(Sorry it took so long to update. The internet was down for about a week, and then I was lazy and wouldn't get off my butt to update it. Feel free to whack me up the side of the head with a loaf of French bread. :)I think that the chapter after this may be the last. Any opinions on that are welcome. In fact, all opinions are welcome.)

They were before me on the ground, completely at my mercy. I treasured this moment, this feeling. The boy gazed defiantly up at me, and though there was fear in his eyes, there was also defiance. I ignored it, knowing that soon there would only be fear left. Fear- and hatred.

"Now," I said, speaking at least. "I have decided on your punishment."

Bootstrap looked up, fear in his eyes. "What are you going to do to him? Don't hurt him, please-"

"Shut up." I interrupted him. "He won't be hurt, at least not physically. It's you I'm going to hurt."

Bootstrap glanced at me, a question in his eyes. I saw Will glare at me, eye burning with hatred. "You leave my father alone!"

I laughed, and gestured for two of the crewmates to come and get them. "I'll do what I like, boy. You have no control over the sea."

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I watched with barely-concealed satisfaction as they slammed Bootstrap up against the mast. I had told them to not bother removing his shirt, as the bosun would see to that soon enough.

I looked over at the two crew members who held the boy. There was no way he could possibly escape from them, but still he struggled. They had gagged him, to cease his relentless shouting at me.

Chuckling quietly, I nodded to the bosun. "Begin."

The bosun stepped forward, and in his hands he held the whip. The boy struggled even more violently, but it was to no avail.

The bosun raised the whip, and brought it down onto Bootstrap's back. I saw Bootstrap stiffen with pain, and I smiled with satisfaction.

The whip cracked down again and again, and Will was made to watch it all. I could tell that the boy was struggling to hold back tears, and I saw that Bootstrap was crying openly now.

Soon there was little left of Bootstrap's shirt, save for a few tatters. His back was scored with bloody lines, and he had gone limp in the crewmate's arms. I let the bosun continue for a few minutes longer, and I finally said, "Stop. Let the boy finish it."

I ordered the boy to be brought before me, and his gag removed.

"So, boy, are you going to do it?" I asked coolly, smiling at him.

"Never," the boy hissed. "I will never hurt my father."

"Alright, then. Have it your way. Bosun- keep going until he collapses!"

Will flinched, and I knew I would have my way. "Give it to me." He snatched the whip from the bosun, and stood before his father's bloody back. After a few moments, he finally asked, "How many?"

"I want you to give him thirty. And don't stop until you're done."

Will hung his head for a moment, trying to collect himself. Finally, he raised his head, and brought up the hand that held the whip.

He brought the whip down on his father's back.

"Again," I said smugly.

Will obeyed, and he brought it down over and over, until he finally reached thirty. By that time, I could tell he was crying, and I said, "Enough. You're done. Bosun, crew- leave them to their own devices. They won't dare trying to escape."

The crew obeyed my orders, and I lingered a few moments, watching as the boy dropped to his knees next to his father.

Smiling, I turned away and headed toward my cabin.

No one can tame the sea.