Upon a Rough Sea

Chapter Three

Killian flinched irritated by the salty spray of sea foam. The light, moist peppering was usually refreshing, soothing, but not this morning. Apparently taking the late watch was an unavoidable initiation ritual. Will had helped him while away the long hours with his roguish charm and longer attributes. However, even the cockney pirate's impressive endurance only lasted until just before the sun began to crest the horizon. Now the lost young sailor was left adrift in his own troubled thoughts. In the space of a day he had gone from secretly defying the crown to openly negotiating with pirates, not to mention sleeping with them. A part of the loyal, young man could not fathom any of it- that the crown would be so duplicitous and without honor, that he would have any power to stop it or that a dashing scoundrel could send his head reeling so thoroughly that the young former officer would even wish to place his trust in a pirate. Killian had worked his way up from deck boy to his vaunted position as junior officer/page. In his years earning his way, many a superior officer had attempted to use him in various perverse ways. A few succeeded despite his best intentions, but never before had any man, much less a charming, ruggedly handsome one, ever actually seduced the sailor. A keen blue gaze flowed over the sleeping features of the rough and ready pirate. Will's cheeks were high and sharp drawing the eye to those piercing hazel orbs that made Killian's guts tighten. That hard torso with its light dusting of hair was half concealed by the waistcoat hanging open in true cavalier fashion. Not that Will had any modesty, but the sable-haired sailor had protected it never the less by tucking the pirate's exhausted member away before anyone else awoke. A soft sigh leaked from the stubbly sailor as he selfishly regretted the decision.

Mulan awoke with round, firm flesh shifting warmly against her hips. Without opening her eyes a patient palm explored smooth curves. As it dipped down to caress nimble thighs the beauty playing small spoon to the pirate's big spoon began to stir. After a grumble and yawn one emerald orb opened to find smiling brown eyes. "Good morning," Jade purred warmly curling her arms loosely around her lover. On a contented sigh Ruby reached back over her own shoulder to cup the sweet captain's features agreeing, "Yes, it is." With that their lips met in a slow, lingering embrace. As they luxuriated in the taste, feel and skill of each other's mouths the brigand's hands began to roam a flat belly slowly meandering lower. Even as the heat began to rise in her skin a deep ache tormented the buxom beauty. Elegant, tapered digits snatched the pirate's hand up informing her lover apologetically, "Not that good, however."

Gently repositioning her lover to stretch overtop that enchanting form warm brown eyes entreated with concern, "What is it?" Dimpled cheeks glowed softly touched by the worry in her lover's eyes. "Just a little sore," Ruby attempted to comfort her lover gently cupping a proud bronze cheek. "Do you think we could wait a bit before we try again," the maiden urged hoping her inexperience wouldn't put off her skilled attentive lover. "Of course," Mulan purred in a tender tone as she lightly brushed mahogany curls from precious cherubic features. "And just to show you the measure of my restraint I'll kiss it all better," Mulan vowed as she began to slide down her lover's form. "Wait," the newly demaidened young woman squeaked tensing in anticipation. Kind chocolate pools swam up reassuringly as the captain urged in a soft tone, "Trust me."

Completely undone the gentle look in her lover's eyes Ruby relaxed opening herself to unknown intentions. As Mulan drew closer she paused a hand's length below the beauty's navel to rain feather-light kisses over the sore muscles beneath. A wistful sigh eased over plush red lips as the lady melted beneath her scoundrel's affections. When Jade felt the last bit of tension slide from a voluptuous frame she gently parted creamy thighs to place a heartbreakingly chaste kiss upon the entrance to her lady's pleasure. The soft gasp that met the cherishingly intimate gesture thrilled the pirate's heart. Jade carefully climbed her lover's body gathering the enchanting creature into her arms with a tender hopeful, "Better?" A pale throat was too clogged to speak overcome by her lover's ardently tender affections leaving a simple nod as her only reply. "Good," Mulan beamed. "Then we should probably get ready to face the day."

