Of Pirates and Princesses
Chaptre Eight: The Island of Sin
"It was no problem, princess. I will save you as many times as it takes." Those words, paired with the soft look in Captain Swan's eyes made Regina swoon a little. How utterly romantic, just like in the stories she had read. Her cheeks flushed and before she could respond, Emma had moved on, shrugging off this interaction like it hadn't just entirely inflamed her heart.
Her voice was close to steady when she said, "now, let us all relax. We deserve it."
…
Their relaxation was cut short, however. Two days of smooth sailing turned chaotic. A terrible storm had emerged at sea and their Clipper was being battered by the waves. Emma rushed to the steering wheel, her eyes clouded with worry as torrential rains down poured, soaking everything and everyone thoroughly until they looked like drowned rats.
"Shit," cursed Sabine when she saw the giant swells around them that threatened to capsize their boat. "What do we do? Turn back?"
"No, we'll have to get through the storm," Emma announced. "Close down some of the sails. We're getting too much wind." The wind howled around them, hungry for food. Their hair whipped around them and Emma's hat was almost snatched away by the strong buffets. Sabine nodded her head and went to inform the rest of the crew on what to do. They only left the main mast up, and the crazed motions of the ship slowed a bit.
Regina came from below deck, face pale as she saw the giant waves around their ship. "What's going on?"
"Do not worry," Emma shouted over the noise as the princess fell against the railing when the ship rocked to the side. "I've gotten through worst beasts of weather." She gripped the steering wheel hard, hard enough that the wood bit into her skin and that her knuckles were white. She could feel the wheel wanting to turn from her grip. Wanting to be mastered by the storm, but she did not let it. She was the one master here, and she would let no ship go down, not on her watch.
A giant swell rose before them, water black and dark, illuminated only by the crash of thunder and bolt of lightening.
"Everyone, hold on!" she hollered as she guided the ship towards it with the bow.
The ship tilted up at an angle that had those who weren't holding on slipping on the wet wood. Emma wanted to look over to see if Regina was alright, but she had to focus on the wall of water in front of her now. Surviving it was more important.
The ship ploughed right through it, making way up to the crest. Once it breached the top, it slid down the back of the wave, water splashing onto the deck with greedy and salty fingers. The ship creaked and groaned and just as it finished one wave, another one stood in front of it.
Emma grit her teeth hard and felt her palms become slippery with blood as she held an iron clad grip on the wheel, a wheel that threatened to wretch out of her grip. The storm wasn't over. And it wouldn't be over for a while. It had come out from nowhere. One second they had been sailing smoothly and the next they were in the middle of a fully developed storm that had come from nowhere. What were they to do now except manage through it?
The ship went up and down on the waves over and over, each time the crew holding their breath just in case this wave was the one that took them down. Their stomachs rolled and jolted at each harsh landing on the ship on the depression. But soon, just as suddenly as the storm had appeared, it disappeared. The storm clouds faded, the waves stilled and sun shone down on their drenched states.
"By jove's man, what the hell was that?" Neal asked, his beard and hair so soaked he looked like a drowned rat.
"I thought we were going to go to Davy Jones's locker for sure," grunted out Sabine as she steadied to her feet.
"Where the hell had that storm come from?" Leroy asked, wringing water out of his cap.
"I don't know, it didn't seem natural in nature," Emma stated, finally letting go of the wheel. Her hands were bloodied and stiff, aching terribly. She knew the oceans had many secrets and that it wasn't odd to encounter something one couldn't make heads or tails of. She turned to check on Regina. The princess looked a bit green around the gills. And she was slumped over, her grip still tight on the railing. Emma knelt next to her. "It is alright, princess. We made it through," she said soothingly. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I was span down a drain," was the answer in a weak voice as the princess tried to steady the roiling of her stomach. She quickly forgot about her own troubles when she saw Emma's injuries. "Are you okay?" she asked, reaching out for Emma's hands. The blonde let her, oddly touched by such sentiment.
"I am fine. This is nothing," she said as Regina turned her hands in hers, eyes glimmering with sympathy for Emma's hurt. "Nothing for having us all survive." and nothing that some splashed rum and bandages couldn't take care of."
