HI guys, I wanted to apologize for the lack of updates. I've been very stressed out between work and the possibility of being homeless in the next month or so. I've had no drive to write lately just because my brain is so jumbled. I might be taking a short hiatus just until I've settled everything at home. I wanted to thank Andreas-Corelli again, who has been helping me a lot these past few weeks so that I can give you guys a nice chapter! I have three more chapters after this one written I just need to sit down and edit them whenever I have the time. I promise that I will not leave this story unfinished!
Great Inagua, April 1st, 1721
Mary props herself up against the couch with Sophia standing in her lap, she bounces happily up and down as Mary tries to coax her into talking. "Say mama, Sophia, mama." Sophia looks past her mother and babbles to herself. Mary sighs and tries to get her attention but it's no use, she turns her head to see what could possibly be more captivating than saying mama. Elizabeth leans over the couch wiggling her fingers at Sophia, "Well hello there pretty little girl!" Sophia squeals and flops down in Mary's lap as she loses her balance.
Mary sighs when Sophia rolls herself out of her lap and crawls over to Elizabeth. Mary stands with arms crossed, "I find it completely unfair that my own daughter would rather spend time with you than me." Elizabeth laughs and walks around the couch, she pokes Sophia on the nose who giggles in response. "I had the same problem with you when you were a babe. You'd always rather be with your grandmother than me." As Elizabeth got closer Sophia began reaching out for her mother. "See Mary, she loves you. I think that you were just boring her."
Mary rolls her eyes and leans forward pulling Sophia from her arms, "Is it so bad to want my daughter talking?" Elizabeth laughs and pats Mary on the shoulder, "Are you sure that's what you want Mary? You know once they start they don't stop. You'll be answering endless questions and what will you do when she starts asking where babies come from?"
Mary scoffs, "I think I've got quite some time before I have to worry about that." Elizabeth winks at her, "You asked when you were three." Mary's mouth drops open and Elizabeth pats her shoulder again, "Mary, why don't you show me around."
Mary took note of the amount of people shopping today, she smiles when she passes by three new shops. Our little town seems to be growing. A group of children play in the streets, Mary watches them as they fight with sticks. The only girl in the group stands on a small crate, thrusting her stick into the air. "All those who disobey will feel the wrath of Flora Burn!" The boys around her cackle and taunt her, "Girls can't be pirates! Everyone knows that!"
Mary takes a step towards the children with Sophia perched happily against her hips, "Who says girls can't be pirates?" The kids turn around to face her like they were caught stealing. They tuck their arms behind their back and bow their heads. The boy who was taunting the girl steps forward with hands on his hips looking up defiantly at Mary, "I did!" Mary laughs and throws her own hand to her hip. "I know plenty o' female pirates, I know some who even captain their own ships."
The boy stomps his feet and stand just under Mary, "Oh yeah like who?" He sneers. She laughs and pats him on the top of the head, "Like me." The boy swats at her hand and growls, "You expect me to believe that? You're nothing but a common whore." He gestures towards Sophia, "Where's your husband? Does he know his wife is talking to other men?"
She kneels down in front of him to give him a stern look, "That's not a very nice thing to say and I'd hardly call you a man." The boy mocks her, "That's not a very nice thing to say." Her brow ticks in annoyance, "Where did you even hear that rubbish from?" He smirks, "My father told me women are here for us men, so that means you have to listen to whatever I say." Mary shakes her head and explains, "That's not how it works here-"
He stomps his foot and crosses his arms, "My father-" Mary interrupts him this time and grabs his arm, "No, you listen to me kid. Your father has no control over anyone's life, especially mine. And your father left out one very important detail." He pulls his arm out of her grip and takes a step back, "And what's that?" Mary points to her scar and gives him an evil, foreboding grin, "Women can be just as dangerous as any man."
She pops her hidden blade out of her cuff, the sun catches on the shiny metal. She lets it pop back into place and she glances back up at the boy. He takes a deep breath and she knows he has learned his lesson, "Now what was it that you were saying about women becoming pirates?" He takes a step and shouts, "Girls can be pirates! I'm sorry miss!" He runs off and Mary stands, shite eating grin plastered to her face.
