Black Ninja

Pirate X-Over: The Mysteries Of 'Black' { Ninja & Angel }

He was trying it. Now. However, Will did have to admit it was a cleaver idea. He was going to have to remember it. Though, you would need a strong partner to keep the boat down. With the current and the boat itself, it was very difficult as it was to keep it down. Boats were meant to float. Holding it under water as well as trying to keep yourself below wasn't as easy as everyone made it out to be.

Nodding, he took a deep breath and let go as well. Having grown up on an island surrounded by water, he was an excellent swimmer. He didn't even get disoriented as he swam back toward the surface, breathing out slightly, the air bubbles going up ahead of him. Breaking the surface beside the boat, he inhaled and looked for Vivienne. The men on the boat above had spotted them and were shouting out orders. A rope came down. Catching it, Will gave it to Vivienne. Let her go first. Not only was it the polite thing to do but no doubt if he went up first, there would be a slight awkwardness until Vivienne came up and explained he was with her.

Brushing the wet hair out of his eyes, he followed up after her. His eyes took in her bare legs before he glanced away. He steeled himself and climbed up on deck.

Pirate X-Over: The Mysteries Of 'Black' { Ninja & Angel }

"You're mad!" Will said as they pulled the heavy boat under the water. The air pocket provided allowed them to breath even as they walked on the base floor. Still, it took a lot of effort to keep the boat pulled underwater. Boats were not made to go underwater and Will was a bit surprised that Vivienne was able to hold her part down. Grudgingly that gave her another notch of respect. "Either that or a genius."

The sand floor wasn't that deep. It got deeper as they went further away. He guessed Vivienne knew the way, which was good. It was a bit difficult to tell directions under the water and with the current pulling at them, one could be turned around. "So, I assume we hitch a ride on your 'borrowed' ship and head after Low?" He wasn't so sure he liked that idea but he would go with it. A pirate crew would come in handy taking on the other crew. He had been thinking more of a sneak in and out but apparently not.

But at least she was working with him. Will's mouth tightened at the thought of Commodore Norrington. The fact that him and Governor Swan didn't care to even see if Abigail was safe annoyed him. Once he rescued her, he'd let her father know. That would undoubtedly bring some recompense on Norrington. Will didn't know much about Abigail's father but he was a powerful lord. The fact that a British Navel officer refused to even see if his daughter was alive or extract vengeance on her death and possible lost virtue would no doubt make the lord extremely angry.

The Orb of Mysticism - 1x1 RP between May and Black Ninja

Fredericks refrained from scowling. The captain was sure in his head. There was no way he would find someone else. Yes London had a lot of mechanics but finding a good one, hiring them, and then having them fix this mess in time? Ha! He almost wanted to quit right then and there to see how the man took it. But he didn't. He needed the job. He had some money but not a lot. And finding another ship right away would be difficult. Besides, despite his bluffing, the captain needed him. Even if he found a mechanic, where would he get one that was as qualified as him?

"Begging your pardon Cap'n, I know we needed to get out but the ship had more issues than we initially realized. The part itself proved to be difficult. It's almost one of those types that require a week at least to get to, remove, replace, and test before putting everything else together. It's the way it is. I'll move as fast as I can but no guarantees." A sly thought came to mind. "You know though, an assistant would make it go faster." He left it hanging. He almost smiled at his cleverness. He'd get an assistant and make them do all the grunt work. Oh they'd still need him. He'd have to 'mentor' the boy and show him how to do it correctly but the hard labor and tough spots could go to the hired help.

"But we can do without," didn't want to seem to desperate. "Just takes longer. Telling it like it is, Cap'n." He kept his voice respectful, despite his annoyance with the man.

~ ~ ~

Roger turned when the door opened again. He smiled and tipped his hat at Bea. "Ms. Brown." Formal. Polite. Anything less and Ms. Mortimer would have his head. Not that he couldn't be formal but they were friends. It seemed a bit silly to always call her Ms. Brown. Of course, if he even tried it on a normal bases, she'd put an end to that quickly.

He hid his smile as Bea started walking away. Tipping his hat, he nodded to the landlady. "Ms. Mortimer."

Her eyes narrowed as she glared at him. Muttering something under her breath she turned and slammed the door.

Catching up to Bea, Roger casually took the briefcase from her. It was done so simply and without a major fuss. It was something he did without much thought. It was who he was. It wasn't because she was weak. Ha! Far from it. No, it was because he born a gentleman and that was what one did. "She seemed a bit grumpy today." He gave Bea a slight grin. "Annoyed she was unable to wear you down?"

