The past couple of weeks on the ship were uneventful, filled with work around the ship and Melody honing her skills as a sword fighter. With the wind being on their side, they had made it to their destination a day early. They all met in the Captain's quarters to discuss their plans for tomorrow.

Storm took a swig of rum before addressing her crew. "I know this job was meant for a bigger crew, but we'll have to make do with what we have; we always do anyways. We're a day early, so we have plenty of time to prepare. Thunder, Brawler, and I will head below deck to secure the jewels. Gunner and Skins will go on the offensive and cut down anyone that gets in the way. Blades will disable the ship to prevent it from pursuing while we make our escape. Matchstick and Doc will stay aboard running the cannons and taking on any that try to board this ship. Any questions?" Everyone shook their heads, feeling satisfied with the plan. "Good, then let's get everything ready. We have a busy day tomorrow."

"Um, Captain?" Skins had drifted away from the table and became focused on the horizon. "The English are supposed to be coming around sometime tomorrow, correct?"

"Yes, Skins. Were you not listening to anything I just said?"

"I'm sorry to say, I think your information might be off or they left early. Triple mast ship off the starboard bow."

Everyone went to the window and stared out, unable to see anything. Thunder grabbed her telescope and scanned the horizon. "She's right; the Commonwealth is early. Same plan, but we'll need to put a rush on it. Let's go!"

Everyone rushed out of the Captain's cabin and started to ready the ship for battle. Before she got too far, Melody grabbed Skins, "How did you see it? I keep looking out and still can't see it."

Skins smiled and tapped the side of her head near her eyes, "I've spent a lot of time in that crow's nest. You learn what to spot before it can spot you."

The cannons were loaded and set into place, the sails secured to protect them, and the boarding ropes were secured. Melody made her way next to Matchstick, "So it looks like you and me sailing into the bowels of hell together."

Matchstick slid on her gloves and tested them to ensure they sparked, "Right now, I wouldn't have it any other way."

They watched as the ship sailed closer to theirs. The English flag could be seen billowing atop its center mast. As Melody squinted, she could see men running around the deck, trying to figure out if the other ship was friend or foe. The flaps on the side of the ship lifted and cannons started to pop out, far more than their ship could ever dream to hold. Melody's nerve began to waiver as a sudden realization washed over her. In all of her years alive, she never took the opportunity to learn how to swim. The thought left her as she realized Thunder had stepped beside her and began to chuckle.

Thunder set her telescope down and turned to her sister with a smile, "They're sending us a signal. They say to avert our course or we will be deemed a threat and be fired upon."

Storm gave off a hearty laugh of her own, "Then I guess we should send our reply." Storm looked up at the crow's nest and yelled out, "Skins! Hoist the colors!" Skins gave off a salute and ducked down within the crow's nest. Soon after, a red flag was raised with a black skeleton with long flowing hair.

Melody gazed upon it in confusion. She had seen pirate flags in the past, but never a red one. "Why is the flag red," she mumbled aloud.

Brawler cracked her knuckles before answering. "It shows no mercy will be shown, and no quarter will be given."

"Can we stay here indefinitely? These are my kind of people."

Melody turned to see her counterpart dual wielding swords of her own, looking at the enemy ship with bated anticipation. She started to feel the ship lean and noticed they were heading directly at them. She was about to mention it when she saw Matchstick standing at the bow next to two long cannons. She placed her hands where the fuse would go and stood ready.

"On you orders Captain!"

Storm unsheathed her sword and pointed it at the Commonwealth. "FIRE!'

Matchstick snapped her fingers and the stillness of the air was shattered by the sound of the long nines. The balls could be followed by the stream of smoke trailing behind. Both balls made contact with the ship and three of its cannons were ripped from its side and plunged into the ocean. "Doc, get over here and give me a hand with reloading."

Melody rushed over and started loading one while Matchstick loaded the other. She knew the balls had weight to them, but never wrapped her head around it until she had to carry one under pressure. She was making sure it was set right when Matchstick yanked her away from the front of the gun.

