I don't own the Teen Titans.
For those of you who don't know, Wally is Kid Flash, Roy is Speedy, Isaiah is Hot Spot and Garth is Aqualad's true identity. Ill be adding more in as I go but I'll update you in chapters following thier appearance so not to spoil things.
"Three days had past since the attack on Port Tamaran. Three days had past since Nightwing last saw the love of his life. Three days had past since Victor had once been part of a family and three days had past since Garfield had not had the freedom he now does. Some of them saw this as a chance to escape from their problems and start a new, but others could still feel the pain and just wished it was all over," the old man started as he filled his pipe up ready for the nights story...
...Victor and Garfield were out on the deck talking away to a few of the other pirates they had become friends with over the three days aboard the Noble Sea Dragon. They we're getting use to the life on a ship after finding thier sea legs but Victor still missed his family though he tried to put on a brave face. He just didn't feel like this was the right place to be after pirates had killed his parents.
"Trust me, I know how you feel," one of the more muscular pirates said as he put a supportive hand on Victor's shoulder. "I lost my whole family to that Bastard Slade. That's why I joined Captain Hunt, she's everything Slade isn't," he said as Victor looked up at him.
Maybe he was in the right place after all. Apparently, over half the crew joined Captain Hunt because of Slade. Either because he killed someone they knew or because they just wanted to see him dead.
"So is the Captain really going try and attack Slade?" Garfield asked.
"She hasn't said so, but were on Slade's enemie list now so our only options are attack or run," Wally said thinking.
"You really think we'll stand a chance?" Garfield asked sound nervous.
"If we have Captain Hunt leading us," the first crew member said sounding sure. "Have you seen her fight?"
"That and she knows Slade," Wally added.
"Knows Slade? What do you mean? Victor asked.
"She use to be part of his crew," Wally said.
"Seriously?" Garfield asked sounding suprised. "What happened?"
"I don't know the full ins and outs but he left her for dead," Wally said thinking.
"I heard he buried her alive on a Island," the first man said. "And she dug her way out promising revenge."
"She's not a zombie, Conner," Roy chuckled.
"No, I heard somthing simular," isaiah argued. "He beat her to a inch of her life then burried her alive."
"Well how did she get out if she was beated to an inch of her life?" Wally asked confused.
"I don't know," Isaiah shrugged.
"Wow, she must have really got on his bad side," Garfield said.
"Doesn't take much to get on Slade's bad side," Garth said walking towards them. "Least with Hunt on our side, we've got a good chance up against Slade, no matter what it is he's planning."
"What you mean?" Victor asked.
"I'm not sure, but Captain seems to think that the raid at Ferins Port was no random event. She believes he was up to something more than just a good old steal," Garth said before someone jumped down from one of the sails above.
"Like what?" Nightwing asked as everyone looked at him in shock from his sudden appearance.
"You've got to stop doing that!" Garfield said clenching his chest.
"What's he going to do with Kori?" Nightwing asked looking at Garth
"As I said, I'm not sure," Garth said in defence. "The Captain doesn't tell me nothing," he said backing up slightly from the long haired hero.
"Then I'll go see the Captain myself," he said turning to walk to the Captain's cabin.
"I wouldn't, she's in a foul mood since we left land," Garth warned but Nightwing wasn't listening and walked strait down into the Captains cabin without even knocking first. "God dame it! We're all going to get it if he pisses off the Captain again."
"Why? What's the matter with her?" Garfield asked.
"She's been on the rum a little heavy since we left Ferins port. I think old memories came up when she met Captain Slade and Jinx," Garth said thinking before a loud noise came from the cabins and the door suddenly flew open with Nightwing flying out.
Nightwing smacked into a load of crates with a thud. He tried to stand but didn't move much as the men looked over at him.
"You okay?" Garth shouted over as Nightwing's hand was seen giving a thumbs up.
"I think I'll wait till she's in a better mood," Nightwing called back as Wally and Victor helped him up.
"I think that would be best," Wally laughed as they got the hero to his feet.
"She's usually sober for when we hit land at Gotham point. It's just another weeks sail. Why not wait till then?" Wally offered as Nightwing stood up and dusted himself off.
