A/N: Back by vaguely popular demand, it's Scoundrel! Thanks for being patient; I'm really sorry about the delay I just haven't had time recently. I've rewrote chapter 1 and 3 so be sure to go look at it. Thanks to everyone who reviewed, favourited and followed, hopefully I won't disappoint.

It's been pointed out to me that before I changed it, this is a re-write of this chapter, that my use of cannons was off because only the Qunari had access to Blackpowder. So shout out to great northern one for letting me know I dropped the ball. So here is chapter 4 2.0.

Last time, we left our young Hero in the seductive hands of Isabella, Pirate Queen. How will he face his moral dilemma? And just how "easy" will the capture of the frigate be? Find out…

Right now.

Chapter 3: A lesson in Humility

I leave Isabella's room with a limp and make my way below deck, amidst all the pirates leering and whooping at me. It's mostly deserted, only a handful of pirates. The rest are above deck, sailing through a storm. I sit by the chest, filled with my own slice of gold and profit, along with my old belongings. I groan, hating myself immensely. I never claimed to be strong but… Oh god, I just slept with a video game character. Worse, I just slept with the video game character most likely to have an STD! Fan-dabby-fucking-dozy!

I sigh heavily. Pulling the key from around my neck, I unlock my chest. I pull out my old hoodie, black with skulls and fire decorating it. I smile fondly, remembering how my mum hated it.

"You look like a bloody goon!" she shouted as I left the house one day. I just laughed as I made my way to my car. Oh god, how I miss that rust bucket. A blue Honda Civic 1.6i VTEC, it'd been my mums before she sold it to me. Than thing was my pride and joy, right after my dog. I smell the hoodie, savouring the smell of dog I get from it. Flint was a dopey mutt, but he was my mutt. A black and white Collie, all he did was poop, bark and run amok. God I miss him. I miss it all.

Back then, I was just some kid. Everything was simple. I was gonna go to college, get a job, have a family, settle down and die. Y'know, what everyone else does. It's boring, but it's expected. And now I'm stuck on a pirate ship that shouldn't even exist. None of this should exist.

All I wanna do is go home.

I place my hoodie tenderly back in the chest, as though it were some great religious relic. Which I suppose, in a way, it is. It's my link to the past, to where I came from. It's all I have left of home.

I hear shouts from above deck and all movement seems to pause. That sounded like Geoffrey, the bloke in the crow's nest. Suddenly the sounds of boots thunder above me, harder and quicker than before.

I smell trouble.

Ahead of me, the side of the ship explodes outwards; sending splinters the size of my arm in every direction. I duck hastily and see a massive splinter embed itself in the wood behind me.

What the hell's going on? I hear shouts and yells from above deck and thundering footsteps as hundreds of pirates scurry around. I look for the source of the explosion and see a small hole, no bigger than my head. What the hell. There's no such thing as cannons in Dragon Age, only the Qunari know how to use black powder? Why the hell are the Qunari trying to shoot us? I look across and see a long bolt of metal, around six feet long. Wait, I've heard os these. Before cannons they used… ballista! I smile, that was driving me crazy. Wait a second? Who the hell's shooting us? I look through the hole and a flash of lightning silhouettes a massive ship in the distance. I see a thin dark shape sail through the sky and rush up the stairs.

"ALL HEADS DOWN!" I yell as loud as I can as I dive for cover. Most of the men hear me but the storm drowns me out. The bolt comes crashing down on one of the sailors, impaling him through the thigh as he howls in agony. Words can't even describe the raw, utter agony the young man is convey as he tries to pull out the bolt. Another comes up behind me, knife drawn. I turn away as his screams are cut short. Around me, men rush to the defensive, readying our own ballista.

I quickly grab the arm of the nearest man. He spins and glares at me. It's Henry, my bunkmate. All he does is regale us with the stories of how he bedded a dozen virgins in one night or cut down a hundred men. His storytelling skills could be better.

"What's going on?" I ask in confusion. Around us all the men are dousing lamps and securing lines… and stuff.

"Geoff spotted another ship a few minutes ago. It's not the merchant vessel and it's flying Ferelden colours. A warship," He says quickly. Above us, Mordecai barks out orders at the men.

"So what are we doing?" I ask as another man barges past us below deck.