Giggling and peals of laughter radiated from the captain's quarters drawing the sailor's attention. The weary pirate stirred with a broken snore. "Hey… whuz 'at?" The short-haired brunette stirred complaining at everything and nothing in particular. "Well, it seems the captain's awake," Killian informed his lover sourly. The first mate rubbed bleary eyes with a grimace. "Whut's she got to be so 'appy 'bout, eh," the pirate groused. Full lips pursed in thought as Killian mused in naked envy, "A full night's sleep, resting in her lover's arms-a truly spectacular lover if the sounds they were making are any indication." Burnt brown arches met in consternation as Will pouted, "An' jus' whut' are ye tryin' ta say?" The slight stirring of jealousy was more endearing than the sailor thought it would be. A sparkling smile was offered in consolation as Killian knelt over his lover to assure him, "I'm saying we could fare better if we had a decent bed." That battle hardened edifice softened with a smile as Will replied, "Now, tha's more like it!" With that a meaty hand fisted in the raven-haired sailor's shirt tugging him into a firm spontaneous kiss. Surprise radiated through Killian as the tingling, invigorating effects of those shameless lips flowed over pale skin. It was the first time that the first mate had kissed him in the light out in the open for all to see. As much as the heady sensation sent dark brows soaring like a maiden's, a tight, pale body stiffened in fear of the crew's reaction.

Content for the moment the first mate's head fell back limply with a groan. Lips still pursed, frozen for a moment, the raven-haired sailor looked about for threats. The few men stirring at this ungodly hour simply carried on with their duties not sparing the lovers a second glance. Killian couldn't help but wonder if their timing had truly been that impeccable or if the others simply didn't care. On a navy vessel, he either would've been tried and hanged or more likely forced into servicing his way out of the charges-not a fate any man would want. Could it be possible that pirates were more honest, accepting and enlightened than the crown he had served faithfully for so long? As though the thought of superior officers was a summons the door to the captain's quarter's creaked open behind him. Instantaneously Killian rose and spun at attention, saluting as he called out, "Captain on deck!"

Jade emerged from her quarters with a glowing smile, her dark hair billowing on the breeze seeming at once at one with the wind and sea. A dark gaze sparkled enchantingly as it landed upon their newest sailor's stiff respectful posture. "At ease, Mr. Jones," the former soldier replied in a chipper tone. Although she had left her military days long behind the woman once known as Mulan still appreciated such rituals of respect and order. Killian returned a soft smile charmed by their exotic captain's goodwill. A moment later Ruby emerged from the captain's quarters giggling as she tugged clumsily at the breeches encasing impossibly long legs. "This is so weird. How do you manage with all this cloth between your legs all the time," the supposed strumpet inquired with jovial curiosity.

Killian blushed at the oddly becoming sight of the voluptuous creature attired in men's clothing. The white feminine peasant top was firmly enshrouded in a form-fitting waistcoat. It was rather dazzling how the garb no matter how masculinely designed seemed to enhance rather than detract from the vixen's femininity. Thankfully the captain did not notice his reaction as she only had eyes for her intended. Bronze arms encircled a slim waist as the bold exotic beauty purred, "I told you, I am more than happy to be the only thing between your legs." A maidenly blush overtook the supposedly experienced woman's features as laughing light and free she gave the captain's arm a light slap. "Because tripping over a dress is definitely the way to learn swordplay," Red teased lightly.

Jade sighed fixing a concerned gaze upon her new lover. "You don't need to do that," the captain counseled gently. "I know, but I want to be able to hold my own, to carry my weight around here. I want to be more than just your woman," Ruby pleaded with a forlorn pout that melted the captain's resolve. With a crooked grin, Mulan consoled her lover, "I can't imagine you being a 'just' anything." A dazzling smile dimpled pale cheeks as Red replied, "Uht oh, you're getting to know me already." A lascivious gaze dipped suggestively downward as a tip of tongue trailed wickedly over the captain's teeth with a gravelly, "Rather well."

