Beyond the Sea [chapter 1 (2 of 2)]
The men held their position, though - perhaps Cale was waiting on the perfect moment to-
“Gotcha.”
Kris whirled around, spying a tall, scruffy looking man - before he could even react, the pirate’s arm darted out and grabbed Kris around the waist. Kris immediately began to struggle - what the hell else was he supposed to do? Sure, this was a pirate, and his imagination was screeching that this was kind of really awesome, but the reality could be far worse. He could get killed, or kidnapped.
The man’s body was hard and muscular, and his arm tightened. Kris grunted and pushed, but to no avail. Kris was being held with one arm and still couldn’t get away… he wasn’t sure if that was depressing or amazing.
That was when he glanced at the pirate’s left arm.
It was nothing more than a stub.
Kris’ eyes widened. The harsh reality of the life of a pirate hit him square in the chest. He swallowed and looked back up at the man. The pirate grinned back.
“Damn, the captain’s gonna love this one,” he said, the grin morphing into a smirk as he began to drag Kris toward the ship. Kris grunted and suddenly bit down into the pirate’s hand.
With a yelp, he jolted a bit, which was just enough for -
Smack!
Kris watched as the pirate crumpled to the ground, his eyes rolling back into his head. Standing right behind him, the butt of his gun still raised, was Cale. He grinned at Kris. “Get to the governor’s. It’s safest there.” And without another word, his friend sprinted back toward the fight, where swords and barbaric cries collided with an army of highly trained, gun bearing soldiers.
Kris took a fleeting glance at the pirate on the ground. He was twitching a little… still alive. He looked at Cale’s retreating form and decided to wait until later to express his gratitude. Kris turned tail and sprinted up the beach, moving towards the governor’s house situated on the tallest hill. Katy was probably there by now.
It took a few minutes of heavy panting and a burning chest, and by the time it was within a few yards he had to pause, leaning and placing his hands on his thighs, desperately trying to catch his breath. The sounds of the battle were below - the telltale clanging and clashing of swords, the yelling, the gunshots… if blood staining the white sand had a sound, he knew he’d be able to hear that, too. Glancing behind him, he swallowed thickly. He had to keep going.
Resolute, he turned back and stood up and began to run again. At least he would have, were it not for the sudden roadblock. He was met with a warm, soft body, and arms immediately encircled his waist; whether to hold him in place or pull him closer, Kris couldn’t understand. He barked in surprise and started to struggle. His captor began to chuckle.
“Going somewhere?” his captor purred. Kris finally looked up, swallowing a little.
Adorned with a feathery captain’s hat and what seemed to be thousands of pieces of fine jewelry, the man practically sparkled. His haughty smirk, pale features and crystal eyes glittered with a hidden mirth that had Kris entranced. Kris’s body still struggled, but his mind had stopped. The sense of danger Kris had been operating from receded and faded as Kris marveled at this pirate, who looked like he spent his time playing with and wearing his treasure, rather than killing and maiming to acquire it.
“Seems Cassidy couldn’t get you, hmm? You’re a slippery one.” With that same purring tone, the pirate reached for his belt. Looped around it was a thick piece of rope, and he promptly tied it around Kris’ waist. “There. Let’s see you get out of that one!” He stood back, as if admiring his work before chuckling a bit. “Oh, how I love a good plaything…”
Kris looked at the rope and worked to untie the rope. He grunted, and the pirate merely stood there, that damned perpetual smirk on his lips.
“No use, that knot’s of my own creation. Nobody but me can untie that.” He grinned proudly and suddenly tugged on the rope, turning away and starting to walk. Kris struggled against the pull, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. He’s parading me around like some kind of dog!
Then, his eyes widened at where they were going. “Shit,” he hissed.
The pirate laughed, and Kris was a bit surprised at how utterly… pretty it sounded. Pirates weren’t supposed to be this way… Strong and hardy, yes, but sparkly?
And this sparkly pirate had been able to take Kris hostage in a matter of two minutes. Kris’s cheeks burned with shame.
Kris grunted and tugged on the rope as hard as he could to no effect. “Hey! Look, you… my, uh, wife’s in there! She’s the governor’s daughter, and boy, you’ll be sorry if you kidnap - “
The pirate whirled and took a few steps forward, looming over him. A few pieces of feathery looking black hair fell from underneath his hat, dangling in his eyes. He seemed vaguely amused. “Who said anything about kidnapping? Honestly, you’re hardly even trying…” He leaned forward and whispered devilishly in his ear, “can’t kidnap the willing, my dear.”
