Song Title: The House of the Rising Sun by The Animals
"Hey, Ber!"
Something was jabbing at the man's cheek.
"Ber!"
Now something was poking at his other cheek.
"Do ya think he saw a ghost?" Erland pondered, still jabbing at the Swede.
"Nah, the Draugen isn't haunted," Peter replied as he waved a hand in front of the bespectacled man's face.
The oldest blond remained unresponsive, his cyan eyes staring at something in the distance on the port.
It was early morning, the sky nice and clear above. The crew was still busy loading and gathering supplies onto the ship. The three were out on the deck, just finished tying some of the crates down when suddenly the man seized up.
"Uhh…maybe we should get the doctor-"
"Reaper's back." Berwald mumbled. From where he was crouching among the cargo, he was still tall enough to peer over the rails of the ship and below to the boardwalk that led to the wooden dock they were staying at.
It took a moment, but it was unmistakable when he caught sight of a man wearing a tattered black long coat, black buccaneer hat, and white skull mask approaching their ship. He had something slung over his shoulder.
"ReeRee's back?!" Peter parroted excitedly. After running up to the rails and leaning dangerously over it to confirm Berwald's claim, he ran back towards the older blond and pulled on the ends of his beige coat. "C'mon! Let's go!"
Apparently, the three brothers caught wind of the Reaper's return as well, because by the time Berwald, Erland, and Peter were at the dock, they were already there to greet their crew member.
"Welcome back, Reaper!" Mathias cheered jovially. "I take it your hunt was a success?"
"Yes." The Finn laid the large sack down gently in front of the captain's feet.
The North Sea King didn't have to open it up and reveal the bounty's face in order to make sure it was the right person – he knew the Reaper would not fail him.
"It took you slightly longer than usual," Lukas noted, but all the same was grateful for his crewmate's return.
"Did something happen?" Emil inquired.
"…I ran into some problems bringing him back," the Reaper confessed.
"Ah ain't no harm done! Excellent job, and as always, here's yer pay," Mathias reached into his pocket and fished out a pouch of coins already set aside for when the Reaper would accomplish his task.
"Thank you," said the platinum blond, taking his payment.
"All right, now all we gotta do is get this guy over to the authorities and collect our bounty!"
Sure, they were pirates, not bounty hunters, but whenever there was a chance to make some quick money that involved violence and slaughter, who were they to refuse? It was nothing personal if they decided to hunt down their fellow pirates for some extra coins. In fact, their main targets were actually other pirate ships. They didn't bother to pillage villages and towns like the other crews, no, they waited until those pirates did the dirty work and then came in to defeat that crew, taking everything the others have worked for and then some. It was all quite an efficient and lucrative business really...and especially since they had the Reaper on their side…
"ReeRee!" Peter bounded over to his role model and hugged the man's legs tightly. "Welcome back!"
The Reaper could be heard chuckling behind his mask. "It's good to be back, Peter. How have you been?" he bent down to pat the boy's blond hair.
Erland and Berwald came up from behind him.
The boy opened his mouth when a large ship roared near them.
"It seems we have company," Lukas turned to his left where a massive ship just dropped its black anchor into the water next to theirs.
"Hahaha!" Mathias laughed boisterously. "Now that's a ship I haven't seen in a while!"
Berwald followed everyone else's gaze to the incoming vessel.
It was quite an intimidating thing, painted all black, its multiple sails, although drawn up now, were also black.
He didn't have a lot of time to look at it before someone jumped right off the new ship's deck and onto the dock without any boarding planks to assist him. Now this was the kind of pirate Berwald had always imagined in his head – crass, crude, and by the looks in which he was barreling towards their group, his intentions were less than hospitable.
The newcomer was rather well-dressed for a ruthless pirate. Similar to Mathias, this pirate also lost an eye - his left one. It was covered by a black eye patch, leaving only one emerald green orb to glare at them. A black bicorn with a red rose on the left side sat on his head full of short blond hair. His red long coat appeared almost regal with its gold buttons and epaulets as it hung over his shoulders. His white undershirt appeared to be made of silk and a lavish cravat of the same color adorned his neck. A cutlass rested on the left side of his waist. The man's gloves, trousers, and boots were all the same shade of black. A small green studded earring pierced his left ear and a matching sash was securely tied around his waist. His stride was full of confidence and power and he appeared to be in a most foul mood.
