Black Hawk's Treasure

[The GrandMage]

'Salty Dan' Moore

He stared across the water at the ship, walking over to the railing and peering at it before looking over at Mia. "Aye, first few shots'll fall short, a course, but after a li'l playin', they'll be ready ta punch holes in the Bilge,....if we kin still see 'er then, a course."

He glanced around at the men, and decided he wasn't too worried. The cannoneers were loyal, and they were the ones closest to the ship's gunpowder and ammunition stores.

Unlike the other sailors, Dan had chosen them all himself. A cannoneer had to have some education, be able to tell grade of gunpowder, amounts used, trajectory, and more. They had to be quick to aim and reload, and able to lift and manipulate the cannonballs and cannon itself.

They couldn't just come off the docks. Granted, he'd had to lower his standards a little to get enough for the ship, but he trusted them. A little,....

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

Giving a hand gesture to Preach indicating for him to walk first ahead of me as we heard both captains.

"Shall we go see what all the excitment is about?"

Was fairly calm now, least enough to not do anything rash. Or say anything that would get me in trouble. He was reluctant to walk in front of me, couldn't blame him with the smile I had and the look in my eyes. But I wanted him where I could see him.

"I won't bite... Much anyway."

*Though I 'll still show you around the bottom of the sea. Wanna see the coral up close and personal?*

We both walked and soon were at our captains side. Thomas was talking about heading out now, Ash was calling him captain out of sarcasm. Had to wonder what happened in his quarters. Kept silent as I stood by Thomas's side, he seemed a bit more happier about something, as if he had won the bet he made. Or at least was victorious about this whole adventure thing.

 

[poohlive]

"Oh," Thomas leaned against the side of his railing, his head turned toward her boat one minute, and then back to her the next.
"You see, here's where I think e have a bit of a problem. I know you've been looking for the treasure, and I know your half of the map goes to a certain island. You know what island Black Hawk's Treasure is on, but you don't know where it is."
Perhaps she was thinking about it in her mind, or perhaps there were still parts of her that were nothing more than that scared little daddy's girl who was not a captain, but a captain's daughter.
"My half of the map tells exactly where on that island the treasure is. I don't need a map to the island, I just need to know where the island is. You... however, do need a map, otherwise you can dig and dig forever and never find a single dabloon."
One of the mates came up to him, Thomas barked a few orders, and two longboats were readied to be lowered.
"Melvin, you and Krysta will go in the first longboat, accompanying Ash and her bodyguard to the Warhammer."
Thomas moved in to give Krysta a goodbye kiss, almost out of habit, but at the last moment he pulled back, looking down between them, as if he were about to do something wrong.
He looked at her, apologizing.
"She'll be gone soon," He said, as if that made up for what he did. He squeezed her hand, helping her into the boat.
"We're in a stand still?" Thomas looked back at all the people aboard the Mystique. Some of who had probably already joined her in the search for the island. Some who knew just where the island was... and some who weren't as loyal as they should be.
"See you on the other side..."
He stood close to Leia as he watched the boat lowering.

 

[poohlive]

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

Leia had not gone far.

When Thomas and his guest had disappeared into the cabin, she threw Melvin a meaningful look, but remained close by, not eavesdropping ... just alert ... in case she were needed.
Her hand went to her boot and fingered the blade secreted in her boot.
That would not be enough ... if need arose.
Thomas had declared peace ... but still.
She was loathe to arm herself with the dagger that was secreted amongs the ropes on deck.
She would have to content herself with the tiny weapon ... for now ...

They came out of the cabin much more quickly than Leia had expected.
She eyed both speculatively.
He looked calm ... confident ... whilst Ash...?
Leia's eyes narrowed as she assessed the situation.
Rising instinctively she hovered until Thomas called Krysta and Melvin forward.
She saw Thomas go to kiss Krysta then draw back.
Trouble
She felt for the other woman.
Leia's hatred of Ash grew, but she remained silent, merely moving to her Captain's side and watching as boats were lowered and exchanging glances with Melvin.

