Chapter Five: Brink of Insanity

As the morning light stirred me awake I opened my eyes to find I was alone in the room. Jumping up and grabbing my pack I darted out the door while pulling my boots on. Once they were on I sprinted down the hall and down the stairs.

Turning the corner I had to slide into the wall to avoid bumping into anyone.

By the time I found the tavern part of the inn I was nearly winded from the rush. However this didn't stop me from demanding with a rising frustration that made the drake jump upon hearin it, "Were you really just going to leave?!"

Duke then turned with a wounded expression on his face, "Of course not looked so peaceful I didn't have the heart ta wake ya yet is all."

Then he gave a sly smirk as he asked while making note of my attempts to settle my breathing and rising blood pressure it seemed, "Did ya really run all the way down here ta find me sweetheart?"

I threw the fruit from the bowl beside me on the counter as hard as I could at him. Though I wasn't sure what this would accomplish. For he simply caught it in a swift juggling motion along with other fruits in his hand, "Why thank you Heart."

"You are the most maddening drake I've ever met!" I about snapped.

He smirked still as he tossed the fruit back to me, "You seem to like it though, so I think I'll continue like this."

I caught it, took a deep breath, and then sat at the nearby table with Avarin and Marestella. As I did this he chuckled to himself and headed towards the bar counter.

"I thought we'd seen the last of you?" Saffire asked a bit bewildered, "Weren't you staying here to find your brothers?"

"I felt it might be better to stay with all of you for now. I'll find my brothers eventually, but right now I feel it's best to travel with you," I explained while glancing over at Duke.

For the moment he was conversing with Trent. The crew's medic seemed to be listening with mild irriation upon seeing Duke's bruised wrists.

"Are you sure? Won't associating with us be bad for your reputation with your original crew?" Norelle asked as she joined us.

"I'm not really worried about that," I said with a reviving smile, "I wanted adventure and I think I've found it."

"Well if the captain approved of it then I guess I'm fine with it too," Avarin said with a shrug.

"I'm sorry if I'm impossing, and I'll do what I can to help around the ship. I don't expect a free ride," I said.

"Do you intend to bunk below with us now?" Marestella asked, "I'm sure we can find some space."

"I'm not sure, the captain hadn't said where he'd put me yet," I replied.

"You'll be stayin' with me of course," Duke said as he walked up behind me and rested a hand on my shoulder, "Everyone has their own space, so I'd rather not disrupt that."

I looked up at him a bit surprised to hear this. Then he smiled as he glanced at me, "Besides, I rather enjoy your company."

"You're impossible L'Orange," Avarin rolled her eyes.

With growing unease I mentioned, "Captain or not it's quite bold to think I'll share a bed with you every night going forward."

Duke raised a brow at this, "I really must insist that ya stay with me Miss Flashblade."

"I insist that I don't Captain," I said firmly.

With a slightly soured tone Duke said, "Have it your way sweetheart. Bunk with the others if ya want."

For a split second I thought I caught there was a bit of hurt in his eye, but it was gone too quickly to tell as he turned away. Then he strolled back over to Trent and Irving, hopping into their conversation.

"I think you hurt his pride," Marestella teased while nudging me with her elbow.

"It wasn't my intention," I shrugged with a bit of faitigue in my voice.

"No need to explain to us," Avarin assured before taking a bite of her breakfast.

I then looked to the raven with questions tugging at the back of my head, "Avarin, has Duke told you of any changes lately?"

She looked a bit more alert now as she inquired, "In regards to what Heart?"

Before venturing further I asked her to step outside with me, trying to be as casual as possible about it. I was relieved to see I didn't have to convince her much as she followed me just outside the door and to the side of the tavern.

"I know about the starmaid," I told her quietly, "And I've heard her song calling out to him."

"Are you certain of this?" She raised a brow with a hand on her hip.

I nodded my head, "I wouldn't make something like this up."

"He told me about it, but I wasn't sure how much I believed him. He's gotten in trouble with ladies before, but nothing like this," she mentioned with a frustrated sigh, "I didn't think he had actually gotten mixed up with a starmaid."

"Her song is real Avarin, and so is her curse," I said, "but he doesn't want to worry the others."

"So is that the real reason you're staying with us?"she asked.

"For some reason or another I've been caught up in it; but even if I weren't I owe him for saving my life," I admitted.

"Was her song the cause of your fever?"

"It was. I guess she saw Duke and I talking and grew jealous. He mentioned she wouldn't be able to tell the difference between acquaintances or otherwise."

"Won't staying with us put you in further danger then?"

"It may, but I can't just walk away," I replied while breaking my uncertainty.

"I see. I will keep a higher alert then," Avarin nodded while looking over me a moment, "You seem to have some experience with it already though? Do you know what to look for or how it effects him?"

"So far we've only heard her, and it's been random in timing and with what happens. One night it caused us to share a dream of warning, the next was the fever, then yesterday morning it seemed to rob him of his personality for a bit, and last night she tried to lure him away by using some sort of shadow form," I explained with a slight shudder towards the end.

"Hmmm, maybe Mare will know what to do, or at least have an idea of where to start looking," Avarin pondered with a hand to the chin of her beak.

