Chapter 15: Canon Ball

Bayou

I looked at the compass, watching the needle spin everywhere, as I held my hand on my wheel. I sigh, lowering the compass, and look at my wrist, where my good luck charm lies. I smiled gently and touch the old fabric. A simple red tie.

I had this for so long, it became my relic, one of the few things that means a lot in my dark world. I never knew why, but it brings me comfort.

“H.... here.” I heard a timid voice behind me. I closed the compass and turned to see Crystal face hidden by her hair, she was holding a bowl of hot steamy stew and rice. I smiled, walking up to her.

“Thanks, love, I am starving.” I took it from her hands and grasped the spoon. She lifted her gaze up, while I licked my lips.

“Yes?” I asked, in her green eyes, I could see confusion and frustration. I sighed.

“Something happened. What?” I asked her, her eyes widened.

“Actually... Max told me that you massacred a village.”

That caused me to stop half way from lifting my spoon to my lips. Placing the spoon down, I turned my expression rather hard.

“Well, you don’t beat around the bush. That old dog should keep his mouth shut.” I growled, handing her back the bowl, turning to grasp my wheel.

In the corner of my eye, I caught something out of the ordinary.

Hmm, will it attack or not, that’s the question.

“Tell me, did you?”

“It’s up to you to believe or not, everyone does,” I answered while I gripped onto the wheel. Crystal moved closer and lowered her head.

“I don’t know your past and I want to pretend I don’t care for it. Since the other night I asked to be friends, I’ll just wait. When the time comes, you will tell me, when you are ready. I don’t like to judge without hearing the other party, to make my own decision.”

My whole being felt light at her words.

If she can handle what’s going to happen next, maybe I will tell her, but she did a good job handling the other day situation? She’s an odd one, normally a sane person would have snapped by now. She really doesn’t belong here, she’s too kindhearted and innocent.

“So you are starting to trust me?” I asked her, watching her expression carefully. Her eyes stare at me, but I notice not hesitation, but something else, which I can’t name.

“I’m not sure yet,” she admitted, looking a bit defeated.

I’m not sure myself if you should trust me, I can betray you anytime, which I don’t want to. Somehow that pains me. The thought of hurting her kills me. She feels different and I don’t know why.

“Good enough. Now, this compass,.” I opened my hand, changing the subject, she looked down, like a child that was introduced to a new toy. I watched her eyes sparkle.

“Yes, the compass that almost cost our lives, and apparently some of your crewmates. I’m hoping it was worth it because I’m not amused on having peoples lives stolen because of a compass.” She said in a hurt tone.

That hit me. I tore my sight away from her and glanced out at the horizon.

Me either, but they choose this life and it’s their own responsibilities for their lives. I even warn them.

“It’s a magic compass, it will lead me to the Moon Island of Blood, it’s a magic island that only appears about every five years, and this year it’s expected by the end of the week.” I explained.

“This magic is too new to me. I’ll just pretend I understand.” I actually chuckled and turned to face the wheel.

“Trust me, it will get weirder for you, in about one more day.” I murmured, she turned to look up at me.

“Huh?”

“Nothing, and...” My words were abruptly interrupted when a strong impact caused my ship to tip backward. I gripped my wheel and turned to grasp Crystal’s waist pinning her against me, so she wouldn’t skid down, but she dropped the bowl on the ground, making a mess.

“Bloody hell, they got too fast here,” I shout, as Max ran up to us, in a wobbly matter.

“Bayou! We have visitors!” He said. I nodded.

“Get ready to attack,” I order, he nods, and turns around to head down the stairs. I let go of Crystal, she looks startled by the sudden actions, as I spin my wheel towards my right.

My heart dropped when a new island appeared and a large dark ship came into view, that I stop in my tracks. It had three cannons on the bottom deck which happened to be aimed straight at us.

“So it chose to attack us.”

I squinted my eyes, to see a familiar person jump on the edge of the other ship, holding the rope, titling their hat down. They wore dark tight pants, with heels, and a white loose shirt.

I move rapidly, pulling Crystal with me, nearly dodging one of the cannon balls that went straight into to the right of my ship, making another hole.

“What in the world is that?” Crystal asked, her body shaking from fear. I turned, as I had my arms wrapped around her, feeling her hands grasping my shirt tightly, and glanced out in the same direction as the cannon fire.

“It’s one of my girls sending their love to me? A cannon ball love, isn’t it obvious?” I teased, watching her go rigid at my words, but then frowns, looking at the ship in front of us.

“Then you must really peeved them to send this much love to you. I didn’t know, I have never seen one or heard that. Sorry,” she said, turning her gaze back at me. I look down at her and smirked.

“There’s always a first time for everything,” I simply told her. Crystal blinks blankly at me, as I heard Max yell.

“Bayou, she’s here! That damn woman is here, and she brought friends.” Max ran up. I turned to face him and smirked.

“Aye, I see her. Hot damn, she is as stunning as ever, even with her entrance. That’s what I call one hell of a woman.” I held Crystal a bit tighter.

“Who is she?” Crystal asked, looking up at me, I looked down and laughed out loud.

“The woman of my dreams, and sure as hell, our trip will take a little longer. I can never turn away a beautiful woman when she crosses my path.”

......