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"Yera, I grow tired of coming before you with news of these attacks. You sisters are decimating our trade fleets. I insist you do something about it at once." A rather unpleasantly uptight badger gazed sternly at the rather tall buffalo before him. Ceres seemed largely uninterested in what the man had to say, especially when she was so close to her term. Dark brown fingers stroked slowly over her motherly swell as her eyes blinked slowly. It was the eighth time in only eighteen months Julius had come before her expecting some sort of result.

"I've told you countless times before. We do not condone the actions of our sisters. They are not even part of our community any longer. They were warned to cease hostile action or face exile. They chose the latter."

"Yes! And now they are able to assail our vessels freely, without fear of retribution from you!"

"You have my sympathies, Julius, but what would you have me do? Hunt them down? Look at our harbor. Do you see any warships present? All we have are simple traders, not particularly fast, poorly armed by your standards, and far too few to pose as any serious threat. And I will not have my people fight one another. I will do what I can, send them a message asking they abide by your wishes, but that is all I can do." It was true. The Empire was strong on land, but the majority of their naval power left when the Great Division sent one whole clan from their homeland years ago. Since then, their piracy had grown far more daring and frequent. Their reputation for keeping deaths to a minimum remained intact however.

The badger growled softly, the hair beginning to bristle along the back of his neck, "That will do nothing! Their attacks are becoming more and more vicious! The last assault killed eight of my finest men!"

"From what I hear, they were caught trying to board a smaller merchant vessel, something about taxing the trade routes. My understanding is that such an act is illegal according to the maritime treaties. The oceans are free to traverse. It's also my understanding that the captain of that particular ship was known for, shall we say, less than civilized behavior."

"Are you saying your sisters killed them out of a sense of justice?"

"I'm saying they were defending the innocent. I can't speak to the point of whether or not those who were killed deserved it," She paused, narrowing her eyes slightly, her patience was running low, "but I can certainly hold an opinion on the matter."

That made Julius quite cross, gritting his teeth as he stepped closer, perhaps a little too close. The guards reacted with a start but were quickly put at ease by the dark bovine seated at her end of the table, allowing him to approach. He kept his hands at his sides, fingers clenched while he attempted to retain a measure of composure.

"Tell me, Ceres... when last have your sisters returned to trade?"

The buffalo's blood began to run cold. She knew what he was insinuating, but she wouldn't be the one to start the conflict.

"They are permitted one visit each year, and with only a single ship with minimal crew. They are brought to the center of the harbor and their supplies are brought to them. None of them are allowed to set foot on Gangxian soil. All trade is done in the open water of the bay. They are to arrive at midday and they are to depart before the sun touches the horizon. Any hostile action or disregard to the law is to be met with swift retaliation."

"Oh come now Ceres, we both know there's more trade going on with the Empire and your little pirate fleet than that. It may not happen here in Gangxia, but it does happen. Maybe further down shore. I couldn't help but notice the outpost on Yoshima Coast has been seeing a bit of a boom in its economy lately."

"They have seen a strong harvest in the last few years. It's a good trading port for the outlying territories. It is little surprise they're doing more business as roads to and from improve."

"And it just so happens that it is a tax-free port. No need to report the flow of money back to the Empire."

Ceres felt his venom trying to sink in, but she resisted, keeping calm, "We find that taxing the outlying settlements only serves to stunt their growth. As they become stronger, able to stand as a self-sustaining colony, we annex them into the Empire and introduce modest taxes."

"Yes but until then, those ports are havens to all manner of underhanded dealings. We've even had reports of one or two pirate ships, crewed by your sisters, at port there."

"Then your reports are wrong."

Julius was beginning to break ever so softly, "Are they now?"

The buffalo nodded, "Yes. All outposts were made well aware of their exile and conditions upon which it stands. If any of them dared to enter a port controlled by the Empire, they would be told to leave immediately and given no quarter. We have had no reports of our sisters trying to make port at any Gangxian outpost."

"Then perhaps your reports are wrong."

"I beg your pardon."

"As I mentioned, without any taxes, there is no reason to track the flow of money. It would be easy to do something less than ethical and have it go unreported. Like for instance writing down the wrong name for a ship and her captain making port." His lips pulled into a thin, frown. He was growing bolder by the minute.

"I don't think I care for your insinuation, Julius."

"Whether you like it or not is irrelevant. I'm simply stating the fact that it would be easy enough to misrepresent a ship and crew on the official port logs to avoid any unpleasant sibling rivalry."

Ceres stood, her face now quite stern. The guards took note of her mood and stepped in just slightly nearer.

"I would suggest you take great care in what you say. It is a rather large accusation you make, one that we do not take lightly. They broke a sacred covenant among our people and their punishment is being taken most seriously."

Julius rolled his eyes, "And I've only your word on the matter? Forgive me if I seem more than a little skeptical. If you won't admit to it, then you leave us no choice but to defend ourselves against your fleet. Violently if necessary."

"They are not part of our fleet, and if you fire on a single merchant ship flying our flag, then you will be responsible for starting a war."

The badger glared sharply at the tall woman, not letting her size intimidate him, "It seems to me that you're so eager to start a war, you've already begun. Recall your sisters now and I won't have to take drastic action."

Ceres was starting to lose her composure, stamping a single, large hoof to punctuate her point, "By our highest laws, they have been banished! They cannot return! I cannot recall them! They do not act under my will or that of any Gangxian!"

"I find it most convenient that you claim they have been exiled. That you can communicate with them as often as they make port and yet you can claim ignorance of their actions. Too convenient. Tell me, did you enjoy ordering your sisters to kill my men?"

"Get out!" Ceres threw an arm sternly to point to the door. The guards pressed in close, their weapons drawn and held towards the offending 'diplomat'. He lifted his hands slowly, a sly grin spread across his muzzle, He'd gotten the 'confirmation' he sought, even if it was only his interpretation. He turned slowly as he was escorted towards the exit.

"I take it this means I will not be permitted to see your father?"

"I'd say that time has long passed! From what I've seen of you lately, I'd be concerned you'd try to assassinate him! See to it he reaches his ship! Provide them with only as few supplies as they need to return home! If they need more, they can trade with the outposts they so despise!"

The badger was shown out and the mood in the room immediately lost a great deal of its tension. Ceres sighed and closed her eyes, running her hands over her stomach. It looked bad, very bad. A striped feline approached, just as heavy as her chief, hoping to try and ease her mind somehow.

"It went better than we expected."

"Yes, remarkably. He didn't immediately declare war. I wouldn't put it past him to try anyway. Signal the fleet, tell them to be on their guard. Any ships from the Argosian nation are not to be trusted or permitted into any Gangxian harbor except in an emergency. We may only command merchant ships, but they can still run away."

"Yes ma'am. And what of our sisters in exile?"

Ceres sighed and looked out the open doorway towards the harbor. The tall staircase leading up to the great palace offered a spectacular view of the city below. She had ignored the problem for far too long. It had to be addressed.

"He believes we are still in league with them. Nothing can be said or done to change that."

The tiger nodded, joining her Yera in gazing across the city, watching as the Argosian ship unfurled its sails, readying to leave, "Should I contact them and inform them of the matter?"

"For now, do nothing," She sighed again, "For now, I need to go speak with him. Remain here, handle matters at your discretion in my absence."

The feline nodded, prepared to delegate tasks in Ceres' place for the time. The buffalo turned and headed deeper into the palace. It was a delicate time, the city and its people on the brink of war with an aggressive, unruly country across the ocean. She began to curse the day they began sailing the seas. Had they left well enough alone, their sisters would not be in exile and they would never know the trials of fire that would befall them soon enough.

The smooth, polished stone floors gave way to a wide staircase leading to the next level. The designs were intricate, meant merely as a work of artistry to be enjoyed. The reliefs on the walls however told a story, the very story of how the great city-state of Gangxia came into being. It was rather graphic, even erotic, in its portrayal. But then the artisans wanted to depict it as accurately as possible. It never failed to arouse the desires of the women who stood and appreciated it for a little too long. Eventually, the four flights of stairs led to a grand, open hall. Instead of traditional walls, it had stone supports that were wide enough to block out most of the outside world, but the gaps between them served as vast openings. Were they to be filled with glass, they would have been the largest windows anyone had ever seen. In the center of the hall was a grand basin, rectangular in shape and only three feet deep. It was little more than a reflecting pool, but then what it contained was not reflective in the slightest.

Ceres paused as she entered the room, her senses suddenly bombarded by the overpowering aroma of her father's scent. It was hard not to notice, even at street level at the base of the temple. The open air construction of this floor allowed his musk to waft for miles. Many of the Gangxians described coming home from long trips away from the city, how they could suddenly detect his aroma on the air as they approached, signaling how close they were. His virility had become something of a source of myth and legend, a central part of the Gangxian culture, almost its basis, its root. That wasn't Siyu's intention when he was essentially kidnapped roughly so long ago. Now, he was something of a prisoner of his own flesh. He stood in the basin, his seed all around him. The buoyancy provided by the pool allowed him easier movement, considering just how large he had become. His constant production leaked forth, filling the vessel in which he stood.

His legs and feet had not been dry in years.

A complex plumbing system connected the basin to a series of pipes that carried his seed down through the temple to a number of locations, not the least of which was the ceremonial square. There the statues made in his likeness stood, flowing freely into a second pool that collected the excess essence, only to be returned to the plumbing system and pumped through again. To anyone unaware of Gangxian culture, this might look like a strange, depraved fountain system. But in fact, it was how everyone living within the central city managed to quell the fires that burned within them. Every few months, some of the ladies were allowed to 'take their turn' with the statues and use them to breed. Those who lived further out had their own idols to make use of, at least to slake their lust, and samples of his seed to ensure their 'prosperity'. There were frequent pilgrimages to the holy temple of Siyu so that they could maintain their way of life. Three other fountains like the first had to be built to keep up with demand, and Siyu himself had to continue to 'grow' to match as well.

The kangaroo rat stood at the edge of his basin, looking over a few parchment sheets detailing schematics for a new construction project one of his daughters was obsessing over. He adjusted his glasses and tugged lightly on his thin beard before he spotted Ceres, recognizing the telltale shudder that passed over her as she entered the room. He smiled and sloshed his way over towards her.

"Ahh, hello my daughter. And how are you today? Healthy I see."

"Yes father, healthy. As are my young," She looked to her abdomen, fawning quietly over the twins she carried. She did little to show her jealousy of some of the other girls, how they had litters of three or four, sometimes a great deal more than that, "But unfortunately, I am not well. I am greatly troubled by our recent guests."

"Ah, yes, the Argosians. I saw them prepare for departure. It was a great deal sooner than expected. I take it the meeting did not go very well." He beckoned the buffalo closer, offering her a seat.

"To say the least. Unless something is done about our sisters in exile, there will be war between us."

"War is inevitable. You will find there are men like this... Julius... as you described him, all throughout the world. They seek power, and will do whatever they must to acquire it, even if that means destroying the lives of others. Great cities and nations have fallen because of this quest for power."

Ceres frowned, straightening her posture to provide an air of defiance, "This city will never fall. I won't let it. I have lived to see ten of my daughters come of age and become mothers themselves. I'll not permit anything to keep the rest from doing the same."

Siyu chuckled, silently proud of his daughter's determination, "I know you won't, my dear. However, in order to ensure the future of our family, as great, wide, and varied as it is, you may be required to do things you may not wish to do. Things that will weigh very heavily on your mind for the rest of your days. And you will even be called a hero for it."

"A hero? For carrying out heinous deeds?"

"Strange I know, but it is the way of things. History is told by the victors. Now, you haven't just come to see me because you want your father to give you a hug and tell you everything will be alright. What is it you wish of me?" He was a shrewd fellow, having become something of a figure of wisdom since his ascension to idol status. After all, being confined to his pool, he had a great deal of time to himself. Reading became a favored pastime, and the philosophies and cultural studies that came pouring in from the four corners of the globe fascinated him greatly.

"As always, you see the very heart of the matter. I must do something to try and avert this war. I have to somehow convince our sisters to halt their attacks on Argosian ships."

"They are simply doing as they feel is right. The Argosians have never acted with much honor even though their ruling family has been kind to us. It is difficult to maintain obedience and discipline so far away from one's homeland."

"None the less, they must stop. For the good of all our people."

Siyu paused and tugged on his beard again, looking quite thoughtful, "Well... if I am not mistaken, Julius is no doubt preparing a speech to recite before his nation, meant to stir up warmongering. Or he may simply attempt to consolidate his fleet near our shores and attack without the crown even finding out. I find it very unlikely that anything we do could change that. What's more, even if you were able to reach out to your sisters and make them listen to your words, I have a difficult time believing they would heed your warnings. They are pirates. And pirates do not hold to any code but their own. 'Take what you can. Give nothing back.' and all that."

"But I must do something!"

"I agree. Something must be done."

