Boots stomped heavily on the floorboards of a steam flying war-ship, the Cloud Maid. It was a single pair of black sturdy leather boots. The owner of those boots looked furious. A pair of sky blue eyes looked over his desk. "This...I cannot accept this!" his voice roared through the captains hut. His hut.
With a growl he slammed his fist on the table, making the jar of ink jump and fall back, almost toppling over. "No way I'm going to marry, that, that, that THING!" he hissed. A scaly demon tail swung back and forth dangerously.

Marcus stood tall again, his nostrils flaring. His usual calm and cold expression had changed upon the sight of the seal of the other empire, next to the seal of his empire. His blonde slicked back hair had fallen out of place when he had shook in pure and utter disgust and rage.

One of the underlings had given the letter and had stayed in the hut. However the older looking man wanted to run for dear life when his captain had snapped like that.

"You know what's the worst part? They'll come and bring here to the ship...Tonight..." the corner of his lips trembled dangerously. "You're dismissed...Give order to clean the ship..." Marcus stated with a sigh. The darkness returned to his eyes once more. "I need to think..."

The ship was flying slowly, as if it was hanging still in the air. They had neared a group of islands called Berlin's Gate, to stock up and do some minor repairs, but this single letter messed up the entire plan.

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"

Even while the crew of the Snow Falcon, which was normally an armored escort steam ship and equipped for defence from heavy attack rather than attacking itself, were getting ready to take off, its captain was still in a temper over the news she had recieved.

"KYAAA!!" Karen screamed again, burying fingers into her normally well-groomed black hair, pulling on it as if not taking caution about the fake, lavender rose which rested on a hairband in her hair. "I am not going to go through with this! 'For the good of our mother-land' my arse! I'd rather rot in a heap and DIE than... than marry that MONSTER!"

The crew had the toughest time of all people, having to deal with the emporer's daughter, who was normally a well-headed girl, and now having a heavy screaming tantrum.

"I'm getting rid of him! I don't care if they are planning to bring me to him, I'd rather blow his STUPID ship away than marry him! I don't care what kind of reputation he has, I'm going to DESTROY him even if it's the last thing I'd do!"

The last thing she would do... those words seemed to mean the end, especially for the nervous crew...

The crew was used to their captain being angered easily, but he wouldn't ever yell over something. They hurried off to clean the ship, from the inside out. There were a couple of smaller crafts off to get more food. The crew had a brain for their own. They didn't need the captains orders for everything.

Marcus was glad with that. He was proud of his crew, but right at that point he stood in front of his closet, staring at his official uniform. Dark navy, with golden accents and shoulder pads. "I'm not going to dress up for that woman..." he hissed as he took the cap from the rack and put it on his head, the black horns came from underneath the best of materials. His steel blue eyes were shaded over and seemed to pierce through anything.

He then took the cap off and slicked his hair back again. "I swear to Friedrich, Emperor of Hylk that I won't ever marry that woman." he said as his hand crossed his heart. Six more hours until his guest would arrive. Six more hours to sit down and try to make something up to get her away from him as soon as possible.

The Snow Falcon was getting ready to set off, the crew making neccessary preparations before they began going after their target. Karen, after delivering her orders for preparation, retreated to the captain's quarters to finally begin settling down. A captain was supposed to have a clear mind if she were to succeed, though she still was cross over being forced to marry that demon...

No matter... with defenses such at the Snow Falcon's, the finest product to date from the Neimhall Empire, she will be assured her victory against him, as well as her freedom from the forced marriage. So what if the fabled 'Cloud Maid' was said to terminate an entire fleet? That was some inflated story to keep resistance at bay, right...?

At long last, the Snow Falcon began to set off, hidden from Neimhall's watch as it began to set course towards its destination; the supposed meeting place where she was originally said to be brought to.

The demon let out a weary sigh as he began to take preperations for himself. Cleaning up his room, where they most likely would dine, laying out his uniform. The one he had sworn he wouldn't wear, but heck, he liked the uniform actually. And other things closely related to that.

Hours passed when Marcus threw a quick glance at the cuckoo clock that hung above his doors. Just an hour and a half away from hell. He was a demon, why did he fear a woman? A Neimhaller woman to be exact. How scary could she be?
Slowly he began to strip of his clothing and folded them and laying them out of sight before he headed to his bathroom where he turned on the shower. He needed to relax...