"This isn't target practice. It doesn't have to be pretty, just be in." She snapped her fingers again and sent two more out; one missing while the other splintered the banister. "Reposition with the next round."

They got three more volleys before they were too close for the long nines to be effective, and ran to the side to prepare for the real assault. They lined up against the Commonwealth, and they could see sailors inside getting ready to fire their cannons. The only advantage on Melody's side was the size difference of the two ships. The majority of the Commonwealth's cannons were too high and would overshoot with how close they were.

Melody looked up in astonishment of its size, "If it's so tall, how are the others supposed to get on the ship.

"Fire at will, Matchstick!" The Captain stood next to the rest of the crew standing on the main mast, ready to swing.

"Ay ay, Captain." Matchstick ran across the line of cannons, snapping at each ignition hole. Just as she would move on to the next cannon, the one before it would erupt in fire. Gigantic holes would appear in the other ship's hull that once protected its crew. The Captain and others jumped from the mast and swung into the newly formed openings.

"Oh, I get it. Makes sense since the cargo is down below."

"Doc, focus!" Matchstick was starting to load the next volley as the Commonwealth started firing itself. Their shots slammed into the top of the pirate ship, some breaking through while others would skip off of the deck.

Melody got two cannons ready when she heard thunks behind her that sounded nothing like cannon balls. She turned and saw multiple people in military garb had boarded the pirate ship with swords drawn. Melody took a stance and stared them down. "Bring it!" They charged her all at once and swung wildly. It seemed they were dropping tactics because of their numbers. They quickly realized their mistake when Melody cut two of them down while deflecting the other. The remaining soldier looked on in horror at his fallen comrades and readjusted his stance, now knowing he had to use his training. Once they started to try, Melody found herself working for her win. She found herself enjoying it, as if it was a game. The man left an opening and Melody punched him with the hilt, knocking him down.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw another one with a sword running up behind Matchstick. Melody tried to warn her, but her voice was lost among the sounds of explosions and yelling. She looked down and saw a pistol sitting in one of the dead soldier's belt. She yanked it out and took aim, trying to remember everything Gunner taught her; she only prayed this time she wouldn't miss. She pulled the trigger and the gun erupted in a ball of fire. Time slowed for her as she watched the ball fly across the air. She wasn't sure if it would hit, and wished she had more time to aim. As if luck was on her side for once, the round struck the soldier, causing him to fall at Matchstick's side. Matchstick jumped at the sight and turned to see Melody still standing with the pistol pointed. Matchstick gave her a thumbs-up and went back to firing the cannons.

Melody was brought back to the fight when she felt a stinging pain in her ear. The soldier she had knocked to the ground had gotten back up and took a swing at her, only missing due to the rocking of the boat. Melody grabbed her ear and yelped in pain. She pulled her hand away and saw it covered in her own blood, making the rest inside her boil.

The soldier's face went from cockiness to shock as he watched her ear close the new gap and seal the wound, leaving a discolored mark. "What kind of unholy witch are you?"

"I am no witch." Melody plunged her sword into his chest and watched as his life faded from his eyes, "I'm just the product of a deal with one." She yanked it out and let him fall to the ground. For the first time, she took a look at her sword and saw it coated tip-to-hilt with blood. She had never taken a human life before, and in just a couple of minutes she had killed four. She had always been averse to killing, besides her mother, and used to feel sick over the idea of it happening; but now the only part that concerned her is how much she was okay with this. She was startled out of her trance when she heard something hit the deck behind her. She turned to see a plank spanning between the two ships with Thunder and Brawler carrying a trunk over it. Behind them was Storm holding a wounded Blades over her shoulder. Melody went to ask where the rest were when Skins and Gunner jumped off the other boat and landed on the ship.

"Unfurl the sails," Storm ordered. "We got what we came for; now let's get out of here!" The others ran up the masts to untie the sails as Storm brought Blades over to Melody. "Do your magic, Doc."

Melody rushed over and saw blood pouring out of a massive gash on Blades' arm. Melody started to take off her shirt when Blades chimed in.

"Gee, I know it's bad, but save the show for when I'm actually dying," Blades chortled.

