is with the pirate captain's group who are trapped.

"Okay, we don't?" The Katastrophy Brothers responded in union of their sheepish response to not getting in trouble; too bad that didn't go well.

"Um, well ugh….I can try to secure the key after the volcano has finished off them pirates, mistress?" General Ogun yelp with a worried face to explain they tried to get the key, but now they'll have to wait until the lava from the volcano gets the pirates & dig the key out afterwards; right?

"FOOLS! We need all the keys to unlock the seal and obtain Neptune's Trident for my freedom!" Demona shouted off that frighten the weak minded help that they can't risk losing one key. "The keys may have lasted this long, but even they will be destroyed by such elements from lava." She knows that the Serpent Keys can be destroyed by such, and so they are needed to get what she needs before the lys are destroyed.

"Then what would you have us do, free the pirates that are trapped? We do that, they'll hurry and get back their keys when they learn they are gone." Shiv Katall asked off in what the mistress here wants since freeing captives may cause problems for them. "We need something to slow them down enough to come up with a plan of attack." He explained the manner of what they need to do to provide them with the edge.

Demona used her magic to make a third magic window appear that showed the trapped pirates in Shiv Katall's set trap. Try as the pirates could, they weren't gonna get out, but the monkey trapped with them had the key. Demona needs that last key, but how to get it was a mystery. But then her eyes drifted from seeing Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle & Scootaloo enter the scene in trying to kick the barrier to free their friends in a useless struggle.

"Hugh…wait, those three outside that barrier where the pirates are trapped? They're the ones that join the Sparrow Pirates to find the keys?" Demona spoke from studying the CMC, recalling they were apart of SparrowJack and his crew in searching for the keys.

"Yes, should we dispose of them?" General Ogun nods off to say in recognizing the fillies and asked if they should tend to it.

"No….I've spied on them in wanting to know much of them and the chosen users to the Elements of Harmony." Demona rejected the offer, as she was trying to figure out something else that came to her mind. "And I think I know what we can use to serve as a…leverage, against our common foes?" She spoke with a hidden sly smile that she expressed that could only mean…trouble.

"You're not actually thinking those fillies could break the pirates free from my trap, it's made that not even three alicorns could breach it's structure." Shiv Katall questioned that no mere different species of ponies could take down his set barrier trap that not even three alicorns could take down.

"Yes, which is why…I shall lean them an aid?" Demona responded to say this sudden news just now.

"Hugh?" The Katastrophy Brothers responded puzzled and confused, what did Demona mean by that.

"Mistress, why would you do that?" General Ogun questioned such action in now wanting to help their enemies in peril.

"To insure they can escape so the key they hold does not get destroyed, and so we can obtain it to find the trident." Demona explained her basic form of planning in how she can obtain the last key and make sure it is not destroyed. "But of course, this deed is not for free…there will be a price to pay for my service?" She issued in what she plans to do, help out…but a cost for the heroes.

"Um, yo…ugh….A price to pay? Cash or credit?" Khaos asked off in not knowing the answer to such a question here.

"Well that sounds like what a villain would do?" Kalamity stated off in thinking nothing is free in the world.

"Oh, when she says it, sounds bad?" Konfusion stated in how Demona spoke about payment, sounded really evil.

"I maybe trapped here, but my magic can still perform things to certain….extension." Demona explained how she maybe still trapped, but that doesn't mean she can perform certain reaches from her powers. "I shall reach out to them, and make a trade, their lives for something that is a precious treasure." She explained her diabolical plan, help free and save the trapped pirates in exchange for something of value.

"Then you best hurry it along, that dormant volcano is gonna blow it's top in less then 15 minutes." Shiv Katall insisted that Demona get to work, time is running short before the volcano finishes off those pirates and anything else on the island.

"Plenty of time….to do my magic. Nwuhahahahaahh…." Demona responded with a sinister cackle in what she'll plan to do in her due time.

The scene grows darker here, as the one who is commanding everything…finally takes the lead here at long last.

---

Near The Trapped & Doom Pirates?

