"I don't understand why Gerald puts us on night watch every other night," Sid grumbled, adjusting the rifle on his shoulder, "He acts like he's our boss or something."

Stinky eyed him in confusion, "But I thought he was our boss."

"Pfft, technicalities."

Honestly, Sid didn't understand the point of the night watch. Nothing really happened in Port Hillwood anyway. It was just another dull, quiet night. The only sounds were their footsteps on the cobblestones and the dull drone of the sea.

"Um," Stinky jostled his arm, "is that something we should be concerned about?"

Sid glanced over in the direction Stinky was pointing. A dark shaped loomed on the water nearly invisible if not for the clouded moonlight sky. A shudder passed through them both as the watched the ship loom closer to the docks.

"Maybe it's a merchant ship?" Sid whispered.

Stinky looked fearful but hesitantly nodded. They both watched, wishing they were somewhere else. But other than gentle bobbing the shape remained stationary on the water.

Stinky swallowed thickly, "Maybe we should-"

"Excuse me, gentlemen."

Stinky and Sid whirled around, clumsily fumbling with their guns trying to raise them to face this new threat. Immediately behind them were several men dressed in rugged clothing. The most foreword of them looked to be around their age with bowl cropped black hair and red leather spectacles over his eyes. He gave them a low sleeping bow and spoke again.

"We apologize for interrupting your night," He spoke with a smile, "but we require your assisting in… locating someone."

Stinky looked mildly relieved and started to relax his weapon, "Well sure, I guess we could-"

"Peterson!" Sid hissed and jostled his arm. "Keep your guard up man. Don't you see what they are?" He then swallowed thickly and turned back to the men, "U-um, i-in the name of Port Hillwood, we demand you surrender to our authority!"

The men chuckled and the one in front's smile grew until it sent chills down Stinky and Sid's spines.

"Well then," He slowly straightened up, revealing four lit cherry bombs in-between his fingers, "I guess I'll just have to ask you to get out of my way then."

Arnold was breathless as he ran up the walkway to the house. He was in a panic, knowing he had to do something but exactly what he didn't know. The assembly had always glanced over emergency procedures, secure that the port's naval presence would ward off any threat. He reached the front door and started banging.

"Robert! Robert!" His voice was just below a shout. He needed Robert to hear him but didn't want to alarm the household.

The door opened much faster than Arnold had expected and he nearly fell in. He quickly regained his footing though and slammed the door shut, locking it too. Robert looked at him with a pale face and wide frightened eyes.

"Oh dear, sir. I heard all the commotion. What's going on?" He asked, but the quaver in his voice told Arnold that he probably already knew the answer.

"Pirates," Arnold answered simply, "Robert, what do I do?"

Robert wrung his hands, biting his lip in terror. "We- we- we have to get you somewhere safe! They'll capture you if they find you. They'll keelhaul you or make you walk the plank or- or-"

He began to hyperventilate; what little color had remained in his face was quickly draining. Arnold felt a small moment of superiority.

"Robert," He firmly grasped his shoulders and gave him a small shake, "I need you to get a hold of yourself. It's going to be alright. We'll get this place locked down. I have every confidence that Gerald will get things under control."

Robert hiccupped once then twice and blinked. He opened his mouth to say something but an explosion, far closer than they had been expecting, made the windows tremble. The pirates were beginning to close in.

"There's no time," Robert whispered in terror.

The next explosion made the windows crack and the servants began to arouse. Terror and panic began to dawn on their faces as they began to realize what was going on.

"Okay, everyone calm down." Arnold called in a clear loud voice, "Head to the basement and hide. Everything will be okay."

"Sir, Arnold? What's going on?"

A soft voice at the top of the stairs made all of Arnold's bravado plummet. He looked up to see Lady Rhonda and her family looking down at all the commotion. Arnold's stomach clenched in fear. If Robert had been worried about the pirates taking him because he was merely governor, how much more likely would they be to take a Viscount and his family?

"Lord Viscount!"

A final explosion blew the windows in and knocked everyone off their feet. Time was up. Arnold raced up the stairs as panic started to ensue. Lord Lloyd and his family stood petrified with terror. It seemed that they had already put the pieces together; they were the ones the pirates were after.