Turning on his heel, the pirate made his way toward the governor’s house, dragging Kris behind him. All Kris could think about was how right he was, and how much he suddenly didn’t want the pirate to be right about anything. He glared at the ground and struggled a bit more, trying to put up at least a decent fight, but it was useless. The man seemed to be twice as tall as him, and though much softer and… dare he say, more supple than the first pirate, his grip was strong. Kris found himself easily dragged to the governor’s house like a rag doll, and the pirate quickly pushed Kris toward the door.
“Open it.” His tone was suddenly commanding, and Kris didn’t feel obligated to disobey. He quickly opened the door, pausing at the threshold until he felt something sharp prodding at his back. He glanced at the pirate behind him fearfully. He merely smirked, the dagger digging into his back as a warning. “Go on. Up the stairs with you.”
Kris had to remind himself what he was dealing with, here. Sure, this man looked far too pristine to be a pirate, but he was one. And pirates kill without any second thought. Kris swallowed and allowed himself a disobedient glare before trudging up the stairs. The governor was away, it seemed. This house was merely serving as a safe haven. He silently thanked God or whoever was watching him that Katy wasn’t here. Just because he didn’t love her didn’t mean he wished harm on her, and harm would surely come from her stubborn ways.
He reached the top of the stairs and glanced behind him. The pirate raised an eyebrow and jerked his head towards the bedroom door. “Keep going.”
Kris sighed and opened the bedroom door, swallowing and stepping aside as the pirate moved in. The dagger left his back, but he saw it glinting menacingly at him in the pirate’s hand, so he didn’t dare make a move to escape.
Almost instantly, the pirate dove for the drawers, carefully inspecting each ring and necklace in the governor’s wife’s jewelry case. He pocketed a few and glanced at the door.
Kris heard banging noises, and his eyes widened. “Shit, they’re coming.” He glanced at the pirate worriedly. The governor was quick to judge, and Kris knew that the rope around his waist would not keep him from appearing to be an ally to the real culprit.
The pirate looked a bit worried, too, but he continued to smirk and quickly opened a window.
“Are you nuts?! This house is two full stories high - you’ll break your neck!” Kris hissed.
The pirate chuckled. “Trust me, boy, this little distance? I can clear this.” And with that, he hoisted his legs over the side and slid down.
Kris couldn’t help but be fascinated - the footsteps were coming closer, and he ran to the window, the rope uselessly dragging across the floor. Now he would really be in deep shit if the governor came in…
Seeming to realize this, the pirate suddenly held his arms out, a laughing grin on his face. “Live a little!” he barked up. “Jump!”
Kris’ eyes widened. They were at the door. He had no choice.
With that, he took a deep breath and tumbled out of the window.
The pirate caught him gracefully, giving a soft “oof” and a grin. “There, now. See?”
Wrapped in the pirate’s arms, Kris felt warm and secure again. For some reason, Kris felt safer in this embrace than he’d ever felt in the arms of his mother… or anyone, for that matter. Inhaling, he was surprised. The pirate actually smelled good. A blend of the sea and a strange sweetness that was all his own. Kris swallowed nervously and looked up at him. The pirate seemed to be reluctant to let go, and he laughed a little. “You see, that would have been your perfect chance to escape… you’re more than willing, aren’t you?” he cooed. Kris growled, but it promptly turned into a yelp of protest as he was effortlessly flung across the pirate’s shoulders.
“H-hey! What the hell do you think you’re doing?! Let me go!”
“Oh, dear, you have such a colorful vocabulary.”
“I can think of way more words than this! Be glad I’m not saying ‘em, now let go!”
The pirate laughed and began jogging toward his ship. “Uh uh, you’re coming with me. You’re all kinds of pretty, you’ll fit in quite well.”
Kris shut his mouth. Fit in? Wait - pretty?
Before he could protest again, the pirate broke out into a run, giggling with mirth. Pirates weren’t supposed to giggle. This man was a total anomaly. Kris groaned to himself and stopped struggling altogether, hanging limply over the pirate’s shoulder like a potato sack instead. He didn’t need to waste energy on trying to trying to escape the man’s grip when it was clear that wasn’t going to happen.
Soon they had reached the shoreline, and Kris felt his heart begin to thud sharply. They were merely a few feet away from the heart of the combat. The pirate was sidestepping a few dead bodies between them and the ship when he froze.
Kris heard it as well, even amid the din of battle. A gun was cocked and probably aiming at the two of them.
The pirate didn’t turn - he didn’t even look frightened. Instead, he smirked and gave a bit of a scoff. “Do you even know how to shoot that thing, kid?” he asked, turning his blue gaze onto the man pointing the pistol at his head.
Kris turned his head as well, and he wasn’t sure if he was grateful or disappointed at the sight he was met with.
