Gifts: The Navy vs Captain Kirkland

       "All men to stations!"

       The crew was quickly rushing to their posts as The Hero's Liberty was being pursued by none other than The Queen's Rose.

       Stepping out onto deck was the fearless captain, Alfred F. Jones. He donned his navy hat and looked out to sea where The Queen's Rose could be seen coming closer. Alfred's face scrunched in frustration, knowing it would only be a matter of time before they would be docked and forced to fight.

       "Men, I don't care what happens, I want all of you to prepare to fight as if it were your last!" He shouted to the crew.

       The men all shouted back with a loud 'yes, sir' and went back to manning the ship.

       One more, smaller, person stepped on to deck and joined Alfred at the stern.

       "Is it that pirate again, father?"

       Alfred nodded, "I'm positive they will board us, and things are sure to be worse than they normally are."

       He paused and took a deep breath, "If it does get so bad I no longer have control of things, I want you to get away from here in any way that you can, Melissa."

       The female looked up to the blonde and shook her head.

       "No. I plan to stay here 'til the end and fight beside you, father," she said confidently.

       Alfred smiled down to her, "I figured you would say that," he placed a hand on her shoulder, "I'm glad to have you fight by my side. But please, be careful. You remember how these pirates fight?"

       Melissa nodded, "Yes. I am ready this time."

       "Good."

       The two of them looked back to see The Queen's Rose pulling up beside them, and the captain in charge of the whole thing.

       "Arthur Kirkland," whispered Alfred.

       Arthur's crew threw their grappling hooks to Alfred's ship and began swinging over, pulling their swords in the process.

       "Today's the day, Jones! Today's the day I take you miserable life once and for all!" Shouted Arthur as he drew his sword and pointed it right at Alfred.

       "On the contrary, Kirkland! I shall be the one to take your life today!"

       Both men rushed forward to each other, preparing for an epic duel, but were stopped by members of the opposite crew and were forced to fight with them instead.

       Melissa also rushed out on to the deck and began to duel with other pirates. Her sword practically flew around, cutting into the pirates skin, dying their clothes with a crimson red. Nothing fazed her as she maneuvered her way around the ship.

       Everything was going well for Alfred's crew. Alfred was dueling with another pirate, due to having lost sight of Arthur, and plunged his sword through the pirates abdomen.

       Alfred turned to find another pirate but was interrupted by the sound of a high pitched scream. There was practically no sound at all as Alfred turned and saw a terrifying sight. Standing there on the railing of the ship, holding onto a rope, was Arthur with a huge grin on his face. And in his arms was Melissa, unconscious, and her sword taken away by Arthur's crew.

       "Kirkland! You let her go!" Screamed Alfred.

       Arthur only laughed at him, "Sorry, Jones! But I must take my leave. And I must have your solemn promise you won't attack so long as I have your little daughter, here. Otherwise I can't guarantee her safety."

       As soon as he finished, one of the crew members held their sword dangerously close to her neck and began to add slight pressure there.

       "Stop!" Shouted Alfred, "Don't hurt her!"

       Arthur's eyes narrowed, "Then promise me, Jones. Promise that you will let us go free."

       Alfred's hands clenched into fists and his body shook with anger. After some silence Alfred's body relaxed.

       "Well? What is your answer?" Asked Arthur in a teasing manner.

       Alfred let out a sigh, "You have my word."

       Arthur smiled, "Very good."

       His crew members swung over to their ship and Arthur slung Melissa over his shoulder as he followed them.

       "Kirkland!" Alfred ran to the side of his ship and watched as Arthur waved.

       "Sorry, Jones! I never said I would return your daughter to you," he laughed and walked below deck with Melissa still in his arms.

       "KIRKLAND!" Alfred shouted even louder.

       The crew simply laughed and returned to their posts as they sailed away. One of Alfred's crew members came up to him.

       "Sir, what are your orders?"

       Alfred watched as The Queen's Rose sailed further and further away. His head lowered and his gaze rested on the wooden boards he stood on.

       "I'll keep to my word for now. But rest assured, we will pursuit them again, and I will rescue my daughter."

       The crew member nodded his head and ran to his post.

       Alfred looked up and looked in the direction of The Queen's Rose before regaining his strength.

       "Alright everyone. Let's prepare to set sail once more!" Alfred called out.

       The crew was suddenly lively again as everyone was running around.

       'Don't worry, Melissa. I will find you, and save you. I promise,' Alfred thought.

       The Hero's Liberty set sail and followed in the same direction that The Queen's Rose went, hoping to catch them as soon as they could.

To Be Continued~