Separated

Chapter 21: Pirate Duel

Honeydew followed Spacker down the hall, eventually coming to a room full of chests and storage tanks. Spacker, having stopped running a while ago, now hobbled over to the nearest chest, kicking the lid open before shifting through it. Honeydew stood by the door, watching the pirate curiously.

"So, um…how'd you get the, uh…" He stared at Spacker's ripped-open torso again. The zombie looked over his shoulder before returning to the chest.

"Stray cannonball." He gave a clipped reply. Honeydew could tell he didn't want to talk about it.

"I see…" He replied. He watched as Spacker continued to shift through the chests, only pulling out a few select items. He occasionally tightened his black Skull-and-Crossbones bandanna that was wrapped around his head, soon glancing down at what he had gathered.

"Some rope, ladders, and some other things we might need. Looks like we're all set." He said. Meanwhile, Honeydew heard another loud explosion across the town, Jock's gruff voice calling out soon afterwards.

"Damn it, not the gun shop! And Angus, for Notch's sake, you're facin' backwards again!"

"Sounds bad out there…" He mumbled. Spacker just nodded as he shoved a coil of rope into Honeydew's arms, carrying the other supplies himself.

"Let's head out to the beam, then. Logs should already be out there fer us. C'mon now, let's get goin'!"

Honeydew nodded and followed the undead pirate back up onto the main deck. He looked across the water to see that Grimjaw's ship had sailed closer in their direction. Angus_Eyeless and his dog made their way onto the ship as the dwarves reached the deck, the old Scottish captain then heading towards a nearby cannon.

"Should we really let the blind man aim the weaponry?" Honeydew whispered over to Spacker. He smiled as he headed down the ramp and back onto the main platform.

"You'd be surprised. Despite the fact he's blind, Angus almost never misses. Odd, ain't it?"

"Yeah, it is." Honeydew replied. He shrugged it off as the two dwarves made their way over to the unsteady beam, dodging any random pirates as they headed to new posts and positions. The cannonballs had split a good chunk of the wood off into the water, and the rest of it looked like it could snap under the weight from the upper level at any moment. Honeydew placed the coil of rope down as Spacker did the same, shambling over to a small wooden shack. It surprisingly hadn't taken any damage yet. The zombie opened the door to reveal many short logs and wooden planks stored inside. He grabbed a log and began hauling it over towards the beam. Although he was undead, his dwarven might was still rooted deep inside him. Honeydew grabbed his own log and carried it over to the support. Spacker had already straightened and wedged his into place. He then took the log from Honeydew and pointed back over towards their supplies.

"Get me the rope! We need to make sure the wood stays!" He called. More cannonballs flew back and forth over the water, a few splashing down beside them. Honeydew instinctively covered his head to protect himself before he nodded back to Spacker, running to get the supplies they needed.

Xephos coughed as more black smoke filled the room, making it even harder to see. The constant cannon fire had covered the entire area in the mix of air and gunpowder, and he heard a few pigmen squeal in surprise beside him. Squinting past the smoke, he felt for another cannonball before shoving it into the cannon he was manning. He coughed again, trying to aim the best he could. Once this proved to no avail, the Spaceman sighed and fired the cannon, hoping that it would hit something somewhere.

"Shit!" Honeydew fell back in surprise when a cannonball suddenly struck the platform directly in front of him. It went straight through the sturdy wood and down into the waters below. If he'd been any closer, he would've ended up in the same boat Spacker was; dead.

"You awrite, mate?" Spacker called over. Honeydew regained his composure before giving a nod, continuing to haul another log over towards the other dwarf. The support beam was nearly done by now, and Spacker was tying a strip of rope around part of it to make it stay. He took a log from Honeydew and wedged it into place, wrapping another part of the rope around it as well. He then took a step back and admired their work.

"There, good as new!" He declared, turning to Honeydew. "These pirates would be halfway to Davy Jones' locker if it wasn't fer our dwarven handiwork, now would they?"

Honeydew smiled slightly as he gave a nod. He turned to see Jock run up to them. The captain looked between the dwarves and the support beam before his eyes came to rest on Honeydew.

"Awrite, deck hand, here's what I need you to do now." He began. The captain pointed over to Grimjaw's ship. "Get out there and burn that hunk of driftwood to pieces!"

Upon hearing the word "burn", Honeydew's eyes lit up as he smirked. He pulled out his Flint and Steel.

"Aye aye, captain!" He gave a salute before he ran back over to where he had left his dinghy. Like the shack, it had surprisingly taken no damage, and part of him was amazed that a panicked sailor hadn't fled the Bay with it. Tossing his bag inside again, the Dwarf climbed in after it before pushing off with the oars. The waters were draped with a mix of gunsmoke and the nightly mist, providing the perfect cover for Honeydew to reach the ship undetected. He propelled the small boat up behind the back of Grimjaw's odd vessel, and he reached for his Flint and Steel again. It only took a single flick for the wooden ship to catch fire, and he watched as the flames began to dance up towards the deck. Honeydew couldn't help but smirk as he turned his dinghy around, already hearing a few of the crew yelling and squealing at the new threat.