Ceres sighed and slumped where she sat. The kangaroo rat waded over towards her, resting a hand on her knee as she brooded.

"I cannot see what I must do, only that something must be done. Were you in my place, father, what would you do?" Her voice carried with it the tiniest hint of desperation, the only clue to vulnerability she would allow herself, and only around Siyu.

"I would try to speak to your sisters."

That confused the buffalo, "But you just said-"

"Yes, they are unlikely to listen, could you even track them down. But there is still a chance they might. That is a chance you must take."

She began to see what he had been trying to do, to quietly nudge her in the right direction. It was his attempt to help her reach the solution on her own. Sometimes she still needed a little more help than that. At least she wasn't quite so proud as her mother. She could admit when she was stumped to the 'little' rodent.

"That still leaves the problem of making contact. I've no idea what channels they would be receptive to."

"That's because you're thinking like a Gangxian. You have to put that aside."

"And what, think like a pirate?" She sounded softly indignant, skeptical of his suggestion. His knowing grin as he peered up at her over his glasses told her how earnest he was. She paused, blinking incredulously at him for a moment as it slowly began to dawn on her, "Think like a pirate... in order to catch a pirate..."

"Exactly. Or at least contact one," Siyu nodded. He stepped away as the russet bovine stood, seemingly unburdened by her heavy load, "You look like you have an idea."

"I do. Thank you father. You always know just how to help."

"Oh, all I did was get you to realize something you already knew. Now go on. You've a job to do... and... the priestesses will be here shortly. It's that time of the month again." He sighed, wading his way over to the shallow end of his pool where they would collect him to test his potency and adjust his 'output' according to the needs of the Empire. Getting out would be impossible without help, and moving around would be equally challenging. With how much he had grown since he arrived in that little jungle village, he had to be carried anymore.

Ceres nodded and bid her father farewell as she turned to leave. She wouldn't be able to make the trip herself. She was too close to giving birth and far too easily known. Maybe someone else could complete the mission.

---

Yoshima Coast Port was electric with the usual activity in the market square. The golden statues of Siyu stood gleaming in the center of town, waiting for anyone who might need use of them. Some were waiting in line for their turn to slake their lust. It was rare to see any males present, but it was not unheard of. They usually gave the center of town a wide berth, just in case one of the girls got impatient. Some dared to seek out such 'perils' to see if the legends about Gangxian women were true.

Life carried on in its usual way, traders and merchants shouting to attract passers-by to come purchase their wares. As they all went about their business, a cloaked figure eased her way through the crowd. Her eyes darted this way and that, scanning the masses for any signs of those who might bare the mark of the sea-fairing exiles. It was a busy port. It would be difficult to find anyone specific.

The words of advice rang softly in her long ears as she made her way through the streets, to think like one of them. Pirates would keep relatively close to their ship, if they even made port here. The lapine made her way to one of the higher spots of town, a great hill that overlooked the entire point. The harbor was easily within view, as well as all the ships put in at the moment. None of them seemed particularly pirate-like, but then that may be because they were trying to conceal themselves. Just scanning the docks would be of little use. She would need the aid of the locals. The hare turned about and looked back and forth down the narrow street, trying to determine her next course of action. A large sign reading 'The Leaky Dinghy' caught her attention and it struck her as the best logical choice. It was also rather close, and her feet were sore from the long walk into town.

The door opened to a dark, dingy room only part filled with all manner of uproarious life. Every single one was sporting the hefty belly that marked them as under the Gangxian nation's influence, if not an actual citizen. With a bit of effort, the rabbit managed to work her way to the counter. The barmaid clopped her shoed hooves over to her and leaned over onto the counter, her bust practically spilling out of her gown. The only thing that kept it in check was her own heavily rounded stomach.

"What'll ya have, sweetness?"

The hare was used to such nicknames. Among the Amazonian women of her country, she was somewhat on the short side. And her frame wasn't quite as audacious as the rest of her sisters. It gave her a more diminutive stature compared to everyone else. She simply let it roll off her back.

"I'll have an ale."

"An ale? Are ya sure, button-nose? This isn't the stuff they serve down in the big city. This is a bit rougher than most 'civilized' folk enjoy. Don't worry, won't hurt the baby." Alcohol consumption had come to an almost immediate stop as the population swiftly became one of constant growth. Because it was still greatly desired, they had to develop libations that were as close to alcohol free as possible. It didn't however stop artisans and moonshiners from experimenting and finding all sorts of interesting recipes.

"All I care about is if it's safe. Harsh or not doesn't matter to me."

The sizable mare shrugged and clopped away, returning after only a short while with a tall wooden stein filled with a frothy, acrid smelling liquid. The hare looked it over carefully before gazing up at the horse who had brought it. The equine watched back curiously, waiting to see how the lapine would react. The smaller, white lady collected the stein and took a strong pull, pausing for a moment. The look on her face was uncertain. The mare couldn't get an accurate read off it. Then she returned the mug to her lips and continued to drink, tilting the wooden thing higher and higher, gulping and glugging away until the stein was empty. She wiped her lips with the back of her arm and slapped the mug on the counter with a loud sigh of satisfaction.

"Not the best I've ever had, but far and away from the worst. I'll have another."

The mare's lips split into a wide grin as she cackled.

"You've got spirit! The next one's on the house!" She took the stein and refilled it, "So what brings a delicate lookin' thing like you up to a seedy place like this?"

The rabbit was given her stein back once it was full, this time only sipping it, "No offense, but my business is my own. I'd like to leave it at that."

A nod was the horse's response, picking up a glass to clean as she stood there, not quite ready to let the matter drop completely, "Fine, fine, I know when to leave well enough alone. Can I at least get a name?"

"Tortia."

"S'a fine name. Your mother gave it to ya did she?" The bartender smirked a bit, proud of her silly little joke. Tortia simply rolled her eyes in a good-natured manner.

"No, I gave it to myself. I was the proudest infant in the nursery when I picked it out."

That gave the horse reason to snort and chortle a bit. Having a sense of humor was a good thing around here.

"You'll fit in pretty good around here. Just give a holler if you need anything."

"Actually, there is something you can do for me."

The tall equine lady paused as she was turning to tend to another responsibility, "Oh?"

Tortia nodded, turning on her stool to look back at the window behind her, "You can tell me how often new ships arrive down at the docks."

"Dunno how that's gonna help ya, sweetheart. We get ships coming and going all the time. Was there one in particular you were lookin' for?"

"Oh I just like to see the different builds and designs. My mother works in the shipyards back in the capitol. I used to doodle what I saw when I was with her in the workshop." She paused, offering a quiet sigh, "I never really get to see my favorite style for very long. Was hoping to see one up close while I was here."

The bartender raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued, "And what might that be?"

The hare kept her gaze on the window, watching the masts down below waving back and forth ever so slowly, "I don't know if you call them the same thing out here but at the ship yards, we called them 'Junk' style."

That made the horse stiffen lightly, almost indiscernible to the untrained eye. Suddenly her mind was beginning to consider a number of possibilities. She dared not reveal too much of her thoughts just yet.

"Yeah, we call'em that up here. 'Course... there's another word most folks use instead. Why's that style your favorite?"

Tortia turned back around to give the horse her attention properly, absentmindedly running her hand over her heavily but smoothly curved belly. She shrugged softly as if the question didn't hold much weight to her.

"I don't know. I've just always found the design interesting. It's so different from most ships we see in the bay."

"Well, sweetie, there's really only two ways to see one of those up close. One's to join a merchant crew and run cargo for at least six months. You're bound to spot one... maybe even have a close encounter." The tone of the mare's voice seemed to have changed but only ever so slightly. There was now a tiny hint of caution in her voice, as if she were warning against something.

"And the other?"

The bartender looked up from wiping down the counter, her eyes carrying a hidden sense of earnestness behind them, "To turn pirate and join their crew," She returned to cleaning the polished wooden surface before her, unhindered by her own gravid stomach, "But then a delicate little flower like you probably doesn't have any interest in that sort of thing. You're too much of a city girl. You'd miss the high streets of Gangxia. No... the open sea's no place for you."

Tortia frowned softly, putting on her best look of indignance, "And why isn't it? I've got just as much right to sail the ocean as anyone."

"Not in times such as these, my dear. These be troubled waters." The horse slipped into her best salty accent for a brief moment, eliciting a giggle from the hare. Quickly she shifted back to her normal brogue, "What with the news of the Argosians taking to our ships none too kindly anymore, there's worry that a war will break out, and that's a great fine mess that a lady such as you should have no part of."

The rabbit lowered her gaze softly, having mistaken the equine's meaning, "I'm sorry, I thought you meant I wasn't cut out to be a sailor. I thank you for your concern."

"Think nothing of it, lass. If it's sketchin' of the ships you'd like to do, there's a rather lovely little spot just down the hill that has a glorious view of the western sea, marvelous for sunsets and gettin' a good look at incoming traffic. That'd probably be yer best bet." The bartender had switched to cleaning another empty mug, keeping her attention on the hare.

"I'll have to go find it then. Thank you," She paused, turning as if to leave. She then spun slowly back around, "So... do you see Junks often around here?" There was an implication that came with the question no matter who asked it or how it was asked.

"Well I'm sure I don't know dearie. I don't keep track of who comes and goes. I just stand here and tend bar... and look after the wee ones when my wife's off buying supplies."

"Surely you must hear things," She leaned in a bit, lowering her voice to a hushed tone, "These people aren't the only ones glad to be away from the capitol."

That seemed to resonate quietly with the horse. There wasn't a true sense of dissidence among the public. Some just preferred the lifestyle, and greater sense of freedom, that came with living on the edge of the Empire. There was something of an unspoken understanding among the outlanders, as they had been called from time to time, that they had their own way of doing things, separate from the central city. Should they be called upon in a time of need, they would not hesitate to rush to their sisters' aid, but in times of peace, they preferred to keep their distance.

The bartender tightened her lips and scanned the room quickly before leaning in closely to the rabbit, her auburn belly sagging under her. Tortia fought to keep from staring lustfully at the swaying dome. The horse took note of that but quickly shoved the thought away.

"Alright... you didn't hear it from me, but we do get visited by a Junk or two every now and again. It's not often, once or twice a month. We've not seen one for a few weeks so we're due to see one anytime now. And if you breathe a word of it to another living soul I will see to it the town priestess sews you up and makes you join the cult of the childless."

That made Tortia tense up softly, just under her fluffy little tail. That was quite a threat. Usually only those who actively chose to give up the gift of motherhood joined the cult and sated themselves by... other means.

"You have my word, I will not tell a soul. Besides, I love a good secret." She offered the horse a knowing wink and stood carefully. A few coins were pulled from her purse and she dropped them on the counter, at least twice what she owed for quenching her thirst.

"I said the second one was on the house."

"I know, but you gave me more than a couple of drinks." Tortia flashed her best smile and turned to the door. It was probably a good thing she was leaving. She was letting herself get a little too distracted. Damn hormones.

A quick search of the docks showed no sign of the desired vessels and so the hare decided to seek out the scenic location she had been told of. But not before getting something to eat. The street vendors were selling like mad, shouting for any takers to come and buy one of their 'delicious' creations. Fortunately, Tortia was more adventurous than most of her sisters. She collected a few odds and ends to nibble on, probing lightly for information when she felt it was appropriate, and then retreated to the spot on the hill where she could see the harbor without too much distraction. The locals were all fairly tight lipped on the matter so leads were slim at best. Still, it didn't hurt to try.

---

Noon was left far behind by the time the rabbit had managed to finish the snacks she had bought. It wasn't quite enough to please the baby but it would have to do for the moment. The sun dipped lower and lower towards the water's edge on the horizon and cast a golden hue across the world. The sky was ablaze with its crimsons and oranges, forcing a powerful shimmer across the sea. If anyone came from due west right now, they'd be hard to spot until they were quite close. It was probably the best time of day to make an appearance. Then again, they might try to put in at night. It was hard to predict how a pirate would think.

Just as the sun came within a hair's breadth of touching the ocean, Tortia finally rose, feeling that it wasn't going to happen today. She was hungry and in need of finding lodging. If she waited too long, all the inns might fill up and she might have to seek the comfort of another's bed. There wasn't anything especially wrong with that in her mind, but it did invite unwanted distraction and the possibility of 'strings attached'. It wasn't worth it when there were perfectly good rooms waiting. As she turned in the hopes of tending to both of these needs, a glimmer caught her attention from the corner of her eye. Not thinking much of it, she turned her gaze back to the water, expecting it to be the ripples playing tricks on her. What she found instead was a ship making for the port. It was small, far too small to be a proper Junk, but it certainly carried the same styling. She had been staring in that direction for hours and she never spotted it until now, and it was rather close.

Plans for food and bed would have to wait. She had to take the chance presented to her.