"Captain!" Ruby's panicked voice bellowed as she rushed up the stairs to the stern. "We're lost!"
Emma frowned. "Lost, what do you mean by that?"
"It means I cannot tell where we are. At all. My senses are blocked. Confused." Ruby rubbed her forehead in distress. "I'm afraid I cannot tell you how to lead the ship at all."
Emma stood up at this, alarm filling her body. This had never happened to Ruby before. "How is this possible? Was it because of the storm?"
"I've been fine in storms before. It's the waters we sail on. There is something in them that is wrong. They are unnatural."
Emma shook her head. "Fetch me a map. The one of all the ocean's charted mysteries."
Ruby rushed off to do just that. Regina stood up on shaking legs behind Emma. "Is this bad?" she voiced, afraid of the answer.
"Yes, it is bad," there was no point in sugar coating it. "But, it could get much worse soon."
Regina gulped, fearful eyes wide open.
Ruby came back with the map. She had no need for using maps, but there were some she cared for they could help them understand the seas more readily. Emma spread it open on a wet surface and frowned at it, eyes scanning the black ink and shapes. "This isn't good," she said, tapping at a spot on the map. "Given the nature of the storm and how your senses are muddled Ruby, it means we are in a most unsavory place."
"And where is that?" Ruby breathed out, fearful of the answer. There were few things that bothered her captain.
Emma lifted her head up to look Ruby right in the eyes. "The Bermuda Triangle."
"Oh," Ruby managed out, her throat tight. They had all heard the stories of this place. And they all knew it's dangers. "Then we must make peace with the fact that we will never make it out," she said dejectedly. Dread filled her along with hopelessness.
"Do not give up hope," Emma said sternly, trying to bolster her own crew mate. "Some sailors have escaped. And so will we." She rolled the map up and gave it to Ruby, clasping her on the shoulder in solidarity. "Tell the others of our location and to keep their eyes and ears peeled. And then unfurl the sails. The only way out is to keep trying."
Then Emma turned to Regina. "Do not worry, princess. We will get you out, safely."
Regina nodded her head. It wasn't only her own safety she was worried for, but for the crew and the captain's as well.
They sailed for three nights and four days without sight of anything else until Neal slid down from the crow's nest and announced he had spotted something. "Land ho!" he exclaimed, happy, for their supplies were ending.
"Do you think we've sailed out of the triangle?" Ruby asked, sniffing hard as if she could regain her direction by some miracle.
"No, probably not. The triangle is vast and we do not know how far we've gone. Which is why we must be careful when we dock. We have no idea what is waiting for us on the island." Emma stared off into the horizon and watched as the small dot there became larger and larger until finally it was before them. Many ships were already there. Most of them pirate ships or merchant ones. Even a couple of naval ships and a few canoes with markings Emma did not recognize. And on the shore were people lounging around in the sun getting tan and eating and drinking. They looked happy.
"Princess, stay aboard the ship with Leroy," Emma said. "The rest of us will go down and see what we can get here." She rested her hand on the hilt of her sword. So far the place looked safe, but one could never know. Around her Neal, August, Sabine and Ruby also packed up some guns and swords, sliding them into the confines of their clothing.
Regina wished to go along with Emma but she knew after what had happened last time the captain wouldn't want harm coming to her, so she said nothing just sat down.
"You're gonna help me peel potatoes for our soup today," Leroy told her as he pulled up a sack up to her.
The crew placed the plank down and they exited the ship, making strides onto the sand. Immediately they were greeted by one of the many woman milling on the sands that had been serving the guests. They wore white togas and their hair was held up in a simple bun. "Hello, travelers. You must be tired. Welcome to Lilith's resorts. We have some rooms you can stay in."
"That's very kind of you, but we are not here to stay. We just need to resupply. So if you could point us to the nearest supply station," Emma said, her hand tightening on her sword handle. Unease crawled under her skin. Something was off about this woman.
"Of course. Anything for weary travelers," the woman said, smiling. She turned stiffly and lead the way. The crew followed and two more toga clad women followed after them, rounding up the back, like they were being herded. Emma and her crew were lead towards a giant white stone and marble structure that had been hidden among the palm trees and brush. It was beautiful and the sun gleamed off of it.