The scene opens towards the trapped Sparrow Pirates still within their cubical magic box prison. As they are seen trying to struggle with might & magic, nothing was breaking or leaving a dent. The CMC saw their struggles as they were almost starting to lose fate of breaking out and being what they always wish to be; free. To have freedom and then have it taken away, the fillies are trying to come up with a plan to help their pirate pals out, but what can they do. That there appears to be the question, and with the whole island about to blow up in a few minutes wasn't giving them much options, especially from the random shakes & blowing steam?

"Oh man, what do we do?" Scootaloo asked off in looking to the pirates, they aren't free yet?

"I don't know? Any ideas ye'll?" Apple Bloom asked off if anyone here had some idea to share.

"I'm not sure, and this place is starting to almost go?" Sweetie Belle stated in not knowing and this place may just about blow.

"We gotta figure a way ta help them out of there?" Apple Bloom suggested what they gotta still do to help their trapped pals.

"How! We're the only ones here?" Scootaloo yelled out in almost having given up with the reality of the matter.

"I wish there was some pony here who can help us?" Sweetie Belle asked in almost begging that someone can help them out.

Then without warning, a crimson pink, red yellow, and violet light appeared from behind the others now. "Ask away, and here…I shall arrive to aid." Spoke a strangely mystical female voice from the mysterious light. "I…am…Demona." Then entering from the light, came something that looked like a a blowy creature in a two long cloth cape and wore a hood with her eyes, mouth and nose seen as blowy fragments. It's like she's a spiritual entity that is neither living flesh or pony for that manner.

"Woah, who in Equestria are ya?" Apple Bloom yelps in seeing this strange creature out of nowhere.

"I am a drifting entity, who has lost much over the years. Time goes by, the years passing, my fate has kept me shackled to roam as but a spirit mist." Demona

"Wow, sounds kinda tough to live with?" Scootaloo spoke in thinking this lady had it rough.

"We're sorry if we are being nosy?" Sweetie Belle apologized if they stuck their noses in this person's business.

"Oh, but you shouldn't be bothered by my own life, but that of what you want?" Demona spoke off to say this as she hovered near the fillies. "You wish to help set free those powerless to escape. These sailors that roam to live that of a freedom life?" She spoke in staring at the trapped Sparrow Pirates that need hep to break free.

The discussion goes on while the Sparrow Pirates in the magic cube box could watch and hear what was going on. By the sounds of it, it's a plan to help set them free. But who is this Demona creature that appeared like magic at such a coincident moment of the danger approaching them.

"Captain, who is she?" Lightning Flash asked his captain in seeing this Demona person.

"Is she some sorta sorcerer?" Sharky asked off in pondering who that lady was.

"Maybe a fairy queen of sorts?" Bones replied off in some idea from his train of thought.

"Bah, in these waters, there is only one explanation to fit this mysterious lass!?" Victor Krieg waved off with a stern face in thinking there be one name for the lass outside near the little ones.

"A Sea Witch, perhaps? But I thought there weren't none left?" CrisisCross spoke in puzzlement, they have heard of such magical creatures, but many thought they weren't around no more.

"So did I fellas, but judging from her presence, she seems her to help?" SparrowJack spoke to raise an eyebrow in watching and studying Demona's actions here. "But question is…help 'who' here?" He asked that suspicious suggestion, cause this mysterious sea-witch might be after something to come all the way here to help.

As for the fillies outside the magic cage box who couldn't hear the pirates chatter, continue to ponder if this Demona lady can truly help them out.

"So then…can you do it and help them?" Sweetie Belle asked forth in wanting the apparently nice lady to help them.

"Please ma'am, if ye could, just open the cage?" Apple Bloom asked real nicely for this person to open the cage box over the pirates.

"Before this whole place comes down? So can you do it?" Scootaloo stated that if they don't move, this whole place will blow; can this Demona person help them or not?

Suddenly when the fillies asked if Demona could do such a thing, unseen by their innocent eyes, the questionable figure showed a suspicious sly expression; as if awaiting for that reply. And then without any reason, some strange dramatic bold of instruments are heard in the background, as another event shall take place in the discussion.