She wanted to whisper to Thomas how little she trusted Ash.
Warn him about how Krysta must feel.
But eyeing him Leia knew that her Captain was no fool.
He knew exactly what he was doing.
He met her eye and grinned.
He must be up to something.
Leia grinned in return.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ashley

"change of plans." She spoke softly to Preach. As soon as the long boat hit the water she stood and called to her oarsman, "Johnathan, come here. Bring the boat closer." Johnathan had been waiting for Ashley and Preach since he got there, and not aware of what was going on, came over to the other long boat.
"A hand please." A few sets of eyes stared at her curiously, untrusting and a little baffled. Ignoring them and any stupid orders she jumped into her own long boat and waited for Preach to join her. She eyed Krysta, waiting for the girl to make one wrong move, any reason to erase that evil little stare. Krysta had balls, she'd give her that. After all Krysta didn't know Ashley and doubtfully ever would, her mistake was in judging Ashley and think she knew what the captain was capable of.

"Four islands Thomas... Anywhere in this water, could be anywhere.. You need both maps to get what you want, same with me.. And your deal isn't worth a pile of bat's dung. Longitude and latitude.. I have those. Now you can search all kinds of places far and wide, each island.. but which would take longer? Me searching one island.. or you searching every island in the world?" She paused a moment, she was not that stupid! God he had some nerve, thinking she'd just play lap dog and follow his orders! HA!

She sat in her longboat, ready to row back to her own ship, or take a few out with her by the looks of those two sailors glaring at her. No problem.. She'd die but they'd go with her.

"I've decided that 70/30 is not a good deal..." She folded her arms and stared back up at him.

"Johnathan, row to the Warhammer.. We're going to get it ourselves.." The long boat was drifting away from the ship as she quietly ordered Johnathan to move.


ooc: I just presumed Preach would join Ash (if you wish otherwise Why it's up to you to choose )

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

My eyes were pleading Thomas to not leave me with this woman, to come with us right now. There was something about his kiss, couldn't place it. Wasn't sure if it was because Ash was here. Or if something was wrong. The look in his eyes told me he either did something or soon will be.

Didn't know what say. Silent the whole time getting into the boat. To many thoughts running through my wild mind to speak, now I was the one that couldn't look up to him as the boat lowered. Had to keep my gaze down towards the sea, for they showed much emotion. Anger for this person that sat across from me, mixed feeling over Thomas. Now confusion from the way he acted just now, and that kiss told something.
He said she would be gone soon.... Not soon enough.
Why was he doing this.... What did or is about to do?
Something had to of happened in his cabin.... I can only pray that nothing did and this sudden tension will leave when Ash does.

Ash broke the silence the second the boat hit the water, she called out to her boat and stood. Was about to take her down now even if I had to go through Preach to get her, made a small movement for my blade as I was about to attack. Then Melvin stopped me by placeing a hand lightly on my arm. After that sat back down watched as she spoke and rowed off. My eyes never leaving her with pure hatred for her. I knew why Melvin stopped me, part of me was glad he did, another part was not.

 

[Why]

.................

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

Leia stood watching, her eyes narrowing as something seemed amiss.
She took a step forward.

"Captain ..."

Her soft voice drew Thomas's attention, although he too had been watching carefully.

"Now what game is she playing...?"

Leia's soft voice murmured as she watched Krysta and Melvin's dilemma unfold.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Captain Ash

"That's it boys! Woo hoo! We're far enough away.." Her eyes sparkled with thrill of the chase as she sat grinning in the boat.

"Get us to the war hammer! We'll get that damned map ourselves.." She turned and watched as Preach and Johnathan both worked together to get them there.

"Ok Preach, when we reach the war hammer, I'll need you and Johnathan to guard us from them... No killing anyone.. No shooting unless you absolutely have to. Got it? I Will go search the captain's quarters.. Try and keep them off the ship as long as possible.. But don't put yourself in danger or hurt them.. I don't want a blood bath.." She eyed her ship and the Bilge, both deadly weapons right now to each other.. one mistake and one ship or the other would start firing and all hell would break loose!

"HEY THOMAS! YOU'RE LOSING!" She called out and laughed.

