The Scathed

[Crestshot]

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



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.



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

[Nate Swordwalker]

Awesome! Awesome, awesome, awesome!

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

[Dog Firestack]

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

[Crestshot]

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



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.”



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

[seafox]

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.

[Nate Swordwalker]

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

[KeeperOfTheCode]

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?"

[Crestshot]

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. And Keeper, if you want a cameo, just PM me mate, aye? Haha. So, with that over and done, with, I present to you...

EITC



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.



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!

[Nate Swordwalker]

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!

[Crestshot]

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

All Hallows Eve



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.”



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

[seafox]

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

[Dog Firestack]

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.

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

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

[Crestshot]

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

Aftermath



“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.



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

[muffin pirate]

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

[KeeperOfTheCode]

Originally Posted by muffin pirate

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.