"North Sea King!" When the man was within earshot he swore the captain's name. "Bloody hell, what the fuck are ye doin' here?!" He had an English accent, albeit more rough than elegant.
To this Mathias only grinned cheekily. "Oh hey there, buddy! Yer a bit slow there, aren't cha? That old age gettin' to ya already?"
The other male growled.
"Or were you just in a lover's spat with the Conquistador? Maybe ya ran into the Fleur-de-Lis?"
The pirate only spat and cursed, emerald green eye glaring daggers at the North Sea King. "I won't ask again, twat."
"Hey now, I know we left on awful terms, but can't ya forgive and forget?" Mathias offered jokingly, enjoying seeing the other so mad. "But if ya must know, we were just done here,"
"Yeah! So leave us alone, jerk!" Peter piped up to support his captain, glaring at the newcomer.
That acidic green eye leered towards the source of the new voice and his thick eyebrows furrowed. "The name's Captain Kirkland, owner of the Rose Pink, brat!" He stalked over to the little pirate threateningly. "But why don't ya come closer and say that to my face, boy? I'll teach you a thing or two about manners," His voice dripping with venom, he sneered at Peter.
"I think not." The Reaper intervened, stepping in between the two. He faced the Englishman as he continued "I will lose my respect for you should you decide to lay a hand on children."
"You!" Captain Kirkland seethed when he saw the masked man. He then eyed the body bag next to Mathias and scowled. "Ya got the bounty already?!"
"You betcha!" Mathias bragged. "And it's all 'cause we took a shortcut through that strait in the north!"
"His head belongs to me!" Captain Kirkland spat out, his eye still locked with those hollow black sockets. "How dare you steal what's mine!"
Lukas retorted calmly "We're pirates. It's what we do, Captain Kirkland."
"Yeah, not our fault ya were too slow," Emil added playfully.
The Englishman looked like he was about to blow a gasket, murder shining in that green eye when an idea came to him and he smirked. "Well I'm sure we can resolve this dispute like gentlemen. How about a duel for that bounty then, lad?"
The North Sea King tapped his chin in thought. "Sounds interesting…" he then smirked at the Reaper. "What d'ya say, buddy? Teach Kirkland here not to mess with us!"
"…I'd really rather not,"
Berwald could hear the fatigue in his voice.
"I'm tired…I also need to check up on Hanatamago,"
At this Mathias cackled. "Ya hear that, Kirkland?"
The captain of the Rose Pink only scowled.
The captain of the Draugen's voice was shrill as he wheezed "The Reaper thinks a dog is more important than you!"
"Why you-!"
"Ah that was cold, Reaper, you oughta at least give the guy a chance," The North Sea King came up to the rifleman and swung an arm across the other's shoulders.
Under the pressure of his captain, the Finn finally agreed to fight.
No…Berwald didn't want the other to overexert himself. He wanted to step in, but found Erland clutching to the material of his trousers tightly in the presence of the other captain. He couldn't leave the redhead now, and so made it his priority to protect both him and Peter. He could only be a spectator of the duel and hope for the best. In the meantime, he reached his hand down to pat Erland's head reassuringly.
"Then it's settled," Captain Kirkland turned towards his ship and yelled at one of the crew members – his rifleman. "Jones, get your arse down here this instant you wanker!"
What's going on?
"Okay, okay, I'm a-comin'!" Another pirate from the Rose Pink jumped off the deck and made his way towards them. When he reached their group he said "Watcha need, boss?"
This pirate was young, with wheat-blond hair and sapphire eyes behind a pair of square-framed glasses. His accent was most foreign, as if from a faraway land. Leather chaps ran down his legs and a vest and hat of a similar material adorned his features. A bright red bandana was wrapped loosely around his neck, nearly covering the gold star badge he had pinned to the brown vest.
"Ya lost yer bounty, you prat!" Captain Kirkland pointed a gloved finger at the Reaper. "Make it up by dueling and killing this bastard!"
"Whaat?! That was mighty fast of ya, pal," The young pirate tipped his leather brown hat towards the Reaper and pulled out his weapon. "I give ya props! The name's Alfred F. Jones, by the way, but people call me the 'Lone Star.' Pleasure ta meet ya...too bad I won't be seein' ya fer long," he said cheerfully, giving the man a confident grin.
