Author's Note: Alright, well I thought I would treat everyone since I will not be updating for at least another week or more, between then and three at the least. Tomorrow is the day I get my coat and pants for my Reaver cosplay worked on and I'll be busy with my tiddly-bits and packing until then. So, here you all are, even if I didn't get but two reviews in the last two days. Speaking of Reviewers and my beautiful fans...
Alexox123: This is what you wished for dearest, and so you shall have it. =3 I hope I didn't dissapoint with this update! Keep reading and reviewing darling! Love, Nixx.
chellcat86: Well, first of all I did not get all of your review unfortunately. Perhaps it hasn't shown up on here yet, but I received most of it in my email. It cut off the 'P.S.' part... Anyways... Fuck your phone for deleting your first review! Lol. XD I wanted to acknowledge those of you that have reviewed, for it is the least I can do, but you are welcome anyways lovey. =] I hope you checked out my deviantart, even if it is merely a journal and pics of the Dragonstomper .48 I created, which are unfortunately the only updates I have on my costuming so far. I'll try to get pics tonight and put more up, if at all possible. I have a feeling you'll like the Balverine Cane Topper... It certainly is my fave... And in regards to your questions... You might get an intimate scene, or like I said before, Reaver might completely hate her in the end and tell her to frog off. XD Just keep reading my darling. This one is for you, considering you are my most avid reviewer thus far!
Chapter Twelve: Potential of a Pirate Queen
I was a terrible slacker as of late, for I seem to be waking up more than I find myself walking around. Apparently I- once again- had passed out, though with good reason after my explorations of the island in the evilest of seas, and now woke up energetically from my bed. It took a few minutes to recall exactly what had happened, and I realized a certain pirate was nowhere to be found, despite sharing the bed with me since his ship was at the bottom of the ocean. I wasn't complaining. . . Well, in both aspects I suppose. I woke up alone, but at night I had a deviant- which was always naked, as tempting as that was to resist- to keep the sheets warm. Of course, without getting the sex he often implied at that is.
I eagerly stand, legs giving a profound shake but doing little to stop me in my endeavors to reach my hand mirror across the room. I snatch it up, ignoring the fact that I was in only my undergarments, and proceed to examine myself in the mirror. The few scars that had once wrecked my body were absolutely cleared, leaving the shining sun-kissed bronze of my sea-tan. The color was lovely, glowing in its own light as Reaver's paleness normally did, and I slowly move the mirror to glance at my face.
Nothing seemed really different about my facial features, but I noticed a better definition in my cheekbones and eyebrows, though softer around my chin. My eyes shone the brightest blue I could imagine, though somehow was almost identical to my original color, and my hair bounced with an ethereal shimmer, dancing delightfully with a hint of a twist here and there. It was far improved from the wind-tangled, branch-snared mess of a mane I had before. My lips were fuller, though not overly so, and all around I had that immortal beauty that I had only seen capable of the pirate king. Perhaps this immortality thing was not so bad afterall, and yet I did not mind the thought of death. Of course, what could be better than sailing the seas my entire life, conquering merchant ships and blowing holes in a few heads, able to have an amazing romp or orgy at every port for the rest of my days.
"Well, this is the first perk, I suppose," I chuckle, hurriedly pulling on my clothing and feeling the usual sway in my walk as I glide from the door. Everyone on deck calls their greetings as I pass, headed towards the helm, all staring a moment longer than usual when noticing the superb change in their captain. Reaver, finding him at last, was at the helm and speaking with Hale, though my first mate looked rather displeased at having to do so with him.
"Oi! Capt'n!" Hale glowers at the pirate as he finally feels me approach him. "Tell this bloke to sod off! You are the only one who gov'rns this here ship, and I take second lead. Tell hi-. . ." He trails off, turning to stare at me with wide, dark eyes. "Holy hell, Capt'n! You look bloody different!"
"I'll explain later, Hale," I murmur, not even asking as I reach into his pouch on his hip and light up his pipe, not returning it this go around. "Reaver is in charge when I am not, to an extent that is. If he tries to make off with my ship, then you can throw him overboard. Now, I need to speak to the man alone, if you would mate. In other words, go fetch me a bottle of booze and an apple, would you?"
Hale grumbles, stomping off- childishly, mind you- to do as I had asked as I turn to Reaver, a hand on my hip and the other holding the pipe up, waving it about. "What do you think? I look too different? I feel as if I could conquer the world right about now."
