The Scathed
 

Ok, ladies and gents, pirate lads and lasses, it is time for the continuation of the Story of Kat Crestshot. Here, get ready for adventure, excitement, and the dash of something else....

If you have not read the first part of this story, it is highly recommended that you go to that first. Here's the link:
Her Beginning

If you are returning to the story (because of how much you are drawn to the awesomeness), welcome back! It's good to have you here. I'm hoping this next part of the story meets your expectations. With that, we shall continue. I present the newest chapter in Kat's journey.

(Please note: While this is in the POTCO universe, there are some things that have been changed around or enhanced for a better story experience. For instance, Wildwoods is more wild, not just a large clearing with trees on the side. Thank you.)

An Old Friend

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Kat Crestshot made her way into Wildwoods on the island of Tortuga in the Caribbean. She was just looking for some skeletons to kill. It was a slow day in the Caribbean. She almost wished she could go sailing for a while just to break the monotony, but her poor little sloop was being repaired. Kat would have done it herself this time, like she usually did, but, unfortunately she had annoyed the wrong enemy ship last time she was out at sea, so this time repairs had to be done by O’malley and his crew due to the extent of the damage. For now, she was staying in King’s Arm on Tortuga beach. So she wandered around for a while with her pistol out, shooting at a few skeletons that crossed her path. It was good target practice at least.

She came to a small clearing in the dense foliage upon a gathering of skeletons. With a grin, she raised her pistol, aiming for the one nearest her, when she saw a flash of red hair in the center of the group. Skeletons don’t have red hair, so there must be a person in there, she thought. She put her pistol away and drew her cutlass instead, feeling it would be better suited. With her pistol, a shot may stray, hitting whoever was trapped in the group of skeletons.

Kat snuck behind a tree close to the skeletons, close enough to hear the excited grunts and mutters of Jolly Roger’s servants. “This one will be easy,” one of them laughed evilly. “Yah,” grunted another. “Which part should we tear off first, the arm or the leg?” The skeletons hooted gleefully. Kat snuck behind them gracefully and without warning, she slashed through the first one! It fell to the ground in a green glow and its comrades turned towards her.

There was a lot more than she had originally anticipated. Oh well, all the more fun for her. She grinned and then began her carnage, cutting off this one’s head and stabbing through that one’s chest. The person who had been in the center of the mob began helping her as well, drawing an old cutlass. It was clear from his fighting style he hadn’t honed his skills the way she had. He still took down two or three of the skeletons by himself though. They finished with the group quickly.

After the glowing had stopped, Kat turned towards the man who had been in the center of the circle. When she saw who it was, she took a step backwards in shock. “Lawrence?” she asked, astounded.

“Kat,” he said wearily, smiling at her. His eyes then rolled into his head and he crumpled to the ground.

“Lawrence!” Kat cried out, diving towards him. She examined him and noticed a gaping wound on his leg that was dripping blood profusely. Her hand touched it and came away covered in the sticky substance. She gasped. There was a strip of cloth that was stuffed in her jacket that she kept for instances like this. She grabbed the band and wrapped his leg. When that was finished, she reached into another section of her coat to grab a tonic that Fabiola the gypsy kept her well stocked on, knowing well Kat’s tendency to get into trouble. Kat tipped one of the more powerful ones into Lawrence’s mouth, hoping it would go down.

Lawrence spluttered for a moment, but the liquid went into his system. He lay still again, but Kat wasn’t worried this time. It took time for the tonics to work. This one should begin working in just a few minutes, so Kat waited rather impatiently for it to take hold of Lawrence’s body.

While she waited, she studied Lawrence, having not seen him in months. There was something different about him. He seemed thinner and his hair was more scraggly than it had been. His clothes were worn and torn, which wasn’t all that odd to see in the Caribbean, but it looked like they had been exposed to more than just sea and storms. It almost- she hated to say it, but it almost looked like they had tried to be torn from his body.

Before she could study him further, Lawrence’s eyes fluttered open. They wandered for a moment before focusing on her face. His mouth quirked up slightly in a faint smile. “I must be dreaming…” he murmured.

“No, Lawrence, it’s really me,” she told him softly. His eyes began closing again. Kat smacked his face lightly, desperate for him to not fall back into unconsciousness. “Lawrence. Lawrence, wake up!” she told him. His eyes shot back open, focusing on her immediately. The tonic must be taking effect.

“Kat!” he cried, trying to get up. He hissed in pain and grabbed his leg, falling back onto the leafy ground. Kat sat with him where he lay, clutching his tied wound.

“Are you alright?” she asked him, concerned. He still gripped his leg, but he grinned stiffly up at her. “Nothing that won’t heal, Kat,” he replied. She offered her hand to him and hauled him up. He stood unsteadily on his good leg for a moment and tried to put weight on his bad one, but it shot right back up into the air.

“Do you want to try heading back to town?” she asked him. “I don’t want to be around here if more skeletons show.” It wouldn’t be hard for her to defeat them- the skeletons that roamed this area were very poor fighters- but she was worried about Lawrence. If more skeletons were to show, they would likely gang up on him, being weak as he was at the moment.

Lawrence nodded his consent, so Kat wrapped her arm around his shoulders. He did the same, and the two slowly made their way for the town of Tortuga. Kat pulled her pistol from its holster, much to the alarm of Lawrence. She noticed the expression. “Just in case,” she told him, loading the tri-barreled weapon.

Thankfully, there wasn’t too much disturbance on the way back. There was only a skeleton or two that tried approaching them, who Kat dispatched of quickly. Her aim was a little off because of supporting Lawrence, but it was still pretty dead on, and none of the skeletons escaped more than two of her shots.

They finally made it out of the Wildwoods and back to the King’s Arm. Kat sat Lawrence down at one of the tables and went to go talk to Johnny McVane, the owner of the tavern. While she was gone, Lawrence mulled over his thoughts. The trip back had taken a lot of energy out of him, more than he had expected. He was usually much stronger than that. His face reddened slightly at the thought of Kat carrying him through the forest. Last time he had seen her, she had been much more awkward, not nearly as steady on her sea legs. Now, though- now she was better than he was. She had grown a lot in the months that had been separated. He continued these thoughts in that direction while he was alone.

Meanwhile, Kat was at the counter talking with McVane.

“Come on McVane, I just need one more room,” she argued with him.

“For the amount you’re paying now, Crestshot? No way,” he told her. “I’ve got other patrons, and only a few rooms. I can’t afford it!”

Kat huffed in frustration. Johnny was usually very accommodating of her needs. He had provided her with a room immediately when her Cutthroat Wolf was put in for repairs. She had begun to think he was a nice man in his own right, despite how rough the Caribbean was.

What Kat didn’t realize is the reason Johnny always treated her so well was because of how well she paid. She was rather naïve that way. Every time she was in port, she visited King’s Arm, preferring it over the more rowdy Faithful Bride. He was always at her beck and call, listening for the jingle of coins when Kat was in town. Because of his brilliant service, Kat kept coming back and tipped well. It was a cycle they both liked.

Now, though, Johnny was putting his foot down. Kat was trying to get him to give her an extra room for free, while she still paid for her one. The King’s Arm was booked, and he wouldn’t get rid of a paying customer for Kat any day of the week.

Kat decided to try and work it from a different angle. “What if I pay for half price of the extra room while still paying in full for mine?” she tried to persuade him. McVane shook his head, his red ponytail flopping everywhere.

“I’ve got other customers, Kat!” he said angrily. “I won’t be kicking them out just because you don’t want to pay!”

“Want to pay?” Kat said incredulously. “Johnny, I can’t pay. I can’t afford the full price of two rooms!”

“Aw, you’re full of it Kat,” McVane said, waving his hands at her. “Everyone in the whole bloody Caribbean knows you’re loaded, they just don’t know where you keep it all.”

Kat had to smile internally at that. It was the truth, though she wasn’t about to admit that to him. She was very good at what she did. Her money was kept in various locations in this sea, just in case one of the others was found or used up. The Tortuga stash, though, was running low. Repairs for her Wolf cost quite a bit, not to mention paying for other expenses on the side, like her room here or ammunition for her pistol.

Kat began arguing with McVane again. “Do you remember that little sloop out there, Johnny? The one that’s completely shattered and broken? The one that’s mine?” she snapped. “It takes more than a little gold to pay for repairs that extensive. I seriously can’t afford another room!”

“Then you don’t get one,” Johnny said, crossing his arms. Kat realized that this was his final word on the subject. She sighed.

“He’ll have to stay in the room with me, then,” she said with resignation.

McVane couldn’t resist chuckling at her. “Oh really, Kat? Is that how this is going to be?”

Kat scowled at him. “No, that is not how it is going to be, McVane,” she told him darkly. “He’s just… an old friend.” She looked over at where Lawrence was sitting. Yes, old friend indeed.

McVane seemed pleased enough with this answer, but was still gruff. “Well, what you keep in your room is your business. So long as I get my room back in one piece, it doesn’t bother me.”

Kat nodded at him. “Don’t worry, Johnny. We won’t be killing each other or anything up there.” She left and walked over to Lawrence. McVane shook his head at the women’s back. Hmph, old friend his right foot. She may be good at what she did, but in some instances, she truly was stupid and naïve. The thought then fled his mind as a new patron walked in, and his demeanor changed to that of a friendly bartender.

Kat approached Lawrence, who was still immersed in his thoughts. “How is the leg feeling?” she asked him.

Lawrence looked up at the face of the beauty. “It’s feeling much better now, thank you,” he replied. Kat sat down in a seat next to him. The pair was silent for a moment.

“Well, I suppose this makes us even,” Lawrence said to break the silence. Kat looked at him in confusion. He gave a small smile.

“Remember the last time we saw each other?” he explained. “You tried to give me money you had just gotten from selling your ring as payment for saving your life.” He paused, seemingly lost in the memory. “And I wouldn’t take it. I told you later, once you had made your own way, that you could pay me back.” His mouth turned to a small frown. “I suppose you’ve paid me back quite adequately now,” he murmured.

Kat recalled all of what Lawrence had explained. How could she possibly forget? That time with him marked the beginning of her life in the Caribbean. There was also the fact that he had saved her of course. Lawrence was a man she never could forget. Even if she had never seen him again, she had made a connection with him that was unlike any she had ever experienced, or, as fate knew it, would experience again.

Kat took his hand that was resting on the table in her own. “Nothing will repay what you did for me Lawrence,” she told him. “One life does not equal another, nor does one experience make another cancel out.” She looked him straight in the eye and spoke. “Those hours you gave me a few months ago will always be special to me. Just because I’m helping you out doesn’t mean that I forget how much you’ve helped me.”

The pair held eye contact for a moment, hazel eyes locked on green. Kat felt a fluttering of something inside of her, but she pushed it back down. It scared her, that feeling. She was so used to closing herself off from everyone and everything else, so why not this as well? The feeling went under the surface and into the depths, and Kat drew her eyes away from his.

Lawrence had felt it too, but unlike her, he embraced it. He didn’t know what it was, but he knew that he had nothing to fear from it. For a brief moment, he entertained the idea of voicing it, but something in Kat’s eyes shut down, and they left his. Lawrence felt dejected at the sight. He remembered telling himself all those months ago that he would find the right time to be with her. For what, he didn’t know. The time hadn’t been right then, and it apparently wasn’t right now either.

Kat released his hand and stood up. “I talked to Johnny McVane over at the bar to inquire about a room for you, but he said it wasn’t possible. That being the case, we’ll have to room…together.” She said the last part hesitantly. Not all of her previous lifestyle had left her when she turned to pirating, and the fine lady in her cringed at the thought of having to room with a man that was not her betrothed. The Kat side of her, though, said it was for necessity and overpowered the Lady Katherine.

“It’s on the second floor,” she continued. “Would you like to go up there now to see it? Do you think your leg can handle it?” she asked, not wanting to push him.

Lawrence flexed his leg a little. There was still a sharp wince of pain from the wound, but he felt the leg as a whole would support him now. “Yes, I believe I can walk up a few stairs,” he said, standing up. He took a chance to put part of his weight on the leg. It throbbed, but it didn’t buckle. Ah, how he loved the fast working tonics the gypsies of the Caribbean made.

Kat was apparently satisfied with his state, so she motioned for him to follow her. They passed through the door at the back of the bar that led to a flight of stairs. Lawrence followed slowly, careful not to put too much strength on his bad leg. He used the wall on either side of him to brace himself as he limped upwards.

Kat waited for him at the top of the steps. She felt a twinge of guilt at not being able to help him, but the steps were so narrow that the most she would be able to do would be to haul him up while walking backwards. So she waited patiently for him as he made his way up.

When he finally made it to the top, he was huffing. “Who knew that blood loss would make everything so difficult?” he asked jokingly. Kat gave a shrug and waited for him to recover. “Come on, my room is this way,” she said after he had regained some of his breath. They walked down the hallway past two other small rooms and into her own. It was tiny, with only a small bed, chair, and a set of drawers. Kat turned towards Lawrence a little shamefaced.

“It’s not a lot, but it’s only temporary,” she explained. “My ship is in for repairs, and I usually stay on there.”

Lawrence examined the room, not critically, but just acceptingly. “Don’t worry, it’s fine,” he told her.

Awkwardness was permeating through the room. “You should lay down,” she muttered. “You know, rest your leg.” Lawrence agreed and sat down on the bed. “Thank you so much for everything, Kat,” he said gratefully.

Kat smiled at him lightly. “It is nothing,” she replied. “Now, just sleep.” She sat down in the chair and watched as he stretched himself out on the bed. Lawrence yawned and closed his eyes to the sight of Kat staring at him. He was comforted by the fact that an angel was watching over him as he slept.

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Lawrence is back! Haha, I know some of you like him, so, ya know...just for you guys. Nah, I'm just kidding, it was in the outline all along. But you guys can pretend...you know....

Ok then, new story, new reviews, yah? How 'bout it mates? Constructive criticism is welcome always. Also, this is how posting is going to go- Every Thursday is posting day. If I'm off, don't hesitate to PM me or post on here asking, "Hey, where's the story, huh?" I am in the middle of writing the fourth chapter for this though, so that shouldn't happen for awhile, if ever (hopefully).

Ok then mates, that's it for my rambling. Thanks for reading!

-Kat Crestshot

OMgosh Crest...I love this one....all of them..darn it....waiting for the next one is sooooo hard...

NICE!!!! LAWRENCE IS BACK! -waffles *--------* -

I love how you keep putting off the obvious romantic interest here. It definitely keeps me reading. I love how those little moments you go, 'They are sooo gonna finally say something right now!' and then they do the opposite and (as kat did) kind of shove off the feeling for now. It's torturous but effective. It will build the relationship much nicer this way. Keep up the good work Kat! I'm LOVING it!!!! :D

Lawrence Mcrage
 

Ok mates, here's the newest chapter of The Scathed. You all liked the last chapter, huh? :pirate6: Thanks for the reviews mates, they warm my little heart. Not too much commentary today, so I'll just take you to....

Lawrence Mcrage

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

“Here, take him!”
“Captain, what are you doing?!”
“You blasted little thief! I hope you rot in that cell Mcrage!”
“You...you did this to me!”
“He’s a liar, Captain. I am always loyal to you.”
“I will find you…and when I do, you’re going to wish you had never done this…”

Lawrence awoke. He sighed. Why did that have to pop into his sub consciousness? He ran a hand through his tangled hair. That was the last confrontation he wanted running through his mind. He turned his head, expecting Kat to be sitting in the chair, where she had been when he had fallen asleep.

She wasn’t there.

Lawrence shot up in the hard bed. Where had she gone? He scrambled out of the bed and grabbed his cutlass from where it lay on the ground. As he walked out the door, he clipped it around his waist. He was still limping slightly, but the pain wasn’t as excruciating as it had been before his sleep.

Downstairs, he found Kat sitting at the bar, sipping from a cup. Lawrence exhaled in relief at the sight of her. To be honest, he didn’t know why he had reacted in such a manner, but he was glad to see her. He gimped over to her and plopped down in the empty seat on her left side. “Hello,” he said.

Kat glanced at the man next to her. “Good evening,” she replied in greeting. She took a sip of her drink without looking at him. Rather, she looked straight at the wall.

“What is that you’re drinking?” he asked, trying to engage her in conversation. For some reason, she seemed very distant tonight.

She smirked at the wall. “Rum,” she told him. At this, she finally looked at him. “After you introduced me to it, I got the taste for it.” She turned back to the wall and began sipping her drink again.

After a time, Kat said, “So, did you enjoy your nap? Is your leg feeling better?” Her words were rather detached because of the rum in her system, but Lawrence could hear the warmth behind them.

“My leg is feeling much better, Kat, thank you,” he replied. “It practically feels brand new!”

Kat smiled. “Fabiola’s tonics work wonders. That woman is magic, she is.” She gave a low chuckle. The two then grew silent once more, Kat just sipping her drink and Lawrence watching her from the corner of his eye.

After a few moments, Kat broke the silence. “What happened to you Lawrence?” she asked softly, so softly that Lawrence wondered if it was actually directed towards him or just a passing thought. He knew it was the former when she continued speaking. “This is a pirate town, made for misfits and vagabonds, not someone like you. What happened?” Her voice sounded sad.

For the first time, Lawrence’s face darkened. He recalled the dream he’d just had. “It’s not exactly a short story, Kat,” he told her callously.

Kat noticed the change in his tone and felt a flicker of alarm. “Well, we’ve got some time,” she said. “C’mon, grab a bottle of rum and you can tell me.” She began calling Johnny over.

“Oi, Johnny!” she bellowed out to him. He turned from where he was on the far side of the bar. “What is it now, Kat?” he called back, not leaving his spot.

“Why don’t you come over here and find out you daft bloke!” she teased him. Johnny rushed over to her with anger in his step.

“Do you mind holding it with the insults, Kat?” he seethed. “That’s a brand new visitor, and I wanted to make something along the lines of a good impression.”

“Oh please Johnny,” she said, waving his concerns away. “This is a pirate town. He should be expecting anything and everything and a little bit of the impossible, you know?”

Johnny just hmphed. “Well, what do ya need then?” he asked as politely as he could through clenched teeth.

Kat smiled impishly at his reaction. Sometimes Johnny was far too easy and too fun to provoke. “One bottle of rum for my friend here Johnny, if you please,” she said mockingly. McVane grumbled while he grabbed a bottle from under the counter. “Here,” he muttered and held out his palm. Kat placed a few coins in his hand, and he walked away smiling, in a much better mood due to the jingling in his pocket.

Lawrence popped open his drink and took a long swig from it. Kat did the same and set the bottle down with a clunk. “So,” she said, looking him directly in the eyes. “Story time.”

Lawrence looked away from her stare and took another long drink. “Alright then,” he said. “But I’m telling you, it won’t be a fun story.” Kat stayed silent and mentally braced herself. Lawrence began.

“Well, I suppose that it starts after I left you in Port Royal. When I got back to the ship that night, I got in trouble with the captain. Marcus had let it leak that I had been in to see you and had given you new clothes.” He glanced at her. “I see they’ve held up well.” He gave a small, sad smile and continued with his story.

“Well, Marcus worded it in a way that made it seem like I had tricked him into letting me see you. He said that I had made him leave his post by telling him something of his was gone, so he supposedly left to go find it immediately, which is when I came in. When he had come back, I had been exiting the cabin, or so that’s what he told the captain.

“Marcus got in a little trouble for shirking his duties, but he’s been on that ship for a long time, so the captain trusted him. I, on the other hand, was rather new. I had only been on the ship for a few weeks, so I did not have his trust.” He paused, remembering that day, then spoke softly. “He gave me lashings for that, lashings I did not deserve. What is worse is that I received them at the hand of Marcus.” He was staring straight at the wall now, absorbed in his story. It was as if Kat wasn’t even there anymore. He was back on that ship, engaged in those same activities, trapped behind the whip.

“After that, things stayed pretty normal for a while, but the captain and the rest of the crew still resented me. The fact that I had accepted you so easily made them uneasy due to their superstitions. I did the best work I possibly did though, and never complained, hoping I could work myself back into their good graces. Nothing worked…once you get a bad reputation, you don’t lose it.

“We ported in Padres del Fuego about a month ago. Rough place, Padres. Only the insane and the desperate stay on the volcanic rock, but they pay good money for goods brought. Anyway, while we were docked there, a few crew members and I went to a tavern for some drinks and cards. I sat apart from them, playing poker with some local blokes and drinking some rum of my own. We were doing just fine, joking and having a good time, and for once, I didn’t have to worry about being ridiculed by those around me. It wasn’t long, though, before one of my crewmates sat down and bought his way into the game. So, we began playing.

“We played a few hands, and my crewmate began taunting me as I played, probably hoping to throw me off my game. He’d drank more than a few bottles of rum and I’m sure some other alcohol that night, so I tried ignoring him, knowing know good would come from engaging in his words. He was insistent though, and when I didn’t respond, he just got angry, but kept playing, trying to keep the hateful words going.

