Chapter 11: Aerial Duel

The night had grown long for Vanessa, Skye, and Theora. All had too much fun in the others' company to retreat for the night; the three girls sharing stories and eating sweets. It had been a nice night; no clouds blocking the view of the twinkling stars above. The sun peaked its rays near the horizon; an indication that it was time for bed.

Vanessa was the first one to wake up; the reveal of the time causing the pirate to groan and bury her head in multiple layers of blankets. She shouldn't have been surprised that she had slept in so late, considering the night the three had experienced. It was noon; the three had slept through breakfast. Perhaps she could still squeeze in a few more minutes…

Unfortunately for her, her stomach had other plans. As she lay there, shielding her eyes from the unforgiving light that burst through the porthole, it suddenly began to gurgle. She ignored it, still stubbornly clinging to the last bit of drowsiness that still ran prevalent in her system. It dried up fairly quickly when she suddenly shot up in pain, clutching her abdomen in vain as if the motion could actually help her in this predicament.

"Fine." She grumbled to herself, pushing off the comforting layers of her bed to trudge off towards the bathroom. She would have to find some medicine when they arrived in Sailor's Island because this was just getting ridiculous.

Her trauma went largely unnoticed by the two other occupants of the ship, as they didn't begin to stir until around an hour after. She had already prepared their lunch and stored it in the fridge at that point for whenever they felt hungry. Apparently their motives for getting out of bed were also stomach related – hunger drove them to the kitchen, where a simple but wonderful dish of sandwiches awaited their arrival. Vanessa wished her awakening had been so gentle and generous. She could have ignored hunger pains.

They sat down together, playfully teasing Theora's frazzled morning hairdo as she hadn't yet freshened up and her strands were denying gravity as a result. Her hair was down, her ties wrapped around her right arm for when she would later take up residence in front of the mirror. Her pigtails were an art form; she couldn't just haphazardly put them together without visual assistance. Its rare appearance of gently rolling down her shoulders and back were also complimented by the two elder crew – Skye insisting that she looked a lot better that way (by calling the pigtails stupid, naturally) and Theora casually deflecting it by supporting the practicality of the other hairstyle.

"Psh, like you need a reason to tie your hair back. You do jack shit." The blonde laughed, flicking her hair around. "Not to mention that even with my vigorous contribution to the team, I can still pull it off with my flowing locks spread about. It's called talent." Skye added in before Theora got a chance to retort. Seeing the brunette's face scrunched up was a clear indication that she was about to perform an obvious comeback. Oh, how that girl could be so predictable.

"I do plenty!" She cried, pointing to the direction of the bridge. "I pilot the damn ship; something that you'd only die trying to do." Skye growled at the direct insult; not at all impressed with Theora's comment.

"Come on, you two…" Vanessa sighed, her tone tinted with a hint of depression. She should have known that the moments they shared last night were fleeting, but was it foolish to hope that it lasted another day? She supposed it was; she should be adjusted to the rollercoaster that was Skye and Theora's friendship by now. "We each specialize in something different here. There is no point in questioning one's usefulness without having first stepped in their shoes. Not," Vanessa hastily added, before they got any ideas, "that I'm supporting that we switch tasks. That could be potentially dangerous, given our occupations." She paused. "Well, not mine. You two would likely just burn the food or give us dysentery and get us lost or something."

"That's just as important as flying or firing cannons." Theora disagreed. "Not that I know what dysentery is, but…"

"Don't wanna know, trust me." Skye scoffed. "Fine, I apologize, but not to you, squirt. She's got a point."

"Whatever…" Theora leaned back, looking dejected.

"Well, we could always try learning from each other." Vanessa suggested. Immediate glares from the other two expressed rampant disapproval at the idea. Clearly neither wanted to be the other's 'underling' or inferior, if even briefly. "OR… I'll learn from the two of you, and then teach it to the other. Would that work?"