The docks were just as busy as the square, though with a more directed focus. There weren't any street vendors clamoring for attention. Everyone had a job and tended to it. Tortia found it something of a challenge just to stay out of the way. The small vessel had docked on one of the side piers, away from the main body of traffic. Its small crew of five disembarked to secure their moorings and to deal with the harbormaster. Even though she was a fair distance away, the hare could see something more than the usual goings-on with the head of the docks and the skipper of what was no bigger than a cargo ship. Of the five, one remained behind to keep watch over their boat while the rest pushed on into town.

Tortia wasn't about to lose them.

Quietly, she cursed her short stature while trying to navigate the crowds of the marketplace, desperate to keep her targets in sight. At least it made it easier for her to conceal herself. The fact that the four ladies were dressed similarly to the locals didn't help matters. It even felt as though they were aware of her and actively trying to lose the rabbit in the crowd, but they couldn't be, not at that distance. Still, she wasn't about to give up. The main square passed without seeing the party enter even a single shop. Instead, they seemed interested only in visiting the temple. The towering structure welled up before them, not quite as busy as the market but certainly not unoccupied. Quietly, Tortia slipped inside, hoping to pass herself off as just another local paying tribute. She pulled her hood further around her face and followed along silently.

Deeper inside, the idols of Siyu lined the walls, and a tremendous fresco of the kangaroo rat responsible for their civilization filled the back wall. The priestesses stood before the intricate carving, making their prayers and giving their blessings to those who approached. The hare turned to face one of the smaller figures of her father, lifting her hands as if to pray. Every now and again, she glanced sideways from under her hood to watch the four she had trailed this far. One of them, the skipper, was taken aside by one of the priestesses. The familiarity with which they conducted themselves suggested something more than a simple friendship. The jade dragoness leaned forward and pressed her lips to the wolf standing before her. A pair of emerald arms slipped around the lupine's neck. Usually such relationships were forbidden, but then they were pirates after all. At least she thought they were.

Quickly she brought her gaze back to the statue before her and focused there, feeling as though she had stared too long. To help her cover, she knelt and leaned forward, offering a kiss to both of the two golden orbs, each one as large as her stomach. As she leaned back, she began chanting the usual prayer. It would take a good five minutes to finish. Surely the more traditional ritual would throw them off her scent. While she chanted, the hare offered a subtle glance in the direction she had been looking earlier. Early into her prayer, she saw the skipper, and the priestess entangled with her, make their way out of sight. The other three remained behind, talking amongst themselves.

Eventually, the chant drew to a close. Tortia had stolen several quick glances over to check on the trio as she prayed. Eventually, she returned her gaze forward and began moving to stand. Once she was back on her feet, she felt a presence behind her. Something bumped her just above the small of her back; a smooth, round shape that would not remove itself. As she turned to see what it was, she found herself unable to spin that way. Another spherical shape had made itself known on that side. She turned on her heels to spin the other way and found yet another barricade. She was trapped between three rather sizable bellies, and their owners all grinned down at her.

"Well lookie what we have here. We got us a cute little cotton-tail." The one immediately behind her mused. It was a wolf of jet black fur, her eyes a brilliant yellow, almost piercing.

"Oh that's a good one... Cotton. Tail. Cottontail. Clever." The voice to the left was slightly more gruff but still carried a hint of breathiness to it.

"Now what could be so interesting about us that a sweet little thing like this is taken to following us around?" The lady to the right had a far more musical quality to her tone.

"I'm sorry... I don't understand what you mean. I was just trying to get to the temple. I didn't mean to make you think I was following you."

The dark one smiled a toothy grin, reaching out with a hand to pat the bunny on the top of her head, "Trying to get to the temple... all the way from the docks... through the center of town. There are easier and faster ways to get here from there. And you don't look like a dock worker to me."

"I was visiting a friend who works there. After that, I headed here and I wasn't in any real hurry. I like walking through the square on the way here. It gives me reasons to be thankful when I pray." A cunning lie, though not entirely false.

"Ooooh, thankful are we? Yes, you've got a lot to be thankful for. A lot."

The other two ladies chimed in with their own noises of agreement, "Oh yes a lot. Quite a lot. A lot indeed."

All three wolves were crowding her somewhat uncomfortably by now. Were she in the mood, it would seem a great deal more affectionate than it did at the moment. At least they were doting on her rather than trying to intimidate her.

"Please, I just wanted to come offer my prayers to the Good Father and be on my way."

"Oh I'm sure there's more to it than that," The skipper returned, her hands on her hips, her own bloated stomach surging out from her trim, toned form. She was a seasoned sailor as were the other three but she commanded more authority by her presence alone. Tortia could not help but gaze long at the lupine, a perfect mix of fierce sea warrior and motherly form. The skipper smirked seeing this reaction, "Something tells me, girls, that our little bunny here was interested in more than just giving daddy a few prayers. I think she wanted a good long look at us to use later tonight if you get my drift."

Tortia allowed herself to blush as hard as she could manage, hoping feigning embarrassment would lend credence to her story, "I... I don't know what you're talking about."

The skipper smirked and gave the lapine a light tap with a balled up fist on the white lady's shoulder, "Uh huh... sure... whatever helps you sleep at night."

"You came back pretty quick. Everything good to go?"

The dark lady took hold of Tortia by the shoulders, not letting her pull away. It wasn't altogether unpleasant, "Yeah, everything's fine. We're still on for later."

"If you have plans then I should not keep you from them. I've not eaten yet tonight and my little ones are starting to protest, so if you would please let me pass..." The hare turned gently in the dark wolf's grasp, trying to break free, though not with enough effort to actually do so.

The skipper smirked, reaching down to give the rabbit's tummy a soft pat, "Oh now we can't have that, now can we? Girls, let's go get some dinner. Our new little friend here will be joining us."

All three of the wolves around Tortia grinned toothily down at her, not permitting her a chance to slip away. The group turned to take their leave, practically dragging the hare with them. The lapine suppressed a knowing grin, congratulating herself for letting herself get 'captured' by the very women she was hoping to reach out to.

The temple was left behind as the small pack of wolves returned to the bustling square. The sun had vanished completely beneath the horizon but its light was still keeping the western sky afire, though it was fading quickly. Where they intended to take the hare was something of a mystery. Right up until she spotted a familiar wooden sign hanging just above the entrance to the tavern they sought. The group pushed the door open and unceremoniously stepped inside. 'The Leaky Dinghy' had become quite a different place in the few hours since last Tortia visited. It had been relatively quiet, comparatively speaking. The patrons largely keeping to themselves, and at best only half filled. Now it was alive with all manner of carousing at a level that could be heard down the street. The wolves pushed their way through the uproarious crowd to a table near the back, forcing their lapin companion to take the seat in the corner so she couldn't get away.

"Why don't you girls go get us some drinks? Let them know we want a feast... can't let this little lady or her baby go hungry now can we?" The skipper smirked and wrapped an arm around the hare, making Tortia feel slightly awkward.

The other three wolves nodded and pushed their way through the masses of patrons to reach the counter. While they were gone, the dark canine suddenly put on a serious edge atop her joviality.

It made the rabbit even more uneasy.

"If you've got somethin' ta say, you'd best spill it now 'cause they won't be gone long."

Tortia paused, blinking softly at the skipper.

"I'm sorry?"

"A girl like you, clearly high society, delicate, 'civilized'... in a port like this. You stick out like a sore thumb. I could smell you the minute we hit the pier. You were watchin' us as we disembarked down at the docks and you followed us through the market to the temple. Even took up praying at the only statue within earshot of us. You bunnies are great long-distance eavesdroppers. What are you doing here and why are you so interested in us?"

Suddenly, the smaller lady was feeling the distinct sensation of the wind being taken out of her sails. There was no way she'd be able to feign ignorance on the matter. They had known of her presence from the instant they arrived.

"Okay... yes... I was following you."

"Why?" She didn't quite snap at the hare, but it was rather punctuated and abrupt.

"Because... I... I guess I've always found p-" she caught herself and immediately changed words, "people... like you to be... interesting."

If the skipper held any appreciation for the rabbit's tact, she didn't show it, "So we're interesting are we? I'm flattered. I didn't know we had ourselves a little fan club. And you just thought you'd waddle around after us like a little, fluffy spy?"

"Spy!? No! Never! I would never breathe a word of what I saw or heard to anyone!"

The wolf raised an eyebrow, leaning in closer, "Oh so you did hear and see something after all..."

Tortia swallowed hard. Her eyes were enormous. Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all. The usually calm and quick-witted hare found herself stammering.

"I... I just... that is... I mean..."

Immediately, the skipper burst into laughter, leaning back in her chair. The reaction confused the hare but soon all was explained.

"Oh you city girls are so much fun to tease! We didn't do or say anything we're that interested in keeping a secret. I just wanted to make you sweat a bit."

Tortia glowered softly, lowering her gaze in front of her. She felt like a child being picked on by a bully. Unpleasant memories of her youth bubbled deep beneath the surface but she ignored them. Instead, she remained quiet, hoping the skipper would quickly change the subject.

After a brief moment, the wolf spoke up again, "Oh did I hurt the poor bunny's feelings? Here lemme kiss it make it all better." The dark lady leaned over and pressed her lips firmly against the hare's cheek. It wasn't a delicate, loving sign of affection. It felt more like a continuation of the teasing. Not to mention leaving Tortia's fur markedly damp.

"Look, was there something you wanted from me? Or can I be on my way?"

"It's not what I want dearie, it's what you want. I'll let you be on yer way if tell me exactly why you were so keen ta follow us around, and if I like what ya have ta say. Ya can't tell me it's just pure curiosity. You've got another purpose for your poorly thought out spying. Now out with it."

It was coming to a crucial moment. She could attempt to bolt. Likely a bad idea in so crowded a place. She could shout for help but that would probably go unheard with it so noisy, not to mention the locals would likely give the pirates quite a bit of space. She could make up a lie and risk being caught in it. That was an especially bad idea. There was only one option that she saw as a possible solution. She had prepared for this, knowing it would likely be the only way out.

"I want to join you."

Had the wolf been drinking at that instant, she would have spat it out.

"You want to join us!?" Her voice was filled with terribly amused incredulity. It was as if someone had just told her the greatest joke ever written.

Tortia kept her face as stony as she could muster. Were she so inclined, she likely would have been quite a fine gambler, "Yes. I want to join one of your crews."

The skipper was fighting to maintain her composure, a fight she was shamefully losing. She leaned far back in her chair and howled with laughter. As she held her sides, the hare's gaze was brought back to her large, dark stomach, unable to keep herself from staring. Thankfully she managed to rip herself away from it just before the wolf calmed down enough to notice.

"You want to turn pirate do ya!? Well I can tell ya I've only got one crew and that's the four you've already taken note of on this little exercise in foolishness! If ya want to join a crew for a larger ship, ya can't do that here, and I very much doubt they'll take a little cream puff like you! You look like you've never sailed a day in yer life!"

"I can do it. I just need a chance to prove myself. Let me join your crew, at least until you get back to wherever you make berth. Where the rest of your sisters make berth."

The skipper narrowed her eyes as she leaned in to grin at the hare, sensing a hint of shrewdness in the smaller lady.

"Yer persistent, I'll give ya that. And you've got the nerve to stalk a gaggle of pirates. Still can't tell if that speaks ta yer courage or ignorance. 'Sides, I've got all the girls I need. Why should I bring a sixth along on a five woman crew?"

Tortia leaned in as well, bringing her nose only a few inches away from the wolf's. Probably not the best idea.

"Because a ship like that needs five sailors minimum. You've got a skeleton crew. You give me a chance and I'll show you how ship-shape I can whip your boat into being. And with storm season closing in soon, you'll need all the help you can get." Her expression was stern, willful, sure of herself. It made the skipper lean back with an amused grin.

"You've got some serious backbone. Practically fearless when it matters. Maybe you do have what it takes to sail under our flag," She paused, tugging her lips into an even wider grin, "If the other ladies don't eat you alive first."

"Eat me alive?"

"Sailing with us isn't a pleasure cruise, sweetheart. The regular merchant clippers are a cakewalk compared to life with us."

Tortia frowned harder, "I can take care of myself."

"Aye but can you take care of the sister to the left and right of you? Scrawny thing like you might get tossed overboard at the first pull of the line." The wolf eyed her claws, brushing them in her fur as if to polish them nonchalantly.

"Just give me a chance to prove myself."

"Give you a chance to prove what?" It was the other three. They had finally returned, setting a number of drinks down across the table before filling their seats. The skipper simply smirked back at them.

"Seems we've got us another member on our crew! Best watch yerselves girls, she's got a fire in her!" The dark wolf's cackle drowned out the noise of the other patrons. The rest of the crew present howled with laughter and began showering the lapine with jovial, if somewhat bruise-inducing, signs of affection and comradery. They jostled her about as they cheered, seeming not to mind the addition of a sixth.

