Barbossa's POV
Beneath the cold glow of the moon, it seems I've found myself in the most peculiar and, embarrassing, of predicaments. Within hours of pulling into port, I had lost my ship and crew to two children- and...Sparrow! 'Of all the bad luck...' I couldn't grasp how such madness would choose me as its newest victim. True, it was common for a man to have 'is authority challenged on occasion, but ne'er by the weaker sex. While Jack may be willing to submit to the hollow threats of an arrogant child, I certainly would not stoop to such levels. ''Twas time these lasses were reminded of their place...'
"Now how exactly do we get to this 'Oracle' of yours?" asked the brunette as she walked between Jack and Mister Gibbs.
"More importantly, how do we ensure you know where you're goin' and if this place is even real?" clarified the redhead as she looked up from the glass bottle containing the Pearl.
"Peyton," sighed the big one as she rolled 'er eyes in response to her sister's skepticism. "We've got 'is ship; which he won't be gettin' back 'til we arrive," she hissed coyly. "Why else would the man still be here?" she continued as she stared at Sparrow confirming her reasoning.
"Of course Love," agreed Sparrow as he hesitantly patted the lass' head. "But-"
"But?" she repeated as she began to clench her teeth.
"But..." Jack continued, his eyes glued to her dormant sword. "As any wise seaman would know, 'tis bad luck to begin a venture at night." He said as he looked around at the stars.
"Pfft," scoffed Gibbs as he took a swig of rum from his canteen. "We're already damned for allowing women aboard the shi-"
"-Am I right Gibbs?" asked Sparrow as he candidly jabbed the drunk in his gut.
"Ugh!- of course!" he quickly agreed as he withdrew his drink. "No knowledgeable man treads these waters when the moon is full." Unconvinced by their warnings and half-hearted grins, I found myself at the center of the nonsense as the two brats turned to me for a response.
"Well?"
Looking from the suspicious brunette to the pleading glares of Sparrow and Mister Gibbs, I calmly laid a hand on the lass' shoulder as I explained the importance of seafaring superstition. "I hate to be the monster to crush a gal's dreams but, they're right Lass." I lied, the sincerest of expressions on my face. Unconvinced, the two girls stared at me and waited for further explanation. "No man of present mind would ever consider treading these waters at night- especially without the aid of the full moon," I continued as I pointed up at the empty sky. "T'would be logical and, for the well being of you lovely young ladies, safer, to wait until the morning and begin our journey with the rising sun." Again, the gals' eyes narrowed as they looked from me to the night sky above. They then exchanged glances before warily giving in to the claim.
"And with that," shouted Jack with an over exaggerated yawn. "'Tis best we retire for the night. Lovely ladies like yourselves need your beauty rest."
"Agreed," I quickly interjected as I stepped between Sparrow and the girls. "We can begin at dawn when the tide is with us and the seas are worth treadin'," I continued while turning the brunette toward the black waters before the ship. "'Til then, let me show ye to yer rooms..." I smiled as I rested me hands on either girl. Turning them away from the main deck, I quickly managed to throw but children to the ground and aim a pistol at the two as I ordered my men to restrain the little brats. Once the pair were chained I concealed my gun and ordered that our guests be taken to the brig.
"You filthy bastard!" shouted the heated voices as I watched their owners resist direction to their cell.
"Don't try me lass! Ye be lucky to even survive the night on this ship," I shouted at the ungrateful retch. "Ye'll be below deck tonight and, by morning, back at The Bride where you belong." I turned and made my way toward the helm as that grating nuisance approached.
"'Tis for the best ladies, I can assure you!" he snickered as the girls were forced below deck; waving as they fought their way down the stairs.
"And I believe you're forgetting something," I shouted as my men returned and snatched up Sparrow and Gibbs. "See that these men are shown to their cell."
"Certainly," the fool replied as he took the arm of my deckhand and began to escort'im down to the brig. "I know how you feel Mate; a good crew is impossible to find these days." He continued, before hearing the clicking of a loaded pistol beside his ear.