"Duke didn't want everyone to worry," I repeated.

"Well we'd be far more worried and rightfully upset for him trying to hide this!" Marestella scolded, causing me to jump a bit as she stepped up behind me.

The aquatically built woman had both hands set firmly on her hips, "That drake knows not to hide these things! What is he thinking?!"

I winced at the bite of her voice, causing her to ease her shoulders and say with tempered frustration, "It's not your fault Heart, and we would have found out sooner or later."

"Are you sure you should be staying with us Heart? You could be killed because of this mess he's in," she then warned.

"I'm aware of the risk, but Duke has put a lot on the line for me. If there's a way to free him of this I will help find it," I reaffirmed.

"Alright, I guess there's no discouraging you," Marestella smiled a bit, "Welcome to our crew then?"

I gave a light laugh, "Thank you?"

"We'll take care of informing the others as well as confront him about some of this. He needs to know his crew has his back," Avarin retorted while folding her arms over her chest.

"In the meantime I'll see what I can dig up on legends. I probably could have found at least something by now had he told us," Marestella grumbled into a sigh, "There's a lot to pour through when it comes to legends and creatures of magic."

"Are you from a realm of magic too?" I asked.

Marestella pondered over her answer a moment before replying, "Sort of. The world I am from has pockets of magic placed here and there. My fellow Atlantians and I are from one of those. Earth itself isn't teeming with magic like Norelle's realm, but the magic that can be found there is ancient and tucked away. Well...except for one spot."

I tilted my head at this, "Where's that?"

"It's on one of the main continents towards the west coast. Our ancestors were allies with the warriors that once resided there. They were heroes from another world, but with their aid we were able to protect our home and our magic. That was along time ago though. I've heard legends of these warriors and how when they passed on they left a legacy or heroism and magic that protects their home and their decendants to this very day," Marestella told me.

As I heard this I couldn't help but listen intently with growing curiosity, "Who were they?"

"All I know is that the founding generation were said to be from Puck World, and that they built bridges with alliances through space and dimensions. The odd part I've heard was that a human of Earth resided with them, that they were always with them. They wielded magic, but unlike the initial six they have no gravestone to mark their resting place with their companions. Kinda odd considering the stories I'd heard mentioned they were always with them."

"Have you been there?"

"Of course I have. I love learning about things like that and seeing them for myself!" Marestella grinned, "Their stadium is quite a site in it's own right! Apparently they were sports stars as well as champions on the battlefield. Their decendants keep the place well cared for."

"Earth is in another dimension than Puck World isn't it?" Avarin asked, "This must have been well before you hopped over?"

Marestella gave another nodd of her head, "This was on a visit with some of my fellow Atlantians. You could say it really opened my eyes and made me want to leave our hidden away island to see what else was out there."

"And that's how you came to meet Avarin?"

"Sure is, a few weeks after seeing the pond I decided to head out!"

"The pond?" While trying to ignore the vague familiar sensation creeping into the back of my head.

"Oh, that's what their decendants say it was called," Marestella informed.

"We should really get back to the matter at hand though," Avarin pulled us both back, "You said you could look over your books to see if they say anything?"

"That I can!" Marestella insured, "In the meantime we just need to keep an eye on things and tackle her spell as it comes."

"Hearing this I'm not sure why he was so worried? You seem to be a very devoted and loyal crew to support him like this?" I mentioned.

Avarin's beak twisted a little as she sighed, "Honestly, I don't think worried was the real word he wanted to use when it came to us."

Marestella looked to her friend and gave another more subtle nod, "I believe you're right Ava. All the more reason we need to talk to him or it'll only get worse for him."

Seeing the concern I couldn't seem to hide the Atlantian then smirked, "It's nothing for you to worry about. You just focus on helping us fight this thing how ever you can for now."

"Of course," I replied while masking my bewilderment.

"We should probably head back in. They'll be ready to ship out soon and I want to get a bit more to eat first," Marestella said while leading us back inside.

Upon stepping back inside we would find the rest of the crew eating, packing up the last few things they needed into their bags, or just milling about while waiting. I quickly noticed their captain at the bar counter still in a conversation with the inn keeper's daughter. She was an orange furred catfolk with emerald eyes. Her long lashes batted at him while he talked with her. She was dressed in a flowing white dress with a soft blue apron over it. From where I stood I could hear her giggling at whatever it was he had said. To this I rolled my eyes and found Avarin doing the same.

"Seems his pride has healed up just fine," I commented before heading back to the table.

However I took a seat with my back to him this time. While we finished our meal I started to ponder over the starmaid and other legends that swam around in my head. Tapping my fingers against the softened wooden table I rolled further questions around before asking, "What is it that he's really after? Before this happened he must have had a desire of his own to become captain in the first place?"

Marestella gave a light chuckle as she pointed out, "For someone so insistant on pushing him away you seem rather curious about him?"

"It's not that I want to push him away," I realized with an air of frustration in my voice, "I do care about our captain and want him free of this, but I also know I need to be careful around him. I want to know how to reach him if she tries to shift his senses again. I need to know how to bring him back to himself."