The ship in the meantime was all cleaned and tidied up for the visit of their special guest. THe mood was tense, because they all knew that their captain had a thing against Neimhall and no one knew why.
Women he could handle, they knew too well. When all their cleaning stuff was also moved out of sight most of the crew headed back below deck to just relax a bit as well. Nothing needed to be done at the moment, but of course they were alert to everything around them.
Just in case some nut case tried to take them down.

That nutcase was already just arriving.. a bit early to be exact. All prepared for the battle that was ahead, Karen had taken up command once more, ready for combat.

The sight ahead of them was that of the renowned ship... "That's it.." Karen thought out loud. She never thought she would have to encounter the ship from a doomed perspective... but her mind was already made up. She would rather die an enemy than suffer a bride.. or prisoner.

"Everyone, at your stations!" She commanded, as the crew took up their mandatory positions. The ship was preparing to come close to the target before preparing their first attack to mark the battle's start.

"FIRE!"

Marcus was still under the shower, his head against the cold wall. His eyes closed his mind running through all options that were open to get rid of her.

The crew was just eating and playing card. Their first mate had heard something being fired. He immediately jumped up and rand the alarm bell. THe entire ship was buzzing again, the crew running around, preparing for the counter attack.

The projectile flew right past their masts, but the heavy air wave caused the ship to rock heavily.
Marcus was shaken and turned off the shower, grabbing a towel and hurrying to the deck with only a towel around his waist. "WHICH IDIOT IS ATTACKING US?!" he demanded as he yanked the binoculars from the first mate and stared at the ship that was facing them. After a little search Marcus saw the name. "that little bitch..." he hissed.

Immediately he ordered to fire back and get the hell out of there. The blonde haired man still in just his towel looked with narrowed eyes at the ship that was heading their way. He then shook his fist at them . "You'll never win this, you incompetent little human!" he roared out over the clouds.

The crew of Karen's own ship was ready to persue the fleeing vessel, until one of the projectiles hit the ship, causing it to shake from the impact. Karen cursed at first, but then privately thanked her choice of using her ship rather than something else of heavier fire power. Endurance was something to be valued, especially when dealing with a Hylkian vessel such as the Cloud Maid.

The ship continued its pursuit however under Karen's orders, while it would only fire whenever the oppertunity deemed it available. It seemed Karen outright didn't care what happened to herself or her crew. She was either going to come out victorious or die trying.

Hearing a voice coming from their target ship, Karen took a telescope to better see what the commotion was all about. She tried to hold back a blush when she noticed that it was none other than him, in naught but a towel. No, she didn't want to show even the slightest blush... he was her enemy!

Karen cleared her throat before yelling back, hands cupped around her mouth. "Then kill us off! You'd rather not tolerate the likes of me either, right!?"

AS the fight and pursuit went on Marcus began to get irritated, it showed. His eyes darkened his eyebrows furrowed together and he seemed to pull his shoulders up.

When the other shouted at him, the vein in his forehead began to throb. "Hell I'll drag you off your ship if I have to!" he called back and gave a sign to turn the ship so he would have full range of all canons.

A demonic look came over his face as he rose his hand up high in the air, the sign to get ready to fire. His eyes seemed to search for a weakness in the other ship. And he soon noticed that there was a side weaker than the rest. However he had no reason yet to fire.

No matter how much Marcus hated the other Empire, he'd stick to the orders he was given. He was that loyal to his Empire. The blonde kept his eyes on the female form across him.

Karen snarled with fury. Drag her back to her ship... over her dead body! She was nowhere near allowing herself to marry a demon like a Hylkian, and seeing how spineless yet stubborn her empire truly was, she would be further stripped of her freedom if brought back alive... it was no use turning back now... it's either retreat, victory, or death!

She gave her crew the signal to turn the ship around as the opposing ship approached, so as not to allow the Snow Falcon's weak points to show. It will be a longer time before being able to fire, as a consequence, but Karen was sure the ship would be able to last long enough a time before being able to do so.

Marcus was about to give the sign to fire when a lovely idea struck his mind. He lowered his fist and just put his hands to his hips. "I'd love to see her go down to the unknown...But if she damages our ship....The Neimhallers would get punished if they attacked. " His eyes held hints of victory. However his usual ice cold personality turned up again.

A couple of deck mates looked confused at their captain. He just let out a small nod before he retreated back to his hut to get dressed. It had gotten a bit chilly in just a towel and he realized that the lady who was attacking him must've seen him like that. The thought of that woman knowing how he looked sent a bunch of cold shivers down his spine. Soon enough he came back on deck with his formal attire. "You just come and attack, but you'll be sorry!" he called over again as he stood at the railing.

