Part III – Discussions, Discussions

The three tied-up attackers had been placed on the table in the middle of Captain Smollett's cabin. Some of the Bisharp had been brought in to act as extra security should the prisoners escape their confines. However, it did not look like they had much inclination to. They simply sat there, with sulking looks on their faces, as the officers and important crew members debated what to do with them.

"Throw them to sea and its temper! Let Kyogre decide their fates!" Zoey advocated. "Their crimes are as clear as the sky above us!"

"Peace, Zoey," Jim tried to soothe. "I understand your desire for vengeance, but do they not deserve a trial?"

"What need is there for one!? What they did is known to everyone here, and they have offered no defense for their actions!" Zoey then looked a little insulted. "And how can you 'understand?' You were not present for their attack, busy as you were playing baker with your new best friend the cook."

"But I—."

"Be silent, the both of you," the stern voice of Captain Smollett commanded. "If you wish to discuss these personal issues, do so outside this meeting of dire import."

Zoey gave Jim a frustrated look but went quiet. Jim did as well, though he clearly wanted to talk more.

"As for your recommendation, Zoey," the Captain continued. "You have the right in them not needing a trial to determine their guilt in this case. However, tossing mutinous crewmembers to the sea is not something we do; it is a practice more fitting of the villains whose fate we discuss."

"I beg to differ!" Eugene refuted. "We toss prisoners overboard within sight of dry land!"

Everyone ignored him.

"Instead we shall do this, upon our departure from the Decolore Archipelago these mutineers shall be marooned on one of the islands. Are we agreed on such a path of action?"

Everyone nodded.

"Good. Mr. Arrow?"

"At your command, captain," the Alakazam replied.

"See these traitors locked away in the brig until we arrive at our destination."

"By your command."

Mr. Arrow reached over to grab the prisoners by the rope tying them together before quite literally dragging them out of the captain's cabin. He was followed by the Bisharp guards. Everyone else remained at the table, quietly waiting for what the Captain would say next.

For the moment, however, he seemed content to simply rest his elbows on the table and put his forepaws together while looking over them. At first, he seemed to be doing this simply because he was thinking, but it became clear that in actuality he was staring at Squire Trelawney. The aristocrat had been averting his eyes from everyone in the entire meeting, and now began to squirm under Smollett's glower.

He finally could not take it anymore. "Alright, alright!" the Squire cried. "Some of this crew appears to be trouble."

Captain Smollett continued to stare. "'Some' you say, sir Squire?"

Trelawney nodded. "You do not presume that the actions of those three ruffians reflect the entire crew, do you?"

Smollett did not reply.

"You would not dismiss an entire crop of apples simply because a few are blighted, no?" the Squire pressed.

"More than that," Smollett replied. "I would cut down the infected tree and plant a new one."

"You must face the reality of our situation, Squire Trelawney," Professor Livesey spoke up, trying to sound kinder than the Captain. "This crew you let someone else procure is dangerous."

"That those mutineers believed wholeheartedly in us possessing the map and that our true quest is for treasure is further troubling," Smollett added. "I am certain such rumors continue to spread amongst the crew and that equally opportunistic members shall attempt something similar as to today's incident."

"You have no proof," Squire Trelawney weakly argued, not sounding entirely convinced in himself anymore. "For all you know, the rest of this crew is respectable and honest, and shall attempt nothing of the sort."

"How I wish I could be as trusting and idealistic as you, Squire," Smollett conceded. "But I have no time to be quixotic. As this vessel's captain, the safety of its loyal crew must come first; I must prepare for the worst possible outcomes." He sighed. "Alas, how I wish we could turn back now."

"Can we not, Captain?" Ralph asked timidly.

"No, if there are any more conspirators aboard this ship," the Captain voice grew grave, "then they would likely see fit to mutiny here and now on the open ocean; and they would not have any qualms leaving us to the sea."

Ralph shuddered. Salva, sitting to his right, put an arm around him.

"Once we have reached the Decolore Islands, I believe we shall be in a better position to determine the extent of any mutinous conspiracy. For now, however, I must again stress the importance of being vigilant; especially after today's events. Am I understood?"

