The predecessor of this story had 8 chapters so updates should be quick till I reach chapter 9

since this was a originally short chapter I combined it with chapter 3

As for why Fang is the Quartermaster I just see her enjoying barking orders at the crew and giving them crap if they're slacking off

again I do not own anything, will appreciate reviews

here's chapter 2

Recovery of the Blood Jewel

The sea was calm that day. Gentle waves rocked the steady ship, towards the port. Just to the side of the ship was a school of dolphins leisurely splashing and riding next to the enormous vessel, and sea gulls were squawking overhead the crew working on board.

Inside the lavish captain's cabin, Lelouch sat his chair, next to the window while on his bed laid his two Dalmatian dogs, Pongo and Perdita (Perdy) they were sound asleep. Lelouch was fiddling and twirling the necklace in his hand as he sat staring out into the ocean, deep in thought. Sunlight reflected off the smooth emerald surface, and created various colorful shapes through his cabin. As he twirled it around, the light danced around him. The dancing shapes seemed to move like the elegant but stiff ladies and lords that danced in the grand gala. All the dull boring people.

But there was one person who piqued his interest just like his quartermaster and wife, someone who made his blood burn. She was like the exquisite flowers that bloomed along the tropical coasts, and he wanted nothing but to take her for himself though those urges he was quite resistant to or else suffer his wife's wrath but still. There was a desire to conquer, to feel the rushing thrill as he defeated the woman, and yet…

He twirled the necklace again.

He didn't win. She had caught him just as well, and she had taken a souvenir with her. Lelouch smirked. To think that he was forced to call a tie by that seemingly harmless woman.

But no matter. Lelouch thought.

He would get his watch back (and perhaps it was safer in her hands ironically enough), and perhaps, he might just claim the intriguing treasure he uncovered.

There was a sharp knock.

"Who is it?" he asked.

"Talen sir." The man answered.

Lelouch sighed and pocketed the necklace. He opened the door and looked impatiently at his most trusted Argonian subordinate and friend.

"Yes, Talen?"

"The prisoner's up." He answered.

A malicious smirk spread through his face.

"Good, keep him occupied while I make myself presentable." Lelouch said.

"The quartermaster is already down there with him." Talen answered.

"Well guess I can't keep them waiting"

-0-0-0-

Glimmering eyes stared straight through her. Warm large hands gripped her waist and glided her towards him. He smelt of the sea, and the wind that guided the lofty but tied sails. He stole a kiss. He gave a mischievous smirk.

"Keep it safe for me kitten."

And he flew back into the ocean.

-0-

"M'lady?" Sayako asked.

Nel jolted from her daydream and smiled at the maid. "Yes Sayako?"

"You seem…distracted, is your hand hurting you?"

"Not at all Sayako, I was just thinking."

The maid nodded, "I see, it must have been rather exciting to fight against a pirate."

Nel laughed. "Yes it was rather thrilling."

"True, but best if we don't tell anyone else that."

Nel smiled ruefully into her cup, "Too true." She didn't mention the pocket watch hidden under her pillow. She had carefully snuck it into the pocket of her dress just before her father came and placed it under her pillow so her father wouldn't find or see it.

"Is there anything else today Sayako?" Nel asked.

"Yes, Lady Fenette and Lady Shirley will be calling in today." Sayako said as she handed the cream-colored letter to her. "They should arrive by noon if I'm not mistaken."

Nel took the letter and read it with a tight grimace. "Surely the dear ladies have better things to do, and have much more entertaining people around than me?" she said as she put the letter down.

"I'm afraid not m'lady." Sakayo said with a smile. "Besides I think its good practice. You rarely have anyone call on you."

With good reason too. Nel thought.

"And since your father ordered you to move as little as possible, having lunch and tea with Lady Fenette and Lady Shirley is the perfect way to keep you put."

Nel groaned and let her head fall on the paper in her hands. The soft crinkles didn't nearly satisfy her need to throw something.

-0-

At exactly noon, the ladies entered. Lady Fenette was a thin tall lady with a pointed face, pale skin, dark brown hair that was always decorated with fancy jewels and flowers, and cold pale eyes. Shirley, on the other hand, had bright carrot-colored hair, worn loosely in a bun today, a rounded oval face, bright eyes and a genial face.

As soon as the ladies entered the parlor, Shirley cried with delight and embraced Nel warmly. It was times like these that Nel found it hard to imagine that Lady Fenette could produce such a jovial compassionate woman. Of course, as Nel watched Lady Fenette frown disapprovingly over Shirley's shoulder, she was sure the dear lady often thought so as well.

