Chapter Fifteen
When Olivia finally woke she found herself alone in a small, unfamiliar cabin. She slowly sat up, swinging her legs over the side of the hammock she had been placed in. For a brief second the unfamiliar surroundings caused her to panic and worry that she was still on the Wilmington, but she started remembered what had happened before she blacked out, and put her mind at ease with a sigh of relief.
Glancing around she her eyes fell upon a chest with "T. Pullings" carved into the wood. She must be in Tom's cabin. She looked around with interest. She had never been in here, and was slightly curious of what the room would say about him. It was small and of course, rather plain, but clean and what was there appeared to be in order. She smiled to herself, that all was good for Olivia could not stand a slob.
With a content sigh she leaned back in the hammock, so relieved to be back here. Her hands had been bandaged quiet nicely and her bruises were beginning to feel better just from resting. She had just closed her eyes once more when she heard someone come in, and sat up to look.
Tom smiled warmly, glad to see she was awake, and removed his hat. "Good afternoon, Olivia." He greeted.
"Is it afternoon?" She asked, also smiling. "I seem to have lost track."
He laughed, "I would say, you slept through the entire battle. I put you here because sick-berth would no doubt be filled with wounded, and the Doctor said you were in no real danger." He told her, crossing and taking her hand gently. "Are you well?" He asked softly, studying her face with concern.
Olivia nodded, "I feel better than I look." She assured him.
Tom laughed again, "That is well, for you look terrible my dear." He said teasingly. "I would embrace you, but I fear further aggravating your injuries."
She gave a small laugh and with his help, got to her feet. "I am really feeling much better." She replied rather saucily. "And I think it well worth the risk."
He smiled in amusement and gave her a very gentle kiss, as if afraid she may break. He then pulled her close, holding her carefully, searching for words to express the relief he felt at having her back again. "I am so very glad you are safe, Olivia." He whispered, holding her close.
Olivia closed her eyes, feeling protected at last in his arms. "I was so scared Tom. I've never been so afraid in my life." She confided to him, wanting nothing more than to just be held by him for the rest of her life, safe and warm in his embrace.
"Neither have I." Tom admitted. "I was so afraid of losing you, and for a horrible moment, I thought I had, and it was killing me." He looked at her for a moment, as if searching her face for something, and then carefully ran a hand across her swollen cheek. "Did Fokes do this?" He asked softly.
Olivia nodded, "He had quite the temper." She said, a hint of bitterness in her voice. "And a punch to match."
Tom continued to hold her carefully, closing his eyes a moment in anger. He did not want to ask the next question but he felt he must know, for some morbid and strange reason. Had he violated his love he would kill the man. It was simple. He would still of course marry Olivia, for he loved her and knew that it would have been at no fault of her own. "And.... and did he...." Tom trailed off, turning quite red and not knowing how to word the question.
Olivia thankfully caught his drift. "No Tom. He did not get that far." She said firmly. "Though.... I have a feeling that had the Surprise not caught up when she did.... he would have." She recalled the look he had been giving her, and the force of his kisses as she tried her hardest to get away, to stop him. The fear she had felt and the helplessness and she shuddered slightly, involuntarily.
Tom felt her shudder and swore under his breath, cursing the man. He tightened his embrace, protectively, but then remembered she was still quite sore and loosened hid grip. "Oh my dearest, Olivia." He whispered.
Olivia smiled slightly, having caught his swearing, "You're right. He is a bastard." She replied. "But... Tom, what happened in the battle? Did-?"
Tom quieted her fears. "It was quite a fight, Fokes was not willing to surrender easily, but we took the Wilmington prize, never fear. Captain Fokes is about to come over to present Captain Aubrey with his sword as a formal surrender, I wanted to see if you were awake yet before I went up."
Olivia nodded breathing a sigh of relief, "I'm glad of it." She said.
Tom smiled, giving her another light kiss. "Now, I should be taking my leave. Why don't you rest, Olivia? You must be exhausted."
Olivia paused, "Tom, I would like to see Fokes surrender." She said suddenly. She did not know why, but she felt that seeing him surrender would help put her mind at ease. She feared him, remembering how weak she had felt in his capture, and wanted to make sure he was truly defeated. "Please?"
Tom hesitated, then, seeing how much this seemed to mean to her, nodded. "If that is what you want." He said.
"It is." She replied quickly, taking a rather shaky breath. "It will convince me that it's really all over."
"Olivia," Tom looked into her eyes, locking her gaze. "I am never going to let anyone hurt you again. Do you understand? As long as there is breath in me I will protect you. I swear it." He said, taking her hand. "You are safe, Olivia."
Olivia closed her eyes a moment and nodded, allowing herself to be pulled into an embrace and leaning against him. "I love you." She said softly.