“A final hand came up and my crewmate was overjoyed with it. The bets went in, the flop, the turn, the river were drawn, and my crewmate and I were raising like crazy. All of the other players had folded long before, not wanting to get in the middle of the battle of wills that was going on. Finally the crewmate ran out of money to put in the pot, so both of our hands were shown. His eyes gleamed greedily, because he was sure he was going to win. I could see in them that he felt he had bested me, and for some reason, that made him feel victorious. Yes, I suppose bringing the lowest person on the ship a few notches lower would do that to a person,” Lawrence sighed bitterly.

“On the table was a three of hearts, six of clubs, four of hearts, two of hearts, and king of hearts, in that order. My crewmate arrogantly showed his Ace of hearts and two of spades; it was the flush with the high card. He was confident that he would clean me out without any issues.

“My hand was shown. It was the five of hearts and the six of hearts. I had gotten the straight flush, beating out my crewmate easily.

“To say he was furious would likely be an understatement. He accused me of cheating and made the dealer check the rest of the card deck for doubles of any cards, hoping he could corner me. None were found, and I took the pot, which was quite a bit of money, fair and square.

“I turned my back on him, taking all of my winnings and trying to get as much of it into my pockets as possible. When I tried to leave, he spoke to me again, insulting me. I turned back around, ready to face up to his insults, ready to tell him that I didn’t care if he was mad that he had lost. Then he began insulting everything else: My family, my heritage…you. They had seen how we had interacted last time so they belittled me for it.

“My fists clenched in anger. He saw this and his eyes darkened. I didn’t see it coming, but he took one of his own burly fists and clocked me across the face with it. We began fighting, and it wasn’t soon before he had the upper hand. He pinned me to the ground and insulted me some more, calling me…well, things you can’t really say in polite company. That made me even angrier, so I flipped him over and began pummeling every part of him I could reach. Unfortunately, that was when the captain decided to come in.

“He pulled me off of him and my…crewmate,” he spat the word, “was black and blue. My gold had fallen from my pockets all over the floor, and it sparkled up at me as glitters of rage. People were picking it up and stuffing it into their own pockets, but I didn’t care at that moment. It wasn’t until later that I realized I had lost all of my gold that night, and my pride was broken with it. Captain threw me into the brig for the rest of the night, and my crewmate got the gold I had won from him back. That night, my life was almost completely broken, but I still had something. I was still alive and I still technically had a job on the ship, even though it was mostly grunt work.

“All of that was lost about a week or two ago. I was working on the deck, fixing a cannon, when the captain stormed up to me and took me by the neck. He accused me of stealing precious items from his private quarters, such as a compass and some jewelry. My crewmate from the poker incident shared the same sleeping area as I and he had stolen the items and placed them with my things so, if it was discovered the items were stolen, I would get in trouble in place of him.

“Well, I did get in a lot of trouble for that. I was locked up in the brig of the ship until we ported. The captain said I was too much trouble and he couldn’t have me tainting the rest of his crew. We docked back in Padres a few days ago and I was tossed roughly into a cell to much jeering from the rest of the crew. However, I wasn’t there for more than a few hours before I noticed another jail mate escaping by kicking the door out. When he left, I tried it myself and found that it worked quite well. I escaped the prison and ran to the docks, hoping I could find a ride somewhere off of that mess of an island. There was a bloke there who said he would help me out and stowed me away on a Navy ship headed in the direction of Tortuga. He said he’d be willing to help me out because he’d heard of me the last time I was in Padres.

“While aboard the Navy ship, I was stuck in the hold for two days before one of the men found me. I remember a shout of surprise waking me from where I had been hiding. The one who had found me grabbed me and shoved me onto the deck into the bright sunlight.

“The captain examined me closely. His face was cold and unfeeling as he declared I would go overboard. I was lucky that Tortuga was in sight and close enough to swim to, otherwise I’d be floating at the bottom of the Caribbean right now. They grouped up on me and threw me overboard, and I was once more subjected to jeering as I swam for shore. I was almost killed when I walked onto shore by some rowdy, drunk men. It was then I realized I’d need something of my own to fight with, but I ran away from that one. I didn’t have anything and surely would have been sliced to ribbons by the rather sharp looking dagger the man held in his hand. There’s a blacksmith in town-you probably know him-who gave me a free, but crude, cutlass. I was just exploring the island earlier when those skeletons jumped me. You came then and…well, you know the story from there.”

Lawrence took a long drink in the silence that followed his story. Then he spoke softly once more. “Mcrage,” he nearly whispered. “That’s the name they gave me after the poker game. That’s what the crew called me, and that’s what that man at the dock had called me. He helped me because he knew me by my name. That’s one more thing I need to tell you, Kat.” He finally turned to look at her. Hard green eyes stared into her hazel ones. “I am no longer merely Lawrence anymore. My name is Lawrence Mcrage.”

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Well, kind of a Lawrence-centric chapter there, but it was necessary. Constructive criticism is welcome (please)! Thank you again for the reviews that came last chapter for this new section of the story! I'm going to have a hand drawn picture of Lawrence posted on my profile sometime tomorrow, so go check it out! Next chapter is posted next week on Thursday again! Thanks for reading!

-Kat Crestshot

whewwww.....I was holding my breath for poor Lawrence....what's the saying....what doesn't kill you will make you stronger...goes for both of them...

hmmm....now that they both have been rock-bottom theres no where to go but up...should be an interesting journey....gj Kat...:)

To tell you the truth, I didnt really like the first chapter :O Idk what it is about it that I didnt like, guess I will have to re-read it and find out... But the second chapter was really great :D Especially the ending, its a perfect drop off... Btw, isn't that the name of one of your pirates in the game? ;)

Awesome job Kat! I love it!

Can't wait until the next chapter!

Persuasion
 

Well....it's still Thursday in California, right? :mybadki6: :ziwyvs: Sorry if you're finding this a little later than usual...I've had computer, timing, and writing issues. But this chapter is here now, so I present to you...

Persuasion

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Lawrence finished his story in the rowdiness of the King’s Arm, but to him and Kat, there was a bubble of silence. Kat was still absorbing the story while Lawrence sat and downed his rum, still stewing over the memories that had been brought up. They both just sat, ignoring the pirate town surrounding them.

Finally, Kat spoke up. “Lawrence…” she began hesitantly. “I honestly don’t know what to say. I mean, what they did to you…it’s unforgivable.”

“Yes, Kat,” he responded softly. “Betrayal tends to be unforgivable.” He guzzled down some more rum, his eyes cold and dark as they stared at the wall. Kat almost shuddered. She was glad those looks were not directed at her. With those eyes, his face was completely different. She could see where he had gotten the name Mcrage.

Kat reached over and put her hand on his arm, trying to be comforting. “But look now, Lawrence. Now you are free to do what you want to do, not listen to some stuffy, conceited captain! Think about it Lawrence- Freedom.”

Lawrence pulled his hand away gruffly. “What freedom? I have nothing. You can’t be free if you have no way to stay that way.”

Kat grimaced, hesitant about continuing. “There’s another route, Lawrence,” she said delicately. “There’s pirating. That…that is freedom.”

Lawrence snorted. “There is no freedom in ruthless destruction, Kat. Only death,” he said harshly. He stared angrily at the wall, as if it had done these wrongs to him, as if it had given him no other choice.

“Lawrence, look at me,” Kat said softly. He continued to glare at the wall. Kat felt her own flame of annoyance. “Look at me!” she all but shouted. The people surrounding them fell silent and stared at the pair. Lawrence snapped his head towards Kat crossly. They didn’t even notice the crowd staring at them; they were so absorbed in their own world. At the look on his face, though, the crowd moved to different corners of the tavern, not wanting to get in the middle of the tension between the two scathed. They knew a rager when they saw one.

Lawrence’s eyes shot to hers and Kat saw the fire burning behind them. Rather than backing away from the heat, Kat moved closer to him, knowing that she could get burned.

“That’s only what you think you know, Lawrence. Change what you know! Change how you are! Change how people all over the world see pirates as nothing more than nuisance!” she said venomously.

Lawrence just grimaced. “Being a merchant is all I’ve ever known in these waters Kat. How do you expect me to change that?” he said mockingly.

Kat sighed. “Lawrence, just because you’ve only known one thing doesn’t mean you can’t change. I mean, look at me!” she said encouragingly. “I was a Lady before coming here, and now I’m one of the best pirates in these waters!”

Lawrence was silent, but then Kat heard a faint chuckle coming from his chest. “You were a Lady, Kat,” he said softly, with a small, sad smile of his own. Much of the fire had disappeared from his eyes, but there was still a steady burn under the surface, one that would likely stay for a long time.

“You had it all,” he murmured. “I ask you the same question then; what happened to you?”

“I ran out of options,” she replied shortly. “It seems to me that the same has happened to you.”

“Pirating isn’t all about destruction and treasure you know,” she said lightly. Lawrence looked up curiously at this. Kat noticed the interest and continued with fervor. “We’re fighting a battle, mate. Every single pirate needs to fight for their freedom. The people of the Caribbean need to stay free from the Navy, the EITC…from Jolly Roger and those bloody skeletons in Wildwoods. The gold,” she smirked, “is just a perk.”

At stared at his features. Even with all that he had been through in the past few months, he was still light. There was still innocence to him that Kat felt she was breaking with her words, and the actions that he would partake in if he did join the cause.

“I witnessed corruption and greed of a high kind while still in England. Nothing was done though, because 'that’s the way things were,'” she spat. “Well, the way things are is wrong,” she spoke with venom. “Think about it Lawrence-our actions here will affect everyone in the Caribbean, which affects England, which affects their colonies all over the world. The world, Lawrence,” she emphasized. “We can free the entire world.”

“So, Lawrence Mcrage, are you willing to be a pawn that’s easily replaced in this game of power, or are you willing to be your own person, and make sure everyone else is able to be what they want as well?” she asked him. “Are you willing to be a pirate for the freedom? Are you willing to join our ranks and make it so everyone has the right to be free?”

Lawrence thought for a moment. It was like the pirates were fighters-freedom fighters. He had never thought of the pirates as warriors with something to lose. To him, they had always been villains and knaves that haunted waters all over the world. They were evil creatures, with grimy clothes and greedy minds. He looked at Kat. She fit none of the criteria that he expected. She was beautiful, smart, resourceful, brave…he could continue his list until the end of time. To top it all off, she was fighting for freedom, not greed. He could join what she believed in, not all of his misconstrued facts.

“Aye,” he finally said in a whisper. Then stronger, “Yes, I will join the fight. I will join for my freedom and for the freedom of the world.” And yours, he thought longingly. Neither of them were ready to act on their flutters.”

Kat smiled at him, but her eyes were hard. She had thought he would join after her persuading words, but something in her was wrenched at his agreement. He was going to become so different because of this, but she knew it was necessary. Jolly Roger was growing stronger and had taken many of their pirates for his own. Many others were taken to privateering for the Navy and the EITC, killing and capturing pirates they had once plundered and drank rum with on the shores of the Caribbean.

She sighed, as if resigning herself to his fate. “Very well then,” she said. “If you’re to turn to pirating, there are a few things I’ll have to explain to you…”

She continued to explain Jolly Roger (“He’s a dangerous bloke, not one to be messed with, and he holds a grudge. He’s been after Jack Sparrow for years, but somehow the wiley git gets away time after time.”), The Code (“Don’t shoot any living person, not even a pirate that gets on your last nerve. Skeletons and animals are fine, but if you’re to go after a Navy or EITC like blundering idiot and shooting them up, someone will find out and someone will come after you.”), and all other aspects of pirating, like the profit.

Lawrence was a patient and attentive listener, wanting to do the best he could. This may not be the path he had initially chosen for himself, but he was going to make the best he could for himself from it. He would not make a foolish mistake by tangling with the wrong person or perform an action that could not be taken back. Freedom was his gift, even if he didn’t quite see it like that right now. He would keep this and make sure he was good.

Finally, Kat finished with her explanations. The party that was the King’s Arm had wound down some. Kat glanced down at her empty bottle of rum and yawned. “It’s time for bed,” she said sleepily. She tossed some coins down on the bar for Johnny and then made her way up the stairs. Lawrence followed, his limp having receded even more.

Kat threw open the door to the room, expecting to be able to just throw herself in bed like she usually did. Then Lawrence came and followed her into the room and she remembered why she couldn’t do that-there was only one bed. Suddenly, Kat was much more conscious.

“Um…I’ll just stay down in the bar for the night,” she said quickly and tried to rush out of the room. Lawrence grabbed her arm as she passed by him, pulling her back into the quarters.

“Kat, I’m not kicking you out of your own rooms,” he said. “You go lie down in that bed and get some rest. My nap earlier covered my sleep for the day.” He pushed her gently towards the bed and she moved to it uncertainly.

“You’re sure Lawrence?” she asked. She felt a little guilty. After all, it had been she that had pressed for him to share the room with her.

“I’m sure, Kat,” he responded with a smile. “I’ll just rest myself in this chair here. Don’t worry.” He plopped down into the wooden chair and rested his head back as if it were the most comfortable thing in the world. Kat took this as a sign to crawl into her own sleep space. She closed her eyes and tried to relax, and Lawrence blew out the candle lighting the room.

Not more than ten minutes later, she heard a “Woh!” and a thump come from the dark room. She sat up quickly, immediately becoming more attentive. “Lawrence?” she called into the darkness.

“Down here,” he groaned. His words came from the cold wooden floor. Kat looked over the side of the bed at Lawrence in the white moonlight shining through the tiny window. He was crumpled on the floor, rubbing the top of his head where he had hit it on the drawers.

Kat sighed. “Lawrence, get up here,” she ordered irritably.

“What? No, Kat, I’m fi-”

“You are not fine,” she interrupted. “Trust me, I know how uncomfortable that chair is. You’re not going to get any rest of any sort. So get on this bed.”

“But Kat, I-”

“Now,” Kat insisted. Lawrence resigned himself to the fact that Kat would not give up and picked himself up off the floor. If he was being honest, he didn’t mind sharing the space, but he didn’t want to make Kat uncomfortable. She seemed to have no qualms about it though, so he crawled in next to her.

Kat shifted more towards the wall, further away from him. She may have cared for his well being, but the Katherine that still resided was screaming at her.

“Goodnight Lawrence,” she murmured away from him, at the wall.

“Goodnight Kat,” Lawrence replied. Goodnight my Angel.

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

So....yah. You all can make your own little assumptions and what not. To be quite honest, I don't really like this chapter myself...but I couldn't figure out any other way to write it. Ah well, I'm happier with the upcoming chapters anyway.

To answer BBX's question- Yes, Lawrence Mcrage is the name of one of my in-game characters. I also want to thank you for being honest about not liking my first chapter of this story.

So, anyways mates, again, I'm sorry about this being out a bit late. Thank you for all of the reviews though! It warms me little mixed up pirate heart...along with the rum, haha! Next chapter is Thursday the 11th! Thanks for reading!

-Kat Crestshot

Sweetness Kat! I had been waiting! Looks great. I agree with you, there is something I don't like about this chapter, but I can't put my finger on it.

Looking forward to the next one!

Well, this definitely is one of the most difficult chapters to write. I personally think that writing about a character's transition from common person to pirate is one of the most difficult things to explain when writing about pirates. It's hard to explain the mind set that is necessary and the reasoning behind their decision. I think it's especially difficult to have one character convince the other.

Now I will admit this is not one of my favorite chapters. I believe a few changes to the dialogue would have made it flow better.. but considering the difficulty of the chapter to begin with, I think you did a very good job. Although the conversation was a bit awkward, you still described the emotion and the mood of the situation quite vividly. And I believe your ability to portray that with such detail definitely enhances the chapter overall.

I have to agree with maria, it wasnt ur best i didnt feel that i was sucked in the story thouth so i give it a 3/5 :)

Well, of course, it would be me who has to disagree....I enjoy the tension between the two, and how you showed, once again, Kats resolve and determination...I can see her thrusting her chin out and climbing up on her soapbox....reforming the Caribbean...heh,,freedom fighters,,loved it..

I agree with Jules bout the transformation of Lawrence...very difficult to create the layers and carry em through...but I know you can.

I think when I try to put my finger on what's off to some is the lack of action,,but if ye were to read them back to back,,,its quite nice...and the drop of action is natural as action caused Lawrences condition which makes the inaction reasonable...ahhhh , i'll hesh now...GJ! :)

It didnt seem that bad, although the part that Lawerence gave in so easy didnt agree with me. You cant make someone change, thats my motto.

Finally got around to reading them all... Very interesting what you've done here. Bit lengthy per chapter for my taste. Hope you don't mind just a little criticism, aye? You have so many critics who look only at the good parts... I think that your suspense style is ok, but maybe you could work a little foreshadowing of some kind into the next chapter?

Getting Ready and Gaining Understanding
 

Right off the bat, I'm going to thank you all for the reviews last chapter, even if they were negative (unless you're Seafox, haha). Don't be afraid to do that again! I can take it, haha. I've taken them all into account and I'm probably going to go back and rewrite that chapter, if I find the time. I dislike that chapter so much though, it's going to happen eventually.

Ok, now that that is over and done with, I'm bringing you the next chapter! I like it so much more than the last one.....

Getting Ready and Gaining Understanding

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

It was bliss.
The sound of waves washing up on the shore and the smell of salt invaded her senses, but there was nothing else.
It was calm.
There was no cutlass strapped to her side, no pistol hidden in her boot, no compass weighing her pocket down.
It was peace.

Kat opened her eyes to the shining sunrise of red and orange. There was a great fiery ball rising from the ocean, the sign of a new day. Soft grass was beneath her fingertips as she sat down, relaxing. She turned to the person sitting next to her and smiled…

Kat awoke gently. It was odd; this was the first time in months that she had not experienced a nightmare. She yawned and tried to sit up, but found herself blocked by a weight across her body. Frowning, she slowly turned her head to see a tanned brown arm laying across her. She followed it until she saw Lawrence attached to it. Her eyes widened and she gasped. This was too close. ‘It is not proper!’ Katherine screamed at her in her head.

Kat slowly began rolling away from him. Lawrence suddenly shifted in sleep. Kat froze. He yawned and his hot breath washed over her face. His eyes fluttered open, his green depths a bit muted as he returned to the land of consciousness. When they finally became clear, they focused in on her mouth. His brow furrowed in confusion until he brought his head back and noticed the rest of her face. The eyes flew open in surprise.

“Kat!” he said, jerking backwards. That jerk was just enough to propel him off the bed and send him tumbling to the ground.

Kat peeked out from over the bed. “Are you alright?” she asked.

He looked up at her as he rubbed his head. “I’m fine,” he muttered bad-naturedly. Kat couldn’t suppress the giggle that escaped her lips. It had been rather funny how he had fallen…

All awkwardness left as Kat burst out in a full belly laugh. It had been a long time since she had been able to laugh like this. There was always a dark cloud hanging over her for some reason, but with Lawrence, she felt as if she could truly let go. Lawrence, for his part, merely looked up at the crazed Kat with a goofy grin and an eyebrow raised.

It took a while for her to finally calm down, but when she did, Kat apologized. “I’m sorry Lawrence, it’s just…” She broke off laughing again. “I don’t even know why I started laughing. I’m sorry.” It didn’t stop her from chortling quietly for another minute.

Lawrence rolled his eyes at her good naturedly. “Well, I’m glad I can be such a source of entertainment for you, Kat,” he said sarcastically. Kat leaned a hand down to help him up, and he ended up sitting back on the bed.

Kat looked into his emerald green eyes and her smile slowly faded. Lawrence’s did as well as he admired her features. He leaned a little closer to her and brought a sea-worn hand to her cheek. God, they were so close…

Suddenly, a resounding knock came on the door. “Oi, Kat, you in there?” Johnny McVane yelled.

Kat blinked as if coming out of a dream. She swiftly moved away from Lawrence and hopped of the bed. Lawrence was left hanging, his hand floating in midair.

Kat went to the door and swung it open to see Johnny standing there with his fist in the air, getting ready to knock again. “What Johnny?” she asked irritably.

He frowned at her. “Easy, Kat,” he said. “I just wanted to tell you that O’Malley was downstairs looking for you. Something about that ship of yours.”

“O’Malley?” Kat said brightly. Was her ship fully repaired? “I’ll be right back Lawrence,” she called over her shoulder and ran out the door and down the stairs. McVane watched her leave and turned to Lawrence, who was still sitting on the bed. Lawrence noticed McVane staring at him and waved at him with an uneasy smile.

Kat burst into the bar, looking for O’Malley, but he wasn’t in sight. She rushed outside instead and to his stand where he usually conducted business. He was standing there filling out some paperwork with a worn quill. Kat shot towards the table, almost falling over herself in excitement.

“Good morning O’Malley,” Kat said breathlessly. O’Malley glanced up and scrutinized her. “Good morning Ms. Crestshot,” he replied. He looked back down at his papers, made a few marks, and then turned back at her.

“Yer ship is all repaired, Kat,” he said. “She’s right over thar.” He pointed to the small sloop floating in the waters of the Tortugan bay. The boat bobbed in the blue. Kat felt it was glowing at her. It looked brand new! She turned back to O’Malley, beaming.