"Stop talking, and stop giving me ideas." Melody wrapped her shirt around the upper part of Blades' arm and tied it off, trying to cut off the bleeding. "Do we have any needles and thread?"

"Do I look like a seamstress," Storm retorted.

Melody looked around and ran over to a nearby cannon to grab a handful of gunpowder. She tore a strip off Blades' shirt and laid it across the cut. "Matchstick, get over here." Melody poured a thin layer of gunpowder over the strip, "This is going to hurt a lot, but at least you won't be dead." Melody looked over at Matchstick, "Do your thing." Hesitant at first, Matchstick snapped her fingers near Blades' arm and lit the gunpowder. The patch became engulfed in flames and Blades let out a blood curdling scream. The flame quickly burned away and left a crudely cauterized wound.

"Captain, we have a problem," Skins could be seen pointing out past the stern. Everyone looked back and saw the Commonwealth begin to turn around. It started to fire its cannons on the non-damaged side. Due to the distance, they were in range of more of the cannons. Most still over shot, but pieces were starting to vaporize from the ship as the balls hit. "We'll be out of range soon of their side guns, but we'll never clear their long nines."

"I'm sorry, Captain. This is my fault." Blades sat up and leaned against the center mast. "You told me to disable the ship, but I couldn't get to the control before I was ambushed."

The Captain looked from her crew to her own ship and started to concoct a plan. "Carry a couple of cannons to the stern, we'll improvise."

"No can do Captain," Matchstick piped up. "We were limited on shots from the start. All we have left is ones for our long nines, and those are affixed to the front."

Storm grabbed her head and began to hyperventilate. Melody had seen that look in the past from others. Melody knew Storm to be very prideful, but she could see Storm was struggling with the idea that she may have lost.

Thunder laid her hand on her sister's shoulder to give her reassurance. "It's alright. We had a good run; our luck just ran out on this one."

"Don't worry Captain. No matter what, we're with you until the end." Gunner pulled two of her pistols out and cocked them, ready to fight until her dying breath.

Everyone else huddled around the Captain except for Melody. She stood at the stern looking at the English ship, the wheels in her head turning. "Hey Blades, where did you put that bow and arrow set?"

"It's behind my knife display, but why?"

"Because I have an idea." Melody ran below deck to the display and located the set. She remembered Blades had said she got it from a French ship, but what she had was an old English Longbow. Melody realized this was much better and grabbed the set and brought it back to the ship's stern.

"You mind explaining what's going on?" The Captain stood next to Melody with her arms folded.

"English ships keep their spare powder with easy access below deck, and after a fight like this, it is bound to be exposed."

"So what? And how do you know so much about English ships?"

Melody stammered, trying to think of a good answer, "Um, we had a lot come into port back in China. Got a few tours when making deliveries. Anyways, can I borrow some of your rum, Captain?" Storm pulled out her flask and handed it to Melody. Melody took it and doused the front of the arrow with it, Storm annoyed over the waste of rum. "Matchstick, can I get a light?" Melody drew the arrow back and Matchstick lit the arrow. She watched as the flame flicked in the wind, using it to judge the wind speed. She took one last look at the Commonwealth, adjusting for height and distance, before releasing the arrow. Everyone watched as it soared through the air and then disappeared below the Commonwealth's deck. A few seconds go by and still nothing happened.

Storm snorted and scoffed at Melody. "Nice job, Doc. That was a complete waste of-"

Storm was cut off by a gigantic explosion that ripped the Commonwealth in half. The blast was so strong that everyone aboard the pirate ship fell back in a daze. Pieces of wood showered down on them, some still engulfed in flames. Everyone sat up and watched as the Commonwealth started to sink below the depths. Those that were not killed in the blast either sank with the ship or struggled to grab anything that floated.

Melody looked on and watched as those that survived, waving and screaming for help. Part of her thought about asking to go back to help them, while another part of her remembered snuffing four of them and the damage they caused to her new family. A motion above her caught her attention and she looked up to see the pirate flag waving in the wind. "No mercy. No quarter." Melody turned and joined the rest of the crew celebrating their spoils, hoping the sounds of jubilee would drown the sounds of despair.