Upon the lady's blush, the gentlemanly sailor politely interjected, "I wouldn't mind the opportunity myself." A dark withering glare snapped to the new recruit in silent warning. As his own words washed back over him Killian blushed profusely. With a half step back and hands held up in silent surrender the sailor amended his statement, "To get to know the lady that is. Not to…" Both women fixed the blushing, nervously shifting blue-eyed recruit with patiently curious stares. Clearing his throat Killian addressed his captain with all due respect, "That is to say, after my long shift I'm not worth much more than basic swordplay. It would be my honor to instruct the lady, with your permission of course."

Jade turned her attention to her lady to judge her reaction. Ruby pursed plush lips in thought a moment before answering both, "It's not a bad idea." Flirtatious green eyes leveled on the exotic beauty leading this vessel with an impish, "Besides your hands on me are liable to be too much of a distraction." Mulan chuckled but caved to the obvious adorable manipulation with a brief kiss. "Very well. I leave her in your capable hands, Mr. Jones. See to it that she is returned in one piece." The captain's order was clear but her tone kind, almost trusting. "Aye aye, Capt'n," Killian crowed proudly at the faith placed in him.

With a courtly bow, the raven-haired gentleman offered his hand to the striking lady in the captain's arms. "Milady, shall we," Killian inquired. Ruby accepted the gesture with a kind smile placing her hand in his. "We shall indeed," the auburn-haired lady cooed hopefully, embracing the opportunity. Hand in hand the two newest members of the crew crossed to an empty patch of space down on the main deck. A cautiously joyful dark gaze followed their progress as the captain leaned on the railing of the command deck.

Once they had reached a somewhat discreet area Killian respectfully whispered, "I understand your former employ must have had its own talents, which I will not inquire of you. However, I do ask simply what skills might possibly apply to combat-flexibility, weaknesses of the human form and the like?" Ruby flinched initially at his understandable assumption. The last part of his inquiry left a maidenly blush upon her otherwise porcelain features that made the gentleman sailor's heart flutter a bit. A nervous tongue rolled shyly over plush lips before the cross-dressing woman leaned closer to inform him, "Actually, my former employ was as a tavern wench."

Crystal blue eyes popped in surprise at the information. "Really," Killian inquired pleasantly surprised. An auburn head nodded in silent reply before continuing, "So as far as the skills it taught me goes. I'm pretty good at dodging drunks and their clumsy passes at anything in a corset." Darkly stubbled cheeks curved charmed at the entertaining thought. One dark brow quirked incredulously as the charming sailor replied, "I think you underestimate your charms, milady. However, those skills might well come in handy. It's probably best to begin with something familiar. So why don't we start there?" Ruby gave her gallant instructor a confused look. " I will come out you like a drunken lech and observe your footwork as you thwart me." The feisty beauty brightened at the concept agreeing with a pleasant, "Okay."

The woman once known as Mulan watched their interplay with an odd mixture of joy and pride in her latest conquest. Although if truth be told the pull she felt towards the little firebrand went beyond anything the jaded captain had felt for any other to fill her bed. Hearty laughter burst forth as Ruby not only dodged Killian but stuck out an ankle sending the 'attacker' flying on his belly. The laughter was not the captain's alone, but once hers rang out the rest of crew felt no timidity about joining in. To his credit, Mr. Jones rose and offered a good-natured bow as though accepting the appreciation of his performance. This new sailor was a pleasant addition to the roster, to say the least. It almost seemed a shame to let him go. Perhaps by the end of their adventure, her best friend's new plaything will have changed his mind about seeing this reporter friend and decide to stay on.