"Because that's when she wants me off her ship," Nightwing said as Garfield and the rest joined them.
"Just talk to her when we hit land, she'll understand," Garth said. "Try not to be so demanding and rushed with her. End of the day she's the Captain, she's use to giving orders, not taking them."
"Garth! " Hunt called from her cabin door.
"Yes Captain?" Both Garth and Garfield called out before exchanging looks.
"I'm Garth, you're Garfield, remember?" Garth exsplained to the lad. Since they set sail they had gone through this every time Garth's name was called out.
"Oh yeah," Garfield chuckled feeling stupid. "Can't we just call you Tempest or somthing?"
"What? Why Tempest?" Garth asked.
"I don't know," Garfield admitted. "First thing to pop into my head."
"Garth!"Captain Hunt called again impatiently.
"Yes Captain," he called.
"Make sure I'm not disturbed till we hit land," she said looking less than sober."
"Yes, Captain," he said with a slight nod.
"And also find me three volunteers to go to the slave auction to pick up a few new recruits," she said taking a drink from her bottle. "We need more men."
"I thought you didn't need more crew members?" Victor said with a raised eyebrow.
"We're going to need a hell of a lot for what's probably going to happen soon," she said as she leaned up again the door frame. "We're at war man. Slade's not going to stop now till we're at the bottom of the ocean," she said looking at the bottle. "Anyone who doesn't want part of this can leave when we reach Gotham point. I wont stop stand in thier way."
"We're going to take on Slade?" Wally asked looking unsure.
"We are," she nodded as she turned to Garth. "Three men before we hit land," she said before turning and heading back to her cabin.
"Seriously? We're taking on Slade?" Garfield asked looking nervous.
"Drunken talk," Garth said with an unsure shrug.
"Does she often say stuff like that when she's drunk?" Victor asked.
"Err… no," he said. "She usually just stays to herself."
"This ain't no drunken talk," Wally said looking excited. "I've been waiting for this chance for three years now."
"Well, I guess we better spread word round the men then," Garth said to Wally. "Let the men know thier options are to fight or flea"…
… "So is she going to attack Slade now?" Eric asked.
"Not yet," the old man said as Eric didn't seem to mind. It just meant more stories which he had no complaints to.
"This is a very interesting little tail," a new face said to a few more people who didn't look familiar.
Eric had took it in himself to share the story so fare with a few of the local homeless who came to sit round the fire and also hear the story the old man had to tell. The old man didn't seem to mind though, he was happy to have a larger audience to hear his great tail.
"Well, Hunt knew she had to get ready for Slade," he said. "He would be coming after her sooner or later and so she needed to get ready…
… They arrived at the Gotham point nearly six days later. It actually turned out to be a large dock where a lot of non navy ships go as a rest stop. The small island was filled with pubs, stales and brothels. No one there seemed to mind pirate ships docking and couldn't care less if they had weapons, as long as no extreme fights broke out and they spebt thier money. The men were quick to secure the ship and unload all the goods they had plundered from there days out on sea. Garth and Roy went in search for a buyer who would trade with them for supplies while Captain Hunt and Nightwing began to talk.
"This is your stop," she said watching the men.
"Will Slade come here?" Nightwing asked.
"Should be here in a day or two. The Four Swords isnt as quick as the Noble Sea Dragon, but his men need a rest after that fight. He'll be here," she said then began to walk towards the gangplank.
"Thanks," he said following her off.
"Look," she stopped just before they stepped onto the dock. "In all honesty, your not going to survive 5 miniuts against Slade."
"Well I guess it's a chance I'll have to take," he shrugged. "I need to save Kori."
"It's not a chance," she said watching him. "Slade is a brilliant fighter. I've seen him bring down some of the fastest and strongest. You will NOT stand a chance."
"Is this your way of asking me to join your crew?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Our just trying to point out that our intrests are the same and we stand a better chance in numbers," she said simply as Nightwing thought for a moment. "You don't need to give me an answer eight now but we're leaving first light. It's up to you if your on the ship or not."