Pirate X-Over: The Mysteries Of 'Black' { Ninja & Angel }

Will bristled slightly at her correction. Ship. Boat. Did it really matter with Abigail's life on the line? He sighed. "Ship then." He raised an eyebrow slightly at her comment. "Borrowing?" That meant she stole it from someone. She and a crew probably commandeered it. But she was undoubtedly one of those pirates who used fancy talk to avoid calling it as it was. Why? Maybe it was to help their guilty consciences. He didn't know. He didn't understand pirates nor wanted to. They were scum. The British and the East India Company had a good idea when it came down to it: first offense - branding. Second, hanging. Assuming of course they just didn't hang you. Most of the time they skipped the first and just went to the second.

Enough people in the world had been hurt by pirates. And considering all the damage they did to his own life, Will had no sympathy for them. The only reason he was even working with this woman was because he had no choice. She would lead him to Abigail, rescue the girl, and help him get his revenge. After that, he would be glad to never see her again.

"So, how do we get out there? Swim? You do know that if the Dauntless and Interceptor see us, they'll be after us immediately. And I don't care how fast your ship," he purposely put emphasis on the word, "is but nothing can outrun the Interceptor. I hope you have a plan."

Pirate X-Over: The Mysteries Of 'Black' { Ninja & Angel }

Sneaking through town wasn't as hard as Will thought. It was fairly easy dashing between buildings, ducking aside as soldiers with their gleaming redcoats walked by. Will followed Vivienne as she seemed to know what she was doing. That's right. She had to have gotten on the island some how. He doubted she just arrived on one of the merchant ships. But then again, he wouldn't put it past her. Though she had a look about her, she didn't scream pirate. Well...mostly.

Reaching the harbor Will paused. So they would be taking the Interceptor. Nice. It was the fastest ship in the fleet. But could they really man the whole thing? There was no way two people could get the sails up and prep everything for launch. Oh they probably could sail it once everything was ready but preparation - no way. He started to look at Vivienne when his eye caught something. Turning back he studied the ground. Was that a.... it was. There was a little boat cleverly hidden. He had practically missed it. But how did one get to it? It was out on the water, with no visible way to walk there.

He turned to Vivienne. "Is that your boat?" He asked

Pirate X-Over: The Mysteries Of 'Black' { Ninja & Angel }

Vivienne Black. Very interesting name for a pirate. He had half expected some more masculine name or something. Some pirates changed their name when they went that way and Vivienne....well though it sought her, it seemed almost too...delicate for her line of work. He pushed the thoughts aside and looked at her. Listen to her at all times huh? Well, that didn't mean he had to obey. He didn't trust her. Oh she would help him - or he hoped. He was a bit desperate there. But even if she did, she'd have her own agenda and would probably try to stab him in the back in the end. The thought crossed his mind that she might only be agreeing to capture Abigail for herself and rub it into Captain Low. But he had no choice but to work with her. Maybe she and Low would kill each other and make this easier. The concept of wishing her dying hit him and he pushed away the regret.

"As long as it seems reasonable." He took her hand and shook. Her hand was a bit rough from swordplay but at the same time smooth. She was still a woman and it was obvious. He let her hand go and went over to the candle holder. Breaking it he headed to the bars. "There's a weakness in the bars. If you pry them at a certain angle they'll give." He paused at her inquisitive look. "I helped make them. The final design wasn't my idea and couldn't be helped." His master had done some of the work. The idiot. Will had done the best he could but the flaw was still there.

He broke the bars open, using the candlestick as leverage. He eyed the pirate - Vivienne - a bit suspiciously but stepped aside letting her out. "We need to get out of here safely, find a ship, and get Abigail. I'd prefer we leave now." He didn't leave much room for arguing.

The Orb of Mysticism - 1x1 RP between May and Black Ninja

Fredericks looked hurt. Though inside he was fuming. Someone else do it faster than him? Was the man calling him incompetent? He knew far more than this captain did - than anyone in this stupid town. He had the career and medals to prove it. How dare the man insinuate that he was inferior. But, honor aside, he had to kiss up to the man. That was how the game was played. "I'm so sorry, Captain. I know this messes up your calendar. And I am trying." A thought came to him. Maybe he could use this to get an assistant. Someone he could make do the work. It could also be seen as a 'mentorship'. Call it whatever to get some kid to do all the grunt work. He was going to suggest it when the deadline hit him. "Captain!" He protested. He looked around the room. "There's no way we will be operational that quickly." And he was right. In his attempt to change out the part he had dismembered part of the engine. He would have to change the part out, put the engine back together and then tweak everything. And that was assuming that there was nothing else wrong - something that didn't even cross his mind.

