Halloway and Sons Shipping Co

Krise Halloway stood on the docks looking from the ground view at the towering behemoths of wood and iron spanning out before him. Two ships, one significantly larger than the other. The keys to his newly found success. He breathed in through his nostrils, taking in the smell and crispness of the sea air. Ears twitching to the sounds of both crews hard at work readying for the impending departure. "Sykes!" The husky barked at the Shepherd who was acting as his quarter master. "Get me ship 'n me crew ready te ship out... I want dese mangy bastards ready te leave yesterday!" The only response was a salute and the man was off. He was ready to leave, and the ships were as well, but there was one last order of business. He'd walk up the gang plank onto the deck of the Valdys. Walking, and dodging his way through fast paced crew. "Oy! Lenny!" He'd bark out. "Where’s de captain o' dis vessel eh!?" He grinned widely, predatory canine well in view.


Lenora Ravensbrooke had been up early that morning, taking a nice warm bath and enjoying a nice meal before she was out on that ship that was now under her command. She was down below, making sure the provisions were set and the crew was up and awake. Of course she had to kick a few arses out of their hammocks to get them to move. Some of the crew were still testing their limits with her and she was still showing she wasn't going to put up with it. She moved about the ship, making sure the crew were going about their business, even making sure the powder monkey was doing his job. Reaching the cannons, she made sure each one was set. Ears perked as she heard that call from Krise and she chuckled. Heading up the steps to the deck, she'd appear before him. "Oy, lookin' fer me?" She asked and smirked, arms crossing over her chest. Hair was braided and she was dressed much the same, save she had a new coat of midnight blue, trimmed with black and gold.


Jayde Serail just missed Krise as he boarded the Luthana II, though some of the crew seemed to remember him from the business a few night's past. He had been invited to see what all this piracy was about, the smuggler more one to run his cargo then stand and fight, but today it seemed he'd be the one helping give chase to some poor, unfortunate souls. As such, he'd dressed in clothes a bit less fine though despite the lack of embroidery he still wore that deeply tinted leather vest and breeches; yet now it wasn't just feet covered in brass and bronze guards. Now he wore bracers, aegis, and tail guard with a sharpened blade at the tip. He seemed to pack more weapons this time as well, four Egyptian throwing axes belted to his hips and back and that large pouch replaced with just his smoking pouch. He looked about, spying the Captain on the other ship, speaking with a saber-toothed femme, presumably about the voyage ahead. Well then, sounded like he had a bit of time to stoke his lungs; after all the jackal wasn't quite sure when he'd be able to later in the voyage. Best to just keep a pipe packed for when the seas were dull, so he'd be ready for the battle ahead.


Hoa's ass was doing something underwater? Well not shocking to herself and by now Krise but she was blowing out bubbles as she did an inspection of Krise's prized ship's hull. Clicking and vrvrvring around as she did a double check under the water. Then she found some personal goodies as she pops out from the water and looks up. Then just starts yelling up. "Moa! MOA!" She said then swimming around to find herself a rope to start climbing up to the top deck. Rumbling as she flopped over with a loud sloppy sound. Shaking her fur out as to start drying off. She had found a few crabs and declawed them, Without cooking them and treating them like a very crispy apple with a loud cracking of the shell. Chewing up as the nude tigress made her way to partake of one of her favorite treats stopping and looking at Krise. "Bout fin down low-we-giu-mow!" the last part said rapidly and almost unintelligibly to the man as she lofts a brow, Standing there as her ears perked up to see if he would yell At her in some odd manner she could not understand as well and they would once again have to resort to drawing things out, shouting it louder or having to find a translator. Her tail swaying back and forth slowly in the nude, not really caring if people saw her like that after all she was just swimming.


Krise Halloway took one look at Lenora seeing her come up from below decks, and he couldn't hide the pride in his eyes, she had been a good pirate, ever since they day they had met, she had served well, and loyally at his side, as his Master Gunner. "Gods be damned, Lenny..." He'd take a moment, a paw going to her shoulder. "Ye ready fer dis? Yer first time 'eadin an entire ship... I aint makin' it easy on ye neither... Got us a fine catch, but its gonna be a dangerous one te, plus want ye te meet, a buddy o' mine... Bloke's gonna be taggin' long wit us... Now where de fuck..." He'd glance around before eyes fell to the Jackal, all done up for war, and on the deck of the Luthana. "OY! JAY!" He'd call over, his voice easily carrying over the distance. He'd up nod as well, motioning for him to come over to the Valdys. His attention shifted back to the Saber. "Well Cap'n... Mindin' iffin we congregate in yer cabin? Wanna go over de 'aul wit ye... Gotta plan, but dis plan gotta shite ton o' movin parts it does, on big cog bein de fact dat we're gonna need te-" His words were stopped by the quick addition of one of his new secret weapons, a water striding tiger with a knack for blowing shit up. "Well... Gonna need 'er." He'd nod to Hoa, before pointing at her. "YOU!" He'd state as clearly as he could, acting like she'd have to understand him if he spoke loud. A finger pointed to her, to show that he certainly met her, not seeming to be bothered by her nudeness. A finger would curl, in the universal motion to follow, before glancing to Lenora. "Yer ship lass, lead de way."


Lenora Ravensbrooke saw he pride that came over him and she grinned, feeling like that moment when she had proven herself years ago the first time she was in a battle and showed she could hold her own, also the day she earned that nickname of hers. With those words of his, she nodded. "I'm ready. Ye know i'll be treatin' this gal right. Managed to get the gunning crew set with knowin' the new guns." As he spoke about another buddy of his and his call over to the Luthana, she looked to see Jay there and grinned. Seems she had another to get acquainted with. With the question of her quarters, she chuckled. "O' course. Will be the easiest place te talk." She then heard the sound of something wet coming on deck and looked to see the tigress, whom she had yet to get to know. Her nose wrinkled a bit and she growled some. "That was just washed..." she muttered and shook her head. She'd wait for Jay to join the group, nodding her head towards him. "G'day to ya Jay." Lenora grinned and with those dagger like sabres of hers, the smirk looked sinister. "A'right, this way." She'd motion for them to follow, her tail brushing past Krise's thigh as she passed him. Off to the cabin that was now hers so they could discuss.


Jayde Serail felt eyes upon him as the hairs raised on the back of his neck, brow raising as he looked about when his name was called. Apparently the Captain was on the other ship today, and Jay looked at the distance between the moored vessels. He figured now was as good a time as any to reveal his most notable of tricks; better now than later when it'd come as a surprise and lives were on the line. He'd push off the mast he'd been leaning against and began walking, not for the gangplank but directly toward Krise and his crew. No sooner had he begun moving, his form seemed to disintegrate into a puff of black smoke, reappearing with similar whisps curling off his form with casual stride just a few feet away as he put the pipe to his lips once more. Somehow, the jackal had managed to literally 'poof' from one place to the other like it was nothing, yet despite the casual air about the act he couldn't contain the prideful smirk at his own uncommon talents. "Mornin, M'lady," came the jackal's response at Lenora's greeting. He'd extend a paw to make her acquaintance, and if taken he'd lean low to kiss her knuckles with that grin that was already becoming too familiar to the jackal's features. He didn't seem altogether put off by the wet and nude femme, though his eyes did go wide for a moment at her lack of clothes. What was with people lately and being sopping wet and lacking clothes around him? He'd bow in greeting nonetheless, offering the same treatment if the femme took his hand as well before following the saber to her cabin.


Hoa, almost jumps out of her fluff! Well she frizzed a bit when pointed and You'd at so aggressively to her! Though comically she'd point to herself then looks to the saber and nods. "Always have been clean. "Nodding slowly before looking at Krise then to the jackal then back to Krise. She gave a slow nod to the husky male as she paces towards him. She'd then look at the jackal and lofts a brow as he bowed to her, then bowing back and then waving. "Nihoa!" She said waving and smiling to him, she was friendly it seems. Waiting to see where they were going to be doing?


Krise Halloway gave an all knowing nod. "Yer damn skippy, mort... Iffin' I didn't think ye would... I'd notta 'anded 'er over te ye, ye'll do good lass... I aint gonna fret 'bout dat." He nodded. "I was t'inkin' ye'd like dem new guns... Dat done boosts de weight 'o metal... Seven 'undred, twelve pounds per full volly lass..." Krise would jump, as Jay seemed to just appear in a bamf of black smoke. Paw shot down, and that flintlock was drawn with a speed of a well versed gunslinger. Iron was pulled, aimed, and cocked in one full motion. Definitely an instinctive reaction. The gun was holstered as soon as he realized who it was. "Yer a fuckin right crazy git ye know dat!" He growled that ended in a bit of a laugh. Glaring at Jay a bit. Yeah, he got one over on him. He had to remember that though the two had become quick chums. There was still a whole iliad that could be written on the things they didn't know. Attention drifted to Hoa as she climbed aboard soaking wet, and in the nude. Krise Halloway chuckled at Lenora's dismay. "Jes like a new captain... 'fraid o' a wee bitta water muckin' up 'er ship." Hand even raised to ruffle her head fur, like she was some youngin' under his charge. Obviously it was all done in jest... Though he'd follow after the woman as they made their way to the cabin. Krise said nothing until they were inside, and once they were he went to Lenora's desk, and pulled a flattened roll of parchment from within one of his pant leg, obviously charts of some sort. He spread them over the table, upon it, was the drawing of a ship. A frigate of sorts. "Dat's our targets blokes... HMS Constant... Frigate, carryin de king's taxes... 'n from what I 'ear... Been a good month fer 'is royal arse... So 'e cin take a hit." He grinned wickedly. It seemed once again, Krise was playing with fire. Targeting a royal navy vessel, armed to the teeth, and carrying the king's gold.


Lenora Ravensbrooke gave a slight purr with the kiss to the back of her hand from the jackal, though had noticed how he had appeared on the deck. It was interesting to see and she looked to them all. She heard Krise and gave a gentle whistle. "Thanks Krise. That'll be good." She grinned and when that flintlock had been pulled out, she rolled her eyes a moment. "Easy there. No jumpin' outta yer fur." she winked. When her ruffled her hair, she growled and playfully snapped at his hand. "Well I want 'er lookin' good for this first journey under me name." Once they were in the room, she moved to the desk and looked over the chart that was pulled out, listening and in hearing what they were going for, she quirked a brow, but smirked. "Oh sounds like a good one. I'm lookin' forward te this."


Jayde Serail smirked as he recognized the tongue of the sopping wet femme, responding in kind with a, "Ni hao, meinu." Apparently he spoke fluent mandarin, one of his better languages as he dealt in the orient quite often to end up with such a refined taste in opium, among other things. He wondered at Krise's shouting; perhaps he needed a translator? Krise it seemed didn't quite take to his disappearing act without a hearty helping of caution, though the jackal admired just how quickly that pistol was prepared. He didn't seem ill at ease, merely cocking a brow at his friend as he stared down the barrel of the gun with a grin. Hands would come up defensively, though playful grin remained splayed on his features, "Remember Cap'n, I'm on yer side mate." He knew it was a reaction, his tone carrying more playfulness than concern as the husky put away his pistol. A good thing he'd chosen to reveal such a skill now, than when the crew was a bit more trigger happy. He'd grin as the rest of the crew seemed a little less jumpy, following the woman as the plans were laid out. His only question was which king, but by the many treasures of Albion he'd noticed in the pirate's hoard, that much could be surmised. He'd look over the charts, waiting to hear this plan they had in store.