Avarin gave a light laugh of her own while sharpening the curved cutlass in her hands while we talked.

"All I can say is that the Captain has always had a thirst for adventure. He craves the vast star systems, wants to unlock the secrets of the galaxies. Along the way he charms the hearts of women across the universe. At his core, Duke has had a child like wonder about lore and legends, thriving on becoming like the heroes of history he grew up listening about. Now that he's an adult he indulges in this in every way he can," she then explained with a wistful smile.

"So the trick is to remind him of the adventures he yearns for if I can?" I asked.

"I'm not really sure. You are the only two to hear the song and feel her magic thus far. I can't say if this will help or not," Avarin admitted.

"Why are you so okay that I'm joining the crew anyway?" I inquired.

"I'm not entirely sure," she shrugged, "Curiosity perhaps? Besides all of us in the crew have our reasons for joining, who I am to judge yours? You seem to fit in fine enough and have no hang ups about what we are. If anything it appears you're quite fine with it?"

I let a grin slip out, "Wing always said I was an odd one."

"You'll fit in just fine then," Trent sighed as he walked by and patted my shoulder, "Try to stay in one piece while you're with us."

"So you're okay with it too then?" Marestella asked the medic.

Trent gave a shrug, "I have no reason to argue over it. Besides her company is appreciated."

"How so?"

"Our captain isn't trying to sway every young lady he sees. Then again it could have just been an odd night for him, but none the less it kept him from getting into too much trouble last night," he half scoffed before heading up to collect his pack.

"His morning seems about normal," Marestella shook her head as I glanced over my shoulder to see him still at the counter with the catfolk.

Ignoring him I attempted to focuse on the voyage ahead of us.

For soon enough Duke called us over to leave. Grabbing my pack I followed the others over to him. Though as I approached the bar near the door the daughter of the inn keeper approached me. Glancing at her a bit bewildered I noticed her handing me a pack, "Here Miss Flashblade, these should help you to keep your energy and strength up I think."

"What's that?" I asked bewildered.

"Your captain told me what happened to you. He mentioned that you needed some things, including protein that wasn't meat. He was very cute telling me about your choice not to eat meat with your brothers being like him and everything. So I gathered some nuts and other such things. I also grabbed you some hair ties and things like that for you seeing how your belongings are back on your first ship. If I see either of your brothers I will be sure to send your message along that you are safe," she told me.

Taking the package from her I felt my face become flushed from hearing this. Looking to Duke I watched as he smirked. He then nodded in thanks to the girl who leaned in close and whispered to me, "You're such a lucky girl!"

"What makes you say that?" I inquired a bit thrown off by the remark.

"You have such a handsome and sweet drake looking out for you," she said a bit bewildered by my confusion, "I tried to invite him to a morning stroll but he turned me down. Politely, but still."

"I see?"

"Well good luck to you on finding your brothers," she then said with a smile.

""Th-thank you," I replied before following the others out.

Duke allowed Avarin to lead the way while he hung back beside me. While we walked he said, "I know ya said you'd rather bunk with the others, but my offer still stands?"

"Captain, I don't want to go through this with you. I don't think it's a good idea to share a room and bed with you. Won't it just make her angrier?" I mentioned firmly.

"Suit yourself," he shrugged while giving in to that very true fact.

Before long we were aboard the ship and preparing to set sail again. For the time being I tried to find a place to store my few belongings to little avail. Seeing this Duke approached again, "You can keep them in my cabin until ya settle elsewhere. Sleep where ya like I guess, but if ya change your mind my offer stands. Though I'm sure Norelle an' Melodia would be happy to make room for ya."

"Thank you Captain," I said to him quietly before tucking my bag away in the corner of his room for the time being.

When I returned to the deck I found us setting off to the skies above. The docks already looked so small as we rose into the air. I gripped the railing while watching the stars above come a bit closer it seemed with many more in the distance before they surrounded us. Beside me Duke stood with a smile over his face as he breathed, "It doesn't get old does it darlin'?"

"It's breath taking," I agreed while looking up at the vast galaxies far away from us.

"Welcome aboard our humble ship Miss Flashblade, I hope your time spent with us is filled with plenty of laughs an' a great deal of adventure," Duke told me as I turned towards him.

It were as though there were a shift in nature between us in that instant. I was no longer a stranger or guest to entertain. Going forward I wouldn't be a brief acquaintance to him and I hoped in a way that would pull him back froom playful flirting. Yet at the same time I knew I had to rely on him as our captain, regardless of the madness seeming to surround him.

"I'm sure it will be," I gave in with a slight smirk curving the left side of my lip up a bit.

Then I realized while asking him, "I don't think you've ever told me the name of your ship Captain?"

He gave a chuckle, seeming to be a bit embarrassed by this truth, and answered, "It's the Cezanni Sapphire dear Heart."

"Cezanni?"

He nodded his head with a proud smile taking over him as he gazed up at the billowed sails, "I heard the name a long time ago. The Cezannis were a royal family centuries ago from Norelle's homeland. They were said to be artists and keepers of true magic, an' they had a flare for adventure themselves. So in honor of that the name jus' sorta came to me when it was time to name her."