"What's it look like," he laughs edgily. "We're getting out of here. There's no way we're going up against an army over a few cows!" With that he turns away and hurries off. I stand there for a moment, dumbfounded.

What are the chances that in all the oceans in all the world, one finds us? All the merchant ships we've hit have been Ferelden as well. A sense of panic surrounds me.

Oh no.

I rush past all the men and barge into Isabella's room. He looks up, drawing a blade from her boot and scowling at me. "I didn't expect to see you so soon Sparrow. I'm flattered but not in the mood right now," she says with glittering eyes and a knowing smirk as she returns the knife.

I blush furiously as I walk past her to the desk and study the map. Laid out are all the ships we've hit with green signifying Ferelden. This month, we've hit 5 of their ships. I pull across the documents recovered from the 5 ships that led me to their friends. As I scan them, looking for any irregularity, Isabella makes her way over.

"What are you doing?" she asks slowly. I glance up at her and then turn back to the maps.

"A ships been spotted. Ferelden," I say quickly. I need to concentrate.

"The merchant vessel?"

I look at her gravely. "Warship. They're attacking, we barely had any warning." Her eyes narrow and her face hardens.

"How did they find us?" she demands, bending over the desk to look me in the eyes. My thoughts are drawn to little over an hour ago where I bent her…

Stop it. Focus.

"Th-that's what I'm trying to figure out," I stammer, pushing the memories out of my mind. Now is not the time. I look over the maps and pause. I pick up the map we acquired from the last ship. I hold another map next to it, bringing the edges close to my eyes.

"This one's," I hold up the newer map, "new. The paper is thinner than and not as weathered as all the others. See, this one has water damage, and this one is frayed at the edges. And this one is ripped. But that one's in near mint condition." I look up at Isabella, anguish across my face. She looks at me, not quite understanding.

"They planted this. They knew we'd hit that ship. They knew we'd take this map. They knew I'd be stupid enough not to notice," I shout and sweep the maps off the table. I turn away, breathing heavily. I hate it when someone outsmarts me. A thud slams through the ship accompanied by more yelling. And this is all my fault. I had the thinking "Hey, these are all middle age peasants, they'll be no match for my 21st century thinking". That's worked out so well so far anyway.

"We have to get out of here," I say, steadily. I turn to her, fury blazing in my eyes. They've won. "If we go against them then we either lose or become the most wanted ship in all of Thedas." Isabella chews her lip but before she can come to a decision the door burst open. Mordecai stumbles in, hair dripping from the hellish weather as the wind howls through the open doorway. He slams the door shut and pants lightly.

"What's going on?" Isabella asks quickly. She's panicking. Mordecai has never lost his composure, not that I've seen anyway. From barking commands to telling a bawdy tale, the man's always been straight faced. I'd made it an ambition of mine to see him grin at least once. But now, his eyes are wide with fear and he seems unable to let the words out. "Mordecail, now!" Isabella says harshly.

That sobers up the sailor and he straightens. "Ma'am. The Crow's nest spotted a Ferelden Warship a few minutes ago. We made a course to avoid them."

"And?"

"They've spotted us captain. They've made sail to intercept." he says gravely. Isabella pauses. My eyes widen. The whole room seems to freeze in time. Isabella looks down, and I see the indecision in her eyes. But it's futile. Even I know that we can't outrun them. A storm at our back, war to the front. Shit.

Isabella's head snaps up, fire blazing in her eyes. "If it's war she wants, we'll be happy to oblige them. Mordecai, have the men prepare for boarding. I want every man armed. Then make sure the ballista are prepared. I want archers to set that ship alight the moment it's in range." Mordecai nods, relief oozing from him. Like a blunt instrument, all he needs is a will to wield him. He leaves the cabin, leaving me and Isabella alone.

She doesn't look at me as she makes her way to her wardrobe. She comes out of the closet a few moments later, wearing a tricorne and overcoat. She throws a hat to me. The leather tricorne I was eyeing up. I look up to thank her and see her glaring at me in fury.

"When this is over, we are going to have a long chat about your future MR Sparrow," she says heavily. I look down in shame. "Because of your oversight, the lives in my men are in jeopardy. When we next make port – IF we make port – I suggest you walk away and don't look back. Are we clear?" She asks, a dangerous glint in her eye.