Hoa's tail flicked about as they entered into a closer room, rumbling softly as her fur seemed to be almost dry now. She'd tick her ears as she was about to settle down by Krise since she sorta knew him the most. Then her attention paused as the jackal spoke, she'd roll her eyes as a smile formed on those lips of hers before she waved her arm at him as if dismissing the compliment from him as if he was a mere boy or it was just in play. She'd then looked back to the smilodoness and wiggles her ears before looking at the battle plans before. "Thasa firs' hauna?" She said looking up at krise, she'd trill for a moment she was still a bit uneasy about listening to him and understanding...She'd then point to Jayde "Tell him to tell me what you says."


Krise Halloway growled lowly as Lenny rolled her eyes at him. Krise was a paranoid man, for good reason. The man had just nearly escaped the noose nigh on three times now, the last had been just barely at that. "Sorry mate." His only response to pulling the gun on the man, both of them quite lucky that he did take a moment to see who it was poofing onto his ship before he'd pull the trigger. “Oh she looks good lass, don't ye worry." He'd finally say after the whole fiasco, watching for a moment as Jay made his rounds. "Now ye be careful lad, dese lasses got salt in thar veins... Pretty faces, but fuckin killers, de lot o' em." A light grin spreading across his lips." It was then that he heard that odd language slip from Jay's mouth. "Well would ye look at dat shite!" He'd exclaim as it would seem, there was finally someone who could communicate what Hoa was saying. Especially with how Hoa responded to it. He was a step ahead of the amphibious tiger when she made the mention to let Jay translate. Attention quickly turned to the plans set before him. "Right... Dis lady got 32 guns... 'n thar a bunch o' 8 'n 9 pounders... Enough te do some damage, but notta enough te really worry te much... De Valdys gotta' t'ick 'nough 'ide te 'andle it... But thar's lotta gold on dat ship... Aint tryin' te risk sinkin' it. Plus, we could use anot'er ship... So... Me on de Luthana... We're gonna 'ead in first... Jay, divulge dis to de lovely tiger would ye? We're gonna sail up... Open up wit a volley o' chain shot te tear 'er masts down... I aint even gonna slow de fuck down, gonna sail right past 'er 'n blow out de masts, take de wind from 'er... At dat time, Hoa, yer gonna jump off de ot'er side... We'll take 'er on de port side, so, Hoa, yer jumpin' off starboard... Yer gonna swim quick... Te get thar' before she go right on past ye, 'n yer gonna swim te de back, cut de controllin' lines, 'n disable de rudder... Leavin dis dame dead in de water, 'n clear fer de taking... I'll loop round. board 'er on 'er starboard side, Lenny ye take port... Will unload de boardin' parties... Wipe de deck. 'n take de prize... Now ye make sure yer crew know Lenny... Dese 'is Albion regulars... Dese boys aint gonna surrender. 'n if dey do, it's prolly a ruse. No mercy, no prisoners. Savvy?"


Lenora Ravensbrooke watched the pair for a moment, having seen Hoa around, but not having taken to getting to know her just yet. Then again she hadn't seen her all that much so she could. She'd look Jay over a moment, allowed to look of course. As Jay spoke to Hoa, her ears perked. "Oh good, someone could understand the tigress. That would help. When Krise spoke, she chuckled. "Oh aye, deadly is right. De don't call me Blood Fang fer nothin'." She winked. Now in the room, she listened, looking over the chart. "Take the port side, unload the boardin' party, no prisoners, no parlay." She nodded and let her hand rest on the hilt of her cutlass. "I'll be sure to tell the crew of this plan an' make sure they know as well."


Jayde Serail chuckled at Kris'es nonchalant apology, though his ears perked at his mention of the fiery woman he was attempting to charm, however slightly. Still, he would have pouted slightly as Hoa seemed unimpressed by his complimenting in her native tongue; translator-zoned it seemed for the time being. He'd nod simply however, chuckling softly as he leaned against the bedpost, puffing at the pipe and trying not to blow the smoke in the other's faces. As the plan was laid out, he'd repeat the information in Mandarin for the tiger, gesturing to the chart with his free hand when appropriate while trying not to cramp the captain's at the desk. This plan, however, didn't seem to include the jackal. "And what'll ye have me do? I ken get on the ship in the first pass, unnoticed iffn we're lucky. Maybe I ken take out some o' the portside gunners before the Valdys comes alongside?" The jackal's display on boarding the ship was enough to say just how he'd accomplish boarding from afar, and certainly such a talent would take the crew by surprise or provide ample distraction should his stealthy maneuver fail. It seemed the plan was an easy win either the way, the Captain having obviously done this sort of thing before. The saber's inquisitive glances didn't go unnoticed, and Jay only grinned wider at her title. He'd let them talk of battle, saving the idea of charming the girl for later but all this talk of how feisty the ladies were was anything but off putting to the seasoned jackal. Yet this was a time to prepare for battle, so he'd merely puff at his pipe, waiting to see what the two captain's made of his added strategy.


Hoa's ears wiggle as she would try to lean on krise and listen to Jay. Rumbling and pointing and babbling back and forth before shaking her head. spattering to Jay rapidly in mandarin. "I do at night have dolphins for help if you can get them a reward will take down and we can then fly friendly aid flag?" She said in that jangle fangly tongue to jay then looks up to Krise, she did not like hurting people. Then lofts a brow. "Then help and tie them up and let them goes after the gold."


Krise Halloway chuckled darkly. He knew exactly why they called the woman Blood Fang, not many actually knew her real name... Not many lived to tell the tale, more than just a psychotic rambling mess as their minds replayed the bloody scenario. Krise gave a nod as Lenora made it quite aware that she knew the plan, and that her crew would be made aware as well. When Jay translated for Hoa, he glanced over to the Tiger leaning on him, and frowning ever so slightly. He'd hold her gaze and shake his head. "I want dat ship, lass... Aint got no need fer de crew... Dats mouths we aint got da supplies te feed. A night raid on a ship, wit dolphins? Nah.. We'll stick te dis. Iffin ye don't wanna fight, once ye disable de rudder. 'ead back te de ship 'n remain on de opposite side. De rest o' us will deal wit de crew, 'n capture de gold.. split it between de Valdys 'n Luthana so both ships aint as weighed down." Jayde's plan had him quirking a brow. It sounded like suicide, it would make for quite a distraction indeed. Once he had their attention though, that'd be 30 40 guns trained on him. "Distraction's a good idea, but we'll do.. Is 'ave ye stationed in de crow’s nest.... Once we're in position te board... Ye'll 'ave a bird’s eye view o' de ship... De captain will be near de 'elm... Ye locate em, 'n ye snuff em out, puts de ship inna state o' chaos when ye cut de 'ead... Make it loud, 'n make it bloody... It'll snap thar attention away from de boardin party. E'eryone got it?"


Lenora Ravensbrooke's fingers drummed along the hilt of her cutlass, looking over the chart and watching the other three. She had seen Jay glancing to her and she would only grin before looking back to the chart. She heard Jay's idea and as Krise put in his own thoughts, she nodded. "Tha's a good idea." She chimed in and thought a moment. Distractions were good and she grinned. "Could add a little more. When de ship is disabled an' the Valdys comes up alongside...wha' if there was a bit of...'thunder' te come and strike a bit of fear?" And by thunder she meant that roar of hers. Krise would know what she meant, he had seen it before, had heard that roar of hers and watched as sailors would freeze before being cut down. "Course with tha' thunder there would then be a sudden shower of blood."


Jayde Serail gave pause when the tigress seemed keen on a peaceful theft; was she naive? Shaking his head slightly the jackal relayed the message all the same, with a mildly incredulous tone for he knew this battle was not going to end with peace. Krise only confirmed his assumptions, though offering to spare the wet feline from battle if she didn't desire to harm the crewmen. Krise seemed to like his plan, even if he seemed to think the jackal a bit nuts for such a daring move. It looked as though he had a target more specific in mind, which only gave the jackal more reason to grin. That was more akin to what he was used to, he could take out multiple targets but the prize kill was what he was trained for. He'd nod, the plan in mind. He had sharp enough eyes to pick out whomever was shouting orders at the helm, that'd be easy enough. All it took was to pop into the fray, grab the captain and make a ruckus. The hard part would be getting out once all the attention was on him, but that detail didn't seem to bother the jackal. As the saber put in her own little twist he'd grin almost viciously; "And a shower of blood ye'll have, lass." If he could time it just right, perhaps he'd even be able to use her roar as the cue to jump into the fray; let their blood curdle with fear only to see their captain meet their soon to be fate.


Hoa stares at Krise, giving him kitty eyes, you know that look. "No dolphins then" She said then nodding slowly as her form leans off of his, she'd stretch hers arms out over her head. "They don't need to die just so we can get it do they?" she did not exactly like killing just to kill, this was not a war or was it? Was she drafted? "We are at war with them?" She said to Jay then looks back to Krise waiting for the translation to happen. her tail curling up in a question mark like shape


Krise Halloway licked at his teeth when Lenora added that little tidbit. "Masts'll already be knocked down, so we'll need te drag 'er anyway..." He sucked in a breath and gave a nod. "Aye lass... I'm thinkin... Quick volley, from de main deck... Load it wit grape shot, and pepper thar main deck wit it..." He'd glance to Lenora and grin. "Dat means yer gonna 'ave te be gettin in firin' position before I complete me loop, please don't let dem 24 pounders go wit me jes on da ot'er side eh?" He added with a chuckle and a wink before he glanced. back to Jay. "Dat means yer gonna 'ave te be careful mate... Dat roar o' 'ers gonna turn dat deck inte a bloody mess." He wasn't joking either. Hundreds, if not thousands of small iron balls were going to fly through the air, and turn any soft target infront of them into mince meat. Krise glanced back to Hoa, when she made the question. He did not blame her, this was not the life she was used to. "Aye lass..." He'd turn to face her, a paw place on each bare shoulder as he leaned in close. "Dis is war..." It was more a prolonged vengeance, for what part they had played in the death of Krise's first crew. But there was no love lost between Krise, and all of Albion... It's king, or the people loyal to them. He saw them the enemy, as much as he now saw Drakorians as the enemy. Krise was at war with anyone, and everyone that was not his crew or ally. He did not share the compassion the Tigress did, but he'd not begrudge her that as well. "Ye gonna be able te do dis, lass?" He'd ask Hoa, one last time. "Speak now, 'fore it's te late."


Hoa takes a deep sigh then looks up at Krise. "I have nothing more to say but... We are at war now." She said nodding slowly before swaying her tail up to slightly snuggle it up before turning around. "I need to sleep for a while it is late..." MEwing softly. before leaning over to try and bump noses with krise.


TO BE CONTINUED

A week or so of sailing has past leaving the two ships drawing in on their intended target.