"Come on!" Arnold grabbed Rhonda's hand and led her family down the hall. He just had to trust that Robert would get the others somewhere safe in time. Then maybe he could…

"Sir Shortman," Lord Lloyd had to yell above the growing noise below them, "just what in heavens name is going on?"

"You're just going to have to trust me, sir," Arnold reached one of the many sitting rooms and looked for a place for the Lloyds to hide. He spotted a vent cupboard and ushered them inside. If Rhonda and Lady Lloyd had been wearing their fancy ball gowns they wouldn't have fit, but in the nightgowns and robes, they barely managed it.

"Arnold wait," Rhonda hissed and grabbed his arm, "What about you?"

The question made him stop. What about him? He honestly hadn't thought about it. A cold iciness began to bloom in the pit of his stomach as he recalled Robert's warnings. But he mustered up a smile for the Lloyds sake.

"I'll be okay," He said calmly then gently shut the door.

The sounds of fighting and screaming were still going on below him and several crashes sounded from the neighboring rooms as well. Arnold looked around trying to think of a plan. There were several windows. If he opened one and hid somewhere else, then maybe he could trick them into thinking he escaped. The Lloyds would be safely hidden while he doubled back and fought to make sure the others were safe as well until the navy could intervene. Arnold took a deep breath and proceeded to open the window. Deep down he knew it was a shaky plan. His fighting experience was minimal at best and-

The door suddenly slammed open, tendrils of dark smoke drifted into the room.

"HA! HA! Hahahahaha!"

With an insane cackle, a figure literally somersaulted into the room followed by his larger companion. Small and wiry, with black, bowl cropped hair the first figure spotted Arnold by the window and grinned. Several small round objects flew him his hands. Arnold barely had time to dodge out of the way before they hit the window and exploded. He winced as several flying shards of glass cut into his face and hands.

"Whoops," He cackled, "they slipped."

Arnold quelled the pounding in his chest and slowly stood up. "My name is Arnold Shortman, governor of Port Hillwood and I order you to leave. Do so now and you'll face no consequences for your grievous crimes."

He felt a small glimmer of pride as the two pirates exchanged looks of surprise. But that pride was shattered when their faces stretched into mocking grins.

"Did you hear that, Harold?" The wiry one laughed, "he orders us to leave."

"And what are you going to do if we don't?" Harold took a menacing step forward, his hand on an ax Arnold hadn't noticed before. "You gonna cry and run to your mommy?"

"We're looking for someone specific," the smaller one spoke again, "Several someones in fact. We have it from a reliable source that a specific family is staying at this port but we can't seem to locate them. Perhaps you might be able to assist us?"

Arnold held back a sigh of relief. So, they didn't know that the Lloyds were staying here.

"They're gone." He said quickly, "They set sail this morning."

The two exchanged a looked and Arnold could have imagined it but he thought he saw worry in their eyes. But then they nodded and began to circle him.

"Is that so," the smaller one sneered, "because I would hate to think we came all this way for nothing."

"And we would get into a lot of trouble if we came back empty handed."

Arnold's stomach sank when he realized where their line of thinking was headed. Robert had told him stories of this happening before. Pirates kidnapping wealthy officials and royals for ransom. Sometimes holding entire towns hostage. Port Hillwood would never be able to afford a ransom. Without another thought, Arnold grabbed the nearest chair and swung it with all his might at the bigger pirate.

The chair shattered.

Arnold blinked, stunned as the chair in his hands was reduced to chunks of wood. It took him a minute to take in Harold's ax glinting in the air and his smug smile. Before Arnold could recover his legs were swept out from under him and he hit the floor, the breath knocked out of his body and the back of his head thudded against the floor. The smaller pirate straightened up with a grin. Arnold lay there stunned as the pirates loomed over him.

"Thanks for volunteering."

Port Hillwood was in complete and utter chaos. Pirates swarmed everywhere. People fled in terror. Fire lit up the night sky. Sweat poured down Gerald's face as he helped a man limp out of his burning shop. The fool had been inside trying to rescue a hidden store of gold.