A grumble near the railing drew the captain's eye to her cross friend. Jade moved to crouch over her exhausted first mate. "Have a long night did we," the exotic beauty taunted in a voice that far too chipper for Will's taste. "Long is one word for it," the first mate chuckled perversely. Mulan laughed at the first mate's twisted humor replying, "A word I'm sure he used early and often if I know you." A companionable hand was offered and accepted begrudgingly. With a glowing smile, the captain hoisted her first mate to his feet. "'Ey now, I know we're thieves and worse bu' ye can' go 'round stealin' mah words like tha'. I'm liable to think I need new material," Mr. Scarlett groused taking a swig of the hair of the dog. Jade shrugged nonchalantly encouraging her friend, "If not's broken, why fix it?"

"It does still work at tha'," Will chuckled with a shameless grin. A sudden crashing sound from the main deck caught the brunette man's attention. "Wha' in tha worl'?" The scene below befuddled the exhausted pirate. The captain's smile broadened charmed at the sight. "It seems your Mr. Jones is schooling my lady in the finer points of sending him sailing on his ass," Jade informed him with a hearty chuckle as the man in question crashed to the deck again. "Who's idea wuz 'at," the hungover scoundrel inquired brow pinched with unspoken worry. "A bit of the both of them, honestly. She wanted to learn swordplay and he volunteered to teach," Mulan answered cordially watching the scene with hands on her hips. A slight sparkle entered hazel eyes focused on the action below as Will teased, "A sucker for a good pounding tha' one is." The best friends shared a good laugh as their watched their lovers jovially clash below.

After several more thwarted attacks the sable-haired sailor began to rise slower. His kind-hearted student noticed the growing ache in his movements and offered her hand. Guilelessly Killian accepted allowing the energetic beauty to aid his ascent. "Your footwork is quite good," her instructor praised with a humble smile. "Thanks," Ruby glowed softly at the compliment before adding in a concerned tone, "but you're not moving quite so good. Do you want to take a rest and catch your breath?" The sore sailor arched his back his spine popping in several places before he relented, "You're an angel, luv." Red offered a wicked grin with a gentle warning, "You don't know me that well."

A warm chuckle rattled through Killian's aching chest pleasantly. "Too true," he admitted with a caveat, "but I'm starting to get an idea." As she leaned against the main mast near her battered instructor Red's gaze rose to meet her lover's locking a moment in a blissful state of mutual admiration as she wistfully sighed, "Me too." Sharp blue orbs tracked the gazes back and forth a moment curiously. With a soft smile, Killian gently prodded, "You seem quite taken with our captain." Pale arms crossed over an ample chest hugging herself as Ruby replied in a dreamy tone, "Taken with her, taken by her, all kinds of taken." A perverse laugh shook the sailor's stomach as he agreed, "If the sounds you two were making last night are any indication I should say so."

Ruby giggled giving his shoulder a companionable nudge with her own as a soft blush pinkened apple cheeks. "You have no idea," she shared with a conspiratorial twinkle in her eye. A charming sparkle danced in baby blues from beneath dark brows as Killian playfully taunted, "Well, I have some idea." Light tinkling laughter echoed through the lady's chest. "You might be surprised," Red replied in a tender tone. "I mean, I know she seems strong and bold." The sailor couldn't resist interjecting playfully, "It certainly sounded ratha' bold." Another light nudge was the only acknowledgment Red gave his charming witticisms before continuing, "But she's actually quite warm and tender." A jet black brow arched in surprise as the sailor replied, "Well I ce'tainly haven't heard or seen that." With a skeptical look, Killian pointedly flexed the hand the captain had nearly crushed the previous day. A gentle, elegant hand rest over his as the lady counseled him, "Well you don't really know her. Give it some time."

Before their friendly debate could continue it was interrupted by the object of their conversation. "How are you faring, Mr. Jones," the captain inquired in a kind but formal tone. Out of habit, Killian's posture straightened around his superior officer as he replied, "Oh, only a bit worse fo' tha wear, ma'am. Nothing ta worry fo'." A slight half grin met the statement warmly as the pirate informed him, "Glad to hear it. It seems our Mr. Scarlett has forsworn my company for a bit of rack time. As long as you're catching your breath why don't you head down to the galley and put some breakfast in your belly? You've earned it. I can take over here for a while." The sailor accepted the kindness with a slight bow and a grateful, "Yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am."

