//------------------------------//
// Ch8 All-o-Way 
// Story: Under Crimson Sails 
// by Priceless911 
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Captain Sail sat in deep thought, as he looked over the main deck of his ship from the helm. Although his eyes panned over the entire ship, his mind was entirely fixated on Siren as she leaned in a corner between a cannon and the starboard railing on the main deck looking into the sea while enjoying the peaceful breeze. As he sat in thought, his mind continued repeating the conversation he had with Pinpoint the night before as he remembers himself speaking, “Three hundred?... that’s impossible.”
Pinpoint shrugged his shoulders, “All that means is that a ship did exist. That doesn’t mean she was a captain. It’s still possible she’s makin’ the whole story up.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye… all we can do is watch her. I don’t know who she is, or if we can trust her… but till we know for sure, it’d be best to keep our eye on her.”
With this conversation in his mind, Captain Sail continued watching the mare on the main deck as Pinpoint trotted up to him and spoke, “Captain…”
Captain Sail nodded, “Everythin’ good Mr. Point?”
Pinpoint nodded as he replied, “Aye… that is unless you count what’s waitin’ for us towards our destination.”
Captain Sail glanced at his quartermaster from the corner of his eye, “Aye… the Leviathan… the last titan of the old stories.”
Pinpoint nodded, “And the only reason sailors never venture into those waters.”
Captain Sail nodded, “If the lass says we should go that way, then that’s what we will do. Iron hoof is her target, so that’s where she’ll lead us.”
Pinpoint looked at Siren from the top deck as he replied, “Can we trust her? We still know nothin’ about her.”
Captain Sail nodded, “We can’t, but the fire in her eyes when she spoke of killin’ Iron Hoof is true. She wouldn’t lead us into danger if she didn’t know a way to survive it. All we can do is watch her and if she tries anything, we will do what must be done.”
Pinpoint nodded as he started to reply, “I s’pose your right capt-”
Before he could finish, both Captain Sail and Pinpoint noticed that Siren’s expression turned from peaceful to surprised as she stood up and looked out to what caught her attention. Seeing this, Captain Sail and Pinpoint looked out to sea just as Powder Keg called from the crow’s nest, “Ship off the starboard! No colors! Properly set adrift!”
As most of the crew looked to the ship Pinpoint spoke, “A caravel… no sail, no colors, she’s a baiter if I ever saw one.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye… and if she is a baiter, then we aren’t safe here.”
Captain Sail called out, “ALL HOOVES TO STATIONS!” he looked at a sailor, “you! Get in the crow’s nest and keep a lookout”
the sailor nodded, “Aye Captain”
Captain Sail then called to the crow’s nest, “Mr. Keg! Get your plot down here and ready the guns! Standard fightin’ load!”
Mr. Keg nodded, “Aye capt’n!”
As Powder Keg slide down a rope to the main deck, “Siren made her way through all the hastily working sailors to the top deck with Captain Sail, “Captain? What’s wrong?”
Captain Sail replied as he watched his crew prepare, “That’s a baiter… a ship striped to lure in pirates.”
Siren asked, “To lure us in?... for what?”
Captain Sail replied, “For the hunters.”
Pinpoint nodded, “it’s an old pirate hunter trick. Set up an easy pilagin’ target for pirates and when they get close enough, close in for the kill.”
At that moment, the sailor climbing up to the crow’s nest called out, “Captain! Two masts spotted! A brig on our bow and anouther on our stern! The second looks to be a frigate!”
Captain Sail took out a spyglass as he looked to the frigate behind them, then lowered it briefly as to turn around and look to the smaller brig in the front. After looking at the approaching threat, Captain Sail gave his spyglass to Pinpoint as he replied, “Aye… just as we thought. Pirates hunters, see their colors?”
Pinpoint nodded as he looked at the closest ship, “Aye… Blue with red crossed sabers. They ain’t amateurs, must be free agents. And it looks like they are raising another flag. … Red.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Red?... so they don’t plan to take any quarter. That’s odd.”
Pinpoint nodded as he lowered the spyglass, “Aye… that means either this is a target for hire, or somthin’ personal.”
Captain Sail replied as he turned to look over his ship, “Whatever it is… it’s a fight to the death.” He called over his ship, “All hooves prepare for battle! Strike the colors and add a red flag! If they aim to take no quarter, then we will do the same! NO PREY!!!”
The crew called in response, “NO PAY!!!”