Krise Halloway stood to the right of his helms man, staring out over the waters to the south east. If his contact had been correct, they should be coming upon the HMS Constant soon. The Husky stood with an almost statuesque stillness, all except that bushy tail that swayed in obvious impatience. "We shoulda ran into em now... Thar weighed down by de gold, 'n de only place te replenish fresh water was dat island a few 'ours back." He stepped forward, pacing back and forth. "I swear te de fuckin moon 'n de stars, dis 'ave been a wild fuckin goose chase." Krise growled lowly. All dressed up with nowhere to go. Every day he had left his cabin, armed for war. Those 9 flintlocks strategically place around his persons, and still the duck foot flintlocks hung from his mast. He had been anticipating, waiting for this moment. As of late, these dangerous bounties seemed to put the canine on edge, and it didn't seem to be from fear. There came a loud shrilling whistle from somewhere between the masts not a moment after Krise's outburst. The lookout in the crow's nest could be heard screaming. Sails on the horizon! South, by South east! I'm seein three sails! Definitely a Fourth Rate Frigate! I'd put money on it! That's the Constant! Krise stopped dead in his tracks, hand reaching out. "Gimme de glass..." He'd take a gander through the given spy glass, focusing in on the direction the lookout had given, he could only begin making out the top of the sails, even with the spy glass it was hard to focus on. "She's gotta four... 5 'our jump on us ladies, 'n gents!" He'd call out. "But de winds in our favor, 'n dat pour gal's burdened by 'er cargo... LET'S GO GIVE 'ER A 'ELPIN 'AND EH!?" Krise would call out in a gruff voice, followed by the return cheer of the crew, Joyous over the idea of an easy fortune to be made. Though it was certainly odd was it not? A frigate, weighed down by the King's gold, and not a naval escort in sight, granted the 32 gun ship was capable of holding it's own, but there was something bone chillingly odd, on how easy it seemed to be.


Jayde Serail had awoken at dawn, not taking any chances this day when it came to taking his medicine. The timing was off a bit, having to take it earlier and earlier to avoid any... unpleasant surprises should the crew find out his secret. He wondered at whether his sister could get the timing down a bit better, 23 hours instead of 20 perhaps? Especially on these long journeys without a private room in sight but the Captain's cabin, it had the jackal on edge and sleeping in rather peculiar places like an empty crow’s nest if he could find one, or an estranged balcony as he did that night. He was amidst the crew as preparations were made for battle, watching as he knew the Captain would expect him to learn the workings of the ship and who did what if he was to join the crew for these excursions. The call that the ship was in sight had the jackal grinning, toes already tapping and wriggling with excitement. The soft, whispy popping sound of his smokey teleporting trick had him at the helm with Krise, walking up as he packed his pipe with something far stronger and harsher than usual. His smoke-lungs needed to be well stoked for the fancy maneuvers he'd promised the husky. "Oi mate, how do ye deal with de anticipation?" He was just as eager as the captain for battle.


Manuka swung down through the rigging with his usual grace and ease. In fact, the monkey looked more at home in the high stretches of wood and rope than he did on the ground. Just for Krise though he opted to grace the deck with his presence. Jumping from the rigging to the stretch of wooden supports and onto the helms platform itself. Even Manuka had armed himself for the day and he had pistol at his hip. He also pulled free a set of sticks on his belt which snapped together into a longer qatar staff. As he strode across the wood to join Krise and Jayde it was very clear that he was holding himself back from using it across the back of his captain's head. "When all goes wrong. It will be I told you so." The monkey promised, he didn't like the plan, he had never liked the plan. “My poor ladies." He added looking at the main mast of the ship. "Thinking you will need to apologize after." he added under his breath. "But done all I can. Everything secure. Plenty of ammo ready." He waved a hand towards the decks below and then turned his back on Krise to look towards the direction of their target


Hoa stumbles around down below, she looked like she was hung over, sick or had a long night of pounding... Well it was she was tired. She walked out from the bunk area as she heard people yelling then fallows up towards Krise. Putting her gloves on, sliding her backpack on front and then rummages around it pulling out a few of those sheep intestines with powder in them. She was heard making that odd vrring sound as she stumbled about. "Wha.. NIhoa.. we here moa?" She slurred to herself mostly. Oh she was in the buff ready to jump into the water if she was ordered too.


Krise Halloway glanced back quickly when Jay went to bamfing around the ship again. "Fer fucks sake mate!" He chuckled, and shook his head. "It's called walkin, it'll do ye some good." Obviously a jest towards his newly found "bro". His question caused the husky to shrug like. "I don't." He admitted. "I let it burn right t'rough me... Let it bubble from anticipation, te annoyance, by de time we 'it dat ship... I'll be rightly pissed." Perhaps an excuse to hide the real reasons he'd be angry, that unrelenting grudge, and the desire to destroy all that he could. Glanced upwards as he caught the elegantly darting form of the Tamarin, another of his bro's of the mast, and the only one around as of late that didn't have a problem telling him he was wrong, but that was why Krise had picked him for the job. He looked out for the ships, kept them as safe, and well maintained as possible. The husky gave a light shake of his head. "Aint nothin' goin' wrong mate... Look at 'er! She's all alone, wit 80 men." Krise scoffed. " 'n 32 guns, not one o' em o'er a 9 pounder... Yer ladies'll be jes' fine... Don't ye go worryin' bout dem... When de battle's over... We're gonna be needin te worry 'bout 'ow we're gonna tug dis boat back te de island... I'm sure ye got'n idea we cin use?" Attention turned to Hoa, his brow quirking at her seemingly readiness, but quite disheveled look. "Oy lass... Long night?" He'd ask with a chuckle to follow. When she got close enough paw would reach up and take the top of her head, twisting it to guide her to turn around, so he could point out the growing mast heads over the horizon. "Almost thar, lass. Almost."


Jayde Serail raised a brow when a new face swung down from the ropes, idly reminding himself the crows nests might not be the best place to sleep if he wanted his secret kept, not with such an agile one darting about as though the ropes were jungle vines. Those brows only raised higher as he seemed keen on badgering the Captain, and the husky seemed to take it in stride. He'd had little time to see how the crew interacted, but this was the first time he'd seen another shipmate being so forward with their words. As far as Jay was concerned, it was none of his business. He was the newcomer here, and had alot to learn about the pirate's life! He;d nod to the tiger as she came up to join them, looking to Krise and chuckling in retort to his lighthearted ragging. "Jes gettin ready for battle. Gonna be doin alot a that when it comes time." He'd grin fiendishly, looking out over the water. He couldn't quite see the ship yet, though his eyes were keen.


Manuka nodded slowly in response to the captains reassurances with a small "Uh-huh" tagged on. The universal 'uh-huh' which translated to 'I'll believe it when I see it'. As for dragging the boat back he nodded. "Got it figured." he promised. With a little engineering the Valdys woul likely be the best option to bring her back in but if that failed Manny had a few favours he could call in without putting his own crew and the mission in any great danger. Once he had finished scouring the horizon he turned back to the new ship mates. Jay and the water tiger he had met only briefly. HE summoned a quick and playful grin back to his face and the dour disposition of moments ago had vanished. "someone in the rum again?" he questioned in a sing song voice.


Hoa's limpish body would be held and directed with ease as she let off a rather obnoxious yawn out. her gloves being tightened up before she reaches over to her tail as it swings into view behing held onto as she rubed her eyes with it delicately. Murring ashe then had clearer vision than before. Staring at the oncoming masts as she looked back up towards Krise. "We need more booms." She said pointing at her backpack with a sigh. tail swaying around as she looked over towards jay and gave a sleepy wave. "And yeah was kept up last night some noises from the bunk place really sounding to funs to not stay up." She winked before tretching herself out. Then going into that gibberish of Madrin with out thinking about it, this would be up to jay to decode, turn around and translate to the others. "So what ones I don't sink? Also Any dolphins around?" sounding mroe like globaglobading dong pingpong mow mew. As she then turned and looked at Krise as if he was already knowing what she Even looking over to jay and gives a bit of a wave to him and a smile even. Then the other guy whats his name he has not been around much where has he been?


Krise Halloway glanced over to Jay, as he'd assure him this was just how he got ready for battle. "Yeah, jes don't go blowin yer load too early mate... Might be able te sea de ship, but she still be a ways off, gotta beat 'er speed te catch up. I aint got no doubts ye'll be ready do, but time te see what yer arse cin do." The Commandant caught that rather sarcastic uh huh from his boatswain. He had always been the one to try and take the role of Krise's conscience. Something he noticeably lacked at times. He nodded when he was told that it was covered. "Good on ye mate... Yer a fuckin genius." He'd give the Tamarin's head fur a light ruffle before he'd make his way over to the edge of the ship, sidetracked for a moment by Hoa's rather thick accent. He stopped and glanced back to her. "No dolphins dat I been seein', an yer not blowin up any ship as o' yet... Just gotta break de rudder on dat one remember? We pass, ye jump, we shoot de masts down, ye blow up rudder. 'n den we make a loop..." stopped for a moment, knowing she had a hard time understanding him. "Shite, Jay... Translate dis shite fer me would ye?" With that said he would continue. "We make de loop... By den, Valdys should be pullin up alongside, she's gonna pepper de deck wit grape shot, jes before de Luthana pulls up on de ot'er side... Den we board, 'n Bob's our uncle, savvy?" It sounded simple, at least on paper, timing would certainly be crucial. With that he'd turn and make his way to a bullseye lantern situated on a post. "Gotta let de Valdys know... We found our prey." Krise said already flipping up the lid of the bright lantern, easily seen by those on deck of the frigate not too far away, nothing in morse, just the symbol to bring the ships in close. "Helmsman! Prepare fer close quarters wit a friendly!"


Jayde Serail listened as Manny recounted a bit of his plans for their prey, once it was theirs to claim. Mention of rum had those tall ears perking, that casual grin stretching across his features once more. Ah, but drinking would come later. For now, the jackal would take a seat and pull out silver tray, rolling thick cigarettes of whatever strange concoction he was using to stoke his lungs today. He'd be a poor help in battle if his lungs ran out of smoke mid battle, but it was easy enough to ensure that didn't happen if he had something between his lips the whole time. The papers used were thicker, darker and from the looks a bit harder to tear. "Oh I won't, mate. Can't get on the ship til I can see the deck anyway." His powers had their limits, after all. He caught Hoa's words, looking to the Captain and quickly offering a translation for both parties with a grin. He wondered how they'd managed to communicate before his arrival!? He recounted the plan to the tiger, making sure she knew her part, and reminding her that she could hide away during the battle if she still wished.


Manuka monkey chattered irritability and batted Krise's hand away lightly when he ruffled his hair. Shooting him a stern look which dissolved into grin when he couldn't hold onto the mock indignation any longer. He would get krise back for that one. "I know." He responded impishly to the genius comment flicking his hair back into place like a high class diva of ship repair. As Krise launched into the plan which Manny had already heard the monkey took the opportunity to curl his tail around and slip the spy glass out of Krise's pocket. Hopefully without him noticing. He turned it onto their target for his first clear look at her and his grin flickered and died. "Why is she alone?" he muttered to himself. He couldn't see any form of escort as would be expected. He sighed and turned the glass back in on the crew coming face to face with Jay, close enough that he could count his nose hairs through the magnification of the glass in his hand. "42!" he declared aloud to no one in particular. he waved at Jay warmly, pocketed the spy glass and too a running leap off the helms platform, over the guard rail and onto hanging rigging so he could scout the rolling waves around them for his big bold lady. The Valdys.