"Lock'im in the brig!" I shouted as I aimed me gun toward the lower deck. As our guests were led down the stairs, I took it upon meself to examine my new fleet, lying in the sack on the floor. Hundreds of ships awaiting liberation, and all mine. All except... 'The Pearl...'
Oxana's POV
Stumbling down the stairs, all I could do was keep my head down and ignore the gritty texture of the filthy hand wrapped 'round me throat. That black-blooded dog dared to double cross us! 'Clearly he's unaware of who he's dealing with... Peyton should've shot'im when he first stepped forward...' Coming to the base of the stairs, I felt the grip on my wrists tighten as we were lead to the brig. Being dragged forward I could hear the swearing and scuffles of Peyton fighting with her aggressor. Any fool could see she was mad, as always, but quickly I shot her a glance and tried to stare her into submission. At first she ignored me as she briefly managed to free her arm from his grip, quickly, she slapped'im in the face; 'by the way he closed his eyes, looks like she'd managed to scratch'im too.' I watched as she began to flick her wrist and try to draw he dagger, but her hand was quickly caught and her wrist was turned upward and slammed to her back. Immediately I saw her wince before trying to fight back, but this time, I managed to stop her."Peyton!" I whispered, shaking my head as I forbid any further outburst. While these fools could easily be brought down, their captain was a different matter. He wasn't some drunk like Sparrow, and he couldn't be taken lightly. If we were gonna get to this Oracle, we'd have to remain vigilant and, as Peyton would say, stay alert 'til the 'opportune moment.' '...I've ne'er been good at that...' Finally we were thrown into the brig. As I picked m'self up from the floor I could hear the sound of another voice echoing from the upper deck. Not long after, my sister and I watched, unfazed as Sparrow and his fat friend were shoved into the adjacent cell. Then our 'escorts' were ordered to confine us to the wall; "Captain's orders".
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Leanin' against the wall, I stood still wit me eyes shut... swinging my arms to and fro, listening to the jingle of the shackles crashing beside the hull. I could hear each link clang against the other, 'n hear the crunch 'n crackle of the rusted metal chipping from the chains like ash. I could feel my wrists turning 'round inside the cuffs, the gritty texture of crumbling iron against me skin; and I could hear the jangling and clinkin' of the shackles beside me as Peyton proceeded to writhe within her own bindings. "Well?" I asked when the wild chiming ceased. "Ye done yet?" Before she could answer, the sound of shouts and stumbling footsteps came thumping down the stairs. As the cell door across from our own was thrown open, I didn't need to look up to know who'd been tossed in the neighboring cell.
"You mutinous drunk!" Peyton growled, her shackles crashed 'n rang, 'her lunging forward to grab Sparrow'. "You set us up. You two had this planned!" she shouted in spite of Sparrow's denials.
"I can assure you ladies I had no idea-"
"Shut up!" I finally shouted, ending the quarrel.
"When we get outta here, I'll deal with you myself," promised Peyton. Even a fool like Sparrow could tell she intended to keep her word, unlike the traitor who got us into this mess. Hopefully she'll calm down by the morning. If we're gonna find this Oracle- 'If it even exists...' we'll need Sparrow in one piece. After a few minutes of silence and echoes from outside the ship, all seemed quiet enough to return to the main deck. Opening my eyes, I didn't have to ask if she was ready, as my sister- her eyes still fixed on Jack and his fat friend- stood across from me, her pearl dagger clenched 'tween her teeth. While I'm sure she'd been ready for a while, I smiled knowing she could wait a bit longer while I got my bearings. Wriggling my wrists inside the rusty shackles, I took a final breath before standing against the hull, my arms above me head, before tearing them forward-one at a time- and snatching my arms free from the ship. Ignoring Sparrow as he flinched in response, I calmly turned to Peyton as she spat her dagger towards me. Taking it in me hand, I easily picked the worn locks round my wrists. Once my hands were free, I released my sister and we proceeded to the cell itself. Within minutes Peyton had the lock open and we left our cell. Not a man in sight, we made our way to the main deck, ignoring Sparrow's requests to be set free.