“Thank you so much O’Malley!” she exclaimed. She began moving towards her ship, but O’Malley stopped her with a touch on her arm.

“Hold on Crestshot,” he said. “We’re not done here. I’ll be needin’ some final payment.” He held out his hand, waiting for the tinkle of coins falling into his palm.

Kat sighed and reached into her coat pocket. These people were insatiable. “How much O’Malley?”

“Twenty gold please,” he said with a grin. Kat dropped the coins into his hand and O’Malley tapped his forehead as if tipping a hat to her. “Enjoy your ship, Ms. Crestshot,” he said, and made his way back to his stand.

Kat ran to her ship and stood on the dock admiring it for a moment. It looked so much better than the last time she had seen it. Then, it had been filled with holes, her mast was torn, and the port side was on fire. She had barely gotten it to shore before it sank. The look on O’Malley’s face had been priceless when she showed him the washed up ship. It had taken almost a month to fix, but it was here now. Kat grinned and made her way up the plank.

The deck gleamed up at her. Kat ran her hand along the railing, felling the rough texture smoothed over with wax. Her hand continued along the outside wall of her cabin. Kat smiled. She opened the door and found her quarters just as she had left them. With careful examination, she found only a cooking pot and a spoon was missing. She smirked. Everything of importance had been removed before she had entrusted the ship to O’Malley. She knew firsthand the sticky fingers most Tortugans had. Now all she had to do was go see Fabiola to retrieve her items.

Kat exited her cabin and went back out to the salty fresh air. Her Cutthroat Wolf’s sails billowed in the light wind. Kat’s eyes followed the sails until they fixed on the crow’s nest. With a smirk, she swung onto the ropes and shimmied to the top. She stood there with her eyes closed and the sun basking on her face. Gods, how she had missed this feeling.

She opened her eyes and stared down at the tiny town and the tiny people. The warm sea air invaded her eyes, making her blink, but she didn’t care. Her eyes focused on a small figure with bright red hair coming out of Kings Arm. It looked around and then up at her with a hand shielding from the sun. Lawrence waved up at her in the crow’s nest and Kat waved back wildly. She swung out of the basket and climbed back down to the deck of her ship. Lawrence was waiting for her when she got off of the plank.

“I suppose this is your ship then?” he asked her, eying it appreciatively.

“Yes, it is. Lawrence, this is absolutely wonderful!” Kat cried as she literally jumped for joy. Lawrence had to smile at her joviality.

“Do you know what this means, Lawrence?” she asked excitedly. She didn’t wait for him to respond and said, “It means I can go out to sea again!” She spun around in circles and threw her hands up in the air like a giddy child. “Oh wow, I have so much to do! I have to get some food and load up on ammo and make sure my cannons are all fixed…” She would have gone on, but she was cut off.

“Kat!” someone called out to her. She looked over Lawrence’s shoulder to see Nate Swordwalker standing tall and proud on the other side of the dock. He waved to her in greeting with a giant smile.

“Nate!” she yelled. Lawrence rubbed his ear where Kat had shrieked in it as she ran past him to greet Nate. She hugged him tight as Lawrence watched. He felt a flare of jealousy as the two embraced. It was not his place to feel it, so he quickly shoved the feeling back down.

Kat pulled back from Nate’s arms with a giant smile. “What are you doing here?” she asked ecstatically. “I thought you weren’t going to port back here for another month at least!”

Nate grinned down at her. “We were in the waters nearby, so I couldn’t help docking here. You know how much I love Tortuga.” He eyed the rambleshack town over her shoulder. There were a few men chasing each other drunkenly, and another group in the middle of a brawl.

Kat snorted at the misty expression in his eyes. “Yes, it does have a certain charm to it, doesn’t it?” She laughed at him and punched his burly arm. Nate laughed at her and retaliated with a playful swat to the head, which she easily ducked under. The two play fought for a minute, Nate secretly making sure her skills were still fine tuned. It wasn’t easy in the Caribbean, especially for a female, and Nate was invested in Kat. Lawrence watched in silence before coming over.

“Hello there,” he said pleasantly. “I’m Lawrence Mcrage.” He extended a hand to Nate. “You are?”

Nate drew himself up to his full height and gripped Lawrence’s hand cautiously. “Nate Swordwalker,” he replied slowly. “Why do you ask?”

“Oh, I’m just Kat’s friend,” Lawrence replied genially. “Just wanted to meet someone else she knows.”

Lawrence remembered the old saying ‘You can tell a lot about a man by his handshake.” Lawrence measured up Nate’s handshake carefully. His grip was firm, and his hands calloused from sea work. It was loose enough for Lawrence to pull away if he wanted, but he felt if he tried anything untoward, Nate would be able to grab him fast and tight. He had drawn himself up to his full height and looked Lawrence directly in the eye. This was not a man to be messed with. However, his eyes occasionally flickered to Kat. These glances were ones of brotherly affection and protection. Kat had nothing to fear from him. Nate cared too much. That much was obvious from the single glances.

Finally, the handshake ended. “Well, it’s nice to meet you,” Nate said acceptingly. He couldn’t sense anything off about Lawrence. Kat had been watching the interaction nervously, not sure how the two would react. She sighed in relieve internally. The two seemed to agree with each other.

Nate turned to Kat. “Well Kat, what do you say to going for a little sailing, a little plundering, go scare the red right out of those Navy uniforms?”

Kat laughed. “Sorry Nate, I just got my ship back. I need to go get prepared for my own trip.” Her eyes glowed at this statement, at the thought of adventure and excitement with each passing wave.

“Come on now, Kat. I tell you over and over that you’re the best cannoneer I’ve ever had, and it still stands true,” Nate tried to convince her.

“Nate, we’ve been through this before,” she said, serious now. “I won’t set sail with you. It’s too dangerous!”

Nate scoffed. “How can sailing with a full crew on a heavily armored ship be more dangerous than that oversized dingy you drive?” he asked angrily.

Kat glared at him. “You know why,” she said in a low voice.

Nate’s eyes widened and he flung his hands into the air in exasperation. “What, that stupid superstition again?” he asked incredulously. “You know I don’t believe in that!”

“It’s not just that and you know it, Nate,” Kat said. “I have my own ship that I don’t just want to leave in a dock for months on end.”

“Well then sell the dingy and be done with it!” Nate cried.

That was the wrong thing to say. “I will not sell my ship, Nate Swordwalker!” she hissed. “You know how much I value and freedom! You, of all people, will not take that away from me!” With that, she ran off, away from the docks.

Lawrence, who had watched the exchange with trepidation, followed after the fuming Kat. She ran into the swamp area and pulled out her pistol. Lawrence lost sight of her, but he heard a shot ring out, then another. The marsh squished under his boots as he sprinted towards the source of the noise.

He came across the body of a crocodile lying in the muck. Kat stood over it with her gun in hand. She grinned at Lawrence as he walked up, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“I can barter with it,” she told him, even though he hadn’t asked. “The tailors will want the skin for coats and boots, the butchers will want the meat, and I’m sure Fabiola will be able to use something for voodoo.” Kat sighed and went to sit down in a dry, hollowed out house. Lawrence went to sit up against the wall next to her.

“It’s always the same argument,” Kat said. “He always wants me to join his crew, and I always decline.” She sighed. “He doesn’t get it. Nate may not be superstitious, but most of his crew is. Even if they weren’t though, it would be just as bad. I wouldn’t be accepted, I would be isolated…and I’m sure more than a few of them would flirt with me every second of every day.” Kat shook her head. “No, it’s just better to be alone.”

“Let me come with you Kat,” Lawrence said after a few minutes. He moved to his knees before her and took one of her hands. “Let me come with you so you won’t have to be alone,” he almost pleaded.

Kat was silent for a moment as she thought it over. Then she said, “I can’t, Lawrence.” Kat liked Lawrence, but she wasn’t ready to open up to anyone. Being on the sea alone with Lawrence for days on end would inevitably reveal something she may not want to reveal. She was shutting herself off. It was close to the same unfeeling way she handled killing.

Lawrence looked crestfallen. Kat quickly came out of her stupor so she could explain herself. “Look, Lawrence, I’m just so used to handling the ship alone that you would just get in the way,” she tried to justify.

“Please, Kat,” Lawrence tried again. “I want to help you.”

“No Lawrence, and that’s that.” Kat stood up. “Look, just help me get this alligator back to town, alright?” She walked over to the carcass and picked up one end of it. Lawrence watched her walk away, then sighed and went to help her.

They carried the body to Doc Grog, who helped them dissect the animal as well as buy a few things off of it. Soon, they left Doc Grog’s office, complete with a bag to carry all of their supplies and alligator parts in, and a few coins jingling in Kat’s pocket. They continued around to various people on the island, selling the various alligator parts for a pretty penny until all that was left were scraps. It was dusk when the pair made it back to the dock and Kat’s Cutthroat Wolf.

Kat sat down heavily in her chair in her cabin. Lawrence stood awkwardly until Kat motioned for him to sit in the chair opposite her. She opened up the bag so she could check her inventory. There was money, food, gunpowder, and a few tonics and charms from Fabiola, along with all of the items Kat had left with her. Kat was satisfied with it.

“Well, I suppose I’m all ready to go then,” she said. Lawrence decided this was the opportune moment for another attempt.

“Kat, are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?” he asked hesitantly. Kat looked at him. Lawrence was staring at his feet. She could help but think he looked like a lost puppy.

Her face softened. “No, Lawrence,” she said quietly. “I can’t allow that. I’m…not ready for that.” She took her ponytail out and ran her hand through her hair. “I need my own time. Tortuga…after being stuck here for a month, I need to be by myself. Do you understand that?” She hoped that she was making herself clear to him.

Lawrence was silent before he said, “Yes Kat, I understand that, I suppose.” He resigned himself to the fact that he would not be going back out.

Kat smiled at him. “Thank you Lawrence,” she said. She got up and sat her bag down on her bed. With her back turned to Lawrence, she pulled something long out of it. “Come here really quick Lawrence,” she said. He got up and made his way over. Lying across Kat’s palms was a sword sheathed in a rather old looking piece of leather.

“I want you to take this Lawrence,” she said. She held the sword out to him and he took it in his hands. He backed up a little bit and took it out of the case. It was straight and light grey in color, unlike Kat’s, which was curved. However, it was also sharp on both sides and had a firm grip on it.

“It’s a pure iron cutlass,” she told him. “It’s an old sword of mine, and it’s a lot better than that old rusted one you have now. Well balanced, but it’s heavy, which is why I didn’t like it so much. The one I have now is better suited for me.”

Lawrence admired it and turned it so it glinted in the light of the setting sun. “Kat, I can’t possibly take this,” he said.

“Oh yes you can, Lawrence Mcrage,” Kat said severely. “I will not have you getting killed because you have a sword that can’t cut through butter. Look,” she said as she walked up to him, “you need this weapon. Trust me. Otherwise, you’ll end right back up in that jail cell and your chance for freedom will be gone. Understand?”

Lawrence nodded. “Good,” Kat said. “Now, I also have this for you.” She pulled a small bag out of her pocket and handed it to him. Lawrence set the sword down and took it. He opened it to see glinting gold. His mouth fell open.

“Kat…why…” he stammered.

“You once told me that the Caribbean runs off of money,” she said. “Now it is you who has nothing. It’s only about a hundred gold, but it should help you along.”

Lawrence was speechless. She couldn’t help but smile at his reaction. “Now, the next thing you should probably do is set sail with Nate. He can be hardheaded, but he’s a good guy and he’ll help you.”

Lawrence blinked as if he were trying to come out of a dream. “Kat..I don’t know what to say. Thank you!”

Kat grinned at him. “It’s my pleasure this time Lawrence,” she said. “Come on then. I think it’s time for you to go.” She escorted him off of the boat with his new items. The moon had risen by now and it bathed them in its white glow as they stood on the dock.

Kat hesitated, and then she embraced him tightly. Lawrence was shocked, but his arms encircled her as well. They stood there for a moment in the relative silence of the night. The waves washed up on the shore and there were a few shouts in the distance, but it was ignored.

Kat gave him a final squeeze and pulled away. “Until next time Lawrence Mcrage,” she said softly. She made her way back up into her ship and her cabin without looking back.

“Until next time Kat Crestshot.” Lawrence whispered into the night.

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Ok then. Lawrence, Kat, Nate (again. :))...I don't know what to say. You tell me. This was the longest chapter to date (sorry Keeper, haha), and I didn't even realize it until it was finished. I do believe it was better than the last chapter, but if you don't think so, tell me. Please.

Ok, a little bit of bad news. I am leaving for vacation next week and will not be back until late Thursday, early Friday. Therefore, there will not be any new chapter next week. You all will have to wait until the 24th. Sorry. I will try to knock out a few chapters on the long (long...long.......) drive to wherever it is we may be going, so less late night posting! Whoo!

Ok mates, that's it for my rambling. Thanks for the reviews and Thanks for reading!

-Kat Crestshot

Awesome! Awesome, awesome, awesome!

The 24th???????????????????? BWAAAAH!!!!!!!! Unacceptable, missy!

The ship detail was priceless! I love how you go into deep detail to make visualizatoin as clear as possible. Great work!

A Sister's Worry
 

Ahoy mates! My apologies on this being a week late. I was coming home from vacation last Thursday and did not want just a quickly typed, barely edited chapter out to you guys. I hope you understand. But I was writing on the long (long....long....) drive home so no fear! Chapters will still be coming. As they say in theater, the show must go on! So, I present to you...

A Sister's Worry

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Lightning flashed and thunder cracked. Rain drops pitter-pattered on the window. They ran down the glass in rivlets, racing each other to the sill. The fresh smell of it permeated throughout the area.

Sarah Crestshot sat in a large armchair in her parent’s sitting room. She stared into the orange flames in silence. Anyone looking at her would have thought her a statue. Her eyes were glazed over as she thought and wondered.

Katherine had not written to her. It had been over a year since she had left with her husband to the Caribbean. When they had parted, Katherine had said she would write to her as soon as she arrived in Port Royal. By Sarah’s estimations, that would be about a month after leaving London. She had waited patiently for three months after Katherine’s departure for a letter, but nothing came.

It was then that Sarah had used what connections the family had in the Navy to inquire about Katherine’s ship. The news came back to her that it had landed safely on the shores of Port Royal. If this was the case, there should be no reason she had not received a letter. Perhaps it was possible the ship carrying the first letter could be lost to the sea, but surely Katherine would have sent more letters after that, and after that. It was all very puzzling to Sarah.

The door suddenly opened and in walked a rain splattered Charles, his brown hair plastered to his head and his clothes sagging from the weight of the water. Sarah immediately leaped from her chair - in a ladylike fashion of course - and over to the soaked young man.

“Charles, you are dripping all over the rug!” she admonished him. Then she noticed his teeth chattering and his legs trembling, so she shuffled him over to the fire. He sat on the floor in front of the flames and rubbed his hands together close to them. Sarah went to have a maid fetch a blanket for him. It came back a moment later, and Sarah draped it around his trembling frame. She sat back down in her chair across from him.

“What were you doing in the rain without an umbrella, Charles?” she reproached. “Look at your suit! It’s soaked completely through!”

“Oh please Sarah, they’re just clothes,” Charles snapped. “I can get a new suit.”

“All the same, Charles,” Sarah said evenly, trying to control her exasperation, “there is no point in wasting it.” She sighed. “What were you doing out anyway?” she asked heavily.

She inhaled the rain soaked air, then unexpectedly caught an odd scent. Her nostrils widened as she sniffed a little harder.

“Charles…” she began disapprovingly. Charles glanced at her guiltily. Sarah took another whiff of the air. She turned to Charles with a glare.

“Have you been down with the dockworkers and their…their coca leaves again?!” she spluttered angrily. Charles flushed, and this time it wasn’t from the cold.

“What does it even matter, Sarah?” he snarled, standing up and throwing the blanket off his shoulders. “They don’t do anything but numb my mouth a little.”

“You are not to be associating with those men, Charles!” she yelled at him. “They are below your status! You know this!” She began pacing in front of him. “I can’t believe you went to see them again. Those leaves are an excellent example of the bad influence they have on you!”

“Oh don’t be daft Sarah! They’re not dangerous! Those leaves are the only bit of adventure I can get in this standstill life, and even then, it's nothing!”

Sarah stopped pacing and looked at him. She sighed. “Charles, you’re only 18,” she said. “You have the rest of your life for adventure.”

Charles shook his head at her. “No I don’t Sarah,” he said lowly. “It won’t be long before I am forced into a loveless marriage and take father’s place as the head of the family. There will be nothing but tea and business meetings after that. I need something while I can get it.”

Sarah turned away from him and to the tears down the window. She stared morosely at the flashing clouds and the carriages creating waves as they passed through puddles. It was quite fitting to her mood as she saw one wave envelope a smaller one.

“I want you to help me with something Charles,” she spoke, her breath fogging up the window. “Perhaps after it you will get over your foolish inclination for adventure.”

Charles crept towards her, all anger lost to curiosity. “What is it Sarah?” he asked.

Sarah took a deep breath before speaking. “It has been months since we have heard from Katherine. Everything I have done to try and locate her has lead to false trails and dead ends. I can’t figure out anything from these people in England, because they know nothing as well.”

She turned back to Charles with a gleam in her eye. “It is time I take matters into my own hands. I want to go to the Caribbean, and I want you to come with me. We are going to find our sister.”

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Well, not the chapter you were expecting, was it? Actually, it wasn't the one I was expecting either, but I can't help when the characters yell "I want to be introduced now do it now!"

I also want to send out a special shout out to my brand new editor....Juliana Maria!!! Sorry TSC, but now you know why I wouldn't send them to you, haha. Jules here has been very helpful in her reviews and I know that she is an author herself, so we both get chances to hone our skills, aye Jules? Rum's on me mate!

So mates, I'm done here till next week. Reviews please! Thanks for reading!

-Kat Crestshot

ok i am grinning from ear to ear...I always smile at some point in your stories...

I think Lawrence might have acted a lil more of the proud and stubborn type...by a)acting stupid when Kat hugged Nate, mumbling and stomping off or whatever and b) not taking the gold...but then again, he's a smart character...i dunno

Love the change up, the more the merrier...and it'll be interesting how they run Kat to ground. :)

I like it! Especially how you make your pirates brothers and sisters. Can't wait for the next one... ;) You hugged me? :psmiley27:

So... What's your plan here Kat? New editor, eh? Well, you ever need another, I'm always willing to help a fellow writer. (Grumbling) "Why doesn't she ever hug me?"

Eitc
 

Ahoy there mates! Got another chapter right here for ya! But before we start, a few things to certain readers....Yes, Nate, I hugged you, get over it. :degen: And Keeper, if you want a cameo, just PM me mate, aye? Haha. :laughks2: So, with that over and done, with, I present to you...

EITC

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Kat Crestshot knelt as she peeked over the edge of her ship. She could see the black and white sails of an EITC Sloop in her telescope. Her fake British flag was raised and her sails were closed so as not to attract attention. She was trying to get a feel for the difficulty of the situation before she made her move. There were two ways she could go about this. The first and more subtle approach, involved her playing the part of a feigning a woman stuck at sea. The second and more direct option was a full blown assault. She contemplated her options as she watched the crew move about the deck.

“So what we gonna do, Kat?” her companion asked loudly as he popped above the edge of the ship. Kat scrambled in shock with her telescope. She dropped down closer to the deck and pulled the boy down with her by his collar. He rubbed his neck where the cloth had cut into him, but Kat didn’t care.

“You stupid boy!” she hissed quietly. “Didn’t I tell you to stay quiet and stay down?! I’m trying to figure out what to do!” She shook her head and went back to observing the EITC ship.

Why did she have the boy again? Oh yes, Josie had asked her to take him to Tortuga. If she didn’t have more than a few favors to square up with that woman, the boy would still be sitting and hiding somewhere in Port Royal.

His name was Hector Bluepaine, though Kat usually just called him ‘stupid boy’. He had gotten in a spot of trouble with the skeletons back in Port Royal. From what Josie had told her, the boy had been wandering in the wrong part of the woods when he came across some undead skeletons. However instead of steering clear of the creatures, he taunted them and waved his little wooden sword in their faces. Apparently, he went as far as threatening them to’ watch their backs’ because he was ‘going to get them’. Of course that was when the skeletons drew their very real, non-wooden swords.

The stupid boy barely escaped with his life.

Josie had begged Kat to take Hector when she had been in Port Royal the month before. She figured the boy would be safer on Tortuga than on the skelly infested island. So Kat reluctantly agreed to take Josie’s teenage nephew along with her. She couldn’t deny that he had been useful, but at times like this, he was more of a nuisance than anything else.

Kat sat her telescope down. “We’re going with the ‘lost at sea’ route this time,” she told Hector quietly. “The size of that crew is a bit larger than we are, and while we could just sink them, the EITC is known for possessing items that are far too valuable to be sending to Jones’ Locker. I want to salvage as much as we can.” She picked up her telescope and walked into her cabin. “I’m going to go change. Get the ship ready and grab your things.”