As the gentleman sailor took his leave an impish green gaze leveled on her lover as the vixen taunted playfully, "Any excuse to put your hands on me, eh?" A raven colored brow quirked over dark eyes as the captain challenged with hands on hips, "Do I need an excuse?" Drawn by the confidence of the alluring creature before her, Ruby drifted closer purring, "Never." Firm hands brought the auburn-haired lady up short before plush red lips could distract the warrior. "Good. I'm glad we have that settled," Jade offered in an even tone. A stern gaze pinned the tempting little tart to the spot as the exotic beauty informed her lover in no uncertain terms, "However this time it is not about pleasure. It's about keeping that sweet little body in one piece. Now are you ready to learn or do you just want to play?"

The suddenly strict demeanor in her lover caught Red off guard. Though the shift was surprising and somewhat distancing the concern for her welfare warmed the maiden's heart. Straightening her posture and raising her chin in determination Ruby proclaimed, "I'm ready." A warm smile broke the ice of Jade's manner as she lightly praised, "Good. Now fetch a sword from that crate." The student followed her instructor's line of sight to the weapon cache. "We're not starting with practice swords," she inquired a bit daunted at the prospect. "You will practice swinging a sword by swinging a sword not a hunk of wood. This way your body will become comfortable and familiar with the weight. We will develop a physical awareness of every aspect of swordplay before taking on the finer points of sparring. Is that clear," the woman once known as Mulan insisted without a doubt of obedience.

Emerald orbs alighted on exotic features in awe of her lover's tactical mind. With a compliant nod, Ruby did as she was told. When Jade moved behind her, that warm chest against her back, it was hard not to think of the delicious way they awoke artfully entangled. A winsome sigh dripped from guiltily from plush lips. The captain's voice brushed lightly over the maiden's ear as she gently reproached, "Try to focus." After a hard swallow, Red gathered her will to keep her thoughts in the moment. "Mmhmm," the lady who would be pirate confirmed her obedience and readiness. One firm hand closed over her lover's as the soldier's arm curled about a slim waist before jerking it to maneuver that voluptuous form. "You want to face your enemy from the side so as to present a more difficult target." Ruby nodded her understanding.

With easy grace, Mulan guided her lover's arm through a few slashing strikes tied together in a figure eight motion. "Many would tell you to slash and stab, rough movements easily countered. However, if you follow the natural circular motions of your body one movement will flow easily into the next like a sort of dance. This will give your swordplay grace and speed offering more opportunities to strike while providing greater defense against the clumsy maneuvers of your enemies," the stalwart beauty educated. Her lover's philosophy and intelligence struck Ruby dumb with awe. The intelligence and dedication to craft were impressive, to say the least. Not only that, but Red found that each remark was undoubtedly true on a palpable level. The movements did feel natural. There was none of the unwieldy clumsiness that she expected to have when first attempting something new. This was the second 'first' that the pirate had managed to make feel like an innate calling. With an intense focus and boundless faith in her instructor, Ruby gave herself over completely to the motions.

The galley was dimly lit by the flickering fire of the hearth giving it a bit of a foreboding air. The fact that the room was only sparsely populated by the crew members who had woken late did not improve its cheer or lack thereof. A portly man with ruddy hair went about the drudgery of peeling potatoes as he sat near the massive pot of slow bubbling porridge. Killian offered a polite smile and nod to the cook. Without breaking stride the man brusquely barked, "Bowls are on the table. Help ye'self. I ain't got time ta cater ta no one." The sailor accepted the less than cheery instruction with a simple, "Right."

