The Perfect Storm: Triple Threat

Dread Captain: Vane 1shot x reader

(hello im trying to fill the void that is time princess fanfic hello) (i do NOT proofread :D)(disclaimer: i am not and do not claim to be a super good writer, give me tips if you have any)

"Read, would you tell them we need to catch the wind?" You survey the seas surrounding the Heartbreaker and the ship you've just finished pillaging. No ships in sight... not yet at least.

 Your request rips her to attention and she wipes the sweat from her brow, glancing your way before turning her gaze to the rest of the crew. She straightens her posture and bolsters herself for the torrent of orders she will need to bark to get the Heartbreaker sailing wayward before the navy catches wind of their newest conquest. 

"All right, you scoundrels! I want full sails carrying this ship towards that horizon on the double, or I'll toss you lot overboard and let the barnacles rip you to ribbons!" Her heels clack on the deck as she heads in the direction of Sleepy Godric, who has -- unsurprisingly -- fallen asleep inside a pillaged crate of cloth. You'll pray for him. 

You turn your back to the deck and stare off the bow, facing the seas ahead. The wind tears at your back; a good sign-- and within a few moments, the sails are set. You can hear the sharp, thunder-like rolls of the cloth as they catch the wind and usher the Heartbreaker on her way. Within but a few moments, the ship is slicing through the water like a hot knife through butter. 

Keats is at the helm, leisurely gripping the wheel and occasionally glancing at a map. There is only sea for miles and miles around the ship it seems, and with this distinct lack of obstacles apparent, he eases up. 

Once the crew is certain everything is in working order and Reads finds their handiwork satisfactory, the celebrations commence. Bang and Burns have to be restrained to keep from blasting the celebratory kegs open, Moondog is playing her least grating tune, and despite the verbal lashing he had just received from Read, Sleepy Godric is sleeping once more. The sounds of reverie on deck reach you on the bow, but you're strangely unmoved. It feels strange... There's an emptiness here. A void. Something is missing... But you won't admit to yourself what that something is. You have too much pride to admit his hold over your thoughts is that powerful. 

But you can't help missing him, especially after the time you spent with him that night in that little dingy boat. You can recall every moment as clear as day, in and out of the water. It was magical... and incredibly thoughtful of him. The care he put into that surprise was what really sealed the deal between you and him. Not to mention the...

"Captain!" Read shrieks from across the deck. "We're being tailed!" 

"Tailed?" How? Just a moment ago there was nobody around... There were only 2 types of ships you knew of that could split the seas quicker than your Heartbreaker with her copper-bottom; The Ranger, and a Navy Frigate. The odds sounded rather promising, but it only took a glance at Read's face to see that your hopes would be let down. 

Read was grimacing into her spyglass. 

"Military! It's the Navy!" Burns yelped. "How did they spot us?" Bang cried.

"Captain!" Reads folds in her spyglass and addresses you boldly. "What are your orders?"

"Slow us!" You descend onto the deck and shout your demands to the crew. "Keats, slow us and lead the frigate behind us. Keep the stern in front of their course! Wait until the distance is closed to drop the flaming powder kegs, then accelerate and put them in our line of fire! Bang, Burns, fire at will!" You will take no quarter this time. 

Just a little over a year ago, before your acquisition of the lantern, you would've been shaking in your boots. Now, you brandish your courage freely, leaping across the deck towards the stern to face the approaching frigate.