"So what's yer name, cottontail?"

"Tortia," She answered with a subtle hint of contrition in her voice. She hated being called cottontail, "Though I'm sure I'll have a new one soon enough."

"Rightly so," The skipper wrapped an arm about the bunny, tugging her close, almost smothering the poor thing in her bust, "Tortia's a fine name and all but it's not quite the sort of thing to strike fear into the hearts of those who would dare cross the likes of us! You'll need one more befitting that of a pirate!"

After she was permitted to pull away for breath, her cheeks a deep, ruddy hue from so intimate of contact, the hare managed to respond.

"I'm sure you'll think of something quite appropriate."

"I'm sure we will! Now! Let's feast!" Just as the skipper raised her voice in a cheer, the mare Tortia had spoken to earlier in the day clopped her way over and began setting trays of all manner of 'edible delights' on their table. First point of order for the hare was to not let the other three order the food if at all possible. Still, she was quite hungry and that was more than enough reason to eat. Their carousing carried on, blending in easily with the rest of the crowd for hours.

---

The sounds of drunken-like cavorting had long faded as Tortia sat on a barrel just near the leg of the pier the cargo ship was moored to. Her head hurt. Not from drink of course but from the heavy atmosphere that came with it. Her ears were still ringing. The wolves that had all but marched her back to the docks were busy going about loading supplies onto the ship. It was an efficient operation. They must have given the harbormaster a list of goods they had come to town for, or the crew member who stayed behind had told her. It looked as though they would be able to get underway soon enough, far sooner than the hare had anticipated.

"Don't just sit there, powder-puff-bottom! You said you could get this boat shipshape in no time! I expect you to make good on that word!" The skipper practically barked at the rabbit, making her jump to her feet, in more stereotypical a 'frightened bunny' fashion than she intended.

"Yes sir!"

"That's 'Aye Captain' to you, lassie! Now step to! I want this ship ready to shove off in half an hour! All cargo squared away and stowed properly! I'll not have anything roll around and break on my watch!" The jovial demeanor from earlier had given way to the salty harshness of a sailor's life, but not quite the way she was used to.

Tortia had to constantly remind herself she was a pirate now.

"Aye Captain!"

The wolf glowered softly, "Speak up! I can barely hear ya with that little squeak of a shout!"

"AYE CAPTAIN!!" She practically screamed. She was going to be hoarse after this little tour of duty. She scrambled across the deck, grabbing the nearest piece of cargo she could lift and began hurrying it below. The other crew members all offered their own piratey shouts and laughter. She amused them on some level she couldn't quite understand. Maybe because she was new and they were going through some sort of ritualistic hazing. If that was the case, then the worst was yet to come.

Thankfully they didn't leave her to do the whole job herself. Two dock hands came to her aid as did a couple of the crew. With five working through the cargo, it was loaded fairly quickly. Once it was all aboard, Tortia asked the dock hands to stay below with her for a few more minutes. She had one more task she needed their help with.

Up on the pier, the skipper sat chatting with the harbormaster, discussing compensation for staying 'off the books' as well as comfortably anonymous. While they came to an agreement, the jade figure from the temple seemed to simply materialize out of the darkness. She was a stealthy one this priestess. The wolf's ears twitched as the scaled woman approached, bringing a grin back to her lips.

"Ahh so you did make it after all!" She spun around to see the priestess in question. Behind the dragoness was a sizable delivery concealed in brown sack cloth and tied about it tightly to not permit anyone a chance of sneaking a peek. Four large ladies clad in plain clothes grunted as they set it down firmly on the stone wall at the edge of the pier. Whatever it was she had brought, it was heavy.

Immediately she embraced the lupine, "Yes, I managed to steal away for the moment. But the others will know I have left soon."

"Then we won't keep you too long. We'll relieve you of the lovely gift you've brought us and be on our way. You can scurry on back to the temple before anyone can grow too suspicious." The skipper turned to nod to her crew, silently commanding them to collect the large, unknown object, and carry it aboard ship.

"I can't go back." The jade lady's tone was quite grave. The dark wolf frowned in confusion as the words reached her.

"Of course you can, the square's mostly empty right now, you should be able to get back in only a few minutes. No one will be the wiser."

The dragoness shook her head briskly, "No, I cannot. They have begun to suspect... us."

That displeased the skipper. Her frown deepened and she began to search the walkways lining the hill above them, looking for any sign of pursuit. If what she said was true, she might have been followed.

"Are you sure?"

The emerald lady nodded, "Positive. The rest of the sisterhood has begun to question my motives in all matters. They have even begun limiting my responsibilities and having others watch me. If I return, they will know what I have done and who I have given it to. You must leave. As quickly as possible. They cannot see you docked here or it will bring the wrath of the Empire."

"We're almost ready get underway," The wolf turned and barked an order to her crew, "Get that thing stowed on the double! Once it's secure, clear the moorings and make ready to set sail! And tell our little friend that now's the time for her to prove her worth!" Acknowledgement came in a collective 'Aye!' from the group and she turned to look back at the dragoness who had risked so much just to ensure their delivery was made, "And as for you..."

"Don't worry about me. I can hide myself in the town until their search quiets down. Just before dawn, I'll leave port and head deeper inland. There are plenty of small frontier towns along the edge of the Empire that are in need of a priestess." As she began to back away, readying to make a break for cover, the wolf grabbed her wrist in the firm manner she had come to know all too well.

"I know of another community that could use your... expertise. Yer comin' with us."

The dragoness gasped in shock, "No! I couldn't! They would have me stricken from the order and banished!"

"That's almost a certainty at this point. I'll not leave behind someone I love to such a fate. I've made up my mind. Get on board. Now." The skipper wasn't taking no for an answer, and when she put her foot down on such matters, there was no arguing with her.

The priestess nodded softly and hurried across the gang plank. Without delay, she rushed below to find a place to sit out of the way. As she descended, the rest of the crew came back on deck and the dock hands rushed back onto the pier. The tallest of the grey ladies, likely the first mate, hurried to the wheel as she ordered the others to work the rigging and cast off. Tortia was among them, scurrying along to do as she was told. The skipper made her way over to her second in command to hear her report.

"All hands making ready to sail, Captain. We will be underway presently. What course should we set upon leaving the harbor?"

"Make for the rocks of Umon Por. If we're followed, we can lose them in the fog just on the outskirts there. Once we're sure they've lost us, we will head for home."

In a matter of minutes, the cargo ship was moving off, headed for open water. Once they were clear of the harbor, the skipper went below deck looking for the priestess she had essentially kidnapped. What she found was a cargo hold organized more neatly than she had ever seen it before. Everything was in order. Supplies they would need were easily within reach. The more delicate items were tied down. And the massive, mystery item was stored in the center, strapped down tightly with anchors on either side to keep it from rolling around. The rabbit wasn't exaggerating! She had everything more ship shape than the skipper had ever seen!

"By the father's hairy balls! Who is this girl?"

---

When the sun finally rose, the crew found themselves hidden in a dense fog, holding station amidst a great many tall, jagged rocks. If anyone could find them in there, then they deserved to catch them. One of the crew was sent in small, odd craft to drift out towards the edge of the fog. The posture required to ride the two-keeled vessel ordinarily would have been difficult for anyone aboard ship as far along as they were. But the builders had thought ahead. There was a sizable, padded divot in the 'deck', allowing the sailor to lay flat on her stomach without injuring herself or her young. After a few, agonizingly slow scouting trips, the all clear was given. Tentatively, the cargo ship glided forward after they pulled the wolf aboard, peering out into the open sea. Off on the horizon they could see the stern of three ships that had given chase.

"Good thinkin' Captain! They didn't have the guts ta come in after us!"

"Keep your voice down. They might have sent a ship in, lying in wait for us to come out. We're not able to outrun anyone, not with a full hold, and I'd rather not shoot if we can help it. They're our sisters after all." The dark lady paused for a moment, considering possible options before turning to the hare not far behind her, "Tortia, get up the mast and put those ears to work. I want to know if there's anyone within earshot. You know the signals to use. The rest of you, ahead slow. I want a full stop the instant our fluffy friend says she hears something."

The orders were followed and the skipper marveled at how quickly the hare scaled the mast. Not even her heavy belly could stop her. Maybe she had what it took after all.

The tension remained quite high as they waited for the hare's hearing to ferret out any possible ambush. She turned her ears this way and that, straining to hear past the sound of water lapping at the side of the ship and rocks, the birds calling above, and the wind flowing past so gently. She closed her eyes, hanging off the side of the mast, searching for anything out of the ordinary. That was when something reached her. It was hard to make out at first, but soon she was able to make out distinct voices. Orders were being barked, two different sets. There was more than one ship.

Quickly she pointed her nose down and whistled sharply, mimicking the birds around her. Anyone from far enough away wouldn't be able to tell the difference. But her crew below could tell. The mast swayed forward as the ship was brought to a halt.

"Good lass... alright girls, let's back'er into the mist again. They haven't spotted us yet, but that doesn't mean they won't if we stay here. Be gentle with those oars. We don't know if they've got a bunny of their own."

As silently as the crew could muster, they were slid back into the pocket they had been hiding in. The skipper let out a sharp whistle back up to the hare, signaling her to come down. Tortia obeyed and in moments, she was back on deck. The dark wolf slapped her heartily on the back with a mighty grin. The rest of the crew sang her praises as well, at least as loudly as they could without giving away their position.

The rest of the day was spent anchored in place, more or less. The crew considered it something of a relaxed break. Every hour or so, Tortia was sent back up the mast to listen while the scout was sent to the edge of the fog, which grew thinner and thinner as the day wore on. They were forced to pull back further into the rocks as their cover evaporated.

Eventually, the sun began to set and by then, the crew was rather uneasy. Tortia continued to hear evidence of their pursuers nearby, leaving them unable to do much more than sit quietly. They couldn't hide in the rocks forever. They needed to make some sort of move. The necessity to get their cargo back to port was weighing heavily on the skipper, considering her options carefully.

"We can't outrun them in a straight line race and we'll never be able to talk our way out of this. I hate to say it, but I think we're gonna hafta open fire on them."

The rest of the crew seemed hesitant to reach for such an extreme measure. Tortia meanwhile had another idea.

"Captain, if I may," She'd done well proving herself so far. The skipper was willing to hear her out and waited for her to continue, "They are hiding in the rocks just like us. If we wait long enough, we'll have the cover of night to slip out silently without them ever being the wiser. If they do notice us, we'll have a good head start. We can head out into the open sea and keep our lanterns dark. They'll lose us in the swells."

The dark wolf frowned softly hearing the suggestion. It had merit. The clouds above promised there wouldn't be a moon tonight. They just might be able to pull it off, except for one problem.

"We wait for nightfall and we'll be just as lost in here as they are. We'd need to light our torches just to get out and as soon as they see that, we're as good as caught."

"I think I have an idea for that too."

Preparations were made and the crew settled in for the last leg of their wait. The sun glided down towards the horizon and was eventually extinguished by the sea in the distance. As the last hints of gold and red began to fade from the cloudy skies, the girls all set to work. Tortia climbed down from the mast, having been listening to determine the temperament of their sisters. They were keen to wait it out as long as need be. Begrudgingly, the skipper handed a single lantern to the hare and let her put her plan into action. Blinders were wrapped around the small glass object, leaving only a small opening on one side. That was covered in a sheer piece of fabric to dull the light further. When her work was complete, she had just enough light to walk along the deck without bathing everything in the candle's illumination.

Carefully, quietly, she settled in against the prow of the ship, looking straight ahead. The rest of the crew stood in a line leading back to the helm, manned by the skipper herself. Again Tortia listened for their sisters. They seemed otherwise occupied at the moment. Now was their best chance.

"Ahead, slow."

Her ears caught the sound of the sails above being given slack by the crew and filling with the gentle breeze. Delicately, gently, silently they glided forward. Tortia twisted her ears back and forth cautiously, not just checking on the other two ships hidden nearby, but for the sound of water lapping on the rocks. Seeing directly ahead could only provide so much information. She would need to fill in the rest as best she could.

"Bare to port. Ten degrees."

The voices of the other girls whispering the direction followed as she watched the tall, monolithic formation before her well up out of the darkness. The ship eased its way to the left and she sighed gently. Over the first hurdle. Only a few dozen left to go.

Movement was slow and time seemed to be against them. Here and there, they began to see patches of stars peeking through the clouds, swallowed up again by the inky blackness. It was only a matter of time before the moon pierced the veil and revealed them. Still, Tortia dared not send them along any faster.

The canons sat at the ready, waiting for use. That made her concentrate all the harder.

Gradually, the echoes from within the craggy spires faded, as did the voices of their sisters. Just as they all had hoped would not happen, the moon finally shone through, casting light across an open sea, as well as the rocks well behind them. It then disappeared back behind the clouds, cloaking them in the night's protective embrace. Tortia sighed in relief. They were through. She stood back up and put out her lantern. The word was given that they were clear of the maze and the sails were opened completely, aiming out into open water.