After gathering himself a serving the worn young man took up an empty table. At the moment Mr. Jones was feeling about as friendly as the chef. He had no energy left for making polite conversation with strangers. As he sat slowly letting the simple food fuel his body the sable-haired man overheard two other sailors grumbling in gruff whispers the next table over. "You've seen it. You know how she gets," the broad-shouldered man with dark hair insisted of his sandy-haired cohort. "It's that sword I tell you. Its power controls her." The subject stirred Killian's curiosity enticing his attention. "Who knows what it will make her, make us, do next."

It was as though the strapping fellow was speaking right to Killian's own fears. "I'm telling you Felix, power like that needs a real man's guiding hand in order to control it," the man continued. Blue eyes rolled at the asinine assumption in silent rejection of the flawed logic. "Maybe Jonathan, but how do you expect to get it from her," the gangly teenager inquired with rapt attention. The overconfident misogynist gestured with his spoon as he assured his collaborator, "She is a woman. Her weakness doesn't just make her subject to the whims of her cursed sword. It dulls her wits. Rest assured, opportunity will present itself and when it does then we shall strike." As much as the conspirators reasoning was lacking their concerns ate at the silent sailor.

It was true what Red had said. Killian really didn't know any of these people. While he did find the majority of his new companions rather charming, charisma was not a basis for trust. And yet that is exactly what he had given along with his word. What a fool he was! The sable haired young officer had offered these pirates a weapon of immeasurable power hoping against hope that they wouldn't employ it. Just the previous day he had seen the violence that they were capable of. Did he truly believe that they would not use this power to unleash havoc, terrorize and plunder with reckless abandon? A sudden panic gripped the exhausted gentleman's chest. Word or no word, bond or no bond, he must do something to prevent this injustice.

Killian quickly finished his meal and quietly made his way back up to the main deck. With the captain distracted by educating that poor sweet lady in the art of murder, it was a simple matter to slip unnoticed onto the command deck. As the others enjoyed the spectacle the apprehensive sailor set about his subtle sabotage. It took but a moment to adjust the instruments of trajectory laid out upon the map. Approaching the helm Killian distracted the crewman there shamelessly focusing the man's attention on Ruby with a leering comment of, "She's got quite a good form, eh?" The man chuckled his agreement as he leaned closer to the action taking his hands off the wheel a moment. With an ever so subtle turn, Killian managed to adjust the ship's course with no one the wiser. With his sharp-witted plan in place, the knackered sailor slipped off to find a rack of his own hoping to find a moment's peace amongst the insanity his life had become.

Jade and Ruby passed the day locked jovially in mock combat. The emerald-eyed beauty had a voracious appetite for learning it seemed not to mention a tireless endurance. Around midday, the captain was forced to command her lover to rest long enough to take a meal to keep her student's energy and spirits up. Mulan wanted to encourage this passionate focus. The more Red learned and the quicker she learned it the safer the dashing captain would feel about allowing the beauty to actually put those skills into practice. Not that the tawny, chiseled woman warrior feared for her mortality by any stretch of the imagination, but should worse come to worse someday she would rest better knowing that this effervescent creature could fend for herself.

Sweat had begun to pool at the captain's back staining the slip of silk gathered there when the crow's nest called out, "Land Ho!" Proud features beamed with a joyous smile to have her salvation so near. With the eagerness of a child on Christmas morning Mulan raced to snag the spyglass. Even her slumbering cohorts stumbled out on deck stirred by the cry. "Wha' is it," Will asked giving Red a curious nudge. "Land it seems," she replied with a smile charmed by her lover's exuberance even though she knew not the source. Killian silently steeled himself for what lay ahead trying to school his expression to not give away his dark thoughts.

Up on the bridge, Mulan's brows knitted in consternation. "Wait a minute," the captain noted with a growing knot in her belly. A sharp gaze went over the terrain ahead again and again before turning to pour intently over the map. Noting his best friend's woe with concern Will raced to her side. It wasn't like Mulan to be flustered so easily. As she inspected the map he took up the spyglass and ogled the quickly approaching island. "Oh tha's perfec'. There's a deep cove. We can pull right up ta shore," he observed. "No, no no! There shouldn't be a cove," the captain shouted in vexation. "Whut now," Will inquired. Jaw clenched against a growing rage Mulan stabbed at the map with her finger informing her closest confidant, "There shouldn't be a cove. This is the wrong island!"