"Yes, sir," came the chorus of replies. Even Squire Trelawney joined in this time, though perhaps a little halfheartedly.

"Good, then you are all dismissed; except for you, Jim Hawkins."

Jim blinked in surprise. "'Except for me,' sir?"

"I wish to speak with you, in confidence."

The others at the table began to take their leave. Ralph hesitated though. Surprisingly, Zoey did too despite her earlier budding argument with Jim. However, a stern look from the Captain made them cave and they took their leave as well; though they both gave Jim hopeful glances as they left.

Now alone with him, Jim turned back to the Captain. "What would you speak with me about, sir?"

"The map, Mr. Hawkins," was the reply.

"What of it?"

The Captain rose from his chair and moved to one that was closer to Jim, allowing the two to more directly lock eyes.

"Mr. Hawkins, I do not wish for you to take this as a slight against you," Smollett started. "But I fear that with these recent events, the map is no longer safe in your possession."

It did not take long for Jim to figure out what the Captain wanted. "You wish of me to surrender the map to you."

"Again, I do not mean this as a slight," Smollett insisted. "You have carried that map since the Admiral Benbow was sacked and successfully hidden it from all eyes. Even the ruffians we arrested today did not know whom the map is hidden with. But you work amongst the crew of the ship, bringing the map with you in your coat; if others should attempt to interrogate you for the map's whereabouts they shall have it."

"Surely Long John will protect me from such villains," Jim countered.

"And what if Mr. Silver is one of them?"

Jim looked insulted at the prospect. "Long John is no pirate!" he snapped without thinking. "He is of most respectable character; he even aided in the arrest of a pirate in Hulbury before we set to the sea!"

"So I have heard," the Captain said, keeping his voice even. "What else can you say in defense of our Cook?"

Jim thought for a minute, taking care not to snap at his captain again. "He owns a tavern back in Hulbury," he began. "He has been nothing but friendly since our first meeting; he has not passed judgment of me on the basis of my unusual family—."

"All fine traits, Mr. Hawkins," Smollett interrupted. "But what do you know of his days before becoming our Cook?"

"I haven't seen reason to ask," Jim replied.

"That is my point, Mr. Hawkins. So little about this crew is known beyond the surface, and we both agree there is little to like about said surface."

Jim would not argue that point.

"You mean to say you don't trust Long John." It was a statement, not a question.

"To say I have no reason to trust him is more accurate."

"I trust Long John."

"Which is all well and good, and I pray he does not betray it. But your thoughts shan't change my own. I do not believe to map to be safe in your hands anymore, and that you continuing to carry it puts it at greater risk of capture, what with you working closely amongst the crew. Please let me take it."

Jim still hesitated. "You do not trust me to keep it safe." It was, again, a statement.

"I never said such a thing; of course I would trust the map to you, as I have throughout the voyage to this point. I ask this not to steal from you, or because I think little of you; I ask this to protect you. Treasure or no, I am to see you safely back in Hulbury by voyages end. You carrying the map is as much a risk to your safety as that of the map."

"I can protect myself."

"Have you any previous proof of such?"

Unfortunately, Jim did not. Unlike Zoey or Ralph, who had gotten into fights since their training, Jim had never been in any physical altercation. All he did during the attack on the Inn was run, and when chasing Black Shuck he simply stood by and watched; Long John at least tripped the pirate. How would Jim fair in a fight with anything, never mind if his opponent was a human or a Pokémon?

"Mr. Hawkins," the Captain's voice pulled Jim out of his thoughts. "Please let me take the map. I would prefer to not make a direct order out of this."

It seemed the Captain was not going to change his mind.

But neither was Jim. "I shan't," he said. "I can and shall protect myself and this map, Captain. If you will not trust Long John, then I pray you to continue trusting me."

The Dewott looked to Jim without changing his expression. He was thinking about whether or not to continue pressing the matter.

He finally sighed. "Very well, Mr. Hawkins," he said. "I shall grant your desire but just this once, if only because you were not the target of attack and the enemy, however extensive, remains unaware of the map's location."

