"Will ye stop followin' me around?" Dart barked at Serra as she chased after him.
She pursed her lips. "But I can't find Erkie!"
"Then go find somebody else to bother!"
"But you're so fun to talk to!" she squealed and he groaned loudly, smacking his hand onto his bandana-covered forehead.
"Don't you get it, Wil? I'm mad at you for-" Rebecca cut herself off mid-sentence and abruptly stopped walking to gape at the passing Dart and Serra. "Dan?" she whispered.
"Hey, wait up-whoa!" Wil shouted as he stopped running, nearly slamming into Rebecca's back. "What are you staring at?"
"I thought I just saw…oh never mind! You're reminding me of things!" she snapped at Wil, turning around to face his bewildered face.
"What did I do?"
"You," she hissed, poking him on the chest. "You're making me imagine things!"
"Imagine what?"
She didn't respond and looked away. "Never mind. Just leave me alone," she said and started to walk away. She was quickly pulled back by Wil. "Hey!" she snapped, trying to pull her wrist out of his grip. He only tightened his grip and she sighed, turning around to look at him expectantly.
"Why are you so mad at me?" he asked with a confused frown.
"Because," she hissed between gritted teeth, "you and Dan left me! I haven't gotten any letters or anything!"
"I'm sorry," he said quietly, releasing his grip on her wrist. "I must have forgotten. I was so busy, what with joining up with the Caelin army and-"
"Caelin army?" Rebecca said with raised eyebrows. "You're part of the army?"
"Yeah," he said, nodding. "I was traveling around when I met with Lyn's group and well...it just all started from there."
"Lyn?" she asked curiously. "As in...Lady Lyndis?"
"Oh, right!" he said, laughing as he scratched the back of his head. "I really need to start calling her with her title, you know, since I am working for her..." he said and she didn't respond. "Are you still mad?"
"No," she said, shaking her head. "You did apologize, after all. How was Caelin, anyways?"
"Oh, you should've been there, Rebecca!" he said excitedly. "The castle was HUGE! And everyone was so nice! I got a lot better at shooting, too!"
She smiled. "That's great, Wil," she said genuinely.
"What about you? How's everyone? My parents? Yours?"
"Same old same old," she said with a shrug. "Your parents are fine, too. They're still healthy and enjoying their time."
"Good," he grinned. "And Dan?"
Her eyes widened and her mouth opened but formed no words for a few moments. "Dan?" she croaked out.
"Yeah," he said, nodding. He paused for a moment, looking at her curiously. "What's with the face? Did you two get in a fight the last time you saw each other or something?"
"The last time I saw him...was when he went off on his journey with you..."
This time it was Wil's turn to be surprised. "What?"
"I haven't seen him in years...I always thought he was with you."
"I always thought he was with YOU, at home!" he said, his eyes still wide as he ran his fingers through his messy brown hair. "We parted ways at Badon. It was only months after we'd left the village, and..." he trailed off, his eyes a mixture of sadness and disbelief. "I'm so sorry, Rebecca. I...we should've never left Pherae in the first place."
"I...excuse me," she murmured and ran off before he could say another word.
"Sain, you fool!"
"It was an accident, Kent! Calm down!"
"Calm down? Look at what you've done!" Kent shouted angrily, gesturing at where Sain had spilled his glass of water.
The brunette snickered. "I just think you couldn't control your bladder." Kent let out a low growl and there was a quiet giggle behind Sain. He immediately turned around to find a redheaded beauty standing behind him, a hand over her mouth.
"Why, it's as if the sun itself is standing in front of me! I'm blinded by-"
"This is most definitely NOT the time at attemptingto woo someone! I have no patience for you right now!" Kent barked, starting to drag Sain away.
"But Kent, my boon companion, there's always time for the love from a sweet angel!" he cried, earning another giggle from Priscilla. "And listen to the way she laughs, it's like an angel itself is singing!"
They were nearly out of the small dining room until Florina walked in the doorway, nearly running into Kent. She let out a surprised squeal and Kent jumped in surprise.
"I apologize, Florina, I should've been watching where I was walking."
"I-it's okay," she said with a tentative smile, receiving a gasp from Sain. He shrugged Kent off of him, earning himself a glare, and looked at Florina.