He frowned thoughtfully. "Maybe I can get us operational end of day but doubtful." He made his voice as sincere as possible. Really, he just needed to buy some time. He didn't think he'd be able to finish by the end of the day but maybe the Captain would be in a better mood. Right now the man was a bit glaring. No doubt because his daughter had fed him some lie or other. "No mechanic can get this fixed before than." Feeling a bit more confident, he lifted his chin slightly. "In fact, I doubt you'll be able to find a mechanic who you could hire and bring in here in that time." His arrogance had kicked in slightly. The man needed him. Especially if he wanted to go somewhere in the next day or two. Finding a mechanic was difficult. You had to interview, get an idea of their skills, and then you had to see if they even knew the engine. This piece of junk wasn't the newest airship out there. Not many might know how to operate it. Because of that, the Captain needed him. The man could be gruff but when it came down to it, Fredericks held the power here.

~ ~ ~

At the agreed upon time, Roger rang the bell at the boarding house. Ms. Mortimer would probably have a fit seeing him. He wondered how much pressure she had tried to put on Bea to get her to stay. It wasn't like they were running off to do anything unhonorable. In fact, they would have a bit of a chaperone with William and his daughter. Roger would in no way do anything to ruin Bea's reputation. He wouldn't do that for any woman but especially for Bea.

The door opened and the landlady glared at him. Apparently she had not succeeded in convincing Bea to stay otherwise a smirk would have been on her face. She looked distastefully at him. "I will make it very clear Mr. Radcliff. I do not like this at all and do not think it is proper. Furthermore, if I find you did anything to hurt Ms. Brown's reputation, I will hold you personally responsible."

He tipped his hat. "As you should, Ma'am. But don't worry. I have no intention of anything scrupulous."

The woman huffed. "In that case you should convince her to stay and not run on this foolhardy trip."

Roger almost laughed. Talk Bea out of this? He doubted that would ever happen. "I'm sure Ms. Brown knows what she is doing. She is very intelligent."

Ms. Mortimer narrowed her eyes at him. She still didn't invite him in. In fact her hand remained on the door knob, almost blocking his entrance. "Not enough apparently. She'll be along shortly." And with that she closed the door in his face.

Pirate X-Over: The Mysteries Of 'Black' { Ninja & Angel }

Will straightened, almost instinctively at her comment about it being a strong name. He was named after his father. William Turner Senior had been a great man. A sailor. A merchantman. He was an honest man, not like these pirates. Turning his thoughts away from that, Will looked at the pirate woman. "Very easy actually. But you have yet to agree." He pointed out. He wasn't going to tell her the weakness in the jail bars - bars he himself had made. It wasn't really a weakness per say. Just certain points that if you knew about you could easily take the bars apart. Thankfully, you could only do it from the outside and it wasn't obvious - only a blacksmith would catch it. And even then, it could depend. Still...he wasn't going to tell her what it was. She was cleaver. Undoubtedly she'd figure something out. "I can guarantee I can get you out of these cells." He crossed his arms. "But first you need to swear you'll help. And it better be on something good." Not that he could hold her to it.

He looked at the woman waiting for her to promise. He realized that he still didn't really know her name. Politeness would have been to ask right away but he hadn't bothered when they first met. Of course, her being a pirate and the little sword bout hadn't helped much. But now, it probably would be helpful to know the name of the person he was risking his life for. "Also, do you have a name?" Of course she had a name. What a stupid way to phrase that. Oh well, to late to rephrase that. That would just make it worse.

He glanced toward the hole in the cell, looking out toward the bay. They had to hurry. It won't be long before the soldiers made their way here. They were currently still helping clear everything up but they'd undoubtedly come to check the prisoner. Not to mention, this time wasting was making it all the more difficult for Abigail. He couldn't think about the horrors that she was enduring at this moment.