 

[Subo97]

Melvin Morecock

Restraining Krysta from an ill advised attack had been a wise thing, but Melvin was only capable of so many wise things in one day. When Captain Thomas had said to see to the visitor's needs, Melving could only think of two: rum and women, both in short supply.

But the captains' wrangling had cut the visit short and as far as Krysta was concerned, the truce as well. Melvin was always up for a good brawl, but on ship they always were started by the captain. Self preservation always entailed at least some discipline as far as the sea was concerned. Hence the hand on Krysta's arm to stay her impetuosity. To her credit, she held herself under control, but she was a rumbling volcano. Perhaps she needed more time below decks with captain Tom.

Melvin looked at Leia and winked as Preach and Ash descended to their longboat and allowed themselselves to be rowed away. His wisdom ran out when he heard Ash yell, "Hey Thomas, you're losing" and he leaped to the rail to give them a proper pirate salute. Melvin turned his back to their former guests, bent over and dropped his drawers to moon their competitors. Pete bent over as well, raising his tailfeathers to the departing buccaneers.

"Cap'n," Melvin smiled, looking at Thomas as he wiggled his behind at the Mystique emissaries, "That girl needs a tumble more than she needs gold. I don't think anybody over there on the Mystique is man enough for her.."

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAWk," screamed Pete as he fell off Melvin's shoulder and flew to the yardarms, "Pieces of Eight, pieces of Eight."

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

Eyes told how much I wanted her, wanted to jump this boat and swim after her, not caring how cold the waters were. Although, Melvins little move made me laugh, breaking the tension some.

"When do I get the pleasure of tasting her blood on my blade?"

Spoke eagerly to Melvin, looking up towards Tom, waiting for his move.

"I say we start rowing now, we can easily catch her and pass her...."

 

[poohlive]

As Thomas watched it all, something broke inside of him. This new and adventurous captain who stood so tall and proud just earlier today, and raced on the waves of a storm to victory, just sulked as Ash ordered her men to row towards the Warhammer, and take the map.
For a moment, something had been lost in his eyes. A spark that had been there this morning, and perhaps even the night before, as he lay in a woman's arms who showed him more love then he could even know.
Ash tauned him, sneered at him, and his heart broke. For a moment he didn't do a thing, he just stood there, like a man standing at the starting line but wouldn't run, cause he knew he had already lost.
It wasn't until one of the crew member's took out a gun and aimed it for the slow moving target that Thomas did anything.
"No, no, we can't shoot them."
The man didn't listen.
Thomas took the gun, and threw it in the ocean below. He towered over the new one, anger on his lips and flaming throughout him.
"Take this one to the brig, maybe that'll clear up his ears."
No one on the Bilgewater moved. They all had the same thing in mind, shoot the bitch while she was still in range. She was going to take THEIR treasure, why show her any mercy?
Thomas only had to look back at the Mystique, at a ship with more firepower, and more ammo, and ready to shoot him out of the water the moment gunfire was heard.
She counted on this, she had counted on it all along. She would use her own ship to stop him from doing anything about it. Why did he ever think she would come here on peaceable terms?
Mutiny was on the tongue of a few mates, but it was silenced as the rebel was taken below. No one thought Thomas would purposely hurt Ashley because he still loved her.
He didn't want her shot because it would be the end of his ship.
The spark had been lost, he stood there a broken shell of a man, watching her float away and jeer.
"Get the boats," he sounded on the verge of tears, but his cheeks were bone dry, "Three. 6 or so men follow them. Don't hurt the captain... no mercy to the rest. Do not hurt the captain. She is our only ticket passed the Mystique."
Thomas went himself in one of the boats, but he didn't row. He didn't even look ahead at the Warhammer. He had been beaten, and it shown rampant on his face.
The real race was on, but he sat there as a man who'd lost a long time ago.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Captain Ash

They made it to the War Hammer in good time, with a bright smile on her face, she climbed the rope and landed on deck. She stopped and turned back to the Bilge watching as Thomas took charge and started after her.