"And sapphire?" I inquired while looking up myself.
I couldn't step away in time as he brushed a swift and gentle hand against my cheek and looked into my own blue eyes. With a smile he remarked, "They've always been one of my favorite gems."

I wondered if he could hear the thumping I suddenly did in my ears as he did this. Either way he stepped back and said with a chuckle he remarked, "Avery would have been a close second for the name had I not gone with this one."

"Any particular reason?"

"I jus' like the name," he shrugged with his smile in tact.

With a reluctant sigh of sorts our captain decided, "I guess I'll leave ya to your tasks while I figure out our next destination. I'm sure you'll let me know if ya hear anythin'. Enjoy your new home, she'll keep ya well cared for."

At this comment he patted the ship's rail with a steady hand before slipping into his cabin. Then my tasks began with me helping around the ship where ever I could. From swabbing decks to helping with food prep I just kept myself busy. After the morning I hardly saw Duke as he roamed to and from his cabin, or around the helm occasionally.

Though despite Duke keeping to himself most of the day he was easily drawn from the cabin when it came to dinner. In fact he assisted with pulling out the table with Trent, Irving, and myself. Once set the food was placed upon it and our chairs gathered around. I found myself once again at Duke's lefthand side. Our captain then held up his glass to everyone and announced, "To our ever growin' crew. May our adventures never end an' the treasure we find along the way be bountiful!"

With a hearty cheer the other mugs and glasses of the crew clashed and clanged together. Then we partook in the dinner pasta dinner prepared by Marestella with Catalina's assistance. Norelle sitting beside me threw an arm around my shoulders and proclaimed, "We're so glad you decided to stay!"

"What about your brothers though?" Catalina inquired, "Or your reputation as a sailor? Won't staying with a band of pirates tarnish that?"

"I'm not too worried about that," I reassured, "As for my brothers I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. Regardless I feel I'm where I need to be right now."

I glanced at the captain with a bit of a smirk on my face as he smiled back with a raised brow, "Is that so Miss Flashblade? Have ya decided where you'll be stayin' on this ship then?"

"She could bunk with us," Melodia offered cheerfully.

I couldn't help but notice Duke's smile twist in a subtle frown before repairing itself. With a shrug he replied, "That's up to you ladies. It seems my offer isn't needed anymore then."

"What a bruised ego," Marestella nudged the captain in the arm, "You're having some odd nights lately aren't you L'Orange?"

"You'll have to wait until the next port to have another shot at a dance," Irving teased.

A bit of a laugh escaped Duke's throat as he retorted, "Who's to say I didn't dance last night?"

"From what we saw you didn't," Melodia shrugged before adding, "but I guess you could have gone else where."

Avarin looked up slightly from her meal to make note of something unsaid. Then she shook her head and offered, "Any idea on our next destination captain?"

Seeming to be relieved on the change of subject Duke turned to the raven and replied, "I need to go over the charts a little more, but I have a rough idea of where we're headed. For now keep us steady as always Ava."

"Of course captain," she nodded.

"Want to fill us in on what we're seeking?" Marestella pushed lightly, "You usually have something in mind by now."

"Once I figure that out I will inform everyone. Jus' trust me," he assured, "I've not lead ya astray yet have I?"

Marestella raised a brow at this, but replied, "We trust you captain."

Before the mood could slip further down Norelle quickly brought up another song she remembered, this time from Earth as Marestella had known it. With this the air seemed to lift and everyone soon began to chime in around me. That is except for the captain beside me.

In fact as I watched him I noticed him sipping his drink with a half hearted sigh escaping his throat. It was brief, but still there, as he looked to everyone with a wistful smile. Following his gaze around the table I took in the jolly atmosphere, laughter and song drowning out the silence of space surrounding the ship, drinks filled to the brim of glasses being had to quench the thirsts of his crew. Marestella and Avarin even, despite knowing the truth now, dropped their concerns for the moment to enjoy the meal and company at the table. Their efforts hadn't missed their mark with me as I hummed the tunes while learning them and ate my warm meal with gratitude curving my lips. Yet I also couldn't help but feel his frustration tugging at me when I looked to him once more. He was now leaning to the side of his seat with a leg pulled up and acting as an arm rest for his free hand. The other hand swished and swirled the burgundy liquid in his glass. Then for a split second I thought I saw him wince after taking a sip before setting the drink down.

"I think I'm goin' to look over my charts a bit," he offered before anyone could ask.

"Did you have enough to eat?" Marestella questioned sharply, "It won't due you any good to look over them lightheaded."

"I had plenty Mare, thanks," he assured pleasantly, "Now if you'll excuse me?"
Then he was gone again, leaving me to look after him a moment before gazing into my cup of cold milk instead.

"Is it her song?" Melodia asked from beside Norelle.

I shook my head, "I didn't hear it at least. After last night though there's no reason I wouldn't I'm sure."

"I was hoping he'd tell us himself, but we'll have to confront him tomorrow it seems. No use ruffling his feathers at the moment," Marestella sighed before taking another bite of her pasta.