A strong 'whump' sounded as the breeze turned into a soft gust, ushering them forth. They gave themselves several moments of blind sailing, hoping to put as much distance between themselves and the rock of Umon Por as possible. When they felt they were safe, they lit up the ship and turned back on course, headed for home, wherever that was. A cheer sounded and the wolves all gathered around the bunny, ruffling her hair and jostling her about in a good natured manner.

"Not bad! Not bad at all! Best damn navigator I've ever seen! That was one hell of a risk and just as big a payoff!" Clearly, the skipper was impressed.

"Thank you, Captain. Only glad I was able to get us out of there."

"I think this calls fer a celebration! Our newest crew member just saved us from a mess of trouble! Those ears'a yers are worth their weight in gold!"

"Heh, more like silver," One of the other girls chimed in, "Prettiest, whitest fur I've ever seen..."

That caught the skipper in just the right way, "Ya might be on to somethin' there," the dark wolf tugged the hare in against her side tightly, grinning rather toothily as she spoke, "From now on, yer gonna be called Silver-Ear! As fittin' a name as any if ya ask me!"

Tortia blushed furiously as she was given the nickname and the rest of the crew approved with their usual uproar. It wasn't a bad nickname, though she had a hard time imagining anyone trembling at the mention of the name 'Silver-Ear'.

---

The pirate's hold was well hidden. Not many dared to sail so close to what appeared to be a smoldering volcano a good two miles from shore. Even the entrance was cleverly concealed behind two large wooden gates camouflaged to look like the rest of the dark, rocky slopes. Inside was an impressive harbor with room for at least two dozen ships and a small city of ramshackle buildings made from old boats. It was the very epitome of a pirate town. The cargo freighter came to dock and was unloaded by a great many of the locals. Clearly this was no ordinary supply run. They needed every last ounce of what they brought home. The mysterious item, still wrapped in cloth, was carefully pulled from the hold as the skipper was approached by another wolf, taller, bigger, heavier, in every way more impressive and intimidating.

"Looks like you were successful. Though I don't remember asking for a dragon and a rabbit. I'm sure they'll roast up nicely regardless." It was difficult to tell if the larger lady was joking or if she was in earnest.

The skipper rolled her eyes and turned to the bigger wolf, "You'll not be doing anything of the sort. The dragon is under my protection and the rabbit is part of m'crew."

"Oh is that so?" The towering grey lady turned to face the skipper, her belly swinging around, almost knocking a few others over in the process, "The dragon is yours, fair enough... but I seem ta recall you leavin' with only a five man crew. Unless I've fergotten how ta count, I believe I be seein' six on yer boat. Pick up a stowaway didja?"

The skipper smirked a little, "Not exactly," She lifted a hand and motioned for the rabbit to come forward and be presented, "This is Silver-Ear. Just joined us out of Yoshima. Fine sailor, good pirate... and the best navigator in the entire fleet."

Tortia blushed furiously again. All this praise was starting to get a little carried away in her opinion. The mountain of a motherly wolf looked down sternly at the hare, raising an eyebrow as she took in the relatively diminutive form before her.

"The best eh?" A very heavy pause hung in the air as it felt like this new woman did not approve of the bunny's arrival, until her face melted into an expression of amusement, "Well if you say she is, she must be somethin' special."

"I do. She got us out of one hell of a spot on the way home. Lemme buy you a pint and I'll tell ya all about it!"

"'Fraid not tonight sweetie, there's business that needs doin'. That little parcel you got all wrapped up nice and neat is ta head up into the main hall. Somethin' about an unveiling and what not. Also, the Commodore will wanna see this little one for herself if you're bringin' her into the town," The grey lady leaned forward a bit and nudged the rabbit's shoulder with two fingers to get her attention and sink her point home, "Either yer amazin' in the sack or you can just about walk on water for Captain Valory here ta keep ya around. Can't wait ta hear the story."

With that, the big lady turned and waddled off, her thick, muscular legs making light of the load she carried. She had to have a litter of six or seven at least. The skipper shouted something indiscernible back at the other captain before turning her attention back to the hare.

"I s'pose she's right. After all, the Commodore meets every pirate at one point or another. Let's hope she doesn't try ta eat'cha!" She nudged Tortia with an elbow as she laughed, "C'mon, let's get ya changed. Can't have ya meetin' the king of all pirates dressed like a city girl!" Captain Valory, as she had been called, took the hare by the wrist and tugged her along. Her other arm was wrapped tightly around the waist of the ravishing jade priestess she had rescued.

Fashion wasn't something pirates were known for, but at least it was comfortable, even if it did smell a little funny. Tortia could fix that later. When all was said and done, her ragged tunic, close-hugging trousers, and rather interestingly colored hat made her look every inch the pirate she sought becoming. Thankfully, she had been permitted to change in privacy. She wasn't quite ready to bare it all in front of any of her crew. With Valory distracted by her emerald lover, it was easy to slip behind a screen and change.

The sun had begun to set yet again, the third one since she reached Yoshima. The town became aglow with innumerable lights; lanterns, torches, fire basins, they all illuminated the rustic town. Something about it had a certain charm that appealed to the bunny. She followed along with the skipper, trying not to drink in too much of the local atmosphere. She was from the capitol after all. It would take a while for all of the ways of a pirate to really sink in.

"I had heard stories of a place like this, but I had no idea it was anything like this. It really does look like a volcano from the outside. But, how do you-"

"Make the smoke that comes out the top? The furnaces fer the metal workers empty out through the top. They're almost always burnin' so looks like she's 'bout ta blow her top all the time."

Tortia nodded, keeping close for fear of drawing too much attention to herself. Near as she could tell, she was the only rabbit in the whole town. The rest of the pirates were wolves mostly. Some were foxes and dogs. There were even a few cats of varying types. All predators. She felt very exposed and it showed.

"So um... this... unveiling we're going to. What's going on? What is that thing we had in the hold?"

Valory smirked in that wolfish manner she and the other girls used, "Our salvation if you understand my meaning."

The great hall came soon enough and a sizable crowd had formed already. The object in question was standing in the center of the room, covered in a large patchwork sheet, likely an old, unusable sail. The odd shapes it had been forced to take didn't provide much aid in determining what it was hiding. Tortia simply remained quiet as shi waited for the moment to come. Valory, however, continued to lead the hare closer and closer to the front. Soon, they were standing a great deal closer to the tall mystery than the rest of the town. All eyes were on her as well as her skipper and crew. The priestess was there as well. It made her feel terribly uncomfortable.

"Quiet down ya scurvy dogs!" The voice boomed in from behind the rabbit, making her turn swiftly about to see where it came from. A tall, grey woman slowly strolled her way towards the crowd from somewhere deeper in the hall. She was dressed as any pirate was expected to be, except for her belly of course. None saw any reason to keep such a swell covered except in colder climates. The room began to grow still and silent as this elderly woman, still just as heavily pregnant as any of them, perhaps more so, made her presence well known.

Every eye in the hall was now upon the Commodore. Tortia held her breath in the hopes of getting through this without becoming any more the center of attention than she already felt like she was becoming.

"You all know what we've been needin' since day one. We've not had a proper one since before our exile. Thanks to the fearless Cap'n Valory and her crew, we've not to worry 'bout that any longer! And she's even given us a priestess to help us through all the proper rituals!" A wry grin spread across her muzzle as a lusty cheer passed through the crowd.

The jade lady was clearly embarrassed by the attention, smiling good-naturedly but looking to the ground, fawning over her tummy. Tortia couldn't help but stare at it, especially as she noticed a kick or two show up across the perfectly spherical dome.

"So, it is with great pleasure, both now and to come," the wolf paused to let the joke incite laughter, "That I unveil our first proper idol of the Great Father!" She gripped the sail and pulled hard. Her age belied what strength she possessed. With only a single tug, she had managed to unveil the great golden statue. The figure of Siyu himself was exactly as tall as he was were they to stand before him, at least five or six feet shorter than those who were of 'average' height, at least among the pirates. His shaft however stood proud and tall, almost too tall for even the tallest of them to rest their chin on, and so great in girth it could be mistaken for a mighty tree trunk.

Tortia suppressed a gasp of shock. It was almost a form of heresy taking one of the golden idols without the permission of the temple. The dragoness had broken one of their highest covenants. And she had done it for the love of the wolf that had rescued her from a life of 'chastity'. There was no capital punishment anymore. No death sentence at least. Now, they had something most considered far worse.

Had the priestess remained and it had been discovered she was the architect of the crime, she would have been forced into an order within the temple considered to be the downtrodden, those whose crimes were so heinous, it merited such a harsh punishment. Their womanhood was stitched shut permanently and the only remaining means of satisfying one's needs was anal penetration. It didn't put the fire out entirely, but it did make it at least a little easier to live with. Unfortunately, the flames would return faster and stronger than they would ordinarily. They were considered perverts and deviants, especially those who joined the order of their own volition. The cult of the childless.

To cut off one's family line in such a manner or to have it cut off by force; it was unthinkable. The rabbit suddenly felt a great deal more sympathy and respect for Valory and her beloved dragon.

The crowd cheered in a massive uproar as the gleaming statue was pushed into its final resting place. The Commodore grinned as she climbed the step ladder required for use and turned about. Her trousers were all but ripped off and she sank herself down onto the golden phallus, howling in delight as at long last her lust could be properly slaked. The rest of the girls all watched, practically drooling as their leader bounced away on the enormous spire. Her round belly bulged visibly with each downward shove, making every girl there cross their legs or squeeze their thighs together in wanton desire. When at last a lupine howl of climax filled the hall, the Commodore climbed up off the metal shaft, leaving it gleaming from her use. There was already a line to use it and it was all the priestess could do to keep it clean between uses. The older grey lady sighed in satisfaction as she climbed down, wiggling her hips having finally gotten what she needed for years.

"Now that's better. So Captain, tell me how ye managed such a daring feat!"

The black wolf grinned and turned to look over the spoils of her latest mission, "Well, Calista here should take most of the credit in getting the statue. She managed to bring it to the port without raising too much suspicion." The dark woman reached over and took the jade dragoness by the arm, pulling her into a close, affectionate embrace. The priestess yelped in surprise, flailing lightly as she tried to pull herself back to her work.

The Commodore cackled and rest a hand on the green lady's shoulder to calm her, "Relax dearie, the girls around here don't mind sloppy seconds," while it wasn't ideal in the jade woman's mind, it did permit her a chance to step away, "So... your name's Calista? Just like-"

"Yes, just like the first of our order. I was named for my great grandmother. As are many of my sisters, though most go by their second name. I've been lucky and honored to use the great mother's name as my own."

"Well Cali, I'd like ta be the first ta welcome ya to our humble little town. I'm sure Valory here'll 'welcome' ye properly later tonight."

The dragoness blushed, leaning into her lover's embrace, resting her head on the dark wolf's shoulder, "Th-thank you. If it weren't for her, I would be in a very uncomfortable place right now. I can't imagine life the way they would punish me."

"Well ye don't have te worry about that nea'more," The Commodore smiled at her before turning her sharp, yellow gaze to the hare standing shorter than the rest, raising an eyebrow at her, "Pick up a stray did ye, Captain?"

Valory smirked and reached out wth her other arm, tugging Tortia over against her belly, "This is my newest crew member, Silver-Ear. She came aboard at Yoshima. Followed us around the minute we disembarked, demanded she be allowed ta join. I gave her a chance, and by the fur on the Great Father's balls, she proved herself!"

"Is that so!" The old lady's lips pulled into a grin, eager to hear more.

"Aye! Single-handedly navigated us out of the rock of Umon Por in the dead of night with naught but a single lantern to guide us! And with two Imperial clippers lying in wait fer us! If it weren't fer her, we'd never have made it back! She's one of us, I'll swear to it!"

"I see. Yer vote of confidence is most reassuring, but think I'd prefer to hear it from the hare's mouth as it were. What say you, Silver-Ear? Do you pledge to keep to the code of the sisterhood of the ocean? Do you swear to stand strong before the mast and follow yer captain even into the very mouth of hell itself, come high water or burning loins?"

Tortia's face hardened. This was a crucial moment for her, "I swear. My crew is my family and I will not abandon or betray them," she paused seeing a reaction she didn't expect from the Commodore. It was a look of skepticism, perhaps even disapproval. She thought quickly and pulled her lips into a broad grin, "Unless they try to first."

That satisfied the old wolf and she chuckled, patting the girl on the top of the head, "That's what I like ta hear! Now, why don't you and your crew come up and feast with me tonight? Call it payment for a job well done. And maybe I can have little Silver-Ear tonight. You know the rules... a new crew member must meet with my... 'approval'." She grinned toothily and Valory nudged Tortia forward into the Commodore's waiting arms.