"My dear little fillies…it is what I can do." Demona smiled off to kindly speak the manner towards the fillies that she can do just that. "My existence is that. To help the unfortunate that are in direr need. Much like what you all are going through?" She spoke to lean down to gently pat the CMC's manes while they were uncertain from the feeling. "Choices you want to make without them being poor?" As she spoke, she begins to move away from the ponies to…prepare something.

And soon it was near the moment that Demona started to….sing a little song we can dub as 'The Choice Is Yours To Make' as we begin this now.

Demona: I've the one that has appeared, right before you

Some could call it a fate of chance, well, some say

Demona swooped around all graceful-like across the area as she sung.

So you may find that nowadays

I've simply gone around making amens

Relief, be in the light, and perform deeds (True? Yes)

Then Demona slowly hovered near the fillies in making this stated claim. As she leans down to them to give an honest to friendly face to them while the CMC felt…confused.

Demona: I'm capable of knowing some magic

It's my greatest talent I've always possessed

Soon Demona moves around pass the ponies and then conjured a spell that made a magical crystal ball appear.

And recent events, don't laugh about it

I perform it on behalf

Of the desperate, pleading and powerless (Mortifying)

As Demona sang this, she made illusion images of of two ponies of one a unicorn stallion & a pegasus mare; both who look miserable and hurt and without anything in knowing what to do. But while she sang, she lean herself backwards and whispered the 'mortifying' issue to General Ogun & his group hidden near the shadows.

Demona: The Choice Is Yours To Make

Suffer pain, needing relief

Soon Demona lightly dance to hover near to the illusions in speaking these words of what was happening to the poor ponies.

Now I see your suffering needs

And heard your pleadful cries

And can I help you? Oh course, I would

Demona pointed to the stallion that suffered aches and pains of dying while the mare was crying and asking for help. And then with a snap of her fingers expose from her cloak, the illusions are transformed before all eyes; as they look better, all while Demona lets off a little smile in what she can do.

Demona: Choices Are Yours To Make

It's saddening, but very true

As Demona sang, the fillies saw how the illusions were so happy and glad that they hug the other; the CMC really do think this person can help them out.

I came to you as soon as I saw you

Asking, "Free Our Friends, Please!"

And can I help you? Of course I can

Demona sang out to explain the cases of what she does when those that need help, she comes to them in their hour of need. She smiled off from her mortifying expression to lean near the illusions that seem happy in what Demona could do to help them be happy.

Demona: But once or twice it has happened

Those I help couldn't pay back my kindness

Demona spoke these words with a sadden face, as she held out her hand to the illusion of two ponies; asking they repay her for helping them.

And let's say that the matters went down stream

Soon her hand grasp and a swirling vortex appeared near those ponies, as they were swept away; gone from where they were. This action made some feel nervous in what happens if they can't repay a kind favor.

Certainly I've come across odd complaints around

But I've been on whole as a sainted salvation

Demona moved away to state how she has heard such complaints about what she does to those that do not repay back the kindness. As she even poses to look like a saint who's actions are to bring salvation to society from those that do not appreciate her efforts.

For The Choices Are Yours To Make

As Demona sang this, as moves swiftly off towards near the three fillies that were not even sure what to do now. During the moment, the instrumental and singing moments were now on pause it seems.

"Little ones, here is what I ask of you?" Demona spoke gently to the CMC to listen to her now. "You wish to break the spell that traps the lives of these pirates, and escape with all of your lives intact. Is that right?" She asked if that is what they want to be done here.

"Right Miss., dat's it right there!" Apple Bloom nods in stating the true fact.

"We can't leave them, they are our friends." Sweetie Belle stated how the pirates are their pals.

"And we may need it soon, cause this place is almost feeling hot?" Scootaloo stated from seeing they gotta work fast, the volcano sounds like it's rumbling is closing in.

"I see, your actions speak like that of True Friendship? Such acts are hard to see even within the realm of the seven seas of Equestria." Demona explained how she can see such motion of being a true friend to another. "But let us not forget, the subject of what you must sacrifice…as payment for my aid." She issued in what must firstly be done, the fillies must give her something in return for helping them.