Karen was getting ready to engage with the enemy, and face fire from them... when she noticed that they weren't attacking at all. The ship was already in position by this point, when it could of already taken some damage. Then she noticed the captain of the ship coming out... so THAT was what they were doing!?

Then she heard him call out again, saying that she would be sorry if she tried to attack. "S.. sorry for what!?" She called out once more. "I'm already in trouble as it is, and besides, the treaty isn't fully in effect as of yet!" It was as if she seemed to taunt him in turn, making it seem like they were free to attack each other here and now.

THe blue eyes pierced right at the ship. He wasn't going to attack. The consequences were huge if he did. Truth to be told...He'd rather be tortured to death than being blamed on for what was about to happen.

However when he wanted to lean over his eyes caught another set of ships, Neimhaller and Hylkian ships. It were Emperor ships. Marcus swallowed heavily as he stood up straight, the colour had left his face as he watched how the two main ships slowly made their way through the clouds. Heading their way.

The entire ship seemed to fall quiet, even the steam engine seemed to shut up to witness what was going to happen. It was obvious that both Empires wanted to be sure this was going to work out between their best captains.

Karen's crew, too, noticed the arriving ships, one belonging to the emporer of Hylk, the other belonging to her father, the emporer of Neimhall. With the sweeping silence befalling the crew and ship as well, it was as if it was but a soundless void save for the wind that rushed by as well as the emporers' ships.

Karen lowered her head in this period of quiet, both appearing upset that both she and her 'fiance' would be watched over... and also as if she were contemplating what to do about it. She looked around the area until she eyed the Hylkian ship. Her eyes narrowed, she then rose her head and looked around at her crew, before pointing towards the emporer ship.

The crew seemed to understand what she wanted... but were also surprised... and worried.

"Do it... now..." She leered, regardless of what their action might bring, to Karen's knowledge.

At that moment, the ship began to turn around, getting into position with cannons aiming at the Hylkian emporer's ship, as if giving a sign of what was about to happen. Karen had her arm held up in preparation for the moment, until...

"Now!"

With that, the cannons fired, heading straight for the emporer ship in a surprise attack.

"Take that, you greedy bunch of DOGS!" She cried out after the attack was carried out in a fit of released fustration.

THe demonic captain watched the other ships closely. It was obvious that their emperors would be baby sitting them. And that was something Marcus could not tolerate.
He was so focussed on the two bigger more royal ships that he didn't notice his first mate tapping on his shoulder.
After half a minute he snapped at the man. "What?!" he asked with an irate tone in his voice before he followed the others finger, which was pointing at the Snow Falcon.

One projectile had struck the Hylkian ship full in the centre, the ball went through the wood and landed on the engine. Slowly the ship started to tilt dangerously. Only to soon enough topple over completely and sink away in the clouds.

His jaw dropped. "Oh no.` he simply stated before he walked up to one of the front cannons and armed it with a dazzling speed. Without any warning he aimed for the Neimhall ship and smirked. "Up yours! Ass holes!" he called out with his usual demonic grin as he himself personally fired the cannonball towards the others emperors ship.

His sky blue eyes then turned to watch the Snow Falcon. His arm rose and his crew was ready to fire. "Now!" the tall blonde called out and lowered his arm as a sign to attack. The crew did not hesitate and fired all 12 steer board cannons.

Karen seemed glad of her handiwork with the Hylkian ship; A single blow straight to the engine. It seemed she underestimated the prowess the Snow Falcon carried.

However, that celebration was cut short as she heard a shot from not too far off, as she looked around only to notice the Neimhall ship sinking. Her eyes widened in shock as she watched; and yet, this seemed to be a way of making the score even.

However, she was quickly brought back to attention as a violent blow struck Karen's ship, delivered by none other than the Cloud Maid. Karen struggled to grab onto the mast as the ship began to tip over, and for her dear life.

And yet, as much as the Snow Falcon was durable, it didn't have very long to live, now...

Immediately when Marcus noticed the Snow Falcon tip over and sink he hopped onto a smaller steam craft that could be compared to a flying motorcycle and flew over to the ship. He smirked as he hovered near the mast.
Most of the crew of the Snow Falcon had gotten on their rescue crafts already and were floating around in the air.

Marcus smirked at Karen. Oh yes he enjoyed it to see a lady struggle. "Now then..." he said and looked at her. "What to do with you?" he asked her rhetorically. "Hmn..."
Slowly he leaned on the steer and just watched her, the ship was very close to just flipping over and all life would be lost.

