*Sorry for the wait. Most sincere of apologies, but I have had aboutely NO time to work on this. (College will do that to ya :/) But, after 4 monhs of waiting here's the newest chapter! Hopefully it was worth the wait! Enjoy! And as always, dont forget to review!*
Peyton's POV
Startled, I withdrew my pistol in exchange for my sword. As I watched Oxana do the same, the fuming sensation of rage consumed me as I witnessed a snide grin creep across Sparrow's face. "You filthy rat," I growled as I approached the traitor.
"Ye knew this ship was occyepied!" shouted Ox as she picked the captain up by his shirt and slammed him against the starboard moldings.
"I did not!" he shouted dramatically as he looked to his left, clearly waiting for the vessels owner to reveal 'imself.
"You drunken-" I was suddenly cut off by another gunshot and the sound of footsteps.
"Any coward foolish enough to set foot on this ship, step forth now!" shouted a voice, raspy and rough. Alertly, I faced the source of the challenge, my blade pointing towards the dark shadows scattered along the deck, and my dagger clenched in me other hand. Slow and steady, the rhythm of footsteps pounded against deck, getting louder as they brought their owner nearer; but in doing so, the odd beat of a third step cast the stride out of rhythm.
"And where might ye be?" I shouted into the night as I watched the faint glow of a candle floating in the night air, only to be extinguished by rogue blast of wind. Now without the candlelight, we had no way of telling where the presence stood, save for the steady beat of footsteps which continued 'cross the deck, subtly shrouding the sound of the wind. Tired of waiting for the coward to reveal 'imself, I drew my pistol and prepared to fire in the direction of the now deceased candle glow; but before I was able to pull the trigger, my attention was consumed by a shadow making its way into the moonlight- a long wooden staff, followed by a single step forward revealing a large man clothed entirely in black... 'a pirate!'
"Peyton," whispered Ox, as she too stared up at the large man standing before us. Unable to look away, I aimed me pistol at the dark figure; but as he approached, I found myself unable to move, unable to pull the trigger. Tall and broad, he silently stared in our direction, his face hidden beneath the brim of a large, black hat adorned with a plume of shadows. Propped beneath his right shoulder was a wooden crutch; following the whittled support downward, I couldn't help but stare at the single leg which held up the remaining weight of its owner. Still staring downward at his absent limb, I didn't notice the broadsword aimed in my direction as the filthy dog repeated his threat.
"And who might be bold enough to tread the deck of the Revenge?" he roared a second time as he made his way forward. Surprisingly, the old salt moved steadily and strong consid'ring his condition. Shortly after setting foot in the moonlight, the dark man's presence seemed to consume my attention and before I could flinch, I felt the sandy grip of hands 'round my wrists and in my hair snatching my head back. Over the echoes of my own voice, I could hear the sounds of swearing and shouts as my sister was also forced to the ground by another filthy man clothed in rags. "Stowaways..." hissed their captain as he grazed my cheek with his blade. Sliding the sword down me neck he then withdrew and continued toward Oxana, preparing to speak again. "Clearly, anyone with the gall to attempt such a task shan't be taken lightly?" he said to 'imself as he stood between the two of us. Still bearing a brave face, I watched Ox stiffen as he placed his blade beside her- resting it beside the bandage wrapped 'round her forearm. Though she stood tall and looked past the blade, I could feel her trembling as he withdrew his sword and proceeded to pace forward; but before he could speak again, we watched 'im jump with the shock as that mad excuse for a pirate suddenly spoke up.
"Ah, Hector," the drunken loon said as he slipped past Ox and, congenially, laid his hand on the pirate's shoulder. "Fancy finding you 'ere Mate. Clearly no man can resist the temptation of Tortuga ay?" Despite the silence upheld by the other hands on deck, Sparrow continued to babble, flitting the large plume on his... associates hat. Despite the confused, disgusted look on his face, the dark man stood still; his gaze shifting from Jack, to Ox and I on the floor.
"Sparrow?" he finally uttered in shocked annoyance as he jerked back and fixed his hat. Pushing him away, he then opened his mouth to speak but was cut off again as Jack continued his ramblings.