Lady Fenette cleared her throat loudly, which caused Shirley to jump away and flush under her mother's pointed stare.

"Good evening Lady Nel." Lady Fenette greeted, "I apologize for the sudden visit. We were just worried for you after the awful incident last night."

Of course you are. Nel thought wryly, but she smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern Your Grace and it is no problem at all for you to call in and drop by for a little lunch. Please sit down, the cooks are almost done, and Sayako has prepared tea for us." Nel motioned to the empty seats on either side of her.

The Lady Fenette nodded, and Shirley eagerly took a seat next to Nel.

"Oh it must have been terrifying to be alone in the maze with those pirates all around you." Shirley immediately started as she grasped Nel's hand. Nel didn't tell her that it was the very hand Lelouch cut.

"Yes, it was rather foolish of you to go out alone into the maze." Lady Fenette said as she sipped on the tea Sayako set.

"I suppose it was." Nel returned evenly.

"Oh but I just couldn't believe that handsome man was actually a pirate. A captain no less!" Shirley exclaimed, "I've never known a pirate who looked as handsome as he was."

"Yes he was." Nel said absently as she sipped the tea.

"I'm sure you would know Lady Nel." Lady Fenette stated almost too nonchalantly, "you did dance with him if I'm not mistaken."

Shirley looked at Nel in awe and surprise. "You did?"

"It happened rather fast during the dance, there was an unexpected change of partners and we happened to be paired up." Nel quickly explained.

"Yes, you seemed rather close during the dance."

"I believe that is what happens when you dance."

Lady Fenette shot her an unimpressive glare. "True, but it was rather foolish of you to dance with the enemy, especially with such intimate gestures."

Oh you have no idea. Nel thought.

"If I recall, Madam, the guards were the ones who let him on the basis that he looked wealthy." Nel replied. She didn't mention the fact that the Fenette's hosted the party and were therefore partly responsible for the attack; however, the scarlet hue that seeped into Lady Fenette's cheeks showed that she read understood the implications behind Nel's words.

And that gave her great satisfaction.

"Well all that matters now is that you're alright." Shirley said a little loudly as she tried to dispel the tension. She patted Nel's hand and smiled at her warmly. "We were worried for you when we saw your father carry you up back to the manor. You were so disoriented, not that I blame you, that you didn't notice when Kallen, Milly, Anya and I rushed over to you. Gino went into a tizzy and swore to kill the pirates if he saw them again." Shirley giggled, "If I didn't know any better I would think he fancied you."

Nel smiled warmly, "Thank you for your concern Shirley, and I'm sorry I worried you."

Unfortunately the fleetingly jovial atmosphere was shattered when Lady Fenette "hrumphed," and asked when lunch would be served. No doubt the woman was composing a list of faults Nel had, and she was itching to share it with the other ladies. Nel turned to Sayako.

"Is lunch ready Sayako?" she asked.

"Yes, m'lady." Sakayo answered. "Shall I bring it out?"

"If you would."

Sayako bowed and headed towards the kitchens.

Lady Fenette lifted her chin up and sipped her tea delicately. "Well, nice to know that even here the servants know their place."

Nel bit her tongue and munched on her biscuit. It wasn't even ten minutes into the lunch and she was itching to throw a dish at the impossible woman.

Fortunately Sayako was prompt, and lunch was quickly set out, and conversation lessened as they ate.

"Hmm, I must say His Grace certainly brought the best ingredients." Lady Fenette commented. The first good comment Nel heard all day.

"Father only wants the best." Nel said, "It is much better for one's health, he always says."

Lady Fenette waved her hand flippantly, "I'm sure." She said. Then she took a sip of her tea and discreetly lifted her eyes towards Nel, "Although, you must have been pleased to hear that your father and yourself will be setting sail to England with us three days from now. I must admit while the vacation house here is nice, I much prefer the manor in England. Even after a nice vacation like this, it's always nice to go back home isn't it?"

Nel stilled and tried not to show her great surprise to the lady. She cleared her throat and looked at her with a passive countenance, "I'm afraid my father never said anything of the like."

Lady Fenette feigned shock, "Did he now?" she gasped. "Why I was sure he told you, especially when he came to our manor to tell us this."

"Again Madam, he never said such a thing to me."