She returns and Elizabeth rolls her eyes. "Did you have to scare him like that?" She gives her an innocent look, "Why I have no idea what you're talking about." Mary turns to her mother with a knowing smirk on her face, "Now would you like to see Thatch's home? Or have you already seen it?" Elizabeth flushes and strides forward, "I think that's none of your business young lady."
Mary takes a step forward and she hears, "Now swab the poop deck or ye walk the plank!" She looks behind her and connects eyes with the boy. His eyes go wide and he picks up his stick, sweeping it at the dirt. The girl stands on her box, laughing triumphantly.
Sophia started getting fussy so Mary left Elizabeth in Thatch's care. Sophia was hungry and Mary knew she would be bored so she decides to retrieve the book she forgot in the office. She strolls through, Edward and Ah Tabai stop their conversation yet again, "Don't worry, I'm leaving. I just came to get this." She grabs the book and turns to leave but Ah Tabai stops her, "I am actually here to see you Mary." She raises a brown and heads toward the two men.
"Me?" Her mentor's expression softens and he nods, "Edward told me of your loss." He places a hand to her cheek and continues, "I'm so sorry Mary." She bites her lip just wanting everyone to stop bring the goddamned subject up. "You have my blessing to retire." Mary feels like she's been punched in the gut. "You're discharging me mentor?"
His gaze softens and he glances down at Sophia who lies happily in her mother's arms. "No, Mary, it appears as though you wish to raise a family and I do not want to take that satisfaction away from you. This happens with many women in the creed, there are many other duties you can conduct from home." Mary stands and shakes her head, "No mentor." He places a hand to her shoulder, "Just consider it Mary, please, you have been with child two times within the same year. It may be time for you to retire your blades. Your body is ready for a family."
Mary stands firm, "But my mind ain't, I want to be out on the front lines mentor!" Ah Tabai sighs and squeeze her shoulder, "Give me your answer in a few days, you have my blessing no matter what you may choose." And with that he left, leaving Mary a very difficult decision to make.
Great Inagua, April 7th, 1721
Anne and Mary sit atop a blanket laid out in the garden enjoying the shade from the large tree above, watching as their children play with the various toys spread about. Sophia picks up a block and stuffs it in her mouth, makes a face then hands it off to Jacob. Mary smiles as she thinks back, never would she have thought she would have had a child. Let alone be in the position to start a family. She sighs and Anne grasps onto her hand, "What's wrong? You've barely said two words to me today." Mary squeezes her hand, "Just thinking is all."
Anne quirks her brow, "That's a dangerous thing, Mary, remember last time-" Mary waves her off and props her pillow up against the tree trunk, making herself comfortable. "It's nothing bad." She sighs and props her head against her knees watching Sophia and Jacob babbling together. She glances back at Anne who had worried lines etched deep on her forehead. Mary releases her knees and sighs, "My mentor asked me to retire."
Anne grins, "That's all? I think you should Mary! It'd be lovely to have you here all the time." Mary rubs her head feeling a headache coming on. "That's not all, he says I should have more children." Anne scoots closer, pulling her into a hug, "You should give Sophia another sibling I know she'd love it. I would for Jacob if I had a man in my life." Mary purses her lips, Not Annie too... Maybe she should retire? Anne stands to retrieve their children who happened to crawl a bit too far away for their comfort.
Anne sits down with both babies in her arms. Sophia squirms against her tight grip but eventually Anne releases her and she crawls up to Mary who'd just finished peeling a mango, Sophia sits on her knees and watches as her mother eats a piece. She glances down at the fruit and reaches out, intent on stealing it. Mary cocks a brow and cuts a small piece off. She places the fruit in her mouth and Sophia sucks, trying to mimic her mother. After a few seconds she makes a sour face and spits the fruit out.
Anne laughs, "I guess she isn't one for Mangoes." Mary chucks it a few feet away and cleans the spit off of Sophia's face, "Aye, but to be honest I didn't like them the first time I tried them either. They've got such a strange texture." Mary sighs again as Sophia crawls away, Sophia is growing so fast, maybe I should retire...
