Twist. Turn. Dip. Sweep. All at once, the winds around the ship changed, shifting from a violent storm to a soft breeze. The black plumage of his Tengu Fan remained stock straight, even with the skilled hand moving it with jarring grace to manipulate the winds around them. They crew had all seen the man at work at least once before, but always it was a sight of awe. Not many on the high seas could willingly sail through a tempest and come out of it completely unscathed.

After the tribulation had passed, and the skies parted above into clear blue once more, the pirates rallied a victory cry, roaring to one another with the triumphant air of beasts, ignoring the collapsing figure that was their savior. No, it was because he was expected to help them traverse the seas and plunder the monarchies. He was their prisoner after all, the Inner King brought down to serve under whomever bought him at the highest price.

"Rest now, tempest... for I have fa