Krise Halloway nodded when Jay portrayed his plans to Hoa, for him. "Aye, yer a life saver mate... Woulda taken me days te try'n figure dat out wit 'er... I'mma 'ave te learn de oriental tongue just te converse wit me Saboteur." His common was jumbled all to hell, he knew it. Not many spoke the way he did. And that was because he spoke a sailor's common, that dialect unique only to those who didn't spend much time in one place at all, constantly on the move. When he was regaled with the limitations of the Jackal's teleporting he scoffed. "Ye know, I'm glad I aint got none o' dat shite te worry 'bout. All dem rules wit dat magick shite... Aint nothin' in dis world a bullet te de 'ead can't fix." Obviously Krise was joking, and little did even he knew the powers bestowed upon him. He knew some, but many still layed dormant, unused and unknown to him. He certainly didn't notice Manny's black handedness as the spy glass was stripped from him, what he did notice was the question he asked... Even if it was just muttered to himself. "Asked meself dat same question, when our contact was tellin me bout dis mark... Guessin de Royal Navy's tryin a silent getaway o' sorts..." He'd step next to Manuka, gazing towards the direction of their prey, already it was starting to take more of a boat like ship far off on the horizon. "Dey even flyin' a merchant’s colors, manifesto's been rigged te say its carryin' flour 'n ot'er food stuffs that'd be less o' a target fer a pirate. Don't even sail wit de same name. "Yer lookin at de HMS Constant Warwick, but right now, bet she says she de SS Constant." Wasn't much of a name change, but just enough to help shrug off suspicion. He'd glance down at the monkey when he called out the number 42. "Forty two!? What!? Ye cin see de guns from 'ere!? I was told..." He was reaching for the spy glass in his own pocket just as Manny lept up into the rigging. The husky just now catching on to the theft. "Oy, ye bastard!" He'd yell up at the Tamarin.


Jayde Serail was somewhat lost in preparing his smokes for the battle, one already lit and in his mouth. His attention perked when manny asked why the ship was alone, sensative hearing recovered enough to note the words. Indeed, why was the ship so alone... He wondered if it were possible that more was afoot than the Captain realized? But the thought was pushed aside at his reassurances, for Jay knew little of ship combat and he trusted the husky. Still, the noting of cannons had him wary. Wasn't this ship supposed to be relatively unarmed? "Ah," he'd reply at the talk of translation. "I'll take ye to the Forbidden Palace some day, if ye like." If they survived the battle at least. This was beginning to look alot less of a cut and dry steal than it had when the plans were laid out. He watched the monkey dart away, raising a brow and going back to the work in his lap.


Manuka couldn't help but counter all Krise's logic and reasoning with a few simple words which were no dount etched into the minds of others on board as well. "Or it's a trap." He pointed out skittering higher in the rigging out of easy husky reach. He deftly tied the spy glass into the network of ropes with long sure fingers so that Krise would be forced to climb to retrieve it. that is what you get for ruffling monkey hair the wrong way.Satisfied he saluted the captian and jumped down onto the deck with his usual light grace. "Better go make sure. Everything is ready for meetin the Valdy's first." he called out moving off down the length of the ship with the whistled tune of an old sea shanty on his lips.


Lenora Ravensbrooke had made sure her crew was up and ready for what was to come this day. Her sword was sharpened, her daggers also sharpened. She had a couple of flints at the ready as well. She wasn't going to go in without her own guns. Dressed once more in her normal garb and that Captain's coat she had bought for herself. Cannons were prepped so they would be ready for the fight to come and as soon as the Luthana was setting out, she had the Valdys pulling out to follow, but kept a good few paces behind, though still within sight. Her flag and Krise's flag were flying high, her's below Krise's. She had started up a shanty...or a few...with crew while they sailed, though she had her own lookout keeping a look out for their target. "The ship's been spotted Captain!" she heard the cry and she'd take out her own spyglass and look towards the Luthana to see the signal, then further up to see the other. "Keep followin' the Luthana boys! Can't get too far behind. We need te be in place!" She called.


Hoa, having ran off to load more supplies into her back pack and another with her tools she had finally returned back up top side. "Vrorowl! Time time time point at un's to do first." She said comming right back up and possibly getting into the way of others scurrying about on deck. She'd look confused for a moment and realised what had transpired between then and now? "What ship I not sinking todays!?!"


At this point, the ships would sail on towards the Constant. Skipping the three or four hours that it would have taken to finally catch up with the ship, it is now early evening the sun still hangs prevalent in the sky. Aboard the Constant was a buzz of activity. The pirate banners flying high on the Luthana, and the Valdys. In that time, Krise would not gather his spy glass, and would again reiterate to Hoa that she was sinking no ship. Just disabling the Constant so it could in no way, make an escape. The pace was set, the Luthana trailed forward, a few ship lengths infront of the Valdys, creating just enough time for the Luthana to make it's straffing run against the masts, and loop around. As well as enough time from the Valdys to do it's work before Jay made his attempt on the captain, and then both ships unleashed the dogs of war. Ladies and Gentleman! Boys, and girls... Lets get ready to RUUUUUUUMBLE!


Krise Halloway stood at the middle of his deck, decked out in his weapons, both hands occupied by the Ducks foot flint lock. One in each. He could see the crew scrambling about. "Ready fer return fire mates, ye blow yer cannons, and ye get down... 9 pounders won't do much, but dat's still 9 pounds o' iron bearin' down on yer sorry asses!" He'd glance up to the main deck, where he hoped Hoa was waiting for his signal to go. His hand raised, telling her the time was close but to hold fast. He could hear the calls from the other ship, already the crew of the Constant was firing at the Luthana with small arms, muskets and the like, but at this range, with smooth bore rifles, they were severely missing their marks. Krise would flick his arm down quickly as the bow reached the stern of the Constant and began passing. That was her que to start. "READY DE CANNONS!" Krise screamed over the chaos of the encroaching battle. The ships passed in close. "FIRE!" Krise yelled as his gun crews put light to the priming pans. In that instant everything became mind numbingly loud, the percussion of two ships firing upon one another overtook any other noise in the area. The Luthana's side getting torn into 9 pound balls, did very little but splinter the outer shell. Already the gun deck crew was going about assessing damage. The Luthana? Her guns were aimed high, filled with chain shot. As they reported 2, 16 lb cannon balls, linked together by two feet of chain shout out from the cannons. Twirling about and aiming for the masts. The amount of lead was enough to splinter the two large mast poles, scattering wooden shrapnel across the deck and into the Constant's crew. There came a loud groan, as the damaged main mast was no longer capable of maintaining its burden. In that moment... It snapped, smashing into the other mast and toppling them both. A successful Strafe indeed, and onwards the Luthana continued out a few ship lengths, only to turn and start making its way back to get into position.


Lenora made sure he Valdys kept up with the Luthana and when they caught up to the other ship, she started barking out to the crew to get into position, arm themselves and prepare for the fight. She ducked down a moment to the other cannons and made sure all was set there as well. Happy, she popped back up and prepared herself. A'right Lenora. Time te show ye got the right stuff, te show that Krise made the right choice in ya. she thought and she reached to the necklace that her father had given her. Gimme strength Ma, Pa. She let out a breath and in hearing the cannons from the Luthana and the other, she looked up. "Move yer arses! Get ready te fire on my command! We ain't gona let Krise down! Not on my watch!" She roared out and drew that cutlass of hers so it was bared. As she watched the Luthana attack, she moved herself into position, she wanted to be set. She could feel that fire burning, building and as the Luthana did its part and moved off, she was set. Lenora Ravensbrooke smirked, and this time it was that sinister one that the crew and Krise knew well, one that meant death to anyone that would get in her way. "Bring 'er up lads and..." she waited, the ship coming up into position and in seeing Jay take out the captain, she puffed herself up. "FIRE!!!!" the word coming out not as a normal command, but as that thunderous roar she was known to have, one that could make one freeze in their tracks. She even lit a cannon herself before she moved back. The cannons would go off and begin to pepper the other ships deck as planned, the sound of cannons sounded like thunder from several storms coming together. "Lets make'em dance men!" she yelled over the roar of the cannons.


Hoa jumps weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee she'd land into the water with out a sound, as cannons roar and people bicker that was just a distraction as she plunged into the salty depths below. Heading towards the other ship, vrring and clicking as she seemed to swim off like a dolphin or an otter.. though she'd then dive down deep to stay outside of the range of cannon balls and everything else.for now she'd be hidden whiel shit got real uptop


Krise Halloway ran back to the stern of the ship, to watch how the Valdys came into the picture. Time was essential, and Lenora was right on que. Krise watched as those 24 pound cannons let off with their grap shots. Tiny iron balls shooting out of those cannons with fatal intent. The results? They were catastrophic for the crew of the constant, almost immediately the main deck erupted into a reddish mist as thousands of small balls tore through flesh and bone, powered by a rediculous amount of powder. The ripped right through bodies, turning some into hole riddled corpses, if the bodies didn't blow apart as it was. Very few on the deck survived, and even less were still in any condition to fight. With the captain gone the chaos was palpable, they had not only managed to surprise their prey, but to destroy the chain of command to such an extent, that the men knew nothing of what to do but fight, and try to survive. The hatches to the bottom deck shot open, and the gun crews from down below.Krise Halloway started to rush up and onto the main deck of the Constant, witnessing the horrible massacre of their friends, and crew. Though the masts were gone, and the ship was still slowing, it still had the ability to ram and cause damage to the two other ships. Hoa would have to work quickly to disable the rudder, and turn the ship, into a true sitting duck. Krise was already on his way back. The deck of the Luthana crowded with the boarding party, and Krise now stepping infront to lead them. "Remember lads, no mercy, no quarter. Dese bastards aint gonna give ye none...." He glanced back at the ship, as it seemed to start steering it's way to cut off the Luthana and ram it's bow right into the side of his brig... "C'mon Hoa... Get it done..." Krise seemed to mumble anxiously under his breath.


Jayde Serail was in the midst of the crew by the time Lenora's ship was in position, and as he heard that roar to fire, he had thought over and planned exactly what to do. The jackal stood still and seemed to blacken as the barrage hit those around him. Rounds went through him as well, the difference being it seemed to pass through smoke instead; a black cloud remaining where the jacl had stood. Once the barrage had done it's job, his form solidified and he shook slightly, grinning as he hadn't used that trick in quite some time. It'd been too long since his last battle, and now the deed was done with the only prey being the wounded. Ears began to droop as he casually pulled out a smoke, licking the tip alit and looking about just in time for the hatches to open. Teeth colenched on the thing as he grinned with wickedness anew, charging for the new victims. If Krise didn't hurry aboard, there wouldn't be many to clean up! Jayde Serail Poofing out of sight and reappearing to the side of the hatch he began to cut them down, taking a few hits from the crew as they tried to get out but the blades slid off his flesh damaging clothes but little else, gunfire if they got a shot off setting him back for a moment before once more slicing with two of the three axes he carried. Long as he could manage to take the hits, he'd trade the pain for the advantage of the bottleneck, crewmen trying to make it out alive only to fall on those behind them.


Lenora Ravensbrooke had watched as quite a few of the crew aboard the Constant had frozen in hearing that roar of hers. Fools. Should know better. The looks on their faces would be forever soon when they wound up hitting the deck in a spray of red. Unlike most berserkers, she could still determine who was friend and who was foe. Wings snapped open for a moment and that cutlass was raised. "Reload them cannons an' keep'em at bay boys! Like we always done b'fore!" she roared out, that fire alight in her eyes. She scanned the deck and saw many others coming up on deck now to see the chaos that had ensued. She chuckled darkly and licked those sabers of hers. "Come little ones, come to the party." she practically purred. Shoulders rolled as she poised herself, watching and waiting for Krise to get in position for the boarding. "Boardin' positions! No mercy, no quarter and NO parlay from any! Blood Fang's come te play." Her eyes continued to scan the deck and she was itching to get over there. "Come on Krise.”


