Chapter 12 Sea of orange
"Francis! Francis wait a moment!" Arthur called running up to the Frenchman the next day
Arthur didn't care what his crew was thinking as he ran up to Francis abandoning his normal regal strides. The ship creaked as the two nations stood staring at each other while Arthur clung tightly to Francis's sleeve. Some of the crew where staring open mouthed instead of preparing the Thorn for battle. Arthur noticed them and barked an insult which made anyone watching scamper away.
"Qu'est-ce que c'est?" Replied Francis who still sounded angry
Arthur moved closer hoping that his words would bring some kind of reaction to Francis. This was Francis's final chance. He looked pleadingly into his eyes.
"You might not forgive me, or ever want to, but I had to do it. If I hadn't imagine what would have happened to the boys if society had found out about their homosexual parents? We both agreed it would be better for the boys if we did that. They would have been taken from us otherwise.
But right now we're in a battle, and I love you so please make sure you take the extra gun powder I gave you and put in the hold of your ship. Even if you hate me now, take it to protect yourself ok?" Arthur said sweetly
Francis looked torn. Arthur could see a conflict of emotions on his face as he nodded his thanks and walked away. He watched as Francis boarded his own ship and continued to watch until the Frenchman was in position next to Iain's ship. Arthur sighed and covered his mouth with his hand. Very well if this was how Francis wanted it, then he would just let him dig his own grave.
There was a shuffling sound behind him and a sound of a struggle as well as a little boy crying out. Arthur turned round and faced the struggling blonde haired boy with the purple-blue eyes. The boy had been crying and was clutching a polar bear plushy. He was being held at either arm by some large muscled men. Probably overkill getting those two to get Matthew for him, but Arthur couldn't afford any screw ups. He couldn't have Matthew run away now could he?
"Let him go. If either of you have left so much of as a hair out of place on him then I will strap you to the mast of my ship when we carry out this plan." Arthur snarled at the two men who saluted and quickly stepped back
"Matthew, do you remember who I am?" Asked Arthur nervously
"Yes. You're Arthur Kirkland, pirate king, the nation of England and my dad." Said Matthew breathlessly
"Yes I am." Arthur agreed and hugged the boy tightly
Both of them had tears in their eyes as they hugged each other. After awhile Arthur broke the hug and smiled down at the boy. Matthew wiped his tears away with his hands and gave a watery smile.
"I told you I had a twin brother." Matthew announced proudly
"Yes you did and now we're going to save him. " Arthur said smiling
"Is papa coming too? Where is papa?" Matthew asked with wide eyed innocence.
"France is going to be gone for a little while, so you'll be staying with Alfred and I. Don't worry every things going to be fine. Just stay near me and you'll be safe." Arthur told the young boy.
Matthew looked at his dad quizzically, but quickly stood close to him. Arthur could tell that the boy could sense the oncoming battle. The atmosphere was thick with tension. Arthur himself could feel his heart quicken in excitement. He pulled out his spy glass and looked through it towards Francis's ship. Iain and Francis where scurrying everywhere, obviously looking for Matthew. Arthur gave a chuckle and collapsed his spy glass and put it in his pocket. He took Matthews hand.
"Alright everyone, it's show time! Move your arses!" Arthur yelled
The crew ran everywhere, everyone trying to leave the ship at once. Arthur calmly took Matthews hand and walked to the edge of the ship. After he was certain everyone had left, apart from himself and Matthew, he raised his revolver above his head and fired a shot.
On cue the fire version of him appeared from thin air. It grinned at him and gave him a sarcastic bow. Matthew gave out a cry of fear and hid behind Arthur.
"All the ships flying a black flag with a red cross on it are yours. This ship will be also, but only when I tell you so alright?"Arthur instructed the creature
The creature cackled and gave a whoop of joy. It zoomed out to sea and began devouring the ships with the black flag. Arthur watched spell bound as the wooden vessels roared into flames, their reflections in the water below making the ocean look like a sunrise with all the orange hues. It was an eerily beautiful sight.
"Common Matty, we have to pay a visit to a friend of your papa's." Sneered Arthur
With that he picked up the child in one arm and in his other hand he held a black wand with a star on the end. He looked around his ship sadly. This had to be done if he was going to own the oceans. He was going to miss the Thorn, he loved her. However he loved his family, especially his children, more even if it was a very dysfunctional family.
Arthurs notes:
SO short! Still It's Alfred's chapter next, and maybe the second to last chapter!