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Tilte: Bring Me That Horizon
Rating: Pg-13 for drinking, some language and bad a** pirates! pirate

this is a story about pirates. And more pirates... so if you like ninja's ... get out of my guild!! *points and the door*

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On a vast expanse of empty sapphire blue water a medium sized vessel sped along the sea. Its wooden visage was a deep dark brown that was off set by the creamy while sails that attached to the mast billowing out. The rises of water crashed against the bow of the boat as the ship made excellent time seeming to almost skim the over the top of the water. The ship’s figurehead looked out at the horizon with blank eyes. It was a unicorn painted solid white. Its hooves thrown out as if warding off the evil sprits of the ever cruel sea with its powerful neck arched like tightly drawn bow. Its spiraled horn pointed exactly where the vessel was heading at all times. As the piece of art met with the ship what would have been its hindquarters became a fish like tail that split apart and traveled down each of the ship’s sides. When looked at in profile it looked like the sea unicorn of old legends had leapt out of the sea to point the ship on its way. Above the figure head, on the deck of the ship was a man with golden eyes. His long white hair that was tipped and streaked with blue fell into his face and onto his mighty shoulders. The rest was drawn back into a long braid that ruffed over his shoulder in the breeze. A navy blue bandanna kept most of the hair from flying in his face but at the time he wasn’t concerned.

“SNAP TOO!” An angry voice bellowed above the sound of wind and sea. “You mangy bilge rats get to work! Brace the foreyard! Tighten the ropes! You there! Get off your a** or the captain will have you keel hauled!”

The golden eyed man smiled as he looked over his shoulder at the first mate of the ship. Sam was a powerful man and very intimidating when he made a first impression. He was nothing but solid mussel on a six foot five frame. A monster of a man. He wore nothing but pants, boots and the navy blue sash around his waist so every man aboard could see what a lifetime aboard ships looked like. He had a weather beaten face from years before the mast, and he had given his right eye to the sea as well. A cloth eye pach was tied around his bald head to hide is lost eye. Sam bellowed orders and lashed out insults to the crew of the ship as he made his way forward to the bow and the golden eyed man.

“Oi Lysander sir!” Sam said smiling. “Staring off into the grate blue yonder again are you?”

Lysander laughed loudly as Sam approached with a spyglass in hand.

“Just doing the same as you.” He said.

“Looking for trouble then?” Sam joked happily. “It’s been a spell since we’ve done some honest pirating!”

Sam extended the spy glass to search the horizon for any other ships.

“No use.” Lysander said leaning over the rail. “There’s nary a ship for leagues.”

“Maybe we should inform the captain.” Sam said thoughtfully as he still searched the horizon. “Orders where to hit one more ship before returning home.”

“It’s slim pickings in these waters Sam.” Lysander sighed looking up at the sails. “You know that.”

“Aye, I do.” Sam sighed leaning on the rail as well. “But I haven’t got anything for the little ones this time. You know how mad they get when I don’t bring anything home for them.”

“I think they’ll be glad their father is home in one piece.” Lysander grinned. “Your wife would have a cow if we brought you back in chunks.”

Sam’s tan face blushed as he laughed.

“That she would! I reckon’ she’d sew me back together just to take me apart again herself!”

“Well then we should get you home before she takes all of us apart for keeping you out here.”

With a start the ship leapt forward and continued faster on its course then before. A strong new wind howled past the crews ears as the vessel picked up speed.

“We’ll be in port before dusk.” Lysander said smiling perfect teeth.

“Don’t over do yourself Lysander sir.” Sam said over the wind. “The captain will have my head if you wore yourself out on my account.”

“Nonsense.” Lysander said waving at the other man. “This is nothing.”

“I reckon someone should tell the captain about the lack of ships and our arrival time.” Sam said putting his hands on his waist as he looked out over the crew.

Lysander sighed and blew the hair out of his half closed eyes.

“I suppose that “someone” is me then?”

“If you wouldn’t mind Lysander sir! I’d go myself… but you know the Captain and all… you’re a much better man for the job.”

“Honestly I’m just as afraid of her as everyone else.” Lysander groaned.

“Luck be with you then sir.” Sam said. “OI YOU! I TOLD YOU TO MOVE YOUR a**! I’ve got a crew mate to straighten out, if you’ll pardon me Lysander sir.” Sam excused himself and stormed off.

“Here we go.” Lysander said to himself.

He made his way down the deck and up the stairs on the other side of the ship. He waved to the crewmen at the helm as he pasted and headed for the double doors of the captain’s quarters. He knocked and when he got no response he tried again, and again. Finally fed up he simply opened the door and let himself in. He had to let his eyes adjust to the utter darkness as he slipped inside and shut the door. The beautiful glass windows at the rear of the cabin where completely covered with deep blue curtains that blocked out the sun. When he was able to see again Lysander made his way to the large table where the Captain usually sat doing work and charts. Today maps of different islands where strewn all about the table with pages of notes and calendars of trade routs and different merchant ships. She had been busy this last night charting a new course to a large port island where there was plenty of ships for the taken.

“You’ve been busy.” Lysander said picking up the maps.

Multiple courses where plotted out for getting to and from different islands and when and where to pray on ships as they came in and out of port. Also the best ways to avoid any Empire and or Realm interference with their plans. Something made noise in the corner that brought Lysander’s attention back from the maps. He looked up in the direction and found the captain snoozing away in a hammock. Lysander sighed as he put the charts back down and as quietly as he could headed over to the corner.