"I wondered if you were going to ask him," I mentioned.

"I was giving him a chance first," Marestella replied after swallowing a moment.

"He's not going to Mare, not after what happened," Trent pointed out without even looking up from his notes.

"Is that your "I told you so?"" Avarin shot daggers of a glare at the medic.

He simply shrugged, "I've known that drake since he was just a boy, so I know how he was and how he's changed."

"What's that mean?" I asked without holding back my growing concern.

"Well now that you're apart of this crew you should know," Melodia nodded before placing her piece of bread back onto her plate, but not before pulling it apart with her shaky tone.

"It's been two years hasn't it?" Norelle realized what I still didn't know.

"I'm sure staying in his cabin you noticed the mural of everyone L'Orange had made?" Avarin offered while glancing at me.

After thinking back on it briefly I nodded my head.

"That was our crew not long ago, and I'm sure you noticed quite a difference when it comes to our captain," Irving winced before sipping his cider while I looked to Trent no longer beating around the bush.

"Two years ago our captain lost his eye in a duel to remain as our captain. His first mate, Falcone, decided he should take the helm and lead us into glory."

"He never liked that Duke kept to a code of sorts. We don't hurt the innocent, the crew's safety comes first, things like that," Melodia informed me while picking at the soft bread further, "Falcone thought it would be better to hang the code and take more risks. If someone gets left behind it means that they can't cut it as a pirate."

"He was shocked to find we wouldn't join his mutiny," Avarin rolled her eyes, "but at that point he was at the point of no return himself."

"Duke always bested him in fair fights, and his generally good nature is what saved Falcone from being cast out a long time ago. Our captain never imagined the fury building in his first mate," Norelle warned in tone.

I hoped no one could see my hands balling into fists while resting on my lap as I listened to them. My gut twisted in on itself, tossing the recently eaten food about inside. Still I pushed with a dried throat, "What did he...?"

"Two years ago, at the peak of his frustration, Falcone challenged Duke once more. He swore if the captain one he would fall in line and not question the code ever again. We wanted to stop it, but I think Duke was fed up at that point," Catalina sighed with unease escaping with her frigid breath.

"His ego may have played a part as well. He'd won many times before," Melodia pointed out with her bread now desimated to the point of fine crumbs scattered about her plate and around it.

"I don't think any of us were expecting Falcone to do that," Irving admitted with a pained wince folding the cloth that was his stomach.

Again I could hear the racing of my own heartbeat in my ears as I listened to them.

"Duke won the duel of course, but when he went to step away...we couldn't stop it..." Norelle wimpered as though reliving the event.

"Falcone pulled a blaster out and went to shoot Duke once his back was turned," Trent said without pulling back, "Luckily our captain was able to evade the shot for the most part. It grazed his shoulder as he turned back. From there however the fight took a turn for the worse."

"It must have been shock," Marestella shook her head with a healthy dose of sympathy in her tone, "the two of them grew up together."

"Despite their rivalry, one would never expect their best friend to turn on them like that," Melodia said with sinking shoulders.

"We tried to aid him, but Duke being concerned for our safety kept us back so we couldn't be used as leverage. So he swallowed his anger at the time and faced the fight alone," Norelle went further on.

"The blaster was only the first of many cheap shots taken by that thug," Catalina growled with a flash of frozen rage in her eyes, "but the blow to Duke's trust is what nearly did him in despite it all. He kept holding back, even after being shot. That disbelief..."

"It almost got him killed," Trent said bluntly, "he over powered him when Duke's injury began to bleed out from being pushed too far. With that advantage he knocked him back and that's when-"

"That's when Duke lost his eye Heart," Marestella took over with a much gentler tone while nudging Trent in the arm to force him to shut his beak.

Then the medic eased up in tone and expression when he noticed my rather tense frame, "My apologies Lady Flashblade."

"Somehow in that moment though Duke managed to find some reserve to fight back and knocked Falcone into one of the row boats," Catalina informed with some optimism, "he sent him on his way with some food and supplies tossed at him and not a second thought."

I'm not sure if this was meant to make me feel any better or not. Either way I could not pull my gaze away from the cabin where Duke was spending his time now, and alone, "So that's why...?"

Marestella nodded, "That's why he won't turn to us. Despite us sticking with him through that and since, Duke's trust in others can be rather shaky. He looks after our well being while also keeping us at a distance. That's why he won't come to us with this problem."

"I make him trust me, but only from not having much of a choice when he's bleeding to death," Trent retorted, "Though even then that's a bit of a fight."

"If not for you Trent Duke would be half blind wouldn't he?" Irving pointed out, "You had the know how to make that cybernetic eye for him."

"And boy did he hate that at first too," Avarin winced.

"Let's just say some of the ladies didn't know how to react to it at first," Catalina informed, "And neither did he really. It took a while for his confidence to return."

"He would never admit to it, and he would hate knowing we told you I'm sure," Marestella said, "but I think it's more so what it represents that got to him."

"Of course," I replied through dry lips, "No one would expect that of their best friend."

"You'd think us staying with him through all that would say something too though," Catalina remarked.

