Origins of a Pirate
Chapter 16
He had seen it. The steady glint in the boy's eyes. The awkward shift in between his legs. The way he held the mop as he cleaned between the dark dirty crevices of the brig. This boy was undoubtedly his brother. The brother whom had been presumed dead so many years ago. The brother who had run away with a promise never to return. Cut.
He had joined the navy, although Jack wasn't sure when nor how. A boy of just thirteen, Cut looked as if he had survived many a storm, many a dark day. The circles under his eyes and the blisters encasing his hands told stories of a lonely and cruel past. Jack wanted to hug him, to assure him that everything would be alright, to hold him like the child he still was.
And yet it was impossible.
Cut was assigned Jack as a charge, to watch over him and to make sure he didn't escape. They were both minors in the Navy's eyes; worthless scum easily worn out and replaced. Although Jack didn't face charges of hanging any longer, Cut was assigned to dole out a punishment, a reminder to Jack of the consequences of piracy.
Jack hoped that Cut could see through the layers of years and dirt, to find the brother who he had left behind. Maybe Cut and Jack could escape together. To be reunited with the grieving Teague once again. To return to their old and happy life. All it would take was recognition. A simple wordless bond of understanding.
The younger boy abruptly cleared his throat. Jack whipped around, hoping for recognition. Dreading stupidity.
"Um… Mr… Sparrow?"
Jack nodded dutifully. Here it comes!
"I… I… I have decided on your… punishment… you shall be branded… as a mark of… piracy."
Jack could hardly help his surprise, "What?!" He can't recognize me?
"You shall be branded."
He can't even recognize his own brother? Curse this bloody afternoon! Where has his mind gone off to?
A/N: This is the start of egotistical Jack :) Sorry this took so long, mates. I just got back from a 12 day vacation.
I know I say this every time but... Please review the chapter I really would love more reviews. If I get more than 6 reviews for this chapter (bringing it up to 45), I will double the next chapters length. Do we have an accord?
Well enough of my ramblings, go do something important... like drink some rum or something...
ADIOS!