Shouts echoed into the stormy night as the ship was bombarded with cannon fire; the air acrid with the smell of ash and gunpowder. Cries of pain could be heard amongst the crew as the HMS Comet was overpowered by the infamous pirate ship Fairy Tail.

BOOM! A cannon embedded itself in the main mast, which snapped; crashing down on to the deck, causing a tremor that shuddered throughout the ship. As the crew of the Comet tried in vain to regain some dominance in the battle, they were shot down by a cascade of bullets. The sailors crumpled pitifully on the deck. The pirates cheered raucously, ready to leave the seemingly empty ship, until the smoke cleared. A single figure stood resolutely on the deck.

Lucy couldn't believe she was doing this. Why! Why on Earthland did I think it was a clever idea to join the royal navy! She slapped a hand to her head as she watched two of the pirates return; causing loud thumps on the deck. She couldn't worry now, it would get her nowhere, if she wanted to survive, she would have to beat them. She unsheathed her sword and checked her coat to see a full array of throwing knives. Her whip was secured to her belt. She wouldn't go down without a fight, she refused. As the pirates advanced, grinning maliciously Lucy stood strong, her brown eyes blazing with an undying fire.

Lucy sat in a small office in the Royal Navy offices in the busy port of Hargeon. Gulls cried and squawked outside the window, vendors yelled in the street as the townspeople milled around, buying wares and haggling furiously.

Lucy glanced at the wizened creature behind the desk and bit her lip nervously. What if he says no? What will I do? Lucy cringed, I guess I'll have to turn on my womanly charms. How have I sunk so low that I need to flirt with a man that could be my great-great grandfather.

"Well everything seems to be in order", croaked the old navy official hunched in his chair, he peered at Lucy through a monocle that was about an inch thick, his once beady eye magnified hilariously.

The man wheezed and continued. "You have an exemplary recommendation from the Royal Naval Academy. I don't see why you can't be the navigator aboard the HMS Comet and start the journey to Enca today".

Lucy perked up at the comment and straightened her jacket, clasping her hands in her lap. The womanly 'charms' we're not needed.

"I will inform Captain Milkovich immediately, so prepare your things".

Lucy smiled politely and exited the room in a controlled fashion. When the office door snapped shut, she did a little leap and whooped happily, skipping out of the building and running to the Inn she was staying at.

Once inside the little white-washed room she pulled the duffle-bag from under her bed and checked her possessions. Satisfied she had all the necessary star charts and her weapons were safely stowed away; she did up the gold buttons on her smart navy coat and attached her belt with her sword and whip to her waist. Adjusting her neat golden plait, she grinned nervously at her reflection in the mirror. She left the room, paid the inn-keeper and headed to the bustling port, darting gracefully through the crowds of people.

The HMS Comet was one of the prized ships of the Royal Navy of Fiore. Boasting 300 cannons, three tall masts and billowing white sails, the ship was well varnished and decorated with gold leaf stars. Lucy trembled with excitement and walked up the gangplank.

"Good morning Miss Heartfilia."

Lucy glanced up at a pretty woman with deep purple hair and pretty dark eyes, which contrasted with her pale skin and maroon lips.

"Oh...Good morning Miss..."

The woman smiled warmly, "Ultear Milkovich. I am the Captain Ur Milkovich's daughter."

Lucy smiled shyly, "right..."

"Captain Milkovich would like to see you now."

Lucy smiled, "Ok then,"

Lucy was still beaming as she entered the office, unaware that Ur was addressing her.

"Miss Heartfilia, I would like to welcome you aboard" stated Ur

"O-oh, sorry", said Lucy sheepishly, "it's all a lot to take in, I'm just so excited".

"That is understandable", said Ur with a bemused expression, "however, I hope you understand the importance of your role on this ship. You will not only be working with me, but you will also be helping us get safely to Enca. You have the necessary charts, don't you?"

"I fully understand Captain. I have the star charts and maps with me, I'm just happy to be here."

Ur sighed, "While this expedition does hold some promise, I would like to remind you that this trip won't be easy. Pirates and criminals, make navigating the seas at this time, quite dangerous, which is why we are travelling in a military grade ship."

Lucy glanced nervously at her serious expression.