Kat walked into her cabin and slammed the door closed. She had a whole outfit and alias for this type of situation. She and Hector were supposed to be siblings that had set out for Port Royal from Padres del Fuego, trying to get away from the rough lifestyle and the dangers of the volcano. They had gotten lost in a storm on the way and needed help.

Kat slipped on her plain brown skirt and a long, puffy shirt, but she kept her heavy boots. A small pistol was hidden inside the right one, not for use, but as a bluff. The Navy and the EITC were, thankfully, ignorant of the Code. She picked up her dagger and tucked it into the waistband of her skirt, and grabbed a smoke grenade to hide. Ready for action, she went back on deck.

Hector stood there, ready for the EITC ship. Kat nodded to him and he released the sails. She took the wheel and pointed them in the general direction of the sloop. They would get in yelling range to get the attention of the EITC soldiers. Everything should go according to plan from there.

Kat and Hector yelled and cried frantically, as if they were suffering from starvation and dehydration. The black uniforms yelled back, telling them to drop anchor so they could help. The two did so, appearing grateful. The sloop pulled up next to them and put a plank between the ships. Kat motioned for Hector to stay on the Cutthroat Wolf and made her way to the EITC ship. He knew what to do. She walked over the plank to the EITC ship with a mask of fear in place as she bobbed over the water.

Her boots thumped on the deck of the Trading Company’s sloop. Black coats surrounded her, and her fingers itched for her dagger. It would not be used, but it would comfort her to know that these men would not mess with her if they knew she had it.

A man, who she assumed to be the captain, parted the men and approached her. “Hello miss. I see that you seem to be in a spot of trouble. If you would follow me, I would be glad to help you.” He began walking to the Captain’s Quarters, and Kat followed closely.

The captain invited her into his domain and closed the door behind him with a click. He folded his hands behind his back and smiled politely at her. There was something behind that smile though, something Kat had learned to perceive after working with pirates for months. He spoke pleasantly enough.

“So how may I be of assistance, Ms…?”

“Johnson,” Kat replied. “My name is Emily Johnson, and I’m afraid my brother and I are horribly lost,” she said meekly. “We were trying to get to Port Royal, but we were caught in a storm and horribly turned around. Many of our supplies were lost at sea as well. Would you be able to help us at all?”

The captain nodded at her. “I’m sure my ship can spare a few supplies Ms. Johnson,” he said. His eyes got darker and he moved a little closer. “Such help would require some form of…payment, however.”

Kat swiftly dodged his move. She noticed a pack of matches lying on the table next to a half opened window leading to the deck and slid towards them. “I’m afraid I don’t know what type of payment you speak of Captain,” she said innocently with her back turned to him. She took a hidden smoke grenade out of her shirt. The hiss of the lighting match was disguised by the waves slapping against the boat. She lit the grenade and rolled it inconspicuously out the window.

That finished, Kat turned around to find the captain practically on top of her. In reaction, she jumped backwards. The table thumped loudly into the wall.

The captain smiled sinisterly at her. “I think you know exactly what type of payment I mean, Ms. Johnson,” he growled, and he lurched at her. Kat ducked to the side at the same time the smoke bomb went off.

That was Hector’s cue. He charged across the plank connecting the ships with a cloth wrapped around his nose and mouth to lessen the effect of the smoke. Quickly, while the soldiers were disoriented, he dispatched them of their weapons. A few of them tried reaching for him, but he used the smoke to his advantage and slipped away from them. He was able to knock a few of them out, making them much easier to manage. At a loss for weapons, Hector quickly tied the small crew to the mast.

Meanwhile, in the cabin, the captain saw the smoke bomb go off through the window. Kat whipped out her dagger and slashed at his back. It was a shallow cut, but the captain fell over in pain and clutched his back. Kat stood over him. With her dagger in hand, she was quite the menacing figure.

“Now, this is what’s going to happen,” she murmured coldly at him, all traces of the frightened and innocent girl gone. “You are going to let me go through all of your cargo, let me take what I want, and I won’t send you and your ship to Davy Jones’ Locker, savvy?” He nodded weakly in agreement, but was already planning a way to sabotage her.

Kat saw the shiftiness in his eyes. She knelt in front of him and placed her dagger directly under his chin, the point denting his Adam ’s apple. “Don’t you think of trying anything either. If you recall, I just incapacitated you and your crew with very little effort. If you cherish your life, you shall make no move on me, nor my companion. Aye?” The captain stuttered out a yes, afraid to move his head. Kat smirked. “Good man,” she said, nicking his chin with the dagger. Blood gathered around the small cut. “That’s what you get for trying to take advantage of a weak and meager girl, eh Captain? Now, shall we see your valuables?”

Kat and Hector escaped with quite a loot from that ship. She ended up having to pull out her pistol when she and the captain exited the cabin, so she could intimidate the crew. The captain was surprisingly cooperative for the rest of the time. Of course, that could be because Kat had threatened to cut off something much more valuable than a finger when he tried to communicate with the crew.

Finally, Kat had gathered all she wanted from the hold. As they left, the pair had some fun tearing up the EITC sails a little. They also made sure to disable the rudder chain before returning to their vessel.

“By the way Captain, you weren’t just bested by Emily Johnson!” Kat called out as they began leaving. “Kat Crestshot, at your service!” She laughed as her tiny sloop headed into deeper waters.

After a while, Kat ordered Hector to take the wheel. She climbed up to the crow’s nest to be alone with her thoughts.

It had been about three months she had been out at sea. During that time, she’d been enjoying herself immensely just being free, but perhaps it was time to dock. With everything that had been plundered in this time, her hold was getting full. There were many things that needed to be sold. And, if she were honest, she missed the sturdy feel of solid land beneath her feet.

There was Hector to think of as well. She had promised to take him to Tortuga months ago. Besides…he reminded her so much of Lawrence. He was so bright and full of energy, and very attentive to her. They were even built the same. It made her long for her friend. Her best chance of seeing him again was Tortuga.

She took her compass from her pocket. It had been a long time since she had referred to it, mostly because it had been spinning wildly each time she looked at it. This time however, the arrow spun for only a moment before settling. Kat knew that heading.

“Hector!” she called down to him.

Hector stretched his neck up to look at her. “Aye, Kat?” he yelled back.

“Point us Northwest, boyo! We’re headed for Tortuga!”

Hector’s face lit up. “Tortuga,” he whispered with glee, and immediately straightened the course.

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

There's actually a story behind Hector Bluepaine. He's sort of a cameo, because he's my brother's character! Haha, he loves this story as well, even though he hasn't even gotten past Her Beginning yet. To say he was excited when I told him he was going to be in this story is an understatement. Honestly, I think I really got his character in REAL life, minus the appearance, hahaha.

Thanks again to Juliana Maria for editing this chapter. Without her, it would be a lot less.....something. Um...flowy? Jules, what say you? Hahaha, thanks mate!

So, questions, comments, concerns, things that make you nervous? Leave me a review, and I'll be one happy pirate, haha. Next chapter is next Thursday. Thanks for reading!

I like this chapter a lot! I am actually kind of speechless, probably because I am so tired though. I could think of a million things that I like about this chapter but I choose not to. All I can say is that I like it. Nice job Kat!

All Hallows Eve
 

Ahoy mates! Time for another chapter, another tale of adventure, another grand... something or other. I misplaced my thesaurus. :laughks2: Anyways, for your entertainment, here's a new chapter. I present to you...

All Hallows Eve

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

The Cutthroat Wolf landed on the docks of Tortuga two days later. Dusk was approaching, and the sun was beginning to sink into the ocean. Just another beautiful end to a day of freedom for the pirates of the Caribbean.

Kat was at the wheel as she pulled up to the dock. Hector dropped the anchor and the ship jerked to a stop. They tied up the sails and made sure to seal up the ship while working to the music of Tortuga: yelling and guns firing. Kat couldn’t help but smile as they worked.

The ship was finally set to be without them, but before they stepped onto the shore, Kat pulled Hector aside.

“Now you see here, boyo,” she said sternly. “Tortuga is a rough place, so you’re to stay by me at all times, savvy? I don’t care what looks interesting or who offers you gold if you just do them a quick favor. Stay next to me, aye?” Hector nodded eagerly like the boy he was. Kat was worried something may happen, but she had given the boy his warning. All she could do now was hope that Hector used whatever sense he had in that hollow head of his. She hadn’t brought the boy here just to be torn to pieces as soon as he arrived.

They left the ship and Kat headed straight to O’Malley to pay for the spot at the dock. O’Malley greeted her warmly and welcomed her back to Tortuga. He didn’t mention anything about Hector; such questions could be dangerous.

Kat decided it was time to visit Fabiola next. She led Hector through the winding maze of drunks to the gypsy. As they walked up, Fabiola looked up from something she was weaving with a smile.

“Welcome back to solid land, Kat,” she greeted her warmly. Her violet eyes turned to Hector. “Welcome to you as well, Hector Bluepaine,” she said.

Hector’s eyes widened in amazement. “How does she know my name?” he whispered to Kat. She couldn’t help but grin at the boy.

“Fabiola is rather…mystical,” she told him. The gypsy smiled at Hector kindly.

“So, how have you been, Kat?” Fabiola asked knowingly. “Not up to too much trouble, are you?” she grinned.

Kat smirked at her friend. “Well, actually-”

A green glow suddenly flashed up the night sky. Everyone looked up in confusion.

Fabiola’s smile turned to a look of great fear. “Oh no,” she whispered in terror. She turned to Kat. “It is All Hallows Eve! Jolly Roger is using it’s power to spread his influence!” She clutched Kat’s arm frantically. “You must run, the both of you!” Fabiola quickly gathered her things and went inside her wagon.

Kat studied the green sky for a moment, then turned to Hector. “Get in there with Fabiola,” she ordered.

Hector was confused. “But…but Kat-” he spluttered.

“Hector, do it now!” she roared. Hector dashed into Fabiola’s wagon. Kat knew he would be safe with the gypsy from whatever needed to be feared. She only hoped that he would stay put.

She took off at a run for the beach. Before she could get there, her body suddenly became enflamed with pain. She tripped and fell to her knees as her body began a painful transformation. Her skin turned to dust and her bones cracked at the pressure of the air. Her back arched as if trying to escape the pain of her joints falling into place differently. Her hazel eyes squeezed shut as her muscles fell off, and when they opened again, they were colorless balls. Kat tried to take deep gulps of air, but found she couldn’t because her lungs had disintegrated as well.

Finally, the transformation ended. Kat lay trembling on the ground from the aftershocks of pain. Gingerly, she pushed herself to her feet. She went to wipe the dirt off of her jacket, but stopped to see her bony hand. Her mouth opened in horror as she flexed her fingers, checking to see if they were truly hers. The fingers responded accordingly with her thoughts.

A person stepped out of the barber’s on her left, non-skeletal. Kat recognized the bright red hair. “Lawrence!” she cried in joy.

Lawrence looked up. His bright green eyes narrowed. “A skeleton!” he growled. He pulled out his cutlass-the same iron one Kat had given him months ago-and stalked toward her.

Kat gasped. He didn’t recognize her in this form! “No, Lawrence, it’s me, it’s Kat!” she cried, trying to get him to stop. Lawrence kept walking towards her, making Kat back up and raise her hands in surrender. “Lawrence, stop, it’s me, it’s Kat!” Lawrence showed no signs of stopping as he backed her into a tree.

“Lawrence, stop!” Kat yelled frantically, drawing her own cutlass now.

It was at the sight of the sword that Lawrence swung. Kat ducked and the iron sword embedded in the tree. She moved behind him with her blade held loosely at her side. Lawrence was stuck trying to get his out of the tree.

Kat used this opportunity while he was occupied to try and talk to him and get him to understand. “Lawrence,” she said quietly, figuring it was better than yelling. “It’s me. It’s Kat Crest-”

She was abruptly cut off by Lawrence spinning around, his sword slicing through the air for her neck. Kat’s blade flew up and metal clashed on metal. He swung again, this time aiming for the top of her head. The blades came together again with a clang as Kat blocked him once more.

They stood locked like that. “Lawrence, stop! I’m not what you think I am!” she yelled in his face. His green eyes were inflamed, showing exactly why the name Mcrage was so fitting.

He ignored her words and howled with rage as he attacked her left side. Kat’s sword pointed to the ground as she parried. Her whole body turned on the spot while she pushed her blade against his. Lawrence moved again, trying to stab her side, but Kat blocked him again, her sword moving to the right as she moved left away from Lawrence’s sharp edge. He went for her ankles instead, making a giant sweep from right to left. Kat made a jump over it that would have made Jack Sparrow proud. While coming down, she made a split-second decision that she had to end this.

Kat’s feet greeted the Tortuga soil once more. She went on the offensive and slashed at Lawrence’s right leg, the one supporting him most. He saw the move and tried to swing his cutlass around to block it, but he was too slow. Kat cut neatly across his thigh. He buckled and fell to the ground with a howl of pain.

Kat listened to his scream with a heavy heart. She hadn’t wanted to do it, but it was necessary so neither of them lost their lives. Lawrence glared up at her. “Bloody skeleton!” he hissed. Kat’s eyes crinkled in sadness, but she didn’t respond. That would have to be saved for later.

She took Lawrence under his arms, much to his chagrin, and dragged him into the barber shop he had exited only a few minutes before. Once out of the light of the green Jolly Moon, she began to transform back to her usual shape. She fell in pain next to Lawrence as her skin regenerated and her bones became hidden under muscle once more.

Lawrence stared at her in horror as she morphed back into her true form. She lay there breathing heavily, trying to recover from the pain. “Kat,” he whispered.

Kat took a tonic from her pocket and drank it down. She shook her head a little to clear it. Her eyes turned to him. “Hello Lawrence. Good to see you.”

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Well. Interesting meeting, eh? Funny story about that little fighting scene-I had a few issues figuring out how to do it, so I grabbed my sister, went into the garage, and choreographed the entire thing with a pair of sticks. I'm telling you, it's not as easy as it looks, haha.

A thank you to my editor, Juliana Maria. Rum is still on me mate! :)

Well, hows about telling me what you think? I don't mind criticism, but I also don't mind comments either. :) Whatever floats your frigate. Next chapter next Thursday. Thanks for reading!

-Kat Crestshot

OHHHHHH, Kat....what I wouldn't give to be a fly on a wall in your garage!!!

Seriously...hmmm...nah....can't do serious well, who am I fooling ;), you have outdone yourself on these last two.

Introducing your brothers character, Hector, gives Kat that little compassionate, protective, softer edge....while still proving her mettle against any villain she meets! You have to be his hero,,,,heck,,,,you are my hero and we aren't even related!!

I am glad you didn't wait on the Hallows Eve one!...Talk about a surprise chapter!! Excellent detail Crest!! And yes, the flow is better...so thanks Juliana....good team work...hardest part is waiting to see how Lawrence is gonna make it up to Kat for trying to 'debone' her...lol

Very very good! I haven't visitted in a while, but I"ve read up now and everthing is just perfect, soft but powerful, with a touch of mystery to it. I love your work and just go all the way.

That I would like to see any day, any time.

Ok mates, here's the next chapter for you, ready, willing, and able. Here is...

Aftermath

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

“Kat,” Lawrence whispered again. Dear gods, it really was her. He had thought she was some kind of skeleton who was reading his mind so that he would stop attacking. It really was Kat though…he was in a state of shock.

Kat took another tonic from her pocket and pushed it to Lawrence’s lips. “Here, drink this. It should heal up your leg.” Lawrence swallowed the potion obediently.

“Kat…I…I’m sorry, I didn’t know…” he tried to explain. Kat put a finger to his lips to shush him.

“Not now, Lawrence,” she said. “There will be time for explanations later. Right now, we have to fix this wrong.” She stood up and hauled Lawrence to his feet. They exited the barber shop and ran towards the beach. Kat figured she wasn’t the only one that had endured the agony of transformation.

She was right. At the beach, there were skeletons everywhere, matched up with untransformed pirates. Bodies lay strewn on the sand, some moaning in pain…some not. They passed one man lying across a fallen pirate. “My friend, my poor poor friend…I did not know…” he sobbed.

The green light of the moon began fading. Kat looked up to see the face of Jolly Roger grinning evilly down at them all before disappearing.

The melee halted as all the skeletons turned back into humans. All those that had been fighting them stopped and stared at the writhing forms. Kat winced in phantom pain as she remembered her own transformation.

All was silent…and then a scream rang out through the air. Everyone turned to see a woman strewn across the body of a boy. He looked like her son.

“Hector,” Kat whispered in terror. She took off for Fabiola’s cart. Activity bustled around her as people searched for fallen comrades and helped the injured. She ignored it all. Her mind was focused on only one person.

Lawrence watched Kat run off. “Kat!” he yelled, trying to go after her, but his leg still hurt. He cursed and followed her, limping.

Kat stayed on the path to Fabiola’s. She skidded to a halt as she saw Hector laying in the middle of it, being tended to by Fabiola. The gypsy looked up at Kat’s stuttering steps. “He turned,” she said to Kat’s fearful eyes. “I’m sorry, he wanted to go to you. I couldn’t stop him.”

Kat fell to her knees next to Hector. He looked bad. There was a bruise forming on the whole left side of his face. Kat could tell his eye would swell shut because of it. There was a hole in his arm and a series of cuts across his chest and stomach, some that had merely ripped his shirt, others that made deep, bloody gashes. He was paler than a ghost and his eyelids fluttered as he flickered on the brink of consciousness.

“You need to help me get him in my wagon. He must be treated immediately,” Fabiola said to Kat. “Otherwise…” Fabiola trailed off, conveying the rest of the message with her eyes.

Kat understood. Otherwise, he would die. “Do you need anything from me?” she asked determinedly.

“Your blood,” Fabiola said bluntly. “Injuries this severe need more than common tonics. He needs the blood of someone who cares deeply for him.”

Kat stared down at the broken young man. “You stupid boy,” she said sadly. “You are going to owe me after this.” She helped Fabiola carry him into her wagon and lay him down on a soft cot. 


“Come outside so we can get your blood without contaminating my home,” Fabiola said, grabbing a vial. Kat followed her outside and drew her sword. She was about to slice her hand when she heard Lawrence’s voice behind her on the path.

“Kat!” he yelled, horrified. “What are you doing?!”

Kat didn’t even turn around to see him. “What has to be done,” she said as she cut her hand open, a long line of blood smearing across her palm. She squeezed it over Fabiola’s vial and a few crimson drops fell into it.

Lawrence stared at the both of them with eyebrows raised like they were crazy. “What is going on?”

Kat wrapped her hand with a worn piece of cloth. “Come on, Lawrence, you’ll see.”

Fabiola had already gone inside to begin brewing. Kat pushed the cover to the entryway aside and climbed in, Lawrence following into the cramped quarters. Fabiola placed a cloth into Kat’s hand. “Press it against his chest to try and slow the bleeding.” Kat did so obediently, wanting to do anything she could to help.

Lawrence stared down at the shattered boy. “Who is he?” he asked Kat quietly.

“He’s a nuisance is what he is,” she said with a small chuckle. Kat’s eyes watered a little, but she refused to let tears fall. She thought back to the scenario they had acted out only two days before. “He’s something like my little brother,” she muttered. Then she realized how cheesy that sounded and couldn’t help but laugh. “Well…almost.”

Fabiola rose from where she had been infusing Kat’s blood with some other ingredients. “Help me open his mouth,” she said. Kat took her hands off of the chest press and tipped open Hector’s mouth. Fabiola poured the disgusting smelling concoction down his throat. Hector spluttered a little, but the potion went down.

Fabiola nodded. “That should help for the time being, but I’ll put a salve on his wounds as well.” She took a small bottle from her pocket and began dabbing the substance into Hector’s cuts.

“Fabiola, what caused all of this to happen?” Kat asked.

Fabiola sighed. “It is Jolly Roger,” she said. “Tonight is All Hallows Eve, a time where magic and voodoo runs rampant…and powerful. Unfortunately, not all of it is good. Roger was able to use the powers to his advantage tonight. The power of All Hallows Eve is one thing…but combined with the force of the full moon…” she shuddered. “Well, you saw what happened. Roger meant to turn us all on each other, making us weaker and less powerful for when we attempt to fight against his army. His magic could only go as far as the shine of the moon though. Those who were shielded from the light were not affected. Still, he has done enough damage. Many pirates fell today, and what’s worse, at the hands of friends and allies. You two were among the few lucky ones, Kat and Lawrence.”

Kat glanced behind to Lawrence at the mention of his name. She had almost forgotten he was there. He stood quietly, looking morosely down at Hector.

Fabiola continued to dab gently at Hector’s wounds until the salve was gone. She pocketed the empty container and said, “There’s nothing more I can do for him now. He must rest.”

Kat looked down at the broken Hector and felt a flash of fury. She tore out of the cabin like a woman possessed. Lawrence couldn’t help but sigh at her. He stared down at Hector for a moment longer, watching his even breathing, before going to run after Kat. It seemed like he was always chasing after her. He could never remain in the same place with her for very long.