With some thought to this comment I heard myself say, "I think it does. If it didn't he would have left, or he wouldn't be as friendly as he is. Even in that fight you mentioned your safety was still on his mind despite what was happening to him. It's not just the betrayal that got to him, but showing a sign of weakness to his crew...I think that was a big part of the blow. Same with this I think?"

"That has a ring of truth to it doesn't it?" Marestella pondered aloud with her arms folded over her chest.

"He still should have told us much sooner," Trent replied dryly.

"Perhaps. Still I can see why he didn't. He didn't want to admit he was in trouble, that he had everything under control and you could count on him. He's made plans for what was to happen if he doesn't find a way out before seeking that chance," I mentioned, "It may not have been the right decision, but I understand his reasoning I believe. I could be wrong though."

"I think you're onto something Heart. Either way though we'll talk to him about it tomorrow. Who knows, maybe he'll sort things out a bit and come to us yet," Marestella said with a relaxed smile.

"What makes you say that?" Norelle asked.

"The fact that Miss Heart was allowed to join the crew. If he'd wanted to we could have left her at port, it wouldn't be hard for a band of pirates to escape unnoticed," she winked teasingly towards me, "but I think it shows he trusts you enough and that's a wonderful thing for him to have again."

"If you ask me you're all mad, and she's on the brink of it herself for joining this lot," Trent commented with a sly smirk of his own.

"That's the spirit!" Marestella grinned while holding up her glass.

With that we finished our meal and shortly after the others turned in for the night. Norelle showed me where her room with Melodia was, but I decided to stay up a bit longer to gather my thoughts.

As it grew late according to the device on our ship, I found myself thinking over what I'd just learned. For the time being I had climbed up to the mainmast to watch the stars a bit. Irving sat in the crow's nest above me strumming his makeshift guitar while keeping his burlap eyes unfolded and wide.

While up away from everyone and everything I felt fatigue trying to take over. My eyelids grew heavy as I watched the stars above us. Pulling my knees to my chest I tried to stay awake to figure out where to rest as I began to start my climb down. Yet as I did I thought I could hear a faint melody in my head again. My weary eyes shot wide open as she continued.

From Tower Hill to Blackwall

I'll wander, weep, and moan

All for my jolly sailor

Until he sails home

Gripping the ropes now I began my decent until I reached the floor below. As I climbed though I thought I could hear the feint weeping of a young woman in the distance. Her phantom cries echoed and then faded from my mind in and out.

Upon hearing a crash of glass and a clatter of metals below I scurried my way down to the deck. I hurried to his cabin, finding the door bolted shut. Yet inside I could hear various items hitting the wooden floor.

"Captain! It's me! Let me in!" I called while trying to find something to pry the locks open with.

"Get out of my head!" Duke then yelled from the near silence.

"Captain? What's going on?" I attempted again, my tone gaining urgency this time.

Once more I heard crying in the distance. This time it grew louder as I tried to open the door.

Suddenly I heard the locks releasing from inside as the door swung open, pulling me a bit forward until I managed to let go of the fancy doorknob. This revealed to me a rather thrown together Duke as he tried to walk past me as though I weren't standing before him.

However I gripped the door frame in an attempt to keep him from getting by.

"What's going on?" I questioned while looking up at him.

He looked over me, his expression distraught as he did, "Her cryin', I need to stop it!"

"What?" I asked in confusion.

"If I sail to her it'll stop," he said reluctantly while trying to push past me, "I can't stand her cries! It's heart breakin' to hear her like this."

"Captain listen to me! You don't want to sail to her! Drown her out somehow!" I pleaded while barring his way.

"I can't! Her cries are swimmin' in my head, the tears weighin' down my heart!" He said to and not to me all at once.

Planting my heels in I managed to keep him from pushing by me at first. Yet soon he shoved his elbow into my ribs, causing me to double over in pain gasping for breath. When I did this I barely noticed him stepping back as though in shock of what he'd just done, but it passed quickly. Then he hurried to the helm of the ship. It had been set to keep a steay pace, but was now being pulled on as Duke reached for the wheel. While gripping it with his gray feathered hands he began his attempt to turn it.

When I'd reached him he'd gotten the ship to turn a quarter of the way to the left.

"Captain stop!" I snapped while taking the other part of the wheel and trying to push against him in vein.

While I tried to keep it steady and on course I attempted to push him back from it.

"Captain stop! You don't want to go to her!" I shouted.

"She won't stop until I reach her! I can't take her cryin'!" Duke growled as he pushed me back, nearly knocking me to the floor.

"What about your crew?! What about the adventure you love so much?! You can't charm anyone if you let her take away all that you are!" I pushed back while stabilizing my stance a bit.

"My crew will get by without me, but she can't!" He insisted.

"Sorry Captain, you'll thank me later!" I told him as I tackled him from the side and knocking him to the ground from the surprise of it.

Duke tried to push me off of him while I attempted to pin him somehow. It was now I remembered how much smaller my frame was compared to his in height and weight. All I could rely on was that my size was harder for him to land a hit to knock me off. For a bit we scuffled there on the floor until he rememberd this as well. With this found fact he then kneed me hard in the stomach, as I toppled over on my side gasping for the air he'd knocked out of me. Then he scrambled for the wheel again, this time not pausing to see what he'd just done, while I desperately grabbed for his ankle, keeping him from reaching it, but just barely.