Lady Fenette sniffed, a bit disappointed from Nel's lack of reaction, "Well I suppose it can't be helped." She said.

Nel paused and looked towards the infuriating woman, "Pardon?"

"Well it isn't as if you could do anything about it." Lady Fenette said. "You weren't properly educated after your mother died, so it would be impossible for you to oversee the packing and organizing.

"I'm sure my father has better reasons not to tell me than that flimsy response." Nel answered coldly.

"Perhaps." Lady Fenette stated, "So why then did he not tell you?"

"I was still resting when he left and did not wish to bother me."

Lady Fenette's eyes narrowed but she remained silent. Shirley shifted uncomfortable under the tense aura, and tried to make pleasant conversation.

("So…how's Arthur doing Nel?" "Doing well." "Oh…that's nice, very nice.").

Unfortunately, it flopped around awkwardly until there was only the soft clinks of silverware for the rest of lunch.

Lunch was cleared and Sayako brought out desert. Shirley, again, tried to make conversation ("The beach is very nice this time of year, perhaps we can swim later on?"), and just as Nel was agreeing ("That sounds nice since the beaches in England are always so cold.") Lady Fenette would interrupt and say a scalding comment ("And darken your skins? Do you want to look like lowly pheasants?").

Nel's patience thinned considerably during the awful lunch. Even Shirley's awkward attempts at a pleasant conversation were soured by the Lady. Just as the clock struck one, Sayako came in and announced that her father was back.

Lady Fenette put down her cup and stood, "Well look at the time, it appears that we must get going." She looked at Nel with her cold eyes, "It has been a pleasure Lady Nel, until the next time we meet."

"Indeed." Nel replied with a tight smile.

Shirley also stood and said, "Maybe we can meet again with the others before we leave, Milly's house of course." She said with a conspiratorial wink.

Nel chuckled, "Perhaps Shirley."

And they left just as elegantly as they came.

As the door clicked Nel sighed and slumped in her chair.

"Rough time?" Sayako asked.

"You have no idea." Nel answered.

"Well it builds character."

Nel groaned, "You got that from father."

"Of course." Sayako smiled. "He's a very wise man."

Nel hummed in agreement. There was a slight silence and then Nel asked, "Did you know we were leaving?"

"Yes, but he wanted to tell you when he came back since you were still resting."

"That's good to know."

Sayako turned and gave her a serious stare. "Don't let an ignorant cow like her put any ridiculous ideas in your head m'lady. You are just as prepared, and even more so, as any lady to take over and do your duties."

Nel sent her a grateful smile, "Thank you Sayako."

"My pleasure m'lady."

-0-0-

The prison hold was damp and smelled of sweat and urine. Inside the iron cage was a scrawny man with a thin shirt and ripped up trousers. Various cuts and bruises covered his face and exposed flesh. If not treated soon the man would die from infection. He was shivering in a dank corner of the cell when Lelouch entered; Fang turned to leave and she waked past Lelouch and she patted his shoulder as she left.

Lelouch pulled out a chair and sat down slowly as he observed the man.

"I see my men have treated you right." He said.

The prisoner's head shot up and looked up with fear as he saw the regal captain smirking viciously down on him.

"C-Captain S-Strife." He stuttered.

Lelouch nearly rolled his eyes at the pathetic display. "Yes, Tom, it is I the feared Captain Strife." He said with a mock air of superiority. "I see you haven't changed one bit."

"P-Please let me explain!" the man shouted desperately as he flung himself onto the iron bars.

Lelouch clucked his tongue distastefully and held up a hand before the quivering man could say more.

"Not another word, Tom. I already know everything."

"E-Everything?"

"Yes, my good man." Lelouch said, "Who do you take me for? A common criminal lord?"

Tom shook his head quickly. "O-Of course not."

Lelouch smirked. "Well I can see your flattery has never left you. Now, onto more important matter." Lelouch trailed off as he picked his sharp elongated nails. "Where is it?"

Tom was a brave man it seems as he tried to look confused. "I-I don't know what you mean Captain."

Lelouch waved a hand dismissively. "Nonsense of course you do. We just need to jog your memory a bit don't we?" Lelouch said as he eyed the various weapons hanging on the wall beside him.

Tom stiffened in fear as he watched the captain sweep across the floor to the wall with the various torture devices.

"You know, I find that pain is an excellent way to jog people's memories don't you think though I don't quite like torture unlike some people?" Lelouch said as he took down a thick long piece of wood with nails protruding out of the surface.