She went up and out through Tortuga’s graveyard and into the caverns, where the skeletons roamed. In her anger, she took her cutlass in one hand and her pistol in the other. She was a formidable sight to see.

Her rampage began. The witchdoctor near the tunnel’s entrance didn’t even get an attunement on her before he fell in a flash of green. Her pistol raised and shot right between the eye sockets of an undead bandit that dared to approach her. She ventured further into the depths and found undead pirates and brigands waiting for her. She slashed the first one, then another and parried a brute’s thrust that she sensed behind her. Another tried advancing toward her, but she shot him where his liver would be to delay him and quickly beheaded him. A dagger flew towards her right side, but she dodged it and attempted to blast the skeleton’s head off.

Her pistol merely clicked however.

Kat gave a grunt of frustration. She should have checked her barrels before going on a rampage. Her boots thudded on the dirt as she stomped towards the skeleton.

She took him by the collar of his scrapped clothes and brought her cutlass to his bony neck. “Where. Is. Your. Master?” She punctuated each word sharply.

The skeleton laughed at her. “He watches you, pirate,” he growled in his chilling voice. “He watches you and waits for the day he can absorb you into his army and take control of the Caribbean.”

Kat’s face contorted in disgust. “I will never join the ranks of Jolly Roger,” she snarled at him. “I shall give my life for the Caribbean, rather than let my soul fall into his claws.”

The skeleton grinned at her evilly. “Then die you shall,” he told her. Kat had enough. She thrust her sword through the skeleton and felt him disintegrate in her hand.

It may not have been the most logical decision, but Kat fell to her knees, put her head in her hands, and screamed.

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Suffice to say, my brother isn't exactly happy with me at the moment. :)

Thanks goes out to Juliana Maria for editing again.

Not much commentary this week mates. Please leave a review and I'll feel epic and awesome. :) Thanks for reading!

-Kat Crestshot

Isn't your best chapter but it does moves the story along....

All depends on your point of view. I like a story to be a little darker.

I like them. I like them a lot. And as Keeper said, it depends on your point of view.

No, I love the whole story. That was my opinion on the chapter...

We
 

Ahoy Mates! I'm not sure if this qualifies as late night posting yet, but my apologies on getting it out a little late in the day. I've had writer's block for pretty much the entire week. It's been terrible, but it finally ended (...kinda). But before I get too anxious about this chapter and rewrite it (again), here you go.

We

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Lawrence walked cautiously through the caves with his sword drawn. He couldn’t be too careful. Skeletons haunted every corner. For some reason, though, the caves were oddly empty. Nobody had ambushed him yet, and he was already a ways into the tunnels.

He turned a corner to see Kat falling to her knees, cutlass and pistol falling from her hands, and let out a hair-raising scream.

Lawrence ran immediately to her side. “Kat,” he murmured, taking her into his arms. She didn’t respond, but still breathed heavily. “Kat!” he yelled desperately. She turned to him with bloodshot eyes.

“He’s just a boy,” she whispered. “Just a boy. He doesn’t deserve it.” Her head fell against his shoulder and she began crying softly. Lawrence held her tight to him, kneeling on the ground in the shaded caverns.

After a few minutes, there could be a shuffling heard echoing through the tunnels. Both Lawrence and Kat stiffened. They separated, and Kat grabbed her weapons while Lawrence took a dagger from his belt. It seemed the skeletons had awoken again.

“Come,” whispered Kat. “I don’t fancy the idea of meeting any more skeletons today.” Her eyes were still bloodshot and her nose still red, but she was done crying. It was time to build the walls back up. There was no more time for weakness.

“Agreed,” Lawrence said softly, and the two began quietly jogging out of the caves. They ran next to each other, Lawrence on Kat’s right, as their sharp eyes checked for any unsavory movement in the shadows. They made it out unscathed and back to Tortuga’s graveyard. For a moment, they stood to rest. Kat finally said, “Come on. I want to see how Hector is doing.” They walked at a brisk pace out of the graveyard and to Fabiola’s.

Kat let herself past the divider in Fabiola’s cart. Lawrence stayed right outside, not wanting to crowd the space any more. Kat looked down at the boy she had taken care of for the past three months. It wasn’t fair that he was sliced and diced in this way. He’s just a boy, he doesn’t deserve this. The luck of the skeletons seemed to be following him from Port Royal. She had ensured his safety while on the seas, but as soon as the journey ended, the lucky streak ended as well. Once their boots touched down on that Tortuga soil, she couldn’t protect him quite as well anymore. She couldn’t protect him here. Looking down at this small man, all she felt was failure.

She continued looking down at Hector for an indefinite time until Fabiola walked in. The gypsy stood next to Kat in silent companionship for a moment before saying, “You shouldn’t feel that way.”

Kat looked at her friend. “Like how?” she asked, but she already knew the answer Fabiola would give.

“You shouldn’t feel the guilt,” Fabiola told her. “It is coming off of you in waves.” Her violet eyes turned to Kat’s hazel. “Go someplace else to think. Right here is not helping you at all, being next to the one you feel you have failed.”

“Where can I go, Fabiola?” Kat asked desperately. “I feel that wherever I go I will have no peace from this feeling.”

Fabiola smiled that knowing smile. “You know exactly where to go, Kat; where you always go. Now leave and find that moment of clarity waiting for you.” She squeezed her arm gently in a gesture of friendship.

Kat followed Fabiola’s advice and left the cart. She passed by Lawrence, who decided to leave her be for a little while. Instead, he went into the cart to see Hector.

Kat climbed into her ship and up the rigging. Was it only a few hours ago her and Hector had docked? It was almost a lifetime in her eyes. No matter, though. All she felt now was the warm Caribbean breeze and the crisp night air. Her eyes shut as she threw herself into the feeling, rather than the thought.

Everything was clear now. There was no more buzzing, no more dazed feeling, no pressure. The height and the purity of the scene chased it all away. Now she could truly think, without all the stress of the day weighing down on her. She was able to think clearly, her thoughts not obscured by fog of guilt.

The Jolly Moon was unexpected by everyone, even Fabiola, who Kat had always seen as one who knew everything. It was impossible for Kat to know what was going to happen. In fact, in all reality, it was Hector’s fault more than her own because he had disobeyed her orders. She didn’t feel the need to punish him though. Being sliced and diced was punishment enough. One thing was for certain though; Hector couldn’t go back out with her when the time came. She had enjoyed having his help on the ship for the time, but she couldn’t allow him back on her ship. He was too inexperienced, and Kat didn’t want to risk his life again on another journey with her.

She sighed and looked up at the stars, the thoughts beginning to weigh again. Hector would not like it when she told him he would not be continuing on with her. Perhaps she could get him a job with O’Malley. He had kept the ship in top shape on the ocean. Still, she knew she would have a more difficult time on this next journey as well without him. His presence had been soothing, in his annoyingly questioning way. Her head fell forward tiredly as she thought over the implications of this single action. Roger was good at ruining everything it seemed.

“Kat!” she heard called from below. Her eyes opened again to see Lawrence standing on the deck of her ship. He waved. “Can I come up?” he yelled.

Kat thought for a moment, then decided, sure, what harm could it do? She waved him up and he began scrambling up the rigging. Kat moved out of the way and he fell into the basket next to her.

“Hey,” Lawrence said as he situated himself more comfortably in the basket. He sat down and leaned his back against the mast. “Everything ok?”

Kat sat down opposite of him. “I suppose it is,” she replied. Then she sighed. “Things are getting…complicated.”

Lawrence tilted his head at her. “Complicated how?”

Kat sighed. “Well, there’s Hector, and there’s Jolly, then there’s all the regular dangers of the Caribbean…” She trailed off.

Lawrence grinned. “Kat, it’s much simpler than you’re making it out to be. Look,” he leaned forward as if sharing a secret. “Hector will be fine. He’s fine Kat. He is going to live. You can stop worrying so much about that. There, that's one thing out of the way." Kat tried to interrupt here, but Lawrence just kept going. "Now, next thing. Jolly is here, and he just put this horror on us. We have to get to him and to his army and make sure he can never do this again. There’s thing two out of the way. Everything else? Well, you’re a pirate, and it seems to me that you know what you’re doing. You have to just keep going.”

“It’s not that simple Lawrence.” Kat tried to argue.

“Yes it is Kat,” he insisted. “Just keep going, keep doing what you’ve been doing. We can annoy the Navy and plunder the EITC and put a dent in Roger’s forces.”

Kat looked at Lawrence closely. “We?” she asked with a smile.

Lawrence grinned back. “Aye, Kat. We.”

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

(Quick note: This chapter didn't go to Jules since I only finished it about... 5 minutes ago. It may be subject to change because I'm not entirely confident about it. I'll bump if that happens.)

So mates, what did you think? It's a little awkward in my opinion, but it works for now. Please review on if it was good, bad, horrible, never-want-me-to-write-again-in-my-entire-existence (*eyes Del for a reveiw*). Haha, thanks for reading mates!

-Kat Crestshot

Great as always! But, I think the end is near... Lawrence seems invincible which I think, will lead to a ending to the story...

Great chapter Crest! I keep expecting them to kiss or something.. then...YES.... no.

;) That poor, poor boy child....I'm kinda hoping you make this an epic...so I can see him as a young man, as he surely will turn out well for having had known Kat !!

I disagree about an inevitable ending...Lawrence joining Kat ? anything could happen...he could get bit by a tste fly and lie in a coma for a year...ok thats soap operas,,,sorry...

anyways, I read these last two together...and yes, theres a lil difference in detail work...but darn good for having writers block...more please!!

Never a disappointment Kat! Poor Hector... I see no editing needed, one spot here, but not a biggy.

Looking forward to the next one!

Not bad... Not bad at all. Keep up the good work!

Getting Ready Again
 

Ok mates, got a new chapter for you right here! Here ya go! I present...

Getting Ready Again

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

The next few days were a flurry of activity. Hector was getting better steadily, and moved onto Kat’s ship rather than stay in Fabiola’s cart. He knew, however, the move wasn’t permanent. Kat explained to him when he woke up that he wouldn’t be allowed to go with her any more. It took a little while and more than a little pouting on Hector’s part, but eventually, he came to understand why he couldn’t go with.

He did pose an interesting question though. “Why can Lawrence go with you instead, Kat?” he had asked while lying in her bed resting. The young woman was silent for just the right amount of time for Hector to go, “Aha! See, he can go with you without any reason!”

Kat turned from the papers she was looking over to glare at him. “I have very good reasons, Hector, none of which I have to explain to you,” she snapped. He looked ready to argue again, so she elaborated. “However, he has many more years experience than you on the seas, and he has a better understanding of how the Caribbean works, not to mention being an excellent swordsman.” Hector looked crestfallen again. Kat sighed. “Look, I can’t worry about you out there. It will make everything worse for the both of us. I know that Lawrence can take care of himself, ok?” Hector just glared down with folded arms. “Ok?” Kat asked again, emphasizing it. Hector glanced up at her. “Ok…” he grumbled.

Kat went and talked to O’malley as well. She explained how Hector couldn’t sail with her any more. O’malley didn’t understand why she didn’t just leave the boy to fend for himself. “He’ll just be one more face in Tortuga Kat. I don’t see why I have to give him a job,” he objected. Kat rattled a bag of coins in his face and O’malley eyed it hungrily. She moved the bag out of reach and into her coat. “You want the money, you give the boy a job, savvy?” O’malley eyed her for a moment, then said, “Aye, agreed.” They shook hands and Kat handed him the bag, then left quickly. She didn’t want to be around when the shipwright figured out that an inch on the outside of the bag was nothing but rocks.

Lawrence and Kat made sure that anything that could be sold from Kat’s last trip was. There were plenty of takers, especially when Dajin Ming saw the treasures Kat had acquired from a Navy ship en route to His Majesty in England.

Kat charged Lawrence with acquiring all the weaponry they would need. She gave him a bag of coins and told him to get whatever he felt was necessary. He returned later with very few items and not even half of the money bag gone. Kat glared at him. “Lawrence, I’d prefer not to die or be captured out there. Go buy more. I don’t care if you spend the entirety of that money, just go,” she told him and pushed him off the ship onto the dock. He reluctantly returned to town and bought more supplies, and returned with armfuls of grenades and gunpowder with bullets, as well as got some help bringing some cannonballs down to the ship. Kat grinned and nodded in approval when he brought it all back and he felt a flutter of excitement go through him.

The day finally came for the two to leave. Hector was left in the care of O’malley, but Kat had asked Fabiola to check in on him from time to time. She couldn’t be expected to just completely let go of her worry for the young man.

Lawrence walked up to Kat on the deck of the Cutthroat Wolf. “Ready?” he asked her.

Kat looked out onto the dock where Hector stood, watching her Wolf. He saw her looking at him and waved. Kat grinned and waved back. “Aye,” she said to Lawrence. She turned to look at him. “I’m ready. Hoist anchor!” she ordered. It was time to switch to captain mode. She released the sails and took the wheel to head them out of the harbor. One last glanced was spared to Hector, who walked back to O’malley. She grinned. “Alright, Roger. It’s time to play, mate.”

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Insanely short chapter. Sorry! But I have next weeks already half done, and it's already longer I think, haha. This was essentially a transition chapter. More excitement coming soon, I promise! In the meantime, however, the character of Hector has been transferred over to Blaze Skullshield for his story. I think I'm gonna check it out.

So mates, reviews? Feel free to criticize me on this chapter, haha. I don't mind. Thanks for reading!

-Kat Crestshot

Another Fine Chapter Crest!

I want to apologize real quick for not having a chapter last week. Unfortunately, there is none this week either. Real life has really gotten in the way, and there's been a lot of stress. I didn't need to add the story on top of that. I start school next week, and so I've been finishing all the homework that I need (there's a lot of it), and I've also had family in town for the past week, so almost every waking moment has been spent with them. I'm sorry mates, but the story will be back up and running soon!

-Kat Crestshot

Have you considered putting Muffin Pirate into one of your stories? A deadly, cutlass-swinging pastry!

Ok, I was starting to worry there...:D I would love to be in your story! Just make sure you get my good side:p

First off, I want to apologize for how long it has taken to get this chapter out. However, we all understand real life. It comes first. I've kept everyone waiting long enough though, so I present to you...


Sea Dangers

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Kat and Lawrence sailed for a few days, getting used to each other mostly, and finally happening upon a broken and tattered skeleton ship. The revenge Kat felt in her heart led them straight to it, with some help from her compass. When the torn sails appeared on the horizon, the pair quickly decided on a plan of action to take the servants of Jolly Roger down. The broadsides were loaded and Kat took the wheel to lead them to battle.

Kat sailed up to the skeletons and lined up the starboard side with the back. “Starboard side!” she yelled down to Lawrence. He went across all the lower deck cannons, setting each of the three off with a deafening bang. They were loaded again as quickly as possible, but the skeletal frigate began turning towards them.

“Hurry it up down there, Lawrence!” Kat hollered. She attempted to keep them behind the ship, but it was difficult. Her ship may have been faster, but the enormity of the skeleton’s frigate was almost overpowering.

Meanwhile, Lawrence was below deck loading up the cannons as fast as he could. He fired one that he had loaded, and then moved on to the next one. His ears rang from the force of the blast. Now he could understand why Gunner yelled so much.

As his last cannon rang out, an idea came to him. He sprinted to the top deck and the starboard cannon. It was already loaded, so he didn’t worry about taking that time.

“What are you doing?!” Kat yelled at him. “Get back to the stronger cannons!”

“Just trust me!” he told her. He adjusted the cannon, aiming for the bottom of the already damaged hull. The fuse was lit, the shot rang out, and a single cannonball hit the ship. At that the skeletons stopped turning and began sailing straight. Lawrence had hit the rudder, severely damaging the enemy boat.

Kat’s eyes went wide. That had been one of the most incredible shots she had ever seen. Lawrence gave a whoop of joy and loaded the cannon back up. When he was finished with that, he ran back down to the other cannons. He stayed below for the remainder of the time they attacked. Finally, the ship went down, sinking with horrible clanking and groaning noises as it headed to the Locker.

Lawrence jumped back up on deck with a shout of laughter. He began dancing in the glow of their victory. Kat couldn’t help but laugh with him. She let go of the wheel and danced with him. They linked arms and spun around, kicking their feet up, merriment evident on their faces.

“Our first victory together!” Kat cried. She stopped suddenly. “This calls for rum!” Lawrence looked at her as she began walking towards the hold. They were on top of the world!

A crash rocked the ship, brutally ending the glee. Kat fell down the stairs in the hold, and Lawrence fell onto the mast. She popped her head back up with a grimace. “What in the bloody love of Blackbeard was that?!” she yelled.

Lawrence shrugged. A blast rocked the ship again, making Kat fall over again. “For the love of mother and child, Lawrence, take the wheel!” she yelled from below. He ran to it and began turning the ship. We must have hit a reef, he thought.

Kat was still down below, checking on the cannons. She looked out the cannon window to the sight of red and white sails.

“Navy,” she whispered in shock. “Navy! Port side!” she yelled up at Lawrence. He looked to port, and sure enough, he saw a Navy galleon sailing steadily towards them.

Kat ran up from the hold frenetically. “We’ll never take that thing down, or even outrun it!” she yelled. “We need to figure out a way to board it. I’m going to look for a chain shot. Keep us steady!” She ran around, gathering supplies they would need. There were a few chain shots, some grappling hooks, and he watched her slip a grenade into her pocket.

“Direct us towards that swine, Lawrence!” she ordered as she loaded a chain shot to the deck cannon. Lawrence began sailing head on to the Navy ship. Kat braced herself for the battle about to come.

When they got in range, Kat shot off the first chain, making a solid hit on the front sail of the galleon. The next shot was quickly loaded, fired, and connected with one of the main sails. It created a grand tear in it, making Kat grin.

The grin quickly disappeared as the naval ship returned the fire. It’s broadsides were high enough that no shot connected with the hull, but the sails took a beating. Kat grimaced. “Alright, it’s serious now,” she growled. She took a grappling hook and swung it around, gathering momentum so that it could connect with the naval ship.

A red and black hat popped into view from the other ship. “Pirates!” the Navy soldier yelled. “Surrender and give us control of your ship, or be sunk!”

“Not a chance, you scum!” Kat yelled back, and she launched the hook. “Come on Lawrence!” she said. He left the wheel and tied the rope down so they could climb across. Kat lit the grenade from her pocket and flung it to the other ship. There was a pause… and then they heard the grenade explode to the cries of the Navy. She gave a satisfied nod and began climbing across.

On the other side, there was chaos. Some people stood on deck, avoiding a fire from Kat’s grenade. She looked around satisfactorily at the damage caused before a man noticed them. “Pirates! They’re here!” he yelled. There was a thundering of feet. Kat drew her sword with a grin, and she heard Lawrence do the same next to her.

“Hello gentlemen!” she greeted them brightly. “Nice weather we’re having, isn’t it?” she acted jovial, but really, she was nervous. There were a few too many people here that she could handle confidently, even with Lawrence by her side. The grin stayed up and steady though, so the Navy were never the wiser.

One of the men (Kat assumed he was Captain by the rank on his collar) stepped forward. “Pirates, you are under arrest by the charge of the Royal Navy of England for-”

“Oh, shove off you,” Kat cut across him. “Your words mean nothing. They’re just there to make you feel high and mighty, and make you feel like you’re actually doing something good.” She raised her eyebrow sardonically. “Savvy?”

“Very well. Men, into position!” the captain ordered. Kat grinned a little wider. Perhaps this wouldn’t be nearly as difficult as she thought. The men with bayonets kneeled down in front while the back row drew swords. “Aim.” The rustling of bayonets. “Fire!”

Kat and Lawrence worked as one mind, diving to opposite sides of the ship. Kat rolled towards the soldiers and landed swiftly on her feet to being fighting the nearest soldier, while Lawrence just ran towards them, taking a dagger from his belt and throwing it at the captain. It hit him solidly in the shoulder, making him fall.

With the loss of leadership, the soldiers scattered. Their formation broke, and instead, they charged the two pirates. Kat and Lawrence ended up back to back in the center of the group of redcoats. A few had already been taken down, but it was still a formidable group.

“What do you think the odds are?” Kat muttered.

Lawrence glanced around. “1 to 3, 1 to 4?” he guessed.

Kat nodded. “Aye, we’ll be fine,” and they moved. She slashed the shoulder of a soldier nearest to her, making him step backwards into his comrade. The clumsiness presented a gap big enough for Kat to slip through, and she ended up on the outside of the ring. She broadly slashed the two soldiers and caught them in the back.

Lawrence stayed in the center, tapping away strikes launched at him with swiftness and fluidity. He caught this soldier in the leg, stabbed that one through the shoulder, all while dodging and ducking the swords and bayonets.

Again, there was that feeling of unity between the two. Each took as many Navy as they could handle, but they were fine tuned to each other. One would warn if the other was in an unnoticed danger. Once, Lawrence yelled at Kat to duck. She listened without hesitation, and he swung his blade over her head, taking out the man about to cleave her in half.