"Well, true…ye can't get something fer nothing, I guess?" Apple Bloom spoke in feeling like that was a truer statement.

"But what can we give her that could be acceptable?" Scootaloo asked off in trying to think, what can they use to pay this person.

"What about our Cutie Marks, we've strive to learn our talents. But…if we can give up not having them to save our friends, would that work out?" Sweetie Belle asked a very shocking question, their cutie marks are what they truly love and if they sacrifice that, could that be enough.

"How sweet, you give up what all ponies wish to achieve. But…?" Demona slowly was speaking to almost accept this, however… "Such a thing that isn't on you and could appear as any random flaw, a sacrifice, must be something of more personal." She stated that what she needs must be something that is what the ponies have now then will get later.

"Personal?" The CMC repeated that question, do they have something on them like that.

"You do not have to worry, since you are younger then adults, this will be but a token, a trifle, something of that not at all important." Demona spoke to cut off the little ones in what she ask, is but a small request. "I've seen in your eyes, I've seen your souls to know, only one of you…have something to truly sacrifice for my aid." She explained that she has already seen what the fillies have, only one has what can save the day.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders were left blank in confusion, which of them was Demona gotta pick out.

"And what I want from one of you is…" Demona leans down to the fillies, and gets closer to… "Sweetie Belle, your voice…is the key." She ushered to say as she stared at the one before her.

"Hugh?" Apple Bloom & Scootaloo raised their eyebrows, did they hear that right.

"My voice?" Sweetie Belle held her throat in what was the key to saving the pirates; give up her voice.

"You have a lovely angelic voice." Demona spoke softly in stating this fact to the little sweet darling. "Such a beautiful sacrifice for their lives, means you'll be unable to speak, sing, all from your lips…will be silence."

"Woah-woah! Wait a minute? Isn't that a bit….extreme?" Scootaloo asked off in almost thinking that was too much.

"Right, Sweetie Belle, ye don't have ta give up yer voice?" Apple Bloom nods in agreement, her pal can't lose her voice.

"But…what about SparrowJack & the others? Time's almost up?" Sweetie Belle explained the cause while watching out for one steam geyser shot off the ground; that was close. "What else can we do or give up to help them?" She knew the risk and knows that they don't have much other option left now.

Soon the dramatic instrument melody began to play out again, as Demona suddenly was speaking over the manner of the deal of a curing Sweetie Belle's voice.

"You'll not lose much? You'll still grow up and live your life." Demona spoke off in giving the little one some thought of not losing too much over a voice. "Little one, you will still have many other things that make you still be, who you are." Demona address the manner of what is true even without a voice, Sweetie Belle is still herself.

Then with this next moment, Demona suddenly went into another song.

Demona: You think the world is all about one's words

But none really aren't all that interested in who says

Demona waved around in announcing these facts about what good can having a voice do at all, really.

For in some cultures, actions speak louder then words

So why would you need to speak instead of do

After all, little dear, what does chatter do in war?

Demona explained things while she waved around her fingers in preparing some spell casting work around the cage. Then she shrug off her shoulders in stating the last part of what things can even be done.

Demona: Come now, society is not convince by conversation

For gentlemen pass it off if they can!

Demona spoke before a cloud mist covered the cage that made the prites yelp; for some reason, they are doubling if dealing with this woman is safe.

But as you get older, you'll see my point is true

For a mare that's withdrawn

For even love is spoken by action then by words!

Demona moved away from the cage in explaining more cases to get the picture clear. As she was soon conjuring another spell around the CMC that created an explosive cloud stream.

Demona: So come, the Choice Is Yours To Make

Come my dear! And choose now!

As Demona waved out her arms in asking for those here to make a choice. Illusions of Demona popped around the fillies to almost scare them from forcing them to quicken their choice here.

Demona: For as a wandering entity, I can't spare much time

This payment isn't much. It's just a voice!

Demona moved around in stating that she doesn't have time to prance around. And that the price is just right, freedom for a few lives for a voice.