“Cory…” he said softy. “Cory… captain Cory Maelstrom…”

Cory still snoozed in her hammock with one arm over her middle and the other dangling towards the ground. Lysander half grinned at the sleeping women when she didn’t wake. She had an odd sleeping pattern indeed. She would stay up all day working on deck like a regular crew hand and then spend all night working on book keeping and where they where going next. Or sometimes the other way around. Lysander had never met anyone that could stay up two days in a row and sleep all the next two then act like it was the most natural thing in the world. It looked like today she had stayed up all night.

“Cory!” He said getting louder and louder. “Cory, Cory, Cory, Cory, Cory, Cory, Cory, Cory, Cory, Cory, CORY!”

“You had better be on fire!” Cory groaned putting her dangling hand over her eyes. “And I had better be the only one able to put you out! Because that is the only reason I can think of for you to wake me up! Because if I roll over and you’re not on fire… I’ll make sure you are so this will be worth my time.”

“That’s very good Cory thank you. I’m glad to see that my faith in you as captain is so amply rewarded with threats of being set ablaze.” Lysander sighed.

“Listen you…” Cory started. “I just fell asleep not but a moment ago. You see all those plans over there. My work. My doing. I’ll have us busy for months! Now if you don’t mind I’ll be getting some much needed sleep!”

“And if we run into another ship before we made port?” Lysander asked, speaking as one would to an old friend. “Your orders where to raid one more ship where they not? How could you be so careless as to fall asleep if we where to strike another ship?”

“Don’t lecture me!” Cory grumbled rolling over in her hammock so her back was facing Lysander. “We’re back in the Dead Water Sea. There’s not a ship anywhere out here.”

“And if there had?”

“I can sleep through canon fire.”

Lysander sighed and shook his head. The captain was always stubborn and prideful even when she had just woke up.

“What’s with the silence?” Cory asked. “Now’s about the time you start going on about duty and reasonability. You know the stupid stuff. Not lost in thought again are you?”

“I was just thinking of how cute you used to be when you where young.” Lysander mock sighed. “Sadly now you only look cute when you’re asleep.”

Lysander grinned as Cory flipped back over to face him. She really didn’t look much different then the nigh they first met. She had short black hair that toppled over a navy blue headband. Her left blue-green eye glared at him with annoyance at seemed to never leave. Something that differed was the black cloth eye patch covering her right eye under her hair where it almost couldn’t be seen. Other then that she was simply taller and more women looking then the girl he had met.

“Don’t call me cute!” she snarled. “Pirates aren’t cute!”

“Ah… but you’re not a pirate.” Lysander said mockingly. “You’re a Blue Rouge.”

“Don’t get technical with me!” Cory snapped rolling back over. “It’s too early to be technical!”

“It’s far past midday.” Lysander said rolling his eyes. “We’ll be in port before sundown today. A half an hour at most.”

“You woke me to say that their aren’t any ships in a place we all know is infamous for that, and that we’ll be in a place I decided to go about the same time I said we’d be there?” Cory asked.

“Yes.” Lysander said grinning. “You have to make final preparations for landing and get the crew in order to unload as well as assign jobs for unloading, and there’s always letting the crew know when we’re going to be shipping off again. You have a lot to do my captain.”

“You do it.” Cory groaned. “I don’t want to be captain anymore.”

“Sam can do some of the work and I as well but you’re still going to have to get up.” Lysander said taking a seat at the table.

“Bloody hell I just went to sleep!” Cory whined.

“Well maybe you should learn to have a more normal sleep pattern.” Lysander grinned randomly looking at the papers on the desk. “What’s this?” He said picking up a paper he hadn’t seen before.

“What’s what?” Cory asked sitting up in the hammock.

“Been doing some extra work have you?” Lysander grinned holding up the paper. “Still looking for the Ancients?” he
said.

“What’s it to you if I am?” Cory barked. “You of anyone should want answers!”

“Cory, the crew comes first. Solving ancient mysteries comes second.”

“I know I know… who are you my mother?”

Cory pulled herself out of the hammock, stood and stretched out her arms and back. Cory was wearing trim black boots the reached her knees and tight black pants that rested low on her hips. Around her waist was a blue sash that was tired off to one side and hung in front of her. A deep royal purple shirt with long sleeves ruffled slightly at the ends hung off her shoulders and a black corset was tired tightly on her chest under her breasts. A strange looking pirate on all accounts.

“So you still think the ancient people spirited away some treasures that you think you can find?” Lysander said as Cory took the paper from him.

“Not everything is measured in sliver and gold.” Cory said folding the paper and put it in her shirt. “Sometimes the adventure of discovering something new about the past is treasure enough.”

“You are a strange one.” Lysander smiled.

“What? You’ve never wondered where you’re from? What you’re doing here?” Cory asked.

“Of course I have. But I chose to be in the present. As should you.”

“You don’t want to know if all the legends are true?” Cory asked almost excited.

“Oh Cory, talking sense into you is hard enough to do.” Lysander sighed standing up. “We’re almost there, we should be out there.”

“Fine fine fine.” Cory grumbled.

The captain threw open the heavy blue curtains covering the windows and stood staring out at the great blue sea behind them. She opened the widow to the sound of gulls crying as the wind whipped through the cabin. Having done this what seemed like a hundred times before Lysander quickly put his arm over the loose papers as their corners fluttered in the strong breeze. Cory half heartedly stacked the papers and stuck them in a bookcase on the side of her room. She picked up a black leather belt with a holster on the left side hip and snapped it around her waist. On the same bookcase she retrieved her pistol and holstered it on her side as she made her way to the door with Lysander fallowing her. At the door she took up the shining sliver cutlass that was waiting for her and sheathed it on the other side of her belt.

“Here we go.” Lysander sighed to himself.

Cory swiftly kicked the doors open with a powerful jolt. The wooden door banged loudly above the hustle and bustle of the ship and the howl of the wind as Cory stood in the doorway looking angry.