Great Inagua, April 16th, 1721
Mary sits up to look at Edward, his sleeping face illuminated by the moonlight then falls gently back down on the mattress careful not to wake him. She rolls over, tucking her hand under her pillow and glances out the window just in time to see the streak of a shooting star. She closes her eyes and makes a wish.
"Mary? Are you still awake?"
Her eyes pop open and she feels him press his chest tightly to her back. "Aye... I thought you were asleep." Edward places a kiss to the back of her neck. "I couldn't sleep." Mary entwines their fingers together and relaxes into his hold. She closes her eyes and drifts off to the sounds of Edward's breathing.
"Mary?"
"Hm?" She mumbles as sleep begins to creep into her mind. "About what Ah Tabai said." She sighs and rolls over and slings an arm around his waist. "I think you should retire." She furrows her brow, "No, I'm not ready and I don't want anymore children." Edward props his head in his hand, "Mary." She tucks her head into his chest, refusing to reply. He pulls her chin up but she squeezes her eyes shut, "Mary!" She huffs and pulls away from him, his lips are soft against hers and when he pulls away she finally looks at Edward's smiling face, "I would like more children."
She shakes her head, "I can't Edward, you know the older you are the harder and more dangerous it is to carry." Edward holds her tightly, "but-" Mary pulls away and sits up, "You can't always get your way Edward! I'd love more but I'm afraid I just ain't meant to have any more than Sophia." Mary stands heading in the direction of the cradle. She watches down as Sophia sleeps, she frowns.
Edward's arms wrap around her waist and she jumps, I can't believe he was able to sneak up on me. He rests his chin against her shoulder, "I'm so glad she's here Mary." She smiles, "Aye." Edward kisses Mary on the cheek and she turns to face him. She wraps her arms around his neck and asks, "Can you see a future with me? A future with only Sophia?" He rests his cheek against the top of her head. He sighs and she stiffens under his touch expecting an answer she didn't want to hear.
"I see a future with you and I, one where Sophia has a brother and a sister, surrounded by the people we all love and care about." he leans forward and she closes her eyes when she feels his breath fanning over her lips, "But if it's just You, Sophia, and I. I'll be just as happy." He pecks her on the lips and heads back to bed. "Come on, we'll talk to Ah Tabai in the morning."
Great Inagua, April 28th, 1721
Ah Tabai had not been very happy with Mary's decision, but he could see where she was coming from. Perhaps it was too soon to suggest starting a family. Either way the bureau in Havana has requested assistance and that's how James Kidd found her way aboard the Jackdaw. She finishes the last touches up on her facade by tying the bandana tight to her forehead. Sophia begins to stir in her cradle and Mary hurries over to pick her up. Sophia takes one good look at Kidd and begins wailing, Mary frowns and rocks her up and down. Sophia cries louder so she decides to find Edward so he could try to calm her down.
Mary exits the Manor with a wailing Sophia and her friends all turn to look at her. Edward's eyes widen and he jumps from his chair to rush to Mary's side. The last time she had been carrying on like this she had her first set of stitches, God only knows what happened this time. "Mary what's happened?!" Sophia's eyes land on her father and she immediately stops crying, she reaches out for him and nuzzles up close to his face when he pulls her away. Mary swore she saw Sophia glaring at her and she just couldn't fathom why.
Mary shrugs, "I just picked her up and she started crying, I don't know what I did to her." Edward looks down, sky-blue eyes connecting with his own. "She seems fine now, do you want to try again?" Mary nods, when he hands her over Sophia begins crying again. Mary quirks her lips and talks quietly, "What's wrong Sophia?"
Sophia stops crying just long enough to look up curiously at her mother, confused on why her voice was coming from this stranger. "Do you think it's because of your disguise?" Edward suggests. James shrugs, I guess it's worth a shot. James takes her bandana off and releases her hair. Sophia smiles and screeches at her mother, "mama!" Mary's mouth drops open and she stares at Sophia. Edward gasps, "Did she just say mama?"
Mary looks over to her friends gathered at the table, unable to formulate sentences. Elizabeth grins at her daughter and Anne cheers, making Jacob clap his tiny hands, "Yay Sophia!" Edward hurries over, "Sophia," She looks over at him, "Can you say dada?" Sophia sticks her hand in her mouth and looks back at Mary. Edward moves to look into her eyes again, "Say dada!" Sophia lies her head down against Mary's chest, keeping her mouth shut tight. Edward sighs deflated and turns towards the Jackdaw, "Are you ready to leave?"