Demona: The Choice Is Yours To Make

It's tragic, but truthfully told

As Demona sang, more cracks appeared of loose steam from the volcano starting to nearly go off. As Demona was stating how sad and tragic this is for making a choice.

Demona: If you want to say your friends, my dear, you have to make due for my aid

Take a moment & take a breather, and touch my crystal ball to sign our deal

Then Demona appeared in front of the fillies to make a golden glowing orb appear. As she was saying their deal will be made once Sweetie Belle touches the crystal ball, but the filly is still puzzled of what to do.

Demona: This is it, boys, I've got them in my grasp

The mistress is standing taaaall!

Then out of sight, Demona leans near General Ogun & the Katastrophy Brothers to make a hidden evil grin, as they all shared this of what's happening. Then as Sweetie Belle was left to decide, Demona hovers up above in pronouncing that she was starting to be on a roll here.

Demona: THE…CHOICE….IS YOUUUURRSSS….TO MAAAAAAAAAKEEEEE!

As Demona sang this out, she started to build the pressure on the filly, as sweetie Belle started to look…determine. Then against Apple Bloom & Scootaloo's concerns & worries to stop this, Sweetie Belle had reached up to touch the golden crystal ball. "POoofruvhmmm…" Then the golden crystal ball magically zip straight near Demona, as she grasped it, and looked to the filly in seeing she has come to their agreement.

Suddenly, gothic organ music is heard being played out here, as Demona is seen about to perform a powerful spell.

"Crinoline Mineralah, forth winds of the Endless Sea" Demona raised up her arms as everything went neo-light blue in the room, as Sweetie Belle stood alone before this strange spiritual entity as she spoke incantations. "By Larynx of core for Larngitis, transfer her voice for me!" As she grasp her throat of what she spoke i nthe incantation before the finale where all turn a bright emerald color. "TRuuspfruvhmmm…" Soon some mystical mist-shape claw hands appeared over Demona, as the moment had come now. "Now my child…..sing." Demona soon look to Sweetie Belle, as her eyes seem to flare with a creepy motive in awaiting for the next part to happen…the filly to sing her voice for the spell to be complete.

"DON'T DO IT, SWEETIE BELLE!" Scootaloo yelled out over the stormy winds blowing them against their friend further and further.

"RIGHT, LETS FIND ANYONE WAY!" Apple Bloom shouted out to try to push against the force, but it was no use.

Sweetie Belle looked at her friends, but looked away with a sad little face to push them out. This was the only way, even the pirates watched from their cage in what was gonna happen next here.

Sweetie Belle: AAaahhhhhhh….AAahhhhaaahhhaaaahhhh!

The very gentle, angelic voice sung was soon heard from Sweetie Belle, but within the emerald glowing cyclone, a glowing orb was seen within her throat; it was her voice.

Sweetie Bele: AAaaahhhhhhaaahhhhh….AAahhhhhaaaahhhhaaahhhh!

"Yes….Continue To SIIiiinnnggg!" Demona raised up her arms and hands in ordering the filly continue to sing her voice now. As the harmonic song was heard, Demona's movement caused the mist claw hands to move a bit…towards the singer as a second wave of the singing is heard.

Sweetie Belle: HAaauhhh-HUaaahh-AAaahhhh….AAahhhhaaahhhaaaahhh!

As Sweetie Belle continued to sing, she almost hesitated by the mist hands almost coming to her, she felt scared of doing this, but… She did not stop singing, as she let the event happened that the one mist hand went into her mouth as she élan back from it. The two other CMC were looking shock and scared, but that was nothing compared to what came next…

Sweetie Belle's voice: WAaaaughh-Aaahhaaaahhhh….Waaaugh-Aaahh-AAaahhhaaahhaaahhhh!

Then out of nowhere, the mist claw hand came out of Sweetie Belle's mouth, and took the glowing orb from her throat. But then to many shock eyes, the glowing sphere orb was signing the filly's voice, as Sweetie Belle gasp (silent by the way) with her hooves to her throat, as the mist claws held her voice that sang without her doing so; what sorcery.

Sweetie Belle's voice: AAaahhhaaahhhAAAAaahhhh….