Tom spluttered fearfully as Lelouch edged closer to him, "W-Wait I remember."

Lelouch stopped and smiled, "Do you?"

"Y-Yes, the village." Tom said. "The village right next to the port, they know. The elder knows."

Lelouch had a thoughtful look on his face, "Why didn't you get it?"

"I-I couldn't, I tried b-but I-I—" Tom shivered and fell on his hands and knees as he pleaded, "Please don't kill me."

Lelouch scoffed, "Please I wouldn't dirty my hands on the likes of you."

Tom looked relieved. "O-oh thank you captain thank you thank you…"

Lelouch frowned, "Oh I wouldn't thank me just yet."

"What do you mean?" Tom asked worried.

Lelouch drew out his pistol and shot Tom in the head. "With those wounds you wouldn't have lasted very long even if they were tended too so I made an acceptation" Lelouch said as he holstered his pistol after the mercy killing and he began to leave the brig. "We shall see each other in hell, Tom." And he strode up the ship to the deck where his crew was awaiting his orders as he saw his wife amongst them as she walked towards him.

"Dear are you alright?" She asked as she put her hand on his shoulder.

"Yes Tifa I'm fine" He said smiling a bit.

"I'm guessing Tom's gone now" She said.

"He wouldn't have survived if we let him go better to end it now then suffer" Lelouch said looking at the setting sun.

"It just shows that you're not cold hearted that people believe you to be that you care" she said smiling at him glad he showed Tom mercy.

Lelouch was about to say something when Fang interrupted the moment. "Where our heading captain" She asked.

"Take us to the village" He said knowing they knew where he meant.

A few days past and the Pearl reached her destination. The port was always bustling with activity. Dark skinned men were herded around like pack animals, carrying various crates and items for departing ships. Sailors walked about as they gathered personal supplies for their journey on the sea. In the dark corners of the port were old decrypt sailors that hung around the taverns, who drank their fill of rum and then shouted off stories of old legends of the sea. The mermaids, sea monsters, Alexander's lost treasure and the like.

In this hustle and bustle, it was easy for Lelouch to slip through and head towards the villages on the outskirts of the main port.

As Lelouch came closer to the village, the path became a slim patch of naked dirt in the grassy field, a well-worn road created from the various people that traveled through. Once he arrived at the entrance, the villagers eyed him warily, some of the younger men looked ready to club him to death if it weren't for the elders holding them back and shaking their heads.

Lelouch

Paid them no mind, and walked onward until he stopped in front of an old man, stooped over and whittling small exotic animals out of wood.

"Greetings." Lelouch said in their native tongue.

The man stopped and looked up. His dark eyes carefully took the pirate's appearance.

"You're not a soldier. A pillager?" The old man said.

"I prefer profiteer." Lelouch answered.

The old man barked with laughter. "Of course not, you seemed more refined than a mere pillager." He said as he stroked his white beard. "What do you need?"

"A jewel."

"There are hardly any precious jewels here."

"No, but there was one. One that was as red as blood."

The man stiffened.

Lelouch smirked, "So you know of it?"

"If you want it I don't have it."

"If I wanted it I'd have burned down this village and taken it."

The elder didn't flinch. "So it seems." He mused. "What do you want to know about the gem?" he asked.

"Who took it?"

"A white man."

"I have no doubt."

The elder ignored him and continued, "With crazed pale eyes and orange hair." The elder looked down darkly, "He killed many of my people."

"Yes, he's known for doing that." Lelouch said. "Was there another?"

"Yes, he arrived first, but then left as soon as he saw the man approach."

"I see."

The old man looked at him knowingly, "You be careful." He warned. "Only misery comes from the jewel."

"I'll take my chances." Lelouch answered.

"Brave words for a man."

Lelouch smirked darkly, "Only those who aren't afraid to have their bodies shredded and their souls cast into eternal damnation are able to conquer this world."

The old man paused and looked directly into Lelouch's eyes. He kept his gaze for a few moments then he nodded and looked away.

Lelouch smiled and bowed dramatically. "Thank you sir."

-0-0-

Dinner was a quiet affair. Her father asked how the luncheon went ("I assume she was her ever pleasant self?"), and Nel answered, ("Of course."). They chatted about the upcoming departure ("We'll be on the same ship as the Fenette's." "Pity."). And after the scrumptious meal, Nevelle retired to his chambers since he needed to be at the port early in the morning. Nel finished a letter to placate a much frazzled Gino, and made a note to send it off the next morning. When clock struck eight, and Nel went to her room.