"The smile brightens your face, my darling Florina, making you glow with even more beauty; as if that was possible!"
She blushed hard and looked away. "I...er...t-thank you?"
"There is no need for thanks, my sweet lily! For I only speak of the truth-"
"Did you not HEAR me, Sain?" Kent interrupted angrily. "I have no patience for you right now to go around wooing every woman you meet!"
Sain stuck his tongue out at Kent and Florina giggled. "By the way, Florina, have you seen Kent's pants? Look-"
"SAIN-"
It was too late. Sain had already brought Florina's attention to the area, causing her to turn an outrageous red.
"I wasn't able to help Kent find the restroom! Poor fellow, isn't he?" Sain said to Florina, shaking his head sympathetically. Her eyes widened and her blush deepened, making her as red as a tomato.
"Sain!" Kent snapped, his face as red as his hair. "You...you! That's not what happened, Florina," he said, looking back at the red-faced girl. "This...this louttripped on his own two feet and spilled his cup of water all over me!"
"Not all over," his friend mumbled. "Only where it's obvious." This earned him a slap on the back of his head and he groaned loudly.
"Oh...I...I see," Florina said quietly, her face slowly returning to its normal shade. "Well...er..."
"Oh my darling, how you-"
"Shut it," Kent interrupted, starting to drag Sain away again. Florina stepped out of the way. "Thank you," he said with a polite smile and nod at her. "You should be grateful that I have an extra pair of pants, Sain, if I didn't..." he was at too far of a distance for Florina to hear anymore, but she was sure he was still scolding Sain. She stood by the doorway for a few moments, watching their figures disappear, before walking into the dining room.
Guy looked away from the railing, his face green. He clutched onto his forehead and swayed slightly as he walked across the deck. He lost his balance and fell over but was rescued by Lucius, who brought him back up onto his feet.
"Are you alright?" Lucius asked worriedly.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Guy said, waving Lucius off. "Completely fine..."
"You don't look fine," Lucius said concernedly. "Shall I get some help, mister...?"
"Guy," he said, sticking out his hand and wobbling a bit. His face was still green.
"Lucius," the blond said politely, taking his hand and shaking it. "I'm sure either Sister Serra or Priscilla know remedies for sea sickness."
"Seasick? I'm not seasick," Guy laughed but had to stop, feeling like his breakfast might return. "This sea is nothing like the sea of grass in Sacae," he groaned.
He chuckled gently. "Surely a sea of grass and a sea of water are two completely different things."
"I just found out."
"Here, you should take a rest..." Lucius said, gently walking Guy over to the railing. The myrmidon collapsed against it. "I can go get Sister Serra-"
"No!" Guy shrieked, clutching onto Lucius's white robes. His face had turned pale. "Not Serra! Anyone but Serra!"
He chuckled gently. "All right, I'll go get Lady Priscilla instead."
Guy relaxed, releasing his grip on Lucius and slouching more. "Thanks," he said and paused for a moment. "I'm feeling better now, actually. I think I'll just take a nap in my hammock and I'll be fine."
"Are you sure?" Lucius asked as Guy stood up. He did look better; his face was back to its normal shade and he wasn't wobbling anymore.
"Yeah, thanks. I guess getting checked by Serra scared me back into being healthy," he sad with a light chuckle.
"I hope you feel better."
"Thanks" Guy said with a smile before he slipped down below deck to his hammock. Lucius started to walk away but had to stop short when Serra knocked him off his feet. He almost fell face-flat to the dirty pirate ship floor, but Serra held him upright, nearly choking him from behind.
"Lucius!" she squealed loudly, her arms still around his neck.
"H-hello S-sister Serra…choking…me," he managed to say, putting his hands on her arms. She got the message and immediately let go of him, allowing him to breathe once again.
"Dart got away from me!" she said with pursed lips as he turned around to face her.
"Why's that?"
"I don't know," she huffed, pursing her lips even further.
"Maybe he's shy," Lucius offered.
"Yes, of course!" she said and grinned. "You're pretty smart, Lucius!"
"Am I?" he said amusingly, smiling.
"Yeah, you are! Now if only I could find out why Erkie's always avoiding me..."
"Perhaps he too is shy?" he suggested.
She rolled her eyes, giggling a bit. "Erkie? No, he's not shy one bit! If anything, he's one of the coldest people I've ever met."