"You are getting cocky, darling," Reaver smirks, sizing up the slight differences in my image. "But I must say, immortality suits you." I inquire about our position and the length of time before we reach Albion. "Ah, you have a knack for sleeping away your troubles, love. We have already passed the region where we hit the monsoon. It was surprisingly clear this go around, and I should probably credit that witch for that hmm?"
"Beats the hell out of me, but at this point I wouldn't doubt it," I roll my eyes, allowing him to steer as I sit off to the side on the edge of the railing, completely lifting myself up onto it and leaning against a decorative piece of the ship that was jutting out. I feel a nauseating glimpse of deja vu, shaking the images from my head and stretching lazily. "Ah, you have any idea how long until we reach Bowerstone? I'll be needing to see my brother immediately."
"Two weeks is a bit short of a time, don't you think little hero?" Reaver had not stopped staring at me, and I expected him to pounce at any given moment. "I would give my best guess at sixteen days after we make port in Aurora."
I shake my head profoundly, standing from my post. "I'm afraid that would not work, Reaver. Fortunately, I have a tireless crew that is willing to work for their fair share of gold. First, I'll need to make an address. None know what is going on, and if I want to avoid a mutiny-" I heard him laugh something about 'none could take us on this ship, love', but ignore the man, "-I'll need to tell everyone. Do sit back, would you?" For once in your bloody life, do as you're told. . .
I head towards the wheel, standing before it and leaning down, unconsciously giving Reaver a good view of my rear, and call a loud attention to my crew. All stop what they are doing, coming closer to the stairs and staring up at me with a quiet murmur going through the mass of men and mops. I chuckle at my own pun, then stand tall, a hand on one hip, and brush out my hair with the other, giving a stare that would chill a Hollow Man to his core.
"Listen here, my lovely crew," I call loudly, voice heard by all and silencing the small pieces of chatter just as Hale comes to my left, holding my bottle of wine in one hand and an apple in the other. I motion for him to hold the apple a moment longer. "I know a lot of you have some questions regarding the treasure that was on that dastardly little island that killed many men to come to. I have your answers.
"As all of you know, I am obviously different in some ways," I exaggerated the ethereal qualities that surrounded me, a bit drastic in my movements and sparking more light chatter I could easily project over. "Well, you see mates, that is something I cannot disclose with you. Know this, something is coming to Albion that could kill every last one of us, will kill. I have learned of this just after leaving port in Debal, I'm afraid, but was sworn to keep it quiet until after our trip to the Isle of Mihandrogs."
"Captain, what are you trying to say here?" Charles questions, making sure I could hear it over the growing murmurs of the men. "Is it like the darkness that swept Aurora and nearly overtook all of Albion those many decades ago? The one your mother stopped?"
"No, much worse than that," I shake my head somberly, taking a ferocious chug of my wine to calm my burning nerves. It was hard to comprehend something when one had not seen the gruesome, terrifying images that damned Theresa had decided to frighten me with. "It is nearly every pirate's dream, you see. A land that is covered in water, a threat that is going to try and drown all of the world. Unfortunately, the dream ends when said pirate comes to realize that this would mean no ports, no fresh water, and certainly no treasure. I was instructed to take the Hero of Skill to the island we have just left to attain a key component that could stop this menace before it ever has a chance."
"When will this monster come, Capt'n?" Hale now asks from my side. "It sounds like a right foul beast, one much worse than that evil Crawler-whoseit from the scary stories my mum read at my bedside."
"Much worse indeed, mate," I sigh heavily, feeling that weight on my shoulders again, though greatly alleviated from the constant buzz I felt within me. "I do not know exactly when it will come, but I have been given some clues. First of all, if my suspicions are right, the Queen of Albion, Hero of Brightwall, is dead."
That sparked an outrage, for the Queen was one that had gone easier on pirating since my grandmother, and she was very keen that 'whatever happened at sea, stayed at sea, unless it is one of my fleet'. Thus, all pirates had favored her, though not overly so considering renegades do not usually care for authority figures and monarchs. My mother had been a partiarch of 'don't ask, don't tell' rules, and that had grown a fond respect amongst the world I lived so deeply within.
"Quiet!" It was an instantaneous effect, all ceasing their screaming and brawling. "And that means that my brother, Deryn of Bowerstone, will be crowned King of Albion in a short two weeks. I have been told that this monster, whatever it may be, that threatens to take over the kingdom, the world, will appear at his coronation and try to assassinate him. Now, despite what you all believe, I am the rightful heir to the throne, a title I do not want. I am a pirate, royalty amongst thieves, so no one need make a comment about such.