"Thank you, sir," Jim replied.

"Mark me, however; should another attempt be made, especially if it is upon you, you will surrender the map to me for its safety and especially yours."

Jim reluctantly nodded; that was probably as good an agreement as he was going to get out of this. "Thank you again, captain," he said.

With that, Jim took his leave from the cabin. The doors remained open as he left to allow Mr. Arrow to return to the inside through them.

The Alakazam looked to his captain. "You could not convince Mr. Hawkins?" he asked.

"He would not surrender it," Smollett sighed.

"And you let him keep it?"

"Only this one time; I have made it clear that should another attack occur, he is to give me the map with no qualms."

"You did not directly order him to deliver the map, did you?"

"I did not." Smollett looked to his first mate. "Should I have?"

"You are the captain of this vessel and he but a cabin boy; you could make a living seat out of him if you wished," Mr. Arrow said.

"He is also but a boy," Smollett retorted.

"And you are his commander; if he does not acquiesce to your request, you give to him a direct order that he must follow."

"But I did not; I will trust Jim with his and the map's safety for now."

Mr. Arrow gave a sigh of his own. "Once upon a time you would have ordered the map given to you first."

"Once upon a time I was serving in His Majesty's Navy, not offering my sailing experience for money."

"The informality of this voyage changes nothing." Mr. Arrow sounded quite insistent. "Though I shan't contest your decision to trust Mr. Hawkins with the map, I nevertheless still question it."

"You think I should have ordered him to surrender the map?"

"Very much so, I imagine you spoke to him about how anyone could be a mutineer?"

"I did, and it was a risk he acknowledged and accepted. He did emphasize his trust in the Cook, Mr. Silver, however."

Mr. Arrow scoffed. "It matters not who Mr. Hawkins finds trustworthy; Mr. Silver is just as suspect as the rest of the crew until he proves himself our ally."

"Of course," Smollett agreed before looking contemplative. "In other matters, I think upon the voyage's completion I shall enter retirement."

"Truly, sir?" Mr. Arrow questioned.

"A final decision is yet to be made and likely shan't be until the voyage ends, but yes, truly. I cannot now explain my reasoning, but some force tells me this voyage should be my last."

"I suppose congratulations and well wishes for a happy retirement are in order, should you see it through," Mr. Arrow said. "Though I must still ask, is there nothing you can say regarding this decision beyond 'some force?'"

"There is not, but for one thing. You have the right of it, Mr. Arrow. If I am forgoing my professional approach to sailing, even for voyages so informal, I think my affair with the sea must come to an end; at least, insofar as commanding the vessels myself as their captain."

Mr. Arrow nodded. "Should the treasure be as bountiful as the map claims, captain, you shall have quite the wealth to retire with."

"As would you, if you should join me," the Captain added.

Mr. Arrow gave a light chuckle. "I have not yet finished my time with the sea, Smollett."

"You always were fascinated with the more fickle things," Smollett joked.

"With intelligence such as mine gifting great foresight, the fickle is often the only source of excitement."

The Captain and the First Mate continued to joke with each other, unaware of a small shadow on the window at the back of the cabin. The shadow eventually spread a pair of wings and flew away.

Ralph had returned to the quarters he, Zoey, and Jim shared with Professor Livesey after the meeting over the mutineers' fates. He was not in the mood to be anywhere near the potentially dangerous crew, not after almost revealing everything he knew in the face of danger.

The memory of it made him feel somewhat ill as he lay in the makeshift hammock made of spare sail that hung from the ceiling. If Salva and Chester had not arrived when they did… And if the mutineers were as widespread as the Captain feared…

"Ralph, are you o-kay?" came a familiar voice that normally made his heart skip a beat.

Salva was standing next to the door with a concerned look on her face. Ralph might have lightened up at her presence, were it not for how deep into an abyss his thoughts had fallen.

"I shall in-ter-pret your si-lence as a 'no.'" Salva began

Ralph had not even realized he had remained silent. He tried to think of something to say, but Salva made it to the hammock and jumped into it before he could say anything.