Finally, there were only two left, but these two seemed to be the fiercest fighters. They each took one, hoping they would wear out and stop fighting, but it seemed the pirates were the ones tiring. Their strikes became slower and their wits dimmed. The man Kat fought charged at her with blurring speed, and Kat had to jump backwards to avoid him.

She didn’t realize that was exactly what he had wanted until she was already tumbling down the hold.

“Second time today…” she muttered, sitting up and rubbing her head. “That bloke is tricky enough to be a pirate.”

A shadow suddenly fell over her from above and she rolled out of the way as Lawrence came crashing down next to her. He recovered quickly and grabbed the doors to the hold, shutting and locking them before the Navy could come down.

Kat was looking at him like he was insane. “What?” he replied to the look. “I saw you fall.” Kat just shook her head at him.

They began wandering down in the hold, looking for anything of interest. There wasn’t too much near the top – mostly things for the soldiers – but it was in the lowest depths of the ship they found a real treasure.

“Well what the bloody hell are you looking at? Get me out of this cage!”

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Well, there it is mates. Took forever, but it's finally here. I know some of you were like :degen: (*COUGHDELCOUGH*) but I have another chapter finished already, so no worries. I won't be late again for at least a week. :psmiley35:

So mates, loved it, hated it, horrible and tragical? Haha. Thanks for reading mates!

-Kat Crestshot

FINALLY! :D

Very nice chapter Crest, I really look foward to the next one! Sounds like it'll be even better!

Me<----------Jumping up and down with excitement!!

Lots of action...boom shots...the whole nine yards...can't ask for more.....or can I?? hmmm...

I, of course, loved the last two chapters immensely...but a new chapter this weekend to celebrate with???? would be perfect timing me thinks.

Erm... A beautifully written chapter, but it really helps is you know what you're talking about. When you said front mast, you could have said fore-mast. Then of course, there's the main-mast, and finally, in the back, the mizzen-mast. Things like that really liven up a chapter. If you ever need help with that, just ask.

Great as Always... Can't wait for the next chapter!:)

Rescue
 

Well Seafox, you convinced me. I figured I tormented you for a month, I could give you an extra chapter this weekend. Cause, you know, I'm just nice that way. (No 8th level for me Del!). Oh, and we can all blame Luckie for keeping me up till 5 in the morning to type this. So mates, as a treat, I give you...

Rescue

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Kat and Lawrence just stared at the sandy haired man that had just barked at them. He glared at them through the dirtied bars of the cage. “Well, c’mon you pirates, are you going to help a bloke out or what?”

Kat moved a little closer to the man. “Why should we?” she asked cautiously.

The man met her eyes with a level stare, but they were cold. “I can help you out aboard that miniature ship of yours,” he said silkily. “You think I didn’t hear them laughing at you up there, about the fishing dingy that was attacking them?” Kat flinched at the word dingy, but the man didn’t see. “If it’s only the two of you, you’re going to need a whole lot more help with whatever you think you’re doing. Besides, I’m obviously not Navy.”

Kat leveled him up. He looked strong and perhaps a little sea worn. This man was not new to the roughness of the seas.

She was opening her mouth to say something, but Lawrence beat her. “Kat!” he said sharply. She turned to see him with his arms crossed, glaring at the jailed man. He motioned her to him with a flick of his head.

“What?” she asked him.

He glanced back at the man before turning his green gaze on her. “You can’t seriously be considering his offer, can you?” he whispered as if she was mad.

“Well, why shouldn’t I?” she whispered back. “Are you saying you wouldn’t appreciate an extra hand, especially with those torn sails?”

“Why is he in jail if he hasn’t done something wrong, Kat? Did you think of that?” he shot back.

Kat glared at him. “You should know by now that the Navy isn’t exactly fair, Mcrage,” she said pointedly. “This is a place for second chances, and I plan to give him one.” She stepped out of the shadows and back towards the cell.

“What be your name, mate?” she asked the barred man.

“Solomon… Sharkfury,” he told her. There was a touch of hesitation in his voice as he gave his name. Kat noted it, but she ignored it for now.

She put her hand through the bars. “Good to meet you, Solomon.” He grasped the hand strongly, but again, there was something behind it. It was wary. She would have to remember that later.

“Well, shall we get you out of here then?” she said. She examined the door and the lock carefully, then let out a short laugh. “They never do learn,” she muttered. She took a wooden bar – probably from a broken cargo box – pushed it through the holes of the cell door, and popped the door off.

“Well, that was simple enough,” Solomon said, walking out. “There’s some weapons right above us: Bayonets, swords, pistols and such. I’m assuming you’ll be wanting some?”

“Aye!” Kat said heartily. Her and Solomon ran up the stairs while Lawrence followed grudgingly behind.

Kat pried open a box with her cutlass, finding all kinds of naval swords, shining up at her. She picked up one and unsheathed it. “Not a bad blade,” she muttered. She placed the strap over her shoulder for possible use later. Solomon was over at another crate, taking out a bayonet that he slung over his shoulder.

Lawrence came to Kat’s shoulder to look at the swords as well. “Look at these, Lawrence!” she said excitedly. “Think of how we could use these! We could sell them to pirates at Tortuga, or resell to the Navy, or even keep them in storage for ourselves!”

“Aye,” Lawrence muttered, not really listening. He moved to the smaller box next to the swords. The top slid off easily to reveal dozens of small throwing knives. He grinned and picked up a few. They definitely had to take these weapons.

A crash and a rumbling came from above. Three heads snapped up. “I think those soldiers finally broke through,” Kat muttered. She unsheathed her sword and heard Lawrence do the same. Solomon moved to the box of swords and threw one over his shoulder, then readied his bayonet. They waited as the thumping of boots grew louder and closer.

The two Navy soldiers burst down the stairs. Their faces were menacing, but they recoiled at the sight of Solomon. “You escaped!” one of them cried.

“Thank you for that observation,” Solomon said sarcastically. He raised the bayonet up to eye level. “Now, are you going to let us pass, or are you going to get shot?”

The soldiers raised their hands and dropped their weapons. Kat walked behind them and pointed her sword at one’s back. “We’re going to need you to do a little something for us…”

The group made the soldiers load the weapons they wanted into a small life boat, along with a few other valuables. Solomon had laughed at the Wolf. “That is your ship?!” he had thundered with laughter. “It’s a wonder you’re still afloat!”

Kat glared at him. “You can go back into the brig if you’d like.” That shut him up quick.

With the supplies loaded, they sent the soldiers back to their ship. Most of the Navy men weren’t dead (Kat didn’t need any more faces on her conscience), but they would have a hard time putting that fiery mess of a ship back together.

The now group of three escaped as fast as they could from the Navy, but their torn sails were a hindrance. It was just a good thing that the other ship was in no shape to follow. They sailed west for a while until the red and white sails were less than specks in the distance.

When they felt as if they were safe, they stopped to take the sails down and examine them. They had been dealt a bad hand by the Navy’s cannonballs. Kat just felt they were lucky that the mast hadn’t been taken down with the way the sails were.

“Lawrence, go get the needles and thread,” she said with a sigh. “We’ll have to sew them up the best we can until we get to port. Unfortunately, we’ll have to dock a lot sooner than I thought.” She rubbed her hand wearily over her eyes as Lawrence went for the supplies. “Solomon, help me get those sails down. This may take a while.”

They spent the rest of the daylight slowly stitching the sails back together, but they still didn’t finish. Kat didn’t want to risk trying to fix them by the light of lanterns or even the moon, so as the sun set, they put the sails back up. Kat went into her cabin to make some supper while the men did that. It was odd making it for three, rather than two or one. Perhaps the sails were a blessing in disguise, she thought. They didn’t really have enough food to supply three people for months at a time.

She called Lawrence and Solomon in when she finished cooking. Lawrence walked in behind Solomon, and Kat noticed his posture. He wasn’t comfortable around the new man. She couldn’t really blame him, but she’d have to find a way to talk to him later.

Solomon wolfed down the food placed in front of him. Kat frowned. “When was the last time you ate, mate?” she asked worriedly.

Solomon glared down at his empty metal plate. “Four days, maybe five,” he grumbled. “They didn’t really care about me down there.”

“Pompous little…” she muttered. She pushed her plate over to him. “Eat,” she commanded him.

He looked down at the plate and hesitated. Kat looked at him pointedly, so he began eating some more. She smiled in satisfaction. “You keep eating. Lawrence, come help me find a place for him to sleep.” She rose from the tiny table and motioned for Lawrence to follow.

The two walked down into the hold. Kat began rummaging through the supplies, looking for something to use.

“Go easy, Lawrence,” she said with her head inside a box. She grumbled in frustration and closed it, moving on to the next crate. “He really hasn’t done anything you know. Not that we can punish him for at least.”

Lawrence crossed his arms with a frown. “He was locked up in the brig of a Navy ship, Kat. Why should I trust him?”

Kat rolled her eyes. “Lawrence, we’ve both been there. Being jailed doesn’t automatically equate to untrustworthy.” She rummaged through the box, but again found nothing. The lid of the box fell back on with a thump, and a thin layer of dust billowed. She moved to yet another box.

“Kat, I just don’t think it’s good to immediately trust him,” Lawrence argued. Kat sighed and moved some things in the crate aside, still looking for a sheet or something.

“Ow!” she gasped. Lawrence was at her side immediately. She looked at her arm, where an angry gash had appeared from a loose nail.

Lawrence took her arm gently. “Let me see that,” he murmured. He took a strip of cloth from a pocket and gently wrapped her arm in it.

“Thank you,” she all but whispered. Lawrence merely nodded.

She looked up at the young man. “Look, Lawrence,” she said softly. He looked up at her with those blazing green eyes. She couldn’t help but lose her breath for a moment. “I trust you, and you trust me, right?” He nodded. “Then just trust me on this, ok? He’s just a lost soul. You don’t have to trust him right away, but at least accept him.”

He glanced down at the bandage to tie it off, then back at her eyes. “Alright, I can do that.”

Kat smiled at him. “Good.” She grabbed a blanket from the still open box. Her throat cleared lightly. “I’m going to go set up a place for Solomon.” She nodded goodbye, then turned away and went back up on deck, leaving Lawrence in the darkness.

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

So, there's that for you mates. As always, I love your reviews, but they're not necessarily necessary. :) Much thanks for those mates.

I also want to thank KeeperoftheCode for the use of his character, Solomon Sharkfury. I'll be doing my best to capture the essence of him mate.

Really quick, mostly because I don't want to make a brand new thread or blog... Some of you may have heard me ranting about an audition I had for a school play last week. Well, I went for call backs on Friday. Through the entire thing, I was thinking, "Oh wow, these people are so much better than me, I'm not getting a part." Well, I suppose my predictions fail. :) I got a part in my school play! So, you may not see me on quite as much mates, but I'll still be here. I'm too addicted to this thing to completely leave, haha.

Well, that's it. Next chapter should be posted on Thursday, per usual. Thanks for reading!

-Kat Crestshot

Eh... ok, maybe level 7....

Crest, I love it! The way you paint the characters in the story, giving them feelings, thought, personality, and understand, is simply amazing! It's like I'm watching it all unfold in front of me!

I await your next chapter with zen-like patience.

Another Chapter?!?!!?!?! Sheesh, Hold The Suspense Please.... LOL

EDIT: Nice Chapter Crest... Keep it up.

Thank you for using him. Hmm... Nice portrayal. I especially liked silkily.

xD.....I have none of Del's zen thingy....but...sigh...I will wait without pestering you...as you are now a rising theater presence!!

Good Luck and break a leg and all that!! Wow, what does one call a noted author and a actress? Oh yeah....awesome!! xD

How bout Epicly Awesome?!?!??!

Port Again
 

Here you are mates! Food for thought! Well... ok, maybe not so much for thought as entertainment. :) My apologies on the lateness of this. Homework and theater and drama... etc etc. Still Thursday here though, so HA! to all of you East Coasters. Anywho...

Port Again

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

“Run, Kat!” Lawrence cried. He grabbed her hand and pulled her along after him. It was foggy. She could only see the shadow of Lawrence in front of her.

And then the shadow was gone too. “Lawrence?” she cried fearfully. No answer. “Lawrence!” she yelled again.

“Throw her in the brig!” The words echoed around her. She reached for her sword, but the weight wasn’t there. Frantically, she looked for anything: her pistol, a dagger, even her compass, but none were there. She began panicking.

“Kat, Kat!” Lawrence’s voice tore through the fog. She turned wildly, searching for the source, but it echoed all around. It was impossible to figure out.

“Thank you for saving me Kat,” a voice said softly behind her. She turned on the spot to see the ragged Solomon. He gave her a malicious grin. “I have to look out for myself though.” A sword formed from the fog and he swung…


Kat sat up in her bed and rubbed her face in frustration. All she had was a haunting feeling of dread and fear. She remembered fog… bah! All she knew was that something was wrong. She put it to the back of her mind for now. They had to get to port.

She dragged herself to her maps. They had head out from Tortuga at south west, so they would be about…here! Her finger landed on a spot near one of the uninhabited islands. That meant… her finger traced south east, looking for a port. She grinned. Port Royal was only about a day’s travel away. That would work well enough. She was sure Lawrence would enjoy the opportunity to see Josie.

Her compass was open on the table, so she picked it up to double check her bearings. She walked outside to figure out the right direction from the position of the sun. The compass pointed in the correct direction. Perhaps everything was starting to turn their way.

Lawrence and Solomon were about to take down the sails to try and fix them up a little more. “Hold up there you two!” she called to them. They stopped climbing the rigging for a moment to look down on her. “We’re going to head to Port Royal mates! Shouldn’t take long to get there!”

Lawrence hung upside down from the ropes and saluted. “Aye Kat!” he called back.

Kat laughed. “C’mon Lawrence, but it out before you fall into the sea!” He grinned at her upside down and flipped off of it.

“So, Port Royal?” he asked when he landed. “Brilliant, I haven’t seen Josie in months!”

Solomon crept over to Kat. “Are you sure you want to be heading to Port Royal? It’s not exactly a safe haven for people like us.”

Kat’s eyes sparkled. “You underestimate the wit and the wiles of a woman, Solomon. Don’t worry about it.” She sent Solomon off to work on minor ship repairs, while she took the wheel for Port Royal.

The sun was setting on the water as they neared Port Royal. They lowered anchor just off the coast and took one of the dinghies to shore. Kat changed into a more appropriate style before they left, so as not to reveal they were pirates quite as easily. Lawrence rowed steadily to the docks, muscles rippling underneath his tank. Kat caught herself staring for a moment before Lawrence glanced up at her with those eyes. She quickly averted her eyes.

Her gaze reverted to Solomon instead. His entire posture was stiff and his eyes flickered rapidly in paranoia. She reached over to put a hand on his shoulder, making him jump a little. “Relax,” she muttered. His shoulders loosened a little, but his eyes were as untrusting as before. Kat sighed internally. This was going to be a long trip.

At shore, the poor dockworker tried to charge them twenty gold for the parking of the ship, but Kat giggled and acted like a foolish young maiden, hanging on his arm playfully. They ended up walking away with only half of the fee missing from their pockets. Kat winked at the man who had just stared at her. “Never underestimate the power of a woman,” she said.

They took care of business first. Truehound may have worked in clothes, but he and his team also worked with Darby Drydock to create sails. The group walked into the shop at the tinkling of a bell.

“Hello, I’m Nathaniel Truehound,” the tailor said with his back to them. He began turning towards them. “How can I-” He stopped abruptly at the sight of Kat. His eyes narrowed. “Out!” he shouted. He thundered towards them and tried to shove them out the door. “Out, out! I’ll not be serving the likes of you again!” Kat merely sidestepped the portly man and he slammed into the door.

“Now now Mr. Truehound, you wouldn’t be chasing away one of your finest customers, would you?” Kat asked as the plump man untangled himself from the ground.

“Finest? Ha!” cried Truehound as he brushed himself off. “Last time you were here, you ran off with a box of me finest clothes without paying! That completely ruined my budget that month!”

Kat waved the accusation off. “That was Blakely’s fault. He let it slip I was in port. Go ask him for the money.” Truehound huffed, but Kat ignored it. “Besides, if Blakely doesn’t sound another alarm, I’ll actually be able to pay this time, rather than running.”

Truehound seemed to battle with himself for a moment. “Fine, Ms. Crestshot, what is it you need?” he asked rather reluctantly.

They left the shop not long after, having paid for the sails. “Remind me to visit Drydock first next time I need sails,” she sighed when they were gone.

“Lawrence!” Josie cried when they walked into the Royal Anchor. She placed her broom down behind the bar and came behind it to give him a hug.

He embraced her with a laugh. “Haha, hi Josie,” he said.

“What am I, chopped liver?” Kat joked behind his back. Josie removed herself from Lawrence to give Kat a hug as well. “Good to see you Josie.”

It was then that Josie noticed Solomon standing silently behind Kat. “And who might you be?” she asked without preamble.

He stepped forward. “Solomon Sharkfury miss,” he said, bowing slightly.

Josie nodded her head back, plainly measuring the man up. “Good to know,” she said with a slightly furrowed brow. “Well, anyway, I suppose you all didn’t just come in here to chat. What can I get you?” She moved back behind the bar and began fixing them up something.

The night continued with Kat, Lawrence, and Josie chatting and laughing over rum and food, with Solomon throwing in the occasional witty comment. He sat rather stiffly, nursing a bottle of rum between his hands. Josie and Kat tried to engage him a few times, but he was rather distant. He mostly sat back and watched, not seeing the need to include himself.

Eventually, the seemingly endless chatter died down. Josie let out a content sigh. “Hey Kat, will you come with me in the back for a moment?” she asked. Kat shrugged and followed Josie back.

“Got a little something for ya,” Josie said, looking through a barrel. “Aha!” She pulled out a dusty little bottle filled with a brown liquid and handed it to Kat. “Came on a merchant ship a few days ago. It’s a pretty good 25 year old rum. Go easy on it Kat.” Josie winked at her.

Kat examined the contents of the bottle. “Wow… thanks Josie!” she said and began to head to the main part of the tavern.

“Wait Kat,” Josie said, all serious now. “I wanted to talk to you about Solomon really quick.” She sat on a crate and smoothed her skirts. “Where did you find him?”

Kat went to stand in front of her. “We found him yesterday aboard a Navy ship. They tried to attack us, so we boarded it and found him in the brig. Why, are you worried?”

Josie grimaced. “Only a little. I can assure you that he’s not Navy or EITC though,” she told Kat.

“And how do you know that?”

Josie raised her eyebrows. “Please Kat, I work in a tavern. It’s not difficult to overhear stories from sailors. Solomon is most definitely pirate. From what I hear, he’s rather ruthless; doesn’t care a touch about the corrupted Navy or EITC. I heard barely a week ago that he got captured aboard his ship. His crew gave him up in exchange for their freedom. They were supposed to be shipping him off here for a short trial and most likely a hanging.”

“No wonder he was jittery about coming here,” Kat muttered. It was beginning to make sense about Solomon, but she knew that the whole story was still hidden.

“Well, thanks for telling me Josie,” she said. “Shall we head back out?”

“One more quick thing Kat,” Josie said. She seemed a little hesitant now, but Kat waited patiently. “Kat… is there anything going on between you and Lawrence?”

Kat froze. “There’s nothing, Josie,” she muttered, her eyes downcast.

Josie studied the young woman. “Don’t be blind on purpose, Kat. I see him, the way he sees you. Don’t deny it.” She left Kat and went back into the tavern proper, leaving the young woman stunned.

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

I love Josie as a character, I truly do.

Thanks go out to KeeperoftheCode for the use of his character again. I'm gonna have to be saying that a lot... haha.

Well mates, what do ya think? I anxiously await for my phone to buzz, telling me in an email that I have a new review, haha. As always, Thanks for reading!

-Kat Crestshot

Mind not making me sound quite that ruthless? I'm a bit insulted. Follow through with your story, but if you wouldn't mind? He's not cruel by any means. Do what you will, but please?

First, Crest, Happy Ban Crest Extravaganza.... Second, I Am Dying To Know What Happens to Kat and Law.... (Notice the Itallics on Dying.... I don't want this story to end tragiclly...;))

Ahoy mates! I'm going to post this really quick because I won't get home till late tonight. I'll add all of my little side comments later!

Flee!

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

The group spent the night on their ship before starting the hard work of the next day. They headed to Darby Drydock’s to get the sails. He granted them the supplies and a small team of people to assist them (for a fee of course). Kat went in the boat with Darby’s team, many of which kept glancing at her nervously, leaving Lawrence and Solomon to take the sails.

The crew worked all through the day, making sure the sails were set up properly, as well as providing minor ship repairs that Kat hadn’t taken care of in Tortuga. At the end of the day, the Cutthroat Wolf had gleaming white sails, and there were fewer holes in various parts of the hull. Kat had a time of getting one of Darby’s men from investigating their cargo or wandering through her cabin, but by the end of the day, she was relatively stress free.

