Another body fell. Pain emanated from her bloodied knuckles, but it would not stop her. She would make sure they all paid for the carnage they wrought upon the small village that had taken her in. She would make sure that all these so-called 'pirates' would pay with their blood, her nose scrunched up revealing her teeth and she attacked them. The dreaded 'Black Wolf' was born.

"Devona!" a male voice called out, causing her dark brown eyes to snap open before glancing over at the source of the voice.

She could see a young boy no older than thirteen years old running toward her, his violet colored eyes shining brightly as he stopped next to her. Panting from running before plopping down next to her, leaning his dark blonde head against her shoulder causing her to let out a small huff at the boy.

"What is wrong, Matthew?" She asked with a hint of amusement, watching as he puffed out cheeks at her.

"Barkeeper Rob wanted me to come ask you if you'd come to the bar," He replied as he allowed his head to drop from her shoulder onto her legs, that were extended in front of her, crossed, before he turned his head up at her," Devona, will we be leaving Garland soon?"

Devona uncrossed her arms, gently she ran a hand through his hair being mindful of the one strand of hair that seemed to stick out no matter what, as she replied softly," Feeling restless too, my pup?"

She could see Matthew nodding his head as he replied softly," It's also nearing the day that our home was taken from us."

Devona let out a soft growl remembering that day the village had burned, leaving only her and Matthew as the only survivors. Quickly, she calmed herself to prevent herself from allowing the negative emotions to come forth. She then gently tapped Matthew on the forehead causing him to playfully swat at her hand before sitting up to allow her to stand up. As she got to her feet, she turned to Matthew and held out white bandaged hand to him. He took it to allow her to help him to his feet, before she reached down and picked up a long dark red coat, placing it around her shoulders and began to walk toward the small town.

"Come, pup. Let us see what the barkeep wants," Devona called as she looked over her shoulder as she watched his eyes lit up and ran after her.

Devona chuckled as she slowed down to allow Matthew to catch up, once he was at her side, they both continued to walk down the path. As they entered the town, Devona took note of the sudden influx of people within the small port town. Sensing her apprehension, Matthew quickly gripped her hand as he softly asked," What do you think the barkeeper wants?"

Devona glanced down at Matthew before turning gaze back ahead as she replied back just as softly," Dunno, pup. However, be on guard. This sudden increase of people has me nervous."

Matthew didn't say anything as he gently squeezed her hand, understanding her nervousness, it was like this at their old home before the pirates came. As they approached a building called Mermaid's Song, Devona stopped at the door, giving Matthew's hand one final squeeze as she commanded him sternly," Stay close. If there is trouble. Hide."

Matthew looked up at her with a determined look as he replied," I won't run."

Devona smirked as she said," Stubborn, pup," She released his hand, ruffling his hair causing him to laugh softly before she turned, narrowing her eyes as she used her hand to open the door with enough force to cause it to hit the wall.

Just as Devona suspected she could instantly see who were pirates and who were regulars, she ignored the gazes she attracted due to the fact she had on her tattoos on full display for all to see along with her being female. She walked forward, black boots were the only sound as she walked toward where she could see the barkeep.

"Greetings, Rob. Matthew said you needed to see me?" Devona asked with a hum, feeling Matthew standing close to her.

Rob was a somewhat thin man, but still had enough strength to toss a two hundred pound man out of his bar if need be. He was an elderly man, at first appearance due to the fact that he had a graying mustache along with graying hair that was slicked back with a strand that seemed to enjoy staying on his forehead for eternity.

"Yes I did. I hoped you wouldn't mind keeping this old man company for a while. After I closed up shop I gotta surprise for you and Matthew," He said with a grin as he put a pint of ale down in front of her, causing her to chuckle as she sat down on an empty bar stool and helped Matthew into the one next to her.

Devona chuckled as she watched Rob reach over to a different section and pulled out another cup, before pouring a golden liquid into it. He then handed it to Matthew, before saying," 'Ere you go, Matthew. It's apple juice."

Devona watched with amusement as Matthew began to drink his drink happily, she then returned her attention back to Rob, who went back to cleaning up the bar area. She took a drink of her ale, while watching the patrons around her ensuring that none of them caused a ruckus. However, the fun, exuberant environment was suddenly casted into a dark atmosphere when the door of the bar slammed opened. Devona didn't bother to turn and look at the possible newcomers until she heard the familiar scratchy deep voice,

"Well. Well if it isn't 'The Black Wolf" I have been hoping to see you again."

Devona let out a huff as she didn't say anything as she took another gulp of her ale before she glanced back behind her. Her eyes instantly landed upon the leader of the three newcomers, he was a thin man, but obviously was well trained. He bore scars along his face, one at the very edge of his manic grin, another across the bridge of his nose and the final one across his left eye. His golden eyes gleamed dangerously as Devona watched his right tattooed hand clench upon his sword that was strapped around his waist.

"Been a while Captain Zaolin. Still trying to be a legendary pirate? Or did you decide to become a lowly thug?" Devona asked as she turned to Matthew, giving him a discreet look before returning to her drink.

"You stupid wrench-" He began, however, he was cut off when one of his lackey's pointed to Matthew and said," Ay captain. Doesn't that brat look like the same brat from Kirkland's crew?"

At the mention of Matthew, she quickly chugged the rest of her ale before removing her long coat and placing it upon Matthew's head. Devona slowly turned, raising her hands up in front of her chest, popping her knuckles as she stared at the men in front of her.

"Oh? Do tell me. You have my full undivided attention," She said as she slowly began to approach the three," How does my pup look like this Kirkland's pup?"

When no one answered her she gave them a sharpened grin as she continued to speak," No answer? Very well then. I guess I'll have to beat it out of you."

(Hope you enjoyed it!)