Hoa's lights start to come into view from down below the water line, signals? No it was special fuses being lit. Her form now illuminated by the light as she sets off six in all before moving around to the other side of the ship, starboard side as her gloves scrap to claw and dig into the wood to start pulling herself out of the water. Reason? Explosives underwater kill a lot easier. She'd start scrambling up the side and then presses herself against it as best as she could to try and keep out of the shit storm above. Two of the six black powder bombs go off without a hitch, the others failed to go off. Bits of wood and a whooshing of smoke and bubbles come rushing up to the surface, even enough to offset the ships level in the water, causing it to yaw forwards and jostle the crew around.


Krise Halloway was getting a tad bit nervous that Hoa might have run into some issues, and now the boat was baring down on him, with the Valdys at its side. Though now he saw her clinging to the side of the ship, and he knew that could mean only one thing. The two explosions were certainly enough to completely dismantle the rudder, he couldn't see how extensive the damage was, but he was hoping not enough to cause the Constant to start taking on water. But as he saw the boat rock, as it began slowing even further, and now unable to turn, he'd have the Helmsman complete the loop, and bring them alongside. "GRAPPLING HOOKS!" The Captain cried, but he didn't wait for them to be secured, the Husky was already up and over as the boarding part secured the two ships together and began making their way across. Krise didn't have much opposition, the grape shot from the Valdys, and the rather mesmerizing teleportation work of Jay had already brought their numbers down significantly. Though they were still pouring out of touch hatches, some coming after Jay. "Watch yer back, Jackal!" Krise called out before raising the two ducks’ feet, aiming a shoulder with apart and pulling both guns triggers simultaneously. The 4 angled barreled guns let off in amazing report, and 5 or 6 men dropped from the shots. Krise didn't tarry, the guns were dropped and his dirks were unsheathed from his back. The one held in the right paw held in a regular grip, the left? Was held in a reverse grip. The pommel next to his thumb and the blade facing the floor, he rushed into the group, spinning, hacking, and slashing into the chaos, blood and steel casting about chaotically. A throat slit, a long knife driven into one' back. Krise's true colors were showing now, and it was all just different shades of red.


Jayde Serail was beginning to run out of enemies pouring from this particular hole, likely a good thing as more than a few had tried to slice at him and one had gotten off a shot before being cut down. The jackal's hide kept him from being cut, but those shots still bruised and he felt as though the shot might have bruised a rib. Not only that, but the jackal's smoke had gone out! Balance seemed unachievable as the explosion sent the ship lurching out of the waves, jackal stumbling a few paces before steadying. He heard Krise's cry just before the sound of heavy footsteps coming up on him fast. Glancing to the other side of the ship he'd bamf over, leaving black smoke and half smoked stoag behind as the ones rushing toward him ended up in a cloud of quickly dissipating black smoke. He lit another with that fiery spit as arm clutched his side, feeling the tender area. Shirt once white under that vest was now a fresh crimson and tattered, his dark fur even darker and matted with the life juices of those he'd cut down. Now that Krise and crew were aboard, he'd fit himself wherever needed in the battle; teleporting less as he didn't want a friendly getting confused in the fray.


Lenora Ravensbrooke waited and watched, those cannons ready for anything more that would be needed. The Valdys crew was ready to board when the signal was given. Sabre watched as Luthana came into place and she was set, ears perking. "Hooks! Send'em!" she shouted and the hooks would fly, but like Krise, she didn't wait. She was charging for the railing, hopped up and launched herself. Wings of black snapped open and she took to the other ship, her cutlass bringing more blood as she took down another of the Constant's crew who was taking aim at one of the Luthana's. Blood Fang has joined the party! Her cutlass in one hand and dagger in the other, she spun and slashed and moved as if she were in a dance...a dance of deadly blades. One little, two little, three little dead men. She watched the crews, kept her eyes peeled and as she spotted another heading off for Krise, she sheathed her cutlass and dagger and crouching down, took off sidelong at the other. Lenora Ravensbrooke let out another roar as she tackled the stoat to the deck and sank her sabres into the neck and spilled blood. Head lifted, blood dripped from those sabres of hers and she'd give another roar before taking off back into the fray, sword drawn and taking names....er...lives.


Hoa's body clung to the side as she closed her eyes and waited for a few moments, then lets go to then turn around and start heading back t her crew, though once again diving deep. She'd be around but have to take some times


The plan had seemed to go off without even a hitch. As Hoa made her way back to the Luthana, the rest of the two crews would make short work of the rest of the crew. As things grew quiet, the boarding parties from both ships would begin clearing the ship, room by room, and deck by deck, flushing out any crewmen still alive, and putting an end to them. It was a bloody affair, but they could thank not only Krise's deep seated vendetta with the Royal Navy, but also this guise of a legitimate business. Rumors were all well, and good. That implied statement that they were pirates remained hearsay, and that is what Krise wanted... If there came to be evidence that it was true, that'd paint a pretty big crosshair upon the entirety of their new company, and that was not feasible. With the ship clear, the crew would then go about making inventory of the damages to the Constant, but also... An inventory of their score, and one such crew man came running out with a golden goblet in each hand, both overfilled with golden pieces of eight... The cups so full the coins were precariously falling out as he ran through the deck. The Holds are filled with gold! Jewelry and Gems!!! It's a fuckin Kings ransom down there." Like lambs to the slaughter already the crew was coveting their new bounty.


Krise Halloway he was happy, and content. They had once again failed to quell that rage, or snuff out his life, and he knew out there, somewhere close by... Something else lurked. This had been to easy. This crew had been set up to face the onslaught of the pirates... To draw them in like a raccoon to a shiny coin in a trap. They knew the pirates wouldn't let go of that gold easily... Leaving them dragging a limping dog behind them, severely slowing them down. "Manny! Let’s get dat tow line setup on de double... Don't wanna be sittin' 'ere fer long!" Dead in the water, they'd be sitting ducks, he needed momentum, and they'd need it soon, but for now. He hid that knowledge, that all knowing notion of what was certainly to come next, and instead he turned to Jay and grinned wickedly. "Well, mate? Get yer dick 'ard yet?" He chuckled. "Where's Lenny!? Eh!? I wanna kiss dat bloody git!" He'd say snapping his head around to look about the deck. Dirks being placed back in their sheathes that rested at Krise Halloway the small of his back. " 'n 'oa too! Mort really saved me arse out thar..." Had that ship rammed the Luthana, it wouldn't have been pretty.


Jayde Serail would have grinned as Lenora joined the battle, though she'd already stolen the lives of half the crew with her roar earlier. As the others went to search the rooms, he'd move to lean on broken mast and toke at his smokes, needing the smoke even more now to restore the energy he'd used to bamf around the decks moments before. As they came out with gold he'd grin, more for his friend's aspirations than greed. He had plenty of wealth working for his impress, but Krise and his crew smiling was reward enough for the bloody endeavor. Hell, the chance for battle was enough, the chance to kill in honorable combat; well the jackal had odd ideas about honor. They killed this day with reason, even if that reason was merely the fortune of the pirates and that was enough for Jay. As the crew prepared to tow the ship he'd walk to Krise, chuckling at his comment. "Too easy, mate; too easy." It was not a warning, more like a boast as he smoked down on the rolled herbs. "Takes more'n a little battle fer that, Cap'n. Scratched the itch, though." He knew that's what the captain had meant, but he'd retort all the same. As he called out to crewmates the jackal looked about for the tiger, nodding in admiration to the woman who'd certainly proved herself as well, stained perhaps even more than Jay with the blood of the poor unfortunate souls manning this ship.


Lenora Ravensbrooke went throug hher own paces with the battle and when it was over, she stood there, cutlass in one hand, dagger in the other, blood dripping and drying on her sabres. When it was over, she dispatched her own boarding crew to take a look while she took her own deep breahs. Her first real command as a captain under her belt, but something seemed a bit off about it. Hearing the one crew member as he came up with some of what he had found, she grinned. She wiped off her blades before sheathing them, then started towards Krise and Jay, her ears perking as she heard Krise. "Oi, ya lookin' for this pretty, though bloody face te kiss?" she asked as she came up to them and paused, hands going to hips. "Pucker up." She winked. Her face and cloths were spattered with blood, but she could get that out. "Though Jay's right, that did seem a bit easy."


It wouldn't take long, an hour or two tops to get the HMS Constant Warwick strapped to the Valdys and they were off. Sailing back towards the island that acted as the hideaway for much of the pirate's fortune, but that was still days away, a week even with how slow towing a frigate could be. Krise would have definitely kissed the bloody saber. With no sense of holding back, A paw in her hair, and one around her waist, and tongue deep. His way of congratulating her for a job well done. Hoa receiving a similar kind of reward. The ships were off and everything seemed quite well, the crews were joyous singing along with one another... This was supposed to be down time. But one person seemed still ready for a fight, the Commandant stood next to the helm, still armed to the teeth, and when that sharp shrill of the whistle came, he didn't seem as surprised as the others. The lookout in the crow's nest called out. Masts on the horizon! Tailing us from the north, I see three masts! there seemed to be a pause. "Its, Its.... Its a fuckin' man o' war commandant! I'm seeing a frigate, third of the line! Counting.... 40 gun ports on each side! Bearing down on us fast! It's a hunter!" It had been to easy indeed... And the men and women of the Halloway and Sons Shipping Company had taken the bait.


Krise Halloway didn't seem phased at all. He merely stood staring out over the ocean infront of them. This was exactly what he had expected to happen. "It's an Ambush." He said with an almost deathly calm, loud enough for anyone around him to hear it. "I'm guessin... It's de HMS Somerset. She aint been seen hauntin' de waters in some time... People was guessin' she mighta 'eaded dis way, lookin' te take some 'eads." He'd walk past the helm and close to the railing, gazing over his fellow bewildered crew. "Lookin' like we got two choices in 'ead of us mates." He'd glance over to the Valdys, and the ship she was towing. "We cin either cut de gold 'n Constant free 'n run, or we cin cut 'er free 'n fight fer our prize... But make no mistake what dat be behind us mates... Dat's death lurkin de seas! She's a wolf jes like we. She's got eighty guns 'n four 'undred souls on board. E'ery last one o' dem's a fuckin regular. Dey live fer killin blokes jes like ye, 'n jes like me!"Krise Halloway was already flying into a rage, his brows furrowed and spittle escaped his lips with every word he spoke. "Thar captain's as witty as dey come! Man's made o' salt 'n 'e aint nevar lost a fight on de open seas! 'n 'e aint even de worse sunova bitch over thar... 'ow many ye 'eard de title o' de Flintlock Wolfe eh? Man's a fuckin monster... Bloke'd be one o' us iffin dat wolf didn't 'ate us like 'e do... Make no mistake lads... Either we cut de gold 'n run like cowards! Or we turn 'n face death 'ead on fer a chance at glory!" Well, the Husky was certainly quite quick to jump on that chance for a motivational speech, almost as he had planned to give it the entire time.

Jayde Serail noted how calm and collected the Captain was at this news, how he seemed to almost expect it as though this were the plan all along. Did the man trick his crew into participating in taking down a hunter? And Jay too apparently. He'd have been angry, but truth be told this was the most fun the jackal had had in decades. He meant to have a word with the Captain, but just now he seemed intent on giving a pep talk to his crew. He'd support Krise, despite the madness and the bloody path he'd set them on; but he'd need that support in the face of a crew that was likely not the most willing to stand and fight. A soft pop of black smoke and he was near the Captain, raising a fist and shouting to startt a domino effect of supporters. "Ye've got me axes, Cap'n! Let's show'em who they fuckin wit, aye?" The theatrics were more for the crew than for Krise, the jackal turning to him to give an impish wink; he knew this was no accident, no spur of the moment speech.