"I'd much rather learn from you than lassie over there." Skye nudged her head in Theora's direction, crossing her arms. "Her inability to teach will kill us all." Vanessa shot a warning look but Skye ignored it, smirking as Theora visibly quaked in her seat. She was about to retort that the same could be said of Skye but was discouraged from doing so by a shake of Vanessa's head. It wouldn't solve anything; only give more fire to an unneeded confrontation.

"Baw ha ha, I'm Theora! I can fly ships and be useless and not know how to do anything but be a useless bitch." Skye shaped her hair into pigtails and stuck out her tongue. "Not to mention I put my hair back when it isn't even necessary because I don't do a damn thing."

Theora let out a huff, forming her fingers into circular binoculars. "Well, I'm Skye, a blind as a bat ignorant pirate who can't even tell you who it was she slept with the night before. Wait a minute, that doesn't even matter to me because I'm too blind to even see what they looked like!"

Skye's hand curled up into a fist as she pushed up her glasses with a sole finger. "I am not a whore, Theora."

"I never implied you were one, Skye. Leave it to you to call it out all by yourself."

"Enough!" Vanessa yelled, her ears ringing from the loud voices. "When I said learn from each other, obviously I didn't mean argue until the both of you would turn blue in the face. What will it take to get it into the both of your heads that you two aren't the only residents on this ship?"

Both Skye and Theora threw Vanessa a blank stare.

"Oh, now I have your attention. Lovely." Vanessa hadn't had the chance to continue; her feet were shaking from the sudden vibrations under her feet.

"Great." Skye uttered as Vanessa grabbed a nearby ledge to support herself. The Thalia lurched, throwing Vanessa over her only means of balance and landing ungracefully on the floor.

"Moons, I swear…" Vanessa grumbled; her mood further dampened. Could this day be any more of a contrast to the night before? "Theora, get to the bridge, something's attacking us. Skye –"

"I know, I know." Skye pushed off from the chair, heading for the door. "I'll shoot those bastards from the sky."

"Um, I don't think either of that will help…" Theora spoke sheepishly, her attention drawn to the porthole.

"Why?" Vanessa lifted herself from the floor, catching sight of what the girl was looking at. There was a ship right next to them, clearly trying to board. "Oh, scratch that then. Theora, we still need you in the bridge; Skye, you got your gun with you?" The blonde was spinning her pistol with a finger. She grabbed it and cocked her head in Vanessa's direction.

"Of course I do. Got your knives?" Vanessa answered by pulling one out of its sheath. "Good. Let's teach these assholes what happens when they mess with us." Skye headed down the hallway with Vanessa in quick pursuit behind her. She stalled for a moment when Theora called out her name.

"Vanessa…" Theora looked uneasy. "You both be careful out there." Vanessa threw her a reassuring grin.

"Not to worry. We don't plan on losing our undefeated record quite yet." A sly wink later and Vanessa was around the corner, out of sight as she headed for the deck. Theora stared troubled for a moment at where her friend had been until she realized she had an order to act out. They'd be able to take care of themselves; she had her own job to do.

"So the prey has finally come out to play." A voice greeted them, as the two seniors of the Red Rogues piled out onto the deck of their ship. Vanessa and Skye sharply twisted their heads around, trying to find the source.

"About damn time." Another voice, distinctively female sounding, snapped. "Seriously, with how slow they reacted you'd think they weren't getting attacked."

"Now now, my dear, patience is key with a task like this. All is still going according to schedule; this should be wrapped up soon."

"Oh shut your holes." Skye shouted, visibly angry at the annoyance these two unwanted visitors were turning out to be. "Get your asses out in the open so I can kick them overboard."

"These are definitely the targets." The more intense of the two voices stated casually. "A blonde with a boisterous temper and her wary companion. Don't see why he took any interest in them; they look pretty worthless to me."

"Appearances can be deceiving…" The other, seemingly more wise of the unseen duo, murmured. "Be careful."

"Say that to my face, you cowards." Skye took a step forward, gun poised and ready. She scanned her surroundings, pissed that their adversaries hadn't yet revealed themselves. They were playing with them! Vanessa uneasily looked around. Where were the voices coming from? Something glinted out of the corner of her retinas; something shiny that caught the sunlight. A sharp icicle was heading straight for Skye!