With that call and a quickened step, the crew rushed to follow their orders as the sailor in the crow’s nest rose the Crimson Pirates’ Jolly Roger and a solid red flag below it. With the two flags raised Siren approached Captain Sail as she spoke with a smirk, “Two pirate hunter ships, do you think you can take them both captain?”
Captain Sail smiled as he replied, “If you’re willin’ to see, then join me. It should be a fun change a’ pace.”
Captain Sail took out Siren’s dagger and tossed it to her as she caught it and smiled before sheathing it in her vest, “You know me too well captain, I’m always willing to have fun.”
Captain Sail smiled, “good, then go help Mr. Keg ready the cannon.”
Siren nodded, “Aye, aye captain.”
As Siren trotted down to help Powder Keg’s gun crew, Captain Sail looked at the helms colt, “the ship on our bow is closest, so bring her to our starboard side so we can line up our shot.”
The helms colt nodded as he turned the Tide so that the ship on the front was now lined up for the starboard cannons. With that, Captain Sail called to Powder Keg, “Mr. Keg! Are all cannon ready?”
Powder Keg called back, “Aye they are capt’n. All solid shot.”
Captain Sail nodded as he replied, “Good! Now get on the howitzer! I’m leavin’ it in your control to use as you please, I want you to turn our two attackers into one… get my drift?”
Powder Keg smiled in his sinister way, “Aye capt’n I got ya.”
With that Powder Keg looked to a few of his gun crew, “Go below and ready the howitzer! I want her raised and ready immediately!”
The sailors nodded as one replied, “Aye sir.”
After that Powder Keg trotted to the forecastle as he opened a large set of trap doors as the sailors below cranked up a large howitzer up till it was flush with the foredeck. Moving quickly, Powder Keg turned the howitzer towards the front starboard side of the ship and started loading it.
While Powder Keg readied their long range weapon, Captain Sail looked to the closer enemy ship as it too turned to line up their shots while Captain Sail ordered, “Ready!... FIRE!!!”
At that moment, both the enemy brig and the Bloody Tide, jerked with the recoil their cannons as both ships sent a hail of cannon balls at one anouther filling the air between the two with smoke from the cannons. Less than a split second later, both ship were bombarded that very hail of solid cannon balls, as the crew of both vessels scrambled for safety while staying ready for their captain’s orders. As the enemy cannon fire colligated with the Tide, splintering wood and heavy shockwaves caused a number of sailors to fall to the deck as Captain Sail held his ground and called, “Surgeon! Tend to the wounded! All others, keep her steady and make ready for the next attack! She ain’t sunk yet lads!”
As that was called, Powder Keg had just finished dropping in the explosive shell as he adjusted the angle and called, “FIRE ON THE HOLE!!!”
With that the large caliber howitzer fired off causing the ship to jerk again, this time downwards as the explosive shell now with a lit fuse flew through the air and vanished into the distance. Captain Sail and Siren looked to the same ship that they had just fired on a second ago, as the heavy iron projectile crashed down and punched through the bow’s deck of the enamy ship followed only a brief moment of silence. After the moment passed, the entire bow of the pirate hunter’s ship bubbled outward before exploding completely as the stem of the enamy ship splintered off with the ships movement before dipping downward and being pulled under the rest of the vessel by the heavy current. With that one shot proving to be the kill shot, the enemy brig’s mast slowly crumbled and fell over the rest of the vessel as its attack speed, quickly slowed to a splintering and sinking stop.
Seeing the enemy vessel sinking in the distance, Captain Sail called, “She’s taking on water! Well done lads!”
The crew cheered in excitement, but before they could claim victory, Pinpoint called, “Captain! The other ship is upon us!”
As soon as the call was heard, everypony looked to the enemy frigate as it started closing in at ramming speed. Reacting out of impulse, Pinpoint pushed the helms colt out of the way as he quickly turned the ship so that the approaching vessel would hit them at a diagonal angle instead of a direct one. As the enemy ship closed, Captain Sail took the opportunity to call, “All sailors! Bring in the cannon and prepare the hooks! We are gonna drag her in for a close kill!”
After the order was called, the crew quickly rushed to prepare for a close quarters battle as even Pinpoint grabbed onto a grappling hook and trotted back down to the main deck to prepare to hook the enemy ship.
