Shell 🐚

“I can handle it tonight.” He said.

“It’s just some cooking. Trust me, I’ve been through worse things on the job, a recipe will be a piece of cake!” He said.

Boy, what did Leon dig himself into?

He would always watch you when you cooked. You make it look so easy, making him memorized as you chop ingredients and turn to cabinets, stoves, and the sink with what seemed as perfected ease. Even though he would look on over your shoulder with his arms around your waist with a soft smile, enjoying the domesticity in it all, on the inside, he would always feel bad about you always cooking every time the two of you would have a date night in. Leon wanted to treat you for all the love you give him, and he wants to do it right.

Except, it isn’t going right at this moment.

He knew he shouldn’t go too far ahead of himself when choosing the dish for the night. A simple chicken alfredo: classic, but always delicious. As he looked online on his home computer for recipes, his mind got stuck on the idea of making homemade pasta instead of the boxed, premade option. While there is nothing wrong with using it, maybe he can make you swoon with his pasta made by hand. It couldn’t be too difficult, it is only made with eggs, flour, and a pinch of salt.

Now he is staring at the pile of what should be noodles laying on his cutting board as the kitchen is surrounded by flour.

They sure don’t look like your traditional mix of soft doughy goodness that can be coated perfectly with any sauce you mix it in. It currently looks like really thick cuts of dry cheese. Leon even brought a pasta roller machine and it still didn’t look like the one in the recipe he printed out. Thousands of thoughts are rushing through his head. Is this pasta too thick? Should he start over? His mind then remembers about the alfredo sauce currently running on the stove and his head snaps to see it is still just simmering. Okay, good.

Leon decides to clear his mind by going to wash his hands that are caked with dried up pasta dough. Everything is fine, he tells himself. Maybe he can just reuse the same pasta and shape it again. He’ll cut it by hand this time and maybe it’ll end up better looking- wait, is that smoke?

His nose picks up on that bitter aroma, and as he follows it, his sights lands back on that pan of alfredo sauce. Instead of that creamy, cheesy liquid gold, it’s in flames.

“Oh fuck-”

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

Exhaustion settled deep into your bones as you reached Leon’s apartment level. Work was not kind to you today, and right now, you just want to pull Leon onto the couch with you and use him as a heated weighted blanket and sleep the body pain off.

Just thinking of Leon brought a soft smile to your face. He said he will take over dinner for date night tonight, making you feel all giddy inside. Leon has cooked for you before, well, has made you eggs on toast… a turkey sandwich… Okay, this is the first time he is making you a decent meal according to him. It’s not like he is lazy, he admitted to you that he isn’t too confident in his cooking skills, but thinks he has prepared enough to conquer it this time around. You accept his offer with a chuckle and a kiss to the cheek, which made his posture strengthen with delight and a newfound assurance.

You stand in front of his door, putting the spare key he has given you into the lock. You swear you can smell the drool-worthy scent of whatever meal he conjured up with already as you push the door open until-

“Oh fuck-”

Well, this was not the sight you were expecting.

Leon looked shocked from the sink as a pan from the stove across from him was set ablaze. Your panic mode immediately sets in as you rush in, not bothering to shut the door behind you, grabbing a washcloth and then the pan, bringing it under the running faucet Leon was still next to. The pot sizzles into a light grey haze as you turn to look at your boyfriend.

“Is everything alright?” You ask, your heart pounding in your chest as you look him up and down for any injuries.

“It is now,” he responds as he looks at the pan still in your hand, a slight quirk on his left brow. The alarm in the room settles as you put the pan down into the sink, sighing out in relief.

“Good,” you wheeze as you look around the kitchen. It’s a total mess, with ingredients scattered about, all dusted with flour. Your eyes then meet the cutting board on the counter, seeing what is practically playdough on its very floured surface. “What were you trying to make?”

“It was supposed to be a chicken alfredo,” Leon starts, walking to the front door to close it from earlier. “But it all sorta got out of hand.”

You look after him as he turns back to you. He tries to lighten the situation with a smile, but you can see the sad puppy look right through him. You then spot the packet of the recipe he was using next to the cutting board and approach it.

“I don’t know where it went wrong,” he started to rant. You flipped through the pages, your heart melting more with each flip. “The pasta feels nothing like how the recipe says it should feel, much less looks like it does in the photos. And I swore the alfredo sauce was just fine a second ago, but I look away for one second and it decides it’s a good time to light up.”

Leon wanted to make everything from scratch. The recipe spoke for him that he wanted to put in every ounce of work needed to create you a lovely, warm dish. Now here he is, feeling like he ruined the entire night. You smile as you put the packet down and look at him, confusion running through his face.

“You’re way too good for me.” You walk towards Leon, throwing your arms over his shoulders as you peck the tip of his nose. He hesitantly wraps his arms around your waist, and from this close, you can see swipes of flour on his forehead, probably from trying to move the bangs from his face.

“And you got that from what basically is flavorless taffy on a board and burnt milk?” He asked, which you giggle at as you wipe the flour from his face before pressing another kiss.

“Yeah. Despite in your head you think you have nothing to give me right now, you have shown me that you want to work hard to please me. To me, that’s enough.” Leon looks down to you, awestruck at your words as if you’re a philosopher.

“And this?” You say as you motion around the kitchen. “Is fixable. Don’t think this date night is all ruined, we can make this work.”

Leon huffs out a breath, and you don’t know whether it’s a laugh or a sigh. He stuffs your head into your neck, pressing a soft kiss. “This is why I love you. You’re always here for me at my best and worst.”

“Of course, where would you be without me?” You quip as you lean back to look at him.

“Miserable and face first in some cold Chinese takeout,” He pouts dramatically. You both burst out laughing together until his awkwardly fades out. “At least I didn’t touch the chicken yet…”

“Perfect, the rest we can remake together.” You say as you go to remove your coat, moving to the front door to hang it. “Clean up the counters and the pan and we will get right to it.”

“Yes ma’am.” He says as he goes to follow your instruction.

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

You and Leon lean back in your seats as you finish demolishing your feast of the night. You managed to make the chicken alfredo and make some mini cheesecakes, all over some glasses of red wine. This date turned out to be more eventful, but fun than originally planned. You enjoyed getting to teach Leon how to make the pasta and the sauce. He followed your motions with enthusiasm, asked to check in every once in a while, and took in every note with a nod. You kept catching his brows furrow every time he got focused, it was cute. Don’t even get started when you both finally sat down to eat a little after 8pm. He moaned at the first bite and cleared his plate within minutes.

You both went to settle at the living room couch after changing into some comfier clothes, some television programmed movie playing in the background. You laid on top of Leon as his hands rested on your back, his thumb rubbing circles on your side as you both mindlessly stared at the TV. At some point, you felt a pair of eyes on you and you turned to look at Leon. His attention wasn’t on the TV anymore, but instead on you.

“What? Got something on my face?” You ask teasingly. Leon brought one of his hands from your back and traced down your nose lovingly.

“No, just appreciatin’ you,” he said softly as he kept taking you in. You bashed under his stare, but he then cupped the side of your face to have you look at him. He then slowly leans in to press a firm kiss on your lips. He then leans back, but you then move forward, chasing for more. He gives you a couple more kisses, all gentle and innocent until you both move away for some breath.

“I had fun tonight,” you said after a beat. “We should have cooking lessons more often.”

“Anything you want to do, I’m in. As long as it’s with you.” He responded, his words soaked in adoration for you.

You smile and hide in his chest for a bit. You move your head to the side, listening in on his heartbeat. “Then let's go skydiving one day.”

“Like I said, if that's what my love wants, we’ll do it.” You both then softly giggling together before settling back into that comfortable silence from before.

“Y’know, I’m kinda in the mood for dessert,” Leon points out a minute later. You turn to him with your eyes squinted in suspicion.

“Leon, we just had some.”

“We can always make room for more,” he replied as his grip on your lower back tightens.

END NOTES: Leon is either a really good cook or a bad one, there's no in between. But, for the sake of this fic, we will go with the latter. I hope you liked this entry and as always, thank you for reading!!<33

TAGLIST: @nocturnalstar, @kennedysbbyy (Let me know in the comments below if you want to be tagged in this celebration's fics!!)

13 DAYS OF LEON KENNEDY: 100 FOLLOWERS CELEBRATION

LEON S. KENNEDY MASTERLIST

REQUEST GUIDELINES

It didn’t even start as an argument, it was a stupid case of miscommunication, which then escalated into something bigger, because both of you had been stubborn enough to let it get that far.

Being married to Carlos had always been peaceful. He was your protecter, your biggest supporter and fan, and he was there for you when no one else was. When things had gone south in Raccoon City, Carlos and you decided to return to his home country Brazil and start there fresh. 

A few years later you both got married and shared your happy and fulfilling life together. You loved him with all your heart, even though he was capable of driving you insane on some days. It didn’t help that whenever you complained or voiced your concerns, he tried to play it down by saying how cute you looked when you’re angry.

“Carlos! Stop saying I look cute and actually listen to what I have to say!” you complained, fuming and angrily taking a step back. 

