With his last burst of strength, Zoan jumped back onto their ship, his body battered but his resolve unbroken. He staggered toward Bril and Celestia, each step a battle.
"This... is really bad," Zoan muttered between labored breaths, his voice strained from the pain. He glanced down at the blood seeping from his many wounds. His breathing was ragged, and his body shook with the strain of the battle, but his eyes burned with determination. "We can't keep up like this for much longer."
The pirates continued their relentless assault, pouring onto the deck like a tidal wave. Celestia, Zoan, and Bril fought with every ounce of strength they had left, but it was clear—this was a losing battle. The sheer number of pirates, combined with the necromancer's dark magic, was overwhelming.
Just as Zoan staggered to his feet, another wave of pirates surged forward, pushing them back. His cutlass clashed against the steel of a pirate's blade, sparks flying from the impact. Bril's ice crackled in the air, sending shards of frost into the enemy ranks, but even his power was starting to wane. Celestia, though still a tempest on the battlefield, was beginning to slow, the toll of the fight taking its toll on her stamina.
The sky above began to darken, as if a storm was forming from nowhere. The pirates momentarily halted, confused by the shift in the air. They looked around, uneasy.
Then, out of nowhere, a fleet of ships appeared on the horizon, cutting through the water like a sudden wave. Their sails were adorned with a symbol Celestia recognized instantly—a blood-red crescent moon, the insignia of Lox.
The ships sailed closer, and Celestia could see the figures standing aboard them—clad in black and red armor, their presence exuding a fierce, almost tangible power.
The pirates around them seemed to recognize the fleet immediately, their stance shifting from hostile to wary. Some even began to step back, as if waiting for orders.
On one of the ships, a figure stood tall, a girl with long dark green hair fluttering in the wind. Her violet eyes locked onto Celestia's ship as she stepped forward, an aura of authority radiating from her. The rest of the crew stood at attention behind her, waiting for her command.
Her voice rang out across the sea, cold and commanding. "Pirates! Cease your attack!" she ordered, and the pirates froze, reluctantly stepping back.
With a swift, effortless leap, she soared through the air, landing gracefully on Celestia's ship. Her presence alone commanded attention. Behind her, the crew of Lox followed, moving with lethal precision as their boots met the deck in near-perfect unison.
Within minutes, the pirates were subdued. Lox's efficiency was undeniable—they rounded up every last one, binding them without struggle. The necromancer, the supposed threat of the sea, was captured just as easily.
"Bring them aboard," she commanded, her voice sharp and unwavering. Without hesitation, the members of Lox hauled the captured pirates and the necromancer onto their massive vessel. One by one, they were thrown into reinforced cages deep below deck, the heavy clang of metal doors sealing their fate.
She turned to the three standing before her, her gaze sharp, assessing. "Rosaline, leader of Lox," she introduced herself with quiet authority.
Celestia observed her strength, her efficiency, and in that moment, she knew exactly what role to play. With a practiced smile, she slipped seamlessly into her act.
Celestia nodded. "I want to join you." She let her voice waver, just slightly, feigning hesitation. "I've seen too much—corruption, tyranny, people suffering under the hands of monsters who call themselves rulers." She lowered her gaze, fists clenching at her sides as if recalling a painful memory. "I won't stand by and do nothing. I want to fight alongside Lox."
A flicker of curiosity crossed Rosaline's face. "You want to fight against evil?"
"Yes." Celestia held her gaze, letting just the right amount of emotion seep into her words. "I despise those who abuse their power. Those who destroy lives without consequence. I refuse to be like them."
Rosaline was silent for a moment, her violet eyes searching Celestia's face as if trying to gauge the truth behind her words. The crew of Lox remained still, waiting for their leader's response.
Finally, Rosaline tilted her head slightly. "And what can you offer us?"
Celestia smiled inwardly. Hook, line, and sinker. She had anticipated this moment. Her emerald eyes gleaming with feigned passion as she met Rosaline's gaze.
"I may not have a grand reputation," she said, her voice steady, "but I have my own skills. I can fight. I can strategize." She lifted her chin ever so slightly, her confidence unwavering. Then, with a carefully placed pause, she softened her voice, letting the weight of her next words settle between them.
"And more than that…" She let her fingers tighten into fists at her sides. "My family was killed by criminals." A deliberate tremor laced her tone, and she cast her gaze downward before snapping it back up, her eyes now shimmering with unyielding resolve. "So I want to change this world for the better!"
The deck fell into silence. The Lox crew members exchanged glances, but Rosaline remained still, her violet eyes locked onto Celestia's face.
Something in those words struck deeper than Celestia expected.
Rosaline clenched her jaw, exhaling slowly. She had no right to judge. If this girl had truly lost everything to criminals, "Perhaps... she deserves a chance." She thought to herself.
Rosaline crossed her arms, casting a glance toward her crew before finally speaking.
"You say you want to change the world," she murmured. "But words are easy. Fighting against evil isn't just about hatred or revenge. It's about commitment. Sacrifice." Her eyes darkened. "Are you prepared for that?"
Celestia nodded without hesitation. "I am."
Rosaline let out a quiet sigh, barely audible over the crashing waves. "Fine," she said at last. "You'll come with us. But don't think that means you're one of us yet." Her gaze sharpened. "You'll prove yourself first."
As the members of Lox turned and boarded their ship, Celestia followed seamlessly behind them, slipping into their ranks as though she had always belonged. Behind her, Bril and Zoan exchanged a glance before stepping forward.
"Uh, since you're heading out… mind if we catch a ride too?" Bril asked, rubbing the back of his neck. "Zoan's in rough shape. He needs medical attention."
Rosaline, standing at the helm of the larger vessel, cast them both a scrutinizing look. She exhaled through her nose, her fingers tapping lightly against the wooden railing.
"Come on, then," she finally said, her voice edged with reluctant acceptance. "We're heading to our base in Nyxterra. Luckily for you, we have a medic on board, though he doesn't use mana." She crossed her arms. "I'm not about to let someone die just because I said no."
Bril nodded in gratitude, helping Zoan onto the deck.
The crew wasted no time preparing for departure. As orders were shouted, the ship's sails caught the wind, aided by those onboard who manipulated the currents with well-practiced magic. The vessel glided smoothly across the water, cutting through the waves with ease.
Zoan was quickly ushered below deck, where a doctor dressed entirely in crimson awaited him. Without a word, the medic knelt beside him, pulling out supplies as he assessed his wounds with a critical eye.
"This is going to hurt," the doctor muttered before beginning the treatment.
Zoan merely grunted in response as Celestia watched from the side, her expression unreadable.
"Perfect," Celestia thought, her emerald eyes gleaming as she casually surveyed the dimly lit space below deck, ensuring she didn't draw unnecessary attention. Her fingers traced the rough wood of the wall beside her as she let her thoughts flow.
"We're heading to Nyxterra. I still have these two… and I will have Rosaline." Her gaze drifted toward the small, rounded window, where moonlight reflected off the rolling waves. A slow, knowing smile curled her lips.