"That's very generous of you but... now that you know where I stand, there is more I must say. It's terribly important."

The Commodore smirked, "Oh is that so? A pirate proper only a few minutes and already she wants ta speak her mind in front of her Commodore. Such a bold lass. Alright, what be on yer mind?"

Tortia took a breath, steeling her nerves. This was why she was here. No matter how it ended, she had to get through this.

"I have come here to be a pirate. That is true. But I came with another goal in mind. My name is Tortia Longina, first daughter to the house of Devina, one of the great mothers of Gangxia. I was sent here on a mission from Ceres herself to deliver a message." Immediately, the air was sucked out of the room and the jovial mood fell dead to the floor. The Commodore frowned sternly, but the rabbit carried on, "I understand that my loyalty is now in question and that I stand a good chance of being strung up or dealt some other horrific fate for my treasonous act, but please let me deliver my message, then you may do to me what you wish. I only ask that my daughters be returned to the Empire when next you visit Gangxia." She ran her hands over her swollen abdomen, sighing as she felt her three young ones kick softly.

"We'll see how merciful I'm feelin' after I hear this message'a yers. Out with it you traitorous rat!"

The words cut into her more than she expected. She had only just been accepted by them and it was already falling to pieces. It hurt. She wanted this more than she realized.

"Yera Ceres has requested the cessation of hostilities against all Argosian ships."

A round of laughter filled the room as the words left her lips. The Commodore seemed just as amused as any of them.

"And why would we be wantin' ta do that? The Argosians have some of the best loot to pilfer!"

"That was the message at the time my orders were given to me. We were on the brink of war with Argosia. They believe you are receiving orders from Gangxia to attack and plunder their vessels. By the time I had left the capitol, the situation had changed. Three of our merchant ships had been attacked and sunk. All hands lost. We're no longer on the brink of war, we have been dragged into it."

"Well it sounds to me like leavin' the Argosians be wouldn't make much of a difference any longer. I say we keep attacking them, and now, we take our lost sisters' lives out of their numbers as penance!"

Tortia's expression hardened, "I agree."

That caught the Commodore off guard. She had not expected such a change in the rabbit's tone.

"So, you want us to go to war then, is it? Why the devil should we? Our sister exiled us. I've no problem paying back a bloodthirsty murderer for the death of any Gangxian, but I'll not come to their aid in any other manner."

"What if there was something I could offer you that would make you think twice about it?"

The old lady laughed and turned to look at the crowd, "The little one wishes to barter with her life apparently!" She turned to look back at the rabbit, "What could you possibly offer us that we might be interested in? We've everything we need here!"

"Amnesty."

The room fell silent again. The Commodore's expression turned to disbelief, then to suspicion.

"We were exiled by the highest level of authority. How can you promise us amnesty for what they consider to be such terrible crimes?"

"I can't. But if you come to Gangxia's aid in their hour of need, they won't be able to ignore the importance of bringing you back into the family. Please... our sisters need us. We must make sail for the capitol with all speed!"

"I'll be doin' no such thing! You profess your loyalty to us, then you declare yourself a traitor, then you tell us we should follow your orders and return to the very place that scorned and abandoned us! Just who do you think you are!?"

Tortia's face turned to stone, ready with the perfect answer, "I'm Silver-Ear, Gangxian pirate, navigator first class." The old wolf was taken aback slightly by the rather sharp-witted retort, "Please Commodore. When I first arrived in Yoshima, I received word from a trusted source that the Argosian armada was on its way. They plan to take the capitol. The Empire's sailors do not understand combat the way your sisters do. You can turn the tide. You can beat them back."

The room remained silent, as did the elderly lady. They didn't seem inclined to listen. It was time to hit them with the final dark revelation.

"Their commander intends to kill the Great Father. And with the numbers the reports tell us they have, they stand a very good chance of succeeding," Every drop of blood in every vein within earshot turned to ice, "Please Commodore. We can make a difference. All I ask is that we sail there. If they are not under siege, we return here and I will accept any punishment you deem fit. But if I'm right... we could be arriving just in time to watch the city begin to burn."

"They wouldn't dare kill Siyu."

"They would. Or at least they'll try. Their assassins have been known to get past even the best guards the world over. The priestesshood is already effecting a plan to move him to safety, and if they fail, they will do what they can to preserve his essence. Samples of his seed have been collected and sent to temples throughout the whole of the Empire. We will be able to maintain his influence for at least a decade after his passing... but... it will eventually run dry, and our way of life will fall."

The old wolf frowned, contemplating the seriousness of the matter as Tortia watched nervously, not just for her own sake but for the entire nation. The Commodore looked up to the crowd quietly for a brief moment before barking her orders.

"You heard the lass! I want every tub in the fleet ready to sail within the hour! We make sail for the capitol! If it's a fight those damned Argosians want, we'll be sure ta give it to'em!"

A resounding cheer filled the hall as everyone scrambled to carry out their orders. Tortia turned to look back upon Valory, the very disapproving look on the dark wolf's face making her feel she might be eaten right then and there.

"You lied t'me. You didn't want ta become a pirate just because you wanted to sail the seas. Ye wanted ta spy on us."

"No Captain, I wanted to be a pirate. That's why I was picked for this mission. They understood I would likely never return, for one reason or another. And... if the capitol did fall, I was to try and reach out to the priestesses who had moved Father and bring him here for safety. It was a risky plan, but I had to do it."

"None of that matters now, Captain," The Commodore interrupted, "Yer with me, yer whole crew, on my ship. We'll be at the head of the fleet. And little Miss Silver-Ear can show us where her loyalty truly lies," Her gaze came to fall harshly on the hare, "She'll fight in defense of our sisterhood, protect our flag, or die trying. If she even thinks about trying to disembark for one of the Gangxian ships, shoot her."

---

The trip from Yoshima to the Pirate's Cove was relatively relaxed and care free, other than needing to have perishables delivered. The voyage from the Cove back to Gangxia was tense, much more so than before. There wasn't much Tortia had been permitted to do. She spent most of her time locked up in the Captain's cabin, not permitted to talk to anyone. Why she wasn't in the brig was something of a mystery. Perhaps it was so the Commodore could keep her under a close, watchful eye. For two days she looked out the glass towards the coast, watching it grow more and more familiar. On the evening of the second, the wolf broke her solitude and pulled her out on deck.

"Care to explain yerself, missy?" She jostled the hare by the shoulder, pointing her at a golden-hued smear across the land on the distant horizon. It was the capitol, and it did not burn.

"Your ships are faster than the Argosians. We must have arrived before them. If you wait just one day, I'm sure you'll see pale blue sails on the horizon."

The older lady gave the rabbit a firm shove, not to knock her over but to drive home her point, "One day I'll give you, but I'll not give you even an hour more. If I dunnea see even the first sign of an attack, it's back to the cove fer the fleet and a very unpleasant remainder of life fer you," The Commodore turned and began barking orders to the rest of the crew, orders that would be passed on to the rest of the 'armada', "Send out three ships to the Razor Cliffs! If there's ta be an attack, they'll likely come past there! Have them send a signal if they see anythin'!"

The fleet was deployed according to the wolf's wishes. Instead of locking her back away in the cabin, Tortia was permitted to stay up on deck. She had a pretty good idea of what the plan was, and if they had guessed correctly where the enemy was to come from, and how many there would be, it might work.

"How good of a fighter are ya?" Valory nudged the rabbit.

"I can hold my own. Just remember, these aren't Argosian Merchants. These will be warships, full of seasoned soldiers. They won't be pushovers."

"Aye, but neither will we," The Commodore chimed in, "We know what we're up against, lassie, should yer story prove true. The real question is how you'll fair when yer faced with real combat. Ye can be sneaky and stealthy, but that'll only get ye so far. When the time comes, ye'd best be prepared to run a man through a'fore he can do the same ta you."

Tortia swallowed quietly. She'd never killed anyone before. Suddenly she wasn't entirely sure she could go through with it. The grey lady seemed to sense this and turned away, a light little sneer on her lips. More orders were barked, commanding the rest of the fleet into a specific formation. From this distance, they would be able to clearly see any ship passing close enough to the Razor Cliffs to trigger the signal. It was little more than an atoll fractured and cracked from the constant beating of the ocean. There were plenty of hiding places for the smaller, faster junks. They could take refuge within the crevices of the cliffs and send a party to scale the walls for a better lookout. From there, nothing would escape their sight. Gangxian telescopes were legendary. No one could even come close to the range and clarity they provided. They would see the Argosians coming long before they would be spotted.

As the sun began to vanish below the edge of the sea, the pirate fleet noticed a flurry of activity gripping the city. What limited sight they had on the streets told them a stomach-tightening story. There was an evacuation underway. The great gates into the port dropped below the surface of the water to open and a number of ships began to glide out to take up position around the outer walls. They weren't preparing for a fight. They knew they didn't have the sea power to best the Argosian navy. They were preparing for a siege; one that would possibly see the whole of the City-state burned to the ground. It lent credence to the rabbit's words.

The order was given to pull back out to sea even further, ensure that their sisters could not detect them so easily. The consensus was the city expected the enemy likely at dawn.

"Silver-Ear. Captain Valory. My quarters. Now." The Commodore's mood had grown more and more towards sour as the evening faded into night. It wasn't because Tortia had been wrong, but that it looked like she might be right. The two followed as commanded, the black wolf giving the rabbit a light push to get her in the cabin, still more than slightly put out at her.

"Aye, Commodore. What are yer orders?"

"I've no orders to give ye at the moment. I want a word with the two of you," She shut the doors behind them and waked to the far end of the room, peering out the windows, the countless hand-made panes ever so softly distorting the view, "It's lookin' as though our little bunny friend here was tellin' the truth. The Gangxians are preparin' for a hell of a battle. We'll be the only warning they have that anythin' is comin' their way."

Tortia remained silent. She had much she wanted to say, but given her current status, it was best to not speak until spoken to. Valory meanwhile had already struck upon the same idea the hare had.

"I've sent out three of our sailors on three scout boats. They're the lightest, fastest things we've at our disposal. Their orders are to hold halfway between our fleet and teh city. Once they see the signal from the Razor Cliffs, they are to race to port as fast as the wind will carry them and raise the alarm. From there, they are to join the rest of the scouts in an intercept course of the incoming armada. They'll do what they do best to stall long enough for us to get into position."

"That's all well and good, cap'n. But there's somethin' else on my mind. Ya staked yer reputation on this girl, this... scurvy little rat who tricked us into letting her into our most secret of hideaways. I've a right mind ta punish ye for it. And I've a mind ta have her strung up on the prow in case I decide ta ram the lead ship."

Valory nodded, her demeanor clearly taking a blow from the older lady expressing her disdain.

"It's yer boat, Commodore. I cannea go against yer orders, no matter what they might be. I take full responsibility fer the traitorous dog."

"She fooled ye good, didnea she? Made ye think she was a pirate through and through."

"Aye, that she did." Valory glared harshly at the hare. Then the Commodore turned her attention to the rabbit, her voice softening a bit.

"Why d'ya s'pose that is? Why is it ye were able to fool my best Captain as well as ye did?" She didn't receive an answer, the rabbit not sure if she was being addressed or not, "Speak up ya long-eared rodent!"

Tortia jumped at the sudden raising of the wolf's voice, "Because... I wanted to join you. Truly."

"Truly?" The Commodore sounded as though she might be mocking her.

"Yes. Truly. I've been with the merchant fleet for four years. Sailing is in my blood."

"So why not just stay with them?"

The hare frowned, "Because they're stuck in their ways. They only go to the same ports, the ports they know. They never explore. They never take a chance, at least not like they used to. They've gotten scared of the ocean. Your crews aren't. You explore. You take chances. You dare to reach for the horizon. I want that."

The grey wolf raised her eyebrows as though she were impressed, again appearing as if to mock, "How poetic. Didn't know we were gettin' into a philosophical debate," She turned to look at the dark lupine just next to the hare, "Cap'n Valory... do you think this chubby little ball'a fluff has the gumption ta be a pirate?"

The younger of the two wolves turned to look down on Tortia, "She did stick her neck out quite a ways for us, and she did come clean at the absolute worst time possible fer herself. I think her intentions were honorable, and sneakin' in like that... she's got at least a lil pirate in her."

"A lil eh? I suppose that'll hafta do. Take her down to the armory, find out what she can handle and arm her. Then, find a post fittin' for a delicate lil thing like her and make her stick to it."

Valory nodded with a stout 'Aye' before grabbing the hare by the arm and hauling her back out on deck. The sun had set completely and the ship's lanterns were kept low to keep from being spotted. The pair headed below deck and found the weapons hold. Turned out the rabbit was decent with a sword. She was given one with a dagger to go along with it, and of course, a pistol. Once she was properly equipped, the Captain hauled her up on desk again and pointed up the mast.