Pirate X-Over: The Mysteries Of 'Black' { Ninja & Angel }

The nerve. Seriously? Here he is offering to break her out of jail - something that would get him hanged as well - and she wants to ask questions. She should just be grateful he's saving her from the noose. As it was, this was NOT something he usually did. He refrained from snapping at her. That wouldn't help. As much as he didn't want to admit it, he needed her. He needed someone. The governor would not help without the commodore. And Norrington wasn't going to spend resources. Will silently cursed the man. Personally, he never manned a boat before so he couldn't do something. He needed this pirate - crazy or not. He sighed. "She's a friend. We played together when were younger." Well she was part of their play so it works. Really he was more fixated on Elizabeth and Abigail tagged along but this was honest enough and all that the woman really needed to know.

Don't show weakness. Don't show hesitation. She was a pirate. If she saw that he needed her badly she would use that against him. He needed to act as if her willingness to help wasn't his only option. Though, she wasn't stupid. They both knew he was fairly desperate if he was coming to her. No doubt that would hurt him. If he was honest with himself he would admit that he would probably do most anything she asked to help free Abigail. But no need to let her know that.

Wheb she asked his name he didn't waste time. "Will. Will Turner. So will you help or not?" He stood nonchalant though his heart raced. Every second they delayed here was another second Abigail was abused and mistreated. Every moment the woman asked stupid questions decreased the chance of Abigail being alive when they find her. "I'll get her back, Elizabeth. He vowed silently. "I swear it." Not that Elizabeth could hear him. He pushed that aside.

The Orb of Mysticism - 1x1 RP between May and Black Ninja

Well neither threw her out yet. Thankfully. "Estella," her mother would say. "better to be thought wise and keep your mouth shut than open it and reveal yourself a fool. Her mother was full of proverbs. Moreso than most. And she wasn't shy saying it either. Estella probably got a good several every day growing up. Though not all were aimed directly at her, just noted. Her finger played with the pendent on her necklace. The comment thrown her way, caused her to look up. Dropping the pendent back in her shirt she refused to duck her head. "Hope I wasn't being..." the word escaped her. She knew the word - at least in Danish and Yiddish but the English one slipped her mind. She hated when that happened. She had a good understanding of the English language but occasionally a word slipped her mind or she didn't know it. Her face turned just slightly red in embarrassment as she couldn't come up with the word. She felt like an idiot. Seeing as it wasn't coming quickly she just changed her sentence. "I hope I didn't overstep." She ignored the fact her face was heated, just mentally pushing it off. English wasn't her native tongue. Her accent was obvious on that. Still... she hated not knowing a word and standing there as if her brain was gone.

Rising when Rebeca rose, she gave a nod to the captain. She started to follow before pausing. She looked back. "You have a lovely ship." She confessed before leaving.

Following Rebeca she tried to figure out what the stupid word was. She knew the Danish equivalent - Anmassende. It started with a p. Pre...Presumb? No. It irked her that the word was on the tip of her mind but she couldn't get it. Deciding to forgo it, she followed Rebeca. The girl lead her on a bunch of twists and turns before they found their way back outside the ship. Taking the cue as it was time to leave, Estella turned and smiled at the other girl. "Well, I best be off. Thanks for another tour of your ship." Okay, it wasn't fully a tour but still. "You have a splendid evening."

She turned and started to head off in the night. Don't look back. Don't look back. Don't look back. She repeated. She had already made herself look like a fool that one time by looking back to admire the ship. And with the moon out, it would have probably made a lovely view. Still...

The walk home in the dark wasn't bad. She was light footed so she heard those out and about before they heard her and she avoided them. From quick glance, most would mistaken her for a male. Her hair was under a cap and she wore pants. However, closer inspection in the moonlight would reveal the corset and her more feminine attributes. Thankfully, though there was no issue and the gun in the small of her back brought comfort.

~ ~ ~

Tuesday Morning

The engine room was a mess. Fredericks wringed his hands. "It will take another two or three days at least, Captain. I'm still trying to get everything fixed and replaced." Actually he was still working on that darn part that had broken. He was having the hardest time getting to it so he had disassembled another part of the engine to give him better access. Then removing the other part was a hassle. His hands were a bit larger and it was tucked inside the wall. It was bringing him frustration to no end. Stupid part. Stupid ship. How he wished he had a puny little assistant that he could make do the work. He was more of a supervisory individual. Who would have thought this piece of junk would require so much hands-on work?

He kept his face sympathetic even while he cursed the ship, the engine, and that stupid delivery girl who tainted his reputation with the captain.