Chapter 2:

The wind blew through his hair, whipping it this way and that. The ocean sprayed up into his face, keeping him cool. The smell of sea salt was constantly in the air. There was a calm quiet. The ocean was one of James Kenway's favorite places. It was something he and his brother, Edward, shared. Their love for the ocean. James had sent a letter to Edward, in London, telling him to get to Tulum as soon as he could. Edward had not sent anything in return, so all James could do was pray that Edward had both gotten the letter and decided to follow it's advice.

James called for full sail, and turned the wheel a little to the right. The wind was blowing into their backs, and the sails swelled with it. James held the wheel calmly, his grip never tightening or loosening. His body acted almost as if it were programmed to do exactly what it was doing now. For the longest time, he stood without moving, never once thinking about anything but the ocean ahead of him. But after almost half an hour, his thoughts turned to his brother Edward.

He hadn't seen Edward in years-not since he had left Swansea to become a privateer. James remembered that. He remembered Caroline leaving, and the hatred he'd felt towards her for the pain she caused his brother. The two had been close when they were in their teenage years, almost inseparable. James remembered all the trouble they had gotten into and caused on the farm where they had lived with their parents. It had been a good life for the both of them. James remembered his parents and a wave of pain washed over him. Just two years after Edward left, James had pissed off the wrong man-a man who was the oldest son of Templar parents. His name had been Thomas Cobalt. James had disgraced him in public several times, beating him in fights. Shortly after the last fight they had had, Cobalt had had his men set their home on fire. James and Edward's parents had perished along with the home. James had been at the Al-shilah-a tavern-at the time.

James huffed and ran a hand through his hair. He wondered if Edward knew anything about that, he didn't want news of their parent's deaths to be one of the first few things his brother heard about life since he had left. He knew just how much it would hurt him inside. James took a deep breath through his nose and exhaled loudly. He turned all of his attention to the sea, deciding that he wouldn't think about it until he had arrived.

The sun was setting on the horizon when James's frigate docked just off of the coast of Tulum. James rowed slowly to the shore, pushed the boat onto the sand and made his way into the jungle. He soon caught sight of the assassin's huts and the Mayan ruins from the trees. He walked along the path until he came to the foot of the Mayan temple. He looked up at it's massive size in awe. The thing always impressed him, no matter how many times he had been here and seen it.

James was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of someone calling his name. He looked back to see the assassin, Lewis Dalton jogging over in his direction. James felt a bit of unease creep into him. Lewis and he were not on good terms. Lewis, it seemed, was jealous of James' abilities, and was constantly attempting to show him up and be better than him at, well, everything. And whenever James was able to prove he was better, Lewis would have a momentary flash of anger. James thought it was a wonder that Lewis hadn't committed treason.

"What is it Lewis?" James asked harshly, not in the mood for Lewis's games. "The mentor has sent me to inform you of your brother's presence." Lewis spat, his voice filled with hatred. James felt a strong nervousness in the pit of his stomach. He was at a bit of a loss as to what to say to Edward when he finally saw him. But after several moment's thought, he decided he would just have to wait and see how things panned out.

"Where is he Lewis?" Lewis pointed towards the sands. "He is on the beach with the mentor right now." Despite the hatred he had for Lewis, James nodded in his direction and moved swiftly off towards the beach. There, he was greeted by the sight of three people standing on the white sands, where another ship was docked, close to James' frigate. Standing side by side was Edward Kenway, and a woman. James watched her for just a moment, mentally calculating the odds of bedding her, deciding he had a fairly good chance before bringing his attention back to Edward.

Besides the fullness of his beard, Edward seemed to have hardly changed at all. As he watched his brother speak, Edward caught sight of him. The two brothers stared at each other for a long time, whatever conversation that was being had with Ah Tabai had ceased. After a long stretch of silence, the two of them began to stride in each other's direction. It was almost as if the scene had been rehearsed. They just moved towards each other, and when they were just feet apart, their arms wrapped around each other and both were pulled into a tight bear-hug.

Edward squeezed James tightly. "Oh, it's good to see you lad."

James patted Edward's back with the palm of his hand. "It is good to see you too." They were suddenly interrupted by someone clearing their throat. James was somewhat grateful-he was sure he had been seconds from bursting into tears. It was the woman who had been speaking with Edward and Ah Tabai. James eyed her carefully. He had to admit, she was beautiful. Her hair was a deep red, flowers laced in them. Her face looked smooth, soft, kissable. Her skin was almost like tanned porcelain.

"And who is this portrait of beauty?" James asked, looking from the woman to Edward, then back to the woman. Edward chuckled. "Careful lad. She's me quartermaster, Anne Bonny." At the mention of her name, James felt his eyes widen slightly. "Anne Bonny? The infamous pirate? Now what would a man like Edward Kenway be doing running around with you?" He said this last part with laughter in his voice. Edward punched him on the shoulder.

"Nice to make your acquaintance, miss Bonny."

"Just Anne will do." James grinned. He looked at Edward. "I'be been waiting for a long time to speak with you Edward." He said. Edward nodded in agreement, and looked to Anne. "Could we have a moment?" Anne nodded her head. "Sure thing." She strolled off, back towards the ship.

"Quiet the lass you have there Edward." James said. Edward chuckled again. "I'm not in any relationship with her lad. She's only me quartermaster. I'm remarried, she's back in London with the children."

"Children?" Edward nodded. "Two, Jenny Scott and Haytham Kenway." At the mention of the last name Scott, James couldn't help but cringe slightly. "Your daughter took her mother's name?" Edward nodded. "Caroline died while I was away, Jenny spent a large portion of her life without a father. I fully understand why she would like to keep her mother's name." James nodded his head.

"So, how long have you been with the assassin's lad?" Edward asked, obviously wanting to change the subject. "I'd say eight or nine years." Was James' reply.

"And why was it that you joined them?" James sighed. It was a conversation he'd been hoping to put off.

"Well...two years after you left to join the privateers," James said this with only a hint of annoyance. "I angered the son of a Templar...they had our farm burnt down. Mother and father, they..." James trailed off. Edward watched him for several moments. By the shocked look on his face, James could tell Edward had not known of their parent's untimely demise. "Did you find the man who was responsible?" Edward asked after a long moment of silence.

"The streets ran red with his blood." Edward was quiet. James watched him for awhile. Edward breathed in through his nose, and exhaled through his mouth. He looked back towards the shore. "That frigate yours?"

"She's a beauty, isn't she?"

"She doesn't compare to the Jackdaw." James shook his head. He felt his eyes drift to the helm of the Jackdaw. From where he stood, he could see Anne Bonny standing by the wheel, watching the crew as they worked. "You have feelings for her?" James looked at Edward incredulously. "I do not have feelings for Anne Bonny. Although, I wouldn't mind bringing her to my bed." Edward let out a laugh.

"I bet you wouldn't. But I'd be careful lad, this isn't just any old bar wench you can pay to have a night with. This is Anne Bonny." James grinned.

"Edward, you once told me nothing was impenetrable." Edward let out a hearty laugh. "You're right lad. I did."

AN: So there you have it: The second chapter of AC: The divide. What did you guys think? Are you glad Edward and Anne are along for the ride? Would you like to eventually see Jenny Scott? What's up with the guy Lewis Dalton? Well, the answers to all of those could be considered as spoilers, so I can't tell you. But if you stick around for chapter three, your questions will be answered.

~Exangellion