"Get yer fluffy tail up there and don't come down 'till ya see the enemy, our signal from the rocks, or you're called down. And don't go fallen asleep up there without havin' someone standin' watch for ya," Just before Tortia started to climb, Valory tightened her grip on the white lady's arm, "And if ye dare make a fool outta me like that e'er again... I'll skin ya alive." The words dripped with sincerity.

"Aye captain." Tortia was up the mast in a flash.

---

A misty morning greeted the fleet. It was quiet and eerie. The calm had everyone on edge. The white rabbit had spent the entire night awake, doing well to keep alert in spite of the strain of an all-night shift. She still had yet to spot anything and it was beginning to worry her. The Commodore and Captain discussed strategy for a good portion of the night. The rest of the crew and fleet remained tense. They could only imagine how the Gangxians felt.

Just as the sun began to peek out from behind the low mountains off in the great distance of the mainland, Tortia's hope had just about run out. She was slowly beginning to believe the armada wasn't coming.

And then she saw something. Amidst the rocks of the Razor Cliffs she saw a large sail opened and held aloft on the breeze, flapping away easily within sight.

It was the signal.

She gave the fox stationed next to her a firm slap across the shoulder to wake her up. The vulpine snorted into consciousness and twitched with a start.

"What's yer problem cottontail!?"

"Look, they're giving the signal. Get down below and tell the Commodore to make ready. The war begins today."

In disbelief, the fox craned her head back towards the monolithic spire of rock, spotting the sail herself through her own scope.

"Bugger all!" With that, the vulpine hurried down the mast, impressively quickly and safely for someone as heavily swollen as she was. The hare had found it almost impossible to work with her without stealing a glance now and again. The night gave her a chance to even 'scratch an itch' that was in need of tending to without disturbing the sleeping lady.

Once the signal had been given and it was made clear it had been received, Tortia turned to scan the horizon, searching for sails peeking up over the edge of the world. It didn't take long for them to come in sight, following right along the path they had expected them to. Once the armada was sighted, she was called down and the fleet awaited the proper time to strike.

"By now, the scouts have reached the city and are spreadin' the word. Hopefully, they won't try ta take'em prisoner," The Commodore studied the bay walls carefully, "I want every ship waiting to raise anchor with its guns at the ready by the time they turn 'round and start headin' towards the cliffs. Send out the rest of the scouts ta meet'em."

Captain Valory nodded, motioning to those who were to go. A dozen or so fast, little ships were cast into the water and boarded by their sailors. In minutes, they were off, each one streaking across the open water on two thin hulls bridged together. Theirs was a dangerous mission, but crucial.

"All forward scouts away, Commodore. Waiting on your order to move in."

"Not yet, we'll wait until they get just close enough to the cliffs to change heading 'round them."

"Captain, Commodore, if I could offer a suggestion," The two wolves turned to look at the rabbit, making her want to shrink into her clothes and hide, "Recommend we swing wide out towards open sea then turn hard in towards the fleet, come in around the cliffs from behind. That should keep the lead vessel out of line of sight. By the time the rest spot us, they won't have a chance to alert the forward ships."

It wasn't a bad idea. They had the speed to make such a maneuver possible.

"Take the wheel Miss Silver-Ear and plot yer course. Hold until my command. The rest of the fleet will follow." The Commodore was impressed. That worked in the rabbit's favor. With the wind beginning to turn, offering the pirates the advantage, they held, waiting and watching. The scouts reached the cover of rock just as the Argosians arrived on the far side. The Commodore gave the word and all anchors were hoisted. They were on the move in seconds. They would be spotted soon enough, but word would not spread through the armada quickly enough for an effective defense to be mounted.

Especially not with what was lying in wait.

The tell-tale thunder of canon fire sounded from the Razor Cliffs. The three ships hiding patiently had unloaded on the passing fleet. They surged out and broke the line, sending many of the Argosians scattering to regroup and retaliate. Only ten vessels made it past, including the command ship. The scouts sprang into action. The flew across the water at blinding speed, reaching the advancing enemy before they could react. The first boat to reach them saw one of her two crew members stand, twirling something overhead. To the Argosians it looked like an ordinary morning star. With a mighty swing, it was released and it slammed into the hull of one of the ships as they passed. Almost the instant it made contact, a powerful explosion ripped through the wooden keel. A sizable hole had been left where the spiked ball had struck. The woman who had hurled it knelt quickly atop the small scout deck, pulling a second metal orb into her grasp. She removed a cork from the side and poured the contents of a glass vial in, then corked it again. She stood and began swinging, releasing the next volley.

This time she aimed for the deck line, distracting the soldiers above from trying to fire on them. Whatever mystical mixture the deadly things housed in them was potent. Another sizable chunk was blown out of the side of the ship. The other scouts, now fifteen strong, went after their own targets, slowing them considerably. In only a single pass, they managed to even sink two of them just as the rest of their fleet broke the remaining lines far behind them.

The Commodore loosed a mighty war cry as they charged into the fray. Their three sister ships had done well to confuse the armada, even managing to hang in the fight for quite a while before finally pulling back to support the rest of their forces. Canon fire filled the air as two dozen pirate ships came into range, turning to broadside the enemy. The Argosians responded in kind but failed to hit back with the power they were known for. The pirates had stung them right where they were vulnerable. Rifle and pistol shots replaced the canons while they were being reloaded. Enemy ships were boarded and the clang and clatter of metal on metal joined the orchestra of destruction.

Tortia stayed at her post, holding to the wheel and steering them about as she was commanded. When the Argosians swung over to return the favor, boarding them just as viciously as they had, she never moved more than a few steps from the helm, "Your orders, Captain!"

Valory took charge, keeping the Commodore's plan in motion while she was busy, "Bring us about fer another pass! All hands make ready the guns! Give'em a taste'a doom!"

"The flagship is still on course for the bay! He's got three or four good ships to assist! They won't be able to defend against that!" The hare voiced her concern. The Gangxian fleet was light at best, and knowing their armaments, they were surely outgunned.

The Commodore spun about hard, her sword biting the air, hungry to cleave into flesh. Three Argosian sailors were sent sprawling, red staining their uniforms heavily, "Make yer pass! Then set course for the bay! I want five able ships ta join us! If they set a single foot on Gangxian soil I'll have their skins for sails!"

The rabbit nodded and spun the wheel hard about. The swift Junk gracefully arced around to sail smoothly past one of the less damaged Argosian ships. They exchanged fire, crew boarded one another, and the pirates pushed on. The Junk itself fared better than its opponent. The ladies had a considerable advantage over their enemy, standing at least three feet taller than the Argosians. It made for an intimidating sight. The Commodore had requested five ships, but only three managed to pull away in enough time to join them. They had greater firepower and speed, but they had considerably fewer numbers. The fleets ran better than three to one against the pirates.

That didn't stop them.

"Give'er full sail! I want every ounce of speed she's got! Anything we can afford to lose goes overboard!" The Commodore herself began heaving empty barrels and crates over the side. A handful of their scouts had turned back, having tried to slow the advancing ships as best they could. They were given what armaments that could be spared and sent back towards their targets. The cannons of the Gangxian navy rang out, not able to do much to the ships bearing down on them. They would get there too late to save three, maybe four of their sisters' vessels. They were helpless to watch as they struggled to catch up. The enemy opened a sizable gap in the navy's forces and the flagship turned and showed her side to the heavy iron gates sealing off the harbor. The guns on the walls above could not aim low enough to strike. They were largely invulnerable.

"Commodore! They aim to blast their way in!"

The grey wolf growled with a seething rage, "Ramming speed!"

"Aye Commodore!" The hare braced herself behind the wheel, aiming carefully.

The rest of the crew, marginally stunned by the order, turned to look at her. The older lady simply glared back at them, her hatred for their foe pouring out of her.

"What'er ya starin' at!? Cannons ready ta fire as we break their line! Make ready ta board! I want their commander on his knees before me!"

The crew sprang into action. The scouts offered a mighty distraction as their larger sisters approached, some of them diving for the water just before their tiny boats were blown to pieces. The Argosians saw their tactic and tried to close the net, stop them from passing through. The other three pirate ships took up similar courses to the Commodore and slammed hard into the defending vessels. A hail of fire surged from the sides of the Junk. The Commodore herself began charging across the deck towards the prow.

The sound of wood snapping and buckling filled the air. The Junk crashed into the flagship with all the force it could muster. Heavy cracks formed in the hulls of both, but the enemy suffered them much worse. Just as contact was made, the Commodore leapt, clearing the rail of her own ship. She flew across the buckling keels and landed with a tumble and roll on the Argosian deck. Her crew joined her shortly thereafter. A shriek of fury escaped her lips as she swung madly at the enemy sailors. With a boarding party of giant, battle-hardened pirates a dozen strong bearing down on the Argosians, it was a fight for them to simply not run in fear.

The Junk was boarded just as easily as they had disembarked. The remaining crew took to defending their ship valiantly. Gunfire sounded. Swords clashed. Fists and feet connected with jaw and stomach. The battle raged fiercely.

With the beachhead stymied, the rest of the pirate fleet broke and made for the harbor, slipping in alongside the Gangxians. What few of their sisters had been boarded by the enemy were boarded by pirates and liberated. The rest of the Argosian fleet, a large chunk of them limping towards the bay, slowly approached. They would soon be in for the fight of all their lives.

Eventually, the battle at the harbor gates fell quiet as they waited for the approaching armada and the Commodore climbed the stairs to the highest deck on the enemy ship. With her she dragged the wriggling, shrieking badger himself, Julius. He bit at her hand holding him by the throat, clawing and slashing away with whatever he could strike with. The wolf seemed not to care. With a single, strong arm, she hoisted him off the deck, his legs no longer reaching solid wood. She held him up for the rest of his fleet to see.

And see they did. They saw their commander taken prisoner by the head of the enemy forces. They saw how easily she overpowered him. They saw how many pirate ships lay between them and their goal. They saw the Commodore squeeze her hand around the badger's throat until his struggles stopped, though they could not hear the snap of his neck.

Then they saw his lifeless body tossed overboard.

Morale had been decimated.

With a single, smooth gesture, the grey lady lifted her sword to point at the encroaching fleet, then turned to drag the back of the blade in front of her neck. Either they would surrender, turn and run, or charge into the fray. Before any of the enemy ships could respond, the heavy, low clanging of the thick iron gates guarding the harbor opened, sliding out of the way as a lone vessel sailed forward. It was of Argosian make, but unlike those poised to attack. She showed no sign of striking against the pirates or the Gangxians. Instead, she slipped quietly around the Commodore's ship. As the ladies watched, they fell back to their own ship, sealing what cracks in the hull they could as the Argosian flagship sank. She'd been scuttled. There was no stopping her trip to the bottom.

The newcomer turned and came to a stop between both sides as a figure climbed atop the highest deck, gazing out at the invading fleet.

"You will cease your attack at once! Still the guns and put about!" It was a young voice, but it commanded authority, well-spoken too.

One of the captains shouted back, not able to completely make out who was barking orders at him, "On whose authority!?"

"By order of your Sovereign!"

Hushed whispers passed through the crews of every Argosian vessel. The order to cease fire was given and the battle fell quiet. The invading sailors watched as their sovereign, the crowned prince of Argosia, commanded his ship to pull alongside the nearest pirate Junk, the Commodore's. The meticulously groomed canine gazed out over the destruction the battle had caused, including the debris from the rammed and sunk flagship. Floating amidst the flotsam was the corpse of the arrogant, wrathful commander whose neck had been snapped. The prince frowned over the devastation and loss of life, visibly deeply displeased.

The tension was palpable. Every pirate fully expected to return to the fight in mere moments.

"Who is responsible for the death of Commander Julius!?"

"I did!" Cried out the Commodore, stepping up to the railing of her ship and putting a foot on the edge as if she were to leap out at him, "I be the one that snapped the wretched little man's neck! And I'll do the same ta any mankey bastard who dare try ta hurt any sister'a mine!" Likely not the best manner in which to respond. She was truly fearless. Her glare met the prince's eyes, working its magic to try and make him melt in is boots, or at least get his blood boiling. The reaction puzzled and shocked her.

The prince bowed to her reverently, "Then my country and I owe you a great debt of gratitude for putting a stop to his dark ambitions," He rose back to his noble posture and looked to his countrymen, "I hereby take command of the fleet. All able-bodied sailors will render aid to the Gangxians, pirate or not. Any wounded will be brought into the city for care. Commodore, your people will be given whatever assistance you require."

The elderly grey wolf narrowed her eyes, not quite ready to trust, "You'll have ta be fergivin' me if I don't believe ya as yer not 'part'a the family' as it were."

"You can trust him. Please bring your sisters into the bay so we can tend to the injured," the voice was familiar; oddly diminutive while carrying with it the tone of age and wisdom, "Or have you grown to distrust me as well?" Siyu himself emerged from the crowd on deck behind the prince. Two large priestesses carried him along, hoisting up his endowments with one of the many slings and vessels built to 'contain' him.