-o-O-o-

They carried up a table from below deck and sat around it as they celebrated under the stars. They piled the jewels on top and used them as the table's centerpiece. It wasn't long until most were too drunk to stand.

Gunner leaned over to Melody and wrapped her arm around her, "That was the coolest shot I had ever seen. I even heard you've become a crack shot overnight with a pistol." Matchstick winked at Melody and pointed at her with hand in the shape of a gun."

Melody took a drink and nodded, "Well, I did learn from the best." She reached into her belt and went to hand the pistol to Gunner. "I saved you one. It looks new and I don't think I've seen you with one yet."

Gunner shook her head and pushed the gun away. "Nah, you keep it," Gunner pulled her jacket to the side, "I grabbed the others before we tossed their former owners overboard."

Melody looked over to Blades who was once again readjusting the sling, "The next time we make port, I'll be sure to get some supplies to treat that properly. Best I can do now is treat the burn and keep it from getting agitated. Also, I put the bow and arrows back by your display case."

"You keep it. I was never any good with it, and it looked like you were made for it. As for the wound, I'm kind of enjoying it. The scar looks fierce and makes a great addition to my other scars."

"Stand up for me, Doc. That is, if you can." Thunder motioned for her to stand walking to the center of the deck. She unsheathed her sword and looked it over for any damage. "While we were taking the loot, I happened to get a glimpse of your sword fighting. It has greatly improved, but your opponents were mediocre at best. Time to show me what you're really made of."

Melody hopped out of her seat and took her sword out, making sure she cleaned all of the blood off. She approached and placed it up against Thunder's readied sword. "Alright, but don't cry to me when I beat you this time." Thunder replied with a smile and took a more aggressive stance. Just before the match began, their swords were pushed away by another blade. They looked over to see a stumbling Storm.

"Now sis, don't you think if we want to see Doc's true potential, she should fight with the very best? I don't doubt your abilities, but you know I'm the best fighter on the ship."

Thunder looked at Storm with concern in her eyes, but gave in with a sigh. "When you're right, you're right." Thunder sheathed her sword and stepped aside, "As you wish, Captain."

Melody looked between Storm and Thunder. "Captain, no offense, but you can barely stand. I don't think it would be fair to you unless you fought at your best." Melody yanked her head back at the last minute as a flash of steel rushed past her nose. It passed by so closely that she mistook the blast of air as the blade. She stumbled back and checked her nose, but found no blood. She recovered and lifted her sword just as Storm took another swing. The strike was hard and the vibrations could be felt in the handle while sparks showered around them. Everyone stood from their chairs but was halted by Thunder, even though worry flickered in her eyes. "Easy Captain, we're only just sparring."

"You might be sparing, but I'm playing for keeps." Melody's eyes went wide with fear. "That's right, I know exactly who you are." More swings and slashes were thrown, sparks showering dangerously close to the loose gunpowder. "You knew too much about my past without ever meeting." Storm swung as Melody ducked, the blade burying itself into the mast. Storm yanked it out and continued her advances. "You instantly knew how an English ship is designed and operates."

"I told you, I've toured English ships, among others, while working in China."

"Yes, you made that abundantly clear." Storm smacked the bottom of Melody's hand, causing Melody's sword to fly out and land feet behind her. "Then there's the expert use of an English Longbow. One of Mother's lovers had one, but was nowhere as good as you." Storm gave chase as Melody dove for her sword. She swung down as Melody held the sword by handle and blade as she lay on her back. Storm leaned in and pushed her weight down and closed the distance between themselves. "Then there is the way you spoke. It was faint, but when we got back from the boat, I could hear the slight hint of Estuary. Kind of hard to find in China since most ships coming in there makes port in Wales."

Melody thought about it for a moment, and realized Storm was right. Most that came in for trade either had a Welch or Cockney accent. Melody spent most of her time in the lower eastern portion of England. Those that came to port sounding like her were… "The Royal Navy," Melody whispered.

"Exactly," Storm stood up and plunged the tip down, Melody rolling out of the way just in time.