Lenora Ravensbrooke had remained with her crew on the Valdys, having gotten some of the blood off her face. Though of course that kiss Krise had placed upon her had riled her up a bit more. With the other ship in tow, she was able to relax some, but that nagging feeling kept at her. It was when the other on board the Luthana called out about a man o'war coming up, the fur on the back of her neck rose. "Shit..." she hissed. Her wings snapped open and she was on he Luthana in seconds, landing near Krise in time to hear him and she froze. "S-Somerset? Oh hell...n-not again..." she shook her head and her eyes went wide. Seems she was familiar with that ship. She looked back to see it there and the fire stoked once more, but it came in a rush. "I ain't lettin' them catch me again. No way in hell!" she hissed and bared those teeth. She glanced to Krise a moment at the mention of the name. "I've heard the name float about, I don't remember 'im though being on there last time I was near dat ship."


The speech seemed to have little effect on the crew of the Luthana... Most wanted to run, with only a few of the more hardened men cheering for the Commandants words. When Krise had left TGT, leaving the Valdys behind and taking the Luthana to search for his children, he had put this crew through daunting raids, many much like this one. They knew his tricks... Wise to the games he played. Their had been rumors that the Husky had a deathwish, and this seemed to prove it. The Valdys on the other hand. Them boys were itching for a fight. Their screams and war cries carried over and were heard easily on the Luthana, and the men were chanting one thing, Bloodfang! Bloodfang! Bloodfang! This battle was going to be a harrowing journey, a true test of wood, meddle, and a fighting spirit. Many would die this day, question was... Who would be the victor?


Krise Halloway glanced over to Jay as he bamfed over, and offered him a rather arrogant grin. That bushy tail was at it again, but certainly not from agitation this time. No, that was excitement. He knew the Constant would be an easy prize. The Captain of the Somerset had used the trick before. When Lenny landed, he'd glance over to her next. About to tell her to ready her men, but it seemed that where the Luthana was almost deathly silent. The Valdys was in an uproar, and ready to fight. Krise glanced over and perked a brow. "Well shite... Yer boys itchin' fer another fight, lass..." And it seemed some of that energy would carry over to the Luthana, men were starting to shake their head, scowls and sneers turned to grins, and homicidal glares off towards the Somerset. "It goes wit'out sayin... We aint tryin' te capture dis ship! She meets Davy Jones dis day!" Finally, a roar of approval could be heard rioting through the Luthana, just needed the Valdys crew to get the party started.


Jayde Serail looked to Krise as his crew seemed less than enthusiastic despite the jackal's attempts. He'd stride closer with a foolhardy grin and raised brow, "Yer a right crazy one, mate...." Yet his tone held excitement, and a certain sense of loyalty to it. Grin spread wider over his cheeks as he heartily continued the thought, "I like it!" Apparently, craziness aside the captain had Jay's loyalty at least. The jackal nodded to the saber as she boarded the ship, wings letting her touch down lightly on the planks and it gave him a bit of an idea. As the crew seemed to realize the majority was wanting to fight, and there'd be no escape but to join in the fray, he'd grin to Krise at the mention of not keeping the ship, motioning Lenora over as well for somewhat of a huddle. "I got me an idea, Cap'n. Lenny, how long can you hold another person while flying?" He knew it was somewhat hard to maintain altitude with added weight, but she wouldn't need to long; as long as they didn't drop out of the sky. The jackal had a fiendish grin once more, lighting up yet ANOTHER stoag as he looked to both of em. "Ye ever heard of greek fire?" He'd need a bottle of alchohol for such a large target, more fuel to the fire if he could manage to pull this trick off before the ship got close.


Lenora Ravensbrooke's ears perked as she heard the crew on the Luthana, but then she heard the crew on the Valdys. Hearing that nickname of hers being chanted, it brought that fire to a full roar. She glanced to Krise in hearing his words and smirked. "You're right, they are and what shall we fight for?" She turned and started through the crew of the Luthana. "You will listen to me. LISTEN!" She barked as she hopped up on the railing. "The crews are still looking here, to you, to us, to lead and what will they see? Frightened bilge rats aboard simple ships? No. No, they will see free men! And freedom! And what the enemy will see is the flash of our cannons. They will hear the ring of our swords, they will hear the roar from my throat and they will know what we can do! By the sweat of our brows, and the strength of our backs and the courage of our hearts! Gentlemen! Hoist the colours." She could hear a whisper of those three words from a few as she looked over her shoulder to the crew of the Valdys. "HOIST THE COLOURS!!" The crew of the Valdys roared and the flags were once more on the way up to fly. She hopped back to the deck and made her way back through, having heard Jay. "Long enough." She smirked and that smirk was once more sinister in look and in hearing the question. "I haven't heard of that trick. We never pulled it off on my father's ship, but if you need me for it, ye've got it."


the ship was bearing down on them, every moment brought it closer until it was only a few ship lengths behind them, a man was speaking through a primitive megaphone, calling for the surrender of the two ships, with the promises of fair trials. But pirates knew what a fair trial was, just a show before they swung from the gallows, all had made their mind. There would be no surrender that day. Their defiance showed as Lenora gave her rallying cry, and both crews roared in unison. She had become quite the leader, raising to her seat of power from among the crew, they all knew her, and it was obvious they all loved, and respected her. The colors flew. The Drowning Jolly Roger, followed by the Bloody Sabertoothed Jolly Roger. The gun bays slid open, and cannons were pushed into their ready to fire positions... There was silence now... Everyone focused, the calm before the storm.


Krise Halloway stared off the bow of his ship, standing unphased gazing upon the Man o War with a focused gaze. His weapons ready, his paw resting upon the hilt of his cutlass... Today he would show them his fury, his power... The combined power of the empire he was creating, or he would die trying. For a moment, soul felt guilty for drawing his crews into this personal vendetta, but it couldn't be helped, and he didn't just attack out of spite... He would make them all very rich men, very rich, and free... Dictated by no laws but their own. With him as their leader. Krise's ear twiched and he glanced back to Jay as he made his obscure comment about Greek fire. "Dat shit'll burn on de surface o' de water... Iffin' yer gonna do it, now certainly be de time... Master gunner! Ready me cannons! Iron balls! Aim em low... Lookin fer de water line! I wanna sink dis bitch!" He barked out.


Jayde Serail watched and waited as the crews got their shit together for the fight; there was clearly no going back now. Lenora's comment had him ushering a crewman off, "Find me a bottle o’ the strongest rotgut ye can find!" before turning back to the two and giving Krise a nod. He knew precisely what Jay was promising! "Lenny, I'll need ye t'focus on keepin me airborn. I'll get us close enuff n back, jes don't drop me, savvy? We're gonna light that ship up before they get close enough." If they were brilliantly lucky, the ship would be engulfed in flames and perhaps even a few powder kegs would catch. If not, the ship would blow right through the fires with naught but singing. The jackal didn't really know, he'd never tried such a feat on a large target before but the crazy plan of his just might give them the edge they needed, if it worked. The bottle delivered, Jay gave one very, very deep inhale on his stoag, reducing it to a butt in seconds before flicking it into the ocean and exhaling a cloud that seemed a bit darker than normal. "Aright," he'd say, uncorking the bottle and looking to the femme. "Get us airborne, I'll handle th'rest lass." With her help, they'd be airborn soon enough, one of his hands holding firmly onto her wrist, letting the woman grab shoulders or wherever needed to keep him secure. In an instant of blackness for Lenora, they'd find themselves a bit further than halfway between the ships, and as the jackal upturned the bottle, he'd hold it in his lips for a few seconds, just long enough to mix with his spit, before spraying the liquid onto the waves below, trying to turn his head so it would cover more waves. Before the two could watch the results, he'd look behind to the ship as his now empty hands gripped her wrists tightly and bamf, they were once more in the relatively safe proximity of the ship. The crew however would likely get a show, for if his plan worked the sea would light up in flames dancing just above the water's surface.


Lenora Ravensbrooke would wait for a moment, letting the fire take full charge of her, remembering the Somerset well enough. Bastards, all of them. She'd watch the crewman go off to get the bottle Jay asked for, but hearing Krise, she grinned and gave the same order for her own crew, hearing it run through the gunner crew. If someone had told her that she would be captain of the Valdys, she would would have had them dunked in cold water, but here she was. When Jay was ready, she'd nod take off with him, holding him tight. Her wings were strong, apparently having carried someone before. Taking him where he needed and once that job was done, they were back to safety. She'd set him the Luthana deck, before giving a slight salute. "Gentlemen." she winked before she'd be back on the deck of the Valdys, her cutlass drawn and ready. She'd watch to see what would happen.


The greek fire was certainly quite the display, a wall of fire erupted infront of the Somerset, and even caused some of their crew to scream in fear, but the captain sailed right on through. The sticky substance coating the front of the ship, but at the speeds in which they stalked the two pirate ships, only a slight amount stuck to the bow of the ship, but pesky was greek fire, and it stuck, and it burned, feeding off this new fuel source; the ship itself. Even as the bow crashed through the waves the fire stayed, and spread every so slightly... It wouldn't cause much of a difference, but in the long run, little by little it may prove to be a problem. So they ship sailed on, sliding in between the Valdys and the Luthana, the captain of the Somerset seemed adamant that his larger, more well armed ship was certainly capable of felling this scantly armed pirates, what he didn't realize was who this was, and how much money the Husky had thrown into these ships... Equipping. with military grade cannons, and mortars. This would not be an easy fight for any party involved. Gun bays opened and there came the calls to battle, and commands given as all three ships would open fire. The ships engaged cannon fire erupted from all around, both the Valdys and the Luthana, rocked back and forth as 40 guns ripped into each ship. Decks exploding, wooden splinters, and metallic chunks of cannon ball ripped through the decks. The pirates were taking a pounding, but the Somerset too was feeling their bite, if only slightly less


Krise Halloway was on the deck of his ship barking orders when that ship so belligerently passed in-between the two ships. He gave the order to fire just as the Somerset opened up. The deck splintered infront of him. Showering him in shrapnel, though only one piece seemed to find home cutting through his thigh before veering off. The force of the explosion forced Krise backwards. Back slamming hard into the mast. The Husky gave a soft groan, but was already collecting himself and making his way back to his position. "Don't ye fuckin falter! Show dese bastards our might! RELOAD!!! Chain shot! Tear through thar fuckin decks!" His crew worked quickly. Those new Carronades were easier to load, and he had already got his gunner crew down to seconds. They were reloaded, and firing quicker than the Somerset could reload her own guns.