Although the enemy ship wasn’t in a position to hit the Tide as hard as it was intending, The two vessels did collide as the portside bow of the pirate hunters’ ship hit then grinded against the portside of the Bloody Tide as grappling hooks from both vessel were thrown as the two ships grinded against one another while heading in opposite directions. As the cluster of grappling hooks locked onto the conflicting ships, the two vessels came to an abrupt and rough stop as crew from both ships jumped and swung over onto the opposing vessels. As the two engaged in close combat, Siren sprang into action as she drew her dagger and charged in making every strike, jab, and slice of her dagger accurate and lethal. As Captain Sail saw the mare’s deadly fighting, he could only feel confident in their odds as he trotted to one of her fallen victims, picked up the dead sailor’s sword and called, “Don’t let the lass outshine ya lads! ATTACK!!!”
Working to join the fight, Powder Keg attached a bayonet to the end of his musket as he used his weapon as a heavy spear while saving his loaded shot for whatever he may face. As the crew’s fought an enemy sailor wearing a brown captain’s hat and cap stood on the opposing ship’s upper deck as he called, “Captain Crimson Sail!!! I’m callin’ you out!”
Hearing the threat Captain Sail jumped onto a cannon as he called in response, “Are ya now! I’m afraid I don’t know ya lad… exactly what bone do ya have to pick with me?”
The enemy captain replied, “My employer is payin’ a fine bit to take your head back to Equestria. In fact… he is somewhere aboard my ship, overseeing this collection personally.”
Captain Sail smiled as he casually stepped off the canon and onto the connected railings of the two ships, “Then where is he?...” he looked over the fighting sailors, “Make yourself known lad! That way we can settle this like real sailors!”
The opposing captain replied, “Save your breath captain… the pony your callin’ for is a lubber… barley seen the sea let alone sailed it. Sides… He hired me to do this job, so I aim to see it through.”
Captain Sail stepped down from the railing onto the pirate hunter’s main deck as he replied, “Now ain’t that rather unfair?... ya ask me to surrender my life, while the pony who wants me dead hides?... maybe… we can settle this in our own way…”
He Turned back to the fighting crews as he called, “Crimson Pirates!!! Steady your blades!!!”
Quickly reacting to the unexpected order, the pirates hunter’s captain called, “Same for the Kray Hunters! Cease the fight and sheath your blades!”
Slowly the two crews of pirate and hunters stopped fighting as they all started paying attention to the two captain as Captain Sail looked to his opponent and called, “What’s your name lad?”
The pirate hunter replied, “Captain Kray, of the Atlantian Sea.”
Captain Sail replied, “Well Captain Kray… I think that my head is a little more valuable if it’s fully intact, so how bout we settle this my way.”
Captain Kray was intrigued, “Your way… and that is?”
Captain Sail smiled sinisterly, “A duel… I'll choose one from my crew, and you are free to choose yours. When one of our choices are no longer of this earth, the fight is over.”
The Pirate hunter was skeptic, “Really… so I’m assuming you won’t be fightin’ then?”
Captain Sail nodded, “Well I'd like to… but then again, I’m the prize if your fighter wins. So, simple planning would agree that I’d be a much more profitable prize if I lived. Then again if ya want my head at a quarter of its value, then feel free to risk it.”
Captain Kray thought to himself as he replied, “I s’pose not… fine, so what are the terms?”
Captain Sail smiled, “If your fighter wins, I surrender myself, my crew, and the Tide to you and yours. All together, it should be well more than three quarters of a million bits in value, depending of course if my bounty went up after that fiasco in Equestria.”
The pirate hunter crew smiled at the value of their prize, however, Captain Kray wasn’t so trusting as he trotted town onto the main deck where Captain Sail was talking from and replied, “Aye… but what if you win… what is it you want out of this?”
Captain Sail smiled, “If my fighter wins, my crew will pillage your ship, collecting everything that has value or can be sold as such, leavin’ only enough food to return to the closest port. I'll even grant your crew permission to leave with their lives intact. So… do we have an accord?”
Captain Kray thought to himself before replying to the offer, “I accept your offer, but I'll be the one fightin’ this dual. Call your fighter out here, captain.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Good then… my fighter will be my third in command.”
Kray replied, “Alright… where is he? Bring him forth so we may begin.”
Captain Sail smiled sinisterly, “We already begun… Mr. Keg!”
Captain Sail’s smile didn’t fade as he sat and waited as all other ponies looked back towards the Bloody Tide as they saw Powder Keg standing on a barrel with his musket raised and aimed directly at Captain Kray.