He almost said "then you've never met Lord Raven" but he managed to shut his mouth. Just in time too, for Raven had just passed by him. He and Lucius met eyes but the redhead walked on as if he hadn't noticed the monk.
"Oh, isn't he your friend?" Serra asked Lucius curiously, pointing at Raven.
"Yes, I suppose so," Lucius said with a weary smile. Serra was only half-listening; she was looking back at Raven.
"Hmm," she said and turned back to face Lucius. "He's not very talkative, is he? He kept on glaring at me last night," she said with a small frown.
"No worries, Sister, he's not exactly...the social type."
"I noticed."
Lucius chuckled gently. "Anyways, what have you been up to for this past year? I feel like you and I still have had barely a moment to chat nowadays."
"Oh yes, I know!" she said with a dramatic sigh. "Lord Hector is always bossing me around I never have time to do anything! He's not very nice."
"Lord Hector seems like a fine gentleman."
Serra's eyebrows nearly reached her hairline. "Fine gentleman," she snorted. "You are too polite, Lucius, you know that?"
He frowned slightly. "Well, as far as I've seen, he's kind. Perhaps a bit loud but…he has let L-Raven and I to join his army."
"Raven?" she said confusedly.
"My companion," he said, gesturing toward the redhead by the railing. She seemed to understand, her mouth forming a little 'o'.
"Ooh, so that's his name."
Not necessarily, Lucius thought in the back of his mind. "Yes."
"Huh. So anyways, I need to tell you what Lord Hector said to me the other day! That'll set your mind right!"
Serra babbled away and Lucius listened attentively, smiling and nodding.
"Just drop it!" Raven snarled.
"But milord-"
Lucius was cut off when the door slammed in his face. He sighed.
Raven stomped off; his hands curled up into fists by his sides, and he slammed open the hatch that led up to the main deck. He was growling underneath his breath and only noticed that somebody was also on the main deck until he was a few feet away from her.
Jasmine turned to look at him, her baby blue eyes meeting his dark brown ones. It was almost as if it was a battle between ice and fire. Neither of them spoke for a few moments until she looked away and downcast her eyes.
"Isn't a bit late to be up?" he finally said, looking out at the sea.
"Yes," she answered and he looked at her with slightly raised eyebrows, for that was not the answer he expected.
"Then why are you awake?" he hissed. She didn't answer and raised her face, her eyes flickering from side to side. "Were there monsters underneath your hammock?" he asked with fake sympathy and her eyes met his again, her eyebrows furrowing slightly.
"No. Were there any under yours?"
It annoyed him to no end that she used the same mocking voice. "No," he snapped. She smirked slightly and seemed unfazed by his deathly glare. He almost went back below deck but quickly realized that Lucius would still be there, ready to talk about Ostia.
He certainly wasn't going back there.
He let an agitated sigh escape his lips. She looked at him curiously but said nothing.
"You should go back to sleep," she said after a few moments. "A good night's rest is important."
"I can't. If I go back, Lucius will bother me," he said and she didn't ask anything, though she looked a little curious and confused. "Why don't YOU go back to sleep? Surely you could use the rest to improve your tactic skills."
Her eyebrows shot up at his rudeness and she looked extremely offended. Without responding, she quickly turned around from him to look off at the vast sea. Raven said nothing, felt no guilt. Perhaps she would leave now and go back to sleep.
"I know," she said quietly, closing her eyes. "I barely knew anything about tactics….until I met Lyn. Honestly, it's a miracle that everyone's still alive," she said and chuckled dryly.
"We're all managing."
"Won't Lucius worry about you?" she said after a few moments.
Raven rolled his eyes. "I highly doubt it."
"He'll come searching for you."
"How do you know? What, can the almighty tactician look into the future?"
She glanced at him over her shoulder, annoyance replacing her hurt expression. "I am not almighty and I can't read into the future."
He rolled his eyes again. "Everyone in this blasted army is so full of themselves; I bet you do think that you're the best tactician out there!"
"I never-"
"Especially that idiotic lord, Hector! He thinks he's the only thing that exists in this world!" he snarled, and there was no mistaking the hatred in his voice.
"I don't know Hector very well, but surely he doesn't think that he's the ruler of the world," Jasmine said with slightly raised eyebrows. "He is quite a loud one, but he does stand up for his friends, after all."