“YOU BLOODY FOOLS!” She screamed storming down the steps. “I DON’T SEE US READY TO MAKE PORT! WHY IS EVERYONE ON DECK?”

The crew exchanged startled looks at each other as their captain demanded answers.

“EVERYONE NOT ON DECK DUTY GET BELOW! MAKE THE CARGO READY TO UNLOAD! NOW YOU WORTHLESS DOGS!”

Almost all the crew dived below deck as Cory chased them down. The ship was a number of levels deep and the cargo took most of the room on the lower decks. Countless barrels, boxes, crates and even livestock needed to be accounted for, recorded and then made ready to unload so it look the lest amount of time possible. All the men scurried around like arts in a fire as Cory shouted and barked orders calm and composed like the center of a hurricane.

“Captain!” Sam shouted from the upper deck. “The island’s been spotted! You better come topside!”

“Alright you dogs! You’d better work twice as hard or they’ll be the sea god to pay!” Cory yelled as she headed up the steps.

“Land ho!” Sam smiled as Cory looked out the bow of the ship with one eye.

“MAN YOUR STATIONS!” Cory yelled heading towards the mast.

“MAN YOUR STATIONS!” Sam yelled after the captain.

“Sam take the helm! Lysander!” Cory yelled pointing at the tall man as she reached the rigging of the mast. “You do what you do best and keep us afloat in case we run afoul of the rocks!”

“Yes my lady!” Lysander yelled over the screaming of the crew.

Cory gracefully scaled the rigging of the mast high up to the sails and then up another rope rigging to the very top of the mast to the crow’s nest. The island before them was small on any map but it looked huge from the even smaller ship as they drew ever closer. It was shaped like a crescent moon, with huge solid stone walls that where highest facing the west and then slopped down until they became points in the water that didn’t touch in the east creating a perfectly naturally protected harbor inside the moon shaped island. The only problem was getting in. Shallow waters in the tight channel made it impassable to heavy or wide ships while sharp jagged rocks littered both the surf and lurked just below the surface of the water. Only someone from the island that knew every rock in the channel could hope to survive the nerve racking ride through.

Cory wasn’t the lest bit worried. Her own hawk eye was up here looking out for rocks and Sam the master sailor was at the wheel and he could sail any ship through at night in a storm with his eye covered and still not scratch the boat. But if everything went wrong the ship’s protector Lysander was ready to deal with anything. She squinted in the setting sun at the island and the harbor within and saw tiny shapes of people scurrying about looking at her and her ship.

“STRIKE THE COLORS!” Cory screamed. “STRIKE THE COLORS!”

“Strike the colors!” Sam yelled at the crew.

“Strike the colors!”

“Strike the colors!”

All over the ship the call went up echoed by the crew in a state of joy and anticipation. Cory grabbed the handhold on the upper part of the mast and climbed onto the railing of the crow’s nest standing even with the absolute top of the ship. At the bottom of the ship the assigned crew member began pulling the wench that hauled the ship’s flag up the mast. Cory smiled as she looked behind herself to see the gigantic blue flag whipping nobly in the breeze. It reached all the way to the top of the mast where she was and provided a most dramatic backdrop for the captain.

“We’re coming up on the rocks Sam!” Cory yelled. “Hard to port then to starboard!”

“Hard to port then starboard!” Lysander commanded from the bottom of the mast.

“I know I know!” Sam said as the ship banked to the left.

People had crowed the banks of the island and on the dock. They watched nervously as the ship expertly weaved its way through the dangerous rocks with ease. It was always nerve racking to watch the ship come in even though they all knew who was on board and in charge. When the ship had cleared the last rock all the villagers breathed a sigh of relief and burst out in cheers, the “Sea Stallion” was back after two mouths out at sea.

The cheers got even louder as the crew lined the railing of the ship cheering back and waving at those on the shore. Cory wasn’t about to let her ship run around in all the excitement and began barking orders from her place at the top of the mast. The crew leapt at her orders as the ship’s sails began to be loosened and the ship lost speed. Sam expertly guided the Sea Stallion to a safe distance from the dock as the crew began throwing out dock lines to be tied off.

“LOWER THE ANCHOR!” Cory commanded.

Which a splash the anchor was dropped into the water and the heavy steal chain rapidly unwound until it was pulled taunt as the anchor touched the sea floor. Then the big ship smoothly came to a stop to the cheers of the crowd.

“Citizens of Half Moon Island! WE’RE HOME!” Cory shouted happily from the crow’s nest.

Another round of deafening cheers went up from the crew and villagers together as the gang plant clattered to the dock. Almost at once the ships cargo was unloaded from the hull of the ship. A bizarre parade of items made their way down the gangplank and off into the town to be dived up among the people. Anyone not on duty quickly raced off to find loved ones and family members in the crowd. Cory smiled with approval from her perch high above everything. She had a good solid crew and a solid family with the town. It always made her happy to be back home.

“Cory! Cory!” The crowd shouted. “Cory!”

Cory smiled, they wanted to see her too. She would be needed in the center of town with the mayor and other important officials to show off what she had come home with. She spotted one of the prizes she had captured in the line being walked to the square. It was a lovely golden chestnut stallion that was outfitted with royal tack that was lased with gold and a crimson saddle blanket baring the Empire’s crest. It wouldn’t hurt to make another showy entrance. Next to the mast of the ship was a pole, and connected to the top of the pole was a rope that stretched down away from the ship diagonally into the town. Cory had it built just for her so she could do just what she was about to do. She grabbed a piece of rope from the crow’s nest as she hopped off onto the thin upper part of the mast and with almost inhuman balance strutted over to the waiting line. She slung the rope over the line, took an end in each hand and leapt off.