"Skye, look out!" The red donned pirate leapt into action, redirecting the icicle with a well timed slice of her blade. It flew over the edge to fall into the depths of Deep Sky below. Skye's eyes widened at the close call.

"Where'd the hell that come from?" Skye exclaimed, realizing a bit too late her predicament. She was fortunate Vanessa had noticed.

"Aim for the banisters, they're above us!" Vanessa hissed. Skye looked up and found that she was right – two evasive figures were trying to hide beyond the staircase. Skye growled and fired a shot in their direction. The two jumped out of the way, but they knew their cover was blown. One fired a shot back at them and they stepped back to avoid it. The bullet hole in the ground before them assured that things were about to get serious.

"It appears we have been discovered, Joyce." The calmer of the two voices finally revealed its owner. It came from a beautiful, well endowed woman with wavy black hair that reached just beyond her shoulders; she wore a dark solid color headband to keep it contained. Her attire certainly accentuated her gender as she wore a dress that extended all the way to the floor, layered with a corset on top. The long dress was a beautiful blue while the corset was a golden yellow. Eyes of the finest sapphire color observed the two opposing pirates below, composure as elegant and refined as her beauty suggested.

"Least now we can have some fun with them, aye Renee?" Joyce snorted unflatteringly, smirking at her companion about the 'inconvenience' that was about to ensue. Renee had wanted this mission to be as quick and painless as possible – but there was no fun in attacking victims from behind. Joyce didn't care that the aforementioned plan could be considered dishonourable from the few shits that would argue that point; she just wanted to see them bleed. He had never said that they couldn't be damaged goods – a lacked specification that she would be sure to make him regret. If Renee would allow her to play, that is. Her partner seemed to sense her intention, because she commented on it a moment later.

"As unharmed as possible, remember. We want them in presentable condition." The wild smile disappeared from Joyce's face. Of course she'd say that, but she had hoped Renee would overlook it this time. After all, she failed to see why this mission required any more tact than usual.

"Who are you?" Vanessa demanded, clutching her knife in her right hand. "What do you want?"

"We've already introduced ourselves, genius." The red head of the duo sneered, rolling her chocolate eyes indignantly. "Seems the captain got his eyes on two real smart ladies here; real impressive." Her voice was laden with sarcasm.

"Renee and Joyce of the Black Pirates. A pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Vanessa." Renee greeted, ignoring her comrade's flippant comment entirely. Vanessa's face shrouded in confusion.

"How do you know my –"

"We'll be getting to know each other much better fairly soon, of that I can assure you." Renee promised. She crossed her arms, her staff revealed as it rested securely in the crook of her right arm. "Now, down to business. I'd much rather not have to engage in a needless fight, so I have a proposition for the two of you."

Vanessa straightened, her face expressing curiosity.

"And what might that be?"

"Ah, it is good to see that the barbaric rumours of the Red Rogues are falsified. It is always a pleasant surprise to meet other pirates with proper etiquette and decency."

"Renee…" Joyce forced her to get to the point. She wasn't standing up here in her short black dress with her favourite yellow bow tied around her waist for nothing. She meant business, and it frustrated her to no end when Renee delayed the process.

"Right, sorry. Anyway, I offer you two simple options. One," she held up a finger to emphasize, "you will either come with us peacefully and without resistance or two," another finger raised, "we will beat you down and drag you back to the hull of our ship."

"And if we refuse these generous options you have presented us with?" Vanessa raised a brow.

"Yeah, only an idiot would consider those." Skye balked. "How about option three, then? We kick your sorry asses off our ship?"

"It's a shame it must come to this, but since you refuse to come quietly…" Renee's expression darkened. "We'll take you back by force." Skye grinned.