Raven snorted loudly. "Stand up for his friends? Hah."
"I really don't think you should be talking about a person you barely know," she said, her voice hardening.
He raised his eyebrows and had the urge to say that he knew much more about Hector than she ever would, but kept his mouth shut on the subject. Instead he said, "And you shouldn't stand up for a person you barely know."
She hesitated for a moment before saying, "I know Hector-maybe not quite as well as Eliwood, but…I do work for him, after all."
"You work for Hector?" His voice changed, more curious and thoughtful.
"Yes," she said slowly, eying him suspiciously. "And you do too, if I'm not mistaken."
"You are mistaken. I did not come here to earn money."
"Oh," she said. He waited for a moment, expecting her to ask why he was here, but she never did. "There are plentiful of people that join for reasons other than money," she said, noticing his look. "And I respect them all."
He gave her a curt nod, ending the subject. Neither said anything for a few moments.
"Well…I guess I'll go back to sleep," Jasmine finally said. He nodded.
"You do that," he said, sounding like he could really care less.
"Good night," she said and walked passed him, heading down below deck. Raven glanced over his shoulder to see that she was gone. He looked up at the half-moon and reached out his open hand. It curled up into a first, blocking the moon from his vision.
"What's this?" Canas said to himself curiously, bending down and grabbing a book off the floor. "Books should be treated with more respect!" he huffed with a frown, gently wiping the cover with his sleeve. Intrigued with the title "A History of Magic", he sat down on the crate nearest to him and started to read away. He became so absorbed in it that he didn't notice Erk run into the room. The mage glanced around and noticed Canas with his back to him.
"Excuse me?" Erk said but Canas didn't hear him. "Excuse me," he said, louder. Canas turned around this time, unwillingly ripping his eyes away from the book. He adjusted the spectacle on his nose and looked at Erk.
"Yes?"
"I was…hey, that's my book!" he said, pointing to the book in Canas's hands. He walked up to him and snatched the book out of his hands.
"Oh, it is? It's a very good book. You should take better care of it."
Erk raised an eyebrow. "I do take good care of it."
"Well, yes, it's in good condition, but you shouldn't leave it lying around," Canas said, smiling politely.
"Yeah, I guess I forgot it; I was too busy hiding from Serra."
Canas looked at him curiously but shrugged. "Anyways, I really enjoyed reading that book. I do like the way it explained elder magic…it didn't make it seem horrible. A lot of books and people misinterpret the entire art of it."
"You use elder magic?" Erk asked curiously.
He nodded. "Yes, I do. You are a mage, as I see?"
"Yeah," Erk nodded. "I still need a lot more studying to become a full-fledged mage though."
"I'm sure you're a great mage!" Canas said encouragingly and Erk didn't respond for a moment, looking down at the floor.
"…what are you doing down here anyways?"
"Oh, yes!" he said suddenly, jumping up. "I was asked by Captain Fargus to bring up a few bottles of alcohol. My, do these pirates drink!"
"Oh…do you, er, need any help?"
"No no, as long as I get to read that book again," Canas said and grinned as he got off his crate.
"Yeah, sure, you can read it any time."
"Wonderful!" he said as he rummaged through a box. "What's your name again?"
"Erk."
"Well it's nice to meet you, Erk. I'm Canas," he said and stood up with a number of bottles in his arms. He tried to shift them all to his left arm in order to shake Erk's hand, but nearly dropped them all in the process. "Perhaps I'll shake hands with you later," he said, looking down at his foot and attempting to balance a bottle on it.
"Okay," Erk mumbled and left the room, hearing a cry and the shattering of glass as he closed the door.
"Oh, Lowen," Rebecca said, sounding surprised as she walked into the kitchen. Lowen was stirring something in a pot and he turned to face Rebecca. "I didn't know you were making dinner tonight."
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Lowen cried out. "I didn't know you wanted to. Here, I'll just-"
Rebecca laughed. "No, no, it's fine! You can cook as much as you want, I won't stop you!"
He hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the bubbling stew. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, of course," she said, waving him off. "I guess I'll just walk around the ship. Call me when dinner's ready, alright?" she smiled.
"Of course," he said with a nod and she left the kitchen. She walked over to the railing and jumped onto it, curiously watching the working crew.