They spent another night at Josie’s tavern, just enjoying themselves. Solomon seemed to open up a little more, and Kat couldn’t help but smile at his activity.

There was a sudden pounding at the door of the tavern. “Open up, it’s the Navy!”

Four pairs of eyes widened. “Kat, all of you get up to your room! Get out through the window!” Josie said in a terrified whisper. Kat hesitated, then grabbed Lawrence and Solomon and fled from the main room and up the staircase.

Kat paused at the top of the stairs, to the dismay of Solomon. “Kat, let’s go!” he whispered sharply. She just waved him off. “Kat, I’m not overly fond of nooses! Let’s go!” he urged.

Kat whirled on him with narrowed eyes. “Josie is my friend, and I’m going to make sure she’s safe, so shut up! The room is right there if you want to get out!” she turned back to the stairwell to listen to the going-ons downstairs.

“Good evening gentlemen,” Josie said politely. “Coming in for a drink?”

Kat could practically see the glare of the Navy soldier as he said, “We are here strictly on business ma’m. There was a report filed by a shipwright that you are housing pirates.”

“I can assure you, sir, I am not housing pirates here,” she said in an affronted voice. “Do you believe I would go against the law like that?”

The soldier paused, and then said, “If you don’t mind, we’ll just come inside and search ourselves.” There were thumps that Kat assumed were the Navy soldiers pushing their way through the door.

Kat turned to the men behind her. “Go! Out the window!” she ordered. Solomon bounded out, landing on a ledge just outside of it and then landed hard on the ground. Kat watched him just long enough to see him sprint to their dingy on the beach.

Lawrence turned to Kat. “I don’t want to leave Josie alone, Kat!” he whispered.

“It will be better for her if we’re not found. Now go!” she said, pushing him towards the window. He grimaced, then leaped out after Solomon.

Kat took a moment to open a loose floorboard under the bed and grab a small shoulder bag. She hooked it on, gave a worried glance backwards, and then fell out of the window after the other two.

The ground came towards her quickly, but she landed catlike on the balls of her feet. She ran into the shadows underneath an awning, but stayed a moment to watch the window. A faint light appeared where she had just fallen from and the cold face of a Navy soldier flickered in the candlelight.

“What did I tell you?” she heard Josie yell. “There’s nobody here but Job passed out in room 3!”

The soldier scanned the area outside carefully and Kat shrunk further into the shadows. She apparently hid herself well, because the soldier moved from the window. “Alright men, move out!” he barked. Kat grinned and ran to the dingy where Lawrence and Solomon were waiting.

“Where were you?” Solomon asked crossly, already in the boat. Lawrence just looked relieved to see her. He helped her push the dingy off the shore. They leaped in, and Lawrence took the oars to row them out to the ship.

“I couldn’t really escape with that commander staring out of the window,” Kat said sharply, responding to Solomon’s question. He just grumbled and turned away.

They got to the ship and made haste to set sail. Kat thanked god they had put the new sails up that day. Solomon worked to raise the anchor as Kat and Lawrence released the sails. He continued to make sure the sails were set as Kat took the wheel, steering them away from Port Royal and hoped nobody saw the pearly white sails.

“Let’s hope none of those soldiers wise up and follow us,” Kat said to the men. She pointedly travelled east rather than west, which would have passed them under the fort.

The group sailed in complete silence until Port Royal was lost in the depths of the night. “Alright Solomon, speak up. What’s your story?” Kat finally asked, breaking through the quiet.

Solomon raised an eyebrow. “You really want to know?” Kat nodded. Solomon sighed. “Very well. First, though, what’s in the bag?”

Kat glanced at the bag still slung over her shoulder and grinned. “Rum, of course.”

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Thanks for reading!

-Kat Crestshot

Nice, short, but nice.....

Pace of this is fast forward...good tho...and by all means.....SAVE THE RUM!!! :)

Short compared to the rest of them, but that's a plus. You got the story where it had to be brought to, with the kind of caring and smoothness that got it there in the best possible way. Another great one :)

Good story.

Nom nom nom nom nom nom nom nom nom nom nom. *Gnaws on Crest's arm while he anxiously waits for the next chapter.* :AF1pirates008HL:

Great chapter, mate! (((Crest))) HAHA :buds:

Crest! These are amazing! I had to catch up from page 3, but it was worth it! Can't wait for tomorrow. :D

Solomon's Story
 

Ahoy Mates! My apologies on no chapter last week. Things are a little hectic, aye? But we all get that. However, I do have this new chapter as planned. So, I present to you...

Solomon's Story

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

“Alright mate, speak up. What’s your story?” Kat asked.

Solomon settled down on a crate to tell his tale. “Fine, fine. It’s not a long story, but I suppose you should know.

“I began in Tortuga, born to a poor family. My father tried to make a business blacksmithing, but many people in Tortuga liked buying their weapons elsewhere. They preferred getting pirated ones or exotic ones from travels or stealing them from Port Royal. It was much easier for them that way. However, it was because of him that I learned how to wield a sword at an early age.

“It wasn’t until later in my life that I realized the tyranny we all live under. I mostly avoided it living on Tortuga, the only free port left in these seas. Eventually, though, I decided it was high time for me to get out of there, like most young men wish to do, so I took for the seas. I wasn’t a pirate though, not yet at least. I may have grown up with them, but I tried my hand at being a merchant first.

“One day, the ship I was on docked in Port Royal for trading and such. It was my first time there, and I was rather excited about seeing this grand place I’d heard so much about. In my naivety, I didn’t realize the stories were all false. The Navy filched us when we got there, taking everything for themselves and giving us nothing for it. When we protested, they pointed to their uniforms and threatened us with prison.

“While we moped around town, we talked to others who lived there. They told us how it wasn’t the first time the Navy had done such a thing. They took unfairly from the townsfolk as well, yet nothing could be done about it. The Navy had the power.

“It infuriated me that these people were blind to the fact that they could do something. When my merchant ship left, I stayed at Port Royal. I felt the need to do something to help these people. I wanted them to feel freedom.

“There were few people willing to listen to me at first, but I began spreading the idea of a revolution. After a few months, word began to spread. People were hesitant; they didn’t want to go against the crown. In hindsight, it probably didn’t help that I had to hide from the Navy in King’s Run. Very few people were willing to come and talk to me.

“Eventually, I gained an adequate number of people ready and willing to be a part of a revolution. However, just a day before we began with a storming of Fort Charles, my camp in King’s Run was discovered. It was burned to the ground. I was lucky enough to be out preparing last minute plans.

“Perhaps they had thought it would deter me from my plans. They were wrong. The burning of my quarters only made me more infuriated. I was in the throes of fury, and nothing would stop me now from going into that fort with swords swinging.

“My revolutionaries and I gathered at daybreak the next morning. When I counted who all was there, it came up shorter than who had pledged themselves to the cause. The burning of my home had deterred many of them. I did not care though. My plans were going to be carried out.

“We stormed the fort, but we did not expect the militia waiting for us just beyond the gates. Without the rest of our numbers, we were overpowered easily. It seemed there was nowhere to run but back into the arms of the Navy. As they surrounded us, I raised my blade and began striking them down. I realized it was fruitless, but I would not back down easily. It took maybe two minutes for our small group of revolutionaries to fall.

“It was already known that I was the leader, so while the rest of the men were carted off to jail cells, I was escorted to the man in charge of the fort at the time, a Captain Roger or Randolph or something. Not a very impressive bloke, I’ll admit, but he was only temporarily in charge, so he just ordered me to be tossed into jail before my hanging. He said something about disrupting the peace and treason.

“Honestly, those idiots never learn. I had men of my own stationed in case we got captured. With that jail guard constantly being asleep, it wasn’t difficult for someone to slip the keys from his pocket and open the doors for all of us. We could have stayed to try again, but I got the feeling our luck wouldn’t be as good the second time. Darby, one of the secret revolutionaries, provided us with a ship and we escaped easily.

“That was essentially my life before you found me. My crew and I sailed for a few years, roaming the world for ports that we could plant the idea of revolution in. The crew got tired of the idea after a while though, but there was no mutiny until we were captured by that Navy ship. They bargained me and a good chunk of our supplies so that they could continue on their merry way. Lousy dogs. But you know the rest.”

“A revolutionary, eh, Solomon?” Kat asked as she locked eyes with Lawrence briefly.

Solomon scowled at her. “Did you miss that entire story Kat? I’m not telling it again. Yes, a revolutionary.”

Kat laughed and met Solomon’s hard gaze. “Mate, I think you’ll be just fine with us.”

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Not overly long, yes, but tell me what you think. I appreciate reviews mates. :)

Again, I want to thank KeeperoftheCode for the use of his character. I finally got it right this time and sent it off to him before posting. ;)

Well, nothing like this next week. Got a chapter all lined up. Just some minor editing... ;) And with that taunt I'm out! Thanks for reading mates!

-Kat Crestshot

I'm doing this intirely in smilies......

Haha!!!! Nice job cresty......

Me no like taunts...

Well done. This is my favorite chapter so far. I can't put my finger on why, though...

Oh, finally!

Nice job Crest! Your story telling and characterization only ages like wine, better and better as time goes on. These chapters truly are, epic.

I can wait. But not for long. ;)

I enjoy your portrayal of him. You're definitely getting better at it as time goes on.

So, I start reading this chapter, then take my time to read the chapter before it, and what do you know, read the whole thing! Nice story Crest, will be waiting with anticipation for the next installment.

Ahoy mates! My apologies on the late hour of this chapter. Old habits die hard, you know? I was caught up in a lot of things over the past few days, and found myself unable to type it up. However, it is here, so without further ado, I present to you...

The Frigate

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

With everything out in the open about Solomon, they were all able to work more fluidly. Him being a possible threat or trouble was no longer in their minds. They continued on Kat’s quest for revenge with ease, using her compass as a guide. It led them faithfully towards many skeletons just waiting to be sunk. At times, though, the arrow was unsteady and followed Lawrence around instead. It was times like that where she snapped it shut quickly and distracted herself with something else.

Things went smoothly for about four months. The group had spent their time successfully sinking skeletal ships and raiding the occasional merchant or EITC ship. Kat was up the crow’s nest checking on the sail’s knots when she stared off into the distance. She squinted her eyes towards the speck in the horizon. “Land ho!” she called down to Solomon, who was presently steering. She scurried down the rigging so she could check on their position.

“No need to look at the maps, Kat. I know where we are,” Lawrence said when her boots hit the deck. HE put a hand to the small of her back to point her towards the island, and she felt that flutter she always quickly tapped down. “You see that smoke?” he asked, pointing. “We’re approaching Padres del Fuego, the volcanic Fathers of Fire indeed.” Lawrence looked at the island with darkened eyes and Kat glanced at him worriedly. She remembered what had happened to him last time he was there.

“Hey, look over there!” Solomon yelled, pointing to port side. They turned to see a Navy frigate patrolling the waters. “How would you like a brand new ship to sail into Padres with, Kat?” he asked with a grin.

“I’d like it very much, Solomon,” she replied, “but exactly how do you plan on acquiring such a fine piece of craftsmanship?” She spoke to him as if he was crazy.

Solomon grinned wider. “I have a plan.”

Solomon had proven time and time again over the past few months how apt he was with strategy, so Kat and Lawrence listened intently. He quickly outlined the actions they would take, with the other two adding their ideas and refinements. When they finished planning it out, they separated on their different jobs, all confident about gaining a new ship.

Solomon had taken Kat’s story about her and Hector tricking the EITC ship into thinking they were lost, and put his own twist on it. They took one of the torn sails they had kept from months before, when they had first found Solomon, and hung them up in place of a good one. Kat went to change into her ragged clothes. Lawrence and Solomon would carry most of their arsenal though; it wouldn’t look good if a woman was carrying a shiny cutlass around.

It didn’t take long to get everything set up, and when they did, they attempted to sail towards the naval ship. Solomon hid in the hold and Kat and Lawrence tried crying out for ‘Help’ when they got close enough.

The Navy launched a small dinghy so a group of them could board the small Cutthroat Wolf. “What is the problem?” the leader of the troop asked on the ship.

Kat felt ridiculous playing the part of hapless woman, but did it anyway. “Please, you must help us!” she cried, desperately hanging on to the closest soldier. “We were attacked by pirates! Somehow we got away, but my husband,” Lawrence’s eyebrows shot up for a moment, “caught one of them! Please, you must help us!”

“Please calm down ma’am,” the soldier she clutched to said as he disentangled her from him. “We shall take care of him.”

Kat ran to Lawrence instead now. “Please, I don’t want to be here when you see him! He scares me!”

Lawrence wrapped his arms around her in fake comfort. “Please take my wife,” he lightly emphasized the word, “onto your ship while we take care of the pirate,” he requested of the Navy men.

The leader thought for a moment, then accepted. “Very well. Figgins!” One of the men stood up a little straighter. “Take this woman back to our ship!”

A young sergeant from the back saluted. “Aye aye sir! Come with me miss.” He came to escort her from Lawrence’s arms, gripping her shoulder gently.

“Be careful, Sam,” she told him as she got into the dinghy.

He winked at her. “Always am, love.” The small boat splashed into the waters and she lost sight of Lawrence. Figgins began rowing them to the red and white sails, and Kat couldn’t help but really worry about Lawrence and Solomon.

“What’s your name, miss?” the young sergeant asked her, as if trying to make conversation.

“Katherine,” she responded without thought, still concerned for her men. It took her a moment to realize her mistake, but when she did, her eyes widened and she felt like hitting herself. Figgins didn’t notice though.

“Well, it is nice to meet you, miss, even under these circumstances.” He was a rather friendly bloke, rather relaxed, and Kat felt a kind of affinity towards him. He was unlike any Navy man she’d ever met, even in the time she was still married. They were silent until they reached the frigate.

There weren’t as many Navy uniforms on the other side as she had anticipated. That would make things easier when the time came. She wandered around the ship, subtly examining it as any captain would inspect a new piece of equipment. It seemed to be in very good shape, likely just commissioned not long ago.

Figgins came up beside her. “Everything alright ma’am?” he asked.

Kat nodded lightly. “Yes, everything is fine, I suppose,” she said. She noticed a small telescope hanging off of the sergeant’s belt. “Figgins, do you mind if I borrow that?” she asked him, pointing to the spyglass. “I would like to be able to see what is going on with my husband.”

Figgins looked hesitant. “Ma’am, I’m not entirely certain if that’s the wisest idea…”

“Please, Figgins? Just give it to me,” she said, holding out her hand. The man reluctantly unclipped it from his belt and handed over his telescope. Kat raised it to her eye and focused in on her ship.

Lawrence was talking to the Navy as he leaned down to open the hold. Kat felt her shoulders tense and her breathing hitch. Solomon leaped out with a sword in each hand and pointed them at the soldiers. They began backing up slowly as Lawrence drew his sword as well. One brave soul tried drawing his blade and charging them, but Lawrence just parried and punched him in the face. He stumbled to the ground, much to the shock of his comrades. Kat saw Solomon’s lips move and his face harden as he spoke harshly to the other soldiers. They began marching down into the hold, where she figured the boys would tie them of lock them up.

She lowered the eyeglass to find Figgins staring at her worriedly. It was rather odd to see such a soft look attached to that uniform. She couldn’t help but smile gently at him. “He’s fine, mate,” she said softly. She looked through the telescope again to see Lawrence and Solomon getting in a row boat and come towards the frigate.

Kat looked back at Figgins and grimaced. “Sorry mate,” she said, and she punched him cleanly across the face, then took a piece of wood from inside her shirt and knocked him on the back of the head. He fell over, unconscious. Kat stole his sword and swung a length of rope just sitting on deck over her shoulders. She licked her lips nervously as she waited for Lawrence and Solomon to get to the ship.

A soldier came down from the front of the ship where she was. “Hey, wha’ happened to him?” the man asked.

“Um… Caribbean sun,” Kat responded. With fluidity, she unraveled part of the rope and wrapped it around the soldier’s neck. He spluttered and struggled against it, but Kat just pulled tighter. His body soon fell limp and he flopped on top of Figgins. Kat reached down and lightly touched his neck. A soft pulse fluttered back up to the tips of her fingers. She nodded lightly and waited for Lawrence and Solomon to arrive.

She threw part of the rope over side, letting them climb up. They all barely spoke, just knowing what they needed to do. Kat left the men to go talk to the captain, and they waited until she was out of sight to begin their strike.

“Sir?” Kat asked timidly to the back of the captain. The man turned towards her, his back now to the rest of the ship. She smiled lightly at him. “I want to thank you for your hospitality, sir,” she said as she watched Lawrence and Solomon take out the other Navy quickly and quietly. “It is truly appreciated, and I hope you’ll let my husband and I stay on the ship.”

The captain nodded briskly. “But of course, ma’am. You are welcome to stay as long as you wish.”

Kat grinned that mischievous smirk of a pirate. “I was hoping you’d say that.” At the tail end of her words, one of the Navy soldiers cried out, making the captain turn to see the disturbance. Kat took the loop of rope she’d had behind her back and caught the man in it. She tightened it around his arms and tied it off, ignoring the cries of protest. The captain was spluttering in fury as she tugged him close by the rope, his back to her. “Again, I’d like to thank you for your welcome, captain,” she murmured threateningly in his ear. “I do, in fact, plan on staying as long as I like.” He growled and tried to kick her. It wasn’t difficult for her to dodge it. “Come now captain, you wouldn’t hit a lady, would you?” she didn’t give him a chance to answer before she slammed his head against the mast, effectively knocking him out.

Unsheathing the sword she had stolen from Figgins and taking the one from the captain’s belt, she went to help her boys. They easily dispatched of the soldiers, swords slashing and crashing in the sea air. Somehow, Kat made her way back to the front of the ship. One of the fallen men had stood, and Kat moved without thought to strike him down.

“Katherine!” the body cried. With her name falling from his lips, the fighting, cold hearted Kat fell. Now she was able to see the person standing in front of her. Teeth unclenched and stance relaxed as Figgins stood there with his hands raised, looking as if he feared for his life. It was then Kat noticed one of her swords was pointing directly at his heart. She let her arm drop a little, and Figgins visibly relaxed.

“What shall be your choice, mate?” she asked him lowly. “Shall you be coming with me, choose the life outside the law, or shall I set you off in a dinghy with your Navy friends?”

“Let me come with you, please,” Figgins begged. “I’m tired of the Navy. I want to live a new life.”

“Very well then,” Kat nodded. She suddenly felt very tired. “Here, take your bloody sword back,” she muttered, tossing him the blade from her left hand. “Lawrence, Solomon!” The two appeared from around the corner. “Wrap it up mates, I think we’re done here.”

They loaded up the Navy into a few life boats and set them out to sea. Kat wasn’t completely without mercy; she placed oars in the boats so that they may have a fighting chance. Lawrence went back over to the sloop, while the other three took over the now pirated frigate, and all began towards Padres del Fuego.

As Kat took the wheel, Solomon came up to her with a grin. “What is it?” she asked.

Solomon grinned wider. Your name is Katherine?” Kat just groaned and directed them towards the volcanic island.

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Thanks go out again to KeeperoftheCode for letting me move Solomon around like my little doll. :)

I apologize for any grammatical/random errors in this chapter. I am very tired, and am not going through and proof reading it before posting. Oh, and I also apologize for saying last week, "Nothing like this next week." I'm terrible, I know.

Well mates, you know how I work by now, yes? Haha, I kid. Reviews are always appreciated, but not necessary. Thanks for reading mates!

-Kat Crestshot

PS: I forgot to mention this last night, but I shall be changing my posting days to Fridays. I find that I come home and have too much to do on Thursday nights, and with the weekend open on Fridays for me to do whatever work needed, I am able to type on those nights. Thank you!

I like this one! It is very close to me favorite, second to the last chapter.

I hope ye keep in mind what we just discussed, yes? Hehe... :laughks2:

I can see Figgins doing some amazing things in the following chapters...

Yaaay! I stayed up late on the right night Kat!! Wooot! Good bed time reading indeed...aye, she slammed a head into a "mass" but hey!! I would have made many more...great story....the crew is growing, should be able to take a ship of the line soon....lol Keep it coming Crest...I love them all!

(((((((((((CREST))))))))))) I LOVE this chapter!!!!!!!!! Free Frigate, no? Keep up the great work, Crest!

Tell me, who's your prop guy? I want his number.... LOL Come on Crest, Me needs a new chapter:D

Another excellent chapter, Crest!

Your story is one of those things that flows very fluidly and gradually, but not at the kind of pace that would either throw the reader off, or bore them to death. I'm simply in love with reading them - I can't WAIT until Friday!

You all have to bow down to Luckie. She tempted me (with prodding from my own mind, and you'll see why) to post today as a Happy Columbus Day present. So Happy Columbus Day! You are presented (with the rather ironic title for this day) with...

