“We will claim that ship," Elra promised, “If you fail I’ll be taking full control. Make us intervene and you’ll be working for free until any damages are paid.”

“I won’t fail,” Cheri declared, focusing on her prize, “That ship is mine.”

Cheri’s determination drove her forward as the Crimson Tempest closed in on the luxury ship ahead. The ship turned to the left, but The Tempest pushed forward, crossing the wake before turning slightly towards it.

“FIRE THE FIRST VOLLEY!” Cheri bellowed, and the ship shook as the cannons fired off their rounds.

The backside of the luxury ship splintered and cracked as shouting filled the air, but it pushed onward as the Tempest continued its chase.

“Keepin’ track sis?” Arya smirked at Elra.

“Twelve shots, two misses,” Elra hummed.

“I’ve got this,” Cheri frowned slightly, and Arya patted her back.

“Relax,” she laughed, “You’re doing good so far.”

“Uh-huh,” Cheri shook her head, “Glunk! Status!”

“Ready for another shot!” Glunk called out.

“Get ready to fire!” Cheri ordered as the Tempest turned its left side to face the target, “Hold..." the Tempest rose up over a passing wave, and the ship was in full sight, “FIRE!”

The volley exploded from the side of the ship, crashing into their prize as Cheri quickly spun the wheel. The ship turned away just as the luxury ship returned fire, and the crew braced for impact as a single shot managed to hit the back, splintering part of the hull.

“Ooh...” Arya hissed, “That sounded expensiiiiiive.”

“She minimized the damage,” Elra stated, “But the ship is fleeing.”

“Not for long,” Cheri turned the wheel back, and the Tempest barrelled towards the ship. “Brun! Get ready!”

“Aye!” Brun cried, gripping her axe in both hands as the boarding party gathered.

“Glunk! I want you to target the mast and sails!” Cheri cried out.

“Target mast and sails!” Takir repeated, shouting down the stairs.

“You got it, boss!” Glunk shouted from below.

The Tempest closed in on its target, and Cheri turned the wheel once more, bringing it in line with the ship’s cannons. She gave the order, and another volley erupted from the ship, crashing into their prey as sails shredded and the mast came down. A wide grin found Cheri’s lips as her eyes focused, and as they drew near she rose her sword in the air.

“Now!” she cried.

“NOW!” Brun repeated as the crew swung to the other ship, and swords began to clash. Arya placed a hand on Cheri’s shoulder as shouting filled the air, and Cheri’s eyes flew to her, going a bit wide.

“Relax,” she gave an assuring smile, “You did good, but I think there’s a certain asshole captain that owes you an apology, isn’t there?”

“I- you mean it?” Cheri pressed, and Arya nodded, “Thank you,” she breathed, and she released the wheel to hug her, which caused the ship to veer into the other.

“WHOA!" Glunk snapped, and Cheri quickly grabbed at the wheel again, but Elra caught it first with a slight smirk.

“That one does come out of your pay.” Elra hummed, and Cheri gave a sheepish grin before Arya snapped her fingers.

“Come on, Princess,” Arya smirked, “Let’s go wreak some havoc.”

“Oh, with fucking pleasure,” Cheri grinned, and the two drew their swords together as they raced off towards the ship.

The crew of the Crimson Tempest was already causing chaos on the deck of the luxury ship, and it was quickly apparent that most of the other crew was severely outclassed. A smirk found Cheri’s lips as she watched the battle unfold around her. Brun had forgone her axe, reveling in the screams as she snapped bones with her bare hands, and harpies rained down arrows from above. These ships would often be accompanied by several escorts, but Arya’s threats drove them to the sea alone. They were paying the price for their haste, but none of that mattered to Cheri as she locked eyes with the captain, and his face turned red. The sounds of battle faded around them as she closed in and the captain drew his sword, gritting his teeth.

“You should have known your place, shalgras,” the captain growled, “I accept my death at the hands of these scum, but I’ll take my satisfaction knowing you won’t live to see another day.”

“Those are some big words considering you were pissing your pants earlier,” Cheri smirked as she rose her sword, “En guard.”

The captain was the first to swing as their swords clashed, but Cheri’s eyes were focused. Rage had left her as she stared into the captain’s seething eyes, and she found a strange calm amongst the surrounding chaos as she stepped back, and to the right. The captain followed, slashing down at her with heavy force, and she parried, knocking his sword into the air as he staggered back. Cheri followed up, slashing down at the captain, but he jumped out of the way as she barely grazed his arm. He hissed, and his face reddened further as he pushed forward, thrusting at the shalgras before him. Her sword flew upward, knocking his away before she stabbed at his face, grazing his cheek as he stepped to the side. He gritted his teeth, groaning in pain as he stumbled back, but Cheri was quick to follow up, and he was forced to block as their swords locked in place.

“Don’t think this makes you any better than me you spoiled bitch,” the captain spat, struggling against her, “I may lose my life today, but at least I’ve kept my dignity you pirate wench.”

“I wouldn’t know what that’s like,” Cheri frowned as the captain’s hand shook, “You never gave me any to begin with.”

The captain’s hand slipped, and the blades were freed of another. Time slowed to a crawl, and Cheri could hear only her beating heart as her sword was driven into the captain’s neck, cutting deep through his shoulder as his screams filled the air. The first mate cried for his captain, and Cheri barely noticed as he tried to rush to his side, only to catch a blade of his own, driven into his back. Cheri stepped back and with a deep breath the world flowed back into existence around her, her reality growing solid as Arya’s hand found her shoulder.

“Nice work, killer,” Arya grinned as the fighting slowed around them, with those left raising their hands in surrender, “You didn’t do too bad for your first day.”

“Yeah...” Cheri panted, looking to the dead captain before her, “That guy was a dick.”

“Lesson number one, Cheri,” Arya gave an amused huff, “They all are.” she patted her shoulder, “Now come on. Let’s loot this shit and shove off.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Cheri couldn’t help the grin, and she dutifully followed on the first steps of her new life.