"Now, you must understand my position, dirty rats," I chuckle, hearing a small laugh in response throughout my men, "that with this threat approaching so quickly, we need to make it to Albion post haste. If we don't and the Prince dies, that means I will have to become the ruler and no longer govern this ship. Which means, all of you will be out of jobs and have to look for someone else to hop on board with who is going to plunder and loot even half as good as I do."
More protests ring and I hear something rather peculiar being said. Shaei bumps his fist against his heart, gathering attention at the thunderous noise from the well-built Auroran male. "I will follow you until the end, Captain, as Pirate Queen."
A profound smirk gathers onto my face, hearing the call of all my men- and a few of Reaver's, to my smug content- as they agree with Shaei, pledging their allegiance to me no matter the situation and what unfolds. At last, someone questions on what should be done to keep me from taking the throne and being allowed to continue a magnificent life on the vast oceans.
"We must make it to Bowerstone in less than two weeks," I holler, finishing off my drink. "Who is with me?" Everyone cheers, hurrying about their business as I begin shouting orders and questions off. "Mr. Corrigan! How much food do we have left?"
"Enough for nine days of sailing, Capt'n! Thirteen for water if we go heavier on the booze!"
"Mr. Lenny, Hamjs, and Orname, get to fishing and gather us up enough grub to last us another few days after that!"
"Yes Capt'n!"
"I want the sails dropped! Everything that we can lose on this ship to make it lighter, do it! Cannons, balls, chains, anything we don't need to get there, get rid of it!" I was walking down the ship, then into the lower portions and beginning to cut loose the weapons I stated. "If we meet enemy ships in the water, I will handle it without the need of a cannon!"
Once the unnecessary things are dropped to the floor of the ocean, I could almost feel the ship sailing faster against the tides, as if they were helping us along in our journey. I give an outright laugh at that notion, giving one last scream to the crew.
"And our trip to that cursed island was not a complete loss! All of you will have your fair share of gold when I can properly get rid of the rare hides of those blasted miniature balverines!" Another cheer before all go back to work, trying hard to please their captain and doing a damn good job of it.
"Seems you have a knack for this pirating thing," Reaver murmurs, leaning against the railing with me, his back to the ocean while I stared straight out at it. "Even my crew is listening, as infuriating as it is."
"Reaver, the world is about to come to an end and you are worried about your men listening to another captain?" I roll my eyes, rubbing them soon after. "I don't like being a hero. I don't feel up to such a responsibility. I mean, what sort of pirate is a damned hero, eh?"
"You are a free woman, and that is how you feel. One of the many reasons I am attracted to you. That, and I still have yet to test the rumor of your nightly endeavors," he smirks, and I place of lock of hair behind ear. Was I blushing? "I know all too well about being thrust into the role of hero. Fortunately for you, you have a choice. Either let the world drown or save everyone and so forth with all the tiddly bits."
"No, I have been thrust into it," I 'humph' and continue staring at the seas. "I would rather have my freedom with some places to go. This is highly frustrating. Though, you are stuck by my side whether you like it or not, pirate."
"The women in your family are pretty good at forcing my hand," Reaver murmurs irritably. That, or his tone just made me want to hit him. "Now, how about we rectify this with a good romp, my pet? I might be more inclined to help you if I get something out of it."
"Reaver, shut up," a thought hits me. "How about, I'll sleep with you, do whatever you want in the bedroom, if you help me defeat this menace? Sound like a plan to you?"
He hesitates, rubbing his chin and the little triangular beard he had grown since I saw him in Debal. It was quite dashing, to say the least. "I suppose this deal could benefit me in some ways. You will be my sex slave for an entire week."
"Three days," I growl in response.
"Four."
"Alright, two."
He shrugs, then smirks wildly. "It was more than I was offered at the start. I'll take it." We shake on the deal, though I don't quite understand how a handshake could seal a fate like this in a situation. Another thought that bothered me was why he would even accept a simple two days when it started at a week? I mean, Reaver was a greedy man. Perhaps I would not even leave a bedroom, or wherever this was to take place- as kinky as that was-, for the duration of the time. I turn away from him once this is all said and done with, then decide to go about and help my crew.
The sooner we made it to Albion, to Bowerstone, the better.
R.E.V.I.E.W!