"Aye," he answered as he shot a quick glance at Gibbs, then smiled at me. Seething, I returned his gaze as I slowly managed to slip my dagger from my sleeve and conceal it in me hand- listening to the traitor's half-hearted flattery. "How long has it been mate?"
"Not long enough," mumbled the captain, now known as Hector. Studying the situation, it was clear the two knew one another; but in reading the look on 'is face it was clear he showed as little interest in Sparrow as I. "So, yer the one behind this?" He asked as he limped past Jack and stood between Oxana and I. "Still can't hold on to a ship eh?" He sneered arrogantly, as he exchanged orders with my captor. "Why am I not surprised?"
"Well, holding a ship ain't the problem Mate," Sparrow replied as he held up one of the bottles from his sack. "It's returning it to the sea." Looking at the bottle, the captain's eyes widened as if he immediately recognized what he was seeing.
"We have the Pearl too," continued Gibbs.
"-Had the Pearl!" shouted Ox before her head was forced downward by the filthy brute behind her, his think fingers wrapped 'round her neck. As he commanded her to silence herself, I swiftly managed to improve my grip on me blade, and listen for the captains response- waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
"Have the Pearl," continued Jack, winking at Ox as he followed behind the ship's captain. "It's just a matter of gettin' 'er out."
"Well, it appears, you require the help of children?" commented the captain. My head still forced toward the deck, I could see his shadow looming over me, his crutch resting just within my sights. Straining to look up, I stared at the dark silhouette floating over me before moving on to Ox. Using his crutch, he poked and prodded at her studiously, before returning 'is sights to me. Kneeling forward, I could feel the gritty texture of his hand on my chin as he grabbed my face and directed it toward him. Though barely visible beneath his hat, I exchanged glances with the faded blues eyes studyin' mine before I could finally snatch my head away. With a scowl and a sigh he turned away and spoke, "Ye startin' your own brothel, ay Jack?" he laughed aloud as his filthy hand patted my cheek.
"Looks that way don't it?" Sparrow chuckled in response. Watching as the crippled captain hobbled to his feet, I naturally wanted to follow behind and end this madness, but, with Ox's apprehensive eyes glaring at me-forbidding any rash actions and anticipating the time to move- I maintained a level of self-control, waiting for the opportune moment...
Barbossa's POV
Standing 'afore the main deck, I stood and stared in disbelief at the filthy dog that sloshed toward me- that sloppy grin etched crossed his face. Even as he spoke and placed his hand on my person, I could only deny what the fates had set before me. In a final analysis of my sanity, I studied the company present: two young sirens, forced into submission at my feet. Stowaways, unfamiliar and unimportant; women, 'and young bloods none the less'. Cowaring behind them, be it none other than Mister Gibbs, and to my right, boorishly breathing down me neck... 'Sparrow.'
"Fancy finding you 'ere Mate. Clearly no man can resist the temptation of Tortuga ay?" the addled loon raved on as he approached, standin' between me and the two girls kneeling on the ground. Peering o'er his shoulder I watched as the ragged redhead struggled to break free, occasionally glancin' to her partner on the left. While it wasn't uncommon for rogues to stow away and steal a man's ship, never before had I witnessed children audacious enough to attempt it- 'girls at that.' Still listening to Jack's babbling, I pushed him aside and surveyed his associates. Well aware of his weakness for the fairer sex, didn't surprise me none that he'd fall for two lasses like these: a pretty face innocent enough to lower the suspicions of any man, but look into their eyes and any wise man will see their true intent.