The Commodore blinked, stunned to silence as the Great Father spoke. Her initial thought was to wonder what he was doing on board an enemy ship. Then it dawned on her. They were committed to preserving the essence of the Gangxian way of life. What better way than to smuggle him out on the prince's ship. No Argosian ship would lash out at a member of their own royal family, and the pirates would all be too occupied with anyone showing aggression to notice. As she pieced it all together, a tall, heavy-middled figure of russet welled up behind the kangaroo rat. Ceres offered a nod in agreement with her father.

"You have my word, no harm shall come to anyone who calls herself pirate. Bring your wounded in. Our healers and priestesses are waiting."

Just as the offer was extended, Captain Valory rushed to the taller, older wolf's side, grasping at her forearm, "Commodore... it's Silver-ear. She's been shot. It's put her into labor early."

Without a moment's delay, the grey lady turned and began barking orders to her crew, orders that were sent to the rest of the fleet. With the gates still open, the Junk, badly cracked in several crucial places, glided into the bay. Numerous other pirate ships followed. Along the shore and docks were the very women waiting to assist with any injured that might come their way. They anchored themselves to the moorings and crews began to disembark. The Commodore herself helped to hoist the gangplank and slide it down into place in an impressive display of strength. While the rest of the crew secured it, she rushed up to the helm and scooped the hare up, charging back down towards the healers. She even pushed a few of her crew out of the way.

Tortia cried out in agony as she cupped one of her hands to her side. Her pristine white fur had been tainted by the dark crimson stain oozing thickly from the gunshot in her flank. She had been rather lucky. A few inches further forward and it would have hit at least one of her unborn children.

"I'm sorry... Commodore. I... I left my post."

"I saw the pool of blood around the helm. Ye stayed there even after bein' shot. Ye let go only after we rammed the bastard. Ye defended yer ship'n crew until ye could'nea hold a sword. Yer every inch as much a pirate as any of me crew. Now shut yer gob and let me get ya to a healer!"

In mere moments, the hare was in the arms of two of the many priestesses, all varying shades of green. As they collected the suffering rabbit, they moved to block the wolf intent on following.

"No, Miss. You cannot come with her. She needs to be taken immediately to the temple for care."

"I'll not have one'a me crew taken that far outta me sight! I'm goin' with her!" The wolf stamped her foot angrily, making them cower ever so slightly as they held their ground.

"Yera Ceres wishes to speak with you immediately. Your sister cannot wait. We must take her now!"

The Commodore growled and looked off behind her, spotting Valory nearby. She had given chase as soon as Tortia had been scooped up and rushed off the ship.

"Captain! Yer ta go with these ladies here and see to it that Silver-ear is tended to appropriately! Yer not ta let her outta yer sight! Do I make m'self clear!?"

Valory nodded, "Aye Commodore!" She turned to the two dragons poised to haul the rabbit away, "Well what are ya waitin' for!? Get goin'!"

The two jade figures rushed off carrying their patient with them. The dark wolf followed closely behind. The Commodore glowered as she watched them vanish into the crowd, trying her best to push away the uneasy feeling of what was to come of the hare. A growl rose out of her as she turned about, aiming to stroll right over to the prince's ship. She didn't get very far. A wall of deep brown stopped her. It was Ceres. The prince who had granted her passage aboard his vessel stood just off to the side and behind, dwarfed by the height of every Gangxian around him.

"You're concerned for your crew." Her voice was even and calm. Now was a time to use diplomacy whether or not the wolf facing her would do the same.

"'Course I am! She's been shot! She's gone in ta labor! And ta top it all off, my crew are all standin' in the middle of a city we'd been kicked out of years ago!"

A hand made its way to the grey lady's shoulder in an effort to calm her, "You have my word that every crew member of every ship in your fleet will be take care of and that you will all be free to go if you so choose."

The wording caught the Commodore off guard. It puzzled her quite deeply, "Why in blazes would we choose ta stay when prison'd be our next stop!?" She still had no faith in Tortia's offer of amnesty.

"No one said anything about sending your crew to prison," Siyu piped up, his 'escort' carrying him towards the discussion, "There is much we must discuss. We should adjourn to the central temple."

---

It took some doing to get the kangaroo rat back into his wading pool, the only place where he could move under his own power anymore. From there, the Commodore looked out over the bay, keeping a watchful eye on her ships. It was the best she could do from so far away. She could only hope her sisters were being treated as promised.

"You watch as though you expect some great calamity to befall your fleet." The rodent offered a quiet chuckle, sensing the burden of a leader in her.

"I've not been so far from the sea in decades. Makes me uneasy. I need ta feel the sway and the swells under ma feet."

Ceres raised an eyebrow, "So it isn't concern for your fellow sailors. Makes sense I suppose. Wouldn't be terribly pirate of you."

The elderly wolf spun about, glaring at the buffalo, "What do you know of the ways of a pirate!? Nothing! You sit here in yer ivory tower, lookin' down on the world, tellin' the lower folk what ta do with their lives! You've ne'er had ta honor yer captain or crew! Ne'er had ta prove yerself before the mast!"

The bovine lifted her hands to try and calm the Commodore, "I meant no disrespect," She sighed and looked to Siyu, "I told you there was a reason I generally try to avoid using humor. I don't have a mind for it."

"It's a difficult skill to master to be certain. Commodore, come sit so we can talk. Your sisters are in good hands and they will suffer no ill fate, I assure you." The smallest of the group stood in his pool near the edge while Ceres sat just to one side. The Argosian Prince, who had introduced himself as Rolland, stood not far from the older grey lady, keeping a watchful eye on the horizon himself as the bulk of his fleet, those who were able at least, turned to return home. This was a conversation he felt he did not need to intrude upon until the grey wolf had calmed.

The fact that he meant to ensure his people kept their word spoke volumes to the Commodore. She turned back towards the pool, not quite ready to let her guard down just yet.

"And what would we be talkin' about? I've no intention of surrenderin' a single ship or sailor. And if yer lookin' ta compensate us fer the trouble ya can keep yer charity!"

"It is not charity or terms we offer," Ceres glanced once more at her father, his knowing nod giving her the additional strength she needed before she returned her gaze to the wolf, "We wish to offer reconciliation."

The word caught the Commodore by surprise. She blinked and frowned in confusion. True the rabbit had mentioned they might offer this, but her mind reeled, casting about to try and find some hidden agenda, some darker motivation behind what many had considered to be impossible. When she finally could find no answer, she responded.

"Why?"

"Because... too long has this gone on. For too many years have our sisters remained so harshly divided. That very split almost brought the entire nation to war. I don't think I need to tell you that we were clearly ill equipped to handle such a conflict. Had you not come to our aid, the city would have fallen. And once we fell, it would not have taken long for the Argosians to turn their attention to you. In all likelihood, we would have been wiped out, perhaps in a few years time, but it would have come none the less. Such a thing cannot be allowed to happen again."

The wolf narrowed her eyes, seeing only what she wanted to, "Oh, I understand now... ye got scared by a bit of a bloodied nose so ye want ta convince us ta protect ye from the scary things in the world! I'll not have me sisters turned into slaves! Lap dogs doin' the biddin' of the crown so they dun e'er have to dirty their own hands!"

"Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of an Imperial Navy." Ceres spoke rather matter-of-factly. It stunned the Commodore.

"Navy..."

"Yes, Navy. Shipyards to build and maintain the fleet. Training for new recruits. No need to run and hide anymore. Freedom to put in at any port in the Empire." Again, there was no tone of insincerity to the buffalo's voice.

"Any port in the Empire... are ye sayin'-"

"We've been discussing the matter, Father and I, for quite some time. How many decades has it been since the split? Why are we still separated? Because you 'went out of turn'? Such a matter is no longer an issue with the idols in every major square of the city."

The Commodore narrowed her eyes, her mind still unable to accept so readily the idea of rejoining the rest of 'polite society', "Ye'd welcome us back just like that? No judgment or punishment? No form of penance for desertion?"

Ceres shook her head, "No. Nothing of the sort. Of course you would once again be subject to Gangxian law, but all past transgressions would be forgiven."

"And if we're disinclined?"

"Any Gangxian pirate who wishes to raise sail and depart will be free to do so. They would be viewed now as they have been and treated as such, but they would be permitted to leave this one time."

The wolf narrowed her eyes again, stepping a little closer, "You say all transgressions would be forgiven. Does that include the most recent one?"

Ceres sighed, "If you're referring to the statue that was taken, yes. I've already spoken to the priestesses of the temple at Yoshima and made clear my intentions. They will not pursue you or the one who facilitated its removal."

"Well that's everything tied up in a neat little package then isn't it? Sounds like a properly good deal. A little too good if ye ask me."

Siyu waddled his way as close as he could within in his wading pool towards the wolf. He was still a fair distance away as she turned to stare back out at the bay. He quietly wished he was able to walk under his own power, "Do you remember the day we tested that first real sailboat? The one that we capsized?"

The Commodore's ears twitched, her sour expression tightening, "Aye."

"Do you remember how exciting it was when we first caught the wind and took off?"

She didn't dare turn around, "Aye. I remember."

"When was the last time you tested a new boat or ship?"

Again the wolf tightened her expression, pulling her lips into a clench. She knew what he was doing. Part of her hated him for it, "At least twenty years."

"I've missed designing ships with you. If you come back, we can continue. You might be surprised by the advances we've made while you've been away." His offer was genuine. Such a pastime was one of his favorites. He'd never be able to do any of the sailing himself now, but he could at least watch from a distance.

The Commodore growled a little, kicking herself for letting temptation take hold. She wanted so badly to stay strong and defiant. She didn't want to appear weak. To anyone. Not even the father of her children. She remained quiet, trying to prevent her will from crumbling any further.

Siyu sighed, watching the lupine hold her ground.

"Ameta."

She did not respond.

"Ameta... you're one of the last ones left alive from before my time here. So many of your sisters have passed."

"So they have. What of it?" Her tone was a touch too harsh, making her scold herself for letting it come out so sharp and biting.

Siyu took it in stride, "Come home. Spend what years you have left among those of your daughters who stayed behind and the daughters of your sisters. I don't know if I could bear the thought of hearing of your passing on some far away island."

Her strength was beginning to melt. She could feel it.

"We would never be accepted back, not truly. There would be too many who would see us as outsiders."

"After today's victory, you might find that less the case than you think. And anyone who clings to old prejudices can come speak directly to me."

Ceres nodded in agreement, "It won't be tolerated. You have my word."

The Commodore turned back around slowly, trying her best to maintain her hardened expression in spite of what was going on inside, "Welcomed back... just like that. No bargains. No conditions. No terms."

The buffalo stepped forward, "Only one, from me," The wolf felt her trust retreating away again before Ceres continued, "I want to learn how to sail, and I'd like for you to be the one to teach me."

The wolf paused, struck by the request. She reached out, resting a hand on the bovine's shoulder, squeezing it softly. It was clear it had struck a chord with her. Siyu struck one last time to try and cast away her doubt.

"Come home, Ameta. Teach us all how to protect ourselves."

She lifted her chin, keeping her eyes on the kangaroo rat she had looked after for so many years in her youth. She was tired of running. It was getting harder and harder to steal away supplies anonymously. It was a deeply tempting offer. Maybe it would be worthwhile.

"Do I still get an 'audience' with the Great Siyu when it's my turn?"

The rodent chuckled and nodded, "I think I can find time in my busy schedule to let you fit me in."

The grey lady nodded, managing to regain her composure, "Very well. Before I agree ta anytin'," her accent had even returned in full force, "The white rabbit that was hauled off ta be mended, Silver-Ear's her name. I keep'er. Whatever she was ta do upon returnin' home, forgotten. She's mine."

Ceres furrowed her brow softly, glancing down at Siyu before speaking up, "Yours? How so?"

The wolf turned and strutted back towards the open space through which she spied the bay, now seeing what it could eventually look like, "If I'm ta command a Navy, I'm gonna need officers like her. She's no say in the matter. She came lookin' ta turn pirate, and pirate she'll be until she's served her time a'fore the mast. Even if we be doin' away with the word 'pirate'."

The buffalo chuckled, finding the term agreeable, "Somehow I doubt she'll refuse. Of course, she'll have to be honored for her bravery and skill."

"Aye, that she will. And make it a grand affair. I want ta see her little white cheeks turn red at the sight of it all." The lupine smirked.

"I think we can arrange that," Siyu smiled, "So you'll agree?"

For a short moment, the wolf remained quiet, glancing sidelong at Ceres and the Great Father next to her. She strolled casually back over to them, appearing to be considering the offer carefully, as if she'd gone back to being uncertain. A hand was shoved forward towards the buffalo and she spoke with the absolute best pirate brogue she could muster.

"We have an accord."