"Oi, ye best get off the railin', lass! Ye might fall off!" a crew member shouted at her and she immediately jumped back off.
"Sorry!" she shouted back and received a grunt in response. She sighed and started to walk around. She passed by Dorcas, leaned over the railing and working on something. Curious, she stopped beside him.
"Hi, Sir Dorcas," she said cheerfully, smiling widely at him. He turned his head and looked at her, giving her a small smile.
"Hello Rebecca."
"What are you doing?" she asked curiously.
"Drawing."
"Drawing what?"
"The sea," he said, bringing his arm around and showing her the painting in his hand. There was a lot of blue in the color, the dark blue of the sea, and the light blue of the sky. It was very well-drawn painting, and the sun seemed to be alive, peeking out from behind the sea.
"It's beautiful!" Rebecca breathed. "You're very talented!"
"This is nothing," he said. "I've seen much better."
"I haven't!" she said earnestly and he chuckled.
"You are far too sweet, Rebecca."
"But I'm telling you the truth!"
"Thank you, then."
"Do you draw other things too?" she asked and he nodded. "Like what?"
He shrugged. "The grass, houses, people…Natalie."
"Natalie…she's your wife, right?" she asked and he nodded again. "Ooh, you must show me the drawing of her, Sir Dorcas, you must!"
"Hey guys!" Bartre said as Dorcas opened his mouth to answer. He slung an arm around each of them. "Do you know when dinner will be ready?"
"I think it'll be ready soon," Rebecca replied. "Lowen was in the middle of making it."
"What do you suppose it is?"
"I think it's some kind of stew."
"Ah, alright. By the way, have you talked to Dart yet?" he asked, jabbing his thumb at Dart behind him, laughing at something Matthew had said. The smile on Rebecca's face shrunk and she looked away. Dorcas looked at her curiously before back at Bartre.
"I suppose you've challenged him?"
"Yeah, but the Captain didn't let us battle," Bartre frowned. "Said it was too dangerous on a ship. Hah, like the man doesn't like danger!"
"Maybe you should ask again."
"But you know Fargus, a stubborn old fool he is."
"Maybe you should challenge him instead."
Bartre looked thoughtful for a moment before he grinned broadly. "Nice idea! Thanks, Dorcas!" he said and slapped him on the back in a friendly motion. He dashed off and Dorcas turned his attention to Rebecca.
"Are you alright?" he asked softly. She looked up at him, seeming slightly bewildered.
"Of course I'm alright! What makes you think that I'm not?"
"Did Dart do something to you?" he asked, even quieter. "You can tell me anything, Rebecca. If he did something to hurt you-"
"He didn't," she intervened quickly. "It's just that…well…"
"I apologize," he said, leaning away. "I don't mean to be nosy or force you to tell me things you don't want to."
"Oh no, it's not like that!" she said and shook her head. "I suppose it's just hard to explain…you might even think I've gone crazy." He didn't say anything, but looked at her attentively. "Dart just…reminds me of my brother, who I haven't seen in years. He looks just like him! So I told Wil that and he immediately noticed the resemblance too. He spoke to Dart, asking him if he remembered him, but…it seems like we got the wrong person," she said quietly, looking down at the floor and shuffling her feet.
Dorcas stayed quiet for a few moments before murmuring, "I see."
"Am I crazy?"
He smiled gently. "No, you're not crazy. There are plenty of people in this world that look alike. I'm sure you'll meet your brother again some day."
She smiled. "Thank you."
"If you're looking for Eliwood," Lyn said quietly as she turned to look at Hector. "He's talking with the Captain."
"Oh, I won't bother him then," he said and didn't say anything else. He glanced around, almost a bit awkwardly. Lord Hector of Ostia was not an awkward person.
"Is something wrong? You're so…quiet."
He scowled. "I'm not always shouting, you know."
"I wouldn't say that."
He sighed. "Listen, we need to talk."
"Isn't that what we're doing right now?"
"I have no need for that attitude!"
"And I have no need for yours!"
"Blasted woman! I'm trying to talk to you kindly-"
"It's sure not working, is it?"
He let out a loud, wordless huff. "Ever since we've gotten on this ship, you haven't stopped pouting and you've obviously been avoiding me. This pirate ship is the only way for us to get to the Dread Isle. I thought you understood that, was I mistaken?"