"Let go!" He snarled as he tried to knock me back again.

"I won't! I swore I would help you break free of her!" I promised while catching my breath.

Duke shook his head quickly, as though trying to ignore the crying that grew louder to both of us now. With this distraction I managed to pull him off balance as he slid to his knees, catching himself with his hands. He tried to get up again, but I gripped his leg tightly as he tried to shake me off of him. I avoided another kick from him and managed to pull him back a bit as he attempted to pry me off now. Neither of us realized how close we were to the steps leading back down to the middle of the deck.

So with Duke trying to knock me back as I twisted out of his grasp I pulled him and I over the ledge while still holding onto his waist now. With another sharp hit evaded we both fell off balance and into a fall down those steps. My right shoulder took a harsh blow before I felt as he pulled me against him instinctively and we continued toppling down the steps together. One after another in a dizzying fall we hit step after step until rolling into a stop of sorts at the foot of the stairwell. While groaning in pain now I found myself on top of him as he held me against his stronger frame.

"Are...are you okay..sweetheart...?" He asked me while catching his breath.

"I think so?" I answered as he winced in pain from me shifting a bit atop of him.

"I can't get it to stop. Even now she won't stop cryin' in my head," he told me now.

"Try listening to me then," I told him sharply while I looked into his remaining eye.

I then pulled myself off of him while not giving him a moment to attempt in resisting in following. I quickly pulled him back into his cabin and locked it up once again. Being sure to block his way I then I turned back to the captain. As I did I found him holding his head in his hands, trying to shake out her sobbing voice we both heard clearly now.

"It won't stop! If I sail ta her-"

"Stop it!" I snapped while stepping over to him quickly and gripping his shoulders, "If you go to her you'll be giving up everything!"

He looked at me with a pained expression in his eye, as though asking me what to do. In return I slid my hands from his shoulders to his face, forcing him to look at me, "Captain, listen to me. If she cries she won't be able to sing! If she isn't able to sing then she can't continue her curse! So she has to stop some time!"

He slid to his knees, pulling away from my grasp and still holding his head as her shrieks of sorrow drowned our ears, "I can't take it! It's drivin' me mad to hear her cry this way!"

Seeing him shaken like this tugged at my core somehow. As I watched him tremble before me I tried to think of what to do. If I left him alone to find the others he'd get worse, if I opened the door he could try to sail to her again. Even knocking him out for the time being seemed to only invite the idea of her tormenting him in such a state. So I did all I could think to do. Not daring to look away from him I I knelt before him. In doing so I reached out to him carefully and rested my now shaking hands againsts his feathered cheeks and said as calmly as I could, "Please Duke, you have to listen to me. Don't let her take your freedom like this! You can outlast her crying! Your will needs to be stronger than hers!"

"Heart?" He then asked while looking to me surprised, his tone sounding not unlike of one lost and seeking out what little seemed familiar.

"I'm right here Captain," I assured hi gently while not daring to pull away.

His eye then shut tight as her wailing grew piercing through both of our heads. He shook his to try and evade the pain ridden cry. While I simply tried to remain steady before him, anchoring him to his cabin there on his own ship, "Duke, we're here for you! I'm here! Listen to me instead! Please!"

With a starled gasp Duke jerked his head to a pause as he risked a glance to me, his remaining eye widening when he saw me before him still, "Heart?"

Upon speaking my name he then reached out and brushed his thumb carefully, albeit shakily, beneath my eye to catch something I hadn't noticed was there, "What are ya...?"

I bit my lip not wanting to admit it. Maybe it was from the screaming pain in my shoulder, perhaps it was fatigue, or it could have been shock from seeing him in such a manner.

Either way I gave a reluctant nod as I looked at him and begged him, "Please...listen to me...I won't let her do this to you...just listen to my words and I swear you'll be okay...your will is stronger than hers Duke, I've seen it in the short time I've known you!"

Then I ventured shakily, "I know it's hard for you to rely on others as you want them to count on you. I understand what happened and why it would be difficult. Even still I will not turn my back on you, and I will get you through this!"

For a moment he shook his head still, as though trying to pull away. So I continued while refusing to let him go, "Please Captain...just listen to me...I will get you through this no matter what it takes! You're my friend, and I won't fail you! You can trust me Duke!"

As he still attempted to pull away to escape her agonizing cry that shook both our cores now I quickly pulled him into a tight hug, "Please Duke, for your freedom...just trust me!"

I was too afraid to let go of him, though I barely understood why at the time. All I did know was that I couldn't or I would have failed him. So I kept my grip around him like a vice without realizing he was now shielding me from her scream as well.

Then it fell deathly silent around us. For a brief moment I feared I'd been rewarded for my efforts by being stricken deaf. None the less I didn't let go and braced myself to speak more if I needed to, if I even could. Yet as I did I felt his tense shoulders relax as I hugged him still.

"Heart?" something in my chest jumped to hear him ask softly.