"Why don't you eat and drink something? It would be rude of us not to feed our guests," the woman said, taking them to a long dining room off to the side inside the building. The table there was laid with many exotic foods, familiar deliciously roasted meats, and different types of fruity drinks. Emma's stomach growled loudly. She was very hungry. She had been giving her meal portions to the princess. What would it hurt to eat a little and then have them go get the supplies?
"Very well. If you do not mind," Emma said, sitting down. Her crew sat down as well, Ruby piling on various meats already, Neal reaching for the ale, Sabine slapping his hand and redirecting it to a healthier choice, while August bit into a crisp apple.
The food was good. It was so fresh and juicy and Emma found herself unable to put down her fork until she had finished every single bite. And when she was done, she felt so heavy and tired. Ready to take a nap.
Another woman strode into the room at this. She was wearing a toga too, but she was taller than the other woman servers and her toga was black. Her hair was up but a small laurel rested on her dark black hair. It held red hollyberries.
Aren't those poisonous, Emma tiredly thought. Why would she wear such things?
"I'm so happy to have new guests," the woman smiled. "We pride ourselves on our good service in this resort. Especially for people like you." She strode in front of the sedated and mesmerized crew, all too full to move. She reached across and cupped Neal by the chin. "Yes, you all will do well to my collection." She tilted her head in thought as she looked down at his half lidded eyes.
"You're hot," he mumbled out which made her red lips curl up in a wicked smile.
"And you're green. Oh so green with jealousy. You want someone on this crew, but you can't have them. Even though you've given them up, ruined everything between the two of you. You envy August for his quick ease in talking to her. You wish you could be close to her like that before. But you don't have a right to do that. And so for your envy, you shall be punished."
Next she went to Ruby, cupped her by the chin too, red nails leaving half crescent moon marks. "And you are always needy for more. Needy for people to be by your side. Needy for others coin. More and more and more you want. Never satisfied. You little animal." She tossed Ruby's head away and then went to August.
"And you...hm, you're a hard one to read but don't worry, I'll crack you yet." She gave him an odd look before sliding on down to Emma.
"But it is a good thing you are all here. Each one of your little delicious sins is yours to have and devour. Don't be afraid to let them come out to play. It's what we're all here for," she smiled, flashing sharp teeth and behind her Emma could make out more of the toga women, watching almost hungrily from the shadows of the room.
Something was wrong here. What was this woman doing? But Emma's vision was dimming and she could barely pay attention to the world around her. She just really wanted to put her head down and sleep. She was so tired.
But she knew she should be doing something. Her hand inched to her blade, the effort slow and tedious and hard to do. Her fingers moved like snails.
Focusing on that caused her to miss out on anything else happening and before she knew it the woman was in front of her. "Who are you?" Emma slurred out.
"Oh how rude of me. I didn't introduce myself. You can call me Lilith," the woman said, smiling. "Now, I think it's time for your nap."
And at last Emma's head dropped forward, falling harshly onto the plate in front of her.
"Where the bloody hell are they!" Leroy growled out, pissed off. He had said the same words that ran through Regina's head for days now but with more curse words. They had been on the ship for two days straight and still no sign of the rest of the crew. None at all. Had something bad happened to them? After all, it didn't take this long to get supplies.
"That's it, I'm getting off this damned boat and I'm going after them." He stopped his angry pacing to load a pistol and tuck it into the waistband of his pants. "Stay here princess. I'll be back before you know it."
But those had been Leroy's words a whole three days ago. Regina was alone on the ship. What had happened to them? What was going on? The people on the shore looked so happy but could that be hiding the true danger of this island? She shook her head. This was her chance. Her chance to be a hero just like in those books she had read. She quickly changed into more suitable clothing and sheathed a sword by her side. She was going to go find the captain and her crew and find out what was going on. Maybe nothing had happened but her mind would only be easy until she saw it with her own eyes.
And she had run out of food and drink. Maybe she could find some on the island.
She exited the ship, wary and on high alert. A woman in a toga came up to her right away.