“I’m sorry but you do look cute when you’re angry, princesa! I can’t help it,” he said with a small smile on his lips, a smile that was threatening to turn into straight laughter. He really tried his best to compose himself but he just couldn’t. 

“You always do that but I won’t have it tonight,” you said angrily, crossing your arms in front of your chest. 

Carlos nodded and leaned against the kitchen counter, watching you as he tried to put on a straight face again.

“Okay, okay. Go on. Tell me,” he said, his hands resting behind him on the counter. 

“You keep on lying to me. You go to work, act like it’s nothing, only for me to find out that you are actually going on dangerous missions again!” you said. It was true. After being forced to leave UBCS, he had to find something new in Brazil. 

Of course, with his experience, physical fitness and everything, he could have done many things. But that man wasn’t born to be someone with a regular job. 

He got hired by a special unit to train their newbies at their training facility. That meant it was relatively safe, while still getting to use his experience. However, when one of his coworkers offered him to go on missions again, he couldn’t help but say yes. He wanted to help people, to put himself out there. And sometimes that meant going on missions that weren’t just “security jobs”, as he had liked to call it.  

“I didn’t lie to you. I still work at the training center. The missions are exceptions. When they need an extra man, I’m the one to call. Nothing more,” he explained as if it was the most mundane thing in the world. 

“That doesn’t matter. You should have told me before. I am your wife, Carlos!” you reminded him while walking up and down the kitchen. 

“I wanted to tell you”

“When? After your first injury?” you asked sarcastically, gesturing wildly with your hands in the air, causing Carlos to chuckle. The angrier you got, the more he found it amusing or so it seemed. Or in his words: cute. 

“See? You’re doing it again! You don’t take me seriously!” you said, your voice rising higher and higher. 

He slowly walked up to you, trying to calm you down but it was too late for that.

“Don’t even try to change the topic by taking me in your arms. This was not okay. I was worried and you treat me like I am just your roommate or something!”

Carlos sighed, rubbing his hand over his face. “Now that’s not true. You’re the love of my life, you know that,” he said, carefully reaching his hand out for you. 

“Do I really know that?” you asked, still feeling the anger inside of you. You didn’t actually mean it, you knew he loved you. But he got you so worked up, that peace seemed no longer to be an option. 

He raised his eyebrows. “What? Don’t I show you everyday how much I love you?” he asked, his voice sounding a little more agitated. 

“That’s not the point Carlos,” you groaned.

“Stop being so dramatic,” he huffed, he was clearly growing irritated. If there was one thing he hated, it was fighting. Especially with you.

He started mumbling something in portuguese, something you didn’t understand. Normally he only did that to call you sweet names but this time it was full on cursing under his breath. 

“Excuse me?”

“See that’s exactly why I didn’t tell you because I knew you would overreact!” he grumbled. He was pissed, you could hear it. It was not because he was actually angry at you, but because deep inside, he knew you were right. He just didn’t want to admit it.

 “You know what? Don’t talk to me,” you muttered, passing by him. He tried to take your hand, trying to make you listen to him but you didn’t stop. You went straight to your shared bedroom. He called after you but you didn’t answer. You just needed a few quiet moments for yourself now.

A little bit time to think about everything and calm down before of either of you could say something you didn’t mean. 

You expected Carlos to follow you, but you were glad he didn’t do it. You both needed some space right now. You decided to answer a few E-Mails from your laptop while lying on the bed. From what you could hear, Carlos was working on something in the kitchen but you weren’t sure and you weren’t ready to go out just yet.

After a while, you felt your eyes grow heavy from exhaustion. No matter how hard you tried to fight it, how much you tried to distract yourself from falling asleep, you ended up passing out.

You woke up when you felt your laptop being lifted off your lap. It took you a moment to collect yourself and figure out where you were. It felt like you’d slept for three days, though it had probably only been two hours. You carefully rolled onto your side, still a little groggy from sleep. Behind you, you heard the rustling of blankets, and before you could turn back around, you felt the bed dip behind you. 

“Hey Baby” You heard the whispering, soft voice of Carlos as his arms wrapped carefully around you. One arm sneaked under your side, resting on your belly while the other one rested on your hip. It felt like the perfect embrace, so tight and warm. His breath tickled your neck, causing a gentle shiver to run down your spine. 

“Hey,” you whispered back, feeling his warm body against yours as he pulled you flush against his chest. You quickly remembered your dispute from earlier, but you were too tired to argue. 

“Carlos I-” you began but he hushed you. 

“Shh…..let me go first, please?” he asked quietly, a subtle roughness in his voice. 

You nodded. “Okay,” you whispered. 

He started kissing your neck, first softly, barely touching your skin. Your eyes closed when you felt his lips drifting lower, his kisses growing more passionate. 

“I’m sorry,” he started, kissing down your neck until he reached your shoulders. “For not telling you about the missions,” he continued, his voice low and gruff. 

His one hand wandered to your thighs, gripping you tightly and applying more pressure, as if to make sure you were really there. 

“You were selfish,” you mumbled.

“I didn’t want to worry you,” he answered, as his hand started to carress your thighs. At first his hands remained gentle, innocent almost, until you just slightly arched into him. Your ass pressed against his crotch, applying the perfect amount of pressure. He groaned into your ear. 

“Let me make it up to you, querida. Let me make you feel good,” he whispered.

You wanted to resist, tell him that he couldn’t just make it up to you with sex. On the other hand, you were desperately craving his touch and the intimacy he was offering you. 

His hand stroked the inside of your thighs and parted them slightly to gain better access. 

“You’re not playing fair,” you stated softly, closing your eyes as your butt pressed further against his pelvis. You could feel him getting hard from the gentle rubbing you were providing him. 

“Do I ever?” he whispered with a cheeky grin, sliding his hand deeper between your legs. He briefly played with the waistband of your panties. 

“What do you need? I’ll give you everything,” he continued, his fingers first gently brushing over your wet folds. You suppressed the first moan that was building up in your throat. 

“I need you,” you begged, and that seemed to be enough for him.

“That’s what you’ll get, meu anjo,” he mumbled, his fingers stroking a few more times over your glistening folds, spreading your wetness to where it was needed. His other hand that was laying under your side, started sneaking under your loose shirt, finding your breasts and playing with them. 

“You feel so good in my hands. My beautiful wife,” he cooed as he applied more pressure, knowing the way you liked to be touched. He knew you better than he knew himself. Gently and soft, he started circling your clit with his thumb, making sure to slowly build up your pleasure. 

“Carlos,” you moaned softly as you felt his hands moving lower. As if by themselves, your legs spread wider, showing him just how much you needed him. His finger gently entered you, one first, then two. He curled his fingers to hit just the right spot.

“Oh fuck,” you murmured and began to move against his fingers, which kept hitting the same spot, causing you to see stars.. “Yes, right there” 

“Right there, hm? Feels good? Tell me how good it feels,” he asked in a hoarse voice as he continued to thrust his fingers into you, in just the right rhythm. His fingers were already completely soaked with your juices. 

“So… damn good” was the only thing you could manage to say as you continued to focus on his fingers, his breath and his voice. His throbbing cock pressed against your backside, almost begging to feel more of you. But right now, it wasn’t about him. It was about you. And his sole priority was showing you just how good he could make you feel.

You felt your walls tighten around his fingers, pulsing, the more he hit that spot and played with your most sensitive bud. 

“God….you’re getting so tight. Cum for me. Cum on my fingers,” he whispered in your ear as your walls clenched even tighter around him. After a few more thrusts he brought you over the edge. Your hands clawed into his strong arms as you finally came.

“Oh god Carlos yes, please don’t stop,” you moaned, riding against his fingers and hand, tightening your grip on his arms while doing so.

“Yes, querida, yes. You’re doing perfect,” he praised, pumping his fingers a few more times into you before slowly removing them. He planted several kisses on your cheeks, gripping your chin with his free hand to move your face closer to his. 

“That was my first apology,” he whispered against your lips, kissing you intensely. Without waiting for an answer, he gently pushed you onto your back and began to undress you. Still filled with desire, you watched as he did the same to himself, revealing his hard, well-toned body.

As he watched you lying there beneath him, open and ready, he started stroking himself a few times. He groaned at the sight of you. You could feel your walls clench again around nothing, just looking at him like that. You expected him to take you now, fully. But he wasn’t done with you yet. 

He gently spread your legs and laid himself between them, licking his lips before diving into your wet cunt like a starved man. You were still oversensitive from your first orgasm, so as soon as you felt his tongue against your clit your squirmed. 

“Oh…god,” you mumbled, your hands grabbing his dark curls, your toes curling while he started sucking your clit gently. He moaned, tasting your juices from your previous orgasm. He loved when you ran your hands through his hair, making him even harder. 

“You taste amazing,” he hummed between licks, continuing to pleasure you. He gripped your thighs, holding them apart whenever they threatened to close on his head from overstimulation. 

“I’m so close,” you moaned, your back arching of the bed, hands gripping tighter into his curls as you started to ride against his face. He groaned against you, sucking on your clit and making you come for the second time. 