Soon the mist hands were taking the glowing orb that sang with Sweetie Belle's voice away. "FRsuusfruvhmm…" Soon the mist and the filly's voice was sucked into a crystal ball that shown light of what was seal inside, as Demona held it with what was maniacal intention of use…for such a voice.

And now the deal…is now made: one voice for the freedom of the pirates. Was it worth it, that…remains to be seen…?

"Hahahahahaahahahhh…." Suddenly, Demona begins to unleash a strange cackle sound almost like…she's evil.

"BREAKFrisvhhmmm…" Suddenly, the magic box cage that trapped the pirates was completely shattered, the Sparrow Crew and their captain were free.

"WHAh-HAah-HAhHahHahHahHaaahh…." Demona continues to let off her soon becoming a sinister cackle noise as the entire room began to rupture a glowing red feeling.

"Oh dear me, oh yippy-mind!" Bones gasp in watching this horrible scenery take place.

"She gone has the voice?" Sharky yelps off in what they be seeing, Sweetie Belle's voice be taken.

"We need to retrieve it?" Lightning Flash shouted out in what they have to do here, but…

"POWfruvhmmm…POWfruvhmmm…." Then bursting underground geysers of fire and lava shot off from below the structure. "Eeeekkk?" Apple Bloom & Scootaloo screamed in terror to shield themselves.

"HAH-HAH-HAhahahHAaahhh…." Demona's wicked laughter continues while the entire area is rupturing and breaking apart; this whole fort will be destroyed by lava soon.

"Forget her mates, this place is about to blow if we don't regroup, now!" SparrowJack order out that they need to escape now while they still can.

"Curse in Crocodiles! We've been deceived?" Victor Krieg cursed in seeing what was happening here.

"Save wantin' payback later mate!" CrisisCross grab his pal to pull back as there was nothing left for them to do now.

"WHAH-HAH-HAhHahHahHahaaaahhh…." Demona lets off her evil laughter while Sweetie Belle who tries to run to her friends, is swept off by Lightning Flash.

Then SparrowJack grabs Scootaloo & Apple Bloom before they are soon flying off with Jack the Monkey with them. Sharky & Bones used their magic to levitate Victor Krieg & CrisisCross while Lightning Flash &Khazim flew upwards by their wings to the ceiling.

"WHAH-HAH-HAhHahHahHahHaaaahhhh…." Demona is heard laughing maniacally while General Ogun & the Katastrophy Brothers come out near the mistress, as they watch the fleeing pirates escape upwards to the ceiling. "WHAH-HAAAH-Hahaahhaaaahhh!" That last evil laughter of Demona is heard as those escaping are dodging falling debris to almost reach the top.

"Khazim, need ya ta blow an opening here lad?" SparrowJack issued an order for his main

"TASTE SOME OF THESE!" Khazim shouted out in preparing his cannons to take aim here. "BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM!/BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOMvhmm…." He fired off his cannons that all blew up a large enough hole in the ceiling and cleared away any falling debris.

"KURPOWWFruvhmmm…KABOOMFruvhhmmm…." Soon the scene shows outside the Cabal Fortress, as those that flew or hovered out escape, and just in the nick of time of more flowing lava. As the dramatic music was coming to a close, the pirates sign in relief, they somehow managed to escape that seriously close call. But as they all slowly begin to head back to the ship, they knew...they have to tell everyone of what happened, including a tragic moment for one filly that made a difficult choice.

---

Back On The Black Pearl

Soon off sight of the erupting volcano, those on the pirate ship watch as the island along with Cabal Fortress gave covered in lava and burn anything else that got in it's path. The Mane Six along with a few of the other pirates return to the ship, and were worried if the others that haven't made it back are okay. For the moment, hope seem pretty far away for many until….something was seen flying & magically hovering while either of them were carrying a few extras for the ride.

"Look! There they are!" Roxas shouted out in seeing their captain and friends returning.

"Hooray!" The pirate crew cheered with smiles and joy, their pals managed to make it out of there.

Soon everyone gathered around a landing spot on the ship where those that managed to escape certain doom landed, tired and almost out of breath. Much of the pirate crew were glad their mates were safe, but the Mane Six were more happier that the CMC were safely out of being burn to a toast by a volcano.