As she strode across the room, she paused in front of her bed. With an exasperate sigh, she swiped the cool watch from her pillow and walked to the bay window. Dark waves rolled across the shore under the quiet moonless night. With the almost serene view, it seemed that the other night was a passing nightmare, but the watch she twisted around in her hand reminded her otherwise. The pirate was real, and the absence of her mother's precious necklace (and presence of the watch), was just another annoying reminder that the scoundrel still has it locked deep in his treasure room.

But though she loathed to admit it, the pirate struck something in her. He didn't scoff at her challenge (merely teased her lightly), and he didn't look down on her because she was a woman, but because she was an aristocrat (not that she blamed him). When they clashed blades he kept nothing back (as the kiss obviously suggested), and he had looked at her like a fellow warrior (as much of a warrior as a sly pirate can be).

As she twirled the watch around, a thought struck her.

Perhaps she was just tired, and drained from the course of the day that her usual mental inhibitions were dropped. Or maybe because the man was a lousy arrogant pirate that she just wanted to spite the man and wipe the smug smirk off his face. And then there was the other—most plausible—idea that all the events of yesterday and today were starting to take a toll on her mind and driving her just a little loony.

Because there was really no other explanation why she thought the damned pirate could possible care (and actually be horrified) by the fact that she opened the pocket watch.

But for whatever reason she did, and with a (very misplaced) triumphant smile, she clicked it open.

And not surprisingly nothing happened.

Nel sighed and slumped against the window. There wasn't anything too out of the ordinary, until she spotted a faded sketch on the other side. In the darkened corner of her room, it was hard to tell what exactly the picture was. Nel could only make out an obscure figure; so she went over to her desk and held it under the candlelight. The faded lines became clearer under the light and Nel could make out the faded sketch of a large family she saw a familiar looking person on there a young boy with black hair and blue eyes she immediately knew that it was the very pirate who stole her mother's necklace yet she smiled so serenely that it was hard to believe that she was unhappy with her situation.

Nel reverently touched the boy and traced over the faded lines. Even though it was old and yellowed Nel could still see that the artist held her in high regard. The detail of her hair and the careful soft strokes of face embodied this young woman perfectly and showed the serenity within her young body. Nel wondered briefly if she would ever meet this gentle looking woman. This woman seemed to bring peace and happiness to the people around her, and Nel wondered if that was the reason why the pirate kept the picture here.

-0-0-

The sea breeze was crisp and fresh as the grand HMS Erasmus set sail to England early in the morning. White sails unfurled and large anchor was drawn. The mighty vessel sailed forward to the open sea with two other ships by her side to protect her from any attack, especially from any stray pirate.

As the men worked on the deck, Nel stood in the stern near the very back of the ship so she wouldn't be in the way. She watched the men run about the deck yelling and talking about the riggings and masts, and other ship terms she didn't quite understand. The past three days were a blur of packing and servants rushing about, and it was nice now to have some peace as she watched the ship sail past the jagged cliffs and the hanging decaying bodies of pirates. A gruesome warning to men who try to pillage England's colony.

Not that it helped too much.

It just attracted the bigger fiercer pirates to the area.

"We hung those pirates alive up there." A gruff oily voice said proudly.

Nel tried not to shiver in disgust at the blatant barbarism, as she turned to the smirking Vampire Knight.

"That seems rather cruel Lord Bradley. Even pirates deserve some sense of mercy, they are human after all." Nel replied coolly.

Surprisingly the cruel knight he threw his head back and laughed loudly. Once he stopped and wiped a stray tear of laughter, his pale eyes gleamed as he looked down on the petite brunette.

"You are truly amusing Lady Nel." He chuckled.

"Clearly you think so." She answered.

Lord Bradley smiled widely, which showed off his rather pointed canines (it made Nel wonder if the rumors were true), and grasped her hand.

"You are a rare jewel Lady Nel." He said and placed a kiss on her hand.

Nel grimaced and put on a strained smile. "You are too kind Lord Bradley."

He merely flashed a wide smirk. "Oh I don't really think so." He answered with a vicious gleam in his eyes.

There was a loud call from Dalton and Bradley gave her an (what seemed to be a pseudo-apologetic) smirk, "As much as I love talking with you, it seems as though I must depart."

Nel gave him a neutral smile, "Quite alright Lord Bradley, duty calls." Not that he had a sense of duty, just uncontrolled bloodlust.