The crow gasped with excited amazement as the Blue Rouge captain zip lined from the top of the mast over the water. Her sash and the tails of the bandana whipped back in the breeze as she slid down the rope line gathering speed. With impeccable timing and flawless skill the brave women let go of the rope at just the right time. The crowd went up in ecstatic cheers as she landed squarely on a horse’s back that had been in the parade of treasures she had brought home. Startled by the weight on its back and the cheering crowed the powerful horse reared and screamed in furry. The sailor leading the horse instantly let it go as it’s for hooves pawed the air madly. There was never such a sight on the small island as the one of the pirate captain astride the rearing stallion after flying through the air.

Cory got a hold of the rains and dug her heels into the horse’s sides. At once the well tarried stallion leapt forward into a gallop as Cory twisted one hand with both rains into the stallion’s mane. As the horse hurtled past the possession of sailors and goods Cory lifted her fist in the air as the crowd cheered her on. She dug her heels in again and both horse and rider barreled along the people lined path to the center of town.

In the town square a little platform was erected just for this occasion with the mayor and the elders of the village standing atop it eagerly awaiting the arrival of Cory and her crew. They where surprised by the sound of furious hoof beats as Cory, who herself usually brought up the rear, came bursting into the square atop a fiery steed. The crowd that had gathered in the square quickly fell back into a large circle as Cory rained in her mount and brought him under control. She made him drop his head and prance around the circle to cheers before she finally brought him to a halt beside the platform and again raised her fist in victory. The villagers broke out in cheers chanting her name as the first of the goods she brought back arrived.

“Cory Maelstrom…” the mayor said happily. “What would we do without you?”

“Not much.” Cory smiled. “Now what say you to getting on with the show and tell? I’ve got some pretty great stuff this time.”