She didn't give him time to answer as she stepped off the gangplank and left him standing on his own. By the time the men had finished unloading, Garth and Roy had returned with buyers and thier men. Items were taken and more were braught in and loaded aboard the Nobal Sea Dragons. Garth was then handed a few bags of gold in exchange for some of the more expensive goods before spotting Captain Hunt and approaching her.
"What we get?" She asked once he got close enough.
"We did good," he admitted lifting the bags up. "The tobacco sold really well, ships fully stocked and thiers enough here for maybe two months pay."
"Very nice," the Captain nodded. "If you can quickly work out my share then I can head to the slave auctions."
"Already done Captain," he said handing the smaller of the bags over to her. "You really want to spend your share on slaves though? If we asked round the taverns, I'm sure they'll be men wanting to join a crew."
"A crew that's heading to Paradise Island hoping to take on the seas most feared pirate and his blood thirsty crew?" She asked looking up at him. "They'll be queuing to come aboard."
"Okay," Garth said feeling a little stupid now. "We'll, take mine too," he said holding a second small pouch.
"Thanks Garth," she said but only took her own bag. "Pay the men. Those who wish to sail with us need to be on my ship by first light. We've already wasted half a day here and I'm sure the men are dying for a real drink."
"But Captain..." he started holding out his bag for her.
"I couldn't have asked for a better quartermaster," she said pushing his hand and the bag back towards him. "You work harder than any man aboard. Go enjoy yourself," and with that, she turned and left before he could argue.
"Do you want me to come with you?" He called to her but she didn't stop.
"No," she called back, turning her head slightly so she could see him. "You know, the same goes for you too, you don't have to stay and fight with me."
"And miss the chance to see you put a blade through Slade?" He grinned.
She didn't say another word as she dissappear into the crowd. She made her way through town till she reach the centre where a large building stood. She advanced to a set of thick double doors that two armed guards stood, watching her.
"Are you lost, sweetheart?" one of the guards said with a grin as he eyed her up and down.
"I'm here to see Gordon," Hunt said trying not to pay the guard much mind.
"He's a little busy love but you can see me if you'd like," he said with a wink. "All of me."
"I would love to see all of you..." she said stepping closer to him and running a hand down his uniform as he licked his lips hungrily. "...Sprawled out..." she carried on leaning closer. "...With your intestines littering the floor in a puddle of your own blood."
"Wait, what?" He asked before she quickly grabbed his rifle, disarming him and drew her knife that she pressed against his throat.
"He's in his office, Alice," the second guard chuckled.
"Thanks Harvey," she said lowering her knife. "Couldn't have said that sooner maybe?"
"And miss you picking on the new guy? Not a chance," he chuckled as he knocked on the door.
"What?" The first guard asked looking confused as Hunt handed him back his rifle and a small flap oppened in the door revealing a set of eyes.
"Captain Hunt to see Gordon," Harvey said as the flap closed and the doors began to creek open.
"Thanks," she nodded before heading inside.
She headed down a stone corridor where other guards were either busy patrolling, standing guard or talking. As she got halfway down, she turned to a door before knocking. "Come in!" Was called through from the other side as she opened the door and entered tbe room. The room was somwhat simple with a single window with bars and a large wooden desk that a man in his 50's was sat behind, writing with a old quill. Captain Hunt cleared her throat to get his attention.
"Yes?" he said but carried on with his jotting.
"I've come for men," Captain Hunt said as she watched Gordon.
"Auctions not till next Wednesday," he stated simply.
"Well, I have till sunrise," Captain Hunt said calmly. "Also, I wish to have prisoner 532."
At that, he finally looked up at her and rested his quill on the paper, "Alice?"
"Hello, James," she smiled as she stepped closer to the desk and rested her hand on the edge.
"Its been so long," he said standing up and leaning over the desk to give her a hug.
"Too long," she smiled into the hug. "How's Barbara?"
"Good," he said letting her go and sitting back down. "She's out of town at the moment on business."
"Good to hear she'll we'll," she smiled.
"So you want men? Why? What happened?" He asked looking more serious.
"Slade," she said sitting down on a chair that was positioned the opposite side of the desk to Gordon.
"He knows your alive?" He asked sounding concerned.