"Squealing? What are they, pigs?" He asked himself. He shrugged it off and returned to the main platform of Barbeque Bay. Meanwhile, he heard an explosion go off over at Grimjaw's ship, most likely caused by the fire reaching the gunpowder supply. Jock, Spacker, and a few other pirates were waiting for him back on the platform.

"Aye, good job, deck hand! Now Grimjaw will know a thing or two when it comes to messin' with Jock_Fireblast!" Jock laughed, watching as Spacker helped the other dwarf onto the platform. Honeydew gave a small smile as more pirates ran to watch the inferno. The deck was entirely blocked out by smoke and fire, making it impossible for anyone to see what was happening on board. Within a few minutes, the ship finally began to sink under the waves, and Honeydew noticed the sun beginning to rise over on the horizon. For a second he thought he saw a figure dive off the side of the ship, but he dismissed it as a trick of the new light.

Oh well. If someone did survive, I'm sure it was nobody important.

Xephos had just loaded another cannonball into his cannon when he heard a pigman squeal next to him. He turned to see what the commotion was about when a loud bang suddenly happened. Xephos was thrown back across the room before he hit the wall. His ears were still ringing from the explosion, whatever it was, as he picked himself up. He looked over to see that a fire had somehow started near the back of the ship, and it had just reached the gunpowder supply. Xephos watched as a few pigmen ran past him towards the door, other less-fortunate ones already engulfed in the flames.

It was then Xephos found himself paralyzed with fear. The fires, the explosion, the pigmen burning up in front of him. It was just like that fateful night the USS Floridian went up in a massive explosion. The sounds of sirens and panicked cries of the crew filled his head again, causing Xephos to grip his head to try and make it stop. Still, the sounds persisted, and the Spaceman curled up against the wall. Not again, he thought. This can't be happening again…

Suddenly, he was snapped out of his thoughts when a pigman tripped over him on the way out of the room. The Spaceman looked around and noticed the fires slowly creeping over to him. In an instant he was on his feet, pushing past the few remaining pigmen that were left alive in the room. He ran down the hall and up towards the deck. The roars of the flames were louder now, much larger fires engulfing the hull and the main mast. Xephos was about to dive off the side when he felt a hand catch the back of his collar.

"You…" Began a voice. It was seeping with utter anger and hatred. Xephos was turned around to face the captain, whose dark eyes reflected the fire burning all around. About half of his black mess of a beard had been singed off, and the Spaceman could tell he was a bit delusional with the way he spoke. "This is your fault, you worthless git! You're goin' down with us if it's the last thing I do!"

With that the captain pulled his scabbard and aimed to run it through Xephos' chest. Xephos' eyes widened in surprise before he somehow managed to dodge. The Spaceman then dodged another jab from the captain, pulling his own sword as he did. The two then locked weapons for a moment, trying to off-balance each other. The stalemate then broke as the two began to parry each other's attacks, working their way up and down the ruined deck as they did. Xephos managed to graze the tip of his sword across the captain's burned cheek, only making the pirate angrier. With sudden speed he pushed Xephos to the ground, knocking the diamond sword away from the Spaceman's hands. Xephos watched as the captain raised his scabbard to deal the final blow when he heard the sound of wood splitting nearby. The main mast had snapped from its foundation, and it was beginning to fall…

…directly on top of them.

Xephos took the opportunity to roll out of the way when the captain noticed the mast. The captain turned in surprise before he tried to step out of the way. But by then, it was too late. Xephos watched as the heavy mast crushed him, the captain giving one final cry of pain before it died away.

Xephos gave a sigh of relief before he reached for his sword lying nearby. He sheathed it on his back and attempted to stand when the ship suddenly jerked, causing him to fall again. The fires had consumed most of it by now, and it had just begun to sink, unable to keep afloat any longer. The Spaceman managed to stand and sprint up the slanting angle of the deck, diving off the side and into the water below. He resurfaced a few moments later, catching his breath as he swam over towards a piece of charred driftwood. The Spaceman tossed his arms over it to keep his head afloat, giving a sigh as he did.

"Blimey, I'm exhausted…" He mumbled to himself. The waters were still thick with smoke and mist as the sun began to rise up over a few hills. He let his eyes slip closed as his body relaxed, allowing the tides to drag him wherever they pleased.

A few hours passed since the sinking of Grimjaw's ship, and the sinister captain had yet to be found. Presuming he was dead, the residents of Barbeque Bay had taken the time to celebrate their victory before beginning further repairs around the town. Honeydew had been talking to Spacker, the two sharing some beer when Jock approached again. He wore a warm smile on his face, and Angus and his dog were not too far behind.

"Well stranger, you certainly pulled through fer us." The captain began. A few nearby pirates raised the mugs and gave a "here-here!" in response. "Anytime you be needin' a favor, jus' say the word."

"Well, since you've mentioned it, I need help finding a map." Honeydew began. Jock gave a laugh.

"There be plenty o' maps around here, mate! You'll have to be clearer."