"Good work Lass, we'll be waiting... right here," he said as he wrapped 'is hands 'round the bars of his cell, actually expecting us to come back for him.
"We'll be back," answered Peyton as she looked back at Jack. 'Surely she couldn't be serious?' This man was the reason we'd been thrown below deck and locked away in the first place! And now she was going to set him free?
"Bless you Lass," sighed his fat friend as he took another swig from his canteen.
"Aye," added Sparrow. Ya see Gibbs, mercy has ne'er strayed from the code of-"
Quickly, Peyton slammed her hand 'gainst the bars of their cell. "After we take care of the good captain, we'll be coming for you two..." she growled before turning to follow me up the stairs.
Barbossa's POV
Rummaging through my new fleet, the clickin' and clangin'of the ships, locked within their glass prisons, 'twas clear Jack had managed to rid Blackbeard of all his stolen trophies. With this many vessels at his disposal, any seaman would instantly find himself immortalized in seafaring history; but, spite of all that was present and mine for the taking, one prize was missing from the sack. 'Blast!' They still have the Black Pearl... the little tramps must've taken it with them below deck. Hauling the sack o'er me shoulder, I made my way to the brig to retrieve the stolen piece of my collection. 'Twas common knowledge that Sparrow was delusional, but these girls had made it clear they'd forgotten who they were. All was silent in the brig; 'Lasses must've turned in for the night.' But in turnin' toward their hold, I stood in shock at the empty, and open cell. As I prodded the abandoned shackles on the floor, the clinking of the chains was muted by the crashing thud of glass bottles as my sack dropped to the ground. "How in-"
"Would you mind not shattering my fleet?" asked Sparrow from across the way.
"Ye let them out!?"
"Of course not," he replied as he shook his shackles from behind his cell. "Though we did watch them escape. Innovative little things, those two; strong." Immediately, I made my way up to the stairs, scanning the deck for the little rogues. From port to starboard the ship was scanned with no sign of either of 'em; it would appear the little brats had managed to escape, and with the Black Pearl in hand. Despite losing the Pearl (and being left with Jack), at least I was finally free of those little brats. Turning towards my quarters, I proceeded to retire for the night; the worst of me problems was over, I'd deal with Sparrow tomorrow. Calmly I reached for the door, when suddenly my blood ran cold... under the dim light of the night sky, my heart stopped as I held me palm to my face, eyes fixed on the crimson glow of blood gushing from my hand- just as it had this morning. Though I'd seen it vanish with the sun's glow this morning, just as eerily, it had returned. Struck with fear, I tore a sheath of fabric from me shirt and proceeded to tie off the wound. Once the bleeding was halted, I- warily- proceeded to enter my quarters when again, I was unexpectedly stopped by a locked door.
'What-' how could the door be locked? No one was permitted to enter the captains quarters! And the door could only be locked from the- ...Then it dawned on me...
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Peering into the room through the door, my suspicions were confirmed as I watched the two little tramps look through my belongings and confidently barricade themselves behind the heavy wooden door. Seething, I began to shove and slam the door, demanding that it be opened. Whether they had the Pearl or not, I'd had enough! These girls had to go; and clearly I'd have to end them myself. I continued to bang on the door and shot at the sky, shouting for the brats to open the door and let me in so's I could throw them out! Yet in spite of my demands, they continued to ignore me; I knew I was heard, even as the brunette paused for a moment in front of the door before answering her sister's call. "Ox, hurry and sit down so we can get this done," she called as she took a seat atop my desk, casually taking a bite from one of my fresh apples! Wiping the juice from her filthy chin, she waited for her sister to take her seat before her, leaning forward to reveal her back. "Ye ready?" the redhead calmly asked as she placed my apple aside and reached into her satchel and pulled out a small black jar. Puzzled, I put away my pistol and continued to watch as the lass opened the jar and inspected its contents.
"Ugh, it stinks!" shouted the brunette as she turned and pointed at the jar.