The Reaper took a moment to stare at his opponent before saying "...Forgive me captain, but I won't fight him. I forfeit."
The group fell into shock.
"What?!"
"Now hold just a gosh-darn second-"
"It's been a while, Alfred," The Reaper's voice was gentle as he removed his mask in front of his opponent.
Lone Star's jaw dropped. "Oh my stars and garters!" He immediately put away his revolver, his blue eyes bright. "Well, I'll be! I never knew you were the Reaper, partner!"
"The world sure is small, isn't it?" the Finn smiled at the younger blond.
"You're darn tootin'-!"
"Jones! What is the meaning of this?!" Captain Kirkland came up to them, demanding an answer.
Alfred turned to his captain and explained "Shoots boss, he and I go waaaay back when we were just youngins! There's no way in hell I can kill him; I give up too!" He smiled widely and cheerfully, not taking any objections.
"You insufferable-!"
"If you would like, Captain Kirkland," the Reaper put on his mask again. "I will duel you instead," he offered.
This seemed to rile the captain up. "That suits me just fine, ya wanker," he drew out his cutlass from his holster and raised it at the Reaper. "Let's make it a sword fight, shall we? It's only fair, seeing as though you owe me for my eye," The words came out smoothly, but there was definitely malice and hatred laced within them. Captain Kirkland's remaining emerald eye burned with an intention to kill, his mouth set in a crooked smirk.
"Very well, but I don't have my-"
"That sounds like a personal problem, lad!" Without warning, the Englishman came charging at the unarmed Reaper.
So much for playing fair...Berwald watched anxiously as the duel commenced on the dock in front of him.
"He'll be fine," Mathias proclaimed aloud, as if reading the thoughts of some of the spectators. "You'll see."
"Beat him up, ReeRee!"
"I will pay ya back for what you took from me, Reaper!" He brought the cutlass down on his victim the moment he was close enough.
But the Reaper was agile, sidestepping the initial slash. He then did a small back handspring to avoid another blow that came a bit too close, kicking the cutlass out of Captain Kirkland's hand in the process. A piece of his beige scarf tore off from the encounter.
"Yeah!" The North Sea King cheered as the weapon flew from the Englishman's hand and clattered onto the wooden boards of the dock.
Without giving the other a chance to recover, once the Reaper was back on his feet, he moved in swiftly.
"What the-!" The next thing Captain Kirkland saw was a skull in front of his face, a white gloved hand dangerously near his throat.
It was over so soon.
The Reaper stopped, not quite grabbing the neck in front of him. "This is enough."
"Like hell it is!" Captain Kirkland spat at the man, distracting him long enough to swat the hand near his neck away and kick the other with so much force it sent him flying back and skidding across the boards of the dock on his side.
"ReeRee!"
A small grunt of pain escaped the Reaper. He tried to stand back up but the Englishman was fast, already upon him and stomping him down with a black boot on his chest. That venomous green eye stared down at him conceitedly. It was getting hard to breathe.
"It was a mistake to go easy on me, Reaper!" He continued delving his polished boot into the man pinned below him and stood tall over the Finn as he continued "You're not as strong as I remember! How disappointing...that other time you got me must've been a fluke!" He sneered, showing the other his teeth. "I'll pay you back for what you did to me by taking both yer eyes!"
"Whoa hey now, boss, don't cha think that's a bit harsh?" Alfred eyed his friend on the ground worriedly.
The North Sea King was gritting his teeth. "Quit messin' around, Reaper!" he scolded his subordinate. "Yer makin' us look bad! Get up, now!"
He didn't even notice it himself, but Berwald was biting down on his lower lip so hard that it nearly bled. His body tensed when he saw the Finn knocked down, hands balled into fists.
The Reaper only sighed deeply before lifting the Englishman's boot off him with one hand and rolling out of the way.
But Captain Kirkland was quick to react and was upon him once he was back on his feet.
It was a flurry of black and red as the two fighters moved across the floorboards nimbly. It was a wonder how both of their hats stayed on their heads.
The Englishman was strong, even without his cutlass his fists were more than enough. Berwald noticed this when the Reaper dodged a punch that instead grazed a pole lining the dock, woodchips flying off and a small dent left behind on the pole.
He really does want to kill him!