He flashed another vampiric smile and went off.

As soon as the man was lost in the sea of sailors Nel let out a sigh of relief and leaned against the railing of the stern. Luciano Bradley was a prized lieutenant in His Majesties navy, and earned the nickname Vampire Knight amongst his peers for his insatiable bloodlust and brutality in battle. It was probably the reason why he hadn't been promoted yet. Not that the man seemed to care.

Nel wanted nothing to do with a man like that. It was just unfortunate that he seemed to take a fancy in her. She wondered if His majesty would mind if she killed the vampire knight.

She wiped her hand on the dress, and looked back on the cliffs and the sad rotting bodies swaying in the breeze. Pity swelled in her as she watched them wave at her. She always felt that the dead should be respected, even criminals, and to show off their rotting bodies like trophies left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Nel sighed and walked off; she couldn't stand the sight of sorry bodies waving at her.

-0-

It wasn't even a day, and Lady Fenette was already grating her nerves. She should have known the rocking ship was going to make the crabby woman even more unbearable.

Dinner was tiresome with her around, complaining about the food, her quarters and the "rough men" aboard. Worst of all, Lord Fenette just seemed to nod and agree like a passive sheep.

Nel no longer doubted who ruled the Fenette household.

"—pirates of course are the main menaces out there. Other than those uncouth colonists. Honestly, they complain over their petty taxes. They have no idea what taxes are—"

Nel sighed quietly and shifted her food around. Her father shot her a knowing look and asked casually, "Are you feeling all right my dear?"

Nel took the hint and silently thanked her father. She feigned a tired smile "Oh I'm just a bit tired Father, no need to worry about me."

Nevelle gave her a practiced worried look, "Why darling if you aren't feeling well you should retire."

"Oh but I would feel terrible it I left you so suddenly."

"Don't worry about it just get your rest."

Shirley nodded vigorously and took her hand, "If you aren't feeling well you should go to bed."

Lady Fenette sniffed disdainfully at her, "I agree with Lord Zelpher, a lady should mind her fragile health. I suggest you rest up for tomorrow."

Nel nodded slightly and forced a smile. "Thank you. If you excuse me then." She stood and went out of the captain's quarters.

Nel heaved a relieved sigh and walked up to the deck. The cool crisp sea breeze felt good after being confined in a stuffy room. Small waves rocked the ship slightly, and lulled her senses. She leaned against the railings and just stared out into the open ocean with the bright stars above her. There were hundreds of silver twinkling lights dotting the sky, and in the distance, she could see a small silver stream cutting across the sky and streaming into the open ocean. Whatever troubles ailed her just slipped away out here just marveling in the magnificent vastness that surrounded her. Here where, she could see the millions of lights above her and the ocean that seemed to reflect the same stars. When she looked up it seemed as though there was a vast ocean above and around her, and it awed her, humbled her with just the sheer vastness and beauty surrounding her.

And then it immediately went.

Bradley had sneaked up on her unexpectedly, and placed his large heavy hand on her shoulder. Nel jumped and whirled around with her hand immediately on her hidden blade.

She relaxed slightly when she saw Bradley's face, but the shadows dancing on his face made him appear more sinister.

Nel took in a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves, "Lord Bradley, what a surprise." She said a bit too hoarsely for her liking, "I thought you would be in bed by now."

Bradley shrugged nonchalantly, "I am out on patrol." He gave her one of his perturbing smirks and asked, "But I am curious why you're here. I assumed you would still be dining with the others."

"I just needed to get out and get some fresh air."

Bradley laughed roughly, "Ah yes, is that hag Fenette spewing her hot air around?"

She grudgingly had to chuckle at this, "Indeed she is."

"Shame, if only she wasn't a high ranking duchess." Bradley mused, "Perhaps it would be easier to off her."

Nel swallowed thickly. Normally she would brush off statements like these. Most people tended to exaggerate things, but with Bradley, he could very well be serious.

"I highly doubt violence is the answer to anything." She replied.

"Why not?" Bradley asked, "It worked well with the brown-skinned savages."

"You oppress them." Nel said bitterly.

Bradley shrugged her off, "Fear controls them well." He answered. "How else could Britannia maintain hold over these colonies?"

"And what about the American colonies?"

Bradley scoffed, "They're just ants. Mangy farmers with a ridiculous dream. They'll be easily subdued soon."

"You sound so sure of that."