"So glad you could join us. We have many treats I am sure you will love at our hotel."
Regina shook her head. "I'm not here for vacation but to find my missing friends."
"Oh, I know just where they are. Follow me." The woman turned and Regina went after her, her feeling of unease only doubling. They walked up to a giant building made of gleaming stone, passing by several guests on the way. A familiar blonde head caught her attention but before she could turn to look at it, a hand was clamped around her wrist and tugging her hurriedly up the steps.
"Why don't you refresh yourself first?" the toga woman suggested. "And in the meantime I will ask about your friends whereabouts."
It sat on the tip of Regina's tongue to ask how the woman knew who her friends were. Once Regina would have blanched to ask that but staying with the crew and seeing them speak their mind so easily had loosened her speech. But before she could say anything, the woman was gone, leaving Regina alone.
Regina was hungry. She supposed it wouldn't hurt to fuel her body in order to have more strength to save her friends. But when she picked up one of the apples on the table, she dropped it right away, letting out a gasp of horror. The other half of it was rotten, worms wiggling in it's depths. Regina hurriedly wiped her hand on her shirt and her eyes opened wide when she saw what was on the rest of the table. All of the food was rotten or crawling with bugs. And the carcass of the pig was the most frightening, maggots covering every inch of it making it writhe as if it was alive. She was afraid it would get up and launch right at her, touching her with it's diseased flesh.
She let out a scream and fell onto her behind, scrambling to get away from this horror. She backed up right into a pair of solid legs. Looking up she saw a woman in black with displeased lips looking down at her.
"Hmm, it seems we have a pure one. Lock her up." And two women in white togas showed up behind her and grabbed Regina by the arms.
She struggled in their superhuman hold, kicking and screaming but to no avail. She was dragged down the stairs and to some cells. It was dark and dank here and there were many others also trapped. They looked miserable. Thin and dirty and defeated.
"You don't belong on this island," said one of the toga women.
"But your soul will do nicely to rot here for all eternity for your wretched goodness," spat the other toga woman and then the cell swung open, like a hungry maw waiting to eat Regina. She struggled even more fiercely here, digging her heels in. "No, let me go!" she hollered out.
Suddenly the grasp on her loosened as one woman fell to the floor, a bruise on her head. The other turned around, screeching when a blast rocked her back into the wall, making a hole through her head and a stain on the stone.
Regina raised her hands to defend herself but she should not have worried. "When I saw it was you my heart overjoyed," the man spoke, raising the hood on his face so Regina could see it was August.
"August, you are okay!" she hugged him tightly, happy to see a familiar face. "What is going on? Where is everyone else?"
He pulled from her grip with a grimace on his face. "I fear terrible things have happened. Come, walk with me and I will tell you all I know."
They snuck out and he began his most horrendous story. "When we first got to his island we were tricked into eating the food offered to us."
"But how could you eat it? It is crawling with bugs and rot!" Regina gasped out in shock.
August shuddered her. "I must admit I did not see that. I ate it, we all did, and were pulled under by a sleeping spell. I woke up on the beach, relaxing along with the rest of the crew. But unlike the rest of them I was not so easily swayed. I was able to resist the magic placed on me by this cursed island and when they saw this, saw me trying to help my friends, they tried to lock me up, but I ran away. And I've been on this island, trying to find a way to break the magics that hold everyone captive."
"Magic? That's real?" Regina had only read of it.
"Anything is real in the Bermuda Triangle. And the woman behind all this, Lilith, she tempts guests by driving into their basic desires. By letting them indulge in eating, drinking, and sexual pleasure to their hearts content before even the souls ripened with that sin. Perhaps even worse things. I've been keeping tabs on everyone and we must find them. It seems only those who are pure of soul can resist the magic."
"So that means us," Regina said in conclusion, but with a bit of confusion because she knew August must have killed so how was he an exception? Regardless, she was happy to have his aid for she felt overwhelmed. How was she to help? She didn't know how to fight magic! "But how do we save them?"
"We need to find them and get them back to the ship," August said. "Luckily, I know just where to find them."
A/N: Time for Regina to save her dashing captain ;)