Chapter 3

The big battle ship was tossed violently back and forth in the freak storm that had come out of nowhere. A young girl being led through the rocking halls and flickering firelight looked pale and scared as her guardian held her hand. The two twisted through halls while avoiding the crew running franticly.
“W-what’s going on?” The girl asked clutching the cloak at her throat.
“Storm.” Her big guard said. “A big one. I need to keep you safe.” He grunted.
The girl tightened her hold on her cloak until her small knuckles turned even more white. Up and up flights of stairs the pair walked quickly, the storm growing louder with each flight closer to the deck.
“Where are we going?” She asked, her violet eyes looking more and more fearful.
When the man didn’t answer she gulped and fell silent. Sailors ran by shouting things in their sailor language about things, and even though the girl had no idea what they where talking about, their tone of voice and wild look in their eyes scared her.
“Mirra,” The big man said pulling her out of the hall into an alcove. “It’s of the utmost importance that you reach your destination.”
Mira gulped as she stared up into her guardian’s eyes. The man took her hands in his own and looked pained about what he was going to say.
“I’m going to have to send you away.”
“Away?” Mirra blinked confused. “but we’re already away.”
“Away from this ship.”
The sentence hit like a stone and any color that was left in the pretty young face drained out, leaving her even paler then moonlight.
“I have already discussed the appropriate actions with the captain well before we set out to sea. The ship’s spirit will take you the rest of the way on your journey.”
“NO!” Mira cried. “Without the spirit the ship will be torn apart! Many will drown! Please! Please Ward don’t ask me to do this!”
“I’m not asking you Mira.” Her guardian Ward looking down at the face that was still so young. “I’m telling you want is going to happen.”
“NO!” Mira cried trying to take her hands away. “NO! I refuse! I won’t let everyone die for me!”
“Mira, Mira...” Ward said soothingly. “Everyone here lives to die for you. They all know what is expected of them and they are all ready to do their duty. You still have yet to do yours. You know how important you are, you have to do this.”
“No I can’t!” Mira cried, tears streaming down her face now. “I can’t leave I can’t! No, I won’t do it!”
Ward picked up Mira and headed back up to the deck despite her cries and sobs. Up in the command center of the big battle ship chaos had seemed to taken hold of the crew. Everywhere red and gold uniformed officers ran about, shouting orders or news of the ships condition. Mira gasped and shivered as she looked out the windows into the raging sea. It was as dark as night broken only by incredibly frequent bolts of lightning arching across the cloud covered sky. The water was an angry gray, trashing and foaming being tossed against the anguished ship with unimaginable force. Mira tucked her face into her shoulder as she sobbed again. She couldn’t face the wrath of the ocean alone. And now she was going to make all these people face the furry.
“Captain Antilles!” Ward yelled.
A tall well built man wearing admiral’s stripes looking pale turned at the sound of his name. At his elbow a beautiful young women turned as well. She had soft white skin with blue gray hair that reached the middle of her back. Her golden eyes looked sad, like she was going to cry but too strong to let the tears fall. The captain of the battle ship nodded to the woman and then to Ward.
“It is time,” He said to himself as well the small group of four. “Raquel, please take lady Mirra.”
The women left the admiral and took Mirra’s hands in her own.
“Lady Mirra it is an honor to escort you the rest of the way on your journey.”
“I don’t want you to leave!” Mirra said. “Without you the ship will be smashed to pieces!”
“Art and his crew can take care of things on their own.” Raquel smiled. “Their a lot stronger then they look. Now you have to come with me or the whole trip will be in vain.”
“Ward!” Mirra cried turning to her guardian. “Please! This is all just a bad dream!”
“There is no time for goodbyes!” Ward said waving the two away. “Go now!”
“Go,” The captain of the ship said nodding to Raquel.
The beautiful woman nodded and grasped Mirra’s hand.
“Let’s go your ladyship.”
Mirra could do nothing against the woman’s strong grip as she was lead out of the bridge and onto the exposed deck of the ship. The rain drops where like icy missiles and stung like fire when they hit the skin. Thunder clapped drowning out all other sounds until it rolled away, but Raquel’s grip on her wrist never faltered. The woman shouted orders to the sailors standing near the railing and the tiny life boat dangling over the angry water.
“Lady Mirra!” Raquel screamed over the furry. “You must get in the boat!”
“NO! No I can’t!” Mirra screamed back, her tears mixing with the rain. “I’m scared!”
“I’ll be with you! There is no need to worry!”
Mirra was easily picked up around her waist by a uniformed sailor while two more hauled the life boat closer. She was gently deposited inside as the boat pitched up a swell and then down to the trough of the wave. The life boat swung forward, flinging Mirra down against the water logged bottom of the dingy. Fresh tears streaked down her face as she scrabbled to hold on to the plank of wood that served as a seat.
“Good luck my lady! May the gods be with you!” the sailor shouted as he began lowering the boat.
Mirra was now soaked straight through her cloak down the very marrow of her bones. She looked back up at the reseeding deck of the ship and saw Raquel barking orders to the crew and directing the lowering of the life boat. She was nearly halfway down when the sound of cracking wood made her turn to the bow of the ship. A monstrous wave swallowed the deck as it raced towards the bridge. White foam carried away sailors and soldiers alike back to the depths of the ocean. Mirra screamed anew as she plummeted down to the ocean, the nightmarish hiss of the rope running unchecked through the pulleys mixing with her screams. It stopped with a harsh thump and was then fallowed by violent rocking. She was alone and now and at the angry sea’s mercy.
“MIRRA!”
The young girl looked back up at the ship that was somehow still above water. Raquel was still on the deck, shouting down at her.
“HELP ME!” Mirra screamed not daring to let go of the boat.
Graceful as a bird Raquel dived over the railing into the water with a splash. Mirra’s wild eyes scanned the angry swells for any signs of her. The dingy was carefully nudged like something was gliding along side it. Mirra peeked over the edge in time to see a slim gray dorsal fin gliding through the water and then a puff of air and water shooting up into the angry sky. It was a dolphin. It’s eyes where gold and along its gray sides where two thin, blood red curvy lines. Mirra quickly snatched up some rope that was placed in the dingy and tied it around the front of the boat and then with slippery fingers tied the other end in a small loop and tossed that to the dolphin. The dolphin took the loop in its beak and began pulling the little boat away from the ship. Mirra sat on the watery floor of the boat with a hand on each side of her to keep herself from falling out of the boat. She couldn’t tell which drops were tears anymore and her fingers and toes where so cold she couldn’t feel them. Mirra kept looking over her shoulder and watched them get a little father away from the ship each time. Suddenly Mirra was thrown out of the life boat. She didn’t have time to see it coming, one second she was flying through the air and then next she was under the waves.
It was oddly peaceful under the water, it wasn’t so loud without the chaos of rain and lighting. If it wasn’t for the splintered pieces on boat slowly drifting around her and her water logged cloak dragging her down things would have almost seemed unexpectedly clam. Survival instincts taking over Mirra fumbled with the tie about her neck and tore the cloak free. Her slim legs kicked for the surface as she batted away derbies of wood. Pandemonium was back the moment her face broke the surface of the water. Mirra only had time to gasp before a wave swallowed her up again; she had to struggle hard to get back to the surface. The waves where far bigger now and came in an even pattern almost like some monster was making them. One of these freak waves must have thrown and splintered her tiny life boat. Something smooth and rubbery brushed past her hand and Mirra turned to find the spirit dolphin at her side. She was about to reach out and hug her when every drop of blood in her veins froze to ice.
Against the lightning scarred sky a shape beyond Mirra’s imagination climbed out of the water. It must have been far away but the sheer mass and size of the hideous thing made it seem so much closer. It turned what must have been its head to the tiny battle ship that couldn’t defend itself. Lightning cut across the sky lighting up black scales and rows of nightmarish teeth for an instant. Mirra’s scream was nothing more then a howl of wind as the serpent reared back and struck the ship.
The sea monster went straight through like the ship didn’t even exist. The gruesome crack of wood was louder then even the thunder as the ship was pulverized into barely two pieces. Mirra’s screams turned into wails as the two pieces sank quickly under the waves. The dolphin turned as Mirra grabbed hold of its dorsal fin as it powered through the waves as fast as it could away from the long neck and terrifying face of the sea serpent that was circling the spot where the ship had disappeared.