"I know," she snapped. "I know this is the only way to save Eliwood's father! Don't talk to me as if I don't know anything."
"…Eliwood told me about your parents," he murmured and she froze. "These pirates aren't like those bandits."
"It wasn't just my parents!" Lyn exclaimed. "My entire tribe-everyone was killed! They…they poisoned our drinking water. My people were in such pain, they could hardly stand." Her voice had become nothing more than a whisper in the wind. "My farther put me on his horse and I escaped…just me. He was in so much pain…they all were. He lifted me up with shaking arms, with his last breath." It was a few moments before she spoke again. "Do you understand now? I was found unconscious by another tribe. I…never even had a chance to say goodbye," she said quietly, a few tears rolling down on her face.
Hector didn't say anything as he gently patted Lyn on the top of her head. She nearly jumped back in surprise.
"Hey, what are you doing?" she huffed but didn't stop him.
"You're a strong woman, Lyndis," he said quietly. "I thought you wouldn't want anyone to see you cry."
"You fool!" she snapped, swatting his hand away from her head. "If that's all you can think of, leave me!"
He didn't respond for a few moments, starting to walk toward the railing. He looked out at the sea as he spoke. "My parents died too," he said quietly and her eyes widened. "It was an illness that took them; nothing like what happened to your parents. Still, I wanted nothing more than to cry like a little baby. But yet…I couldn't, not in front of others. And when I was alone, I found I still couldn't. So I thought…I just…don't know," he muttered, looking down at his hand.
"You really are a fool. You can't just…" she trailed off, unable to finish her sentence, unsure of how to. Neither said anything else and a soft breeze passed by them, ruffling their clothes and hair.
"Ahoy! There's a boat driftin' about! Inform the Captain!" one of the pirates shouted and more shouts followed. Hector and Lyn looked at each other.
"Did you hear that?" Matthew asked, jumping out of his hammock. He looked up at the floorboards curiously.
"Hear what?" Jasmine mumbled and opened her eyes, yawning.
"I thought tacticians were supposed to be able to hear everything," Matthew teased and grinned at her.
"Not when they're half-sleeping."
He shrugged. "Sure, I guess. Now c'mon, let's go see what all the commotion is," he said and she got out of her hammock. They walked up to the main deck to find an unusually large clump of people at the starboard side of the ship.
"Do you think we should go over there?" Jasmine asked, pointing at the clump.
He shrugged. "I don't know, I mean there doesn't seem to be anything important going on there."
She giggled and the two walked off toward the cluster of people. They weaved their way around to find Lyn, Hector, and Eliwood standing around something.
"What's going on?" Matthew asked, craning his neck around. "Did you break something, Lord Hector?"
Hector glared at him. "No, I didn't break anything!"
"Then what are you all crowded around?"
"A girl," Hector responded plainly, causing Jasmine and Matthew to exchange looks.
"I didn't know you were interested in girls," Matthew grinned and Hector scowled as Jasmine giggled.
"That's not what I meant!"
"Oh well you two please be quiet?" Lyn snapped, glancing up at them. "We're in the middle of a big situation here!"
"Oi, mates, watch out, there be-"
Dart was interrupted when a ship hit the Davros in the side. A few people yelped and screamed as they lost their balance, the ship swaying to the left. Hector grabbed Lyn as she nearly fell down and into the ocean. She looked at him with wide, surprised eyes. Eliwood had a hold of a light blue-headed girl, the long dress matching the color of her hair.
"Nini-" Jasmine started with wide eyes but when she took a step forth, she lost her balance. She slid down and tried to grind her fingers into the floorboards but failed miserably.
"Jasmine!" Lyn shrieked, reaching out her hand and trying to grab her. Jasmine reached her hand out in an attempt to grab onto Lyn's but another thud came from the ships colliding. Jasmine yelped this time, sliding down at such a rate that she would flatten against the railing-
A hand roughly yanked up her arm and brought her back up to her feet. She was stunned for a few moments before finally turning to see her savior. Raven stood beside her, his other arm holding onto a mast. Another ship bumped onto the other side of the Davros and the ship started to tilt towards the right. After a few moments, the ship slowly tilted back to its normal position. Raven immediately let go of Jasmine's arm.