"I'd like to see you try." With the potential negotiations left behind in a pile of failure, there was work to be done. Joyce and Renee wasted no time in marking their entrance fashionably; Joyce fired at the pair below so that they could safely descend. Joyce hopped over the railing and landed on her feet, pouncing from her crouch to assail her closest victim, who happened to be Vanessa. The dark haired Red Rogue was not prepared for the close combat from whom she had judged to be a gunslinger like Skye, and Joyce was able to score a direct hit with her fist under Vanessa's chin. The expected recoil that Joyce waited to take advantage of (if she absolutely had to make this a clean sweep, she was going to knock her out in two hits) never came as Vanessa instinctively slashed in her opponent's direction, nicking her in the arm as she stepped back out of range. Vanessa rubbed her chin, throbbing in pain. She wouldn't allow another cheap shot like that again, not on her watch.

A barrage of bullets could be heard from the blonde that vigilantly raced across the deck and up the staircase, dodging the magical projectiles and ice traps that threatened to trip her. Renee was exceptionally good at casting magic; so good that Skye couldn't even see when she was speaking the incantation. Skye was completely clueless from the floor below, but now on the same level she could at least see the magic circle that appeared any time she was about to cast. It was invaluable knowledge in a battle to know at what point in the incantation a mage was at – the problem with spell casting was that no matter how efficient you were, there would always be valuable seconds where you would be left vulnerable. Renee was no exception, and Skye was going to take advantage of that. But first…

"Increm!" Skye shouted, projecting forth energy to manipulate Vanessa's attributes. Vanessa was facing a dangerously offensive foe down there; a decent stats boost should be able to help her out. Vanessa used it to her advantage, deflecting another punch in her direction with her left arm while she threw her own available right fist. It hit its mark right in the gut, causing Joyce to let out a surprised gasp of pain.

"You fucking bitch, I'll kill you!" In battle, Joyce's mood affected how aggressive she was. Today she felt exceedingly pissed off at both this stupid mission and the bitches that refused to just take what was coming to them. She glowered at Vanessa's pretty face. She was going to make sure no one would find it beautiful after what she was going to do to her. She shot a round near point blank, Vanessa just barely managing to scramble out of the way. Joyce leapt forward and kicked Vanessa's knees from behind, forcing her to fall over. Vanessa rolled over in a quick attempt to recover, but Joyce jumped on top of her when her back was exposed, effectively pinning her to the ground. "You're so easy that this isn't even funny. Fight back! Your friend's probably much better at not sucking than you are." Joyce grabbed Vanessa's hair, pulling her head back. "Not worthy of an answer, am I? You're going to learn to regret messing with me!"

"Joyce!" Renee cried out in warning. The red-head looked up at her partner, who was still fending Skye off.

"What? I've got her." Joyce replied, irritable.

"Move, MOVE!" Renee didn't have a chance to say anything else as a bullet grazed her cheek. "Moons are you rough! At least have the decency to try not to blow my head off, please!"

"Seriously?" Skye spat. "You come on our ship, threaten to take us who knows where, and you expect me to use restraint? You have some nerve, woman." Skye aimed her gun at Renee's head. "I don't miss twice." Renee shuffled near the railing, Skye's steely eyes staring her down as the mage held her staff before her, ready. She'd have to time this right…

Skye shot a single bullet just as Renee had anticipated, but instead of sidestepping as Skye had thought, Renee opted instead to jump to the floor below. Shit! Skye rushed over to the edge just in time to see Vanessa finish casting pyres directly above her, Renee desperately trying to tell Joyce to get off of the pinned teen before it was too late. Joyce, not understanding, stubbornly stayed on top, twisting Vanessa's arm and ramming it up her back. She only let go when her back was bombarded with cannonball-sized fireballs, thrusting her forward. She hissed vulgarities as her clothes singed, daggers in her eyes as she watched Vanessa struggle to get up, cradling her arm. Renee approached from behind, staff raised. She'd knock out the unaware girl in one clean motion. Skye growled, feeling forgotten. How dare they ignore her and team up on her friend! Skye pulled the trigger, mystified when nothing came out. She tried a few more times – absolutely nothing. Crap, she had emptied her barrel already; she had to reload. But Vanessa was in trouble right now –

"Vanessa!" Skye cried out. She didn't know what else to do, but hoped from the urgency in her voice that the other pirate would turn around. She did, raising her hand defensively as the staff came crashing down. Renee's eyes widened.