Then, as expected from all who saw him, a flash of smoke and light was seen as the musket went off echoing over the silence of both crews leaving the ninety five caliber ball to fly through the air and hit the pirate hunter in his face with enough force to throw his head back as he fell to the deck on his back. After witnessing what could be better described as an execution, the pirate hunter’s crew along with Siren were all dead silent with shock as Captain Sail smiled and spoke, “The duel is over… looks like Mr. Keg is the winner.”
With anger, a sailor from the pirate hunter’s crew called, “Y-you! You cheated!!!”
Captain Sail’s expression remained casual, “Now, now, the terms were mentioned clearly… and yet there was nothing among them that said muskets weren’t allowed in this fight. If your captain were to mention that prior to startin’ then I would gladly have chosen another fighter.”
The same sailor started trotting towards Captain Sail in a hostile manner, “You bloody pirate! I'll teach you t-”
Before he could get half way to his target, a dagger came out of nowhere and pierced one of his hooves as the sailor fell to the ground screaming in pain. Without expecting the attack, Captain Sail turned his head till he could see Siren out the corner of his eye as she stood on the ships’ tied railings with her hoof still in the air from when she threw the dagger. Although he didn’t expect it, Captain Sail seem unsurprised as he looked back at the stunned sailor and replied, Careful lad… the fight may be over, but my offer to spare you only applies to my crew… and the lass… isn’t part of my crew.”
The wounded sailor angrily looked at Siren as she stepped down from the railing and seductively trotted to towards him. When she got close enough to grab her dagger she smiled, “Next time you hunt a pirate… Expect a challenge, cuz not everypony waving a black flag is as merciful as Captain Sail.”
With those words, Siren pulled the dagger out of the wounded stallion’s hoof before returning to Captain Sail as she whispered, “Kind of a cheap shot don’t you think?... pun intended.”
Captain Sail replied with a quiet but serious tone, “We don’t have time to waste fightin’ pirate hunters, nor can I risk markin’ our numbers down before we meet Iron hoof. If anythin’ they should consider this mercy.”
Siren’s tone became annoyed, “You are wavin’ a red flag… the least you can do is honor it and kill them all.”
Captain Sail shook his head, “The flag means I won’t give any quarter. But if their ship is still able to sail… I won’t need to give quarter.”
Captain Sail turned to look at the sailors around him as he called, “Crimson Pirates! Disarm the hunters and gather them on the deck of their ship! Then strip it bare. The only thing I want left on this vessel, is their sails, rudder, and enough food and water to make it to the next port. If anypony tried to fight back... Bring ‘em to me.”
With that, the priate hunters dropped their weapons and cooperated with the pirates as they started raiding through the hunters’ cargo. With the pirates raiding their ship, Captain Sail gathered all the hunters on the main deck of their vessel as he observed each one closely. While watching them, one of them stood out a little bit more than the rest as Captain Sail approached him, “You… you look familiar… either you’ve threatened me, or I’ve threatened you.
The stallion looked away as Captain Sail placed the blade of his salvaged sword on the recognized stallion’s neck, “Aye… I have seen you before… last we met, I held a blade to … just like this, only you were on the ground … and I mentioned something about… fencing?… wait…”
Captain Sail smiled as he realized who he was talking to, “You’re the guard from the night I commandeered the Bloody Tide… ain’t cha?”
Hearing their captain, the working pirates slowed their work as most of them to include Powder Keg, Pinpoint, and Siren started paying attention to the two while the stallion sneered at his captor as Captain Sail continued, “It is you… been twenty years but time hasn’t changed ya much. How have ya been lad?… don’t tell me that you’re the stallion that hired this band of pirate hunters to find me?... I’m flattered.”
The stallion replied with a disrespectful tone, “Don’t be, It’s because of you everything in my life went wrong. You stole the ship I was guarding and ruined my reputation. Then after all these years, the we finally had you on a silver platter… but the incompetence of both the guard and navy… it’s no wonder I had no choice but to hunt you down myself.”
Captain Sail was curious, “I see… and what did the princess say when you took it upon yourself to hunt me down?”
The stallion replied, “Who knows… I didn’t waste my time in telling her.”
Captain Sail was surprised, “Really?... you know it is equestrian law that states that hiring any organization, mercenary or even pirate hunters to hunt down and kill another is considered illegal. It even falls along the same punishment as if you did it yourself. I wouldn’t think that a royal guard would break any such law as that.”