"What's this now? Don't tell me all yer gonna do is dance around like a pansy!" Captain Kirkland teased, but he snarled in frustration all the same when he missed yet another swing at the Reaper across the face. "You coward!"
The platinum blond found an opportunity when the other swung a left hook at him.
"Huh?"
The Reaper grabbed Captain Kirkland's incoming fist, pulling on the extended arm over his shoulder and flipping the English pirate onto his back, twisting the arm in the process.
"Damn you!"
Although the Reaper did not throw as many punches or attacks as the other, when he did, they landed.
A strangled cry escaped the blond captain before he bit it back down, glaring at the skull-masked figure above him.
The Finn released his grip on the other, backing up a bit from the body lying prostrate on the floorboards. "Second warning – please stop."
"Now that's more like it!" The North Sea King approved.
Captain Kirkland only scowled at his opponent's request. Being close enough to his abandoned cutlass on the floor, he quickly grabbed it, swinging low from where he was to cut off the Reaper's legs.
"…!" The platinum blond saw the movement just in time, jumping with both feet off the ground to avoid the blade as it swept under the soles of his boots.
The captain of the Rose Pink used the evasion to kick up and jump back onto his feet fluidly, turning towards the Reaper who had just regained his balance. He wore a predatory grin as he twirled his cutlass once in his hand before thrusting the weapon towards the masked man's heart. "Now you die, Reaper-!"
Said pirate was upon him before he even took a step forward.
"What?!"
Flitting across to close the distance between them, the Finn moved in close to Captain Kirkland. Left hand over the other's face, he got down on one knee in one swift motion, grabbing and forcing the English pirate's head down into the dock with a loud splintering of wood.
Following the force of the pull on his head, Captain Kirkland's body flopped onto the wooden boards soon after with a thud. The cutlass fell from his hand the moment his head was smashed in. Blood pooled in the back of the pirate's head, dying bits of blond hair crimson and spilling onto the floorboards below him.
"This duel is over." The Reaper said with finality. He removed his hand from the other's face to reveal a green eye still glowering at him, teeth bared.
The man was still alive. Any weaker person would have died from the impact and had his skull caved in.
"That was a good fight, Captain Kirkland." The Reaper commended sincerely.
Captain Kirkland's body twitched at the words before he growled. However, he didn't rise from his spot on the floor. He only cursed as the Reaper stood up, wiped the spit from his mask, and turned to walk back to his crew. "Fucking…wanker…"
"That's my Reaper!"
"Yay! You did it, ReeRee!" Peter ran over to the winner of the match.
"Impressive, as always." Lukas complimented, Emil nodding in agreement.
Lone Star hustled over to his captain to help him into a sitting position. "Aw shucks, boss, don't feel bad! You were great out there!" The blond didn't sound a tad bit remorseful that they have lost the duel and the bounty with it.
"Shut it, git!" Captain Kirkland continued to glare daggers at the victor, who was now kneeling to give Peter and a redheaded boy some candy from the pocket of his long coat. His black gloved hands clenched tightly into fists. At this point his pride was wounded more deeply than his head - he won't lose to the same man twice!
Seeing as though the Reaper's back was turned to him and he was occupied with those brats, Captain Kirkland saw this as an opportunity to lunge at him. He shoved Alfred off him and grabbed the cutlass once again, wanting now more than ever to slit the accursed man's throat.
"Boss!"
"The match is over." Berwald's voice came out gruff and deep as he leapt in the way, glaring at the English pirate over his glasses. Before he even knew what or why he was doing this, his body moved on its own and stood between the Reaper and Captain Kirkland.
"Ha?" The blond stopped when he saw the intimidating taller man gaze at him with cyan eyes. His good eye then flickered to the side and he smiled sardonically. He pointed over the Swede's shoulder as he said "How quaint of you…but you're defending the wrong man, I'm afraid."
"Hm?" Berwald took a chance and turned around to see that the Reaper was right behind him.
The rifleman had his royal blue flintlock pistol pointed at the Englishman, the three barrels of the gun staring straight at him. He had heard the pirate captain approach. He remained deathly silent.
Captain Kirkland got the message and fell back, officially ending the duel. He knew how serious the other was now and another move on his part would trigger that pistol. He had no choice but to admit defeat this time. "Tch…enjoy this little victory while ya still can," he said bitterly before turning his back on the two.