"Hey! L-let go!" Renee struggled as Vanessa grasped the staff with her hands. It became a purely physical duel as neither could do anything but wrestle for possession of the weapon. Skye took this time to reload, firing at Joyce and effectively knocking the other girl's gun right out of her hands. It whipped across the deck and careened over the edge. Skye aimed for Renee's back, but hesitated as the two below spun around, trying to shove and trip the other up. She didn't want to accidentally shoot her own companion. That wouldn't be good.

"How about you…" Vanessa grunted, forcing strength through her strained arms, "get off our damn ship?" As she finished, she heaved and quite literally toppled the older woman over, who had refused to give up her staff. Even now on the floorboards she still clung to it, even though that made her arm twist awkwardly. "A pleasure to meet your acquaintance too, Renee, but I'm NOT interested in what you have to offer. I'd recommend you leave before Skye decides to kill you."

"Not even going to ask our purpose here? My, you two are a mystifying sort." Renee replied calmly. For having bruises and being in an unbecoming position on the floor, she still spoke with eloquence.

"That hardly matters. You failed, that's all that's important." Skye stated, hopping over the railing and landing before them. Renee's eyes wandered from Skye back to Vanessa, who towered over her. Unlike her blonde companion, Vanessa seemed just a bit intrigued by what she said. Renee could see the sensibility of which her boss spoke. He was right to take an interest in her. There was something… different about her, though Renee couldn't really put her finger on it.

"You already made it clear you meant to capture us… but you never explicitly said why." Vanessa pulled out a knife with a spare hand. "I think we've earned the right to know." Her blade shined as the sun struck it, catching Renee's attention. The teen was being very serious. Skye moved over to Joyce, who had slowly got up from her crumpled spot on the ground and now stood a bit hunched; her back clearly a cause of much agony. She had been pelted relentlessly; she could only hope that they had burn salve on their ship. Joyce's face expressed murderous intent as she stared at the armoured girl further away, but her expression didn't last very long as Skye pistol whipped her in the face.

"Stupid bitch. Serves you right for hurting my friend." Joyce fell to the ground again, hatred in her eyes as Skye smugly looked down at her. At least Renee had managed to hurt the snarky blonde – her outfit was blotched with red from wounds she had sustained in battle, and the white fabric of her right arm had been singed black from an accurately casted pyri. Nobody had been left unscathed.

"You are different… beware." Renee whispered out. Vanessa didn't do very much to mask the puzzlement that flooded her face at that comment. "You are a magnet in which only trouble can be attracted. This meeting… and those of our future encounters, they are fated."

"That doesn't answer my question." Vanessa shuffled through the confusing sentences coming out, her priority being focused on learning the answer to her one inquiry. "Who sent you?"

"Gunthor… he has laid a claim on you. Every Black Pirate will be jumping on this opportunity to curry favour with the captain. Your friend, she… she is only a bonus." Well, that explained why she felt they had been targeting her more. Vanessa paled at the mention of his name. He just couldn't leave her alone, and now had a fleet of Black Pirates grasping at the chance of retrieving her! She felt sick. "You should feel honoured. He has been saving himself for the woman he wants, and he has finally found the embodiment of his desire." Though she spoke this, Renee didn't really seem comfortable uttering those words. She almost looked a bit relieved that they had failed, though their failure was likely going to earn them a reaming later. "You."

"T-take Joyce and bugger off." Vanessa stuttered, her voice giving away that she was unnerved by what was said. "I'm only giving you this chance." She dropped the staff next to Renee, who snatched it up immediately. The mage got up, slowly walking around Vanessa, whose eyes never ceased following her movements. Skye didn't look very pleased that they were just letting them go like that – but there was something in Vanessa's eyes that just made her accept the decision.

Renee helped Joyce up, who sneered at the Red Rogues as they passed, slowly making their way over to the board walk. They turned, Joyce leaning on Renee for support.