The earth pony replied, “Good… that’s why I left the guards before doing this.”
“Left?... isn’t the guard something your obliged to by contract? Ya can’t just leave the guard, that would be along the lines of desertion… wouldn’t it?”
The ex-guard glared at Captain Sail as he replied, “Yea… and what if it is?”
Captain Sail started smiling in a sinister way, “Desertion… that would mean you’re a traitor… ain’t cha? Or as we on the seas call it… a mutineer.”
“Yea… so?”
Everypony amongst Captain Sail’s crew started smiling sinisterly, as Siren noticed these smiles and was confused as to their meaning. With this Captain Sail nodded, “So… you’re just another mutineer…” He took a few steps back and lowered the sword as he casually ordered, “String him up…”
Following the order, a few of the surrounding pirates grabbed the ex-guard and dragged him to the nearest mast as they lowered a rope and tied it to the traitor’s front hooves. 
As they did this, Pinpoint approached Captain Sail as he spoke, “Do we really have time for this… he’s nothing but a lubber.”
Captain Sail replied as he handed off the sword and motioned to Powder Keg to come to him, “He’s a mutineer… and we know what becomes of them. But I agree, we haven’t the time to waste the powder, so we will make it quick.”
Watching the crew raise the deserter up from the yardarm, Powder Keg approached his captain and asked asked, “I heard everythin’ capt’n, which gun will we fodder him with?”
Captain Sail replied, “No time for guns, we’ll just gag him and be done with it. Bring me a ball and gag.”
Powder Keg nodded, “Aye aye capt’n.”
As Powder Keg trotted off to get the supplies, Siren approached Captain Sail as she asked, “What’s up captain? What are you planning to do?”
Captain Sail replied, “In my twenty years of sailing, I have only had one sailor attempt a mutiny on my ship, so in light of this, I felt it is customary to punish all mutineers the same, whether they be towards me, or somepony else.” 
The hanging pony felt nervous as Captain Sail looked at him and smiled, “Usually I just dangle or lure them in front of a cannon and let the shot teach the lesson. But to save time, I’m gonna do somthin’ just as effective. I call it gaging, though chokin’ isn’t the way the lesson is taught. Just watch, and you will understand why my crew will never try to take over my command.”
Hearing this, the hanging traitor was now worried, “Wh-what are you going to do?”
Captain Sail didn’t answer, instead he just stood smiling in his sinister fashion as Powder Keg returned, “The ball and gag capt’n.”
When the Siren saw the items, it seemed like a strange selection of tools for any punishment. The Ball was actually a ball and chain no different from a ball and chain seen in a prison or brig, while the gag was actually a small caliber explosive shot with a strap that was connected to both ends and a waterproof fuse. When the hanging sailor saw these he became terrified as Captain Sail replied to Powder Keg, “Good… put them on him.”
Powder Keg nodded, “Aye Capt’n”
With that order, Powder Keg proceeded to clasp the ball and chain to the captive’s hind leg, and then he fought with the traitors jaw until he was able to shove the explosive gag in his mouth with the fuse exposed before strapping it around his head so that he couldn’t spit it out.
With the gage and ball now connected Captain Sail called, “List him out.”
With that order, the pirates who had the traitor hanging by his hooves moved him out over the ships railing so that all that was below him was the sea. Seeing this, the captive tried to muffle his pleading words, but since they were only sounds, Captain Sail spoke, “I hear of a pagan religion, that says that when those of sin die, they go to a world of pain and torcher. In that world, there are nine circles, each one more horrifying then the last, and the darkest and deepest circle of that hell is reserved for traitors and mutineers.” 
Powder Keg handed him a line-stick with a lit slow-match at the end as he used it to light the waterproof fuse on the explosive gag, and continued, “So when I arrive there… you won’t be seeing me lad.”
With that Captain Sail called, “Drop him!”
Doing as they were told, the pirates hanging the traitor over the water, used a sword to cut the rope as the doomed ex-soldier fell into the water and was pulled under by the weight of the ball chained to his hoof. Shortly after vanishing beneath the surface, a bright flash was seen underwater as a loud thump was heard leaving only a small amount of smoke and blood to appear on the water’s surface. Seeing this everypony watching the execution knew that it was all over as Captain Sail handed the line-stick to his quartermaster and spoke with a serious tone, “Is the ship striped?”