Standing overhead, I watched the thrashing and struggling of the captives. Leaning forward, I could hear their agitated breathing and feel their hostility. 'Dangerous creatures, these lasses be...' Taking a closer look, I examined my guests; the larger of the two first. Thick and sturdy, she kept her head down and sat stiff as a corpse. Her eyes remained fixed on the deck, ne'er looking up, even with me crutch 'neath her chin, her strong jaw wouldn't give. Keeping her face downward, hidden under a shroud of thick brunet curls, only once did the lass look up, catching the light of the moon in two green, cattish eyes. Addressing her a second time, she jerked forward, shoving my crutch aside and lurchin' my quartermaster forward with her. Backing away, I then moved on toward her company, smaller in size she may've been, but just as wild and aggressive as the sea itself. Even as I crouched before the lass, her sights were clearly focused on other matters, 'Sparrow no doubt.' She stared at him long 'n hard, ne'er once looking away or even stoppin' to blink. 'Didn't take a genius to tell the lass was angry...' Finally, I took the child's face in me hand and turned it toward me. Resisting at first, she'd finally took a moment to look away; cold and deep, the lass stared through me with those two large emerald lights and a fury that could pierce even the souls of the damned. Hundreds of auburn locks littered her face with shadows; and as she shook them from her brow the jingling of their charms echoed in the night air. Staring a moment longer, I caught myself having to take a second glance at either girl. Save for the this one's flaming locks, neither lass could be distinguished from the other! 'Twins...?'
As the lass finally tore her face from my hand, leering at me with eyes full of hate, I graced her cheek before I turned me sights to Jack, addressing his ramblings and acknowledging his company. "Ye startin' your own brothel, ay Jack?"
"Looks that way don't it?" he laughed in response, looking toward the girls with a scatterbrained grin.
"Well then, I suggest ye keep a better eye on these lambs 'fore someone else get a 'hold of 'em. Every man knows the power of lust, but not every man possesses the strength of restraint."
"I believe restraint ain't what they'll need," uttered Mister Gibbs 'neath his breath. "What they'll need is to know how to use a sword..." Perplexed I looked to Gibbs before returning my sights to the two captives on the floor. Though there was no denying the evident aggression they displayed- a bluff no doubt- what possible threat could these children possibly pose? That roguish aura aside, these were children- 'girls!' At most, it'd be best to get them off my ship before they taint it any further, and Sparrow too.
"T'aint the girls who need protecting," Jack continued as he stepped forward and, cringing, peered at the girls over my shoulder. Studying his, and now Gibb's expressions, I was suddenly disrupted by a muffled grunt and the slashin' of metal behind me. Following their gazes, I turned just in time to see both me deckhands kneeling on the floor in agony, and behind them, stood the two girls- calmly shedding the bonding from one another's wrists. Shocked, I watched as the redhead removed the rope from her sister's wrists, slicing it in two with a single pass of her cutlass.
The self liberated lasses mockingly stepped over my men and proceeded to approach, concealing their weapons before fearlessly standing before me. "Told you," mumbled Jack as he sheepishly smirked at the girls. Irritably, they exchanged his glance-eyes narrowed- before setting their focus on me.
"I take it ye be the captain of this vessel?" inquired the redhead, her hands placed on either side of her hips.
"Aye," I answered, still impressed at how effective their escape had been. "And, who might you be Miss?"
"Never mind that," the redhead quickly replied, looking straight into my eyes. Her focus intense and direct, not once did those green lights lose focus as stared through the shadows of scattered copper locks and tarnished charms. She then took a moment to look past me towards Jack before looking around and examining my ship. Looking to her left, she exchanged a devilish smile with her sister before returning her sights to me. "So, Captain," she continued cynically, a manipulative tone in her voice, present in that of any other woman. "What brings ye to Tortuga?"
"Never mind that," I responded quickly. "What brings you aboard my ship?" I turned from the girls towards Sparrow clarifying the target of my question.
"The ship itself," the two girls replied simultaneously. "Of course we didn't expect anyone to be on board..." snarled the large one, her gaze focused on Gibbs as she pushed her bangs from her brow.
"Well, now you know," I responded as I proceeded to leave the girls and deal with Sparrow. Clearly this was his doing, and if I was gonna get any of these rats off my ship I'd have to start at the source. "Well," I said as I got closer, watching the fool lean forward pretending he didn't see me coming.
"Ah, Barbossa," he finally exhaled, a false aura of surprise on his face. "What are you doing her-"
"Shut up!" I said as I pulled'im aside and made my intentions clear. "While any other man would easily have your heads placed above his mantle like any other stowaway and ne'er think another thing of it!... Being the merciful gentleman I am, I'm willing to give ye a chance to get out," I turned and looked toward the young bloods standing behind us. "And take yer brats with ya."