Melody stood up and took a defensive stance, "I don't know what you're getting at. Sure, I don't have a Chinese accent. I only spent a couple of years there. I came from another country entirely."

"No kidding." Storm raised her sword for an overhead swing. Melody raised her sword in anticipation to block.

"Storm, stop!" Thunder yelled out as she started to run towards them.

In the middle of her down swing, Storm twisted to handle in her hand to switch it from a swing to a thrust. Her sword slid past Melody's and plunged into her chest and straight through her heart and one of her lungs. Breathing became difficult with blood filling her lungs and throat. She looked down at Storm, but was unable to speak.

"Strange; the last Doc was an English spy too." She yanked the blade out and let Melody collapse to the floor. Storm took her sword and started to clean the blood off when she was slammed into the mast by Thunder.

"Are you insane! I have stood by you with every stupid idea and mistake you have ever made. But this has gone too far!"

Storm shoved Thunder off of her, "If you don't like the way I run my ship, then you can get off the next time we make port; but I'll be damned if I'll let a spy roam free upon my ship."

"Mother was always right about you. You are impulsive and reckless, and it would always lead to your downfall."

"Will you two quit it?!" Matchstick kneeled down beside Melody surrounded by the rest of the crew. She grabbed Melody's hand and squeezed it tightly. "Tell me how to help you. We can patch you up and you'd be right as rain." Melody tried to clear her throat but only coughed up more blood. Matchstick rested her head on the hand she was holding and began to cry. "Please, you can't leave now. You're the only one I can be myself around, and not just some swashbuckler."

Melody spat out the rest of the blood and ushered her to come closer. Melody's was weak and she could feel herself fading away, "It's going to be alright, Alice. Just promise me one thing," Matchstick nodded her head. "Don't freak out." With that, Melody went limp and her hand fell out of Matchstick's.

The crew's hearts filled with anger as they started to surround Storm. Thunder stepped aside to let her sister deal with this problem on her own. Storm raised her sword and stared them down. "So it's mutiny, is it? I'll have you all walk the plank for this."

Just before they pounced on the captain, they heard a gasp of air come from behind them. They all looked on in shock as Melody sat up and let out several coughs, trying to clear her throat and mouth of the excess blood. The sounds of metal hitting the deck got her attention and she looked up to see everyone with their mouths agape in terror. Melody wiped her mouth as she stood up. "So, I guess I have a bit of explaining to do."

-o-O-o-

They all sat in the Captain's quarters silently staring at Melody, still trying to decide if she was real or a ghost come back to haunt them. Melody adjusted herself in the chair and addressed Storm and Thunder, "So, where would you like me to start."

"The beginning is always a good place," Thunder answered.

Melody looked back at the rest of the crew who recoiled slightly at the gaze. "If that's the case, how much does the crew know about you and your past? Primarily, who…and what…your mother and her sisters are."

Thunder leaned on the table and clasped her hands together. "There are no secrets on this ship. They are well aware of our mother's uniqueness. The question now is, how do you know?"

Melody took a deep breath and let them know everything. She let them know that she was Sonata's first child and had made a deal with a goddess for eternal life after her death, at least until she had taken revenge on Sonata. She showed them the scars she obtained and told them that while she will always heal, a reminder will always be left in its place. She spoke of her marriages, her children, and the friends and enemies she made along the way. When she finished, she sat patiently as the rest tried to process the new information.

Matchstick was the first to respond. She stood up and walked slowly towards Melody, never removing her gaze. Melody stood up and faced her. Before she could speak, Matchstick smacked Melody hard across the face, almost knocking her down. "That was for lying to me all this time. And this," Matchstick wrapped her arms around Melody and buried her face into her chest as she hugged Melody, "is for not leaving me behind." Melody returned the hug and held her until they were interrupted by Thunder.