"I have part of it right here." The Dwarf told the pirate. He pulled out the map fragment and showed it to Jock. The captain took it and studied it as Angus tried to peer over his shoulder, despite the fact that he was blind. Of course, the old man was facing the wrong way again, and Angus' Greyhound turned him in the right direction.

"Anythin' interestin', Jock?" He asked. Jock's eyes suddenly widened in surprise before he dropped the map piece, allowing it to flutter towards the ground.

"That map be cursed, mate! It carries the Black Spot!" He cried. A few of the nearby pirates drew back in fear. Honeydew picked the map again and studied it, not finding a spot on it anywhere.

"Look, I know the thing's evil; I've been told many times." He began again, tucking the map away. "But I don't care. I need to find the other pieces. Any idea where to start?"

Jock looked uncertain as pulled at his collar, seeming to be debating something in his head.

"Well, I suspect Grimjaw would've had somethin' to do with this, but now he seems to be dead. However, rumor has it that he was keepin' his loot in a treasure hold! I do know of one person who could help ya' find it, if ye are brave enough to face 'er." The pirates gasped in response.

"Jock, you surely don't mean…" Spacker began, looking as shocked and scared as everyone else. The captain gave a grim nod.

"Yes. You'll have to seek help in the Dread Pirate, Norris!"

The entire crowd gave another gasp. Honeydew looked around, confused.

"Norris? That doesn't sound very threatening." He said.

"Don't let the name fool you, mate. Dread Pirate Norris is a scourge of the seas! Treasure hunter, cheater, theif! Vagabond! She'll slit yer throat the moment she lays eyes on ya." Jock told him. He gave a sharp exhale out of his nose before continuing. "But if yer set on findin' this map, I'll tell ye the way." He pointed over across the water. The smoke from the earlier fight had cleared, and it was now easy to see across the water and over towards the shape of land all the way across the other side of the Bay.

"Head over there an' follow the shoreline. You'll find where Norris keeps her ship eventually."

"Alright. Thanks for the help." Honeydew told him, beginning to make his way over to where he'd docked his dinghy. Jock nodded as Angus waved, Spacker also throwing in "Good luck!" for good measure. Honeydew climbed inside the boat again before pushing off, going the way Jock had told him.

As Barbeque Bay grew small in the distance, the landmass that Jock had indicated grew larger. Honeydew then turned the dinghy to start following the shoreline as he grew close. He didn't have to follow it far; just around the first bend sat a small cove, and a decent sized pirate ship sat anchored within it. Figuring this must be the place, Honeydew began to row over. He soon noticed a slender woman standing on the deck of the ship, staring down at him.

"Stay away from the Black Pimple, you scum!" She shouted. Though her voice was light and airy, it still rang true with strength and authority. Honeydew looked up at her and noticed long black curls, a simple black dress, and an excellent figure. Honeydew smiled slightly as he felt himself blush under his beard.

Maybe it's time I move on from Granny_Bacon…

"Hear me, dwarf? Get going! You be messin' with the Dread Pirate Norris!" She shouted again. Honeydew looked up to study her again, and he realized this woman had a striking resemblance to a certain knight he knew.

"Peculier?" He called up. A name suddenly popped into his head for some reason. "Isabel_Peculier?"

"Norris" looked shocked for a moment before her expression grew firm again.

"I-I have absolutely no idea who that is! Now off with you!" She called down. She glanced around before she lowered her voice.

"Listen, we don't mention that name around here. It be cursed. Understand?" The way she emphasized that last word gave Honeydew the hint that she meant to keep her true identity secret. He gave a nod.

"Oh, alright then." He replied. Isabel sighed and turned, beginning to walk towards the other side of the ship.

"Well, you're obviously not a threat. You can come aboard." She called back. Honeydew gave a nod, although Isabel couldn't see, and began to work his way around to the other side of the ship. He saw Isabel now studying part of the hull, part of the wood cracked and torn off from rocks. It was then Honeydew realized that she had run aground. He pulled up beside the ship and climbed out into the shallow water, dragging the small dinghy up onto the sand. He began to study the damage as well.

"I could help you with that. Ya'know, if you want." He said casually, glancing over towards Isabel. The woman frowned and sighed before she tossed a ropeladder down towards the Dwarf.

"Here, climb aboard. We'll talk in a moment." She said. Honeydew nodded and made his way up onto the deck. Isabel looked like she was about to say something when the sound of footsteps were heard across the other side of the ship. It sounded as if someone was coming up the stairs from below deck.

"Who's that coming up? Part of the crew?" Honeydew asked. Isabel just shrugged.

"It must be that drifter I picked up a few hours ago. He was out like a light when I found him."

Honeydew watched as the door that lead below deck swung open, and a figure stood leaning on the doorframe, gripping his head as he muttered something to himself. He wore a slightly-tattered red trench coat over a white shirt, a few blue stripes across the front. He also wore simple brown pants and some old dress shoes, apparently worn out from walking a lot. The Dwarf noticed a sword strapped to the man's back as he looked up to reveal a face; a face part of Honeydew thought he'd never see again. His eyes widened in surprise.

"Xephos!"