Jayde Serail didn't even duck when the shots were fired, instead once more turning to smoke as he expected the projectiles. He made it through unharmed, giving the husky a salute and a wicked grin as he lit a smoke once more, clenching it between those teeth as axes were once more unholstered. There was no time to ask where the Commandant wanted him, and so he'd depend on the same logic as the last ship and hope Krise wasn't too sour at him for stealing the life of the enemy's Captain before he could claim the prize. Axes in hand and smoke in mouth, the jackal charged and leapt off the ship, momentum carrying as the soft bamf went unheard through the chaos. He reappeared on the other ship, sliding to a stop and attempting to position himself behind the Captain. Hooked axe head grabbed the captain by the neck mid-command, making sure that once more everyone aboard was somewhat paying attention as the man tried to regain balance from being hooked. There was no saving himself though, for Jay's other axe was already in line to slice his neck and unless through some miracle, the jackal's twin axes would rip in one swift movement to sever the man's neck and send it rolling on the deck below. He wouldn't charge through the crowd this time however, the fire taking too much of his energy and those keen ears had heard the call for chain shot. Instead, the jackal disappeared, reappearing on the ship's main crow's nest to wait


Lenora Ravensbrooke was once more ready for that fight, seeing the man of war coming up to them and through that fire, she took deep breaths. She had to keep her clam, had to show the crew that she could be calm in such situations. Then again she had the trust and respect from the crew, as well as from Krise and Jay. She waited for that ship to get into position and as Krise gave his own orders, that roar of 'fire' once more came from her as it had done before. She didn't know how many would freeze in hearing her roar, but she didn't look. She was too busy aiming a flintlock at one of the sailors on the Somerset and pulling he trigger. Her wings were tucked along her back, not looking to get them shot off at the moment, so she'd resort to bobbing and weaving, not staying in one place too long. "Fire an' reload men! Don't let'em think we're slow. Show'em wha' a true pirate crew can do!" she'd light a cannon that was freshly reloaded and let it fire.


The unrelenting bombardment from the two pirateships caused the Somerset to groan, and lurch in the water, its bow already dipping lower into the water. The effect from that chain shot causing large channeling that when concentrated into one point would cause what you'd expect; a giant ass hole. At the water line it caused even more of a dilemma... Water was starting to flood into the lower decks. The Somerset crew having to divert crew men to man the bilge pumps meant there was less men manning their cannons. But the Man O' War wasn't out of the right just yet. Jay had managed to find the captain, but when he went to grab the captain, he'd find the feline waiting for the attack, and as the Jackal went to take hold of the commander, he seemed to move with an unatural grace. Moving his neck just outside of the Jackal's grasp. The captain's cutlass brandished, and a confident smile upon the cat's face... Seemed this captain had some secrets of his own.


Krise Halloway was screaming in victory with his crew. He knew what the hole in the side of the ship meant, it didn't mean it would sink, but there'd be a good number of mean down below deck, working the bilge pumps to keep the water from pulling the ship down. DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! Krise and his gun crew chanted, a Cadence that went in rhythm, helping them remain cohesive and loading those guns. "LOAD GRAPE SHOT! MAKE READY TE SWEEP DE DECKS! BOARDING CREW! PREPARE FER FUCKIN GLORY! FIRE!" He knew quite well that the Somerset was no wear near done, but if he could thin out the crew enough to get a boarding crew over to secure the main deck, that'd be a whole role of her guns that could no longer fire upon both of his ships. The cannons bellowed out and aimed low to stop overshot from peppering Lenny's own decks, Meant to sweep the legs and bury into the decks. No matter the result. "BOARD! NO HOOKS!" He called before racing to the edge of the deck. Boarding without hooks was extremely dangerous, but not as dangerous as being tied to a sinking ship.


Jayde Serail snarled as the captain dodged the attack, momentum doing jack shit as far as surprise. This captain was waiting, but how he knew the pirates had a somewhat more magical crewman was a thought for another time. Just now, the jackal would only grin wider. This was what he was used to, what he was trained for. Time to clean... Instead of poofing away, the man turned to black smoke once more as shots were fired, hoping it'd take out his prey but he was not so lucky and this only fueled his blood lust. As he once more solidified, the smoke did not dissipate; instead it coated his form, making it hard to tell where the next hit was coming, or whether the jackal was even taking hits as they dueled. Axe blades would try to hook at the cutlass, the other swinging for vital spots when possible. The jackal might not have been as swift as the dodging captain, but he'd take the hits from that cutlass if it meant getting closer to attack; for unless the blade was enchanted it'd slide off his flesh like so many before.


Lenora Ravensbrooke could easily be seen moving about the deck, not wanting to be a sitting duck and easy target for those with guns on the other crew. She'd move and help where she could with cannons or even fire off a few guns that were loaded and within her reach. "Lets give ol' Davy Jones some new recruits!" She bellowed, but in seeing the holes coming together nicely, she had another idea. She'd dart for the second deck. "Aim them cannons for their gun ports! Aim just a tad high so ya don't hit the cannon directly! Lets rattle them boys an' make'em duck!" She'd help push one cannon back into place and aim it just a tad higher...another inch or two...and light it, letting it fire. "Yea keep doin' that lads!" She'd give a nearby panther a clap on the shoulder before she was heading back up to the deck. She'd grab a rifle that had been reloaded and glanced. She spotted the Captain of the Somerset and aimed, bracing herself on the lee of the Valdys' mast. "Lets see if I can't leave a mark... Lenora Ravensbrooke aimed for the captainnnnnnnnnnnn's ass, breathed in, steadied herself, and as she breathed out, she pulled the trigger.


the fight was grueling and the Somerset was getting bombarded on both sides, it's gun crew had taken a major hit, between the bilge pumps and the grape shot cutting down many of the main deck crew. But they had a beast at their backs. A Master Gunner with a mean streak, and a bloody vendetta against any who used the title of pirate, and even as his ranks were viciously cut down he was making changes, switching tactics and in that moment. All 80 of her guns bellowed almost all at once, shrouding the entire area in a thick gun fog. 24, and 12 pound cannon balls ripped into the Pirate's ships... Causing explosions and screams as souls perished with that vicious onslaught of lead. The Valdys lurched. The Luthana buckled and was pushed back in the water, both ships presented sides torn to bits. Cannons upheaved, crew members in pieces, or lying in their own fluids... dying. Though there was a another fight fighting to decision. The Somerset Cap was a skilled swordsman, able match Jay's onslaught with one of his own, even with the smoke he seemed quite capable of picking out Jay's attacks and responding in kind, he knew he had connected, time and time again. But with each strike the blade came back... Clean... What was this? His opponent unscathed by his razor sharp blade, and then came a sharp crack and white hot searing pain directly to his buttocks. He staggered forward, caught off guard by the ounce of lead now dug into his ass, though that wouldn't be a problem for long... Axe dropped and the Egyptian blade found home biting deep into the cat's skull. Eyes went up, cross-eyeing and staring at the blade before the entire body went limp, and the captain crumpled to the floor, at the great dismay of the Somerset's crew.


Krise Halloway felt the Luthana rock, and even get pushed back from the sheer force of the Somerset's broad side. He knew the innards of his ship would be badly damaged, and a portion of his crew, dead or too maimed to fight. He staggered as the deck beneath his feet started giving way, but onward the Husky ran. A duck’s foot in each hand, stepping up onto the bannister. Krise leapt with all of his might in those strong legs. Lifted him into the air, soaring over he poised both Ducks foot flintlocks and pulled the triggers, four angled barrels let out with a thunderous boom. and literally clearing him room to land. He landed hard and drew two flint locks, quickly taking aim and firing before he just dropped them, grabbed two more and did the same. Twice more he repeated this action. Felling 8 men, before the last flintlock was held in his left paw and his cutlass was drawn, once more into the fray he went. Insanity in his eyes. Blood pouring from his shrapnel wounds. There was no fear, only a strong desire to murder. And here came his boarding crew leaping over right behind him.


Jayde Serail grinned savagely under that shroud of smoke as his prey was hit by Lenora, an axe hooking about the cutlass and swinging it to one side as the other sunk into his head. The Captain dropped, and Jay pressed his foot against the fresh corpse, pulling out his axe with a yank and a sickening slurp of gore. As the smoke dissipated around him, unable to use the skill for long and unwilling to deplete himself before the battle ended he was now easily seen as he looked over to Lenny, giving a nod and a wink of thanks before turning to the deck. It seemed Krise was intent on leading the boarding party, killing a group of men in seconds with those pistols and the jackal began to wonder if he should invest in some himself. Another barrage, but the jackal managed to keep from getting hit once more. He'd grin with that maniacal smirk, looking about the deck for a good place to pop in and deliver more carnage when he noted a gunner with a long rifle, pointed directly at Krise. There was no time to shout warning, no time to stop the rifle's shot with gunpowder already lighting; and so in the split second of time left the jackal did what any honorable friend would do. A whisp of smoke, and Jay was positioned between the rifleman and Krise. It all happened so fast, the sound of the rifle and suddenly Jay was beside him; but he was falling, and there was so much blood! Between the fresh coating of the enemies juices and the grave wound just received, it'd be impossible to tell if the jackal was still alive; and there was no time to check his breath. Jay was down for the count, his condition likely only to be discerned at battle's end. His loyalty had cost him much, but Krise was still standing to command his crew!


Lenora Ravensbrooke saw her mark hit true on the Captain and saw Jay finish him off, but there was blast that rocked the Valdys and she growled. The gun deck was her goal and she went down to see the damage. "Damn that gunner's good." she muttered before she'd look at the men down and the men still able to fight. "Get the cannons back into position, the ones still upright. We aint down and we aint goin' te roll over like dogs! Load those secret surprises and fire when set!" What she was talking about were oh so wonderful bombs. The would light when fired and explode once within the Somerset, though hopefully she had made a good call in getting them. She'd help get some cannons back up, encouraging those who could still fight before she was up on deck again. "I want that Master Gunner's head..." she muttered. "Boarding crew! Lets go!" she called before she herself was running for the rail to board the Somerset. She'd leap and land, claws like daggers poised as she charged for a sailor and tackle him before he could get a shot off. Sabres dug in and blood was spilled. Once more her sabres dripped in blood, but she wouldn't linger long over her kill. She'd be off, cutlass drawn and a roar coming from her once more to freeze any that hadn't heard it before. She was looking for a prize and she knew where to find it...the gun deck below.

Lenora Ravensbrooke had made her way down to the gun deck, she wanted a crack at the gunner on the ship. She could smell the powder and the blood, but with so much smoke going on, she couldn't make out too much. Reaching the gun deck, she saw the bodies strewn about, her sword still in hand. "Sorry lads. Ye were good souls." she spoke softly before she began to move a bit, watching though for any movement that might still be there from any not of her own. She was looking as best she could for any who might still be alive and might come after her. Her nose twitched, smelling around, but also looking at the guns that were on the gun deck. Admire and look for trouble, that was her. She'd of course have to be careful and make sure she wasn't hit with anything should her own gunner crew fire anything more into the Somerset.


Alasdair MacCulloch knew that the battle had turned against the Somerset, the captain had been arrogant, and forced the Somerset into a battle against two ships, all at once. And even though it had more guns, than both of them combined, it had been the two pronged attack of the pirates that had taken away advantage. Alasdair had come to terms with the fact that he'd never make it off this ship. The pirates crowding the deck above were ruthless, and if he was going to die, he would die not known as Alasdair MacCulloch, Master Gunner. No, he'd die by the name that the pirates feared. The Flintlock Wolf. Al went to work when they started to raid below decks, blades flew, and powder burned. Alasdair went through gun, after gun, after gun. He carried 12 on him, in different holsters and some just stuffed haphazardly into his belt. Plus, his boarding axe was a gun, his sword had a flintlock pistol built into the guard, and his parrying dagger had the same. It was no doubt, he was flinging lead left and right. He had fought ferociously and many had cowered before him, leaving him relatively unscathed, except for cuts and bruises from the ships pounding the gun deck with the entirety of their broadsides. Now it was quiet. None dared descend below, that was until he heard someone descending. He knew exactly who it would be. It was hard not to with the chants of her name. Bloodfang, Bloodfang! Was that supposed to scare him. The wolf scoffed. Hiding behind the pillar of the mast, as she swooped on down. "So!" He called out over the commotion of the battle above, his voice gruff, and filled with anger, shrouding that usual smooth scottish baritone. "You're Bloodfang eh? I heard all about ya..." He was already in the process of reloading the pistols attached to his sword, and dagger. "Ready to die, Bloodfang!?" He'd growl out. "It'll take more than you to kill the Flintlock Wolf!" He'd come out screaming, rushing through the gun fog, and straight at the silhouette in the haze.