Cory lay on her hammock with her eyes closed but senses fully awake. The pitter pattering of the rain on the deck and windows where like music to her. In the sheltered harbor the ship rocked soothingly back and forth with the comforting sounds of creaking wood. The hammock swayed with the ships movements as Cory hummed along with the rain. When it was just her and the ship she felt so relaxed and carefree. The long sash she wore hung off the side of the hammock and obediently trailed the floor where the hammock swayed. If only more days could be like this.
“Only you would be on board when we’ve made port.”
“Shhhhh!” Cory hissed.
Lysander shook his long mane of white and blue hair and tossed his braid back over his shoulder. His long sleeve blue shirt had darker spots of rain water all over the place and his black pants where darkened to match.
“I thought you would have been in your land house reading your books.”
Cory pointed to the ceiling and then held the fingers to her lips.
“Ah,” Lysander said with a handsome grin. “The heavenly music. My lips are sealed.”
Lysander half grinned rolling his gold eyes as he folded his hands behind his back looking at the binding of the books. For a pirate and a woman on top of that, Cory loved to read. Her cabin was full of books and a lot where just like this one here. Lysander picked out an old looking book and turned to the front cover. It was covered in ancient symbols from a langue of the old world.
“Do not touch that what you don’t understand.”
Lysander smiled as he put the book back and picked up a newer one. Cory was speaking in the old langue. She could read it as well and she was very touchy about her ancient books.
“What one does not understand one must learn.” Lysander said back in the same language.
“Shut your mouth. I’m trying to listen here.”
“Apologies my lady.” Ly said thumbing through a book of maps.
“Well now that you’ve interrupted my concert, what do you what?”
Cory folded her arms over her chest and her one eye fluttered open. Lysander turned back to her, flashed a handsome smile and then went back to the book.
“Wondering what daft fool would be on my ship when they could be sleeping in a warm bed by a fire eating good food.”
“Hey I like ship food.” Cory defended.
“And the bed? I suppose you’re going to say you like the hammock batter?”
“What’s with you Ly? Trying to chase me off of my own ship?” Cory smirked as she swung her legs over the hammock to the floor.
“What I’m saying is that you’re spending too much time with me here. How are you going to relax and unwind from hard months at sea on a ship?”
“I’ll have you know,” Cory said standing up and stretching. “That this ship is my home as much as it is yours. I happen to like being here better then any port.”
“I’m assuming that’s a comment to me.” Lysander said turning back to the captain with a knowing look.
“Careful Ly,” Cory smirked. “Your ego is showing.”
“Would you please just get some descent rest? For my sake?”
“Stop worrying about me Ly.” Cory smiled at the man as she walked over to him. “I can take care of myself you know.”
“In a fight you can.” Lysander said as Cory stood nose to nose with him. “But outside of that you have to have someone making sure you don’t run yourself into the ground.”
The two stood for a moment or two, hands on hips, playfully seeing who would be the first to concede the point. It was Cory this time that narrowed her eye as she spoke.
“Do you really want me out of here that badly?”
“I never want you out of here, I want you to get some rest so you’re in your top form when we leave.”
“Then you’re going to have to come with me.” Cory said with an aloof expression.
“Can’t live without me?” Lysander smiled.
“I can’t be getting into trouble without you can I?” Cory leered.
“You wouldn’t dare start trouble.” Lysander said calling her bluff.
“Oh wouldn’t I?” Cory said turning slyly on her heel as she headed to the door.
She had just laid her hand on the doors when Lysander cleared his throat. Cory paused with a broad smile and waited a moment. When she turned her smile was gone but the impish light in her eye was still there.
“Something else?”
“You know… I just thought of something.” Lysander said holding his chin with a hand. “Didn’t we promise that the kids could come back today?”
Cory tilted her head at this ploy.
“Aye, that we did.”
“Then you best go get them before they come to us unprepared. With no trouble or Victoria will be most angry.”
Cory slumped back against the door defeated.
“But I can stay when we all get here right?”
“If the children don’t bring you home with them.” Lysander smiled.
“You are an evil, evil spirit Lysander.” Cory said narrowing her eyes.
Lysander shrugged with a grin as Cory banged the doors open and disappeared into the drizzling of rain. Ly sighed as he watched her go. It wasn’t like it was hurting him to have her on the ship as much as she was. She needed to be with other people like herself, not him. Lysander thoughtfully put the map book back and he sat down in Cory’s captain chair at her big desk. He sat lost in his own thoughts until something other then the comforting sounds of wind and waves broke into his own little world.
“LY!” Someone was shouting. “Lysander!”
The golden eyed man swiftly got out of the chair and strode out to the banister. Cory was almost soaking wet carrying Patrick who was bundled up head to toe like his sister standing beside them. Vince stood just behind the trio in a jacket and holding an umbrella over the lot of them.
“Valentine and Patrick want to know why you can’t come ashore.” Cory yelled up at him.
“You told them what I am didn’t you?” Ly yelled back down.
“It’s a little easier for you to show them. I don’t really think they’d understand, besides, when I say it I sound crazy.”
“Alright, if their sure they want to know.”
Ly walked down the stairs to the main deck and then to the hole in the railing that housed the gang plank. With one boot on the walkway down he stopped.
“Why don’t you explain first?”
“Ok guys,” Cory said putting Pat down. “Lysander is a little… ah… different from us.”
“Is it because of his hair?” Valentine asked.
“Not exactly.” Cory said.
“He’s the spirit of the Sea Stallion isn’t he?” Vince asked excitedly.
“That he is. How did you know?”
“In all the books I’ve read the spirits always have gold eyes like Lysander’s. I just never noticed till last night.”
“Sharp kid.” Lysander smiled.
“What’s a spirit?” Valentine asked.
“Well… a spirit is, well it’s the protector of the ship.” Cory tried to explain the less complicated version of the story.
“So uncle Ly protects the ship.” Valentine clarified. “So why doesn’t he come and visit us at home?”
“Well, Ly’s not really the same as us. Ok, that’s not really… Val it’s complicated and I’ll tell you more about it when you’re older but for now all you need to know is that Lysander can’t walk on land the way he is now.”
Cory’s words where met with a blank stare from the little blonde. Patrick just stared at his sister for guidance and then to Cory. The captain sighed as she tried to think up ways to explain the story to children.
“Lysander is a spirit that isn’t completely of this world. And for reasons only the gods know spirits like Lysander can only be human like us when they are on their own ship. When he’s on land or in the sea he changes into something else.”
“Ok.” Valentine said blinking up at Cory and wondering why that was so hard. “So why does uncle Ly have to turn into something else?”
“Weren’t you listening?” Vincent cut in. “Nobody knows why Val!”
“Well that’s not fair! Do you know why uncle Ly?” Valentine said turning towards Lysander.
“I wish I did little one.” Lysander said walking slowly down the gang plank.
“Now keep your eye on him.” Cory said turning Pat around to see. “And don’t blink.”
All three children kept their eyes glued on Lysander as he walked down to the dock. Then, just as his boot touched the deck, Lysander the man was replaced by a huge white stallion. All three gasped and Val and Pat went running towards him.
“Uncle Ly! Uncle Ly! Is it really you?!”
“LY LY!” Patrick squealed.
Both children played around Lysander’s front legs, petting his white knees. The horse Lysander snorted and tossed his blue and white mane. Cory smiled as she stood up and watched the little ones play.
“Alright alright! Come back here guys, Ly might step on you if you keep running under him.”
“Uncle Ly! Can I have a horsy back ride?!” Valentine begged.
“Ok,” Cory said picking up Patrick who was pulling on Lysander’s tail. “I think that’s enough.”
“Please Uncle Lysander!” Valentine begged again.
Lysander’s handsome white face turned to Cory and he snorted with a swish of his long tail.
“Lysander says you can have as long of a ride as you like, but your mom’s not going to like you getting so wet.”
“I didn’t hear him say anything!” Valentine said patting Lysander’s big shoulder mussel.
“Only other spirits and I can talk to him when he’s like that.”
“WOW!” Patrick said as Cory put him up on Ly’s back.
Valentine was lifted up next and set behind her brother. Cory instructed them to hold on to Lysander’s mane and tell him where to go. With twin laughs of delight Lysander began a slow trot off the dock leaving Cory and Vincent walking after him.
“Wow… so Lysander really IS a spirit.” Vince said watching his brother and sister riding in the rain.
“I’m not real big on telling anyone about him. He likes being accepted as normal, so how did you know?” Cory said looking at Vincent with her good eye.
“All I read is pirate books.” Vincent said with a smile. “My favorite ones are the one’s where the main character has a spirit ship. In every book all the spirits have golden eyes and they can’t walk on land as a human.”
“So you noticed that Lysander never came off the ship when we docked.” Cory said thoughtfully. “Smart kid.”
“What kind of powers does he have?” Vince asked.
“What does it matter to you Vin?”
“Can I ask you something personal?” Vincent said looking at Cory expectantly as he switched topics quickly. “The books always mentioned a sacrifice to have a spirit ship, but they never go into details. Could you tell me what that means?”
“A spirit ship sails between our world that that of another, so in order to stay here they have to have an anchor that keeps them from drifting in between the two worlds.” Cory explained.
“I know that part, but… what do you have to give up in return for the spirit ship?”
“Well that would be up to the person making the deal wouldn’t it?” Cory smirked walking on behind the horse and children.
“What did you give Lysander?” Vincent pried.
“And why do you have to know so bad young man?” Cory pried herself as she folded her arms.
“Because I’m going to have the most powerful spirit ship with all the best artillery and the best crew and I’ll be better blue rouge then you are!” Vincent said proudly.
“No your not.” Cory said very matter of factly. “I have the most powerful spirit ship, the best artillery plus the best crew. Not only that, but I’m the best rouge of all time. You can be the best after me.”
“We’ll see about that.” Vincent smirked. “But you haven’t answered my question. What did you give Lysander?”
“You wouldn’t understand.” Cory said shaking her head. “Maybe when you’re older.”
Patrick and Valentine had a grand time with Lysander as the spirit trotted them all over the harbor and most of the town. Cory was right, when their outing was over their mother was nearly beside herself to get the children out of wet clothes. Valentine and Patrick ran screaming inside the house trying to get away from their mother who chased them with a tonic for colds. Cory tried to slip away back to the ship, but Lysander kept blocking her.
“I suppose you’ll be wanting to stay for dinner Cory?” Victoria said holding one of the two troublemakers under each arm.
Lysander snorted in agreement just before Cory grabbed his mussel to silence him.
“Lysander agrees then, you’re both staying for dinner.” Sam said taking Valentine from Victoria and holding her while Pat got his medicine.
Lysander shook his head no but as he turned to leave Cory hissed something that made Lysander put his finely shaped ears back and listen.
“All the family together for a meal.” Victoria said handing the bottle to Sam. “It’s been too long. Lysander you’ll have to stand by the window, I can’t let you in here soaking wet like you are.”
Lysander bobbed his powerful neck and looked rather happy to be invited. The whole extended family enjoyed another good meal and more stories afterwards. Valentine and Pat sat by the window that they had opened for Lysander to put his head through and join them. Just because he was a horse now didn’t mean he wasn’t the same old Lysander to them. At the end of the night no one would let Cory leave, including Ly, and she reluctantly stayed as Victoria wouldn’t hear a word against it. Valentine wished Lysander good night as she kissed his nose and ran off after Cory and her mother.
“Don’t go breaking her heart now.” Sam said standing up out of his chair. “I think she likes you.”
Lysander shook his mane and whinnied softly.
“I agree, I think she’s too good for you too.” Sam laughed as he patted Lysander’s neck. “Well good night Lysander sir, We’ll take good care of the captain for you.”
The spirit stallion nodded his head to say thanks and withdrew from the window and headed back to his ship in the rain.