"G-God bless you, sir," The man wheezed but Gerald ignored him.

He knew without even having to see it that the pirate's flag was black and orange. It was too much of a coincidence not to be true. Once Gerald made sure the man was safely away from the fire he ran into battle, shouting orders to his scattered navy men. They had been overwhelmingly unprepared. They only had their selves to blame. All the drills Gerald had requested from his superior had been denied. But that didn't matter now. What mattered was destroying these blasted pirates and securing Port Hillwood.

"Bloody pirates!" Gerald shouted in rage and fired his rifle at a couple of pirates kicking a fallen man.

One pirate fell back, clutching his side and the other one turned and ran towards Gerald, rapier raised. Gerald merely reloaded and fired again. His aim was perfect and this pirate fell as well. A sudden, enraged shout alerted Gerald, causing him to turn, rifle raised and ready to block a blow from a cutlass. Surprise showed on the pirate's face before he dislodged his sword and stood ready to fight. With no time to reload, Gerald dropped his rifle and unsheathed his own sword.

"Edmund!" A voice ordered, "step aside."

The both turned to the newcomer. A broad-shouldered pirate with shoulder length, dark blonde hair stepped forward. He wore a cocky smirk on his face and twin sabers at his side. "He's mine."

Gerald glared at the newcomer. "Go to hell pirate."

No further words were needed. The newcomer unsheathed his swords and ran at him. Gerald issued a quick upward slash which the pirate narrowly avoided. The pirate in return twisted his wrists, making the swords spin with almost no detectable motion. Gerald stifled a gasp as he felt the whistle of air too close for comfort, but he managed to jump back without getting cut.

"You're fast," the pirate sneered, "but do you have the skills to match?"

Gerald didn't even dignify him with a response. He thrust his sword forward and while the pirate trying to dodge back he thrust upwards, slicing the pirate's shoulder. A dark gleam came into his eyes. The two of them began a deadly dance, swinging their swords in sharp deadly arcs. At first, Gerald kept his senses on alert in case the other pirate decided to ambush him. But he soon had to focus all his energy on this fight. Not only was his opponent fast, he was strong. His size was beginning to work against him, though.

Gerald was quicker with his footwork and had better endurance. And he was more disciplined. The pirate swung at him wildly, his sharp blades cutting through the air and occasionally nicking Gerald's skin. Gerald's thrusts were more accurate though and he was able to him just as many times as well. He didn't have time to waste with just one pirate, though.

Suddenly, though, the pirate swung both swords down at him. Gerald had no choice but to block with the broad side of his own sword, using his hand to brace the blade. He winced as it bit in his palm. The attack brought the pirate's face close to Gerald's. They glared at each other, black hatred clear in their eyes. But then a wicked gleam came into the pirate's eyes. He began pressing forward. Gerald felt his feet begin to slide backward.

"Gerald!"

"Arnold!?"

For a second, only a split second, Gerald took his eyes off the pirate in front of him and saw Arnold struggling against two pirates who were dragging him away.

"Arn-"

Gerald's shout was cut short by the pirate suddenly slamming his thick skull into him. Stars danced before his eyes. Gerald's knees buckled and warm, sticky blood ran down his face. He wanted to stand, he had to keep standing, but his legs gave out and he collapsed. The last thing Gerald saw was the pirate's stupid smug grin before the blackness took over.

"Gerald!" Arnold yelled again as his best friend went down. He continued to struggle against the two pirates' grip. "Gerald!"

"Quit squirming!" The bigger pirate smacked him upside the head.

Once the stars before him cleared, Arnold could see that the pirates were beginning to exit the port, their arms loaded with stolen goods. He was dragged along with them as they headed towards the beach where several boats were. He was forced into one of them with his captors and they rowed to a large pirate ship waiting in the water. Arnold felt his stomach clench. The ship loomed above them, dark and menacing. A slight breeze caused the black flag to unfurl revealing a drawing of an orange fox, Arnold's captors hauled him on board.

"Are you sure we won't get in trouble for not finding that family?" Harold asked his companion warily, "because I got better things to do than to get beat up again."