"This isn't over, Red Rogues…" Joyce called out, her voice strong despite the obvious hurt she felt. "And I can assure you, the results will be different next time!"

"Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourselves that. We'll be ready." Skye cracked her knuckles. That brawl was fun; she could do with more intense fights like that. As the black pirates withdrew their boarding plank and flew off, Skye made her way over to Vanessa. "Are you all right?"

"I-I'll be fine… she got me good, though. Almost dislocated my jaw and arm." She stopped short, scanning Skye for injuries. "Are you all right? You look worse off than me."

"Nah, that's just what happens when you wear white. I just got cut from some ice shards, that's all." She shrugged, as if her answer was obvious. "What did they want? Did the mage ever answer you?"

"So you tell them you're not interested and then directly ask me as soon as they've left?" Vanessa chuckled, sheathing her blade. "I sense an oxymoron in interest, dear." Skye waved it off.

"That aside, she must have said something… you look troubled." Skye pressed, her eyes searching.

"Gunthor… they're doing it for him." Oh, how her voice quivered when she spoke his name. Gunthor had really bruised her psyche, though Skye knew Vanessa would never wish to admit it. Everything suddenly made sense though – at least it explained why those Black Pirates had shown up and threatened to do so again. Hmm. Life had just taken an interesting turn.

"Well, we'll get back at 'em eventually. For now, let's get back inside. I have a squirt to boss around."

"Skye…" Vanessa frowned. "Please tell me our earlier conversation hasn't completely slipped your mind. Besides, that 'squirt' is the only person on this vessel with any healing spells."

"I was kidding, sheesh." Skye gave an exasperated sigh. It was true; she had only suggested it to distract Vanessa from the worries that she knew were spinning in that girl's mind. Her plan had worked, however briefly. "Come on, let's go. We can get to Sailor's Island by nightfall if we move now."

"Yeah, okay…" Vanessa started to walk towards the door, matching Skye's pace. "Oh, Skye?"

"Yes?"

"Thanks for, um… hitting Joyce for me. That was pretty cool." Skye laughed.

"And I will do it again numerous times should we ever cross paths with them, no question about it. Nobody hits you and goes unpunished; I will make sure of that." Vanessa's eyes softened.

"Thank you."

"Ow!" Theora yelped, holding the back of her head securely. Skye let out a laugh (all clean and shiny, as she cleaned herself up before attacking Theora), satisfied to hear the girl's complaint. She knew that flashlight would be good for something or another. She had no idea why they bought such a pointless contraption; it wasn't going to be used anytime soon!

"Skye! That hurt!"

"Wasn't me." Skye whistled, ignoring the seemingly cracked flashlight rolling on the floor. It was a piece of crap if you asked her; she didn't chuck the flashlight that hard.

"Who else would it be, Skye! You bitch-"

"-Twerps are meant to be seen, and not heard." Skye smiled, although only to enhance her point. "Now get flyin'. I want to reach Sailor's Island before I'm 30."

Theora coiled in anger, the young pirate furious at her blonde companion. Was she subjected to being tortured like this every moment of her life? She and Vanessa just overcame two tough pirates after all; if anything, Skye should have been dancing around in excitement or gloating in victory. Instead, she had chucked a flashlight at her.

"Screw you Skye! You honestly think I can fly more efficiently with my now pounding head?" Which Skye inflicted, Theora muttered under her breath.

"Don't really care; just get us there, Theora." Skye stressed, stepping out of the brunette's line of vision. She laughed again, causing Theora to twitch in discomfort.

"You'll pay for this..."

Nothing was said after Theora's threat; the pirate disappeared from her surroundings. Theora was left on the bridge to think to herself; her head reminding her of Skye's brash impulses. There was no getting around that Skye was a total bitch to her. Theora sighed; Skye used to possess some class to her being. She supposed, like the good old days, those moments were lost.

"Theora? We should take off soon. We need to stock up on supplies before tonight." Vanessa spoke, catching Theora off guard. A hand graced Theora's shoulder, causing the brunette to smile.

"How long were you there?"

"Long enough. Let's just say Skye's on permanent dish duty for the next week."