Ten days went by almost too quickly for some. When it seemed like the Sea Stallion had just made port they where loading her up again with supplies for another voyage. Cory supervised from the deck with barely subdued feelings of excitement as she made sure everything was as it was supposed to be. Sam was on the docks checking the crew to make sure they where fit to sail and all accounted for. Cory was pretty lacks on her crew, they had habits of leaving the ship in one port and then they’d somehow find them again in some other small harbor town. Some had families here and would stay till the ship returned while others couldn’t wait to leave the tiny village. Cory turned her back to the dock and headed over to the helm where Lysander was standing.
“Good thing we’re not staying any longer.” Cory said standing beside him. “Or you’d end up Valentine’s personal pony.”
Lysander grinned and shook his head.
“I have to say they took it rather well that their uncle is also a horse.”
Cory flipped Lysander’s long braid over to his other shoulder as he put his hands on the wheel.
“I not sure they really understand just yet,” Cory said looking down at the kids that where holding on to Sam. “But your family no matter what which is the most important part and that’s what they understand perfectly.”
“I have to be the luckiest spirit ever.” Lysander smiled. “Maybe the only one in the world with a family.”
“Yes well you’re also the only one that likes these mushy, warm feeling type moments!”
Cory snorted shaking her head. “Too much bloody tenderness! Let’s get on our way before we forget how to be Blue Rouges!”
“You never where the “mushy” type.” Lysander said with half a grin. “Give the order Captain and we’ll be on our way.”
“That’s exactly what I’m going to do!” Cory snapped. “Right after I say my own goodbyes.”
The captain threaded her way through the crew and cargo down to Sam and his family for goodbyes. Valentine was practically a fountain of tears as she leapt into Cory’s arms and begged her not to go. Patrick just sniffled with watery eyes as Cory picked him up and hugged him and mumbled goodbyes in his ear. Victoria wiped her eyes as she and Cory exchanged hugs and well wishes. Sam sent the two little ones up the gangplank to Lysander who was waiting for his hugs.
“Where’s Vincent?” Cory asked when she realized the young teen was missing.
“He’s at his lessons.” Sam said shaking his head.
“Those two fought over Vincent not joining the crew again.” Victoria interrupted looking aggravated at the very thought of her son leaving her too. “He said his good byes this morning and left in a huff. I’m sure he sends his love and wishes.”
“I know he does.” Cory said with a sigh. “Tell him again that he’s still young, he’ll get his chance on the sea soon enough. Not only that but he’s needed here with you.”
“Oh Cory, I tell him that everyday.” Victoria said hugging Cory again. “But he’s so stubborn.”
“Who in this family isn’t?” Cory joked as Victoria let her go.
Sam looked up at the bight sun in the sky and nodded to Cory.
“It’s time to go.” He said.
“Farewell Victoria.” Cory said giving the woman’s hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Don’t say farewell, that sounds too permanent! Say we’ll be back soon.”
“We’ll be back very soon.” Cory encouraged.
Up on the deck Lysander finished his own goodbyes.
“When you get back I’ll be old enough to go to school like Vincent!” Valentine said with bright tear filled eyes. “You’ll give me a ride one day won’t you?”
“Of course I will.” Lysander said starting to see why Cory had mentioned the personal pony theory.
“And stories too!” Patrick sniffled.
“Any story you like.” Lysander smiled. “Now you best get back to your mother.”
Ly herded them back to the dock and waved as Sam scooped them up for one final hug. Cory strode past them and headed for the helm as Lysander fell in step beside her, once there she took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
“ALL HANDS TO BRACES!” She bellowed over the dull roar of the crowd.
A cheer from the shore and docks went up as the sailors made their way too the ship at the summons. Sam waved the crew on and when the right number of sailors was met he pulled up the gang plank.
“Hoist the anchor!” He yelled. “Let lose the docking lines! Snap too!”
“Full canvas!” Cory yelled after him taking off the restraining lines on the wheel and taking it in her grasp.
Val and Pat yelled to their father one last time as he waved back. The Sea Stallion began to inch forward as the sails unfurled into creamy white clouds catching the wind. People waved from everywhere watching the ship making it way away from the dock into the harbor.
Cory closed her eyes as the wind whipped her short hair all over her face along with the blue tails of the bandana around her forehead. Now she was starting to feel at home. When she next opened her eyes, they where picking up speed and heading right on course for the small opening to open waters.
“Sam!” She called and the big man turned. “Go wave good bye and then take the helm.”