"Worry not my fine fellow," the smaller pirate clapped him on the back, "if you can't attract flies with honey, you gather maggots instead."

"What?"

"Exactly."

Arnold barely listened to their conversation. Once on deck, he quickly looked around to get a bearing on his surroundings. Only a few hanging lanterns were lit making it hard to see. He could make out the shape of the riggings and the pirates moving around, no doubt getting ready to set sail again. Arnold guessed that he had perhaps no more than half an hour to escape before they were ready to set sail.

"Keep moving!"

Harold shoved him through a door that led below deck. More lamps were lit and once Arnold's eyes adjusted he could make out a long hallway lined with doors. Another shove propelled him forward and with Harold's meaty hand on his shoulder, he was forced to walk.

"I'm hungry!" Harold complained. "I don't understand why I had to help with the raid. I need to get started with dinner."

"Order's orders." His friend began whistling cheerfully.

Arnold remained silent. He had to focus all of his energy with thinking up a plan. He couldn't let his mind wonder or else he would see Gerald crumbled on the ground. Or his home up in flames, his household scattered in terror. Instead he tried to memorize where they were leading him. Down two flights of stairs, around the left, down the right, a final set of stairs and a long hallway lined with cells with bars instead of doors. They stopped in front of one them while Harold transferred him to the other pirate and brought out a set of keys.

Keys!

The pirate holding him began singing low, under his breath. "Lady, running down to riptide/ Taken away to the to the dark side/ I wanna be your left hand man."

"Got it!" Harold opened the cell and shoved Arnold inside. The keys were replaced by his side. Arnold saw what might be his only opportunity and rammed Harold head first in the stomach.

"Ooof!"

They feel into a heap and the keys clattered to the floor. Arnold quickly rolled to the side to cover them with his body before either of the pirates noticed. Harold clumsily got his feet, his face red with anger and embarrassment.

"Why you little punk! I ought to pound you for that!" Harold reared back his foot and kicked Arnold in the gut.

Arnold's stomach heaved and his cry of pain was stifled by him struggling not to vomit.

"Easy, my friend easy." Harold's friend laughed in amusement and put a restraining hand on his shoulder, "don't damage the merchandise."

Harold gave Arnold another glare before the two of them exited the cell and slammed the bars shut. Arnold waited, breathing heavily, for their footsteps to disappear down the hallway. He knew he couldn't wait long though and stood up on trembling legs. How long did he have now? Minutes? Depending on the wind and the currents, he didn't know if he would be able to row back to shore if they set sail. After waiting another few precious seconds, Arnold bent down and picked up the keys. He didn't bother to wonder why they hadn't tied him up, he just reached between the bars with the keys in hand and fitted it into the lock. For a minute, he didn't think it would take. But after a few moments of working, the lock finally clicked.

Arnold slide opened the door and cautiously peeked down the hall. The coast was clear. Not another pirate in sight. Little noise either except for the slight rocking and swaying of the ship. His legs still felt wobbly but he crept down the hallway. He had no weapon, not that he had a lot of combat training anyway, so he didn't know what would happen if he came across one of the pirates.

It was in the final to last hallway that he suddenly heard it. The sound, almost foreign amongst the creepy groaning of the ship, caught his attention immediately. Humming, soft and melodic humming. Arnold knew he only had precious minutes, but…

Arnold walked forward slowly feeling himself being drawn to the singing. He passed several closed doors before he came to one that was open. Arnold slowed his steps until he could peek into the doorway. And his heart immediately stopped.

Sitting on the windowsill was a girl. Her soft blonde hair fell messily over her shoulders, a section of it held back in a ponytail with a tattered pink ribbon. The matching pink dress she was wearing looked like it had once been elegant but hard wear had reduced it to nearly bare threads. Her profile was delicate with a sloping nose and gently curving lips. As she hummed she wrote in a leather bound book, so content that she didn't seem to know he was there.

Arnold felt his stomach clench. How cruel and blood thirst must these pirates be to hold a poor, beautiful girl like this captive for who knows how long? Well, there was no way he was going to leave her behind. With his mind made up, Arnold stepped into the room. The wood creaked under his foot and the girl jumped up with a gasp, her impossibly bright blue eyes staring wide at him in surprise.