"Too late Thomas.. four years too late.." Her face lost it's smile as she scowled at Thomas. She turned from the railing and walked to the captain's quarters. Her hand halted at the doorway. Inside was the other half of the map, the key to all the riches any person could ever hope for.. If Vallen wasn't lying?

Also inside was the one thing Thomas had been after for quite some time. Same as her. Her hand fisted tightly, Thomas was responcible for her father's death. He had told her so as he lay dying of fever and infection. But was Thomas truely capable of said charges? If so, why did she make it to the War Hammer? He could have easily killed her at any point.

She pushed on the door and glanced around inside. Everything looked fit as a fiddle, only dusty and empty.

A loud explosion sounded, followed by the distinct sound of wood splintering.

"GOD DAMN YOU THOMAS!" She whirled swearing at him as she ran. How dare he shoot at her ship!? She froze at the railing as her eyes took in the Mystique. She lay whole and hearty, smoke billowing out of one of the cannon ports.

"Oh jesus.." She felt as if a huge hole opened up and swallowed her whole. Stunned she could only watch as mayhem broke out and the Bilge faltered.

Another shot rang out and tore through the Bilge's sails. The ship was wavering wildly, stunned eyes could only gape at this whole scene as if it was but a bad dream.

"No.. NO!" She screamed at her ship and crew. HOW DARE THEY DISOBEY!!!?

The Bilge opened fire, returning the attack, several bodies went overboard on the Mystique. Fear clawed at her, map forgotten, movement forgotten.

Two more shots rang out, striking the side of the Bilge, it teetered hard on it's side from the impact, the ball coming out the other side and barely missing a row boat. Crews were scattering left and right, on both ships it was chaotic.

Something was wrong.. something was very wrong! She jumped on instinct to reach her ship and stop this madness. She dove into the ocean head first, breaking the surface and struggling to swim to her boat.

"PREACH!?" She cried out for her first mate, too shocked to be of much use...


~On Board the Mystique~

"Take them hostage!" Vallen stood at the helm, his crew fighting those few loyal to the mystique. Shouts of mutiny went through the air as sudden madness broke out. Men swarmed and surrounded both Daniel and Mia, cutlasses raised and readied to kill. "Nay! Toss'em overboard and anyone else who's gonna git smart! Blow the Bilge outta the water boys!" Vallen had all the crew on his pay except a measily little fifteen members. Seven of which were already dead below deck, bleeding along side their smoking cannons. Swords clashed and rang out, a few of Vallen's men falling now and then, but there were too many to regain control.. Not without Preach and the Captain on the ship..

"Blow that bitch outta the waters boys!" Vallen was snarling, his plan gone awry with Ashley not on board. But it didn't matter, he had the ship and he'd kill the last person standing in his way. Even if he had to sink the ship to do so. Two more went overboard, tossed after being stabbed. They wouldn't make it to shore. Four were remaining, a gunner, the doc and the cook were the ones Vallen worried most about. 'ol Brian's faithful crew still clinging to hopes and dreams.. They had to go, one way or another.

 

[Why]

................

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

"No, no, we can't shoot them."

Leia looked at her Captain.
Thomas seemed strangely ... defeated ...
But still the pistol remained cocked.
Leia watched Thomas grab at the weapon and throw it into the ocean.

"Take this one to the brig, maybe that'll clear up his ears."

Thomas' anger was evident and yet no one moved.
They all knew it was Ash's crew that he should be taking his temper out on and not this crew member.
But the man had disobeyed a direct order.
And still they all stood around.
Memories of the evening before filled Leia's head.
Ash had been disobeyed ... and at what price.
She knew what she had to do.

Moving forward, she drew her knife and grabbed the man in an armlock.

"You heard the Captain.
There be no place for those as cannot follow orders on this ship."

She told him loudly enough for her voice to carry amongst the rest of the crew.
She pushed her blade against his throat and marched him below decks followed by a gunner, opening doors and helping her propel the unfortunate to his temporary quarters.

Leia was attaching cuffs to her prisoner as the ship rocked and the loud crash of cannon sounded out.

"Bloody hell!"

Leia grabbed at the woodwork and looked upwards her eyes wide as she heard the splintering of wood.