"This leaves me in a difficult position. I know I had said that we would take you to our mother, or at least close to it; but I'm afraid that was a bit of a lie. We needed crew, and you were willing to join without hesitation. It also helped that you were a doctor of some sorts. However, upon hearing this new information, I believe we should honor our word; especially seeing as we're family. That does leave us with a problem. The last we saw of them is when we left home in Portugal. Yet, we can't go back there since we're wanted for stealing this ship, and I can't believe they are still in the vicinity. I remember them saying something about wanting to revisit Paris a couple of years before our departure. But us going there is just as dangerous as making port at Portugal, and our ship is too large to get to the Mediterranean from the east. Best we can do is drop you off on the northern portion of the horn of Africa or somewhere in India."

"I've never been to Africa before, so that would give me more knowledge in medicine making." Melody felt Matchstick slightly squeeze Melody tighter. "On the other hand, I'd like to stay if you would have me. Like you said, there is no telling where they are. I can always try and pick them up again."

Everyone acknowledged and was on board instantly except for Storm, who sat looking over Melody. She walked around the table and came up to Melody. She took one last look up and down before extending her hand, "As long as there are no more secrets between us, I'll be happy to take you."

Melody took her hand and a switch flipped in her. A flash of a completely different person could be seen behind her eyes. She yanked Storm closer so she could whisper in Storm's ear, "If you ever pull a stunt like that again, I'll strap you to an anchor and watch you sink to the bottom of Davey Jones' Locker." Melody loosened her grip and the hatred that was once there vanished without a trace. Storm's face went pale and she skirted back behind the table.

-o-O-o-

Several years pass as they continued to plunder the seven seas. The crew grew and shrank as time passed, Matchstick being the last to leave in an unfortunate cannon explosion. This devastated Melody the most, shutting down for months; only coming out during ship attacks. She came back to her senses when word of Captain Storm leaving her post when she was forced to marry another pirate. With Storm gone, Thunder took over the position with Melody taking the spot of First Mate. It wasn't long until the ship consisted of just the two of them. Thunder had started to become tired of piracy and moved on to merchant transport.

Melody knocked on the door and stepped in, "Morning, Captain. Just letting you know the cargo is still intact and we should be making port by tomorrow."

"Hmm, thanks." Thunder was focused on a letter she received a week ago before they left Singapore.

Melody stepped in and closed the door. "Captain Thunder, I don't mean to impose, but you've been focused on that note since we left. Is something wrong?"

Thunder put the note down and looked solemnly at Melody. "How many times have I said you don't have to refer to me as 'Captain'? We are the only ones on this ship."

"Sorry, old habits die hard."

"As for the note, it's from Storm."

A smile rose on Melody's face, "Oh how nice. How is cousin Storm doing?"

"She's planning on killing her husband and wants me to take care of her son as she runs."

"Um, not what I was expecting. On the other hand, I can kind of see it." Melody took a seat across from Thunder, "But look at it this way, what better way to leave this life. It wasn't long after Storm left that you lost the thrill of piracy and switched to a life of smuggling. Now you can live a normal life, maybe even start a legitimate shipping business. With your life of piracy, you'd know what to defend from and faster routes."

A smile crossed Thunder's face; something Melody hadn't seen her do in months. "I guess you're right, it would be a new and more fulfilling experience." Her smile dropped when she looked back at Melody "But what does that mean for you?" Thunder thought for a second and an idea popped in her head, "I know, you can come work for me. We can turn it into a family business."

Melody held Thunder's hands and smirked. "While the idea is nice, won't it seem odd when I look younger than my second cousin or when I become the longest serving employee of the company? I appreciate the thought, but I believe it's time I get back to why I sailed with you in the first place."

"Is revenge really the best option in your life? The problem happened six hundred years ago. I bet she doesn't even remember who you are."

"Touching," Melody chuckled.

"You know what I mean. From all the stories you've told me, every time you searched for Aunt Sonata, misfortune followed you."

"And every time I abandoned it, misfortune followed others to put me back on track; Michael, Annchi, Match-," Melody's eyes turned solemnly to the floor, "I mean Alice."

Thunder sighed, "I know you two were close, but you have to stop blaming yourself for that. The cannons were old and were bound to fail. It was just unfortunate she was there when it did." Thunder leaned back in her chair, "So, where would you like to be dropped off?"