As the wave crashed over you, he licked you through it, not slowing down. He kept going until you literally had to push him away just to catch your breath.

“Carlos… I… I need a minute,” you said breathlessly, still feeling the throbbing inside you. With a satisfied grin, he looked up at you and ran the back of his hand over his mouth. His beard was still glistening with your arousal. 

“Don’t worry. I’ll let you catch your breath,” he winked, climbing on top of you to you to kiss you again. You could taste yourself on his lips, pulling him closer. 

“That was my second apology,” he whispered against your lips. He pushed his hard member against your sensitive clit, groaning at the small, yet pleasurable sensation. 

“Those were pretty….convincing apologies,” you smiled shyly. He laughed as he studied your tired and blissed out expression. 

“Mhm only the best for my wife. What do you like for your final apology, hm? Any wishes? Positions?” he asked even though he could barely contain himself anymore. He was painfully hard by now, the precum already leaking from his tip.

You thought for a moment, still trying to catch your breath. 

“Maybe the position from earlier?” You asked, letting yourself roll onto your side. He smiled as he positioned himself behind you, his hand gently guiding you until he fit perfectly behind you. 

“Anything you want. And as long as you want,” he reassured you, sneaking his arms around you again and pulling you against his chest. You reached back to stroke his hard cock a few times, earning a deep growl from him. 

“I need you so much,” he groaned, positioning himself at your wet entrance. He wasted no time as he couldn’t wait any longer. He thrusted into you with one deep stroke, filling you out completely.

You loved how deep you could take him in that position and how close you were to each other. You could feel his labored breathing on the back of your neck as his hands kneaded your breasts, his thumb playing with your nipples.

Your eyes rolled back as you felt him pushing deeper and deeper into you, and you wondered if anything could ever feel better than that.

“You take my cock so well,” he mumbled, as he picked up the pace, his movements growing faster and more urgent. The stretch he gave you was indescribable, despite all his careful preparation, you could feel just how much his size was pushing you further, in the best possible way.

“You’re so tight around me. You're doing so good. Such a good girl for me,” he praised. 

You clung to his arms again as he pulled you tighter against his chest. By now, both of you were drenched in sweat, but neither of you cared in the slightest.

“Can you… please… go a little harder…,” you asked, your voice strained. 

You didn’t even need to finish the sentence, Carlos knew what you meant and began thrusting into you harder. Your face buried itself into the pillow, muffling your loud moans.

“God, baby… I’m not gonna last much longer. You feel too good… too tight…” he rambled, his pace quickening even more. You felt him twitch inside you. His free hand moved back to your clit, stroking you to push you over the edge again.

“Me neither… I’m so close, Carlos…” you whimpered. He kept thrusting into you while his fingers worked your clit. He nudged your top leg forward just slightly, angling himself even deeper, if that was even possible.

“Oh god—right there,” you moaned, coming for the third time, clenching tightly around him. 

He buried his face in your neck, gripping you as he kept thrusting.

„I’m so sorry,“ he grunted between thrusts. „For everything,“ he said, his movements becoming erratic. „Say you’ll forgive me,“ he breathed.

„Yes yes yes,“ you brabbled, completely cockdrunk by the way he was moving inside you.

A few moments later he followed you over the edge. The way you pulsed around him drove him completely wild, making him release everything inside you.

He cursed under his breath, still moving inside you, helping both of you ride out your orgasms.

You stayed like this for a while, catching your breath and enjoying the closeness of each other. He stayed inside you for a while, holding you close. 

„Wow“ Was all you managed to say. He carefully pulled out of you and rolled back to his back, while still holding your hand. 

„That was….apology number three,“ he laughed quietly, his breathing still ragged. A few beads of sweat had formed on his forehead. 

You smiled as you turned around, laying your head on his chest and listening to his rapid heart rate. 

„That was one hell of an apology,“ you said. 

He chuckled. „Only the best for you, meu anjo,“ he muttered, kissing the top of your head. His arms carefully wrapped around you, caressing your sore body. 

You closed your eyes. „You’re lucky I’m too tired to argue,“ you mumbled. 

He watched you for a moment. „I meant what I said. I am really sorry. And yeah, maybe I was being selfish. I wanted to go on missions again and I didn’t want to worry you,“ he explained in a gentle, much softer voice now. 

You opened your eyes again and looked up at him. 

„I wouldn’t have said no. I just wanted you to tell me first. I thought this is what we do,“ you said softly, looking into his deep brown eyes. 

He nodded. „I know. You were absolutely right. This won’t happen again. I swear,“ he said truthfully, still caressing your back. 

„Thank you,“ you smiled and kissed him again on the lips. 

„Now….let me get you something to drink and then we will take a bath together. How does that sound to you?“ he smiled, carefully getting up. Before doing so, he grabbed one of the blankets and gently draped it over your naked body. 

„Sounds perfect,“ you said, wrapping yourself in the soft blanket. 

He gently brushed your hair behind your ear, before he bent down to kiss you again. 

„I love you so much. I’ll be right back,“ he said, a soft smile playing on his lips. You admired his bare body once more as you watched him walk back to the kitchen. 

You felt your eyes grow heavy once more, now feeling completely exhausted but also satisfied. 

In the background, you could hear Carlos running the bath. After a while, he came back to you and started lifting you up.

“Carlos, what are you doing?” you asked softly, almost half-asleep. 

"Taking you to the bathroom. So you can rest. Don't worry, I'll be with you the whole time. The drink is also ready, waiting for you,” he whispered softly in your ear as he carried you into the bathroom. 

“You’re something else,” you chuckled, snuggling up against him. 

“But I’m yours,” he grinned as he gently lowered you into the bathwater. 

“You are. And I’m yours.”

Final Note: I hope you enjoyed it! As always, feedback is very much appreciated and means the world to me! No matter if its comments, likes, reblogs. I appreciate the support so much. 💗

If you want to be tagged in future stories, feel free to reach out to me here or in the comments

Also: if you want to, you can always slide in my inbox and have a chat with me 🫶🏻

As though you could summon the feeling of his lips all over again, your fingertips brushed over the spot where they had touched your own. Where he had whispered the promise of a free future. 

Would he truly be able to leave his station and duty behind? What had changed his mind so suddenly? Your tale of magical artifacts and shared adventures? 

It had never been your imagination – that Leon felt something for you. The realization filled your stomach with both excited butterflies and an inexplicably heavy ache. Could you really be the one to pull him away from the very thing that had anchored him all these years?  

You felt like crying. You had fought for your life – but in doing so, you had placed both Leon and yourself in an impossible situation. What were you supposed to do from here? Would you sail the seas and eventually die upon them – without him? 

Better that than remaining chained to the land, with him forever within reach and no chance at a life of your own. 

A long breath escaped through your nose as you stretched out your legs and pushed yourself from the bed. There was no point spending hours alone with your thoughts in the gently rocking bow of the ship. 

Uneven wooden planks met your bare feet, not cold thanks to the warm summer air surrounding the vessel. Even so, you draped a newly acquired scarf around your shoulders before slipping out of your cabin. 

Only the sky outside your window revealed that it was still the middle of the night. Beyond the sounds of a typical ship, the Nemesis rested in silence – no danger, no whispers, only the ship and the sea. 

Past the cabins of the others, up one deck and beyond the storage hold, fresh, mild sea air greeted you on deck. 

There was something magical about it. The way she cut gently through the waves, carrying you safely across the water beneath a sky filled with stars. You never grew tired of admiring that black curtain above -  unbroken by houses or lights. Only the Nemesis and the vast darkness above and below her.

With the clear air came clearer thoughts. The wind played softly with your hair as you stood by the railing, letting yourself be enchanted by the view. This felt more like home than the grand palace ever had.

“Can't sleep, princesa?” 

His voice should not have surprised you, and yet it pulled you from your thoughts enough to make you jump. 

The captain of the Nemesis stood upon the quarterdeck at the helm, his figure softly illuminated by the moon. His eyes were fixed not on you, but on the black horizon ahead. One hand rested loosely on the wheel – there was no need to steer in a night this calm.

“Looks like you can't either, Captain,” you replied, amusement soft in your voice. “Shouldn't Jill be at the helm right now?” 

The smile on Carlos's face stretched a little wider. His shoulders rose and fell with a deep breath. 

“Told her to get some sleep. Wanted to have a moment with my ship. But, uh –,” before you could tell him you would leave the two of them alone, his gaze shifted toward you, “ – this is even better company.” He spoke the words quietly, almost affectionately. Maybe even a little shyly. Unusual enough for him that a quiet laugh escaped you.

“Come on, I wanna show you something.” Carlos motioned for you to join him atop the quarterdeck. Not that there were many boundaries aboard Carlos Oliveira's ship – but somehow the path to the helm always felt special. Usually only Jill and Carlos stood there.

From this vantage point, the view of the ship and her path through the water was perfect. You felt one with her. With her gentle movements, her wooden groans, the whistle of the wind through the sails – as though she were speaking to you.

“What is it?” you asked through the peaceful atmosphere. 

“Ever wanted to hold her?” He nodded toward the wheel. “The helm, I mean.” 