"We shoulda killed 'em when we had the chance!"

Her prisoner insisted.

Making a quick decision, Leia decided that much as they needed hands on deck, such a voice of dissent would do nothing for morale.

"Go to your station ... "

She ordered the gunner.

"I can manage here."

She watched as the man turned to sprint back above deck then discarding the cuffs, she shoved the man into the room beyond and double locked the door.
If he should need to escape, then the lack of cuffs would allow that, but he could not be permitted to wreak havoc when they were on defence.

"Think well on where your loyalties lie Sir... "

She shouted through the bolted door as she returned the blade to her boot.

"Our Captain needs every man right now ... you have as good as deserted him with your disobedience!"

She turned in disgust and was heading towards the final stairway when the cannon hit.
Leia gave a terrified scream as wood shattered around her.
She was thrown sideways and fell helplessly.
She lay daze unaware of the extent of her injuries.
The sound of firing of paniced shouts filled her head.

"Dear God no...."

She whispered to herself and began to cry out for help.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Captain Ash

She didn't get far before the long boat was blocking her path.

"Damn it Johnathan! Get OUT OF MY WAY!" She coughed inhaling some sea water before hands grabbed her and hauled her up into the long boat.

"We've got to get to the Mystique!" She demanded and both sets of eyes stared at her. She jumped and yelped as another volley of fire was sent from the Mystique to the Bilge.

"My god..." Johnathan began to row them to safety, back to the War Hammer. He had heard enough and seen enough to know the captain's men no longer ran that ship. Someone else obviously was doing this, the why of it was still unanswered however.

She could hear men screaming on the Bilge and felt her temper rise again. "Go help the Bilge crew! I will get to the War Hammer." She had given up, her ship and those in charge obviously mutinied. Only excuse for this direct disobedience. Who though? She wanted to know. Mia? Daniel? Did Sally do this?

"I'll be alright! Go help their crew!" She jumped off the long boat again and swam the few feet to the War Hammer. Climbing up the rope as fast as she could, she still felt helpless and it pissed her off! Her eyes landed on the side ports of the War Hammer and then up on the deck above her head.

Cannons! If she could disable her ship, they could take it back! She swore loudly, every vulgar word of hatred she knew as she stomped along the deck of the War Hammer.



Mia

Men were swarming around us everywhere, swords drawn and blood being shed left and right. All my fears of what was happening were coming true, the newly aquired crew members were sent here by Vallen.... But why?

"Danny.. We've got to get off this ship.." My back was pressed to his as men surrounded us. They eyed Daniel with hate as much as Daniel eyed them with the same scowl.

"We're too out numbered Daniel, don't do anything to get yourself killed!"

". 'eh cap'm? Bones wants thee pretty one.. can 'e ha'er?" Vallen was barking orders, snearing and laughing. His go between stood on deck, ordering the cannoneers below what to hit and when to fire.

"Toss'em off or kills them all! NO one stays!" The fear inside me had dissipated alot, and as soon as someone stumbled into the man in front of me, I drew my cutlass and began to fight my way out of there.

Ducking, jumping, kicking.. I think I even bit one person, I fought to get to the railing and get off this ship. I tried looking for Sally as I went but got no where near the galley. She heard the noise, she had to be fighting somewhere?

"DAN! RUN!" I called out to him to make for safety. He couldn't hang out on deck killing all day, we needed our gunner to get our ship back. I stopped when I ran into Vallen, grinning like a fat house cat he approached with his pistol.
" I should kill you.." His voice was smooth, not as rough around the edges as it had been. "But I wont be doin' that now. I want ye to deliver a message to your Captain. Tell 'er we aint done, me an 'er." He waved the pistol with his hand towards the railing. His sneering smile made me think he was going to shoot me in the back, and I was sure he would if given the chance.
"GO! I don't want ye on this ship, I kin promise ye won't survive me boys if ye stay girlie."
I glared right back at him, refusing to budge nor lower my weapon. He launched himself at me, catching me by surprise as I stepped backwards to avoid being ran into. He kept coming and I did what I had to do, I jumped ship.