“Let him go,” growled Cale.
“Gotcha.”
Kris whirled around, spying a tall, scruffy looking man - before he could even react, the pirate’s arm darted out and grabbed Kris around the waist. Kris immediately began to struggle - what the hell else was he supposed to do? Sure, this was a pirate, and his imagination was screeching that this was kind of really awesome, but the reality could be far worse. He could get killed, or kidnapped.
The man’s body was hard and muscular, and his arm tightened. Kris grunted and pushed, but to no avail. Kris was being held with one arm and still couldn’t get away… he wasn’t sure if that was depressing or amazing.
That was when he glanced at the pirate’s left arm.
It was nothing more than a stub.
Kris’ eyes widened. The harsh reality of the life of a pirate hit him square in the chest. He swallowed and looked back up at the man. The pirate grinned back.
“Damn, the captain’s gonna love this one,” he said, the grin morphing into a smirk as he began to drag Kris toward the ship. Kris grunted and suddenly bit down into the pirate’s hand.
With a yelp, he jolted a bit, which was just enough for -
Smack!
Kris watched as the pirate crumpled to the ground, his eyes rolling back into his head. Standing right behind him, the butt of his gun still raised, was Cale. He grinned at Kris. “Get to the governor’s. It’s safest there.” And without another word, his friend sprinted back toward the fight, where swords and barbaric cries collided with an army of highly trained, gun bearing soldiers.
Kris took a fleeting glance at the pirate on the ground. He was twitching a little… still alive. He looked at Cale’s retreating form and decided to wait until later to express his gratitude. Kris turned tail and sprinted up the beach, moving towards the governor’s house situated on the tallest hill. Katy was probably there by now.
It took a few minutes of heavy panting and a burning chest, and by the time it was within a few yards he had to pause, leaning and placing his hands on his thighs, desperately trying to catch his breath. The sounds of the battle were below - the telltale clanging and clashing of swords, the yelling, the gunshots… if blood staining the white sand had a sound, he knew he’d be able to hear that, too. Glancing behind him, he swallowed thickly. He had to keep going.
Resolute, he turned back and stood up and began to run again. At least he would have, were it not for the sudden roadblock. He was met with a warm, soft body, and arms immediately encircled his waist; whether to hold him in place or pull him closer, Kris couldn’t understand. He barked in surprise and started to struggle. His captor began to chuckle.
“Going somewhere?” his captor purred. Kris finally looked up, swallowing a little.
Adorned with a feathery captain’s hat and what seemed to be thousands of pieces of fine jewelry, the man practically sparkled. His haughty smirk, pale features and crystal eyes glittered with a hidden mirth that had Kris entranced. Kris’s body still struggled, but his mind had stopped. The sense of danger Kris had been operating from receded and faded as Kris marveled at this pirate, who looked like he spent his time playing with and wearing his treasure, rather than killing and maiming to acquire it.
“Seems Cassidy couldn’t get you, hmm? You’re a slippery one.” With that same purring tone, the pirate reached for his belt. Looped around it was a thick piece of rope, and he promptly tied it around Kris’ waist. “There. Let’s see you get out of that one!” He stood back, as if admiring his work before chuckling a bit. “Oh, how I love a good plaything…”
Kris looked at the rope and worked to untie the rope. He grunted, and the pirate merely stood there, that damned perpetual smirk on his lips.
“No use, that knot’s of my own creation. Nobody but me can untie that.” He grinned proudly and suddenly tugged on the rope, turning away and starting to walk. Kris struggled against the pull, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. He’s parading me around like some kind of dog!
Then, his eyes widened at where they were going. “Shit,” he hissed.
The pirate laughed, and Kris was a bit surprised at how utterly… pretty it sounded. Pirates weren’t supposed to be this way… Strong and hardy, yes, but sparkly?
And this sparkly pirate had been able to take Kris hostage in a matter of two minutes. Kris’s cheeks burned with shame.
Kris grunted and tugged on the rope as hard as he could to no effect. “Hey! Look, you… my, uh, wife’s in there! She’s the governor’s daughter, and boy, you’ll be sorry if you kidnap - “
The pirate whirled and took a few steps forward, looming over him. A few pieces of feathery looking black hair fell from underneath his hat, dangling in his eyes. He seemed vaguely amused. “Who said anything about kidnapping? Honestly, you’re hardly even trying…” He leaned forward and whispered devilishly in his ear, “can’t kidnap the willing, my dear.”
