That night Celina managed to slip around Thomas without waking him up. If she wanted a chance to find out any information it would have to be now. But she'd have to make it quick. Thomas was an early riser, a very early one at that. She wouldn't have much time to waste.

With all her years of sneaking around it was easy for her to get off the ship without anyone noticing. For now she'd have to sneak into town and hopefully buy some information.

While she walked down the port she quickly purchased a cloak at one of the few stores that were still open at this hour and tied it around her shoulders, propping up the hood over her face. Then she disappeared into one of the taverns.

Out on the pier there was not a sound within range, one would have never been able to guess how loud and rambunctious it was inside the bar. Not a head turned her way when she entered. But that still didn't mean she didn't have to be careful.

" What can I get to drink for you miss?" The bartender asked.
" Actually it's not a drink I'm interested in," She trailed off as she held up a coin between her fingers. He looked around then allowed her to drop the money into his hands.

" What is it you want to know?"

" The Sirius, what do you know about them?"

His eyes widened in shock." The Sirius? You best stay away from them, especially a delicate little thing like you."

" Perhaps," She tilted her head to the side." Or perhaps not."
" What are you going to get yourself into?" The man scowled.

" I do believe that is my business. Now I paid you the coin, I suggest I get my money's worth."


The only thing that Celina left with was the simple information of their rules. Protect Women and Children, never leave a mate behind and learn how to handle your rum. It seemed to be the only possible bit of information that seemed to lead onto something. Yet as she stepped back onto the deck she couldn't help but shiver as a wind flapped back her cloak. Why did it feel as if she were doing something she'd just didn't have the strength to do?

" Miss Celina?"
She felt herself jump. What was wrong with her? She was never caught off guard!

" Oh Thomas, you startled me." She spoke as she covered her heart.

" What are you doing up this early? And where did you get the cape?" He asked as he stepped forward. No, she couldn't let him get near her. He'd break her even more.

" I was cold so I went into town to buy one before we left." She lied. The words stung her as they left her lips. What was he doing to her?

" I would have gotten you one Miss Celina." He smiled.

" Oh, that's very kind of you. Why are you up this early?"

" I was actually going to buy something before we left as well, seeing how we didn't have the chance to yesterday. Would you like to join me?"

" Won't you get in trouble for leaving?"
" As long as we make it quick. By the time we get there the shop should be open."

Celina paused, something telling her not to go. Yet she forced herself to move and followed him back into town.


Celina watched the sun rise while Thomas finished buying whatever he needed to. That was one thing she always took time to do when she had the chance, sit on a roof and watch the sunrise.

" Miss Celina would you like to see what I bought?"
Celina turned and saw him hiding something behind his back.
" Sure."

Thomas fumbled slightly then brought his hand from behind his back. Celina found herself taken back at the sight of them. They were beautiful.

" Why did you-"
" Your flowers got destroyed back on the pier. You said it wasn't a big deal but it still bothered me. " He held them out more," Beautiful flowers for a beautiful woman."
Celina's cheeks flushed when he had turned her words and used them towards her. She hadn't been lying, he was a beautiful pirate.

She took the flowers gently from his hand, letting her fingertips graze the petals. She couldn't stop herself from lowering her nose to them, partially to enjoy the scent and partially to hide her cheeks.

" No one has ever done this for me before." She admitted. Thomas stood looking at his feet nervously.

" W-we should head back to the ship before the others notice we are gone."

" Yes, we should."
As they walked back to the ship Celina knew she would have to make her mind up soon. It wouldn't be fair to Thomas, to make him trust her only to be betrayed. Not when he was such a kind man.


The wind snapped at Celina's cloak as the wind whipped around her. This was a storm that they couldn't avoid no matter how much they tried. She had been on quite a few ships in her time, but non had been through a storm that looked as nasty as this one. She'd have to watch her steps.

" Everyone lets get inside. We've done all we can do to -"
A sound of a cannon flying past them silenced Morgan's words.
" What in the world?" Celina gasped.
" It's the Rika!" Russell cried. So this was the famous Rika she had been told about.

" Miss Celina please take cover!" Thomas cried as he drew his sword. Celina faltered. She couldn't leave them to fend for themselves but she couldn't let her cover be blown. But as she watched the men come over one by one her mind had been made up. In a swift movement she raised her skirt and drew her cutlasses. Maybe she in over her head, letting the one chance to let the Sirius be destroyed slipping through her fingers, but she couldn't let them go down. Not like this.

She jumped at the first man she saw and fought him with ease. He had no chance against her. He swung down with all his might and Celina crossed her blades and stopped his swing. He pushed down harder but she wouldn't give up. She pushed up against him and broke his stance, kicking him in the chest and sending him tumbling over.

" Who is this? A new face?"

Thomas turned and saw Allen step up to her.

" No! Run Miss Celina!"

" Ah is she your woman? You chose this kid?" He questioned as he looked at her. He gave a shrug. " If it floats your boat."
" You leave her alone!" Thomas cried as Allen stepped forward. Arms wrapped around him, diverting his attention just long enough for him to miss her fight back.

Celina swung but Allen rose his foot, knocking both cutlasses from her hands. Celina growled and attacked with her fists, not daring to take the chance of loosing her sword as well.

" A feisty lass. I like it. Keep fighting and I'll strip you here and now." He grinned as he snatched her from around the waist.

" Captain Allen! The storm! We have to leave now!"

She heard him growl low in her ear. Who's ever annoying voice it was, she wasn't sure, but she was grateful for it. Taking the opening she slammed her heel into his toe then smacked the back of her head into his nose. Allen stumbled backward, giving her space to finish off with an elbow to the stomach. Once her final hit was done she quickly put space between the two of them.

" You got lucky this time, but next time you won't be as fortunate."
Somehow Celina knew he wasn't joking. While the rest of the men were busy dealing with the fleeing Rika she scooped up her cutlasses and sheathed them away while no one was looking. If there was a next time then she would definitely have to get a pair of trousers instead of these skirts. No matter what happens. She cursed at herself for not getting some while she had snuck out and got her cloak. Had it not been for luck she would have been taken to the ship just across the sea.