Surprised, you looked over at Carlos. He smiled at you, one side of his body open toward you, one hand resting upon the wheel. 

“You sure?” you asked, though you were already moving closer. Never in your life had you imagined steering a ship. Simply steering wherever you wished. Complete control over your course.

“Wouldn't have offered otherwise. Here.” 

Carlos took your hand and gave it a gentle tug, positioning you in front of him. You held your scarf firmly around your shoulders while his fingertips slid over the fabric, down your forearm and toward your other hand. Hopefully he couldn't feel the goosebumps spreading across your skin.

You had never truly been alone with him before. Never in such silence. Never so free beneath an ocean of stars. It did something to the air between you. Something that made you swallow.

Your eyes followed his hand as it guided yours upward and settled it upon the wheel, connecting you to the Nemesis in a way usually reserved only for great captains and sailors. 

The nervousness faded into the background the moment you touched the smooth wood. A content sound vibrated softly in your throat. You were steering a vessel.

Carlos remained behind you, both hands now resting on the wheel as well, enveloping you within his space the way he so often did. It felt like a symbiosis only possible at sea. The two of you at the helm, the Nemesis beneath your feet. You suddenly understood so much better why sailors loved the ocean.

Moonlight fell across the barely moving wheel just perfectly enough for you to notice the letters carved into the wood. 

“Pursuer of Stars,” you read in a whisper. Your fingers drifted from the soft fabric of your scarf to the uneven wood of the helm, tracing the carved words, understanding their meaning – and somehow not understanding it at all. 

“The stars – ” Carlos began behind you, “ – have always been my most trusted companions. More so than for many sailors, I'd like to think. Do you know much about their ways?” 

As he spoke, he shifted slightly closer. Only a little. But enough for your scarf to lose its hold around your shoulders and slip down with the softest swoosh. Gone was that last protective barrier of distance between you. Never before had you stood before a man like this – wearing nothing but your nightclothes, a long white shirt with short sleeves. It wasn't uncomfortable. It was simply different, realizing how completely yourself you could be. Even dressed like this, you felt no danger.

“Only a little,” you answered calmly, keeping your hands on the wheel as your gaze lifted toward the sky. The stars glittered above you. You stretched a hand upward as though you might pluck one from the heavens, but instead pointed toward the nearest constellation that caught your eye. “I know the Great and Little Bear. Ursa Major. And Polaris.”

“The most important star there is. Always points north.” Carlos's voice dropped lower as he gazed at the stars alongside you. Peace settled over you – and hopefully over him as well. “Do you know your zodiac constellation?”

You shook your head. “I taught myself astrology. Not exactly proper for a princess to study the stars.” You offered a rueful smile.

“When's your birthday? I'll show you your constellation.” Carlos immediately put words into action. He leaned farther forward, his broad chest brushing lightly against your back. You did your best not to shiver. There it was again – that strange vibration in the air. Was it familiar? It hummed and shimmered as you felt his warm breath near your ear. You held your own breath.

“T-That's nice,” you managed after he pointed out your constellation among the stars. 

“What?” Carlos chuckled softly. “Did I finally manage to distract you, princesa?” 

The words were almost purring, though they carried the same amused warmth as always.

“You? Distracting me? Never.” You somehow managed to keep hold of your thoughts. But with him still standing so close, his torso against your back, his arms on either side of you, the humming in the air refused to stop. And a warm feeling had begun to spread through your stomach, one you really shouldn't have been feeling. Not here. Not with him.

“Wanna bet?” Before your eyes, Carlos produced the closed compass.

You knew that if you took it now, it would lead you anywhere except the island holding the treasure you sought. That was a wager you could only lose.

The compass felt heavier than it should in your hand as curiosity convinced you to take it anyway. You knew you should want it to guide you toward the freedom waiting for you. But – 

When you opened it, the needle spun briefly in a circle. You had to know, had to know what was happening to you. Carlos remained close at your side, his gaze fixed upon the compass as well. The needle adjusted itself, then pointed directly ahead – along the very course you were already sailing. Relief escaped you in a slow breath.

“Hm,” Carlos murmured. “Looks like I owe you one after all. You really are incredibly good at focusing.”

“Seems so...” you answered quietly, disbelieving, but mostly proud. Your desire for freedom had not been overshadowed – by nothing and by no one.

At the same time, a strange urge bubbled up inside you – the urge to apologize to Carlos. To the man who had saved you from a life chosen by others. Shouldn't you be grateful to him? You didn't voice the thought. You could decide for yourself how to feel about all of this, always – you knew that now.

Carlos startled slightly when you turned toward him with a liberated smile, your hands clasped behind your back instead of resting on the wheel. 

“Am I still distracting you?” Amusement sparkled in your eyes as you looked up at him.

He blinked, as though uncertain what he was supposed to do next – also unusual for him. For a moment he simply stared, caught like a startled deer in lantern light, before finally collecting himself and lowering his shoulders. The easy smile returned to his face. He bent his elbows and stepped back into your space, forcing you to take a small step backward until the wooden wheel met your back.

“Maybe a little,” he hummed. He was close, but his body no longer touched yours. He was a gentleman like that – and you knew exactly why.

“You know what?” he asked, his dark gaze steady on yours. You held it, even as gentle warmth blossomed across your cheeks despite yourself.

“I lied,” he confessed.

Your eyebrows shot upward in surprise. “Isn't that what we pirates usually do?” 

His more serious expression immediately broke again and he let out a quiet laugh. “Stop distracting me. I said – I lied. I am a mighty jealous fella.”

Your stomach flipped. “Well, uh, technically you never said you weren't jealous,” you countered nonetheless.

“I see how they had their hands full with you,” he shot back playfully. “Having fun twisting people's tongues?” 

“On occasion.” You shrugged. “But I know.” 

He looked at you questioningly. 

“I know that you are jealous. I can see it in the way you look at us. I mean, the way you watch over us whenever strangers are around.” The realization became clearer as you spoke. “It's not about other men, not about some chasing Commander. It's about us, your crew.”

You watched his gaze melt. His wild black hair shifted with the tilt of his head. His lips parted slightly as he drew a sharper breath. Rough fingertips hesitantly touched the base of your neck – not bold at all this time – and a spark of electricity raced down your spine.

For a second Carlos inhaled, intending to start a sentence – then he stopped himself and settled on different words:

“It's different with you.” 

You sucked in the smallest gasp. Ashley had been right. And Carlos's fingers closed gently around your chin, his gaze resting on you, soft and restrained and forward all at once. This couldn't possibly be happening – and yet it did as Carlos pressed his lips to yours.

Contrary to everything you had come to expect from Carlos Oliveira, the way he kissed was gentle. Warm. Passionate in a way only he could be. The man who had rescued you. The man burning with a love of freedom. The man beside whom you could be anything you wanted to be. There was a familiarity to him, a goodness so pure that you never doubted the sincerity of his heart.

As you closed your eyes and leaned into the kiss, silently giving him permission, Carlos leaned into you as well. Your bodies touched, yet one of his hands remained on the Nemesis – even though your combined weight already kept the wheel steady.

His lips grew bolder, his hand slid into the nape of your neck, fingers slipping into your hair, keeping it from blowing between you in the rising breeze. Again and again he found you. For a moment you thought he might pull away – but then his mouth sought yours once more.

The taste of rum tingled on your tongue before his ever touched it. And when it finally did, his hand guiding you deeper into a consuming connection, it felt as though you could become intoxicated on it. The scent of cedarwood rushed into your nose, the pirate filled your senses. 

It was almost instinctive when your arms rose around his neck and your heels lifted from the deck, pressing yourself closer to him. He held you securely, an arm wrapped around your waist, his lips never leaving yours, breaths stolen somewhere in between.

A huff escaped through his nose as something untamed surfaced within him. Once more his larger body maneuvered you backward until the wheel pressed against your back. Through your thin clothes, you could feel every shift of muscle beneath him, every tension, every release. The movement sent tingles racing across your skin and curling low in your stomach. It wanted more, but another voice remained.

The same voice that seemed to be singing through Carlos's mind as well, because he murmured against your lips: “Wait, wait –”

Losing his warmth was disappointingly unpleasant, you had to admit. He pulled away, lips and body – putting a little distance between you. His eyes were full of scattered thoughts and primal instinct, his breathing coming in short pulls. He swallowed.

“I don’t – usually get involved with my crewmates. Not a good idea.” 

Your own breaths came just as unevenly, excitement flickering through every part of you. Carlos's restraint only convinced you further. He was right.

“Yes. Yes, of course.” 

A hint of embarrassment joined the warmth in your cheeks. You broke eye contact, but no matter where you looked, you only saw him. Wild hair, a well-kept beard, a sailor's shirt fluttering in the sea breeze, loosely laced, revealing the strong lines of his chest and the soft dusting of hair beneath.

“But –,” he gently tilted your head back toward his intense gaze, “– you would make the best Pirate Queen, eh?”

A little bit of joy returned to your system and you laughed softly. “The runaway Princess turned Pirate Queen. I like that.”