A single shot sounded from behind me, adreniline rushed quickly through my body. Eyes wide, I gasped for air before I hit the water. The pain was bad, the air having been knocked out of me, I struggled to the surface, trying my hardest not to drown!

Hacking and coughing, I made the surface a few feet from the ship. Treading water I watched as Whistler Will went floating face down right beside me.

The water was red in hue from all the blood, I wanted then to climb back on board and send a few to join our lost mates, but then another thought hit me..."Sharks..." I felt all color drain from my face and swam for the island. I could handle being shot and stabbed, but I did not want to be eaten alive! All that was left to escape was Sally and Daniel. I didn't see the boy in the crows nest anywhere, he too was probably lost.

 

[Why]

..........

 

[Why]

.............

 

[The GrandMage]

'Salty Dan' Moore

The fourth shot hit his shoulder. He was already back against the railing, and the he felt himself moving backwards, over it. He probably could have caught himself with his other hand, but he was too busy pulling around the pistol. He fired, dropping the gun as he slid over the railing, down the side of the ship and into the ocean below.

He hit the water, his weight and the speed of the fall dragging him down. He opened his eyes. Water was everywhere. It was so familiar. He could feel the cannons trading shots above him. It was a living memory.

He had been ten that day so long ago. His brother was only two. He'd remained at home, with mother. Daniel had been old enough, so his father had taken him out with him. Pirates attacked.

He remembered the sound of cannons, of the ship underneath him being ripped away. The ocean, all around. Blood, so much blood. And the sharks. It had been the last time he'd seen his father. He hadn't died that day. He didn't plan on dying today.

He worked hard, trying to gain the surface. Pain flared up in him. His lungs csreamed for air. Finally, just before he could give up, he found it. That delicate place where air met water. He shoved his head through it, gasping for air. He glanced around, and noting where the other surviving crew members went, he followed after.

Mutiny. Under Vallen, no less. He gritted his teeth against the pain, hoping the sharks would go for the dead first as he struggled along after the others. His cutlass was gone, shoved between the ribs of some bastard on deck. His guns were gone, and there were several men on that ship who were silent testament to his aim.

Not that that helped much. He was shot himself. The salt from the sea was irritating the wounds. He wondered if Mia had survived. He certainly needed a doctor, now. He was shot, had a few cuts, mostly on his arms, and had lost everything: his home, his guns, his cutlass, everything but the clothes he wore.

And to think, he'd just gone through the trouble of buying a second, new set, and here he was, down to one that needed to be repaired as badly as he did. God damn those mutinous bastards...

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

There was nothing, nothing at all to indicate for them to attack us, was watching Ash like a hawk, she had gone into the ship with no such signal. The was she came running and screaming out into the water, indicated she wanted none of this. Not like this anyway.

Jumped out of row boat, feeling helpless as it was, climbed back up the ship from one of the hanging ropes. Thomas didn't look like himself, then I hoped he had some kind of plan up his sleeve. Ran straight to the guns, only to be stopped by Leia on the deck. Made sure she was ok, least enough to get up. No serious wounds, that were seen anyway, just a bit shook up from the blast.

"Leia, it's ok... I'm here, don't have much time.. I need you to stand up if you can.. please."

Had a stern but pleading look, helping to get whatever was on her off looking over her more closely. Saddness dwelled deep in my gut, wanting to cry even more, but had to be strong. Just had to keep strong. Stayed till Leia was on her feet, double checking to make sure nothing was broken before I took to the guns again.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

How she got on deck, Leia was unsure.
She had felt herself hoisted and pulled up the stairway.
Despite her cries of protest, the hands had not release her until she breathed in the air, air no longer fresh and salty, but acrid with the smoke of cannon fire.
She had been left then.
Left to collapse weakly on the deck and try to regain her senses.

The next time she looked up it seemed another pair of hands were upon her easing her to her feet.
Some instinct told Leia that she had to get up, had to take action ... and yet she just wanted to lay there ...

"Leia, it's ok... I'm here, don't have much time.. I need you to stand up if you can.. please."

