"Arrr, 'twould be better if we be enterin' the perimeter by sundown."
One of the men inside the office said, seriously looking over the map that was laid properly on the table.
Some nodded in agreement, some questioned the advice. Having known that the mission requires preciseness, implementing the task by sundown wouldn't cut. Given the fact that the area was not suitable in the darkness, it would mean they have to carry unnecessary burden in the form of torches.
"Your implication means we have to carry extra weights." Hakim rolled his eyes, not liking that plan.
"But sir, accord'n to sir Argus' intel, th' cay be heavily guarded by th' mayor's men. Goin' by th' day'll only harm our all'ted time."
The mad who was older than most of them reasoned out, glancing over Axel who was sitting in front of the large table. He had taken notes of their reports, planning out the complete map of their mission.
"How long til' we get there?" He asked no one in particular. He seemed to be detached, his mind wandering elsewhere instead of what was in front of him. Disinterestedly playing with the shell necklace he has on his neck, running his fingers over it again and again.
"In nigh on two hours, we'll be sailin' 'cross the crescent, captain."
Axel nodded before glancing out the window, aside from the compass she was in his mind.
Axel is convinced that she-the stowaway could be someone.
Especially upon gazing at her real face without the poor effort of hiding behind her facade, he could hear the whisper of the ocean that seemed to call upon the presence of the unaware stowaway. His thoughts and questions about her only grew, the familiar sight of her nature somehow compelling him to know more.
As his assumptions had finally proven itself to be not a mere conspiracy. Her face called the uncanny of someone he could swear he had seen before. In his memories, as if someone who bears the same look exists.
[ Why? Why does these thoughts have to be at the time where I am closer to the compass? ]
All he knew was that if he was proven right about her not being a man, then the possibility that she was someone he should know couldn't be ruled out.
[ What are the odds of being wrong? ]
But he wished he was wrong.
"Captain?" The man urged him to speak.
No one seemed to notice his pondering, they continued to strengthen the plan. Marking the new map that Argus brought from the town council. Hakim pointed out which ways were better to be followed and which were not. Hakim and Argus almost got into a heated argument, whilst the man with them tried to ease the tension.
"Enough!" Axel snapped, his hand gripping the necklace he was touching.
Although he was detached from their discussion for a few minutes, the noise of the argument was getting the worse out of him. Disturbing his thoughts and worsened his state.
"How many hours again?" He repeated his question.
Doyle, who was the older man with them, fought hard not to scold the young captain like a father would. Instead he breathed out calmly and answered the same thing. Emphasizing his words for Axel to hear loud and clear. While the two people shut their mouths, Axel and Doyle discussed the potential threat of having to take the mission before sundown. Analyzing the reports of both masters with them, including the report Hakim got from Calev earlier about the perimeter and number of people they might have to deal with if necessary.
Doyle, although not part of the higher rank but rather served as the elder in the ship, was respected by his good instinct as a strategist. He didn't do much on the ship but rather just took a hold of the armory with the gun master. At times like this, he was always summoned for Axel clear intuition. A man like him who has been a pirate ever since his youth was a great pillar for everyone, especially Axel to rely on.
Axel met him when he was young, across the starboard of the merchant ship he once worked with together with Hakim and Felix. The man whose age was no closer than his but not far to be considered old when they met. The brown hair that almost resembled his, the build in which has the uncanny feature of someone that was once close to him. Axel found himself relying on the man just because he felt at ease with him–like a son to a father.
"Now, the only bit o' intel we're missin' be if the compass truly be there."
His words left an impression on Axel, his mind almost betraying him. Certainly, Doyle's instinct would never be missed, however that kid has no reason to lie to him–he has nothing to gain from doing so.
"It's there." Axel proclaimed, sighing as he did. "If its–"
"Captain,"
Felix entered the great cabin with Calev in his restraints. The combatant struggled in the hold, glaring and threatening everyone he saw. The more steps he took away from the sickbay the more his mind lost it. The feeling of being shackled in an invisible tie made him want to break free, the image of that woman lingered in.
They all stepped back, letting Felix slam Calev to the floor. Hovering him with his weight, both of his hands tucked behind him with Felix's strong grip.
"Again?" Hakim had the same question as the quartermaster.
"And he broke the sickbay's door." Felix had a sarcastic tone, breathing between his words while the struggle continued.
"Oops." Argus cringed.
"Our young boatswain won't be likin' that." Doyle chuckled, the thought of Draco also losing it to find the ship with wounds.
[ This is exhausting. ]
Axel wanted to rest.
"Help him restrain that demon." He commanded.
Argus and Hakim both crouched down and held him down. While Doyle proceeded to leave the room after giving his final words to Axel and mouthing good luck with two unlucky guys with a playful smirk in his mouth. The two also felt restless, never liking the way this ends up.
No one, not any of them wanted to see how Axel deals with Calev losing control.
"How many times do I have to remind you, don't escape the brig!"
The three were taken aback at how Axel suddenly snapped. His voice rose to what he usually sounded like. Handling Calev was surely stressful, however Axel never really got to the point of being seriously angry when he had to tame him.