Once he saw the red long coat turned on him, Berwald let out a breath he had kept in from the suspense. A warm hand clasped his shoulder.
"Thank you for looking out for me, Berwald."
The Swede just knew the other was smiling behind that morbid mask.
"I'm sorry I dragged you into this mess, but it's over now. Rest easy," He then went back to Peter and asked the young boy to hold onto his mask until he returned.
Where is he going now?
Peter saluted and swore to protect the mask with his life. He and Erland were quick to make it back onto the ship to share what they just saw with the others.
The three brothers were gone before Berwald even noticed, the bounty disappearing as well from the floor.
The Reaper walked past Berwald and towards the two members of the Rose Pink who were currently caught in an argument not far off on the boardwalk.
"Aw geez, boss, it wasn't my fault they got here faster-!"
"Silence! I don't want your excuses, Jones!"
Lone Star pouted and was about to say something when he saw his friend approach them. "Howdy, Reaper!"
"I'm sorry for the intrusion,"
"You're cruel, Reaper." Captain Kirkland gave the unwelcome man a dirty look. "What do you want now? Come to rub your win in my face?" For someone who was bleeding from the back of his head, the Englishman was feistier than usual. He was busy readjusting his eye patch and cravat now dyed red in some parts.
"No, nothing of that sort, Captain Kirkland. Actually, I was hoping I could take Lone Star off your hands for a while and catch up with him somewhere,"
"You've got some nerve!" The captain snarled, offended that the other had the gall to request such a thing. But his subordinate wasn't making things easier for him. "What makes ya think-"
"Now that's a mighty fine idea there, partner!" Alfred drawled. He pulled out a small golden pocket watch from his tan trousers and exclaimed "It's high noon, so let's get somethin' to eat!"
The Reaper smiled at his long-time friend. "Sounds good, it'll be my treat."
"Hahaha! Then let's giddy up, partner!"
And in the next moment the two were walking side by side on the boardwalk into town.
But not before the Reaper passed by Captain Kirkland and whispered something gravely to the Englishman, his amethyst eyes staring into emerald green. "Please watch over Alfred. If you mistreat him in any way, I'll find you and finish the job and take your other eye as well."
Captain Kirkland was left sputtering and fuming as he stomped off towards his ship, swearing and complaining about the Reaper and Lone Star's audacity.
Berwald, on the other hand, was left alone to do whatever he wanted for the afternoon. Mathias, satisfied with the bounty, did not badger him. And so he was left not knowing what he should do with himself. But what he did know was that he didn't trust the crew of the Rose Pink. And so without informing anyone, he set out into town to keep watch over the Reaper should the other blond try anything.
The Swede followed them to a tavern on the edge of town, keeping himself hidden as he guarded and watched the area intensely. Apparently, just standing around the tavern was enough to scare some of the patrons away. It somehow reminded him of his days standing guard at the brothel…the thought made him scowl more than usual. Once in a while, he could hear Lone Star's boisterous laughter echo through the walls of the place, catching tidbits of dialogue along with it. He couldn't hear what the Reaper had to say, however.
When he saw the two exit the tavern, Berwald rounded a corner to avoid being spotted.
"And then I said, 'Can someone call the undertaker?'" Lone Star guffawed as he finished telling his heroic exploit.
"Haha, it's good to see you're doing well," he heard the Reaper's soft voice from around the corner. "Who'd have known you would become a pirate as well? And under Captain Kirkland no less..."
"Haha, yeah, life sure takes weird turns, don't cha think?"
"Indeed it does. You're making quite a name for yourself,"
"Daw yer makin' me blush, partner!"
"I'm sorry I caught your bounty, but it was really nice seeing you again after all these years."
"Now what in tarnation are ya apologizin' for?! Don't even worry about it; there'll always be more bounties! And the feeling's mutual," Berwald took a peek around the corner and saw Alfred clasping his hands on the shorter male's shoulders. He was about to spring into action when he heard "Are ya sure yer feelin' fine? I've seen dead meat livelier than you,"
The Reaper just chuckled and smiled at him. "Well, when you are sent out to find a bounty and haven't slept in three days, only to have to fight a terrifying pirate captain right afterwards, can you blame me?"
