We reach Marie’s ship. It was more than I could have expected, expectantly from such a young girl like herself. It needed work here and there obviously has experience on that waters you can tell that much from looking at it. But how did Marie manage to get her hands on it? 

“ Ok so below deck is the crew’s quarters, storage. Above deck over there the kitchen isn’t much but enough to make some food, and this is where you will be staying at Evera.” Marie says, looking at me.

“ Huh?” I look at her confused.

“ This would be the Captain's quarters. So here you are, Captain Evera.” She says with a smile opening the door letting me walk through. I look around and notice a single bed, desk that already had a map, books ink and a quill. From the looks of it I wasn't the first Captain.

“ It was me fathers when he was still around.” Marie finally spoke up before continuing. “ He was his ship, he had a crew and everything, till they all got killed at sea, my mother was the only one able to make it home to have me. She died a while back.” Marie says grimly

“ Marie I-” 

“ No, I want ya to have the room and the ship. You're me and Arva’s Captain. And when we find others you’ll be there too. I’ll show Arva to the rest of you.” She finishes and closes the door leaving me alone.

“ Ok.” I say to no one but myself. I sat down on the bed and I started to think. How far I've come, how much has been lost. Have I changed? Do I want to get through with this? Wha happens when I do have my crew? Do I take down James and his crew? Do I take on other pirates? What of the navy? Do I redeem my name? So many things clouded my mind. But one thing came through clearer than crystal, James. Part of me wants him gone, He left after everything. He hurt me, I have a right to be angry. I felt the night rock and I took a breath to calm myself. I know I have every reason to be angry with him, he left after everything. Just like that. I shouldn’t be surprised though, how many women did he do the same to before me? That doesn’t matter! I know I want him gone, but can I go through with it if I still love him? I can’t do this right now. I ‘ll just sleep it off. Arva or Marie can wake me if I'm needed.

“ Cornelia, Darling wake up.” I hear a voice speaking to me through my slumber. I turn over to see James in an unbuttoned top and his trousers, His hair slightly messy.

“ James what is it? I'm sleeping.” I mumble out through my tiredness.

“ Come on love, you have to see this.” He says pull me out of bed and  out the cabin.

“ James what are ya doing, I ‘m only in my robes and it's cold out here!” I say trying to warm myself by wrapping my arms around my torso when I feel strong arms wrap around my stomach and warmth engulf my body. 

“ Now you'll be warm, but look up.” He says softly in my ear. Looking up I see bright lights soaring across the sky.

“ James, what are they, they are beautiful.” I saw in awe looking at the sky above.

“  Shooting Stars, they say you can make any wish and they’d make it come true.” He tells me.

“ What would you wish for james?” I ask peeling my eyes from the sky to look at him to find him already gazing at me. He opens his mouth to answer but before he does he pulls me into a quick kiss.

“ You, I'd wish for you Cornelia.” he breathes against my lips. Then kisses me once more.

“ Wake up!” I jump up to see Arva looming over me.

“ What?” I am oblivious to what's going on.

“ Marie went into town to get food and hasn't come back yet, but I hear a commotion in the distance.” Arva says worry lacing her voice though i can tell she is trying to hide it. 

“ Well then let's go.” I jump up and start to walk out.

“ Did you fall asleep with your weapons and boots on?” She questions me.

“ It appears so, yes, but is that really important right now?” I ask in a dumbfounded voice.

“ No, let's go.” 

“ That's what I thought.” And with that we rushed off towards the town. 

Once we reach the town we see a group of people surrounded by what appears to be a fight. We push through only to see Marie blooded and bruised standing over a boy who appears to be around her age, maybe a bit older lying on the ground beaten.

“ WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS GOING ON HERE!” I shout my voice booming through the whole town like thunder in a storm.

“ The girl protects a thief Ma’am.” A man in the crowd spoke up, shifting slightly.

“ That girl is with me, a part of my crew you feck with her you feck with me.” I say venom dripping from each word my eye now sharpened burning with rage.

“ But  she protects a thief!” He shouts in disbelief.

“ Thief? No, I'd say collector. You won’t lay a hand on the boy.” I say a sadistic smirk making its way to my lips as I walk to the center of the crowd standing in front of Marie and the boy facing the man who beat them.

“ Get out of the way lady.” the man snarls. I couldn’t help but let out a laugh.

“ Make me.” I say, keeping my head tall. The mad charges at me, fast. I don't bother to use my weapons just yet, it would be a waste of time on such a filthy person. As he is about to throw a punch, pivot around him and swing my leg up kicking him in the head and sending him to the ground. He lies there as I walk over and step on his throat preventing just enough airflow to make him suffer yet keep him alive. 

“ You have hurt people under my protection. You will suffer and rot in hell.” I say as his eyes widen with fear finally realizing the severity of his situation. I take out my dagger, bend down, pry open his mouth and cut his tongue out. It takes a few minutes but the man dies in the mud of the streets choking on his own blood.

“ Let this be a lesson to whoever wishes to hurt my crew again.” I pause looking around the crowd of fearful faces. “ May the Gods have mercy on you for I will not!” I say harshly before dropping the man's tongue and walking back to my ship, Arva, Marie and the boy in tow.