"Have you been weep-ing?" Salva asked, looking behind Ralph.

Ralph turned to see there was a wet spot where his head had been a moment before. "I suppose I have," he admitted.

"The day's eve-ents have worn hea-vil-y on you?"

"They have, so very much." Ralph started to shiver again. "Trapped between those barrels, stared down by the two mutineers; it so very much felt akin to being caught as a stowaway."

"But you were ne-ver caught as one, yes?"

"No, I wasn't. But to be cornered as I was, and at the mercy of those with no reason to grant me any; that's how I always feared I would be."

Ralph continued shaking. Salva held him closer. "[The sea and those who sail it still frighten you.]" She switched to Poké Speak for the sake of ease.

"It seems they do. Rarely does it seem so threatening from the safety of dry land."

"[Like a vicious predator, it does not bear its fangs until you are in its grip.]"

Ralph buried his head into the hammock. "I should never have agreed to come! I am of no use to this voyage and fear every element thereof!"

Salva nodded. "[Perhaps it was wrong to aid in coercing you to accompany us,]" she said. "[I greatly apologize; I even promised to Zoey I would not use your feelings for such things.]"

Ralph looked at her. "You wished of me to come for more than just our language lessons?"

"[They could have been resumed upon our return.]" Salva's face began to turn red through her fur. "[But I will confess, I did very much enjoy your company even outside our lessons.]"

Ralph started to blush as well and looked away. "Well, it wasn't only you who wished for me to come of course."

"[Jim and Zoey; they said they would sail with or without you.]"

"I couldn't bring myself to let them go without me; we have always been by each other's side, though never in events such as this. We've never faced one. Besides, Zoey had the right of it; I shall never defeat my fears of the sea if I never face them." Ralph began to tear up again. "But I will never forgive myself should my fears cause them harm, however indirectly."

"[What do you mean?]"

"I cannot battle, and I shall spill any and all secrets when faced with harm. Either case could lead to two of the creatures I love most in the world coming to harm for my failure."

Salva thought about what Ralph had said carefully before replying. "[Perhaps you should speak to Jim and Zoey of this matter, seeing as it concerns them more than myself.]"

Ralph was silent for a moment, but it did not take long for him to nod in agreement with the idea. "I should. Perhaps I could speak to them about their dismissal of my concerns simply because of the possible reward as well."

"[You absolutely should, I can be there if you wish.]"

"The offer is appreciated, but I think it best I speak with them alone."

"[I am certain they shall listen if you ask it of them, they are your siblings.]"

Ralph smiled and, without thinking, nuzzled up to Salva. "Thank you, Salva, for listening to my worries."

"[You are most welcome, Ralph. And you need not worry about being unable to battle or being faced with harm, I and our friends shall be there to protect you.]" Salva hugged Ralph closer and nuzzled back.

It caused Ralph to finally realize what he had been doing and jerked himself away. "By Arceus! I am sorry if I overstepped myself."

Salva chuckled as the fur on her face turned red again. "[Worry not Ralph, I did not mind. I quite liked it, as I quite like you.]"

Ralph's face fur turned so red it looked like it would explode. "I know, but I still shouldn't be so intimate without knowing it is okay."

Salva's face changed to surprise. "[You know, but how?]"

Ralph looked a little nervous. "Zoey may have told of your… um… interest in me some time ago."

Salva made a squeaking noise of surprise. "[She told of what!?]"

"She was in emotional stress at the time!" Ralph defended. "Please do not hold her over a fire for her reveal."

Salva grumbled something about a lecture on keeping secrets before calming down. "[I shall not.]"

The two went quiet for a minute while they tried to get their thoughts in order.

"So, what say you about it?" Ralph asked.

"[I say 'yes,' I have an… interest in you,]" Salva replied.

"And I in you."

They went silent again.

"What should we do?" Ralph asked.

Salva continued to think for a minute. "[Perhaps we do nothing for now,]" she finally said. "[As we are still at sea with a potentially hostile crew, we have more pressing concerns than our feelings.]"

