Chapter 9: Beginning of a Deciding Battle
Bart laughed. "You? Face us? Don't make me laugh so much that I die." Gastro maintained a serious look. "It may not be likely that we win...but, it's worth a shot." Jack stepped next to Gastro. "I'm in." Del stepped on the other side of Gastro. "Perhaps you need a demonstration of the power that comes from working together." Mark stepped next to Jack. "For the sake of what you caused to happen to Jack last time, I'm not letting you get away again. Consider me a part of the battle." Jack Sparrow then said, "This should be interesting." as he stepped next to Mark. All of the Partners stepped in. William Goldwalker stepped beside Del, alongside Christopher Ironhawk, Lady Nayana, Alice Darkbane, Tim Rigmenace, Chloe Swordking, and Elizabeth. "And, I believe it's our job to remain as Partners: never backing down." said William.
Bart merely smirked and backed into his own group of Dark Bladebearers. "Oh, well...if you're all really in such a hurry to die, you only had to ask." Jack, Mark, Del, Sparrow, and the Partners all pointed their blades at their adversaries. "Enough of your jokes, Bart! Let's end it right here and NOW!" said Jack. Jack jumped into the air, coming down with a hard swipe at Bart to be blocked. "Did you think it would be that easy, worm?" said Bart. He pushed back at Jack, but only made a struggle between them. "What's going on?! You're supposed to be a minor threat to me!" said the malicious frightened Bart.
Jack grinned as he blocked in agony because of their struggle. "That...urgh...was before...I found...uhn...the hidden strength...ergh...inside me and my friends!!" He pushed against Bart, sending him flying into the wall! "W-What are you?..." said the mesmerized Bart. Jack said, "I am the light in worlds. I am the hero that saves the world time and time again. I am one of the chosen of the Bladebearers. I am the wall that stops darkness from breaking through into worlds. I owe it all to my dad for making me realize that." He raised his blade to bring it down and destroy Bart.
Then, a blast hit him and he fell to the ground! "Sorry, brother, but family though we may be, the darkness is still my master. You don't stand a chance. I remember you always pitied me when we were young. Thought I was better than you. Well, guess what? You were right. You've only made your death imminent, brother." Jack stood back up and readied his stance. "Heh, I have to admit; I did pity you when we were young. I remember everything now. But, you don't Michael. The darkness clouds your mind. Makes you think the wrong way. But, you know what? I'm fine with you being better than me. It's choosing your allies and friends you need to work on."
Jack jumped at his brother and struck his blade, struggling with his brother. Michael tried to tempt Jack. "What's the matter, brother? Do you feel pain? Anger? Or even jealousy?" Jack pushed against his brother. "I don't feel anything that might bring me closer to the darkness!" He kicked his brother into the wall. "You should have listened to our father, Michael. Do
you remember his name?" Michael opened his mouth, but nothing came out. "Well? Do you?" said Jack. Frustrated, Michael replied, "No." Jack spoke the truth to Michael. "His name was Bruce Seaeagle. He tried to talk sense into you. But, I can feel your guilt, Michael. You know, you don't have to live in Bart's shadow. You don't have to keep taking orders from darkness."
Michael, now holding his head in agony said, "NO!! I DON'T WANT ANYONE TRYING TO TALK ANYMORE SENSE INTO ME! I ALREADY TOLD YOU, I'M LOYAL TO DARKNESS!" Jack, actually feeling sorry for Michael said, "No. I know there's still a part of you left. Trapped and lost. But, you'll find your way. I know you're not any more loyal than you were the first time in the Pod Room."
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One of the men shot at Del and Sparrow. "Feel fear! Embrace it! Give into darkness and show your loyalty to Master Bart!" Del dodged the blast and shot one back. "Have a taste of your own medicine!" Sparrow jumped up and hit another man with his blade. "Mate, I advise you to give up. Wouldn't want you to die in a...
tragic accident now, do we?
"
Gastro was facing off against one of the men like he was destined to do it...oh, wait a minute, he was. He swung his blade against the man to have it parried. The man slashed back to have Gastro block it and push back against the man to have him fall into the core. He whistled. "Hasta la vista, baby!"
The battle was heating up. This is just getting started.