Lenora Ravensbrooke had to be careful, knowing the Flintlock Wolf would be down there and would be ready, but her ears were perked and she was listening. He had nearly taken her father from her, but then again the gallows had already done that. If she could take down this wolf, her father and former crew would be avenged. She had neared one form and tapped it and as it didn't move, she kept moving carefully, her sword ready as were her daggers. The cheers from her crew of that name of hers rang in her ears and she felt that fire remain fueled. Her heart pounded, blood race, she had a few cuts herself, but there was more of their blood on her. She slipped down a moment and in hearing her name spoken, she smirked. "Aye! That be me!" She called out, her voice holding not quite the normal tone, but a growl. "Quit blowin' holes in my ship!" She snarled and narrowed her gaze. "Been lookin' forward to this moment Flintlock!" As he came for her, she braced herself, but charged forward, bringing sword up to slash.



Alasdair MacCulloch had no idea what he had done to her father, but he did know what he had lost to pirates, what had driven him down this violent path. He hated the navy, hated their rules, and this ploy of gentlemanly warfare they liked to pursue. No, he was the ruthless sort, and the only reason he was here, was it allowed him to kill those who had vexed him. Now it seemed, he would die fighting them, he wouldn't surrender. Not to them, not after all he had done, not after all they had taken from him. He saw the glint of steel as her sword came to slash, though in the low vision, he'd seen it to late to parry, jumping back, only to catch that tip dragging against his heavy officer's coat, he felt the bite of cold steel, a shallow wound across his side. "You'll have to end me, Bloodfang! Or I'll keep firing on her if I have to do it a cannon atta time!" His statement accentuated when that officer's sword rose, and he pulled the trigger, aiming to drive a lead ball into her leg.


Lenora Ravensbrooke had taken off that coat of hers, not wanting to get it torn up too soon, so it was just that blouse and such for her right now. She hated the Royal Navy, what they had done and taken from her. She would have been off somewhere else had she not done what she had done. Now though, revenge on the Somerset was hers. She was taking no prisoners, wanted them all to pay for what they took from her. The captain of the Somerset had been a fool and got his due, now it was her turn to take one more. Seeing her sword bring a strike to him and seeing his own weapon come up, she skipped to the side, but not before the bullet wound up grazing her leg. Growling hiss came from her as she ducked behind the mast. "An' I aint leavin' 'ere without yer 'ead!" She came around, but as she had, she had grabbed for her dagger, swinging for another slash and then bringing her sword for a leg sweep.


Alasdair MacCulloch's bullet had not hit true, but hitting anything in this fog would come with a modicum of luck added into it. He stepped back as she ducked behind the mask. Unsheathing his own dagger as he did. He only had one shot left at that point. All around them, the Somerset was groaning and grumbling. The structural weight of it compromised by the shelling it had taken from both the Valdys and the Luthana. Not only that he could both hear, and feel the water rushing into the decks below. The water line was starting to get real close to the gun bays. His attention snapped back when Lenora screamed and came flying from around that mast. Al took too steps back ducking under the dagger and parrying her sword with his own. Big boot would raise up at that point and attempt to kick the woman in the gut, before he drew on her one last time. That flintlock dagger aimed right at her, the trigger pulled and once again the gun deck echoed in thunder, and another plume the speeding bullet aiming to plunge into her abdomen. "Tough prize to take you filthy scoundrel!"


Lenora Ravensbrooke could hear the groaning of the ship and the sound of the water, but she was going to keep her focus on the male before her, smoke hidden as he was. She didn't want to tackle him and sink those fangs into him yet, she wanted a real fight and she was getting it. Seeing her blades miss, she didn't mind this, but ears perked as she heard the calls. "OI! She's on the gun deck mates!! COME ON CAP'N!! YE KIN TAKE 'IM!! Sink those daggers inte 'im!!" and then the chants of her name came again. She smirked that sinister smirk of hers, tail flicking behind her once more. As his boot came up, it would catch her and knock her back a bit, but she move her sword to keep him from getting any slices, but that didn't come. Instead there was that roar from the gun. She didn't get out of the way in time this time, the bullet would find...and scatter...feathers of black. A roar ripped from her throat as she felt it, the bone was broken, she knew that much, but it would heal. "Ye...bloody git..." Lenora growled out those words and she painfully folded that wing closer to her back and moved swiftly. She ducked down this time like any feral cat, but sought to sweep his legs out from under him and take him to the floor. If successful, she'd aim a kick right where it would count. If he didn't go down, she'd move to get behind him and aim a slash at his back.


Alasdair MacCulloch heard the calls of her crew on the main deck, that settled it. No matter what he wasn't getting off this ship alive. But it didn't matter, he was going to fight with all that he had. He had been able to knock her back, and those he wasn't able to put that round in her gut, he knew he hit something. He could hear the bone break, and her response to such made him growl in contentment. "Aw did that hurt ya Blood Fang?" He didn't have much time to say anything else as she'd come about and sweep him literally off his feet. Back, ass and head hit the wood hard enough to expel a forceful "Oooof!" from somewhere in his core. Though he saw her looming above, caught the briefest glimpse of her teeth, so she was a saber... His legs would snap together, capturing the woman's foot inbetween his leg, he'd attempt to slide one leg back, and kick her in the back of the knees to send her plummeting to the ground right beside him. Al wouldn't tarry, scrambling up and trying to mount the woman. His legs on either side of her hips, full weight on her stomach to make it hard to breathe, and even harder to buck him off, blade brandished high, and held poised to run her through, but first he wanted to look into her eyes, to see the fear of one knowing they were going to die by his hand.


Lenora Ravensbrooke heard the taunt from him about the pain that had come. She had felt pain before. Hell she had been stabbed and cut up before, but this was the first she had ever been shot. "Wha's a little pain between enemies, eh?" She asked and as he went down on to his back, she chuckled darkly. Her sabers were painted red with blood, showing that reason for her name. With her foot caught though, she pulled it back to try and get it loose, but when he kicked out, she herself went down, an 'Oooof' of her own coming, but she didn't loos grip on her blades. When he went to mount her, he'd get her hips and stomach, but not her arms. With him poise above her, she wanted to see his eyes, his face, but as he had paused, she'd strike again. Left hand aimed a strike with the pommel of her dagger to the side of his head, aiming to knock him to the side a bit, her body moving to roll. Said roll, if successful would find her on top with dagger to his throat. If not, it would give him a good loop. Lenora shifted her good wing a moment either way. "Lets get a good look at ye Flintlock." She snarled and gave a flap of her wing to clear the smoke around them so they could see each other. When the smoke had cleared, her eyes widened in who she saw. "Kraken's balls..." It couldn't be. She closed her eyes and shook her head. No...it couldn't be. Could it? She opened her eyes and in seeing him again, her heart nearly stopped. "A...Alasdair? Y-you're the Flintlock Wolf?!"


Alasdair MacCulloch wasn't thinking clearly, he knew he shouldn't have paused. To take in that moment was foolish, and he paid dearly with a knock across the noggin with the pommel of her dagger. Al fell off of her, trying to scramble back, but back pressed against the mast, and he saw Bloodfang coming. Hand shot out, and in the end, they'd end up with a dagger to either one's throats. A stale mate of sorts, although she was still ontop of him. When that smoke cleared, she'd find that face she knew twisted into a hateful snarl. Glaring at her with a familiar golden stare, but all of that changed. Like a toddler stuck in a waking nightmare, his eyes widened. His grip on his weapon faltered and the dagger clambered down and onto the ground. "No..." he said to himself doing amost the same thing she did, closing her eyes and opening them again to see that woman he had gotten to know in Guildereim sitting with a knife to his throat. "L-Lenora..." He'd finally choke out her name. He didn't even know what to say. He heard her call out, asking if he were the Flintlock Wolf, and indeed he was the very same, and here she was... Bloodfang, Captain of the Valdys. The very ship he wanted to hunt. "I... I thought you were a merchant..." Was all he could choke out.


From the deck their came a jovial cry! "Cap'ns got em! Dead te rights!" A group of men would come running down the ladders, surrounding them, and pulling Alasdair up to his feet, pinning his arms and head to the mast. "No pris'nors ye sonova bitch! Commandant aint wantin no parlay! Yer fucked Flintlock!" One such mate would call out, another screaming for him to hang from the Valdys' mainsail. All staring back at their captain for her orders. All joyful to still be alive, and now with a prize to remind their enemies, they're not to be trifled with.


Lenora Ravensbrooke had found herself with his own dagger to her throat and she snarled, but after that smoke had cleared and they saw each other clear as day, she stepped back a few feet, her legs feeling like jello. She would have fallen were it not for her finding a cannon to lean against. Seeing the wolf there, the very wolf she had gotten close to, the wolf that had stolen her heart and helped it to heal...it struck her like cannon ball to the gut of her ship. When he had mirrored her actions and spoke her name, she had gone dry mouthed. "I...I thought you were a merchant..." She spoke, surprisingly, at the same time as him. "That...that was a cover up. I...I'm..." she paused in hearing those cries from above and when she heard the boots coming, she stood up straight and gripped her dagger. She had to put on a show, to keep it real for them. When the grabbed for him, she narrowed her gaze, ears pinning to the sides of her head. When they looked to her, she stepped forward. Lenora looked him dead in the eyes, but instead of cold death, there was a plea for forgiveness. "Commandant may say no parlay, but I want the pleasure te skin this'n. 'e goes to the brig of the Valdys. I'll deal with 'im there." And before they could argue, her hand would come up to grab his head and slam it back against the mast in hopes to knock him out. "Te the brig wit' 'im. I'll deal with the Commandant." She'd follow them out with Al's body and if Krise spotted her and tried to stop her, she'd snarl 'he's mine te skin' before heading back to the Valdys. Her body was shaking and her heart jumping in her chest.

The Flintlock Wolf couldn't seem to put steel in his eyes, or into his actions, he offered no fight against the crew as the had picked him up, and his eyes never left Lenora's until she was grabbing his head and slamming it hard against the mast, enough for those eyes to close, and sight to fade into darkness. The men seemed to roar at her choice. All seeming to agree and congratulate her, they weren't supposed to take prisoners, but she said she'd deal with the commandant, and the crew had been less willing to go against him, given his rather ruthless streak as of late. The Flintlock Wolf was dragged to the brig, and Krise was no where to be seen, somewhere else. Dealing with his own unconscious body. The ships were badly damaged, with the Luthana being the worse of the two. Krise would inform Lenora to take the Valdys and the Constant back to the hideaway, he'd repair the Luthana, or find another ship to tow it back to safety. Though before that, there was only one thing left to do, watch the Somerset sink to the depths for good, men stationed on the decks with flintlocks and muskets killed any surviving crew member as they struggled against the churning sea water. Until there was nothing left but bodies, and debris. The sharks, and other predators already swooping in to capitalize on the easy meal. The Halloway and Sons Shipping Co. Had not gotten away with their prize unscathed... The death toll was high, and both ships were operating a skeleton crew, just enough it seemed to sail them back to the island... Now there was no questioning it, the truth as apparent as the morning sun, on a cloudless day. There was something dark, swirling in the Commandant's mind, and he was bound and determined to drown it out in blood.