Ralph shivered at the reminder. "I agree."

Salva put a paw on Ralph's shoulder again. "[Know though, Ralph, that even if we leave our feelings on dry land, I shan't let you face any fears upon the sea alone.]"

Ralph gave Salva a thankful smile as the two sat down to watch the sunset outside the cabin window.

Jim only had one chore left for the day, delivering the rations to the new prisoners. Balancing the plate in one hand while holding a flagon in his other, he carefully descended the stairs to the cargo hold of the ship which also held the brig. The biggest issue was that there was not much light coming into this part of the ship now that the sun had started to set. Fortunately, Jim made no misstep and planted his feet on the floor without incident, and headed for the cell. As he did though, he heard something; voices, he thought.

"Come now, you must help us!"

"We are sure to rot!"

"Aye, if they don't throw us to the sea as that Zorua loudly demanded!"

Once he got close enough, Jim recognized the voices as belonging to the three mutineers. He also recognized who they seemed to be speaking to; "Long" John Silver. The ship's cook was staring at the prisoners impassively, but he brightened up when looked up to see Jim approaching.

"Good evening, Jim," the Cook greeted. "Provisions, I take it?"

"Yes sir, though rations might be a more applicable term," Jim replied. He placed the plate bearing the food and the flagon onto a barrel sitting near the cell. "Bread for your meal, and water for your drink," he said to the mutineers.

"You must speak in jest!" Eugene the Corphish cried in anger. "This is but the most basic of meals!"

"Barely enough sits there for all three of us!" the Perrserker complained as he looked at the plate that had a few slices of plain bread. "Your barbaric captain means to starve us to death!"

Long John laughed out loud. "Were I in your place I would be grateful I was granted any provisions at all!"

The mutineers went silent at Long John's comment. Jim could not help but take note of how they seemed much less defiant towards the Cook than towards the Captain they were supposed to obey.

"Let us take leave of these scum, Jim," Long John suggested. "They could use the time to think about their actions and the consequences thereof."

Jim nodded and followed Long John back towards the stairs to the middle deck. He heard the mutineers begin to bicker over whose fault it was they were captured and, consequently, who should get the smallest share of their rations.

"Such pointless bickering," Long John observed, he must have heard them as well. "If they all are at fault, they should share equally the punishment."

"Would that not mean they receive an equal share of the meal?" Jim asked.

"Precisely; and they shan't need to bicker over such shares."

Jim nodded in understanding. His thoughts then drifted to the meeting that had condemned the prisoners to the cell in the first place, and the argument he had almost started with Zoey.

"Does something trouble you, Jim?" Long John asked.

"Yes, but I know not how willing I am to speak of it," Jim replied.

"You wish to not speak of it with me, or within the hearing of the crew?"

Jim thought for a minute. Long John, despite the Captain's misgivings, had been nothing but trustworthy. Of course he could speak to him about his worries.

"I wouldn't speak where the crew could hear," Jim said. "It's a matter more personal."

"Well then, I think we must away to the most private place on any ship."

"The chamber pot room?"

Long John chuckled. "No; people knock there, you see."

Long John pointed up towards the top of the mainmast and Jim caught on. A few minutes later the two had climbed to the Crow's Nest. They stopped and stared out at the endless sea, illuminated only by the full moon rising into the cloudless sky and its reflection upon the water.

"Though there is nothing to see but the ocean, it's still a beautiful sight," Jim observed.

"Aye," Long John agreed. "I make sure to see it at least once whenever I take to the sea." He then turned to look at Jim directly. "So what troubles your mind?"

"A few things, I suppose," Jim replied. "An argument between myself and Zoey almost began earlier today."

"For what reason?"

"I believe she grows jealous of my friendship with you, she was angered that I was 'playing baker' whilst she and Ralph were viciously attacked."

Long John nodded. "I see. You have promised to never abandon them, yes?"

"I have, though my efforts to keep that promise have been clearly lacking."

Long John nodded again. "I tell you this, Jim; I shall see that you can take some time off from assisting me, and spend that time instead with your siblings."