"Yes Captain?" I answered shakily while remaining still.

"Thank you darlin'," he breathed out while hugging me tightly for a moment.

I heard myself let out a sigh of relief before I dared to pull away. He too pulled away as he brushed his thumb just beneath my cheek and teased, "Please don't cry anymore though. I really can't take it. It may drive me more mad than even hers."

I protested sharply, "It's from you busting my shoulder up at the wheel!"

He raised a brow at this but then looked at my shoulder to see a decent bruise forming from our fall earlier. He then seemed to recall the rest of our scuffle as he asked while looking me over, especially where he'd kneed me, "Are ya hurt anywhere else?"

"I will check myself thank you!" I retorted quickly as I got up and away from him.

Then I paused as I remembered our fall now too. As I did I turned back to him as he stood up with a knowing smile on his beak. For now I could clearly see the tears in his dress shirt on his shoulders and along his back.

"I should probably change," he mentioned casually.

As he turned to get a fresh shirt and discarded the torn one I risked a glance back over to him, briefly forgetting how he typically wanted me to look away before this when he changed. Even he forgot it seemed as he looked to me without his expression soured by this. Despite the fact that I could now see what I knew now he'd been trying to hide from me. Several scars marked his body, most from before this night. Though I could see some bruises forming beneath his feathers, darkening them in spots. Some of his deeper scars left feathers unable to grow back in places, others were brushed into place to hide some of the lacerations in his flesh. On his shoulder I could see the burn scar even two years later from the fight they'd told me about. Another deep swipe of a blade could be seen from an attempt at slashing over his heart, with similar swipes at his arms, stomach, and even his back.

Before I could look over them for much longer he pulled a clean under tunic on to cover them up again. While buttoning the shirt he turned back towards me and said in a calm and quiet tone, "The life of a pirate comes with a price or two."

"Is it worth it?" I asked while failing to mask my concern.

"Of course," he reaffirmed while giving a smirk, "Especially when I can make a lovely lady like yourself blush like that."

Only now did I see how rose tinted my cheeks were in the mirror nearby. I then turned away from him letting out a deep breath.

"Well it seems you're just fine now, I can turn in for the night in the bunk with Norelle if that's okay," I told him insistantly. .

"Ya know it's not sweetheart," he commented, "I'd much rather ya stay in here."

"Captain-" I tried to protest.

Looking over at him betrayed me as he gave a concerned expression in return.

"I am not going to be like others Captain, save your charm for the next port women," I told him.

"Miss Flashblade, it's not like that," he told me with frustration raising up in his tone, "I think ya know by now I'm not askin' ya ta stay for that!"

"Then why are you pushing it so much?" I questioned.

""Cause you're caught up in this too! Her curse is affectin' you too remember? What if she controls your mind like that, who will reach ya if she tries to make ya jump from the ship an' no one but me hears it?!" He questioned with a harshness stirring up I hadn't expected, "An' what would have happened had ya not reached me in time?"

"The crew would have caught on to the false direction at some point," I realized with a wince as I tried to shrug.

"Or she may have continued until I tried to go after her another way?" He pointed out with a grim chill blending in now.

"So you want me here with you because of her song?" I asked, not sure as to why I was getting so frustrated.

Duke:

I looked at her, unsure of what to say. In her eyes I saw a bit anger rising, as well as fatigue. Walking over to her I gently rested a hand on her other shoulder. She crossed her arms over her chest, tucking her hands nervously against her sides.

"Heart, you're already puttin' a lot at risk to break me free of this. Ya didn't have to stay, but ya chose to. So while you're here I want to look out for ya too," I told her, "Like it or not we're tied together for the time bein'."

Saying this I couldn't help but smile a bit as I looked at her, "Although, I can't say I'm complainin' about that part."

Her sapphire eyes nearly shot daggers, but then seemed to falter in their attempt to hit the mark.

"Is it really so bad?" I questioned in a wounded tone as though they had hit me regardless.

Her eyes softened a bit as she looked up at me. With a sigh she then said, "I don't want to be treated like I'm just another notch on your bed. I'll stay in here to fend off her song with you, but that's it. I'd rather you remember me for that then forget about me for just being another girl to charm and then leave behind."

My remaining eye widened a little when she said this last part. She then cradled her arm to ease the pain in her shoulder.

"Sweetheart I couldn't forget ya no matter what, I can promise ya that," I assured her gently.

She then let out a slight laugh as she shook her head. I tilted my head curiously at this. In which she replied, "I don't think I could ever forget you and your madness either!"

I let out a chuckle of my own before then helping her tend to her injured shoulder. As I did I couldn't stop myself from admitting to her, "Ya know darlin', you're not the only one bein' drivin' ta the brink of madness, so maybe we're a perfect fit after all?"

"I think our ideas of insanity are vastly different," she commented with a slight smile of her own.

With another brief laugh I told her, resisting an urge in me as I looked into her eyes, "I'm not so sure about that Miss Flashblade. It's hard for one to trust a pirate, but even harder for a pirate such as me to trust another."

I watched as she blushed softly and answered, "I'm glad that you did Captain."