The ship approaching the ferry’s stern was fierce looking. It glew bright red now that the moon was shining brightly over the Silver Sea. Its bow was shaped like the head of a dragon, it’s stern was even more remarkable with wing-like ornaments, giving the ship itself a very intimidating visage. But it didn’t scare her. It wasn’t a ghost ship. It wasn’t the Black Coffin that she investigated many years ago. This was just a pirate ship using scare tactics. Sooraya firmly gripped her Gawain’s Axe and readied herself for the assault.

“Aryana. Get below deck and barricade the door!”

The mithra girl nodded and made her way through the other adventurers on the ship. She closed the door leading to the cargo room and barricaded it like Sooraya told her to. Now she could concentrate on the fight without having to worry about Aryana.

Hooks were shot at the ferry, making sure the red dragon ship wouldn’t lose its prey. Even the hooks looked like little dragon claws. Whoever the captain was, they sure loved to keep a theme. The first pirate ran over the rope with almost inhuman precision. The staff he wielded kept him balanced and halfway, his fellow mates prepared to do the same.

“Let’s see how well you keep your balance under water!”

Thud. Snap.

The dragon claw was frail. For Sooraya’s axe anyway. The pirates on the ship watched their friend tumble down into the sea and then stared at the Warrior.

“So…Who’s next?”

Another adventurer followed Sooraya’s example and started to cut the ropes and raised his thumb up to her when he finished. Upon the last rope, the pirates changed their boarding tactics. The all ran towards the dragon ship’s wings as it turned its stern to the ferry and leapt off.

“Damn. Didn’t see that one coming…”

The adventurers braced themselves for combat as the pirates started to swarm onto the deck. It didn’t seem to matter if it was in the middle of the night. This is what adventurers lived for, and they all displayed exceptional skill. Even that bumbling Galka Paladin was good for taking hits, be it intentional or not.

Just as she slammed one of the pirates through the railing she saw shadow emerge from the dragon ship’s crownest. He shot a hook at his ship’s wing and leapt off. Sooraya stared in awe at the insane stunt as he swung under the wing back up into the air. He pulled out his gun and his sword as he landed on the ferry’s deck. He had his back to Sooraya, who was fast approaching him and got ready to strike the man as he turned. She was anything but a sneak and always wished to fight her foes and look them in the eye. The Tricorne on his head clearly showed that this Corsair was the ship’s captain.

He turned and raised his gun. Sooraya swung.

“Sooraya?!/ Nightbird?!”

()~()~()

“Shooting arrows, shooting bullets…it’s all the same. But you know what? There’s a certain kind of freedom with these swashbucklers that puts my mind at ease.”

“And the spoils are incredibly tempting as well, aren’t they?”

“You know him, Soo. Once a Thief, always a Thief. Whether he’s a scavenging as a Ranger or venturing with pirates, he’s always out for treasure.”

“You know me well, my friends.”

“Will we see you again?”

“Keep an eye out on the horizon, Warrior Princess!”

“Hey. That’s *my* nickname for her.”

“Hahaha…relax, Tamtu. Make me proud and work on your archery.”

“Speaking of which… you know Najelith’s gonna hate you for this.”

“Yeah, well. Different lives, mate. Gotta go. Ship’s leaving anytime now. Not a word about this, okay?”

“Of course, Nightbird.”

“See you again, bro.”

“Cheers. Be safe, you two!”

()~()~()

“Everybody stand down!”/”Lay down your weapons, all of you!”

Adventurers and pirates alike stood confused as the pirate captain and their ragtag leader were at a stalemate. They both lowered their weapons. The fight still continued in a corner of the ferry. It was the same bumbling Galka. Sooraya sighed and walked over to the paladin. “Give me one second, Nightbird..”

She cracked her knuckles and readied her fist. “I told you to stand down!” she yelled and slammed her fist into the Galka’s stomach. The gold coating on his adaman plate wore off where she had struck him, revealing a silver color. “You’re… kidding, right?” She rolled her eyes and returned to the Corsair. He had sent his crew back to the ship since he was willing to let this ferry go.

“Hey.”

“Ahoy.”

The other adventurers made their way back to the cargo room as Aryana had unlocked the door for them. She joined up with Sooraya soon after. “Sooraya! Are you alright??” she asked. Sooraya gave her a reassuring smile and replied. “Always. I’d like you to meet an old friend of mine, Nightbird.”

The mithra stared at him. “A real pirate captain?”

He took off his sash and tied it around her head like a bandana. “Aye! What brings you here, Sooraya?” he asked as Aryana danced happily with her new headpiece. Sooraya rested her arms on a railing and looked at the dragon ship. “I was supposed to meet up with Tamtu in Whitegate, but…”

“But what?”

“He was captured by the Troll Mercenaries in Halvung. I don’t think he was captured during a Besieged, since the last thing I caught from his shell was that a rescue mission went wrong.” Nightbird frowned. “He was fine during the last siege. I was there. As a Ranger, of course.” Sooraya looked confused. “When was the siege?”

“Just this morning. I was getting supplies for my crew when the Trolls attacked.” the Corsair answered. “But even then, why would Tamtu be so stupid to go on a rescue mis–… Ooooooh.”

Sooraya, ignoring the remark, continued updating her friend. “The point is, he’s in trouble and needs to get out.”

Nightbird set his tricorne straight and winked at the Warrior. “You’re gonna need help. And my ship can get you to Halvung much faster.” Nightbird jumped on the railing and caught a rope thrown to him by one of this shipmates. He extended his hand to Sooraya. “Let’s go.”

“Heeeey! What are you doing?!” Aryana yelped as Sooraya lifted her up into Nightbird’s arms. “You’re getting a new home, sweetheart.” Sooraya answered. Aryana and Nightbird stared at eachother, confused. Sooraya smiled and caught a rope herself. “No time to waste, guys.” she said and leapt over to the dragon ship.

Nightbird sighed and held onto the Mithra as he followed his Warrior friend. “She can’t stay here, Soo. Seas aren’t safe for a little girl, especially among pirates.” he said as he landed with the girl. Sooraya grabbed a nearby bow and attached a pouch filled with gil to the arrow. “That’s fine. I’ll take her back to San d’Oria with me sometime soon.”

The mithra blushed and sulked a bit. “A-a-are you surrrre? I’ll be fine on my own, you know!!” Sooraya nodded and aimed for Adeben’s cabin. The note hanging from the arrow mentioned an apology and that the gil was for repairs. “I believe you owe the good captain that much, Nightbird.”

Whiff!….Thud!

Nightbird grinned. “Nice shot. You been training your archery as well?”

“Can’t let Najelith upstage me in front of my fiancé.” Sooraya retorted with a glare. Nightbird laughed and motioned his two guests in welcome. “Make yourselves at home and please feel welcome aboard.. the Ragnarok.”

()~()~()

Note: Nightbird is a friend of mine who got me into FFXI. We share a mutual love for FF8 and the Ragnarok was a nod to the title.