In an hour the swift ship was already far out in the open sea, their island stronghold nothing more then a dot on the horizon. Cory was back at the wheel letting the sun, fresh wind and the sound of the waves wash over her. Lysander stood beside her, holding onto the map they where going to fallow to a certain island.
“Good to be back on open waters again.” Lysander said seeming to share the captain’s feelings.
“Captain!”
Cory opened her eyes to find one of the crew racing up the stairs to the helm.
“Captain, we have a bit of a problem.”
“We haven’t been out to sea for a day and we already have a problem!?” Cory snapped.
“Well…” The man started. “It’s a bit complicated.”
“Then uncomplicate it!”
“We… um… have a stow away,” The man said looking apologetic.
“You know how we deal with stow aways!” Cory said with a huff. “What’s complicated about putting him to hard work in the kitchen?!”
“Well… you see… Boys! Bring him up!” The man called over his shoulder.
“The gods damn it all!” Cory mentioned for Lysander to take the wheel as she trotted down the steps after the crew men.
“We found him hiding in a packed crate, looks like he snuck in there early this morning.”
“Great, so he’s from home.” Cory said as they stopped a few feet back from the hole in the deck leading to the lower levels of the ship.
Two other crew members where hauling a young boy up the stairs to the deck. Sam stood at the captain’s side as most of the crew gathered around.
“What have we here?” Sam asked.
“Stow away.” Cory repeated with an annoyed huff.
“It’s who he is that makes things complicated Cap’n.” The sailor said. “Show her boys.”
Cory’s head fell into her hand as she sighed seeing who it was. Sam sputtered the beginning of sentences as his face turned red with fury. Vincent stood between his two guards with his hands tied behind his back and his clothes and face disheveled from being inside the crate.
“Hi Captain, hi dad.” He said sheepishly as he tried to smile.