Turning on his heel, the pirate made his way toward the governor’s house, dragging Kris behind him. All Kris could think about was how right he was, and how much he suddenly didn’t want the pirate to be right about anything. He glared at the ground and struggled a bit more, trying to put up at least a decent fight, but it was useless. The man seemed to be twice as tall as him, and though much softer and… dare he say, more supple than the first pirate, his grip was strong. Kris found himself easily dragged to the governor’s house like a rag doll, and the pirate quickly pushed Kris toward the door.
“Open it.” His tone was suddenly commanding, and Kris didn’t feel obligated to disobey. He quickly opened the door, pausing at the threshold until he felt something sharp prodding at his back. He glanced at the pirate behind him fearfully. He merely smirked, the dagger digging into his back as a warning. “Go on. Up the stairs with you.”
Kris had to remind himself what he was dealing with, here. Sure, this man looked far too pristine to be a pirate, but he was one. And pirates kill without any second thought. Kris swallowed and allowed himself a disobedient glare before trudging up the stairs. The governor was away, it seemed. This house was merely serving as a safe haven. He silently thanked God or whoever was watching him that Katy wasn’t here. Just because he didn’t love her didn’t mean he wished harm on her, and harm would surely come from her stubborn ways.
He reached the top of the stairs and glanced behind him. The pirate raised an eyebrow and jerked his head towards the bedroom door. “Keep going.”
Kris sighed and opened the bedroom door, swallowing and stepping aside as the pirate moved in. The dagger left his back, but he saw it glinting menacingly at him in the pirate’s hand, so he didn’t dare make a move to escape.
Almost instantly, the pirate dove for the drawers, carefully inspecting each ring and necklace in the governor’s wife’s jewelry case. He pocketed a few and glanced at the door.
Kris heard banging noises, and his eyes widened. “Shit, they’re coming.” He glanced at the pirate worriedly. The governor was quick to judge, and Kris knew that the rope around his waist would not keep him from appearing to be an ally to the real culprit.
The pirate looked a bit worried, too, but he continued to smirk and quickly opened a window.
“Are you nuts?! This house is two full stories high - you’ll break your neck!” Kris hissed.
The pirate chuckled. “Trust me, boy, this little distance? I can clear this.” And with that, he hoisted his legs over the side and slid down.
Kris couldn’t help but be fascinated - the footsteps were coming closer, and he ran to the window, the rope uselessly dragging across the floor. Now he would really be in deep shit if the governor came in…
Seeming to realize this, the pirate suddenly held his arms out, a laughing grin on his face. “Live a little!” he barked up. “Jump!”
Kris’ eyes widened. They were at the door. He had no choice.
With that, he took a deep breath and tumbled out of the window.
The pirate caught him gracefully, giving a soft “oof” and a grin. “There, now. See?”
Wrapped in the pirate’s arms, Kris felt warm and secure again. For some reason, Kris felt safer in this embrace than he’d ever felt in the arms of his mother… or anyone, for that matter. Inhaling, he was surprised. The pirate actually smelled good. A blend of the sea and a strange sweetness that was all his own. Kris swallowed nervously and looked up at him. The pirate seemed to be reluctant to let go, and he laughed a little. “You see, that would have been your perfect chance to escape… you’re more than willing, aren’t you?” he cooed. Kris growled, but it promptly turned into a yelp of protest as he was effortlessly flung across the pirate’s shoulders.
“H-hey! What the hell do you think you’re doing?! Let me go!”
“Oh, dear, you have such a colorful vocabulary.”
“I can think of way more words than this! Be glad I’m not saying ‘em, now let go!”
The pirate laughed and began jogging toward his ship. “Uh uh, you’re coming with me. You’re all kinds of pretty, you’ll fit in quite well.”
Kris shut his mouth. Fit in? Wait - pretty?
Before he could protest again, the pirate broke out into a run, giggling with mirth. Pirates weren’t supposed to giggle. This man was a total anomaly. Kris groaned to himself and stopped struggling altogether, hanging limply over the pirate’s shoulder like a potato sack instead. He didn’t need to waste energy on trying to trying to escape the man’s grip when it was clear that wasn’t going to happen.
Soon they had reached the shoreline, and Kris felt his heart begin to thud sharply. They were merely a few feet away from the heart of the combat. The pirate was sidestepping a few dead bodies between them and the ship when he froze.
Kris heard it as well, even amid the din of battle. A gun was cocked and probably aiming at the two of them.
The pirate didn’t turn - he didn’t even look frightened. Instead, he smirked and gave a bit of a scoff. “Do you even know how to shoot that thing, kid?” he asked, turning his blue gaze onto the man pointing the pistol at his head.
Kris turned his head as well, and he wasn’t sure if he was grateful or disappointed at the sight he was met with.
“Let him go,” growled Cale.