Lone Star gave out a long whistle. "Shoots, I guess not!" He then patted his friend's shoulders as he said "Well don't do anythin' stupid, ya hear me? I don't wanna hear no rumors that yer pushin' daisies by the time we meet again!" His companion laughed slightly at the statement.
"I won't, as long as you promise me the same thing and take care."
"Well all righty then, now that that's settled, I reckon you should head back and get some shut eye. Might do your dead eyes some good!" he teased.
The two shared one last farewell and chaste hug before going separate ways.
Berwald immediately turned tail away from them and back around the corner to let them pass him. He didn't know Lone Star would come his way.
"Whoa there, partner!" Alfred appeared just as shocked as Berwald was to bump into him. His vibrant grin returned to his face when he recognized the Swede. "Howdy! Yer one of the folks from the Draugen right? Reaper's pal?"
"…"
The younger blond took Berwald's silence as a sign to keep talking. "Yeah I remember ya! That was a nice save ya did back there," he winked at him. "Listen, I don't mean ya no harm! So why don't cha tell me yer name?"
"Berwald." He continued to stare at the blond curiously, wondering how in the world such a guy befriended the Reaper…how lucky the other was.
Blue eyes flickered brightly and Alfred's smile grew wider. "Well, Berwald, it's nice to know the Reaper's found himself a bodyguard to watch over him!"
He thinks that I'm…Berwald felt flattered by the comment for some reason, even though it wasn't true. He didn't know what he was to the Reaper.
Alfred then went on to showcase his life, his feats, how he came on board the Rose Pink and how he knew his childhood friend. They had met long ago as toddlers while the Reaper's family was on vacation in the new land.
Throughout it all, the Swede just stood there and listened intently, fascinated especially by the tidbits involving the Finn.
"Hahaha! But ya know, that guy always treats me like a kid! I swear, he's more of a dad sometimes than a friend,"
"I'm sure he just cares," he offered, trying to contribute to their one-sided conversation.
He's really friendly, even if he's just a bit loud
Berwald then decided that Lone Star wasn't a bad person or an enemy. He was the Reaper's friend after all.
"Ah well, I guess you would know…bein' on the same boat and everything," The smile waned a little as something seemed to surface in Alfred's mind and he looked at his pocket watch. "I gotta get going…But before I do, I wanna tell ya something," he made a motion with his finger to get the taller man to come closer.
Trusting him, Berwald bent down a bit to the other's height, leaning in as he whispered into his ear.
"Now I don't know if you've heard the rumors, but if ya ever come near a place called 'Aurora Cove,' I suggest you and the Reaper steer clear of there," his voice was low, blue eyes dark. "Hightail outta there if ya can…heard that's where my captain lost his eye to him." He pouted a bit at the fact and readjusted the bandana around his neck. "I mean, I tried askin' the boss about it, but he wouldn't tell me nothin'…Can't blame him though, it wasn't his finest moment…" Lone Star tried to laugh it off, but it came out flat, unconvincing. "Reaper's a really nice fellow when yer not his target…so something really bad must've happened over there to make the guy go berserk like that…"
"Mm." Numbly, he nodded his understanding, still trying to process the information given to him.
Backing away from the taller blond, Alfred's smile returned in full swing. "Right, now seein' as though yer his bodyguard, I thought you should know. Whatever makes your job easier, partner!"
Berwald thanked the man as they got onto the main street.
"It's no problem, pal! After all, watching out for that guy is one hell of a job!" He tipped his hat and winked at him. "He just seems to attract trouble wherever he goes, hahaha! Good luck, Ber!"
Endnotes:
Brownie points to those who can spot the Overwatch references here!
And of course I had to include Arthur at one point in the story...it simply wouldn't be a pirate fic without him lol His ship, the Rose Pink, is named after one of two actual pirate ships owned by English pirate Edward Low during the Golden Age of Piracy.
The song used for the chapter title can also be used to explain Alfred's upbringing to those who are curious :) He's more of a cowboy than a pirate here but oh well! This is Alfred we're talking about lol He was very fun to write.
Lastly but most importantly, I just wanted to take the time to once again thank you all for reading this and especially to those who review; I absolutely love hearing your comments about the story and it always motivates me to write faster and get the next chapter out to you guys sooner! I'm so happy you are still enjoying the story and looking forward to more, because I can promise you there will be. So until the next one, thank you all again and have a wonderful day or evening!