Mary looks down at Sophia and bites her lip, she's really going to miss her. She hadn't been separated since she was born and Mary wasn't sure how she'd take it. Mary sighs, "Aye." They walk towards the docks with her closest friends in toe. Mary feels the burning in the back of her throat start when her foot hits the dock. She watches as her daughter remains curled against her chest, playing with the beads in her hair. She stops just in front of the Jackdaw and turns to Elizabeth.
She hesitates before handing Sophia off, Elizabeth gives Mary a peck on the cheek. "She's in good hands Mary, now hurry back because we're going to miss you!" Mary wipes away the wetness that was threatening to spill and hops aboard the ship. She grips against the ratlines as the ship shoves off, watching as Elizabeth holds Sophia's arm and waves it until the ship disappears over the horizon.
At Sea, April 30th, 1721
James pouts at the stern of the ship, she'd finally read the terms of her contact and when she noticed the ranking she began stomping around the deck. Eventually growing tired of sulking she made herself comfortable in a chair, sitting for only a few minutes before she started fidgeting. She lies down on the chair sideways letting her head touch the floor and sighs loudly.
Edward glances at her from the corner of his eye. "I don't think that's how chairs work mate." She sighs again and sits upright in the chair, "It's not fair, I'm a master assassin, why do I have to do this novice shite?" Edward sighs and directs his attention back in front of him, "Mary-"
"It's James."
Edward rolls his eyes dramatically, "Jim, you've been on leave for nearly a year now, he's only looking out for your well being. Also every man on the Jackdaw knows you are a woman. I don't know why you even bothered with your Kidd facade. I'm sure the entire Indies knows you're a woman." Mary crosses her arms stubbornly, "I guess we'll just have to see Kenway." Edward whips his head around and quirks a brow up at the name."
She stands, heading for the captain's quarters without giving him a second glance. "Why don't you just go find something productive to do?" He shouts at her. "Already was mate, don't want you to think I'm taking orders from the likes of you."
Mary perks up when she hears the call for land and hurries out of the cabin to eagerly waiting by the side as the Jackdaw is pulled into port. She crosses the gangplank only seconds after it's lowered and hurries off towards the bureau. "Ma- Kidd wait up, I'm coming!" James slows her pace, allowing him to catch up. "Jim-"
"Shh!" James holds her arm up, pressing tightly into his chest. "What's going on?" She whips her head around sending him a deadly glare, "I said shut up Kenway! Don't you think it's rather quiet around here?" Edward looks around and cocks his brow, not a soul standing on the streets. "This doesn't seem good." James hurries forward, drawing her sword as she walks. "Congratulations Captain obvious." Edward starts walking, "Oi, it's Captain Kenway to you!"
When they make it to the bureau James gasps, "What happened here?" Edward rights an overturned chair, "Nothing good it seems." James kneels, pawing at the scratch lines in the dirt. "These are fresh." Edward throws his arms to his hips, "How do you know?" James jolts up and pokes him in the chest, "Stop wasting time and use your sight! Where does the trail lead?" Edward is quiet a moment and his eyes glaze over. "Follow me."
They walk slowly, creeping their way through the quiet town. What could have possibly happened? And where is everybody? Edward stops and Mary runs into him, "Why are you just standing there you dolt?" James is shushed this time, Edward points in two directions with either hand. "The trail breaks off into two ways. Which should we follow?" James stands quietly a moment, shifting from foot to foot, "I guess we'll just have to split up."
Edward looks at her out of the corner of his eye, "M-Jim, do you really think that's a good idea? Anything that could take out an entire bureau could surely take out one of us." James shakes her head and takes a step forward, "We'll be fine Edward, just gather information and stick to the shadows. We'll meet back at the bureau when we're done." Edward watches her intensely for a moment but eventually peels his eyes away, he places a kiss to her lips and runs in the opposite direction, "And Edward?" He stops, "Don't forget your training!" Edward mockingly salutes her and runs off.
"I can't believe he's back."
