#2: I'm Not Saying we Became Pirates, but in Theory, Would That be a Good Thing or a Bad Thing?

Haekos and Palinorus were now tied to a pole, and surrounded by a lot of white maned Aetryim, all bearing expressions that show no sign of mercy. Haekos noticed that they were all talking amongst themselves, and nothing they said was pleasant. "We should sell the little Black Mane.." one said. "Maybe we could keep her as a hostage.." another chuckled. Haekos realized that these Aetryim weren't sailors. They were pirates.

Palinorus then shuffled around in the rope, until he broke free, and blasted wind at the pirates, which instantly initiated a battle. The Aetryim on the ship didn't have the most powerful abilities, so they just tried to use their fists, but Palinorus showed no mercy. Suddenly, a White Mane with a bright yellow pelt emerged and  charged right at Palinorus. He swung at him, electricity sparking out of him. Palinorus was instantly stunned. 

The electric White Mane stared at Palinorus with a cocky smirk. "C'mooon.. I know that my lil' punch didn't take you out, Tornado.." he said, every word dripping with mockery. Palinorus gritted his teeth and kept attacking, with the other White Mane matching his energy. Haekos watched them go back and forth, until they both were too exhausted to continue. Palinorus stumbled back to Haekos's side, and the electric White Mane fell back into the crowd.

There was another Aetyr among the scrambling crowd who wasn't talking to anybody, or fighting, but rather looking for someone. He looked to be around Haekos's age, and he had a turquoise pelt, a stark contrast to her own minty pelt. It was like he was a piece of the ocean himself, she had never seen anyone with such vibrant fur before. He kept looking around and shouting for someone, until he eventually gave up with a sigh, when a loud, smooth voice emerges.

"I think that's enough fighting, eh?"

With those words, all of the Aetryim got dead silent and looked to where the voice came from, and made way for him to show himself. The Aetyr that approached Haekos and Palinorus was incredibly attractive to say the least. Haekos almost sputtered. He was a White Mane, with that same, vibrant turquoise pelt the younger Aetryim had. He was wearing a hat with a symbol on it.. It was clear he was the captain. 

The captain stopped in front of Haekos and Palinorus, Haekos's mouth wide open. He observed the two, and smirked. 

"It seems we've got stowaways," he said, chuckling a bit. "A black mane and what I can only assume to be her personal servant."

Palinorus growled. "We are of no purpose to you, let us go." The captain grinned and let out a boisterous laugh. "You may be of no value, but that young black mane there.. She could be pretty useful.." Haekos shivered, because she knew very well what that could possibly mean. Haekos then got an idea, stood up, and yelled out..

"We should work for you!"

Everyone turned to her. Palinorus had an expression of shock and a little bit of anger- mostly shock. Most of the crewmates have an expression of... dumb. The younger white mane had a look of almost confusion, and the captain just stared at her with a smile. Haekos continued.. "If you sell me somewhere or kill me off, it might be the worst thing you'll ever do for your crew!"

The captain raised an eyebrow at her statement. "The worst thing I'll ever do, eh? What makes you so confident about that." Haekos chuckled dramatically. "Well.. firstly, I have fantastic hearing!" Her ears wiggled. "Secondly, and I'm not a bragger by ANY means.. I'm considered to be charismatic.. AND THIRDLY!!" she said, with more conviction than any actor could provide, "Palinorus has a huge crush on you. Like, the hugest." Palinorus turned to her at breakneck speeds. The captain audibly snorted. Palinorus ran to her side, and covered her mouth. "I-ignore her, she's just saying things.." He said, obviously trying to silence her, but the damage had already been done, as the captain was keeled over, laughing. He straightened his posture and wiped his eyes.

"Hooooly.. That's the biggest laugh I ever had in a while.. Don't worry, Tornado.. I find it hard to believe from your expression that you fell for me." the captain said, tired from laughing. Palinorus was absolutely embarrassed. The captain still kept a smile on his face, turning to Haekos. "Y'know what, kid? You're alright. You've got moxxie. Spirit. Moreso than any Black Mane I've ever met. What's your name?" he said, impressed by her courage.

She looked at him with a brave smile and crossed her arms. "I'm Haekos. Haekos Alouisè." She said, boldly.

The captain nodded and turned to Palinorus. "And you're... Patroklos?" Palinorus rolled his eyes. "Palinorus Anaan." he hissed. The captain chuckled, and turned to the rest of the crew. "From here on out, Haekos and Palinorus will be joining us on our voyages!"