"She owes us a new flashlight, too." Theora chimed in. Her head pounded vigorously; Theora holding her head in hopes to soothe the pain.

"That she does, friend." Vanessa giggled, happy to be distracted from the current injuries that she felt. She was good in hiding her ailments; this time was no different. "Are you alright to fly? I'm sorry if I sounded pushy beforehand."

"Yes, I'm fine." She smiled, twisting the wheel on the helm to their right. "Sailor's Island is our new destination; get ready for takeoff!"

Vanessa grinned, happy to see her friend in high spirits. She was also pleased to finally be on the way. Vanessa was the type who wanted to get things done right away. She didn't want to have the inconvenience of minimal supplies hindering her mind.

Sailor's Island was bustling with activity; the merchants scuttling about trying to sell their wares. It had been a rough week; the weather in this region was drenched with water a few days back. Luckily for the Red Rogues, they arrived on a clear day; a perfect day for shopping… as every place was packed, proving Theora's point clearly. Skye muttered to Theora a harsh silence, giving Vanessa a look. She knew that look quite well, knowing that Skye was going to take this opportunity to get something to wet her whistle. Theora crossed her arms, speaking over the nearby voices.

"I don't see why she told me to shut up when she was leaving us anyway!" Theora whined. Vanessa wasn't too sure about it either; not spending too much time trying to figure out the blonde pirate, as her mind wasn't an easy one to follow. She'd be nice one minute, and rotten the next. Oh well, that was her missie.

"I wouldn't give it too much thought, Theora. It's not worth it."

"…You mean she's not worth it." A mumble from Theora that was quite audible.

"Theora!" Vanessa scolded, not saying another word. Seriously, these two were going to drive her nuts near the end of the day. She needed to get the required supplies: Sacri crystals, new bullets for Skye's gun, and some food were on top of the list.

"Bandits be hanging near South Ocean, ye hear?" A voice caught Theora's attention as Vanessa headed into the weapon shop. "Very fierce and very dangerous."

"Ye don't say?" A woman responded.

"Aye, heard it with me two ears. The path will be a dangerous one as well."

Theora gulped. They couldn't be serious. Ixa'taka was their next destination, and South Ocean was the most convenient way through. For the love of Arcadia…

"The bandits were escapees of Valua; wanting to steal a better ship to escape to the green lands I 'ear."

"Steal a ship? They should be punished for even thinking about such a thing."

Theora hadn't cared about the rest of the gibbering; the bandits were what she was concerned about. How could she fly through the South Ocean knowing that little tidbit of information? There had to be another way around this.

Theora waited outside patiently for Vanessa's return. She had to say something to her. Theora couldn't allow the trio to get robbed by bandits; even worse, their own ship was targeted to be the bounty.

The voices seemingly disappeared soon after, or Theora was concentrated on her own fears and worries too much to notice them anymore. It could have been both. Vanessa stepped out of the shop, giving her friend a quizzical look.

She had the bags in hand, the bullets and the sacri crystals. She wouldn't purchase them at the weapons store if they hadn't ordered them in stock by accident. They were at a killer discount, that's for sure.
Theora was still focused on the ground below her, which had been rather strange considering that the brunette hadn't acknowledged Vanessa's presence as of yet.

"We're going to get Skye and go, Theora. I'm feeling quite sore, and want some rest."

Nothing.

"Theora? Are you coming?"

Nothing.

"Alright, I'm going." Vanessa replied, leaving Theora to her thoughts. She knew the girl would come eventually. She wouldn't leave Sailor's Island without her.

It hadn't taken Vanessa very long to find Skye; the blonde draped over the counter. Vanessa nudged her with her arm to wake her up, as Vanessa figured the alcohol would tire out the blonde.

"What?" Skye let out a sigh, still drowsy.

"Let's go." Vanessa lent her arm as a support for the pirate who needed a little assistance walking. The new destination was the Thalia; Vanessa noticing from the corner of her eyes the little pigtailed girl that hurried to catch up to them.

It wouldn't take much.

END CHAPTER 11