"Neither can I, I heard one of them assassins ran him through at the observatory. Heard he can't bark orders anymore though."
"That ain't true! I heard him speaking with my own two ears."
James listened to the two soldiers bickering with each other. Another man walks up, swinging his arms wildly, "Hurry up, Grand Master Torres is on his way this way! He's going to tell us what to do with the prisoners." James gasps in her bush and the men turn around shouting out, "Who's there?" They pull out their swords and she curses, "Shite." She rips the bandana from her head and quickly opens her shirt up. She pulls out her knife and cuts a deep slit on her finger to use on her lips. She hops up from her hiding spot and calls out, "Help, sirs! I'm lost!" The men point their blades at her.
"What are you doing out don't you know there's a lock down?" Mary stumbles forward away from the bush and winces. "My husband and I came to Havana to sell our wares. We ended up getting split up and I twisted my ankle." One of the guards sheaths his blade, "George look at her, she's hurt!" The man holds his arm out for her to link arms with, "Follow me lass, I'll get you home." She holds onto his arm tightly. "Oh bless you sir."
When they get out of sight she stabs the man in the neck, he lets out a garbled cry and she dart back to the bureau, Why can't that simpleton do one bloody thing right? That's two targets now that he failed to kill. Mary can hear shouting in the distance, "Shite." She picks up her pace and darts into a bush just as she sees Edward being dragged away by some guards, Dammit to hell! I told you to be careful! Mary rushes into the bureau when the coast is clear, she scribbles a request for assistance on a piece of parchment and sends it off. She loads her pistols and heads off on the search for Edward.
Mary didn't have to search long, Edward was kicking and screaming as he fought with the guards. "I'll kill you! Let me go!" Edward shouts as he struggles against the grip of a large soldier. The man punches him hard in the nose, blood began flows down his chin and Edward begins laughing, "Is that all you've got in you mate? A pansy if I ever saw one!" The large man throws him to the ground, pulls out his sword and brings it down to slice into his neck. Mary rips her own sword from its sheath.
She takes a step forward and just as she is about to strike, another man knocks the sword away, "Are you daft man? Don't you know what Torres will do to you if you kill him?" The bigger man waves a hand, brushing the other man's warning away, "Bah! That old man ain't nothing but talk. We've had them assassins locked up for weeks now! Ain't nobody coming to save their sorry arses."
"That is where you are wrong." The two men immediately throw their hands to their heads in a salute. "At ease." The men drop their arms but remain stiff. Mary can barely make out his face through the foliage but there is no denying that voice. That bastard! What is he planning? They already know where the observatory is! What more could they want?
Torres continues, "We need Captain Kenway alive." He pauses, looking off towards the bush Mary had been hiding in, she holds her breath hoping he hadn't heard her. He looks back towards Edward and she releases her breath as Torres prattles on, "Until we capture his child that is." Edward hops to his feet, and raises his fists in the air. "If you touch my daughter I swear I'll end you!"
Torres walks calmly towards his target and pinches Edward on the shoulder, he goes down hard, crying out in pain. "You will do well to keep your mouth shut Captain Kenway. You are not in a position to be making threats." Torres releases his grip and Edward heaves on the ground, sucking in as much fresh air as he can. Edward makes an attempt to stand but is quickly knocked back to the ground with the hilt of a sword. Torres snaps his fingers and the large guard drags Edward back to his feet. "You may do as you please with him, just keep him alive."
Mary watches from a distance, Edward didn't look too much worse off than the last time she saw him. However she did notice that he no longer fought with the guards Don't give up Edward. He was pulled up to a gibbet and promptly shoved inside, Mary shoots up when she heard the bars clank shut. One of the guards that was antagonizing Edward looks around, "Oi, did you hear something?"
The two begin walking towards her bush and she scoots backwards. Shite. Mary cocks her blades and just as a guard pokes into her bush Edward shakes his gibbet. The soldier immediately heads back over to him and bangs on the post holding him up. "Oi, Shut up before I shut you up myself!" That was all she needed, she crouches down and shuffles her way to the wall. She takes one last, longing look at Edward, their eyes connect and she can see the determination and fire behind them. She takes in a shaky breath, pulls herself over the wall, and runs.