Pinpoint nodded as he took the line stick, “Aye captain, we’re ready when you are.”
Captain Sail nodded as he casually turned and started trotting across the deck as he called, “All hooves prepare to make way!”
With that order all the pirates started rushing to get back onto the Bloody Tide as Siren, Powder Keg, Pinpoint and Captain Sail trotted back across the railing and back onto their ship. As surprised with the execution as she was, Siren was even more shocked as to how Captain Sail seemed just brush it off and carry on as if nothing happened. His behavior only confirmed, that this was something he was used to doing, which meant that he is definitely a pirate that shouldn’t be crossed. After the crew was back aboard their captain’s ship, Captain Sail stood next to his helm on the upper deck as he called to the pirate hunters who were left on their ship, “You’re free to go home, or whatever you please… but I warn you to cease huntin’ me. Cuz next time I see ya, you’ll all taste the gag.” He looked over his ship, “Cut her loose and release all sails! We have to make up for lost time!”
With that, the Crimson Pirates cut the ropes that tied the two vessels together as they released all sails and left the pirate hunters to clean up what was left behind. An untouched baiter ship, what was left of one sinking brig, and the remaining frigate that was down one captain. As the Bloody Tide sailed away from the hunter fleet, Captain Sail looked at Siren as he asked, “So… how was the fun lass? Learn anything?”
Although she was still surprised by the whole battle she replied, “Well, I learned never to trust your version of a duel.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Well, since we are now over stocked with booty, perhaps tonight can be set for a night of merry makin’.” 
He looked over the crew, “WHAT SAY YOU!?!”
Although most of the crew didn’t know what he was talking about, they knew their captain enough to know that with the mood he was in, whatever he said was a good thing as they all cheered, “AYE!!!”
After the crew cheered, Captain Sail held out his hoof to Siren, “Lass? Ain’t you forgetting something?”
Siren sighed, “Really?...”
Captain Sail nodded as she sighed and placed her dagger in his hoof, “Fine… I guess the fight is over anyways.”
Captain Sail smiled, “You can have it back once I know I can trust you with it. Till then I'll just hold it for safe keepin’.”
Later that night, most of the crew were in the galley as they all cheered and sang along with the minstrel as they sang, “I once saw a flyer, the kindest admire, Timid and shy was she. But the length of her mane, or the critter’s she’d tame Couldn’t bind me away from the sea.”
The Minstrel began the chorus, “The Fillies we meet!”
Then the crew continued the chorus, “The lovely young mare”
“The Fillies we meet.”
“Be bright young and fair.”
“but treasures galore be waiting off shore.”
“So no mare could hope to ensnare.”
With the entire crew enjoying the night, song, and drink, Captain Sail looked to Siren who was also enjoying the festivities as he decided to step next to the minstrel and begin the next verse, “I met a tough lass, with plenty of brass, deadly and with nearly a flaw. But her heart be so cold, with her dangerous scold, and I fear that it never will thaw.”
With some of the crew laughing at the verse, the rest went into the chorus as Siren gave him an angry look as Captain Sail could only smile in a joking manner. As the crew finished the chorus, Siren stepped up as she sang a verse of her own, “I once knew a soul, who acted a foul. So Tough and rigorous he thought, but my beauty he sees be tougher than he. So his acting was for all but naught.”
With that, many sailors busted into laughter as they went into the chorus leaving even Captain Sail to chuckle at the verse. As soon as the chorus ended the minstrel ended the song as the entire crew cheered in enjoyment of Siren’s addition to the song. As they cheered Captain Sail tried to speak through the rowdy crew, “Good show lass, why not lead us in the next?”
Siren replied, “Really?... me?”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye, you have the voice for it, and I’m sure the crew wont object to it. Will ya lads!”
The crew held up their mugs as they cheered “AYE!!!”
Seeing that the rest of the crew wanted her to sing, Siren thought to herself as she replied, “Well… there is one song I know.”
Siren then trotted to the minstrel and whispered its title in his ear as he replied, “Aye a beautiful one. I know it.”
With that, the minstrel with his violin in hoof started playing a semi slow tune as Siren cleared her throat before singing, “When I was just a lass, so young and complete, I fell for a lad, so stunning and sweet, He spoke of a treasure, far out passed the shore, Then left late one mornin’, for treasures galore… All-o-wait for all-o-ways, for our sailors’ at sea. For he seeks out his dream, then will come home to me. Oh the days they will change, and time she will pass. So I’ll-o-wait for All-o-ways till he comes home at last
All-o-wait for all-o-ways till he comes home at last.”