"W-who the hell are you!? Where did you come from?"

"Don't be afraid," Arnold held out his hand in a gesture of friendship, "I'm going to help you get out of here."

The girl bit her lip and eyed him warily. Footsteps sounded close by and he tensed. The girl made a move forward and that's when Arnold spotted it. An unsheathed sword leaning against a dresser nearby. Arnold quickly grabbed it and the reached forward and grabbed the girl's hand.

"Come on," He gave her a gentle smile and felt a small thread of bravery, "I promise I'll get you out of here."

The girl glanced at the sword in his hand and nodded, "Okay."

Trying to be as quiet as possible they crept out of the room, his hand tightly gripping hers. He expected her hands to feel soft and delicate like the rest of her features, so he was surprised when he felt rough callouses. Again his stomach clenched. How hard did they work this poor girl?

"How did you escape exactly?" The girl questioned.

"I made one of the pirates drop the keys and I took them without them noticing."

"Which pirates?"

"What?"

He glanced at her and was surprised to see the intense, serious glint in her eyes.

"Which. Pirates. Were. They?" She repeated slowly.

"Um… one was kinda small, black hair, red leather frames on his face. The other was bigger. I think his name was Harold or something. But why does it matter?"

"No reason. Just asking."

They were silent after that, trying to stay hidden and navigate through the dim halls.

"We're almost at the top," He turned his head to give her his best reassuring smile. "Don't worry I won't let anything happen to you."

The girl said nothing, but her lips slowly curled into a small smile. Arnold felt a weird fluttery feeling in his chest and faced forward again. Finally, they made it to the top deck. The pirates seemed to be too busy still preparing to set sail to notice them. Arnold spotted now put up life boats that he had been brought here on.

"There!" Arnold gestured with the sword, "We can snag a boat and row to shore. Come on!"

He started to pull her forward, but she pulled him back.

"No, this way!" The girl gestured to the opposite side of the ship, "There are more boats on the other side, and this way they won't see us leave."

Arnold hesitated for a brief moment but then nodded. He tightened his grip on her hand and ran with her to the other side of the ship.

"Where are they?" He asked.

"On the other side of those crates."

"Got it!" Arnold rounded the crates and immediately froze.

There were no other boats. Instead, there were pirates. A group of them, Harold and Arnold's other captor included, standing around drinking and smoking. They immediately spotted them and Arnold knew there was no other option. He had to fight. If he couldn't make it out, then at least he could make sure she did.

"Get behind me," Arnold immediately pushed the girl behind him and lifted the sword. "I'll fight them off as long as I can and then you have to run. Okay?"

The girl said nothing and Arnold finally noticed that the other pirates weren't saying much either. Then, there was the whisper of metal being unsheathed and Arnold felt something cold press against the underside of his jaw.

"Drop the sword," the girl practically cooed in his ear.

"W-what?" Arnold started to turn his head but the metal bit into his flesh and a warm bead of blood rolled down his neck.

"Don't make me repeat myself." The girl's voice held a hint of amusement.

Arnold felt confused but immediately obeyed, letting the sword fall from his hand. The girl slowly moved in front of him. Her lips were curled into a smirk. Behind her, Arnold could see the pirates practically cowering in fear.

Harold licked his lips and tried to speak, "H-Helga, I-"

"Can it fat boy!" Helga growled but her gaze never left Arnold's face. Her voice softened again. "While I have to admit I'm flattered you tried to rescue me. I'm a bit offended you thought I needed saving in the first place. It's because I'm a girl isn't it?"

"You- But you're-" Arnold stared at her still feeling twisted inside. "I don't understand."

Helga giggled, almost sounding sweet for a moment. But then a dangerous glint came into her eyes. "You poor dense boy."

Helga re-sheathed her dagger but then her fist shot out and connected with Arnold's stomach. The breath left his body and he fell to his knees with a grunt of pain. Helga knelt down and tilted his head up, forcing him to look at her. Her smile grew as she leaned forward until her lips brushed against his ear.

"This is my ship you're on."

A/N- One of many of my favorite chapters to write. Please review and tell me your thoughts