Left Behind

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

The new ship, which Kat decided to rename the Lightning Mercenary, was too large for the four of them to navigate by themselves. For the first time, Kat found herself actively looking for a crew. The ragtag group of pirates hit the taverns, looking for anyone willing to join. It wasn’t difficult to sweeten some of them up with a drink or two, but then Kat would come in asking how they felt serving under a woman, and they’d quickly down their rum and get out. Some, however, stayed, interested in the proposition. These were the ones that Kat would tell about her revenge against Jolly Roger. They returned with stories of their own, how Padres was overrun with the things, of friends and family they had lost to the despot, and how they would be glad to rid the Caribbean of him. It took a few days, but they got a crew of about fifteen people, not including the original four.

It was with a heavy heart that Kat decided it was time to get rid of her beloved Cutthroat Wolf. She went to Balthasar Bollard, intent on giving it to him to sell. When she introduced him to her beloved light sloop, he looked it over for a moment, and then proclaimed he’d take it off her hands for 500 gold. Kat argued with him for a long time about the price, telling him that this ship was worth much more than that, but he wouldn’t be swayed, telling her that it was in terrible condition and wasn’t worth more than that. Finally, she adhered to his price, going over her ship one more time to reminisce, before stepping off of it.

The day that they were set to leave, Kat, Lawrence, and Solomon were wandering through the town, enjoying the feel of land before setting out again. They chatted easily, taking the time to relax as they had not been able to do so in a long time. Their alert was on low. That was their mistake.

Red uniforms burst out from behind walls and inside buildings. The small group was shocked and drew their swords. It didn’t seem like it would do any good though. They were surrounded and backed up against a tree.

Bayonets pointed at them from every direction. One man stepped forward. “Kat Crestshot, Lawrence Mcrage, and Solomon Sharkfury, you are under arrest by order of the Royal Navy for acts of piracy against the crown. You are to come with us.”

“A noose doesn’t exactly sound inviting, sorry,” Kat said bitingly. “Can we reschedule?” The soldiers around them merely glared.

Solomon shifted closer to her. “Thank you for saving me Kat.” He grinned. “I have to look out for myself though.” He leaped and swung at one of the soldiers. Kat felt an odd sense of déjà vu, but couldn’t identify why. Solomon jumped into the tree behind him, ran across a branch, and flew over the heads of the Navy. “Farewell, Kat and Lawrence! I think I’d best be going now!” he cried backwards. Most of the Navy group began chasing after him, and Kat and Lawrence watched in shock as he ran off.

Only three of the soldiers remained. Lawrence brought Kat out of her astonishment by attacking one of the remaining men. Kat followed and slashed the other’s chest. Both ran their swords through the final man that tried to rush them.

They stared at the bodies surrounding them. “I think it’s time to go,” Lawrence said. They took off towards the Lightning Mercenary.

“Wait!” Kat said, stopping suddenly and grabbing Lawrence’s arm. He skidded to a halt next to her. “What about Solomon?”

“He left, Kat! Of his own will! We need to get out of here!” Lawrence said desperately.

“We can’t just leave him, Lawrence!” she protested.

He gripped her shoulders. “It’s in the Code as well, Kat. He who falls behind, stays behind. You told me that. We have no choice!” Lawrence began towards the ship again, and Kat reluctantly followed.

“Get ready to go!” Kat ordered as her boots touched the deck of the ship. Her crew looked at her in confusion.

“You heard the woman!” Lawrence yelled. “Get going!” The crew quickly began getting ready to set sail. Kat was doing a head count quickly, and only came up with fifteen, not including herself and Lawrence.

She frowned. “Where is Figgins?” she bellowed. A few men glanced at her nervously and shrugged. One man, though – Tim, that was his name – came up to her.

“’e said ‘e ‘ad some business to take care of. Tol' me tha’ if ‘e wasn’t back by the time we set off, ‘e wouldn’t be comin’” Tim said, then continued back to work.

Kat and Lawrence glanced at each other, both coming to the same realization. Her face hardened and she began barking orders to everyone.

After they had gotten out to sea, Kat ordered Tim to take the wheel and she stormed into her cabin. Lawrence noticed her leaving and followed her. She tried to slam the door behind her, but he stopped it with a steady hand.

Kat began pacing wildly, completely ignoring Lawrence. The hair tie eternally entangled in her brown locks was gone as she ran her hand through her hair. She was grumbling to herself angrily. Lawrence caught something about “-bloody git-” and “-should’ve known-”. He was about to approach when Kat took a bottle of rum and chucked it at the wall. Her breath was heavy as she stared at the new dark spot on the wall.

Lawrence stepped forward slowly. “Kat?” he asked softly.

The young woman did not turn. “It’s my fault,” she murmured. “For all we know, Solomon is either captured or dead right now, and it’s my fault.” She turned and began furiously pacing again.

Lawrence crept closer. “Kat, it’s not-”

“Don’t you even say it isn’t my fault, Lawrence Mcrage!” Kat yelled, poking a finger into his chest. She turned away from him as she continued her rant. “I thought Figgins would be perfectly fine to have aboard. I’m the one who brought him on! Sure, another lost soul! And then, when my crewmate, when my friend, had a dozen navy soldiers chasing after him, I just ran off in the other direction. Pirate or not, it was wrong! How can this not be my fault? I was just so stupid and-”

She didn’t get to continue because Lawrence grabbed her by the shoulders, pulled her to him, and kissed her soundly.

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

I warned Luckie you all would either love me or hate me after this chapter...

Thank you so much to KeeperoftheCode for letting me use Solomon Sharkfury. It was truly painful for me to write him out, but it had to be done. I love his character and the way he has turned out. I'm sorry mate. Rum's on me.

Well mates... I await the cries. In fact, I'm insanely excited to see the response to this chapter. Until then mates...Thanks for reading!

-Kat Crestshot

Hehe.. leaving us in our seats wondering why it ended so soon.

A good chapter Crest, had quite a fast pace to it. Now, we have to figure out what in the blazes is going to happen to Lawrence...

Hah, either Kat will smack daylights outta him or kiss him back...lol

I think the writing in this was more spot on, clearer than last one....and I'm going to be optimistic about Figgins...maybe he will surprise us?....Great job Kat...:)

Ooohh, an extra present on the side! Muchas muchas gracias!

I have to admit, this might just go down as one of my favorites in your stories. It was very compelling from start to finish, with each new twist and turn at every corner - just what I LOVE about your writing technique! You know how to draw the reader in, capture our attention, and allow us to feel as though we have a personal connection with the story.

Bravo, Crest. Bravo :)

Now that's the way for good ol' Solomon to go out! With a bang (figuratively, not literally)! He'll be making an appearance for a chapter or two later, won't he? (Casually unsheaths dagger)

This Moment
 

Thanks for twisting my arm Luckie. It's dislocated now. ;)

Well mates, it just so happens to be that wonderful day of Friday. I hope you are all caught up on your reading, because today, I want to show you...

This Moment

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Lawrence pulled back after just a moment. Kat looked at him in shock. “Lawrence, I-”

“Shh, Kat,” he whispered, placing a finger to her lips. When he saw that she would be quiet, he took the finger away and wrapped his arms around her. His voice was an octave lower than normal as he said, “Kat…just…” He lowered his lips to hers again, gentler this time. Kat was unresponsive, but he just clutched her tighter and cupped the back of her head.

Finally, she responded. Her arms went around his neck and gripped him tight while her eyes closed. She let herself give in, if only for a moment. She let herself acknowledge all the hints and the pushes from Josie and the close calls that had come before this. In this moment, she let go.

Lawrence’s fingers ran through her dark hair, the hair she had never before let be released from the tie it was always caged in. The other hand comfortingly caressed the small of her back. He had finally caught the girl.

Kat took one of the hands around his neck to push run a hand through his soft hair, making his hat drop with a clack to the floor. She took it from the back of Lawrence’s head and traced the contours of his face. With a single finger, she went from the top of his head, creating a line past his eye, down across his noble cheekbones, to his strong, bearded chin. It fell to his shoulder, where it rested.

The two felt as though this moment was everlasting. It was only them, in the ship, in the world, in the universe. All they had, all they needed, was this.

Then, Kat opened her eyes.

She realized what had just happened.

She pulled away.

Lawrence felt her leaving and held her closer.

“No, Lawrence, I can’t,” she murmured. There was a catch in her voice.

“Yes Kat, you can, you can,” Lawrence said. He leaned in to kiss her again. Kat kissed him back for only a moment, but removed herself again.

“No…”

“Please Kat,” he pleaded, caressing her face gently. She couldn’t help but lean into the calloused, but comforting, hands. The soft touch was almost enough to make her cry. She reached up to lightly grab his wrists and pull his hands away from her face.

“I can’t, Lawrence…” She dropped his hands and turned away. “Please…just leave.”

She could almost see the crestfallen look on his face, even with her back turned. Soft footsteps crept out of her cabin, and the door clicked as it closed. Kat wrapped her arms around herself. The night was suddenly cold.

She gave a sigh and walked over to the rum mess on the wall. Glass blinked up at her from the ground. These were the tears of the night. She gathered the sparkling bits and tossed them out the window for the sea to absorb. The hair tie she had thrown on the table lay there, lonely. Kat considered putting it back in its rightful place, but figured it wasn’t worth it. Lawrence’s hat lay on the ground from where she had taken it from his head. He’d had such soft hair…

She looked out of her cabin window to see her crew working diligently. Lawrence came into view and barked orders at one young man – barely a boy. The boy cowered in front of him, and she saw Lawrence soften. He knelt down and helped him, showing the young man the correct way to tie a knot. Kat felt a tug on her heart at the sight.

She sighed as she thought of the day. Had it only been a few hours ago that she had been happy, ready to sail with Lawrence and Solomon with a new crew? Only a few hours ago, everything was perfect… and now she may have lost both of her boys.

She picked up the worn hat as she walked to her cot. The tri-corn was rough and worn, but it was so…Lawrence. For the first time in a long time, Kat lay on her bed, hair strewn all over the pillow, clutching a tired hat to her chest, and cried herself to sleep.

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

So... um... Yah... *cough*. I think it's time for me to...*flee!*

Haha, I kid mates. It's short, but... I love this chapter. I await to hear what you think. In the meantime, though, I'll be hiding underneath a rock with my rum stash. Thanks for reading!

-Kat Crestshot

Oh, nice Crest. Way to break the guy's heart.

Haha, nice job on this one Crest. It was kinda heartwrenching to see what happened to Lawrence, but it was still a very good story.

Now, if you excuse me, I'm going.. erm... "rocking hunting"...

No hitting him?

Hehe, just kidding. However, this.. occurance, I should say, is going to make managing the crew a little harder, especially with the fact that Lawrence and Kat are stuck together for the next few months!

Short, but I like it.

Hehe, maybe since Solomon is outta the story, your good captain friend, Nate Swordwalker, returns? :D

Not a chance Nate! I'll be back first, or nobody will! :laughks2:

Mm... Savages captured him... Would you believe that? They made me their chief...
:tiki8gt::tiki8gt::tiki8gt:

What about Christopher Ironhawk???? He would fit in, no?

The Caribbean needed a lil spicing up :)....close quarters and all that...ok...gonna hush now...very well written Crest!! XD

Nice! Poor Law.... Can't wait... *Sits outside Crest's House* Now I shall be the first to read, Savvy?:D

YAY!!! THAT WAS AWESOME!! LOL and i dont hate ya crest! lol what will happen next!??????!!!! who knows!!!!???? haha its awesome way to go crest!!! :D :D :D :D :D

She found us out mate! Run for the hills! :laughks2:

Welcome to the Caribbean
 

Well mates... Late Friday night, and I have a chapter for you. Thank you for the reviews last week! And boys... I ain't handing out kisses to just anyone. ;) So, without further ado....

Welcome to the Caribbean

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

Sarah Crestshot stood on a small island in the middle of the Caribbean. She observed the ruin of the area that had only been partially rebuilt. It was a rather dark place, she thought. No wonder the Navy liked it for a remote jail.

She sighed softly at the thought of her journey. Ever since her sister had disappeared, Sarah had worried and tried to find her. All inquires in England hadn’t done any good, so Sarah believed it was time to head to the source. She told her parents, much to their chagrin, and sent off a letter to her ever travelling fiancé about where she would be. Before he could send a response (or before he had even received the letter, most likely), she had forced herself onto one of his ships. It was nice having a wealthy businessman with many ships in commission. She had merely threatened the sailors with job loss, and they did exactly what she wanted.

Her brother walked up to her from the small tavern on the hill. “Those two up there didn’t know anything,” Charles said. “The most they remember is a girl about two years ago that they thought matched her description. Long, dark hair, tall, and wearing a rather elegant dress. I honestly think that the dress is the only reason they remember her.”

Sarah sighed. “Well, that’s not a lot to go by,” she grumbled. “Not anything else, Charles?”

The young man looked a little uncomfortable. “Well, I grilled them a little more for information, and they said that the girl had boarded a ship for Port Royal. And…” The hesitance was clear in his face and his voice.

“And, Charles?” Sarah pressed.

Charles tugged his ear nervously as he said, “They said the girl had come from the jail, Sarah.”

Sarah was visibly ruffled at that statement. “Well that couldn’t possibly have been Katherine!” she exclaimed. “Why would she have been left in a jail? Her husband never would have stood for it!”

“You know they didn’t get along well, Sarah,” Charles muttered. “They only married because it was beneficial to the families. Is it possible that he could have…”

Sarah easily followed his train of thought. “No, Charles. That can’t be possible. It’s not possible.”

Charles looked her steadily in the eye. “It’s worth it to check, Sarah. We owe Katherine that much.”

Sarah knew that look. She had seen it when they had been young and fighting over a toy, or later in life when he argued with her about his behaviors. This was his ‘I’m going to do it my way no matter what you say’ look. It wouldn’t do any good to deny him.

“Alright then Charles. Let’s go look.”

The jail was rather small and dingy, and it smelled bad to Sarah’s refined nose. If Katherine had been in a place like this… Sarah shuddered at the thought. There was no guard on duty; this jail had essentially been abandoned. Of course, this made it much easier to investigate without someone breathing down their necks.

There wasn’t much but dirt in the cells, and what Sarah fervently hoped weren’t human remains. Of course, it is always the last place on looks where the wanted thing is found.

“Charles… please tell me this isn’t what I think it is,” Sarah said weakly.

Charles, his back turned to his sister, said “No, Sarah, there are no human bones in here.”

Sarah glared at his back. She marched over to him, and roughly turned him around by the shoulder. “I was talking about this, Charles.” She shoved a small, dark green handkerchief into his face. He took it gently into his hands to examine it.

“Look at the corner, Charles,” she said shakily. He turned the handkerchief over and brushed some grime off of it. Stitched in was the name ‘Katherine Randolph’. He looked up at his sister in shock.

“She was here, Charles,” Sarah said with bright eyes. “She was here. But where is she now?” Charles shook his head in grief, unable to respond.

The two made their way back to Sarah’s waiting ship, lost in thought and worry. After a short day’s travel, most of which Charles and Sarah spent in their cabins, wondering, they landed in Port Royal. Activity was slow in the port that day. A few chickens clucked on the dock and workers milled about, but there wasn’t much to it.

“Exactly what are we looking for here, Charles?” Sarah asked as she looked out on the town.

Charles thought for a moment. “I’m not sure, Sarah. We’re just looking for anything.” He wrapped an arm around his sister’s shoulders comfortingly and the two stepped off the ship.

They began walking down towards the town when Sarah felt a tap on her shoulder. “Welcome back to Port Royal Ms. Cres-” Sarah turned to see a scraggly blonde man stop abruptly in the middle of his greeting. He looked surprised to see her face, as if he had suspected someone else. “Um, forgive me,” he said. “I had believed you to be another.” He tried to go the other direction, but Sarah stopped him with a hand to his arm.

“If you don’t mind me asking, sir, who did you believe I was?” she asked.

The man looked nervous. “It was nobody, I assure you miss. Now-”

“You called me Ms. Cres before you stopped,” Sarah insisted. “Ms. Crestshot, perhaps?” Charles looked at her as if she were insane, but Sarah wasn’t bothered to notice.

The dockworker looked at her wearily. “How do you know that name?” he asked lowly.

Sarah finally released the man’s arm. “I would think I know the name. I am Sarah, sister of-”

“Sarah!” Charles bit out, stopping her from continuing. Sarah rounded on her brother, who looked at her with raised eyebrows. Sarah glared back, and Charles glanced at the dockworker, then raised a single eyebrow at her.

“I hate to interrupt the silent conversation,” the other man said, “but I’d like to discuss with you somewhere a little more private. Follow me.” He began walking away down the dock. Sarah and Charles had another quick silent exchange, with Charles shaking his head no fervently, and Sarah nodding, until she just stopped and walked away after the dockworker. Charles gave a grunt of frustration and reluctantly followed his sister.

The man led them on a weaving path through the town until they reached a tavern. He opened the door for the siblings and quickly shut it behind him. They were in a dimly lit room, with a few men playing poker in the corner and a man in an old Navy uniform at the bar. Soft music from a flute and guitar graced their ears as they looked around the place.

“Josie!” the blonde man called at the bar. She came from the back room, putting her hair up in a tie.

“What is it Sam?” she asked, her eyes to the ground as she adjusted her hair. “Not trying to send anyone else on ridiculous favors, are ya?” She looked up at the small group and her brow furrowed. “Well, what have we here?”

“I need your help with something Josie,” the man named Sam said. “This lass here claims to be the sister of one Ms. Crestshot.”

“Aye now?” she asked. “Well, this is quite an interesting development. Josie Mcreedy.” She held out her hand and Sarah took it reluctantly, unused to such a thing. Charles stepped forward and merely bowed, ignoring the hand. For once, where it is least needed, he acts like a gentleman, Sarah scoffed silently.

“What does any of this have to do with my sister?” Sarah asked, rather impatient.

Josie examined her closely. “What, pray tell, is your sister’s name?” she asked.

“She is Kath-”

“Sarah!” Charles snapped again.

Sarah turned on him with a glare. “Honestly, Charles, it’s just a name!” She spoke to Josie and Sam again. “Her name is Katherine. Perhaps she would go by the last name of Crestshot or Randolph. I can’t be sure of that anymore.”

Josie gave a short laugh. “Katherine! I’ll have to mention that next time I see her.”

Sarah looked shocked. “So you know my sister!”

Josie’s smile slowly faded. “Aye, I know her, if we happen to be speaking of the same person, that is. Is your sister perhaps yay tall,” she gestured, “slight build, and long, dark hair like yours?”

Sarah was cautious now. “Yes…” she said slowly. “You act as if something is wrong…”

Josie nodded. “You’d be best to sit down. Perhaps if you were of the more common sort, this would be easier, but you look…noble. This may come as a shock.”

Sarah was getting more and more worried. What did this woman mean by ‘noble’? Was Katherine dead? Was she in prison again? What could be so bad that she had to sit down? She reluctantly sat in a stool at the bar, with Charles standing closely behind her.

“Your sister is a pirate,” Josie said, looking Sarah in the eye.

Sarah’s eyes widened. “A pirate?!” she all but screeched.

“A pirate?” Charles asked at the same time, an undertone of humor to his voice.

“Yes, a pirate,” Sam said with a hint of impatience. “Ye know, pillaging, plundering… rum,” he added as an afterthought. “Bloody good one she is too.”

“Sam, don’t attack them with information,” Josie scolded. “By a good pirate, he means she’s not drunken and merciless,” she said to the siblings. “She’s been spending a lot of her time lately going after Jolly Roger. Not your traditional pirate by far.”

Charles finally spoke up. “Jolly Roger? You mean the man on the pirate flags? Isn’t he just a legend?”

Josie sighed. “If only. He is very much real, and in his very real state, tries to take over the Caribbean regularly. Kat – Katherine, I mean, has a personal vendetta against him.”

The group was silent for a moment as Sarah and Charles absorbed this information. “Where is she now?” Sarah finally whispered.

“Nobody can really be sure,” Josie said. “She went out to sea again a few months ago. My suggestion is that you head to Tortuga. It’s the only free port left around here. All the others are under strict Navy control.”

“What’s wrong with the Navy?!” Sarah asked, outraged.

Josie shook her head. “You’re not from here. Everything is corrupt. The Caribbean is much different from high class England. Everything isn’t clean cut and sparkly here.”

Sarah’s gaze softened out of sympathy for the woman. “Very well. Tortuga then?” she asked.

“Yes, but you can’t go to Tortuga looking like that. Too many petticoats. No, go to Truehound and get yourself set up with much simpler clothes. Then you can head out.”

Sarah nodded determinedly. Perhaps her sister was a pirate now, but it didn’t matter. She needed to see her, to know these people didn’t like. She would do whatever it took.

:Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin::Coin:

As you can plainly see, I have moved away from Kat and Lawrence. I'll leave you all to figure out what's going to happen there.

Well, what do you think mates? I actually had to combine two chapters on this (thank the mouse gods I had 2 on hand) because both were really short. Regardless, this is taking the story where I want it to go... how about you? Well, that's me for today mates! Thanks for reading!

-Kat Crestshot

I love that! "With a slight undertone of humor"

Anyhow, Crest great chapter as always....