"I am expecting great things from you Miss Heartfilia, your record at the academy, is simply excellent and as for your family background, I can say I'm more than impressed and I look forward to working with you", Lucy's chest swelled with pride.

"I'll take you to your quarters now Miss Heartfilia", Ultear smiled.

Lucy's cabin was snug, but comfortable, with a cosy bed and a desk, along with a small globe. The tiny porthole window showed a glimpse of the deep blue waves and the blazing sun. Lucy sat on her bed and thanked Ultear, before collapsing on the soft blankets. The smell of fresh cotton soothed her. Sighing happily, Lucy settled down for a nap whilst listening to the waves, lap calmly against the sides of the boat.

Lucy awoke with a start. The sky outside the porthole was slowly turning a salmon pink as the sun was setting, reflecting brightly on the darkly rippling waves. Lucy sat up quickly at the sharp knock on her door. She opened it, revealing a tall man with blue hair. The curious thing about his appearance was a deep red tattoo over his left eye. Lucy smiled nervously.

"I'm Lieutenant Jellal Fernandez, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Heartfilia", He bowed his head slightly.

"Likewise… Lieutenant Fernandez. I hope I'm not late for meeting the crew".

"Not at all, I have just been instructed to fetch you and show you where the dinner hall is."

"Oh…what a relief."

Lucy closed the door of her cabin behind her and followed Jellal.

Lucy went to bed that night after studying her star charts and mapping a route to Enca. She ran a hand over the book of constellations her friend Loke had given her. She missed her friends at the academy, but She was content; she had finally gaining independence after seventeen years of being cooped in that big, lonely house. She snuggled against the pillow, as sleep claimed her.

The next few days passed seamlessly; the crew did as they were told, and helped the ship run efficiently. Ultear and Jellal, were friendlier and less formal than Lucy expected; but, she couldn't help but feel that everything was so regimented; well what could she expect it was the Navy. Despite this, the wild side of her couldn't help but feel that she needed an amazing adventure. Lucy had had problems with authority in the past. She had gotten in trouble for this at the academy too, favouring to carry out plans and commands recklessly, but they were always a success, earning her respect from her teachers and peers. Unfortunately Dan Straight one of the Lieutenants was a terrible flirt, often making lewd comments and telling her to adjust the routes she planned. This is getting really frustrating, does he want us to run into pirates! Lucy thought angrily late one night as she changed the route plan for a second time. However, it wasn't until the fourth night; that danger finally struck.

Lucy was tired, she had stayed up drinking beer with Ultear and playing cards. She slapped a hand to her forehead, realising she had forgotten to check the map. She was on her way to the Navigation room next to Ur's cabin, when a voice drawled.

"Where do you think you're going?"

Lucy sighed, groaning "What do you want Dan?"

"I think you know what I want, isn't it obvious?"

"Well then I think you know I'm not interested!" Lucy snapped. "Get out of my way; I need to check the map."

"No need, my princess," Dan smiled gleefully, striding towards her.

"I don't think so! You keep on making me change the routes!" Lucy huffed.

"Oh don't you worry your pretty little head about that; I've got everything under control, including you". Dan smirked as he grabbed Lucy by her waist, pushing her against the wall.

She growled angrily in response. He tried to swoop in a kiss her, but she head-butted him. Dan slumped on the floor, looking up in a daze.

"Got the picture now! I'm not interested; I just want to do my job!" Lucy yelled.

He looked up at her half scared, half amazed. Lucy was so angry; she stomped back to her cabin fuming, the navigation charts long forgotten. She slumped on her bed, punching the pillow in her frustration, before falling into a fitful slumber.

BOOM! BOOM!

The sound of the cannons echoed through the night as the waves, swirled ominously. Lucy woke with a start; recognising the screams and cries of battle. She could smell the ash and gunpowder from her cabin. Before racing to the deck she grabbed her sword, whip, knives and two pistols. Lucy reached the deck; her crew members were slumped on the, damp wood, bullet holes, peppering their bodies. Debris and bloodied canvas littered the varnished wood which was slick with blood. Angry tears welled in her eyes. They did not deserve this! The smoke and ash was clearing from the deck, as she heard merciless laughter and the sound of heavy boots. She turned to face her opponents.