"Why do you have to show up at this critical time!"
Axel grabbed Calev face, gripping it and forcing him to meet him in the eyes. The darkness in Calev's eyes did not intimidate him, however it got him more pissed. He never liked the way how much of a rogue and barbaric that demon was, he had always preferred Calev.
"I need Calev today, you fuck!" He cursed, glaring at the combatant who held too much anger in his eyes.
"I'm sane." Calev said.
He remained calm beneath the captain's cold gaze, yet his voice gave the chill that almost crawled in their spine. Argus almost shivered, closing his eyes, unable to prepare himself for what was in front of him.
"Captain lets–" Hakim wanted to suggest something, however he was interrupted when Calev suddenly wrestled against them.
"Oi, calm down mate!"
"Captain–"
Axel had enough and grabbed him by his throat. His grip certainly left a mark on the combatant's neck. Argus didn't like to watch his friend being treated like that, however what was in front of them was never his friend. It was the other one.
"You are becoming less tameable. Are you defying me?"
Axel growled. He then forcefully took him out of the three with so much strength and slammed him to the wall. His hand dangerously stopped the airflow of the combatant. Although Calev was struggling to breathe, his dark eyes did not left Axel. Challenging his authority, there was no mocking in his gaze yet all it bears was wrath.
It was always wrath.
"I. Am. Sane." Calev choked.
"Captain, it's him. Let's just lock–"
"Shut up!" Axel furiously shouted, making them jump in fright for the second time.
He was aware. He could see, Calev was fighting back to have his consciousness. Even in that darkness around his eyes, Axel could tell he hadn't completely lost it–or at least Calev was trying to hold still. After all, he was able to talk. His demon was always quiet and just murder everyone without a word. Having heard him speak just meant he was in there.
"I have no choice, Calev. Even if you're there, you're looking at me like you want my head." Axel grimaced vehemently. Argus closed his eyes tight, aware of what was soon to happen to his friend.
Urgently, Axel tugged on the necklace he wore. The shell immediately created a cracking noise, his grip immediately damaging the object. This action directly affected the combatant, making him groan with the sudden pain in his chest.
Calev tussled out of Axel grasp, desperately trying to find a place to breathe. While everyone watched him, painfully grasping his chest as if to take the anguish by force. His nails ran through the fabric of his clothes, almost grazing his skin. His screams could be heard around the ship, letting everybody know he was under Axel's control.
"Felix, take his daggers out!" Axel urged when he saw how Calev reached out to his hoisters.
If Felix wasn't fast enough, Calev would have stabbed himself to death–his demon would have stabbed him just to stop the pain.
The scene in front of them was painful to watch, Axel struggled to find his ground as he felt bad seeing his combatant in so much pain. However it was necessary, he was about to lose control.
Unlike before, when taming that demon wasn't so difficult, Axel didn't have to resort to it. Certainly, the three men with him were as surprised as he was that he was pushed back to the point of using what Zeki gave him just in case.
Axel breathed out when Calev finally stopped. Slowly falling down on the floor and losing consciousness. When it stopped, it was the time they were able to breathe. Argus opened his eyes and immediately approached Calev's body. He felt angry, seeing his friend in that state. Although he has no one to blame, he was still unimpressed that Axel used it.
"I take him to his cabin." Argus softly said, not even looking at Axel.
Axel let him, there was no threat anymore and so he couldn't see the need to imprison Calev in the brig when he woke up. Axel did not forget to remind Argus of the mission, telling him to brief Calev of the situation the moment he wakes up.
"Will he be alright?"
Hakim asked, looking at the closed door where Argus had just left with the unconscious combatant.
"He'll be fine when he wakes up."
Axel breathed out once again, feeling this day becoming more heavy.
"Call everyone that will join the mission." He ordered, not wasting anymore time to dwell on what just happened.
Felix was quiet, looking around the trashed room. The image of Calev fighting against the pain left on his mind for him to think. Both him and Axel had the same thought, wondering how and why that demon suddenly showed up. What could be the trigger and why did it have to be today?
Those thoughts lingered, the two of them almost speaking with each other with nothing but their mind. Synced and understood, their eyes searched each other for a reason, yet nothing could be found.
[ Could it be? ]
[ Perhaps, she could be… ]
Nothing comes to their mind.
Nothing but someone.
That was all that echoed in that silent room until Hakim came and told Axel that everyone was out in the main deck, all prepared for his instructions. As he forced himself to leave those thoughts in the great cabin with Felix to ponder on. He stepped out and stood tall in the quarterdeck overlooking everyone below.
He started to lay out their plan, going along the details they all needed to know. They listened attentively to Axel. Configuring their roles and places to the task; groups are formed to a particular role whilst the frontlines are determined by their skills.
Soon after, Hakim started to divide them by group, designated with each task they must follow on that island. A whole blueprint of the plan was made in precise condition.