"You shouldn't be so careless," he said, glaring at her.
"Right, sorry," she said quietly, looking at him with wide eyes as she rubbed her arm. "Thank you."
He didn't respond and looked away from her. There was a shriek from down below deck.
"Water! The hull's been breached! We're taking on water!"
"Breached?" Captain Fargus roared. "Those scum are more dangerous than I'd thought!"
"It's bad, Captain!" Dart breathed as he rushed up beside Fargus. "We need all hands below deck, or we'll sink!"
"Take care of it!" he snapped and Dart quickly rushed off, shouting at his fellow crew members. "I'm going to carve these scallywags some new gizzards!"
"We need your help, Captain! The water's up to the galley!"
Fargus let out a growl and Eliwood ran up to him. "Leave the enemy to us!"
"You need to take care of the ship or else we'll sink!" Hector said as he ran up beside Eliwood, followed by Lyn.
"We'll take care of things. Please, trust us!"
"Fine!" Fargus snarled. "The deck is yours!" he said and dashed down below deck to help his crew.
"Lyn!" Eliwood said, twirling around to face her. "Take Ninian to that room!" he said and pointed to it.
"All right," Lyn nodded and she gently took Ninian's arm, walking with her to the room.
"Here they come!" Hector said as he brandished his ax.
"Jasmine!" Eliwood shouted. "Orders, Jasmine!"
The brunette came running up to him, seeming a bit out of breath. "I want all Cavaliers to stay out of this battle!" she shouted, turning around. Sain started to protest but Kent immediately stopped him. "You too, Florina," Jasmine said, glancing over at the Pegaus knight standing worriedly on her own. "There's no room to battle on horses or a Pegasus."
"Everyone gather around!" Hector shouted as his comrades started to take their weapons out, either from their own sheaths or from Merlinus.
"Priscilla, can you still heal without your horse?" Jasmine asked and looked at the redhead. She nodded, though a bit unsure. "Guy, you protect her." Raven gave Guy a dirty look. "Priscilla and Serra, you two stay at the back of the ship. Serra, you'll be protected by…Lucius," Jasmine said thoughtfully and Lucius looked a bit surprised but not upset. Erk let out a little cheer, earning himself a few looks. "I'd really like for us to mainly stay on this ship; it's the safest way."
"Jasmine," Hector said warningly. "They're starting to put the planks down."
"Rebecca, you take the left side of the ship, shooting down enemies as you stand by the planks. The same to you, Wil, except on the right. Hector, you take the lead, followed by Lyn and Eliwood. You three will pretty much knock out anybody that manages to get on the ship. I want Erk to be on the right side of the ship along with Wil, just by the other plank. Canas, same thing but on the left side. Bartre and Dorcas, you two will be by the front of the ship. Uh…for Oswin, Matthew, and Raven…" she trailed off, her eyebrows furrowing in thought.
"You can figure that out later," Hector said, shouldering his ax. "They're coming."
Everybody immediately took their positions and started firing away.
"The three of you can protect Merlinus," Jasmine said to Raven, Matthew, and Oswin.
"Oh, how exciting! Instead of going around the ships and stealing things, I get to protect the terrified merchant!" Matthew said in a cheerful sarcastic way.
"Matthew, you do as-"
"Yeah yeah," Matthew interrupted Oswin, waving him off. "As you command, oh humble one," he said and bowed mockingly, dramatically swinging his red cloak behind him. He hit Raven smack in the face.
"Fine, Matthew, you go around and steal some things. Just make sure you don't get KILLED," Jasmine sighed.
"There's no need for your worrying," he teased. "I'm quite quick, you know."
"Yeah, well you better get going before Raven kills you."
Confused, Matthew turned around to find Raven glaring at him, looking just about ready to commit a murder. "I'll see you when the battle's over, Jas!" Matthew said and disappeared in a flash. She chuckled and shook her head. Raven didn't say anything and headed over to the helm along with Oswin, where Merlinus was perched in his tent.
"Hector!" Lyn shouted, ducking a swing from an ax. "Will you STOP TRYING TO CUT MY HEAD OFF?"
Oh gosh it took two months to update this? Sorry about that. There were some issues with my laptop and...yeah. I'm sure I can update sooner next time!