You would never have become a queen anyway. Here, as a freebooter, you might actually have a chance. What a thought.

“You remind me of someone I once knew. Very much like you.” 

Carlos studied your face, his gaze wandering here and there, a faint smile lingering on his lips. 

“Another princess?” 

At those words, his eyes widened. 

“Maybe the one you were guarding back when you were a soldier?” 

It was painfully obvious. You and Ashley had been right about that too.

Carlos straightened, contemplating his words for a moment. Then he let out a snorting laugh. Running a hand through his hair, he let it settle at the back of his neck.

“Mhm. The queen, actually.” 

There was no trace of anger or disappointment in his eyes, nor a sign that he was trying to lead you down the wrong path. You relaxed. He wasn't playing games with you, he trusted you, just as he trusted his entire crew.

“Great woman,” Carlos continued. “Very open-minded. Liberal, if you want to call it that. Loved the sea. Took me in when I had nowhere else to go.” His gaze drifted away as though he were remembering better days. He smiled. “I suspected her of being a mermaid at one point.” His smile turned wistful. “Didn't save her from what came.” His eyes found yours again. “How did you know?”

You let out a breath and lifted your shoulders. “A princess knows her soldier. I'd wager the others have suspected it too.”

“You girls are something else.” He smiled softly. “Only makes you more lovable.” 

He took a moment to glance at the compass and make a slight adjustment to the course. 

“So what happened?” you asked curiously. 

Carlos's jaw worked as he stared ahead. 

“Sorry, I just –” you began, uncertain whether you wanted to force him to revisit a painful memory. “It's strange, a soldier turned pirate. Especially if you liked your queen that much. Was it the king?” 

“Damn right it was the king,” Carlos confirmed. “It's not a particularly long story. Happened within a matter of days.” 

“You don't have to tell me if you don't want to,” you said carefully. 

“It's fine.” His gaze drifted back to you. “It's nice having someone know me. Should we take a walk?”

He secured the wheel with a rope so it wouldn't drift off course on its own, then made his way down from the quarterdeck and onto the main deck with easy steps. The Nemesis wasn't enormous, but she was large enough for a quiet stroll through the night, the calm atmosphere softening the edges of the story Carlos was about to tell.

“It was a disease like any other – or so we thought. It spread through the townsfolk first. People started dropping like flies. We were sent to help – or so we believed. But then –,” he absently touched the rigging, “the order came. We were supposed to kill them all. Every man, every woman, every child – until the disease was gone. And I –,” his fingers tightened around the rope, “ – I couldn't follow this. I went to see the king and stop the madness. But by the time I returned to the palace, it was already too late. The disease had reached there as well.”

By now you had reached the bow, standing by the railing and looking out across the sea. 

“It wiped out the kingdom faster than we could comprehend. That's how the city I once called home died. Its king fled like the coward he is. How I survived, only Poseidon himself knows.” 

“But now you're searching for a scepter that makes people forget,” you mused aloud. “Not to get revenge?” 

Carlos shook his head. 

“To forget myself. I just want to forget. The suffering, the screams, the bodies, my survival.” 

You placed your hand over his. He didn't pull away. And so you stood there together in the middle of the night, aboard his ship, sailing toward a chance to erase the weight you both carried. 

“Ship approaching from starboard!” The call echoed down from the crow's nest.

Leon immediately looked to the right, expecting – and somehow not expecting – to spot the vessel with red and white sails upon the horizon. 

He and his men had been following it for days. The last they'd seen of the ship, it had been cruising comfortably along the horizon, faster than the Nightingale and seemingly unconcerned by the fact that half the world was searching for it. A ship carrying princesses and noblewomen – all of them sailing toward a way to make the world forget.

If he captured this pirate and got his hands on that artifact, what would he do? Would he let the world forget both of you and spend the rest of his life crossing the seas at your side? It was a ridiculous dream you'd painted for him. Too beautiful to be real. Almost more beautiful than your lips. Almost.

How could he possibly return to a life that forbade him from having you? He had to catch up to you – and perhaps have a word with this Carlos.

Brown's boots thundered up the stairs to the quarterdeck beside him. 

“Sir. It's the Admiral's ship.” 

“I can see that, Mister Brown. Let's make sure the Admiral receives a proper welcome.” 

Leon felt his stomach tighten. The Admiral's appearance could only mean one thing: A direct order from the king he could not anticipate.

The flagship of the fleet labeled Tyrant of the Sea, sailed alongside the Nightingale. Leon's men lined up on the main deck, standing straight and saluting as the gangplank was lowered. Leon and Brown joined the formation.

Across the planks strode the Admiral of the Royal Fleet – long white coat, meticulous grooming, perfection. Compared to him, Leon felt like a vagabond after weeks at sea.

“Admiral Wesker,” he greeted him with a salute. “What brings us the honor of your visit?” 

Admiral Wesker, the highest-ranking and most respected man in the Royal Fleet, took his time answering. He drew on his pipe and lazily released the smoke into the air, letting it drift around his face before gesturing toward Leon with the stem.

“As you can imagine, Commander Kennedy, I am here on the king's orders.” 

The heavy steps of expensive boots crossed the deck with ominous precision, stopping directly in front of Leon and Brown. The atmosphere tightened – something dangerous hung in the air.

Wesker halted directly before Leon, took another pull from his pipe, and deliberately exhaled the smoke straight into his face. Leon forced himself not to react, not even to flinch. He merely closed his eyes briefly against the foul-smelling smoke.

“The king has serious doubts that you are fulfilling your duty, Commander.” 

Leon followed the Admiral's movements with narrowed eyes and a carefully maintained poker face. 

“On what grounds has the king reached that conclusion?” he asked evenly. “We are close on the heels of the pirate ship that abducted the Princess.” 

“Oh, we know.” Wesker's voice was calm, slick, cold. “We know you were already close. So very close.” He held two fingers a small distance apart, illustrating exactly how close Leon and his men had come to Carlos Oliveira's ship. “But you let her slip through your fingers, didn't you, Commander? Back in Port Nesta?” 

Leon's heart dropped into his stomach, though nothing showed on his face. How did the Admiral know about Port Nesta – how much did he know? Had one of his own men talked, or had Wesker gathered the information on his way here? Leon prayed it was the latter. He had to trust his men.

“There was a storm,” Leon explained evenly. “We were forced to seek shelter in Port Nesta. If the Princess was there, we never saw her. We had to be careful not to expose ourselves.” 

Wesker didn't buy a word of it, that much was obvious. Still, all he had were his suspicions and whatever testimony he'd gathered. Leon had been disguised. Anyone questioned could have seen a man – or not seen one at all.

The Admiral chuckled quietly. “If you say so, Commander. But we both know you're holding back.” Another pull from his pipe. “We will be joining the chase from this point forward, Commander. To ensure...that no further mishaps occur.” A thin smile touched his lips. “Consider it an opportunity to see the Princess returned to safety more quickly.”

Leon had no choice but to watch as the Admiral turned away and crossed back onto his own ship, his men saluting as Wesker departed. Leon clenched his fist so tightly it trembled.

“Your orders, sir?” Brown looked at him expectantly.

With superhuman effort, Leon pressed his lips into a thin line and looked from Brown to the rest of his men. 

“Follow the Admiral's ship,” he answered stiffly, already heading toward his cabin. Just before entering, he stopped. Without turning around, he added, “If I discover that any of you are responsible for this situation, I'll personally make sure you're forgotten by the world and swallowed by the sea.”

Inside his cabin, Leon paced restlessly, frustrated, desperate. Now that the Admiral was involved, there was no decision left to make. No ending where you got your freedom and he got his peace. Wesker's ship would outrun the Nightingale and find you first.

Leon stared down at the map spread across his desk, tracing the rough course of the pirate vessel. Carlos, you, the all-female crew took a straight path toward the southeast. Was that where you would find the artifact you had spoken about? Something capable of making people forget? “

Curse it all,” Leon sighed.

“We got company! Two ships from the south! Looks like Navy!” 

Claire stood high in the crow's nest, telescope pressed to her eye. 

Every head on deck turned toward the horizon. Two ships; one large and imposing, the other behind it, visibly struggling to keep pace. Two rows of oars jutted from the larger vessel's hull, driving rhythmically through the rough sea.

“The Nightingale,” you recognized immediately. And ahead of it – “The Tyrant of the Sea...”

“Say what?” Carlos turned toward you.

“That's the fleet flagship.” Your stomach tightened. “We're in trouble.” 

You pushed away from the railing and looked around frantically for an escape route. A sudden spark shot through your system as you spotted the shallower waters ahead.

There!” You pointed forward. “We can lose them there, near the reef. She's much larger than we are and won't follow us through those waters. The Nightingale –” You trailed off. The Nightingale might make it through, but you weren't worried about that. Leon commanded that ship.

“Why the panic?” Ada asked thoughtfully, studying the approaching vessels. “Is the crew really that dangerous?” 

You looked around at the questioning faces. “Think of the most dangerous person you've ever met.” Your expression grew even more serious. “Admiral Wesker is worse.”