Karen had given her crew instructions of what to do should the inevitable happen. If she weren't worried about what would happen to her now, she would of appreciated their ability to take care of themselves for when she was gone.

She, on the other hand, decided it was for the best that she went down along with the Snow Falcon itself. Ideally, it was proper that it would be a fitting end for the captain of his own ship. However, Karen didn't expect for there to be someone who would want her.. alive.

As she held on dearly to the ship's mast, Karen dared to open one eye as she heard a voice... it was him... She scowled at him in responce. "Why don't you just let me die, here and now!?"

The man laughed at her and flicked his tail a bit. "That would be too easy. No, I want to see you squirm around for a bit more." he said before he held out his hand to her. He was going to save her. What he would do after that...He'd see.

"Now come on, don't be such a prick and take my hand." he said as he tilted his craft a bit so it would be easier to get a hold on her arm.

((Sorry short post))

"I am not going to!" She turned away from his hand. As much as she feared for her life, deep down she figured that death would be a better fate than anything dealt with alive.

"If you won't let me die, then I am not going to let you have me that easily, so there!" She added, tightening herself around the mast in determination.

(A bit short, myself...)

Annoyed he just watched her before he noticed the ship had tilted 90 degrees. He had to act fast or they both would be dead. "why are you women always do damn difficult?!" he called out as he moved his craft closer, by simply leaning over, grabbed onto her arms and pulled them away from the mast, he forced her to let go. When he finally felt her full weight in his grip he smirked. "I always win!" he said before he hoisted her up to his craft and made sure she was safely in his lap before he turned and flew away as quick as he could, which was hard, because the ship flipped over at that point.

Soon enough Marcus was trapped underneath the ship, making him go through the clouds in attempt to get away from it. With a panicky manoeuvre he managed to get away from the sinking ship.

"Gah.. Let go!" She began to cry out as both her arms were pried away from the mast. She struggled the best she could, until she was pulled completely off the mast and onto the vehicle that he rode on, across his lap. "Let me off! Let me off!" She repeatedly screamed as she also kicked and struggled.

It didn't help that he managed to get away from the Snow Falcon as it began to sink into the clouds, since that meant that both were still alive. At that, Karen howled in fustration as she struggled, kicked and screamed with more fury.

Marcus growled lowly at the kicking and flailing of her. "Damn, hold still!" he barked at her as he tried to avoid being kicked in the gut or punched in the face, in which he failed. He received her knee painfully in his thigh and a fist on his jaw. He let out a growl in frustration as he then wrapped an arm around her shoulders, forcing her to lay still.

"Just shut up and hold still!" it was an order and he had yelled it at her. Slowly the small craft flew up again and onto the deck of the Cloud Maid. The craft, Karen and Marcus were soaking wet because of the clouds. When they finally were completely still and Marcus cut off the engine he tossed Karen off his lap and onto the wooden deck. "Now miss!" he called out as he got off the motor like aircraft and moved over to her. "You just shut the hell up and listen to me. I've been generous with you. Oh very generous. " he started. "Now if you want to stay alive and want to get your sorry little ass out of trouble, you'd better shut up and do as I tell you. I am willing to give you the privilege to walk around the ship under one condition."

She continued to struggle at least a little as she was held tight around the shoulders. Of course, that effort was but in vain by the time they reached his ship. She yelped a bit as she was hurled onto the deck, as she struggled to get up. She heard him alright... shut up and obey? That was the instructions of slaves! Besides...

"Exactly what did you think I wanted anyway!?" She allowed a moment's pause, before she turned around, her back facing him. She had clenched fists and a foul mood over what had befallen her... right before she felt something.. wet and warm form in her eyes. Tears? She felt even more sore about it right now; she must feel she was all alone with her supposed enemies, and at their mercy... she couldn't afford to show anyone, even him her tears as they ran down her cheeks lest it be a sign of weakness...

When she shut her yap Marcus rubbed his jaw, which was actually quite painful. His blue eyes looked at her back before he waved his hand. "Get her to my cabin." he said and looked at a couple of his female crew members. "And get her clean and dry clothes." he waved at them before he rubbed his head a bit before pushing his hair back again.

Afriendly looking girl got over to Karen, she was a demon as well but only had the horns. "Oh don't worry about that blockhead. He'll probably get you to a port where you can get on a ship home." one said with a smile. "Come on. Let's get you all dried up." she offered. Gently she wrapped her arm around Karens shoulders, hugging her lightly.