"Crystal," I say. I don't bother telling her that I'll make it up to her or that it was an easy mistake. There's no excuses for this. People have died because I thought I was better than everyone else here. Isabella takes care of her own – and herself – and I've put all of that in jeopardy.

She nods and chucks me two swords which I catch effortlessly. She throws me a harness and I put it on as she leaves. As the swords slide into their scabbards over my back I sigh. I've let everyone down. The ship, Isabella, myself. My arrogance is going to cost everyone one this ship their lives.

We're gonna die. We're all gonna die. I'm never gonna get home. I'm never gonna see my family.

I hear a yell outside the cabin. "Time to move," I sigh. I walk out of the cabin and pause. A group of men are circling Isabella, swords drawn.

"You've killed us all," one shouts angrily. I focus for a moment and recognise Henry, face contorted in rage. "We did not come here to die because of some whore's stupidity! I say we wave the white flag and hand over this slattern!"

"The price of piracy is hanging, you idiot," I say, making my way over. "We either fight or die. Or were you dropped on your head as a child? If we give up, we sign all our death warrants. I'd rather go out fighting," I look the others in the eyes, all suddenly unsure of themselves. All except Henry.

"You would say that. She spreads her legs this boy every night and now he takes her side? What a surprise," he says sarcastically, trying to bring the men back to his side. I can see doubt in their eyes, doubt that anyone can exploit at the moment. Doubt that I can exploit.

"I've slept with the Captain, yeah. So what? At least I'm not a liar Henry," I say, stepping right into his face. Swords are on my back, there's no way I'll be able to draw before he stops me, if it comes to that. Now I'm up close, he has the same problem. It's MAD, plain and simple. "What happened to the great tales of you cutting down a hundred men after a Bann found you with his daughter? Where's that courage that you've bragged about all these months?" I smirk as his eyes go wide and he stammers. I take a step away and look at his companions.

"This is nothing more than a coward trying to save his own sorry hide. Our only choice is to fight. That's the only way we get out of this." The others look among themselves and sheathe their swords before slowly returning to their duties, now with more desperation. Only Henry is left, blind fury in his eyes. I smirk at him. "Looks like you just got outvoted pally. Better luck next mutiny." I take a step away, victory causing me to smile. Thank god we managed to avoid bloodshed.

"About that," Isabella says. Almost quicker than I can see she pulls a dagger and drives it into Henrys gut. He gasps, blood dripping from his mouth. "No-one takes my ship." She withdraws her blade and Henry stiffens. She kicks him – a full Sparta kick – and he crashes into the barrier, flipping over and off the ship. I don't even hear the splash over the weather. I turn to stare at Isabella who looks at me coldly. She nods once and then moves to take command. I stand there, dumfounded for a moment. I've never seen someone die before. I've seen the dead, at funerals and on this ship but, never the actual act before. It's brutal. Quick and brutal. Henry didn't even have time to breathe. It was just so quick.

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Keep breathing. Stay calm. Just… move on. If you don't move on, then you can't get out of this. And if you don't get out of this, then you'll never get home. Just breathe.

I blink a few times and stagger away. It just hit me. I'm surrounded by killers. Actual killers. Not soldiers. People who've killed for coin and pleasure. Scoundrels. Pirates. Murderers.

I have no idea what to do. Maybe getting off this ship is a good idea. I never should have come here. What the hell was I thinking? It just hit me like a bomb and I chuckle, maybe a little hysterically, at the thought that to get out of this, I might have to… kill someone. I laugh a little more. More likely someone'll kill me. I've been using a sword for what, six months? These guys have been playing with swords since the crib. I giggle loudly. I'm going to die. LITERALLY. Going to die. No respawn, do not pass go.

With a whimper, not a bang…

Bang?

Bang. Gun. Cannon. Explosives. Gunpowder. Gaatlok. I don't have any of these. But I do have something…

I brush off my hysteria – or maybe it overwhelms me, either way, I've got a plan – and move towards Isabella. She ignores me as she finishes calling out to the men. For a moment my giggles return. Hehehe, Elizabeth.

I run towards her as one of our ballista fire back, before a salvo follows. The men don't even wait to see if they've hit anything as they start to reload. They're too scared to see if they missed, I realise. "Captain," I start but before I can say anything else she holds up a hand, determiniation etched into her face.