As the mare sang, the tone of her voice with the softness of the music and her beauty captivated the entire audience. So much in fact that the room which was rowdy with laughter and cheers during the last song was now dead silent, as many closed their eyes and imagined what the beautiful mare was singing as she continue, “A decade has passed, and my loyalty stay, For here I have waited, while my lover’s away. But my faith still is strong as I burden this weight. So here onto you, I will say I’ll-o-wait… Oh All-o-wait for all-o-ways, for a sailor’s at sea. Till he seeks out his dream, and then comes home to me. Oh the days they will change, and time she will pass. So I’ll-o-wait for All-o-ways till he comes home at last All-o-wait for all-o-ways till he comes home at last.”
After that verse ended, the minstrel slowed his tune to a saddened tempo as Siren did the same with her voice as she continued singing with a tone as if she were actually in pain, “Oh it’s four decades passed… as I lay weak and frail. Looking out the nearest window, hoping to see his sail. But my eyes they grow heavy, as I try not to cry, for he won’t be beside me… for my final goodbye… All-o-wait for all-o-ways, is my sailor at sea? Has he sought out his fortune, will he come home to me? They laid me to rest, in a grave on the shore. So I’ll-o-wait for All-o-ways, forever and more. All-o-wait for all-o-ways, forever and more.”
As the song slowly came to an end, the entirety of the crew was dead silent as the beautiful voice and sad lyrics brought a number of sea hardened pirates to tears. As they all sat in silence, the creaking of the rocking ship was all that was heard as Siren looked around in confusion. With the crew silent, Pinpoint looked at Captain Sail and spoke, “Well now… that was… unexpected.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye… as if the lass isn’t who we originally brought on board. But a completely different mare.”
With the room dead silent, Siren felt like her song wasn’t liked as she started feeling a little tense. Then Powder Keg wiped away his tears as he trotted up behind her and put his hoof on her shoulder, “Wow lass… that wa-”
Before he could finish Siren grabbed his hoof and threw him over her shoulder as she slammed him on the deck and spoke, “Say one wrong word… and I'll kill you where you lay.”
Too stunned to say anything, Powder Keg laid on the deck as Pinpoint mumbled, “Well… that was short lived.”
Captain Sail nodded, “There’s the mare we all know and fear.”
Seeing that Powder Keg wasn’t going to reply, Siren let him go as she turned around and exited the galley onto the main deck without letting anypony speak. When she was gone, Pinpoint asked, “Should we go after her captain?”
Captain Sail shook his head, “No, you stay here and try to relieve the tension. I'll see to the lass.”
With that, Captain Sail started trotting back onto the main deck as the minstrel below started a different song reliving the tension as the crew went back to their rowdy selves.
Up on the main deck, Captain Sail looked around till he saw Siren standing on the upper deck looking at the moon. Captain Sail then trotted onto the upper deck and approached her as she sat looking at the alicorn indention on the moon’s surface. As she studied the indention Captain Sail spoke, “Princess Luna.”
Siren turned to him, “What?”
Captain Sail continued, “Nearly a thousand years ago, there were two princesses who watched over Equestria. Princess Celestia, and her younger sister Princess Luna. Celestia looked over the kingdom during the day and raised and lowered the sun. Her sister brought out the moon and controlled the kingdom at night, but since everypony slept at night, she became jealous. So out of anger she tried to take over the kingdom but was foiled by her older sister and then imprisoned in the moon. That’s why you see the im-”
Siren interrupted him with an annoyed tone, “Do you want something, or do you just like giving history lessons for no reason.”
Captain Sail replied, “Just came to see if you needed something after the show you put on. Mr. Keg meant no harm nor disrespect. He only wanted to tell you th-“
“I don’t need to impress you… nor do I need to your crew’s approval.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Very well, though I can’t help but feel that the song you sang was more than just a lovely tune wasn’t it?”
Siren turned away as she replied, “My mother used to sing it, while my father was at sea.”
Captain Sail nodded, “So… he was a sailor?”
Siren nodded, “Aye, he was. And after mother died, he took me on his ship and taught me to be a pirate.”
Captain Sail smiled, “Ah… now it makes sense, the daughter to a pirate. That explains why you’re as tough as you are. I’m safe to assume your father taught you how to fight?”