He smiled widely "Because I am. An ant cannot defend or battle against a lion."

Nel chose not to answer and looked out to the dark sea once more.

"I suppose you haven't seen what wealth and beauty fear can give you." Bradley said.

He sounded as if he was talking to an ignorant child, and it grated her nerves. She steamed silently and chose to ignore the man.

Bradley either didn't care or expected her to do so. He merely looked at her with an amused grin one would give to a dog chasing his tail.

He reached into his pocket and took out a brown pouch with a rather large round object inside. He dipped his hand in and pulled out a breathtakingly beautiful red gem the color of blood.

Nel tried not to look too impressed, but she still felt her breath unwillingly catch in her throat as she stared at the jewel.

"Beautiful thing isn't it?" Bradley whispered.

"Yes."Nel answered. Even she, who didn't care much for jewels, could see that this was a beautiful gem.

Bradley smirked smugly and tucked it back into the pouch, "Took it from the village elder. He didn't even dare make a fuss." He turned the gem in his hands. "That's what fear brings. Bountiful treasure and riches."

"I find it hard to believe that you're in it for the treasures and riches." Nel retorted.

Bradley gave her a wide shark-like smile, "And what do you think I fight for?"

There was a mad glint in his eyes, and it seemed to pierce through her. It seemed that in the dim light and dark night, he turned into something else, or maybe he was merely showing his true colors. He wasn't a man with morals; it was hard to imagine that he was a man at all. His honor was smattered in the blood of hundreds, women, children, men. He didn't seem to distinguish from one to another, and he wasn't a man you could reason with, and it scared her. Because when he looked at her with his glinting pale eyes, she could see the insatiable bloodlust, and violence.

He seemed to move closer to her, and she felt herself press against the hard wooden rail. He moved like a staking predator closing in on his prey. Nel instinctively put her hand the hidden blade, ready to attack the man if need be.

Closer and closer, until she could smell his sweat, and watch the dark shadows consume his face, until only his glinting eyes pierced through. She never felt this trapped, nor scared of anyone before. But Bradley was less of a man and more of a monster.

He was mere inches from her face and his arms were on either side of her, trapping her.

He gave her a crooked smile and stroked her cheek, "You're a true beauty." He whispered and pressed his nose against her hair and inhaled deeply. "I could bring you riches, and glory. I can give you power over people, no one would dare trifle with my little wife after all."

Anger flared in her. His little wife? He would only see her as a possession, one of his treasures he obtained. Nel felt the anger boil and looked into his eyes with a burning determination flaring through her.

"I don't want power." She hissed angrily, "I don't want glory, and I certainly don't want to become your possession." She let out her sword and sliced through Bradley's face. He yelled and stumbled backwards with his hand on his face. Nel slipped out and ran towards the door to the cabin.

But a hand reached out and grabbed her ankle. Nel let out a surprised yell and slipped to the floor. She turned and saw Bradley smiling darkly at her. There was a thin line where her sword cut his face, and blood trickled down his face. His eyes gleamed with amusement and desire and licked his bloodied lips.

"I should have known Nevelle would have taught you a few tricks." He laughed gravelly and caressed her ankle. "No matter though." he said. "It'll be all the sweeter to break you."

Nel tried to kick the man and reach for her sword, but Bradley merely laughed at her feeble attempts and dragged her towards him.

"Don't worry sweetheart, it shouldn't hurt much." He chuckled.

Nel struggled and thrashed against his hold to gain some footing. Fear gripped her as he seemed to reel her in like a thrashing desperate fish.

His malicious smirk and gleaming eyes raked over her struggling form. He licked his lips and leaned in.

Out of nowhere a bright glow of orange engulfed the sky. There was a deafening roar and then the ship lurched to the side.

Bradley lost his balance and tumbled off of Nel. The bells rang through the ship, and sailors flooded out of the cabins. Nel frantically looked towards the source of the orange glow. The four companion ships were already ablaze and their sailors were desperately trying to get off the burning vessels.

And then she spotted it. Off to the side like a looming dark cloud, a black ship with her cannons ablaze running towards them, and her flag fluttering in the wind. A black flag with a skull and crossed swords and she saw that the ship was black all over and black sails, sails that are only known to be on one ship the legendary ship the Black Pearl.

She could feel a pair of strong arms hoist her up. She could hear a distant familiar voice calling her and guiding her towards the cabins. Off to the side she spotted the gleaming swords being drawn as a loud call rose up as if from the sea.