He smiled, stroking her hair as if comforting a frightened child. "Now then, my dear Miss Corin, I believe I am needed on deck. Shall we?" He said, trying to lighten the mood and offering her his arm.
Olivia smiled, wiping away tears she had not been aware of shedding and accepting his arm replied, "Soon to be Mrs. Olivia Pullings, sir. Or have you forgotten your proposal?"
He laughed, pleased at how wonderful the words 'Mrs. Olivia Pullings' sounded from her and made a small bow. "How could I forget?" He said, leading her, and together they went up on deck.
Once there, Tom quickly entrusted Olivia to one of the midshipmen, Peter Calamy, for he was needed with the Captain and doubted Olivia had the strength to stand for very long on her own.
Upon seeing Olivia arrive on deck with Tom the Captain made his way over to them, quite pleased to see her. "Well, Miss Corin, It is good to see you up."
She smiled, "Thank you, sir." She said. "It is good to be back."
Jack returned her smile, he felt responsible for her capture, seeing as it was his suspicions that had gotten Olivia left alone on that island in the first place. "Had I known, Miss Corin, that you were such a talented acrobat I would have put you to better use on the Surprise than assisting the good Doctor." He joked lightly.
Olivia laughed, "Well, sir, I may take you up on that. But next time preferably without the men behind me trying to kill me." She teased, feeling much better now that she saw for herself the sorry state of the Wilmington.
The Captain laughed, "Well met Miss Corin, well met." He said. "Well! Mr. Pullings, it appears Captain, and I use the term loosely, Fokes, is coming abroad. Let's get this done with."
Tom nodded, "Aye sir." He quickly turned to Olivia. "Will you be all right?"
She smiled, "Yes Tom, I'm fine. Mr. Calamy will take good care of me." She teased, taking the boy's arm.
Tom grinned. "Keep her out of trouble Mr. Calamy." He ordered.
Calamy nodded with a quick salute. "Aye sir." He said, with a shy smile at Miss Corin as Mr. Pullings followed the Captain to meet Fokes.
A surprisingly large amount of the crew had turned out to see the formal surrender. Word had spread around the ship of the shabby treatment of Miss Corin and her daring escape to the Surprise, and they all wanted to see the rather sinister Captain of the Wilmington surrender.
Fokes came abroad, and rather bitterly saluted the quarterdeck. He saw Olivia and his face darkened, and he glared sharply at her.
Olivia swallowed hard in fear, remembering painfully him bearing down on her, pounding her senseless, and she closed her eyes, feeling her head spin.
Calamy noticed this with concern. "Ma'am?" He asked. "Are you well?"
Olivia forced her eyes open and noticed the world had finally stopped spinning. "I'm fine, Mr. Calamy." She said. "Though I may need to lean on you a bit."
He nodded, "That's quite fine Miss Corin. You've had quite a rough couple of days." He said, supporting her arm but mindful of her bruises.
Olivia looked over to see what was happening. Fokes said something softly to the Captain that she could not quite hear, and bowed, presenting his sword to Captain Aubrey, who while remaining civil, was obviously disgusted by the man before him.
Suddenly, Olivia realized that she had seen Fokes before she came abroad the Wilmington. She gasped, her dream. He was the man in her dream who had killed Tom. Suddenly she was very alert, more than she had ever been in her life. She watched in terror as Fokes bowed again, with a glare to Tom, not the Captain, but Tom, and reached for something in his coat. But what? She heard the telltale click of a pistol cocking, and with a shout launched herself forward, despite Calamy's grip on her arm and protesting shout as Captain Fokes drew his weapon.
"Look out!" She cried, darting between Tom and Fokes.
It was as if it were happening in slow motion. The gun went off, deafening to Tom, but Olivia never heard it. All she felt was a sharp pain in her back and she fell forward, against Tom, who caught her in his arms, a look of pure shock on his face, before her sight slowly faded away.
"Olivia!" He heard himself shout, as he caught her. She looked surprise at her injury and went limp in his arms. "No!" He cried out, giving her a slight shake. "Olivia!" He was trembling with grief and rage as he lowered her to the deck. She wasn't moving, and all of Tom's breath seemed to leave his body as his heart froze in terror. He put his forehead against hers, tears streaming down his face, and he rocked madly back and forth, as if he could not contain himself.
Several men had surged forward to restrain Fokes right after he had fired his shot, but he did not move or try to get away. He merely laughed, a high pitched and taunting sound that filled the silent ship.
Tom heard this and was filled with uncontrollable rage. He rose to his feet, his face contorted with deep anger and hatred, a site that none had ever seen nor would ever forget. Without a word he drew his own pistol crossed to Fokes, placing it only an inch from his forehead and glaring into Fokes' eyes with pure hatred.