A sharp gaze flowed over the map and instruments quickly discovering the misaligned equipment. This sort of manipulation was too clever for the majority of her crew. Not to mention there was nothing for them to gain from it. Mulan's focus raised a withering stare to her newest sailor. Despite his best efforts, blue eyes shifted nervously away from her intense glare as though that would remove her attention. It only served to confirm her suspicions. "What did you do?!" Seething with rage Mulan leaped over the command deck railing to growl once more in the direction of the impudent whelp, "What did you do?!" Before she could finish closing the distance between them a hail of arrows pattered down on deck. Without thought, Mulan pulled her lady down as every other soul on deck flattened to the ground just in time to evade the next volley.

"What is this," Ruby barked sharply as she flattened against the side of the ship grateful for the cover it provided. Cautiously peeking over the side Jade spotted a group of natives in sparse ragged clothing with bones through their noses. Some wore human skulls as shoulder armor. Crossed planks of bamboo decorated with human skulls and local vegetation dotted the beach. The captain ducked just in time to dodge the next volley vehemently spitting the word, "Cannibals." Crystal blue eyes bulged in shock as a stubbled chin hung open unable to convey the hapless sailor's sorrow. This was no time for regret or infighting. Mulan spared only one sharp kick across Killian's jaw before drawing her pistol.

Stars danced before his vision as he watched the crew prepare to retaliate. "Rifles at the ready," the captain called out as she popped up to fire off a shot that struck an attacker in the chest depositing him on the soil. Jade ducked down just in time to avoid the next volley. Her attack had given her men time to load, however, exactly as she had planned. "Fire!" Musket balls peppered the beach, but only 3 bodies hit the beach by her ears estimation. Mulan's jaw clenched in frustration. Ruby it seemed was equally irked. The feisty beauty tore a rifle from the clumsy oaf nearest her with a growled, "Here." Dark eyes observed with intense curiosity as the surprising femme reloaded with the speed and efficiency of a battle-hardened soldier. Quick as a whip Red sprang up and took aim in one smooth motion placing a musket ball right between a cannibal's eyes before ducking back down again.

A number of surrounding crew including her newest companions stared dumbstruck. The auburn haired beauty merely gave a humble shrug informing them nonchalantly, "Granny used to take me boar hunting. They're quick and mean, too." Will was the first to respond wagging his finger at the little firebrand, "I knew I liked you." Although she was having a bit of trouble recovering herself the captain barked out, "Alright, reload!" As the crew set to obeying her orders Mulan looked up to her best friend on the command deck asking, "Will, can you get us out of here?" With a sharp nod, he replied, "I'll do mah right best." The ruggedly handsome pirate crouched low as he crept up on the helm. Turning her attention back to her crew Mulan ordered, "Ready your aim!" They moved as one to take up their positions, Red included.

Killian's vision began to clear just in time to take note of one cannibal taking care to aim higher and further than the others. A sharp blue gaze followed the expected trajectory and balked to land upon the rugged features that tugged at his heartstrings. "No!" As the shaft flew true Mulan shouted, "Fire!" Rifle fire rang out as Killian leaped over the stairs to the command deck in one panicked motion throwing himself in the path of the arrow. The ship turned from the shore heading out to open sea as a pale form crashed to deck huddled around his wound. "Ah no," Will shouted at the sight. Hazel eyes darted from his course to his lover torn between duty and the beautiful boy that threatened to break his heart. "Wha' 'ave ya dun now," the pirate lamented.

(((Sorry it took so long to update. However, I promise the next one will be coming sooner or I wouldn't cliffhanger you like this+++)))