Nel jerked at the familiar battle cry.

Pirates. The same pirates that attacked during the party.

They flew into the ship, setting the sails ablaze and swept over the vessel like a dark shadow Argonians swam through the sea and jumped about with swords drown.

She blinked out of her daze and looked up to her worried father.

"Are you alright Nel?"

"Yes, I'm fine." She said. "The pirates—"

"Will be dealt with." Her father answered. "Hopefully." He added grimly. "If something happens, you get the Fenette's and get them to the lifeboats."

"But father I can help" She said.

"I know you can but I need you to keep our noncombatants safe" Her father said.

Nel nodded.

Nevelle smiled proudly, "That's my girl, now stay here in case they get past us."

And he went out into the fray.

From the small holes along the wall, she could see the flames burning the main sails and the masts, and the desperate sailors trying to douse the flames.

The other sailors were trying to cut off the flow of pirates coming at them, but with their numbers divided the pirates easily overwhelmed them.

Then, as if he just came out from the flames, a dark clothed man stepped onto the ship. His dark coat licked the edges of the flames, but they didn't catch fire. The sailors scrambled away from the dark demon as he drew his thin light sword from his belt.

His malicious smirk and glowing eyes.

Nel knew in an instant it was the same pirate that stole her mother's necklace.

-0-0-

Lelouch loved the way the sailors scrambled in fear of him. Then again Tifa and Fang always did say he had a thing for dramatics. But for now he watched as the sailors were divided and scrambling about. They were confused, none of them knew which was more important at the moment.

Just the way Lelouch liked it.

He glanced through the crowd and found Luciano Bradley swinging his sword about, not caring if it slashed through one of his fellow sailors.

Lelouch narrowed his eyes in disgust, most of his crew had suffered the hand of the Vampire Knight in the land of America when expanding land that was rightfully belonging to his crew's clan and family.

A man powerful man controlled only by bloodlust. A dangerous combination that Lelouch had no desire to confront. At least not now anyway.

Lelouch sliced through the crowd with his pistol at his hand, he gave the silent signal, and he watched two arrows embed into Luciano's shoulder.

The man howled in pain, and in this instant, Tifa jumped through the sailors and landed right in front of Luciano and delivered a series of swift punches to multiple places on his body. Lelouch vaguely saw a heavy bag drop in her hand and he smiled victoriously. It was done.

He whistled loudly, and the pirates suddenly surged out of the ship just as quickly as they invaded the vessels. With a dramatic bow, Lelouch grabbed onto a rope and swung into his ship. The Pearl set sail and disappeared into the dark night.

-0-0-

Admiral Dalton, was always one to be cool under the worst of circumstances, and seeing that two of his guard ships were burnt down and his ship's main sail was burnt to a crisp, and the mast was dangerously swaying, this was one of the worst crisis that he had ever seen. No thanks to that damned pirate.

Right now his men were fishing out any survivors from the other two ships, mending the injured, taking care of the dead, and trying to douse any remaining embers.

Nevelle was on his right, helping Commodore Tohdoh who was one of the lucky few who escaped the blasts with only some scratches.

"How did he get your ship?" Dalton asked.

"My guess is he planted pirates in my crew." Tohdoh sighed. "At night they started lighting the sails on fire and then the gunpowder."

Dalton nodded, "I see."

"I suppose we'll have to head back to a port? We're not that far off." Nevelle suggested.

"Yes, that would be good." Dalton said with a heavy sigh. "You should go check on your daughter."

Nevelle nodded graciously and started to go towards the cabin when Shirley came out with red puffy eyes and hysterically yelling about.

"Miss Fenette!" Nevelle exclaimed as she threw herself on him.

"Lord Zelpher it's horrible, I-I just can't imagine why it would happen, but—but—" she sobbed hysterically into his shirt.

Nevelle paled and his throat clenched uncomfortably. His stomach twisted with worry, and his mind raced through the possible situations. Was she hurt? Was she kidnapped? Or worse dead?

His heart clenched painfully at that thought, and tried to shake it off.

He placed his hand on her shoulder and looked down on her, "Calm yourself Miss Fenette; I can't understand you if you're blubbering like that. Now take deep breaths and tell me calmly."

Shirley managed to take two ragged shaky breaths before she broke into tears and yelled, "Nel's missing!"

Please review and if it's not obvious enough Pongo and Perdy are from 101 Dalmatians and they'd look like their old cartoon look from the movie