Everyone gathered around as the self-proclaimed vice captain gave all the instructions and information regarding their visit courtesy of the captain orders. The crew wasted no time for preparations, they all understood the significance of this task for the journey.
...
{ Ter }
The sun had just started to set. The strikes of color yellow, red and oranges had been scattered across the clouds. Winding the darkness into the sky as the night began to show. People started to close their stores or head home as soon as the sun decided to leave. However, not in Ter
The big town in one of the biggest continents, settled in the far western coast of Teirrenvaile. Was the city that turns nights into days. Blasted was the music of each tavern, festivals as it was with the people who enjoyed the life of the night.
In the loud crowded streets, the open houses of entertainments people would come and go from various establishments, both drunk and wasted. Heard were the laughter and loud voice along with the sound of coins falling into the table. From tavern to gambling houses, to luxurious inn to brothels. Everywhere else exuded the trace of humans.
One of the luxurious inn at Ter somehow managed to differentiate itself from the brightness of the outside. Unlike the laughter and festive faces of every person, in the secluded room of which secret meetings evoked the look of distraught.
Dark and cold were what the room felt like. Separated from what the scene from outside was, one person settled the animosity in the tensed space.A man with luscious and long black hair, along with his luxurious clothing sat in the high seat in the middle. Adorned with a spectacle of riches, displayed with golds and gems, a boisterous figure guarded by his men of regalia held his high up.
The whole place surrounded by men in armors, hanging in their dangerous hands are weapons of nobility. The honor laid in the spikes and spears of the blades hoisted in their waist that they carry all throughout.
Everyone in his was nothing but just tools.
And on the cold ground in front of him was a pirate, restrained along with few of his comrades. Helpless and with no power, he faces the ground with his cheeks, almost burying the chill to every inch of his skin.
His eyes shut to the touch, unable to move with the persistence of the heavy guard that stepped his head above him. Despite being aware of what he was capable of, the intensity that he had in his hands and command does nothing to the high man above his whole being.
He was just a powerless tool.
"The wench head was supposed to be here, wasn't it?" The powerful man voiced his confusion, faking the tone of concern.
His baring brown eyes glared at him and his people, although he wanted nothing but to sweeped the bastard off his high seat he knew he couldn't do anything. Instead he silently endured the humiliation and the pain in his skin. His men that came with him did nothing but bow their heads in submission, to the mean that ordered such action to a regal knight that threatened the life of the man beneath his feet.
" Speak your name." The man on the high seat demanded.
" C-chris sir."
The dark animosity of the place never let the touched man see any sight of what their future could be. Through the lenses of what anyone can see in their crouched form is a man that sits powerfully to the pillars. The man that owes them golds and coins, and the riches they could imagine.
However they could not snatch the bargain or redeem that were deposited for they also owe him a head.
"Was your captain merely bluffing, undertaking such a task only to falter?"
"No sir." Chris answered in a mere tone of a whisper.
""Pray tell, where is he? Where lies the head, and where rests that necklace!"
The man who resembled what kings are could not contain his anger, seeing past the agreed time for this plan. He was running out of patience, he wanted the complete and physical assurance that he has no more burden crawling into his life.
"We are surveying the sea and island sir, every ship and place she would have gone. I assure you-" The pirate answered, fear coming across his voice.
"So, you're telling me that your captain failed in the task I entrusted to him?"
"My lord, with all due respect. Perhaps these pirates are just incompetent I must say."
The advisor answered for all of them, similarly boring the evil and jest of cruelty with him as he stood next to the man.
" Then these must be complete imbeciles!"
He angrily tossed his hands around, a perfect demonstration of his frustration. His actions resulted in his men pushing the pirates into the ordeal of pain. Hurting those who were already in the ground almost unmoving. Resulted by their sheer force and insanity, literally cruel to form their names.
"Alright, Chris, return to wherever your captain is and inquire whether I have overlooked any part of my meticulous plan for her."
He glanced at the low pirates beneath them who trembled with anxiety. He was amused, seeing them begged helplessly at his mercy.
" We apologize sir, Captain men all over to get er wench."
Chris hissed in pain, when the guard above him stepped on his shoulder.
"As he should! You waste of a cunt!"
He exclaimed, his eyes glaring at the man that proudly claimed the title of being a captain.
"Kill her and bring that necklace and you shall get whatever you deserve!"
He announced, sounding the threats in his malicious voice.
"I will grant you a week. If you fail to deliver what I desire, you are well aware of the consequences that will follow."
"Understood."
The desperate tone lingers with Chris' words, as if the whole vicious scheme has so much to lose once not given effort.
"Scram."
He commanded the filth before him to scatter immediately and vanish from his sight forever, never to be seen by anyone again.The pirates quickly ran off under the hands of the knights who pushed them through everywhere. With each step unable to know what brings them ahead from this settlement of a business.
The uncertain client they took was far more dangerous than the sea they had adjourned. Yet they left with an angered master gunner and humiliated ego that slowly crumbles with rage to the man he called as his boss.
"Prepare to sail and deliver the message to the captain" He commanded one pirate.
" Tell him to get her."