"Keep those bolts flying! Archers, get ready!" she yells to a chorus of "aye"'s as she brings the ship about to port, right towards the enemy.

"I have a plan." I shout as a wave crashes over us. I learned early when you see it to close your eyes and mouth, but nothing can stop the water finding every hole in your clothes. I shudder furiously.

"The last time you had a plan is the reason we're in this mess," she says furiously. I grind my teeth furiously.

"Those documents were planted! I didn't know that! You can bust my balls over it or you can listen to me while there's still time to win this!" I cry angrily. If I die because of her, I'm gonna sell her to the Arishok when I get home.

"I want you to stay below deck Jack. You've caused enough mess," she says, ducking as a volley of ballista smash into the ship. I stagger under the blow.

"But-"

"No buts. You're a liability up here and you'll just get yourself and everyone else killed, if you haven't already. That's an order Sparrow!" She shouts furiously. I want to argue, but her eyes are glittering dangerously. I make my way below deck and find myself up to my ankle in water. I look at the hole and see that with every wave crashing into us, along with the rain pouring down, we're taking on more and more water. A group of pirates are already plugging the holes, hammering on planks of wood covered in waterproof tar while others are hauling the bolts to our own ballista to fire them back. It's not perfect but it's the best we'll get in these circumstances.

I make my way to help. I may as well be useful, and something tells me that unless that ship runs out of ammo, and their probably re-using our bolts, we're not gonna run out of holes any time soon.

"JACK," one of the pirates calls. David, I think his name was. I turn away from bailing out the water. "We're nearly out of pitch." I feel the blood run from my face. If we can't plug these holes then we don't have to worry about the Fereldens killing us, the sea will do that just fine.

"Use as little as possible of what's left. Take some of the fat off the others. We are NOT allowed to run out," I call back at him. He nods and moves to spread the word. Better warn Isabella.

I rush back up deck, pausing to take cover as another salvo of bolts tears the men apart. The deck is littered with bodies, all broken or smashed in one way or another. It isn't the first time I've seen it but it still sickens me. The ship's a lot closer now, close enough that I can see the men rushing around on their own ship. I turn away and rush to Isabella, who's grimacing heavily. I see blood on her side.

"Captain," I ask in shock.

"I'm fine Sparrow. What are you doing here? I ordered you to stay downstairs." she winces as another wave crashes over. She must be hurt bad. My chest cut isn't stinging because of the adrenaline coursing through my body. It's almost like crack! I imagine anyway.

"We're nearly out of pitch Captain, we can't keep plugging these holes. We have to end this now or we're not gonna make it. Isabella, we have to run," I say quietly. I know she's not above that, her extended stay in Kirkwall after the whole Qunari fiasco kinda proved it, but I know it's hard for anyone to just run away. Pride cometh before the fall. She bares her teeth and growls, eyes darting around.

"We can't run," she says and before I can even open my mouth she continues in frustration, "The wind is against us now, we can't outrun them. Their ballista have a longer range than ours, they'll sink us before we've even finished turning. We either fight, or die Sparrow. So unless you have anything of use to say, I suggest you go downstairs and make your peace with the Maker," she says, turning away from me as she continues to bark commands.

I take a step away. Then I stop. Tilt my head to the side. It's now or never. "Then we duel," I say with laughter. She looks at me as though I've lost my mind. But this time, I've got a plan. "We get close enough to board. We can use the flour we've got and their flour to make a bomb. Cripple the ship and we can get away while they stop themselves from sinking." She seems unsure.

"What about our approach? We'll be cut down," Mordecai shouts from Isabella's other side.

"I don't know," Isabella says, pursing her lips before staring at me, a little of the playfulness returning. I look her dead in the eyes. I'm not crazy. This can work. Trust me. She pauses for a moment and before I can start to squirm under her scrutiny, she turns to Mordecai. "But it's the best plan we've got. Tell the men to prepare for boarding. We'll use the wind to take us close enough," turning to me she adds, "Get a group of men together Sparrow. Do not let me down."

I give her a salute and race back down below. Despite out efforts, the water is knee deep now so half of the men are bailing out as much as they can. David grabs my shoulder as I pass. "What's happening?" he questions as another bolt tears through behind him and men scramble to seal it.