"As of a week ago he does," she nodded. "But my main concern is that he's after the Black Ocean."
"What?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. "I never thought you'd be one believing in nonsense like that?"
"Usally, no but he attacked Port Tamara and kidnapped one of Fira's kids," she said grabbing somthing from her pocket.
"What's that got to do with the Black Ocean?" He asked bemused.
"I was given this by her farther," she said holding up the chain and pendant and passing it over.
Gordon examined the pendant for a while. The pendant was gold in colour with an image of a island carved into. A green shine flickered over the image with a small dot. As he turned it over, a second image could be seen of a close up of the island with the same green dot. He turned it back to the front only to see that the image had changed to a new image of more indepth close up of a cave on the island.
"This is impossible," he said looking up at her. "This is the map. This shouldnt exists. "
"The Duke said his daughter was cursed," Hunt said watching Gordon examine the pendant. "I think he means she's one of the chosen ones."
"That's why you want prisoner 532?" He asked sliding the pendant back towards Hunt on the desk. "You think she's the other?"
"I've got to stop him, James," she said retriving the pendant. "If he gets the Black Ocean, we're all going to be wishing we were dead."
"Okay... I can help you with prisioner 532 but, I have no men here till next week," he admitted. "Shipment wont be here till near auction day and the only prisioners I have here are either petty and to be released soon or up for execution. I can maybe offer a few of my guards to aid you."
"Slade's will be heading here to retrieve the prisoner, you'll need your men then," she said shaking her head. "It's fine, as long as he doesn't have the map or the other chosen one, we stand a good chance. Can I see her?" She asked as he nodded and picked up a latern.
"Of course, " he said. "But be careful. She's dangerous."
"So am I," she grinned as he rolled eyes.
He led her out of the room and to the very end of the corridor wherr a set of stairs led down to a musty, damp hallway littered with cells on both sides. The hall reeked of flesh and waste. Some of the cells held prisoners while others conttained nothing but rats. They carried on down a second hallway till he stopped at a cell at the end. He raised his lantern up to show Captain Hunt the prisoner. A female raised her hand up to block the light out.
"Shes healthy?" Captain Hunt asked looking at the female.
"She is.," he nodded. "But not seen the world out of this cell in over a year."
"Can you get her ready to leave?" She asked looking back at Gordon. "I'll send some of my men to collect her."
"She'll need to be drugged for transport and I can get you some to keep her sedated for your trip," he warned. "You wont want her to regain control."
"I dont have prisioners on board my ship," she said sturnly. "She'll be part of my crew."
"I doubt she'll be willing to join," he said looking worried.
"I can be quite persuading, " Hunt said watching the female. "What's her name anyway? Or do I just call her prisioner 532?"
"Raven," he said…
…So she only got one prisoner?" John asked. "Bit of a waste of time telling us about one prisioner? What's Nightwing doing or Victor?"
"Yeah old man, get to the serious stuff," Phil agreed as some of the other homeless nodded.
"Raven plays an important part to this tail," the old man insisted eyeing John. "If it wasn't for Raven, Hunt and the crew would never had made it back to salvation," he said as everyone fell silent. "As I was saying, they made their way out of the cells and to the Noble Sea Dragon and got aboard. Most of the men were on land relaxing as they had to set off the next day. Hunt waited for her men to escort Raven to the ship…
… Captain Hunt watched as the three men led Raven towards the ship. The gangplank was lowered for them as they escorted her aboard. Captain Hunt then directed the men to her cabin where they sat Raven down on a seat across from a desk that Hunt took a seat at the other side of.
"Thanks very much," she said dismissing the men as they left.
She gave Raven a good look over. The women was slouched in the seat, chains round her hands and feet. What ever the guards had given her must have been starting to wear off though as as she was starting to come round a bit. Hunt watched her patiently, waiting for the women to become more aware of her suroundings and of Captain Hunt's pressents.
"Would you like a drink?" Hunt asked as Raven cocked an eyebrow.