Leia's eyes widened.
Krysta?
She blinked and looked around as if for the first time.
Fuck ... what had happened ... what was happening?
Leia struggled to her feet, muttering a thankyou, despite the fact her head swam and her left shoulder ached where she had wrenched it.
The cut on her head went unseen, covered as it was by the mane of still wilder hair, only her dizziness and disorientation gave an indication that anything was wrong.

Leia watched as Krysta turned to the guns and began to load and take aim.
She took a step forward.
She had to find Thomas ... Melvin ... anyone ... what should she do?
She began to reach for her blade and realised that the tiny weapon was useless now they were under fire.
She swore under her breath and moved to the side, a hand on the ropes to steady her and looked around in desperation.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mia

I made it to the shore and lay panting for the longest time before remembering the others that had been left on board. Jumping up, I scanned the ship and spotted both Sally and Daniel jumping for it. The cannons moved again and I glanced at the Bilge.

"GET OFF THAT SHIP! GET OFF THAT DAMNED SHIP!" I screamed it until my voice was too hoarse to continue and I coughed. I gave up trying to signal them, the cannons boomed again, ripping another hole in the Bilge. It was too late, the Bilge was taking on water and sinking now. And yet the bastards fired again, two more rounds went into the Bilge.

I spotted Sally first and ran to help her on shore, "You alright?!" I checked her quickly for injuries but couldn't see any.

"DANNY?" I scanned the water and held my breath until I spotted his dark head in the water.

"Sally help me!" He was bleeding as he came into knee deep water. He looked weakened but not enough that he wouldn't fight to survive. I ran to his side and helped him to rise out of the water. "We're sitting ducks here, we've got to get to the captain.." I eyed the rocky walk between us and the War Hammer. "Only thing we can do now is find the cap'n... come on.. Sally can ya walk?" Daniel needed patched up, couldn't have him losing too much blood, and I had nothing to use!
"Damned worthless eels!" I cursed at those who mutinied. Nothing left but what I wore and my one pistol and a small dagger.

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

Noticed how bad Leia really was, she was dazed something must have hit her head and I hadn't noticed it right off. Another few rounds hit the ship, cursing so many words that would put the men to shame. Ran to Leia grabbing her at the waist to support her as we went the edge of ship when it started to go down.

"We need to jump Leia, I'll help you get to shore, its not going to be a pretty swim."

With that, held onto her and pushed us both off the ship. We both went under and took sometime to get back up, specially with me helping her to the top. Slowly we began to swim, every once in awhile looking back towards the ship. Now the tears released themselves.

"Why couldn't I kill her when I had the chance?"

Whispered under breathless words.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

"We need to jump Leia, I'll help you get to shore, its not going to be a pretty swim."

I turned towards Krysta as she grabbed at me and pulled me closer to the rail of the ship.

"Jump? ... Nooo ... we ..."

But looking around Leia noticed that the crew were thin on the ground, the ship was listing. Tears of realisation sprang to her eyes. So this was it? The ship was lost.
Where was the Captain ... God where was Melvin?!?
Even as Leia looked around desperately Krysta pushed her off the ship taking her by surprise.

Leia could swim like a fish, but when the water hit her, her shoulder was wrenched painfully and she almost swallowed sea water as she instinctively went to cry out in pain. Downwards she went ... down into the Ocean depths. The cold sea cleared her head somewhat, however and she began to claw her way back up to the surface, finally bobbing up close to Krysta who was looking around for her.

Krysta pulled at Leia and seemed to know where they were headed. With a nod, Leia began to swim towards that unknown point. Her stroke was lopsided, but strong enough. All she focused on was trying to pull her good arm through the water as forcefully as she could and then to use the painful limb to coast through the water, before returning to the powerful stroke again. Fortunately for her, the dominant, right shoulder was still well in tact.

She glanced over noticing how distraught the woman beside her was and gave one look over her shoulder to see the tottering ship.
No.
She could not let herself think of that now!
Now was not a time to grieve the loss of the ship that had been her home for so long.
For now they had to get ashore or onboard a long boat.
They had to get to safety.