"Well, we did discuss the horn of Africa all those years back."

"That was also when we had to be careful where we went. Now I can ram this ship right into Lisbon and all I'd get is a fine for improper docking." The joke made them share a laugh.

"That is true, but Africa still sounds good. It's a place I've never been and I thought I'd check it out."

"If that's what you want, might I suggest the full African experience? I can drop you off at the Cape of Good Hope. It's at the southern end, and it seems fitting for a fresh start."

"But doesn't that put you off track to get to your nephew?"

"I have to round the southern tip of Africa anyways. It just takes an extra hour or two with making port rather than continuing on."

They agreed on the plan and within a couple of weeks pulled into the Cape of Good Hope. It wasn't a massive port, but it had a few ships and shops willing to trade goods, so it gave Thunder a chance to resupply for her trip to Spain.

"So, I guess this is where we part ways?" Melody shouldered her bag, careful not to get in the way of the quiver.

"It doesn't have to be. The offer still stands."

"As tempting as it sounds to continue to sail the high seas, I still believe it's time I set back on my mission." Melody reached in her bag and pulled out the pistol she pulled off the naval sailor years ago. "Would you mind holding on to this for me?"

Thunder took it in her hands and inspected it, "Isn't this the pistol Gunner let you have? It's still in pretty good condition for being almost a decade old."

"It is, but I can't foresee it being any use on my travels, and carrying gunpowder and shots will weigh down the pack. Keep it safe for me and hopefully I'll find a way to get it back in a couple hundred years."

"I'll be sure to have it passed down in the family until they find another Melody Charm." Thunder tucked it away and leaned in to give Melody a hug, "It's been a pleasure cousin."

"Likewise." Melody took one last look at the ship, "You going to be able to sail this thing all by your lonesome?"

Thunder put her hands on her hips, "Are you kidding me? I've been sailing ships long before I was your age." Melody smiled and cocked one of her eyebrows. "Okay, long before your perceived age."

Melody stepped off the ship and helped Thunder remove the mooring lines. She stayed on the docks until she could no longer see the ship beyond the horizon. She looked at the sign welcoming her to the Cape of Good Hope. "I hope you're right." She gave the sign a comforting pat before setting off through the new country.

-o-O-o-

Melody spent the rest of the 1600's adventuring through Africa, mainly staying around the Congo. She found plants she had never seen before due to the humid climate. She discovered everything from new medicines to the fastest acting poisons. Along her travels, she came across varying cultures and tribes; some welcomed her with open arms, while others tried their hardest to kill her. Her biggest struggle was when she found herself venturing across the Sahara. Not knowing how torturous it was, she misjudged her abilities and found herself in a constant state of dehydration on more than one occasion.

She eventually made it to the Moroccan border and caught a ride with the first ship to Europe. She had not realized until the ship arrived at Lisbon that she had ridden a familiar ship. It had a few patch jobs and a fresh coat of paint, but it was the same small frigate she entered Africa in. It docked near a building that adorned the sign "Siren Merchants." She walked inside to find a familiar face staring back at her through a picture frame. A photo of Thunder, along with a teenaged boy, sat on the wall with a placard saying "founder."

"Mom back in her prime. It's astounding how long it's been."

Melody looked behind her to see a man roughly in his 60's smiling at the photograph. "Mom?"

"Yes, she's my mother; well, in a sense. My real mother left me when I was young and her sister raised me instead. This photo was taken on the first anniversary of this business, when all we had was that old pirate ship out there."

Melody turned back to the photo and worried about the answer to her next question. "What happened to her?"

"Same thing that happens to most of us; old age caught up with her. That is an odd question to ask. It's as if you knew her."

"I-," she stopped herself when she saw an old flintlock pistol displayed over the front entrance. "I-I don't." Not anymore she thought to herself.

The man looked over at the pistol and then back to Melody. "You're name wouldn't happen to be-."

Melody placed a finger over his mouth and gave him a smile. "It was nice meeting you. However, I best be on my way." Melody halted at the doorway, "By the way, I like what you did to your mother's ship. Sails a lot smoother than it used to."