Siren nodded, “Aye… though he died before he could teach me to… well… never mind.”
With that, Siren’s expression became saddened as Captain Sail guessed, “He died recently… didn’t he?”
Although she didn’t answer, Captain Sail could tell that by her expression he was right as he continued, “Did… Captain Iron Hoof kill him?”
Siren sighed as she replied, “A week ago… aye.”
Captain Sail could only smile at the irony as she continued, “Iron Hoof killed him, and… took over our ship.”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye… I see. So he overran the Lullaby and kill all aboard and that’s why you want his head, is it?”
At first Siren was confused until she replied, “The lullaby… right. He sank it, took my father and I hostage and wanted me to join his crew. But… when I refused, he threatened to kill my father if I didn’t… so now.”
Captain Sail nodded, “You refused, and he took your father’s life.”
Siren nodded, as she replied with an enraged tone, “My father was always talking about the day he would give the… Lullaby to me and make me its captain. But… he died before he had the chance.”
Captain Sail replied as he stepped closer and looked out into the sea, “So… he died before he could teach you to be a captain… I s’pose that makes since. It certainly explains why you don’t act like a captain.”
Siren didn’t respond, all she did was turn her head till she could see him out the corner of her eye, then turned back to the sea as Captain Sail smiled, “Well… then perhaps I can teach ya.”
Siren looked back at him, “Wh-what?”
Captain Sail nodded, “Since your father isn’t hear to teach you to be a captain, then I'll teach ya. You have what it takes, you’re strong, dangerous, and ya know how to strike the fear into those around ya. All ya need is a few pointers in leading a crew, and tough decision making skills then you’d be perfect for the helm.”
Siren turned completely to him, “You mean… your willing to teach me?... wait…” she gave him a skeptic look, “What’s the catch? If I have to back off when we see Iron Hoof, then no deal. His head is mine.”
Captain Sail smiled as he acted like he was thinking, “Hmm… let’s see. There has to be something you can make up for all the training I will give… let me think… oh I know, how about a song.”
Siren was confused, “Excuse me?”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye, when you’re fully trained all I want from you, is to sing. Your voice is like that of an actual Siren. Luring even the most cold hearted sailor to his doom. And if you were a Siren, I'd guess everypony in that galley would be at the bottom of the ocean right now.”
Siren tried to think, “So… you liked my song?”
Captain Sail continued, “Ya moved the room to tears lass. And despite your little after show, it was nice seeing a more… tender side of ya. So… I think it will be fair that in return for making you a hardened captain, you can keep that tender and beautiful side of ya long enough to sing for me.”
Although it wasn’t the most direct complement, it was still recognized as Siren smiled, “You know what… I accept those terms. Before this is all said and done. I'll sing for you.”
The two smiled at each other for a brief moment, until Pinpoint trotted up on the deck. When she saw him, Siren smiled as she placed her hoof against Captain Sail’s chest, “Thank you captain, I’m glad that of all the ships to end up on, I ended up on yours.”
With that, Siren leaned in closer and kissed Captain Sail on his cheek before turning away and leaving as she trotted by Pinpoint, down onto the main deck and then disappeared into the ship. Red and speechless, Captain Sail tilted his hat forward to hide his blushing face as he turned and looked to the sea as Pinpoint approached his captain and asked, “What was that about captain?”
Captain Sail felt a little awkward as he cleared his throat, “Well eh… we just had ourselves an understandin’… of sorts.”
Pinpoint replied as he looked out into the sea, “Did ya now?”
Captain Sail nodded, “Aye…”
Pinpoint spoke, “Ya realize she swiped her dagger back don’t ya?”
Captain Sail smiled, “Aye she did… She is a clever one, tried to use a kiss to numb me before swiping back what was hers.”
Pinpoint was curious, “Did it work?”
Captain Sail smirked, “I may be a pirate and a captain… but I’m still a stallion too.”
Pinpoint chuckled a little, “So it did then… Do you want me to take it back?”
Captain Sail shook his head, “No need. I took it from her since she was dishonest about where she came from.”
Pinpoint asked, “So, she finally told the truth about her Lullaby?”
Captain Sail shook his head, “No… she’s still liein’ out her teeth. But there were parts of her story that were true, so for the time being we shall take it as such and hope that the real truth comes forth soon. Either way, I think we can trust her a little more… for now anyways.”