Every encounter you'd ever had with the Admiral had terrified you. And the stories were worse – how he relentlessly hunted pirates and criminals across the oceans and sank every ship he pursued, never leaving survivors – never taking prisoners, ever. Your father had never exaggerated those stories. Hopefully Leon was alright.

“I've never had much interest in meeting someone more dangerous than my mother,” Jill commented dryly as she headed for the quarterdeck. 

“Aye. Or my mother,” Carlos agreed. 

“You don't know your mother,” Jill shot back. 

“Imagine how very dangerous she could be.” Carlos nodded with complete seriousness, mouth turned downward and eyes widened dramatically. 

Jill, pausing on the bottom step leading to the helm, snorted briefly, gave her captain the attention he was demanding – and after rolling her eyes, she sprinted upstairs. 

Carlos watched her go before turning toward Grace, who had been observing the entire exchange. He pointed after Jill. “Maybe I should use her as the benchmark instead.”

Grace rewarded him with a small smile. 

Apparently that was all the validation Carlos needed, as a moment later he barked loud enough to make you, Ashley, and Grace jump.

“To your stations, ladies! Full sails into the wind and head for shallower waters! Let’s outrun them.” 

Just as he pulled out the compass to study the course and everyone frantically began to get the ship moving, a cannon shot rang out from far away. 

Leon was hit by a surge of alarm so strong he wanted to shake himself. 

“Is he crazy?” he muttered from the forecastle. Only Brown heard the bewildered words. How could the Admiral order a cannon fired? “That’s our Princess on that ship.” 

“I imagine he intends to sink the Nemesis and fish the Princess out of the sea,” his First Officer guessed. 

“And the other noble daughters, they –” Leon snapped his mouth shut. 

Admiral Wesker could not find out who else was aboard that ship. If he learned which daughters were there, he would hunt you forever, eager for the glory that would come with capturing the pirate and “rescuing” the women aboard. Only that wasn't what any of you wanted. 

“Commander,” Brown pulled Leon from his thoughts. “The Admiral is signaling for us to sink the ship.” 

Leon looked toward Brown, past him to the Admiral’s vessel where flags relayed the order. Then he folded his arms and faced forward again. 

“Prepare the cannons, then.” 

Another cannonball slammed into the water beside the ship. So far none had hit you – but it was only a matter of time. 

“Why is your pretty Commander shooting at us?!” Jill called while maneuvering the ship as straight as possible, weaving just enough to throw off the enemy's aim. 

“He has to!” You secured a line with a sailor’s knot – the same pretty Commander had taught you how to tie it. “It’s an order from Admiral Wesker.” 

“Looks like his men are terrible shots, though,” Claire observed. “The cannonballs from the Nightingale keep landing nowhere near us.” 

“We can make it!” Carlos shouted, helping with the sails himself. “Keep heading for the reef!” 

Your gaze drifted toward the pursuing ships. You could only make out tiny figures, but you were certain you could see Leon aboard one vessel and Wesker standing at the bow of the other. Did Wesker’s presence change anything about the plan? 

One cannonball finally found its mark, tearing away part of the railing and made Ashley, Grace, and you yelp in alarm. 

“Ey, my ship!” Carlos protested. “’m gonna kill at least one of them.” 

“Let’s reach the reef first and then we’ll see,” Jill replied. 

By some stroke of supernatural luck, you managed to escape without taking any further damage. As expected, the Tyrant of the Sea couldn't follow you into the shallower waters – at the same time, the Nightingale made no move to pursue you there either, apparently operating under very specific orders. 

“Drop anchor, we're far enough away from the cannons now,” Carlos ordered while checking the compass. A satisfied grin stole across his face. Then he looked up at his crew and raised the compass into the air. “Actually, we seem to be exactly where we want to be.” 

“You mean –?” 

Followed by the others, you moved closer to study the compass. The needle spun wildly in circles. 

“W-Wait –” Grace spoke up. “We’re actually here?” 

“And right on time,” Ada chimed in. “It’s a blood moon tonight.” 

Amid all the chaos, Carlos had been watching the compass. Had he really been keeping track of your course the entire time? Had he known you were headed exactly where you needed to be? Or was it simply Carlos’s absurd luck once again – being in the right place, at the right time, under the right circumstances? 

“We are so close.” Claire’s voice was barely more than a whisper carried by the wind, awestruck.

You understood her completely – as did everyone else who now exchanged looks filled with conflicting emotions – excitement, uncertainty, determination. 

Tonight would decide your fate. 

For the rest of the day, you kept watch on the Nightingale and its larger counterpart. Neither vessel attempted to move closer or fire at you again. It seemed they intended to wait until thirst and dwindling supplies forced you out of the safety of the reef. 

Little did they know you were exactly where you wanted to be. The only problem? They would see wherever you chose to make landfall. 

You stood beside Ashley at the railing as the moon slowly rose overhead. Together you gazed into the darkening sky while its color gradually deepened into something darker, redder.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before,” Ashley remarked in awe. 

“Neither have I.” 

The blood moon seemed to possess the same pull as the ordinary moon, only amplified a hundredfold. Its steadily deepening crimson hue felt like proof of the magic hidden within the world – if only one knew where to look.  

“I just wonder what's supposed to happen –”, you mused, followed closely by a startled gasp as the ship suddenly vibrated beneath your feet and waves began to rise, rocking the vessel violently. 

“Hold on!” Carlos’s voice rang out from the quarterdeck as the swaying grew stronger, threatening to throw everyone off their feet. 

Ashley and you grabbed onto the rigging. From the corner of your eye, you saw Jill clutching the wooden railing of the quarterdeck, and behind her Carlos, both hands firmly on the wheel, determination written across his face. You could only hope Grace and Ada had found something solid to hold onto as well. 

Groans and moans rippled through the ship as the sea opened up before your eyes, bathed in the blood-red glow of the moon. 

Suppressing the rising panic – what if you all sank into the endless sea and ended up on the ocean floor? – you watched as land emerged directly beneath and in front of you. First came stone; then the mouth of a cavern appeared; and finally, a stretch of pale sand rose into view, forming a sandbar upon which – thankfully, as you quickly realized – the Nemesis had come to rest.  

“We're running aground!” Claire called down from the crow's nest. 

“At least not on the rocks!” Ada remarked from somewhere near the forecastle. 

And she was right – you could just as easily have been skewered on the jagged stone formations surrounding you. 

Instead, the wood settled, the waves stopped crashing – and the Nemesis came to rest atop the sandbar. Ahead stretched a long, narrow path leading all the way to the massive, ominous cavern. The blood-red light reflected off slick algae, scattered shells, and a few unfortunate fish flopping helplessly where they had failed to escape before the island rose from the sea. Together it all blended into a breathtaking golden glow. 

The entire crew moved to the railing, before them the thing they had been searching for. 

“We have to be quick now,” Ada remarked, glancing over her shoulder. “Our friends are going to get curious about whatever just appeared in front of them.” 

Carlos nodded. “You're right. Let's get our hands on the scepter and then we can lose them. And then…” His words trailed off as he – as you knew – thought about how he might soon forget his terrible past. The thought made your stomach ache; that he wanted to erase the very things that had made him who he was. 

The others merely wanted the world to forget them. Then again, you couldn't truly understand what he had endured – perhaps starting over without the memories of a former life was sometimes the kinder option. 

“Grace, Ashley, Claire – you stay on the ship,” Carlos ordered. “The rest of us are going searching.” 

Claire was the only one who looked ready to protest, but Carlos cut her off with a raised hand and a gentler voice. “Claire, I need you to bring the others to safety if we don't come back.” 

It was obvious that he trusted her and wanted Ashley and Grace to be safe. For a brief moment you wondered why he was bringing you,but quickly realized you were probably the only one who knew his secret. 

Claire closed her mouth and nodded silently. 

“Be careful.” Ashley pulled you into a tight hug. 

“You too,” you murmured, savoring the closeness while feeling a strange sadness, as though saying goodbye to a sister. 

“When we come back, you'll all be free women.” Carlos flashed a confident thumbs-up and motioned for Ada, Jill, and you to follow. 

You had expected many things – deadly traps, the sea collapsing back over your heads, even the possibility that the entire story – the myth, the legend – would prove to be a dud and that beyond the magically appearing island there would be nothing more than an empty cavern.  

But you had not expected what awaited you inside. 

The trek across the sand was long and exhausting, inside the cave a short dark passage. Then it opened into a vast chamber, crimson light bleeding in through an opening high above. 

“Hm.” Ada sounded genuinely impressed. “Not even my family's vault holds this much gold and treasure.” 

She was right. You had never seen anything like it. Gold stretched as far as the eye could see, a pirate treasure hoard drenched in crimson light. Crowns, coins, jewels, everything glittered around you so magnificently that, for a moment, you were speechless. 

“Who would hide this much treasure in a cave that only appears beneath a blood moon?” Jill wondered aloud as she looked around. 

“A very smart pirate, I'd wager.” Carlos gestured ahead. “He takes as much gold as he needs – and then his treasure stays hidden and he gets to keep plundering in peace.” His finger pointed forward. “Eyes on the prize, ladies.” 