"Naturally I would Mate, of course; but-"
"We're not going anywhere," shouted one of the voices, clear and defiant.
"Beg your pardon Miss?"
"I said, we won't be goin' anywhere," repeated the redhead as she stepped forward. "We came here in search of ship and we found it; and this will be the ship we'll use," she said staring at Jack and Gibbs, watching them nod compliantly. "Whether you're on it or not, Captain..." she continued sternly, those emerald eyes staring into me again.
"Excuse me-"
"You see, Jack Sparrow has agreed to aid us in an important venture and we require a ship-"
"Your ship!" added her sister as the two girls fearlessly stood before me.
"And so you see Captain, we're not goin' anywhere," she tilted her head aside as a wily grin graced her face. "Now, you could permit our venture, in which we would grant you the existing control over your ship with the exception of any decisions which would be made in regards to our destination, or, you can leave this ship now, with your dignity and, good leg, intact." Taken aback by the child's prowess of negotiation, I'd all but forgotten to respond.
As I placed my hand on my sword, watching as my men finally rose from their injured slump on the deck, the reality of the child's threat had finally sunken in. Clearly the lass had forgotten her place, and it 'twas right time she remembered it. Though dazed and still in pain, I watched my men regained their footing and followed my eyes to their targets, preparing to end this nonsense once and for all. "And if I refuse?" I asked as I watched my men draw their swords and continue to approach.
"It'll be your head," the brunet calmly responded as she and her sister drew their own weapons, directing them towards me. Naturally I was unfazed and unafraid, what could two children- girls none the less- possibly do with swords? I'd faced more frightening obstacles; a pair of women posed no threat to me.
"Put it away lass," I sighed in regards to the sword under me chin. "You'll not be killing anyone tonight. Ye ain't got the heart." I said, watching as my quartermaster stepped closer and prepared to slit the throat of either girl from behind. The redhead's gaze still focused on me as she prepared to conceal her blade, coldly she began to speak.
"Don't I?..." she asked as the larger of the two suddenly whirled around and caught my man's hand in her teeth! Stunned, the poor fool wasn't given a chance to flinch before the redhead redrew he sword and- her eyes still fixed on mine- drove her blade into his chest before calmly snatching it back out and listening as his lifeless body dropped to the floor. The deck was silent as the two sirens stood still, ignoring the corpse that lie between them. Casually examining her sword, the redhead studied the blood that trickled down her blade, only taking a moment to look to her sister who then proceeded to slit the gullet of my other man. "As we were saying, Captain," the redhead continued as she picked up my sash and proceeded to wipe the blood from her sword. "Whether you agree to it or not, you no longer have any say in the happenings on this ship. We already have a captain (more or less)," she said as she pointed her blade at Jack. "A heading, and, unless anyone else wishes to join your deckhands on the floor, a crew. And so, there will be no need for you... Unless," she paused and slipped her sword back into its holster. "You agree to cooperate."
"You stay out of our way, and we'll stay out of yours," added the brunette.
"It beats losing any other lives tonight."
"... She does have a point," uttered Sparrow from the background. Facing the coward, it still puzzled me as to how grown men could be so fearful of two women; and even more disturbing that these two women, possessed such composure and refinement amongst men like myself. Seeing the delicate hand still outstretched, waiting for my own, I thought about their proposal and finally, finalized the bargain.
"Captain Barbossa," I said proudly as I bowed my head and tipped my hat. "And do ye ladies have names?" I asked with a smile, looking up from the child's hand.
"Peyton Radcliffe," responded the redhead militantly. "And this is my sister Oxana. Now, Captain Barbossa, do we have a deal?"
Studyin' her still open hand I noticed the frayed, blood-dried bandage wrapped 'round her palm. As I prepared to shake the lasses hand, the image of her wounded palm suddenly brought back the memory of the ethereal would which had appeared on my own hand this morning...Consumed by thought a moment longer, only the voice of the child could bring me back to me senses. "Captain?"
As if waking from a dream, I looked into the emerald eyes ahead of me, mouth agape, before finally shakin' the lasses hand. "We have an accord," I agreed.
"Lovely," cheered Sparrow as he skipped forward and shook everyone's hand. "And with that, let us be off!"