"We're boarding. Grab a few men and follow me," I don't look behind me as I hear David call a few others and we wade towards the kitchen. I grab a barrel of flour and hand it to David. "Take these above deck. When we get to board I want you guys to take these barrels to their kitchen." He looks unsure so I grab his shoulders. "It's either this or drown. I choose to fight!" I slap him on the shoulder and he rushes off, the others grabbing the other barrels. I stare after them. Those guy were in his 30's. I just told a bunch of blokes twice my age what to do. And they listened!

Awesome.

I feel the collision as the ships grate together. Above deck, the men are probably securing the ships together so the Sirens Call doesn't drift off. I hear the shouts and battle cries above as the two forces collide. I'm the only one left, carrying the barrel towards the top deck. The ballista have stopped now, we're too close to shoot at each other. Now all the men are crashing into each other and fighting viciously.

Wait, I have an idea. I rush towards my chest and unlock it. Tossing aside my hoodie, I root around until I find my trousers. I dig into my pocket and pull out my lighter. Hey, I knew smoking would work out! I stuff the lighter in my pocket and grab a bottle of rum, stuffing that into my overcoat.

I run upstairs and rush past the fighting, running as fast as I can before anyone has time to target the big kid carrying a barrel over his shoulder. Man this barrel's heavy. I manage to make it to the other side and down the stairs into the Fereldan ship. I try to ignore the numerous bodies and limbs that I pass.

I just wanna go home! I just want to get out of here, go back to my stupid old life with my stupid old school and my stupid old room with my stupid old dog. This whole world is stupid.

I look up, rage filling me. That's it. I'm done being the victim. I'm done with all this angst. I'm gonna go up there, and I'm gonna spread the pain. It's the least I can do.

A swords flies towards me and I swing the barrel to intercept. The blade becomes lodged into the wood. I dropped the barrel, the sword following it, causing my attacker to lunge forward with a yelp. I knee him in the face as he pass and hiss as my leg kicks out unconsciously. The swordsman rises, fury in his eyes. I try to pull out my swords but he moves too quickly, driving a fist like granite into my chest. I slump over his arm, face frozen in pain as I try to scream. The man grabs me by the hair and throws me away. I land heavily.

How the hell is this guy so strong? I try to crawl away, coughing and spluttering, trying to breathe. He stalks over to me, murder in in his eyes. Something wells from deep inside of me and the man lunges with his sword. I scream and raise my hand, shutting my eyes tight. Something roars and the man screams. I look and see flames covering him as he screams in agony, trying to wipe them away. Where the hell did that come from? I look at my hand and see a blue flame surrounding it. I'd panic, but it's not burning. I… control it?

Am I a mage? Holy shit I'm a mage.

I stand up and laugh. Soon I'm roaring with laughter. Oh my god this… this! This is so GOOD! It's like spreading butter. And the screams… I don't even care about being sadistic anymore, I'm gonna make them pay. I kick my barrel towards where David and his men have gathered the others. Must have made their way back upstairs. I grin. This is gonna be too easy. I rush towards the flour kegs. I take three steps before a sharp pain tears into my leg.

I fall, dragging the bear trap with me. I howl in agony as the teeth bite into my flesh. I get a grip and keep the noise down. If anyone hears me, I'm a dead man. All delusions of power are long gone now, my mind is totally dominated by the pain. I breathe shallowly as I examine the trap. Sharp, it looks like it was meant to maim, not take the leg. I look for a way to unfasten the teeth but there isn't any.

Looks like the old fashioned way then.

I take a few steadying breaths before I start to pull the vice apart. I squeal in pain but don't stop. If I do, it'll cut even deeper. My own blood makes my hands slippery but I hold on, ignoring the biting pain as my fingers are sliced open. This is excruciating, my legs and hands are burning white hot. It's all I can do to keep going and try to stay as quiet as possible. After a long minute, the teeth of the trap leave my leg, but I don't move it yet. On one hand, I'm too weak right now and on the other, unless I'm quick, I'll lose a finger. Better to prime the trap again.

I just hope to hell that it's like a mouse trap on a larger scale.