"I know," gagged the other as she directed for her sister to sit back down. "But if that merchant was telling the truth, this should make things better. Now come on," she said as she began roll her sister's shirt up over her back. Gently, she continued to roll the back of the shirt 'til reached her sisters neck. Once she'd reached the top, she calmly asked if her twin had felt anything; unsure of what she'd meant, I stumbled to reposition myself so as to get a better view. Propped against the door, I watched as the redhead handed her sister the apple and directed her to bite down on it should she feel any pain. She then reached for the mysterious black jar. In doing so, she moved away just long enough to see what the duo was up to; but once I'd gotten a clear view, my jaw dropped in shock as I stared at the numerous scars and slashes that littered the lass' back- the signature of the cat 'o nine. Smold'ring -red and crusted in dried blood, the lass sat still, tense with fear as she watched her sister scoop some of the contents from the jar- a creamy grey paste- into her hands and tentatively begin to wipe it over her sister's wounds. Instantly, she flinched in pain as the paste made contact with her back, savagely biting down on the apple in her hand.
"Ye done yet?" she asked weakly, trying her best not to cry.
"Almost," answered the redhead as she took another scoop of the paste. "How's your leg?"
"Well enough that I won't be needin' that!" the other groaned as she stiffened and proceeded to stand. "Let me see your wrists-"
"Never mind that, you need this more than I do. Now, let me see you leg." Commanded the redhead, gesturing for her sister to bear her thigh- revealing another blood-dried scab. Again she applied the cream, gently soothing her sister's groans and tensing. She then directed her to lie down- only on her stomach- and get some rest for the night. I watched as the lass limped lightly toward my cot, and warily eased herself into a comfortable position. Within minutes, the lass was asleep, leaving her sister to examine the small jar on her own. Confirming that her sister was at rest, she slowly reopened the jar and studied its contents before carefully rolling up her sleeves and staring down at her wrists. She then proceeded to scoop out the remaining amount of cream and gingerly apply it to her wrists, wincin' and gaspin' with pain. After a moment of silence- her head down as she endured the lingerin' pain- she resumed her position and began to scrape at the inside of the jar for whatever she could get from inside. She then rested her right hand upon her lap and began to carefully unwrap the dried bandage tied 'round her palm. Gentle and slow, she unwound the frayed piece of fabric; her eyes clenched tight in pain- I could hear the soft sounds of shudders 'n sniffles as she finally put the bandage aside and looked at her hand. Too far away to see what she was cryin' about, I leaned further against the door as I watched her apply the last little bit of cream to her palm- her body instantly stiffened as she bit her lip and forbid herself to make a sound. She then proceeded to the backside of her hand and used whatever was left on her fingers before reapplying the bandage. Looking over at her sleeping sister, the lass looked down at her hand a second time before lifting her own shirt, studying the deep gash in her side in the reflection of a window- a knife wound no doubt. She picked up the jar and studied it thoroughly, before calmly placing it aside and pullin' down her shirt 'n vest and placing her hand over the wound. Sleepily she stood and faced the door, quickly I ducked me head before the lass knew I was watching. After a moment, I peered back into my quarters and watched as the lass walked past her sister asleep in my cot, and knelt down on the floor beneath my window before slowly lowering herself to the floor and lying her head down on the ground where she closed her eyes and proceeded to sleep.
Still sitting outside, I watched the girls sleep a moment longer. My hand still wrapped 'round the door's handle, I looked up at the little black jar- still resting on my desk. Still seated outside the door, I relinquished my grip and stared down at my own hand; the ethereal wound gone, I ran my fingers over me palm, the image of blood still burnin' in me mind as I picked up my stained sash, smeared with the blood of my fallen deckhand- executed by the very lasses that lay barricaded in my quarters. Suddenly I'd lost the desire to reclaim me quarters- 'must've been the night air...' Soon enough, the silence of the night and the whisp'ring of the waves became overwhelming as I leaned 'gainst the door and fell into sleep, the image of the bloodied palm stained in me mind...