Thread: Relentless (Reno x Lila Lupin)

To your stations! , Newcastle ordered, but the Siren Song was more compelling even than his Voice of Command, and half of his crew still stood, dumbfounded, in its grip. It's no good, Captain! Gregor called, his voice edged with panic. They're too far gone! Newcastle's brow furrowed and his face darkened, stirring the fury in his heart once more. This was the cost of mercy, then, and he resolved not to pay it again. At the edge of his vision, he saw Sebastian running below decks, and curiosity tempered his wrath for the moment. Jack was many things, but weak-willed and cowardly were not among them, so where was he going. Newcastle received his answer when Jack reappeared a few moments later, having retrieved his lute from his cabin, and carried it toward the bow. There he propped himself against the rail, raised the lute, and began to play, his fingers dancing across the strings as the notes were nearly, but not quite, drowned out by the singing from the thrice-damned pirate ship. It was familiarity and habit that made the crew's ears pick the XO's notes out of the cacophony of song and sea, for he was playing the Anthem of the Royal Navy. One by one, the crews lent their voices to the lyrics, reminded of their duty and their pride. ..Sailing through the blackest nights, Magic stars our guiding lights We will lead the charge, our sails ride the wind... When the voices of the crew drowned out even Jack's lute, much less the Siren's song, he stopped playing, but the sailors carried the song through to its conclusion, then began again. Newcastle was impressed, and that showed on his face as he turned to his second. I didn't know you could do that. Well done, Jack. Jack smiled. Neither did I, he admitted, but thank you, Sir. Newcastle turned his attention back to the other ship, his jaw set. Now, ready the guns. This has gone on for... He was cut off as the sea between the two ships exploded, and the stuff of every sailors' nightmare appeared to block his view of the Domina , and chaos gripped his crew once more. Gods save us! someone cried. Damn my eyes, it's Ol' Grandad! another screamed. Come about! Newcastle barked, and the Wraith began the slow, wide turn to put the beast at their stern. He joined Sebastian at the rail as the ship moved away, and the monster didn't appear to follow or even pay it any mind. Retreat from here now. Return in 12 hours, not before. That thing should be gone by then. Captain? Sebastian asked, wide-eyed. He definitely didn't like what he was hearing. What are you doing? I'm going to stay on the island and wait for Havenguarde. How do you know she'll come back after Ol' Grandad showed up? Because whatever brought us out into this hellish place in the first place is on that island, and as long as she's alive, she won't give it up. It's time I started setting a few rules of this little game. Newcastle said. And her crew? Her ship? If that abomination doesn't take care of that for us, then take them, or sink them, or put them to the sword. They sicced a siren on us, and unleashed that horror. No quarter, Mr. Sebastian. Aye, Captain, but are you sure that this... Newcastle cut him off. You have your orders, Commander. Twelve hours. Then, without another word, Captain Newcastle dove into the churning sea and swam for all he was worth, until he set sodden boots on the wet sand of the island's shore. Certain that he was not seen with the distraction the monster granted, he plunged into the thick greenery behind the beach, intent on keeping it that way.