In your awe, you hadn't noticed the raised platform at the center of the cavern. But there it was, upon a small golden hill – a pedestal – and resting atop it, a scepter.

Your heart skipped, your throat tightened. None of it had been a false pirate tale. 

You walked between mountains of wealth, past more gold than anyone could spend in a hundred lifetimes, ignoring everything except the thing you wanted most. Freedom. 

The scepter was illuminated from above, covered in markings you didn't recognize – engravings from another language nestled between gold and diamonds. 

Carlos stared at the artifact in reverent awe, his hand already reaching towards it – but he stopped. His gaze shifted toward the three of you. 

“Who wants to do the honours?” A mischievous smile tugged at his lips as he lowered his hand. 

The three of you – Ada, Jill, and you – exchanged glances. As the newest member of the crew, it didn't feel right for you to claim what Jill and Ada had spent so much longer searching for. 

“Should be Jill,” Ada said, crossing her arms as a small smile appeared. “You've put up with our Captain the longest.” 

“Love you too, Ada.” Carlos snorted and nudged her shoulder. 

A quiet chuckle escaped her. 

“Go on, Jill,” you encouraged the First Mate. 

Jill hesitated for a moment, glancing between all of you before her attention finally settled on the scepter. She raised a hand – tentative, perhaps a little fearful, but hopeful. Her fingers wrapped around the handle with a level of focus you had rarely seen from her. 

She exhaled. “I can feel that there's something there. That we can do something with it.” 

With a soft sound, the scepter lifted free of its stand. 

“But how do we use it?” you asked. “Just... wish?” 

“We could always try it on our friends right away,” Carlos suggested. 

Jill, Ada, and you struggled to tear your eyes away from the artifact. Carlos seemed to have a slightly easier time doing so and turned back toward the entrance. 

“Ruh-roh,” you heard him say. 

You followed his gaze. The joy that had been filling your chest instantly shot into your throat, flooding your body with adrenaline. Albert Wesker stood at the mouth of the cavern, one arm raised, pistol aimed directly at you. 

“Nice little cave you've found yourselves here,” he said in the same emotionless tone you remembered from every previous encounter. 

His piercing gaze landed on you. “Princess. I did not expect to find you making common cause with pirates. That is –,” his eyes shifted toward Ada, Jill, and Carlos, “ – a pirate and a crew full of noblewomen, it would seem. I recognize at least three faces.” 

His pistol hovered toward Ada. “Ada Wong.” Then toward you. “Our beloved Princess.” Then Carlos. “And Ashley Graham aboard your merry little boat.” 

Carlos’s eyes narrowed, his brows drew together, and Ada, Jill, and you grew equally serious. 

“What did you do to my crew?” Carlos asked, his voice carrying a sharp edge you had never heard before. 

“They are well cared for, don't worry,” Wesker replied. “I will have to have a discussion with Commander Kennedy regarding loyalty after you follow me outside. My men are waiting directly beyond the cavern. Escape is pointless.” 

So Leon hadn't told him about the people aboard the Nemesis. Unfortunately, that only made it harder for you to stay calm. 

“Admiral Wesker,” you spoke up, though your voice came out closer to a squeak than intended. “Commander Kennedy has nothing to do with this, nor does the rest of the crew. What concerns you is solely my doing. Let everyone go and I will come with you without resistance.” 

“We can't allow that.” Carlos immediately stepped in front of you, arm outstretched. 

Ada and Jill moved in as well, shielding you from Wesker's gaze. 

“Please. You can't put yourselves in danger for me. My dream of freedom ends here.” 

“You're one of us now.” Jill looked at you with a crooked smile. “Part of the ship, part of the crew. We're not letting them take you that easily.” 

Tears stung your eyes. You would not allow anything to happen to this family because of you. 

“And yet you're the ones who took the Princess away,” Wesker's voice echoed through the cavern. “Never mind that. I'm not interested in your heroics. What I am interested in is the artifact.” 

He gestured with his pistol toward the scepter, drawing all of your attention back to it. The golden staff still rested securely in Jill's hands.

“I've heard of it,” Wesker continued, “but I never believed it could actually be found.” He came closer and closer – too close – and Carlos, Ada, and you all reached for your swords. He could shoot one of you. After that, he would have to draw steel.

“Hand me the scepter,” he ordered in an icy sing-song voice. “I will simply make you forget you were ever here, all of you. Then it will be as though none of you ever searched for something that does not exist.” 

“How do you know what we're searching for?” Jill hissed through clenched teeth. 

Wesker laughed, short and mocking. “I know your kind. Rebellious daughters searching for meaning and freedom – until they realize freedom comes with a cost. Sometimes, it’s simply the price of failure.” 

His pistol pointed more sharply at your group. “Hand me the artifact and I'll let you live. We will sail back, and I will deliver you to your households. Then there will be only the world left for me.” 

“What kind of sicko is that?” Jill asked you, bewildered. 

You raised your shoulders just as flabbergasted. “Knew he was a little crazy, but that crazy?” 

Carlos and Ada both let out amused snorts. 

“It’s four against one, what can you do?” Carlos challenged. 

Wesker's eyebrows twitched upward. “I think you're wildly underestimating what I'm capable of.” 

“Well, we're about to find out!” Carlos shouted the words – and then everything happened at once. 

You drew your sword, Jill raised the scepter, Carlos launched himself toward the enemy. A gunshot rang out, followed by a cry of “No!” , the clatter of gold echoing through the chamber and then the clash of steel. Carlos hit the ground and rolled down the small golden mound where all of you had been standing. With a startled scream, Jill dropped the scepter and sprinted to his side. 

You scrambled to pick up the artifact again so it wouldn't get lost in the ensuing chaos before you could use it the way Jill had intended to. The moment your fingers closed around the golden staff, energy surged through you – mystical, powerful, a force Wesker intended to use for anything but freedom. It told you exactly what needed to be done to make people forget. It was unbelievable, and yet undeniably real. 

Only then did your gaze lift toward the fight ahead, where Wesker was dueling the newcomer who had managed to sneak up on all of you amidst the tension. 

You gasped, nearly calling his name before catching yourself at the last second, unwilling to distract him. Leon had arrived. He and Wesker were locked in a duel unlike anything you had ever seen. Both opponents were so skilled with a sword that it was impossible to tell who held the advantage – or if either of them did. 

A force as powerful as the earth itself pulled at you, urging you to run between them and protect Leon from Wesker. 

“It’s a lie!” Leon shouted, his focus locked stubbornly on Wesker. “He’s here alone. Use the artifact!” 

Ada was crouched beside Jill and Carlos, and from where you stood, you couldn't even tell whether he was still alive. 

Only a few steps away stood the two Navy officers. 

You were caught in the middle, panicked and torn apart. How were you supposed to use the scepter now? If you pointed it forward, you would set yourself free. But Leon would forget you. Or should you make the crew forget they had ever searched for a way out – but that would be insane... wouldn't it?

In a death-defying maneuver, Leon seized Wesker's arm and somehow twisted both their bodies until they were facing you. Time froze, only for seconds, yet it felt like an eternity.

Leon’s sea-blue eyes drilled into yours as he held the struggling Wesker in place, just long enough to say with absolute conviction: “Use the scepter. Let him forget, run – don't look back.” He said your name. “I will follow.”

Your breath came in frantic bursts. You shook your head. “You will not! You'll forget all of this too!”

You couldn't. You couldn't do that. He had kept his word. He had risked everything and attacked his superior officer to protect you. Always to protect you. And to be free with you.

“I can’t leave you behind, Leon!” 

“You can. You must. It’s all right. You're meant to be free, my Princess.” 

“You do NOT use this!” Wesker snarled, struggling furiously against Leon’s grip. 

“Do it now!” Leon shouted and you cried out as your arm shot forward, the scepter clutched in your hand. It didn't charge. It simply unleashed itself in a flash.

The next moment you were already at Jill and Ada's side. Carlos was clutching his shoulder in agony. He was alive.

“Can you stand? We need to go, now!” 

Ada and Jill hauled Carlos back to his feet. He let out a pained sound but managed to stumble forward with you past the two men.

Leon and Wesker stared blankly ahead, pressing hands to their heads as they struggled to find their bearings. 

“We can’t just leave them here. What about the blood moon?” you asked, panic flooding your voice as fear for Leon gripped your chest. 

“We have to go. Their crews will get them out,” Ada urged, pushing you onward. And in your fear and regret over what you had done, you didn't have the strength to resist her.

Without their captains, the Navy ships and their crews were powerless, directionless, leaderless. They didn't even seem to know what had happened to the two men and made no move to stop you as you climbed back aboard the Nemesis.

Leon had told the truth. No one had been waiting at the cavern entrance, no one had tried to stop you – but Ada had been right – the crews were already running toward the cave. Straight past the Nemesis, where Claire, Grace, and Ashley had been digging away at the sand beneath her hull to get her back into the water.

“What happened in there?!” Claire cried at the sight of Carlos, covered in blood. 