Raven didn't speak but gave a small nod. Hunt stood up and headed to a counter where she retrieved a jug and two cups. She poured the two cups and handed one to Raven who looked at it a little unsure. Captain Hunt drank from her own cup to prove it was safe before Raven took her own and gulped the drink down with thirst, the chains weighing down her arms. When she had finished, she still held the cup.
"I'm Captain Alice Hunt and this is my ship, the Nobel Sea Dragon," Captain Hunt introduced sitting back down.
"I… Raven," Raven said quietly, her voice sounding very raspy.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Raven," Captain Hunt said with a smile as she leaned forwards with her hand.
Raven moved back slightly before Hunt took a hold of the cup in Raven's hand and filled it with more water. Raven eyed the Captain for a while before drinking again. Once she finished, Hunt slid somthing towards her. Raven looked down to see a key.
"For your chains," she said as she stood and headed to a table to retrive half a loaf of bread and some cheese. "You hungry?"
"Are you letting me go?" Raven asked looking at the key.
"If I say yes, will you have somthing to eat?" she asked cutting the bread and passing some over. "I dont hold prisions on my ship. Everyone is here cause they want to be and that will include you."
"You want me to join your crew?" Raven asked almost finding the idea hilarious. "You think just cause you got me out of that prision, im gunna be all thankful and follow you to hell and back? Well guess what? Ive been to hell and back already and I'm not joining your crew."
"Okay then," Hunt said standing up and heading to the door, openning it. "Here's the door then."
"Is this some kind of trick?" Raven asked watching the Captain.
"No," Hunt shrugged. "If you want to go then thats fine but I know what you are," she said as Raven eyed her. "And so does everyone else on this island."
"Why are you so desperate for me to join? If you know what I am, then you know what I've done," Raven said as she tried to undo the chains.
"I've heard stories," Hunt admitted as she stepped back to the desk and took the key from Raven, steading her weak hand and helping her unlock it. "I also know that I'm not the only one who wants your help."
"My help?" She asked as Hunt carfully removed the heavy chains and put them on the floor. "Who else wants me?"
"Captain Slade," Hunt said sitting back down. "But I dont think he'll be quite as polite as I am. Would you like some cheese?"
"Captain Slade? What does he want with me?" Raven asked sounding confused.
"He's after the Black Ocean," Hunt said simply. "He has the other chosen one already."
"What?" Raven asked sounding surprised. "You"re after it too?"
"I'm not but I don't want him to have it either," Hunt admitted. "I remember when I served under him and he'd tell me stories of the Black Ocean."
"Most people don't think it's real," Raven shrugged.
"Well this is real," Hunt said pulling out the pendant and laying it on tbe table. "Slade thinks he has the other chosen one so he'll be coming here for you next. I need you to help me stop Slade."
Raven thought for a moment before taking the bread and cheese. She started to eat a piece as Hunt watched, waiting for an answer.
"I suppose I don't have much of a choice, do I?" Raven admitted looking at the Captain.
"I'm sorry," Hunt said, generally looking it.
"Don't be," Raven shrugged taken a bite. "Being on a ship beats being in a cell."
"Guess so," Hunts agreed. "Got to ask though, what is it you can do? I heard storys that the hosts can control sertain abilities."
"You know what I am but you don't know what I can do?" Raven asked as Hunt gave a small shrug.
Ravens eyes glowed white as the cuffs that laid on the floor was suddenly surounded in a black aura and began to lift up. They suddenly dropped back onto the floor as Raven sat back looking suddenly tired and worn down.
"You okay?" Hunt asked looking worried.
"I need to gain my strength, " she admitted.
"There's a hammock in my quarters," Hunt said standing up. "Eat, Drink and relax tonight"...
…"she can make things float?" Phil asked. "Now I know that you're just pulling my leg." he laughed.
"Err… I've got to admit sir that is a bit hard to believe," Eric said.
"Well, I don't think it is," one of the old homeless said as everyone turned to him. "We use to have a witch in our town."
"Don't be stupid," Phil laughed.
"It's true," he protested. "People paid her to make potions to heal them. She was a witch."
"Well I'll let you argue it till I return tomorrow night," the old man said standing up.
"No… what?" John said standing up in protest.
"I'll be back," the old man chuckled then went, leaving them another night.