"Go to the devil." He said coldly, firing without blinking or looking away as he blew the man's head in.
Fokes hit the deck with a thud, and without ceremony, the Surprises threw him over the side. Such a man did not deserve a proper burial at sea and the Captain did not protest. He had gone to Olivia, searching hopefully for some sign of life.
Tom sank to his knees, unable to stand the grief anymore and threw the pistol aside. The crew all stared at him in shock; no one spoke for no one knew what to say. What comfort could they give him? Everything had just happened so quickly.
Suddenly, the Captain broke the silence. "Tom!" He cried out. "Tom! She's alive!" He shouted.
Tom jerked his head up and ran over to them, taking her hand. "Olivia?"
"Send for the Doctor!" The Captain shouted. "Now!"
Several of the men ran off, a mumble of voice had picked up, discussing what had just transpired.
Olivia slowly opened her eyes, she was shaking and very pale, but alive. She looked up at Tom, straining to see clearly. "T- Tom?" She asked.
"Shush. Don't try to talk." He told her, "Just lie still."
Olivia coughed, a small bit of blood stained her lips. "Hurts." She spat out.
"You'll be all right, you'll see." Tom told her, willing her to hang on. "The Doctor will set you right."
Jack Aubrey had seen many wounds in his life, and Olivia's did not look promising, but he could not bring himself to say so. He watched as Tom held her, shaking as well, softly comforting her and felt yet another pang of guilt. Feeling as if he should have known that Fokes would try something, and yet again, felt responsible.
Stephen appeared, gasping for breath. Apparently the group of men who ran to fetch him had rushed him so much that he had no idea what situation he would be facing. "What happened?" He asked quickly.
"She's been shot Stephen. In the back." Jack said softly.
He looked alarmed and reached out, gently touching her side, making a quick examination.
Tom looked at the Doctor, fear in his eyes. "Will she be all right?" He asked, more like begged for a positive answer, pleading for hope.
Stephen licked his lips, avoiding Tom's eyes. "I will need to further examine her, and that bullet will most certainly have to come out." He looked at Jack. "I'll need light and privacy. Might I use the cabin?" He asked.
Jack nodded, willing to do anything to help. "Of course."
"Help me move her!" The Doctor called.
The men, who were still standing about, straining to hear what was going on, quickly sprang forward to offer their assistance.
"Now, careful as you move her. Very carefully men." Stephen instructed.
They moved her as if moving fragile crystal, careful not to swing of jolt her in any way. Tom went along side, grasping her hand and assuring her the entire time. Stephen followed with Jack who briefly stopped his friend.
"Stephen, will she live?" He asked bluntly.
He sadly shook his head, "I'm afraid it does not look promising, but one never knows." The Doctor sighed, "I will do all I can."
"I know you will Stephen." Jack replied, frowning. "I know you will."
They went to the cabin and found that Padeen and Higgins had quickly prepared it for surgery. Tom was still by Olivia's side and the extra men left, wishing the doctor luck, but Tom remained, his eyes never leaving Olivia, who seemed barely conscious.
Jack went over and gave Tom's shoulder a firm shake. "Come Tom." He said softly. "Let us allow the Doctor to get to work."
Tom looked up, his eyes red with unshed tears. "Sir, if I may stay?"
Stephen paused, as if considering it and then gave his head a firm shake. "No Tom. It will be best if you wait outside." He said, knowing that things could get unpleasant having a frightened lover in the room would not help.
Reluctantly, Tom leaned down and gently kissed Olivia's forehead. "I will be right outside, my dearest." He promised before allowing Jack to take his arm and lead him firmly from the room.
A/N: Yes, I know, I'm evil. You needn't remind me.... And please don't beat me up! I warned you I abuse characters didn't I? So yet again I leave you wondering... will Olivia get out of this one alive? Will I drive Tom to insanity by constantly hurting his true love?
Tom: Yes! You will! Stop it!
Me: No! Now dance puppy!
Tom: (pout) I'm not a puppy.
Me: Awwww.... I made the puppy pout.
Tom: You're cruel.
Me: Yes I am!
Tom: Damn you!
Me: Thank you!
Tom: Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr (storms off in anger)
Oops... I made him mad. Now he's eating all my food. Oh well.... Anyway, tune in next time for what will most likely be the final chapter of "As the Surprise Sails!"
Mascararain: Haha thanks for the lovely review. And yes you can say mon amie. I give you permission. (nods) I hope you still think this story is good after this chapter... as I torture poor Olivia and Tom more. How much can they take you think? Hehe. Anyway, thanks again for reviewing and hope you enjoyed the update!