“Will tell you all about it later. Let’s get to open sea and bandage up our captain,” Jill ordered with the same practiced authority Carlos usually carried. By now he was hanging like a wet sack between Jill and Ada. 

“'m fine. 'm fine,” he muttered weakly as you hauled him aboard. “Set sail and raise anchor, ladies...” 

He lost consciousness just as Ashley rushed over with bandages. 

“First stop,” Jill stated as you lowered the flag while setting course for her hometown. She stood on deck with a serious expression, arms crossed, the scepter resting in one hand. 

“You ready to let them forget?” you asked with a broad smile. “You deserve it, Jill. The first one of us to be free of everything.” 

“Can’t wait to see how it feels for you,” Ashley said eagerly, excited for whatever was about to happen. 

“It’s harder than I thought,” Jill admitted, staring thoughtfully at the scepter. “But I’m ready.” 

She walked up to the bow from where she would make the whole city before her forget.

“P-Please just make sure you don't accidentally erase their entire lives,” Grace cautioned. 

“I'll try,” Jill replied. “Not exactly easy to control. I don't even know if I can control it.” 

That statement brought back memories of when you had used the scepter yourself – uncontrolled, without intention. To this day, you still didn't know whether Leon was alright. Or whether he had forgotten his entire existence. Or perhaps nothing at all, and you had merely blinded him and Wesker. 

By now, you understood the scepter much better, and Jill intended to try controlling both the artifact and its effects. Emphasis on try. 

While Jill prepared herself, you made your way up to the quarterdeck. 

There stood your ever-cheerful, steadfast captain. Carlos looked proudly toward Jill, one hand resting on the ship’s wheel, body stretched comfortably, hair caught by the wind. 

He beamed when you approached. 

“Sure am glad you all convinced me my plan to forget myself was kinda dumb,” he said. “Otherwise I wouldn't get to watch you all finally gain your freedom.” 

“Only kinda dumb?” you replied, amused by the softness in his gaze. 

He laughed. “Alright: Very, very dumb.” His fist lifted and nudged your shoulder. 

You smiled broadly. “We couldn't let you forget the things that made you who you are. The man who freed the daughters of the sea.” 

“Your eternal protector, milady.” Carlos gave you a playful bow. 

“One hell of a savior, too.” You nodded happily. Just then, a flash brighter than the blue sky illuminated the world around you. Like a wave, it raced through the air toward the harbor ahead and out across the open sea until the eye could no longer follow the magic. 

Carlos and you watched the golden, radiant, almost gentle magic travel into the distance. 

“You ever think about your pretty Commander anymore?” Carlos asked, gaze fixed on the sea even though he already knew the answer. You weren't his Pirate Queen, and that was fine.

A bittersweet smile touched your lips. “All the time.” 

Your boots struck the wooden docks of Port Raccoon with a loud thud. In ten years, the city hadn't changed much. Still the same bright, welcoming town you remembered from back then – before you ran away, before you made everyone forget who you were.

Port Raccoon no longer had a princess. The king had a new heir with a new queen. No daughter. Only an empty space in the kingdom's history. 

For ten years, you had never stepped foot in this city, even though it no longer knew you. But now, finally, the thought of something important had been enough to bring you back. The sea and all its adventures had shaped you into the person you were today – but your heart had never belonged to it. Not the way it belonged to those who were now part of the crew. Not the way it belonged to all those people you'd met throughout your voyage.

“So that is it then?” 

You looked up toward the deck of the ship that had been your home for so long. There stood Carlos – your captain, your protector, your savior – and beside him his first mate, Jill Valentine, the strongest and bravest of all of you. You had already said your goodbyes. The tears had already fallen, the promises that you would see each other again had already been spoken.

But you'd suspected Carlos and Jill wouldn't pass up the chance to say farewell in private. 

“Yes,” you answered firmly. “I have to know. If I'm not back within a day, keep sailing.” You grinned up at them. “A pirate's life.” 

Oh, how you had loved the pirate life. Under the flag of Captain Carlos Oliveira, the Nemesis had grown larger and more luxurious, her captain famous and infamous alike for his all-female crew. You had been chased here and there over the years – but never because of noble titles. Only because of the reputation you'd chosen for yourselves.

Carlos grinned right back. The years had barely touched his sun-kissed face. A few more laugh lines here and there, but nothing more. Only evidence of a life well lived. The same was true for Jill. You'd never figured out how she managed to keep her alabaster skin exactly the same.

“Aye, and a bottle of rum.” He mimed nudging you. 

“We'll miss you,” Jill said, smiling sadly and encouragingly at the same time. 

“And I will never forget you.” 

To keep things from becoming even harder for all of you, you turned away and started walking toward town. You didn't look back, only forward, eager to ask about one very specific man.

Your path led you straight out of town, across meadows and fields, until you reached a farm. Someone had told you Leon Kennedy ran it. Leon, a farmer. Not only had he returned to Port Raccoon, he was no longer a soldier. Most importantly of all – he was alive.

Your heart hammered harder and harder the closer you came to the scent of fresh hay, the stables, and the distant whinnying of horses. Closer to the small house beside the barn – a modest but beautiful stone cottage. Oh dear, what if he was married? Or worse, what if he didn't want to see you at all? You were only a stranger.

Your stomach followed with a somersault when you spotted someone standing by the pasture. The man could have been a complete stranger, if only you didn't know his features as well as the back of your hand.

Leon stood beside a black stallion, holding the horse by its halter while inspecting its coat, long fingers brushing through the sleek fur. There was gentleness in his gaze. The same gentleness he had once looked at you with all those years ago. You had never forgotten it.

The years had changed Leon more noticeably. Fine, unmistakable lines crossed his face – the closer you came, the more you saw. The streaks of silver woven through his dark blond hair and the salt-and-pepper beard shadowing his jaw. He was a different Leon – and yet he was still your Leon. The same man who had sacrificed himself for you. If anything, he looked better now – more at peace with the world. More at peace with life.

When you reached the fence surrounding the pasture, he finally noticed you over the stallion's back. His eyes fixed on you, still as blue as the sea. If you ever missed the ocean, all you would have to do was look into them.

Your fluttering heart made one final leap when he spoke – the first time you had heard that beautiful voice in ten years. “Can I help you?”

It was rougher somehow. But still him.

“Uh – yes, I think,” you answered, carefully removing your hat so he could see your face more clearly. 

When you looked up at him again, his brows had drawn together. His gaze sharpened, the hand resting in the horse's mane went still. His lips parted slightly as something visibly worked its way through his mind.

“I – I…” You didn't quite know what to say. You had practiced this moment. Thought through every word. But now none of them would come. What if he thought you were crazy?

Slowly, he stepped around the horse, eyes never leaving yours. No longer dressed in a commander's uniform but in worn trousers and a simple shirt, he looked as free as Carlos had on the day you first met the captain. The day your path had led you away from Leon.

You fidgeted nervously with the brim of your hat as he came closer and closer, half tempted to turn around and run back to the Nemesis and sink this entire idea and yourself right along with it.

Only the fence separated you when Leon's furrowed brow suddenly relaxed. His expression shifted. First surprise, eyes widening, mouth falling open. Then it melted into something utterly reverent. Something you recognized. From Port Nesta.

“Oh my God,” he breathed. His hands shot up to cradle your cheeks, then his lips were on yours.

Your hat slipped from your fingers – no longer important – and you wrapped your arms around his neck as you leaned into him – into his rough hands and his soft lips. They were exactly as you remembered. Tucked away in your memories for the difficult days at sea.

And yet his kiss was different. Even deeper, all consuming this time. It left no room for clear thoughts, only feeling. His mouth moved against yours with effortless certainty, as though ten years had never passed – as though he had never forgotten you. Strong arms wrapped around your body and lifted you effortlessly over the fence, drawing you closer. Body to body. Soul to soul. Lips to lips.

You let yourself be swept away by him, your mind blank and unwilling to question any of it. Your knees weakened, but he held you. Held you so tightly it stole your breath.

He pulled back only slightly, just enough to speak between heavy breaths against your lips while looking deeply into your eyes.

“You –” It was the only stunned word he managed. 

Beneath your own ragged breathing, you found a whisper. “Do you know who I am?” 

For a moment, Leon's eyes darted between yours as though he were trying with all his strength to remember your face. Then he shook his head ever so slightly. 

“I don't, but…" His voice softened. “I know you're the greatest treasure. I know I've been waiting for you.” 

His words broke your heart and mended it all at once. Whatever you had made him forget all those years ago – he had never forgotten you, or what you were to him.

The next syllables slipped from his lips as naturally as breathing, as though they had been waiting there for years:

“I know I love you.” 

“Leon.” Your voice cracked. Tears filled your eyes, paired with the happiest smile you had ever worn. “I came to tell you a tale. Interested?”

He blinked himself free of the trance, loosening his hold on you ever so slightly. His initial confusion gave way to joy, and a contented, even amused smile played across his features. 

“What is it about?” 

“It’s about a princess and her pretty commander.”

End Note: Because of the Veronica announcement I will disclose that I thought about adding Chris as another Commander personally searching for his sister but that plotline got cut out by my editors (me) haha.