"Hooray! You're okay!" Pinkie Pie cheered in seeing this, the group are safe.

"We thought ye were goners?" Applejack stated in what they thought happen to this bunch.

"I had a feeling you fillies be fine." Rainbow Dash spoke when she & AJ hug or gave noggins to Appel Bloom & Scootaloo.

"Oh Sweetie Belle, I was so worried? What do you have to say for yourself?" Rarity spoke to hug her sister for joy, but act firm in what such close dangers Sweetie Belle was in.

Right there, there was a pause in which Sweetie Belle's smile turn to a sad face to look away from her sister. This made those that don't know what happened back in Cabal Fortress be puzzled & confused, what was with the silence; could something have happened. Only those that were last to get off the island would know that answer, and even they aren't happy about remembering it.

"Well come now, don't be shy like Fluttershy? Say something? Anything at all?" Rarity asked off in starting to not like this silence, it was making her uncomfy and worry.

"Oh dear, maybe she's hurt and doesn't wanna say so? I've been there before?" Fluttershy spoke in feeling like something was wrong that Sweetie Belle can't say.

"Darling, what's wrong? Come on, you can tell me, I won't be mad?" Rarity asked to lean to her sister to ask what was wrong, she just wants to help is all.

"You might wanna not bother asking." Lightning Flash pointed out the matter that it's best not to ask the question now.

"Why? Is it something she can't or won't tell?" Rarity asked off sternly over the issue of her sister's well being.

"It's a matter of being unable ta say even a peep." CrisisCross pointed off with a stern fcae in the matter.

"We all survived thanks to her, but something happened that we weren't prepared." Victor Krieg stated the claim with an unpleasant frown face.

"Wha-wha…what happened? Did she swallow too much smoke from the lava fire?" Spike asked in thinking that is why Sweetie Belle isn't talking.

"Worse then that mate." Sharky stated in what happened was more then that.

"Ayer, she lost her voice!" Bones nods with a worried face to state what happened.

"Oh really, if that's the case, then a little medicine or spell may just." Twilight stated off that if that's a case, they can help the filly out; why make such a fuss.

"Won't work." SparrowJack spoke to approach the spot in getting the floor's attention here. "Some Sea-Witch broke us free of a trap, and the price fer freein' us…was her voice." He stated in looking to Sweetie Belle that was now mute. "Now the lass can't even sing much less speak." He pointed out the hardcore fact, the filly gave up something important to save them.

The Mane Six gang & Spike gasped in shock and saw from Apple Bloom & Scootaloo's sad faces, look to Sweetie Belle who seem the most blue. She tried to speak, but no words came out of her mouth, she was truly mute without a voice. Many felt sadden that the poor filly gave up something like that, so that others could be saved from perishing.

"Uukee-eek-eeek?" Jack the Monkey spoke to sound sadden over this.

"Oh man, we're sorry to here that, captain sir? If I was there to help you, then…?" Roxas moans to groan in hearing this, if he was with his group, he could have done something.

"No lad, if ye saved us, who find & rescue the older lasses. Some fella set us up, so that they try to swipe this last key location we found." SparrowJack patted Roxas on his shoulder to ease him up, this was not his fault, they were fooled into being separated and trapped they set foot on the island.

"Captain, unfortunately, we have more bad news?" Wilson Ramon spoke in giving some upsetting news to his captain here. "Some Scallywag snuck pass our security and swipe the three keys!" He informed the captain of the lose of the three Serpent Keys they gotten.

This caused much of the others to feel concern, all that work and one foe swipe their treasure under their noses. After all that hard work getting them, someone came and snatch it away.

"Hmmm? Well that's gone and made things a little more grim?" SparrowJack spoke off in not liking the sounds of this, not a little bit. "But, on two bright notes; A, we still have the last Serpent Key. And B, I thought this might happened, so if they are gone, we'll follow my compass that will direct us to where I desire." He showed the North Serpent Key in stating it's not a complete lost and they'll find who stole from them.