Aurien: Haha w00t! Here's the next chapter... sorry to keep you waiting! Hope you enjoyed and thanks for reviewing :-)
Gaeriel Palpatine: Haha this story would make one odd movie wouldn't it? I'm sorry I made you cry! Please don't cry! Or... do? Haha was it good crying or bad crying? Poor Tom... I abuse him. And he IS a puppy when it comes to Olivia! Haha. Like Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean! He is a primary example of puppyhood. But Tom wasn't much of a puppy when he shot Fokes... but puppies are defensive too! Go Tom! Hehe! Even though you seemed to enjoy Captain Fokes.. haha... you're not supposed to be in love with the evil guy Gaeriel! Anyway.. thanks for the lovely reviews. You're all caught up now and I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Fokes is dead but you can have Jack as a replacement! Merry Christmas! (gives you Jack in a bow)
Sillytigerlily: Haha (gives you lungs) Does that help? Although I'm kind of leaving you in suspense again aren't I? Um... sorry? Fokes was mean... I think he got what he deserved. Haha you are making my head grow, but life seems to balance it out and keep it normal sized. Powder monkey hut! That is the funniest mental picture ever! Hope you found this chapter brilliant and um... do remember to breath... it's important! Haha Thanks for reviewing!
Erzsbet Hacker: You're welcome you're welcome. And thank you for reviewing. Hope you enjoyed the chapter.
Lily Knotwise: Well, not lots of fluff... but some fluff.. I do have some short stories that are mad spoilers that have fluff... should you want to read them just email and say "SEND ME FLUFF!" and I shall see what I can do... Now I'm back to torturing them... so blah. Hope you liked it despite my cruelty!
Blair Whitman: Haha well since I only have one more chapter I don't think I'll worry about getting a beta but thanks for the offer. I'll be sure to check out your story soon. Thanks for reviewing and hope you enjoy the new chapter!
Krystie Jamison: I updated! Thanks for the review! Hope you enjoyed.
MusicBoxDancer: Haha well I had Stephen in there. Happy now? Fokes didn't get kicked... but he did get shot... that's always fun. Hope you enjoyed the update with Stephen! Thanks for reviewing!
Calliope-Elven-Agent: Haha don't hide! It's okay! (gives you ice cream) Tom did his duty. Go Tom! Fokes is dead! Die Fokes! And now Livie's been shot... oops. Thanks for reading and stay tuned!
British-luver: Haha I hope you're okay! And I hope you stayed in your chair this time! Ouch. Tom crying is sad. I hate it when guys cry... (hugs Tom) Tom and Fokes dramatic sword fight would be very cool... but that's just not what happened. Maybe in a future story Tom will get to sword fight to defend something. Well there should only be one more chapter so you better hurry up and get feeling in your bum back! Hahaha. Thanks as always for the review and hope you enjoyed (in your chair) the new chapter!
ArcherofDarkness: Thank you! I'm glad you like! Haha using my story to avoid work are we? Haha so am I actually.... (bows) I am honoured to be on your list... yay! Yeah I think everyone feels bad for McCabe.... Poor guy. But people have to die in my story... it's how I operate. Oh well. Hehe. Hope you enjoyed the chapter and hope you finished your essay!
Serena: Poor Tom. I'm just mean to him in general. He did get to kill Fokes though! That should help his ego! And he comforted Olivia which is important... and now she's shot.. um oops? Anyway, hope you enjoyed the update! Thanks for the review and happy reading!
Sleepwalking Dreamer: Well... it WAS a happy resolution anyway... faked you out! McCabe was a nice guy and it seems a lot of people were sad that he died... but I used him to make my point of the day... the enemy is not always evil. I WAS going to do that with Fokes but it was more fun to make him evil haha. But poor old McCabe. He was a nice guy. As for the Acheron, she does not appear in this story. I'm not rewriting the movie just using characters. Maybe it's another mission or something? Don't really know, not being specific here, but I'm not going to mention the Acheron or that mission... not in the cards.. though it does pain a lovely mental image of Tom sailing off into the sunset on the Acheron with Olivia by his side... hehe. As for the sweet fluff.. well there was a little bit of it.... haha I do have some short blips that I wrote for the fun of it with these two that are pretty fluffy (and also chalked full of spoilers for future stories) so if you'd like to read them give me an email because I probably won't post them as they are plotless but cute. Hope you enjoyed the chapter and thanks for the email!
Wow. You reviewers rock. Hope I got everyone.. if I left anyone out I'm sorry! I love you! All of you! Hugs all around! Tom! Hug my reviewers!
Tom: (grumble grumble) Do I have to?
Me: Yes!
Tom: (hugs reviewers)
See? You review my stories you get a hug from Tom Pullings! That's bribery!