After a few more minutes, the fighting above is just as ferocious and I'm finally freed of that bloody trap. I hold it in one hand as I lifelessly limp to the flour barrels. I just need to make one blow, that'll cause a chain reaction. I've lost a lot of blood, I'm woozy and everything is blurry. I think it nicked an artery. All the things that could've killed me, I get taken down by a bear trap.

Maybe this is the massive blood loss talking, but I'm okay with dying. Between this place and death… I think death is a lot safer. And who knows? Maybe this'll take me back home.

I see movement ahead of me, and a sharp glint as a sword comes crashing down. I raise my left arm, defecting it with the side of my arm like a kung du block 0 wax off wax on comes to mind. Before my attacker can do anything else, I shove the bear trap in his face. It activates, crunching down on his skull and under his neck. Blood splashes over me, covering my face. He tries to tear it off, but after a minute of heavy choking sounds, he dies.

I look down at him, feeling empty. I just killed someone. I just killed a human beingwith my bear hands. I look at my hands covered in blood and not just my own. I'm a murderer. I killed him. I look at the glowing remains of the other man. The feeling of power I had before is gone, replaced by nothing but a deep sense of sickness and disgust.

I'm a monster.

I hobble around the room, trying to outrun the thoughts of what I've done, what I've become. I'm ashamed of myself. Yeah, it's all fun and games until someone becomes a murderer!

It's over now. I'm done. There's only one thing left to do. I'm not letting Isabella and the men die because of my mistake. I open the door to the pantry room and the air is thick and acrid. I cough and sputter, my eyes watering. I'm gonna be sick if I'm not careful. The blood loss is really bad now. I roll the other barrels into the pantry.

I make my way into the room and fall. I breathe deeply and dust and flour start to choke me. I feel snot and tears running down my face. I lash out with my sword, cracking a barrel. I hit it again and my sword sticks. I pull it out and white powder starts spilling out. I gingerly get to my feet and start pouring the rum from my pocket from the pile of flour.

Blowing up is too quick. I deserve to suffer. Drowning is one of my greatest fears… so that's what I'll do.

"I guess I wasn't cut out to be a pirate," I laugh deliriously as I throw the barrel back into the room. I fall down, my legs turning to jelly. I reach into my pocket and pull out my pack of cigarettes. Not exactly a victory cigar bet eh, beggars can't be choosers. I pull out my lighter and light the fag.

I moan in pleasure. It's been six months since I've had a cig, and I've missed it every day. I bring the lighter down to the rum and the flames roar to life, travelling along the trail I made. I hear a voice, muted, as though I'm under water. A man steps into my field of vision with his sword drawn. He sees the powder, panics and moves to intercept. But he's too slow as the flames hit the barrel.

The last thing I see is a bright light.

Voices… making no sense…

"I want him alive."

Tough luck buddy, I chose to die

"Son, you've been in an accident."

Mum?

"That boy blew up half my ship. I want him hanged!"

Guess it worked then. Ha! I made it go boom.

"The doctors say you'll get better."

Mum, I wanna get better. I wanna come home.

"And worse, the rest of the pirates got away!"

Take that you son of a bitch.

"But you have to stay strong."

I will Mum, I promise.

"That boy has almost single-handedly led us to defeat!"

Stop, you're making me blush.

"And keep fighting."

I will. Don't worry, I will.

"I will see his body swinging from the gallows and whoever fails to make that happen, will take his place."

Geez, wonder if they'll mutiny before I wake up.

"You just have to wake up."

"See to it that he wakes up."

I need to wake up.

A/N: Oh boy, What's going on? Sparrow's gone a little cuckoo (bird joke he he) and now he's hearing voices. I think our little killers in trouble. And what are these strange powers that are manifesting? The clues are there and whoever can guess gets a cookie.

Bear Trap death was inspired partially by Saw and partially by all the bear traps I stood on in Dragon Age. WHY ARE THEY EVERYWHERE!

BTW, Fag is British slang for cigarette so I hope no-one gets offended. It's not meant in a derogatory way, it just comes more natural for me.

That was my first attempt at a naval battle scene. I know how it went. Feel free to remind me, but I know how it went. That being said, also the best I could do with my limited knowledge of… everything.

Any questions, let me know in a review. Remember, I will take whatever you have to say. That said, try to be constructive please.

Until next time!