"Not a bad idea, the enemy doesn't know about what we have can find the keys. But what if they put an anti-block spell?" Professor Righteous responded in having heard what his captain performed, but question it too.

"I slip in a spell on the keys that if they got stolen, simply put a finding spell on this key to glow when we got nearer them." SparrowJack showed the key he had and that with it, it glows when they are near the other three sibling key pairs.

"Ye truly are full of surprises, captain." Professor Righteous responded in seeing his captain is a clever pony indeed.

"Well, I might have done much, but not enough apparently?" SparrowJack sadly stated while looking to Sweetie Belle who Rarity hugs in grief over what happened to the filly. "Can ya take care of her, professor?" He asked a favor of the one who knows how to treat patients.

"Of course, this way Sweetie Belle." Professor Righteous nods in understanding the message, and requested that Rarity let him treat her sister.

Soon Sweetie Belle was taken away by a few pirate mates to be helped out by the professor.

"Will she be okay?" Apple Bloom asked the captain a question.

"Can we even help her?" Scootaloo asked if there was anything they can do.

"Professor Righteous is a smart stallion, he'll try to do his best." SparrowJack tried to put off a smile to calm the worrying fillies. "As fer the rest of yah, lets track down the thieving crook!" SparrowJack looked to his crew and gave a stern order to track down whoever stole fro them and get it back.

"AYE!" The crew roared out out as they scatter to begin working. Course Twilight out of the Mane Six looks shock, after what happened to Sweetie Belle, are the pirates still so lock on getting the keys then a filly's voice.

"Mister…." Twilight was about to scold him off for what he's doing, but…

"Miss. Sparkle, don't worry. After this, we'll try to help the wee lass out." SparrowJack responded in cutting her off with this small, but softly kind gentle voice of reason. "After we take back the keys, we'll find the one that took her voice fer our freedom. No pony should lose something that makes them feel…free." He explained the manner that what happened was like losing one's own freedom of what they had to someone else, and he'll make up for it somehow…

"Oh…I um…thank you?" Twilight suddenly felt stun, and….kinda guilty, the captain could tell they had much lost today, even one that affected a pony's life; maybe there's a decent good hearted stallion in him after all.

"Mr. StoneGibbs." SparrowJack walks up to his navigator to silently whisper this to him. "Later on, ask the professor to find out whatever he can on who this Demona character is? Sea Witch or anything?" He wants any intel about who they just meant, as this Demona was no ordinary or average day joe; she's something to be concern for.

"Aye captain, I'll get right on it!" StoneGibbs softly nods in hearing the order and will get to it.

Once StoneGibbs left to inform the professor, the captain walks up to the steering wheel.

"Brother, looks like we gotten in another fine mess of trouble? But what can ye do when trouble follows ya anywhere in the world?" SparrowJack signed to say in feeling like this was one of those troublesome bad days one never seems to go on without. "That's the telling of life? C'est la vie…" The captain shrug off his shoulders in feeling like this was just one of those things you have to handle in life.

Then with that, SparrowJack takes the wheel, the anchor was raised and the Black Pearl took off sailing before it magically flew. The next adventure they shall be doing, is making up time to get to the bottom of this mysterious caper, and get back what was taken: the three Serpent Keys & Sweetie Belle's voice. Captain SparrowJack won't be settling for second place, that's not his style, as he sails off towards a setting sun…and the next adventure pass it.

---

VISION NOTE: The blues song Pinkie sings was inspired from seeing Genie from Disney's Aladdin episode where the guy was singing the blues when he felt dump by female genie named Eden.

The song used is my own mix of Ursulu's Song from the Little Mermaid film.

Now the adventure of this VISION really starting to come around. As you can bet, the VISION-KING has gone and made a surprising story indeed. Now what will happen in the next one, can be anyone's guess? But it will involve that the gang are off to retrieve what was stolen from them, the Serpent Keys. There will be a fight where many of the villains seen or not make an appearance, and we'll IN-VISION it all right here when that time comes. But will it also be the moment Sweetie Belle gets her voice back….that is another question best left somewhere in the future chapters. So till then, do enjoy the story work….