Jim looked to Long John in surprise. "So certain, are you, that you can handle your job alone?"

"'Tis not so different from working back at the old Spyglass," Long John assured. "As long as the sea remains as smooth as a silken blanket, I could work with only one arm as well as only one leg. And besides, your help these past few days means there is little to be done at any rate."

Jim smiled in gratitude. "A hundred thanks to you, Long John!"

Long John lightly ruffled Jim's hair a bit. "'Tis no problem at all, Jim." His voice became a bit more serious. "Now, was there something else bothering you?"

Jim fidgeted with uncertainty again. "If I am to tell you, I must have your word that you won't speak of this to anyone else."

Long John placed a hand over his heart and the other on the rim of the Crows Nest. "I swear, under pain of facing the legendary wrath of the sea itself and being damned to an ironic hell, no words spoken within this Crows Nest shall be spoken beyond it."

Jim nodded in acceptance before continuing. "Captain Smollett seems to lack faith in me; specifically to defend myself should more mutineers make themselves known." Jim felt it best to not tell of the map unless it became necessary.

"Why does he? You escaped the pirates attacking your inn."

"Yes, I 'escaped' them, meaning that I ran; I didn't fight. And on this ship, there is nowhere to run."

"I suppose there is not. That being said, he is the captain and his main task is to see to his crew's protection." Long John gave Jim a more somber look. "Especially those crewmates he is charged with protecting by their parents."

Jim nodded in understanding but did not say anything.

"And besides, the Captain has chosen to trust you anyway; perhaps he has some faith in you yet."

Jim began nodding again but quickly stopped. The way Long John had spoken that last sentence sounded much more like a statement of fact than a question based on assumption.

Almost as if Long John knew that Smollett had allowed Jim to try and take care of himself despite having not been told of such.

"How did you become aware of that?" Jim asked, sounding mildly suspicious.

Long John seemed to very slightly wince at the question; it was so slight Jim was not sure if it was his imagination.

"Seeing as you still roam the ship freely, I simply assumed," Long John replied, perhaps a little too hastily. "If I am mistaken, I pray you to correct my misconception."

"No, you're right. The Captain has decided to trust my abilities, if only until I prove his worries to be true."

Long John chuckled sincerely. "What the Captain lacks rests in me, you can certainly protect yourself," he assured. "But if you should feel the need for help, I am at your beck and call."

"Thank you for such an endorsement, Long John."

Jim definitely felt much better after talking with the Sea Cook. He had certainly been much more understanding than Captain Smollett. Consequently, Jim could not help but wonder something.

"Had Squire Trelawney hired you for our Captain, I think you would perform as well, if not better, than Captain Smollett."

Long John was oddly silent for a few seconds before his familiar mirth-filled chuckle broke through again. "Well, then my thanks for your endorsement," he said.

Jim yawned after that reply. "I think I should retire before I am so exhausted I cannot descend the mainmast."

"Then a good night to you, friend Jim," Long John said. "I shall stay and await the first night's watch. She is oddly late."

"Very well. Good night, Long John."

"One last question for you," Long John asked as Jim moved to the exit hole in the floor of the Crows Nest.

"What would you ask?"

"How well do you sleep in that cabin with the navigator?"

"Quite well, she brought with her some special Sleep Powder laced blankets; they put you to sleep within seconds."

"Ah, that shall do it. Has she any to spare? My own efforts to sleep have been somewhat troubled, seeing as I sleep in the wooden floor of the galley."

Jim thought for a minute. "I don't think I can provide one tonight if she has any. But perhaps I can tomorrow."

Long John nodded without issue. "One more night on the galley floor shan't kill me," he said. "Now you go get your rest. Good night, Jim."

"Good night, Long John," Jim said as he began climbing down.

As he descended, Jim thought he heard the flapping of feathered wings above him. However, he dismissed it as the wind finally returning to blow the sails next to him. Had he looked up to see for sure, he might have spotted a bird Pokémon whose head resembled an eighth note landing on the rim and begin speaking with Long John.