The Pirate Prince

Spike had been conversing with the Court of Lords for the past three days, finalizing a few more details about the Laws of the Brotherhood. As he stepped out to get something to eat, he noticed that there was a fight breaking out by the docks. He heard the clang of swords, as well as the sound of gunfire and ran over.

As he showed up, he noticed a pink hedgehog pirate injured on the ground, only holding a blade, with a dog standing above her, with a gun pointed at the girl, "Say your prayers girlie."

Before he could pull the trigger, Spike shot his pistol finger and knocked the pirate's gun out of his hand and said, "You realize you're in violation of the Laws of the Brotherhood, don't you?"

The dog pirate growled, "Little whelp! Who cares about that stupid court? And who do you think you are telling me how to do my business!?"

The pirate's first mate said, shaking in fear, "C-Captain! That's the Pirate Prince! He's the head of the Court of Lords!"

"Indeed I am." before snapping his fingers, and as if on cue, some of the Court's Guard came out of the tavern and arrested the captain. Spike looked to the rest of the crew and said, "You may leave. From what I saw, none of you had to do with your captain's violation of our laws."

As the dog pirate was taken away by the Guard, the hedgehog tried to stand up, but was too injured to move much. As Spike helped her up, she growled lightly, "I don't need any help..." as she put her foot on the ground, she winced and said, "F-Fine... I'll accept some help, I've got at least one or two broken bones."

As Spike lead her to his ship, he asked her, "Do you mind if I ask your name?"

"My name is Black Rose." as she was sat down on a bed, she continued, "That bastard your guards arrested slaughtered my crew. I'm the only survivor, and he was tying up loose ends."

Spike was surprised by the girl's name, but growled when she told him what happened to her old crew, and said, "Don't worry, the Court will take care of his punishment. He won't get away with what he's done."

Rose smiled and said, "Thank you sir, that's very kind of you. May I ask your name?"

Spike responded and told her, "My name is Spike Drake, but my main alias is the Pirate Prince. People don't call me the Black Rose Dragon as much as they used to, that was my name when I first got involved with piracy."

Rose giggled, "Well, you're certainly a handsome prince. And given your attire, Black Rose Dragon fits."

Spike blushed when Rose called him handsome and said, "Thank you, that's very kind of you. You're welcome to stay on my ship while I return to the Court to deal with that other pirate."

Rose nodded, "Thank you Spike." before kissing his cheek.

Spike blushed even more when she kissed his cheek, but smiled and headed back to the Court to put that other pirate on trial.

As the Guard came in with the prisoner in chains, Spike spoke, "You stand here charged with violating the third law within the Laws of the Brotherhood. With eyewitnesses, I don't think we need to carry this out any longer. But we are to give you a fair trial, should you choose plead not guilty."

"I don't care what you pricks think! Piracy doesn't need laws! And you, some of the most famous pirates in the Spiral, why are you humoring this punk!?"

Greybeard spoke, "We don't humor him, we've truly agreed that if piracy is to flourish, there need to be rules."

"Indeed." said Razakel, "Violence is bad for business, and attracts too much unwanted attention. Working in the shadows and behaving like businessmen is a much more suitable approach, we all make more money, and nobody ends up dead or in prison."

Lucius took a sip of his wine and said, "I think this has gone on long enough, we're all in agreement on our verdict, are we not?"

The other Lords nodded, each of them saying one after another, "Guilty."

Spike spoke after the verdict was chosen, "The Judges of the Court will decide your punishment. Consider yourself lucky, this is a first-time offense, so we'll be merciful. If you continue to violate the Laws of the Brotherhood, more serious action will be taken. Guards, take him away."

As the Guard took the pirate away, he yelled, "This isn't the last you've seen of me! No one controls Sparrow Jackson, no one!"

When the Guard took him away, Spike asked, "Does anyone feel like that name sounds familiar?"

Anne nodded, "I agree, I feel as if I've heard the name Sparrow Jackson."

Greybeard cleared his throat, "Sparrow Jackson was a pirate from my youth. Needless to say, he's not around anymore, but this young fool is besmirching the name of one of the greatest pirates in history. The Judges have common sense, perhaps they'll notice the fact and strip him of that title.

Lucius finished his wine and said, "Such a punishment is too light. He needs to be in prison, if not for violating the Laws of the Brotherhood, for striking a woman! Such violence is uncalled for and unacceptable!"

Isabella agreed, "Indeed, women may be pirates too, but there are still standards, even before the Court was formed. He's lucky he wasn't fighting me."

Spike nodded, "If the Judges believe this should be brought back to the Court, they will contact us, and we will convene as soon as we are able to. The Court is adjourned." before standing up and heading back to his ship to check on Black Rose. When he saw her, he said, "That pirate who attacked you was voted guilty by the Court of Lords. He won't hurt you ever again. I wish I could do more to make sure he pays for murdering your crew, but I can at least let you join my crew, if you wish."

Rose smiled, "Thank you captain, that's very nice of you, and I'll accept that offer." before kissing him on the lips quickly before saying, "I'll go get myself acquainted with the ship!" before running off.

Spike chuckled as she pulled away from the kiss, not being surprised from it. He returned to his quarters to turn in for the night, and quickly fell asleep.

And so, Spike has another new crew member. But with this, he gains a new enemy, I pirate named Sparrow Jackson. Jackson violated the Laws of the Brotherhood by attacking Black Rose with a gun, while she only had a sword to defend herself. The Court of Lords declared him guilty, and with it, Jackson threatens them with revenge. Will Jackson ever be able to get revenge, or will he fail horribly like every other revenge attempt has gone?

Find out next time!