#ruthlessvi

The girl late in the adolescent stage should have paid heed to her family’s warning. For, as Edward gained a crew, bettered his ship and tamed the tides, he changed. He was no longer the man Mary once knew. The power he’d attained as captain of Queen Anne’s Revenge was so immense, so great it crept into his mind, filled every nook and cranny of it with corruption. Gradually, all that bloodshed, tears, cries, yells, cannon fire, brawling...all of it blackened further than his heart. They darkened his very soul. So much so, he eventually became interested in necromancy. For, it was a necromancer who had commandeered him a ship, resurrected the shipwreck from the seabed and conjured all of its pieces back together. It was a necromancer who had granted Edward a sword - one impregnated with black magic that could sail the ship even with her deck bare. 

Ever since he decided to practise necromancy, Edward conjured parts onto his ship that would make it near invincible, make other ships inferior, nothing but a dim candlelight against the raging fire of Queen Anne’s Revenge. He even learnt how to make his sword more powerful. Learnt how to imprison ships he’d defeated in a glass bottle and influence other ships to do his bidding, turn against their own crew and captain.  But, the thing was, they say eyes are windows to your soul. Well, the more necromancy Edward exerted, the more empty his eyes became. 

And thus, began Mary’s hell. 

Edward had a habit of scratching his growing beard when deep in thought and he was known for his dark ways. So, he became known by everyone who had either seen or heard of him as Blackbeard, which he happily adapted to.  And, Blackbeard intended to scratch his beard when thinking of ways to reward one of his crewman who had gained his favour that day. Eventually, he started to grant his crewmen his wife, Mary, when they gained his favour. But, he had rules: 

1. The crewman rewarded with Mary could only have her for that one night. 

2. Mary had to be back in Blackbeard’s cabin come first light. 

3. Unless given permission, no one but himself could touch her. 

Where he was so powerful, so feared, no crewman dared disobey their captain. 

However, one evening, both Blackbeard’s and Mary’s lives were turned upside down - hers for the better, his for the worst. On that evening, it was Blackbeard’s bosun at the time, Killian Jones, who had won his favour for the day. And, as he did every night, Blackbeard summoned all of his ship’s occupants up on deck to announce that he was giving Mary to Killian for the night. 

Mary and Killian had talked before and he could tell she was unhappy with her life, even though she insisted that she was content as Blackbeard’s wife - despite being labelled ‘Blackbeard’s Wench’. That night, he did not touch her. Rather, they talked and got to know each other more - although Mary more reluctantly and warily. 

As expected, Killian became rather fond of her - as a friend at first - and did everything he could to win Blackbeard’s favour so he could talk to her some more. 

This continued for some time until finally, Mary willingly offered herself to Killian. 

They shared an unforgettable, passionate night. It was to be the first of many until finally, finally, Mary snuck below deck to speak to him one quiet afternoon while docked ashore, while Blackbeard was fast asleep in their cabin. Unwilling to get caught, Mary made it quick and, in that short space of time, she broke the news. She was pregnant. It was Killian Jones’ child. 

At first, both were terrified but gradually grew attached to their child, their miracle. Of course, if Blackbeard were to find out the woman who wasn’t supposed to bear children was expecting his bosun’s child, there was no telling what he would do. the man was simply capable of absolutely anything. So, they came to an agreement. Mary would pretend it was Blackbeard’s, not Killian’s. Although it would be hard, they would still be able to arrange secret meetings when the child was born. 

However, the couple’s optimism was not to last long. On a starry, serene night, Mary gave birth to a daughter and she called her Gwendolen, or Wendy for short. The girl resembled her mother and so little of her father that Blackbeard couldn’t suspect that the girl wasn’t his. 

Only, he found out. 

While ashore in a tavern one night, a crewman caught the bosun and the wench disappearing upstairs, the baby in the woman’s arms. Suspicious, he got Balckbeard’s attention and, after pointing out the reason why he’d interrupted his captain’s conversation, with narrowed eyes, Blackbeard stealthily followed the couple to one of the rooms. 

Fortunately, the door was left ajar and he peeked through, listening intently to the pair that were sitting on the edge of the bed. When he heard the truth - about the baby, about the father - he soared with rage and threw the door open. The couple instantly knew that he’d heard and Killian distracted him, brawling with him until both Mary and the baby had left the room, climbed out of the window. After momentarily stunning Blackbeard by slicing the length of his cheekbone, which would surely leave a permanent scar, Killian followed his small family into the night, away from Blackbeard’s ferocious clutches. 

For months afterwards, Blackbeard searched and searched, seeking out the target for his revenge until finally, he gave up and focused more on pirating, keeping the seas in his control and keeping pirates afraid of him. 

*END OF FLASHBACK* 

Blackbeard’s thin, cruel lips broke into a grim smile. One with no humour, light or fondness in it as he relived the memory that twisted his world, taught him that nothing was what it seemed. That nothing was perfect when he thought it was, that he should never let his guard down. He still remembered the day he found out that Mary had run off with Killian, they’d gone into pirating together and raised their baby girl. They commandeered a ship and a crew together. It made the pirate sick to his stomach. To anyone else, it would seemed rather twisted and heartless but Blackbeard couldn’t help but feel a pang of satisfaction when he’d also heard that Mary had died the same year the pirate had found out what had happened to his wife after her little getaway with that traitor. She’d passed away just four years after giving birth to the girl...Wendy...and Killian continued to raise her, train her to defend herself. He’d continued to raise the little whelp that destroyed Blackbeard’s happiness. 

While bitter thoughts wove through Blackbeard’s mind, he halted his ship a little way away from the Jolly Roger - the ship that traitorous pirate had commandeered with Mary and raised their little girl on. Barking out orders, the captain had his crew ready a single dingy so he could take a few of his crewmen to shore and have a little talk with his ex-bosun. 

After picking a few crewmen to go with him, Blackbeard and the selected four climbed into the lowered dingy before the captain’s crewmen picked up the paddles and rowed for shore. 

Reaching shallow waters, the pirates jumped out and the crewmen dragged the rowboat in their captain’s wake as their boots trekked across the wet sand. Once they dumped the boat on the dry sand ashore, the four hurried to catch up with Blackbeard who had already gone on ahead without them towards the Jolly Roger. 

When Blackbeard and his crewmen reached the top of the gangway, they were halted by the hand of a tall, muscular young lad with a red bandanna covering the hairline, just before his light brown ringlets, and he had a small amount of fine stubble dotted on his chin. 

Who’re you, then? the pirate demanded before glancing up from the parchment in his hand to examine the pirates before him.   

Blackbeard raised an eyebrow, surprised that the young pirate had yet to recognise him. Yes, he was young, but surely he’d at least heard stories about the pirate all pirates fear!

I might ask the same about you. Who do ye think you are, to demand us - demand me?

The pirate raised a skeptical eyebrow and snarled. 

I’m James, one of Capt’n’s crewmen. It’s me job to watch who comes aboard and who leaves. Now tell me. Who’re ye?

Blackbeard leaned in closer, a dangerous look in his ice blue eyes. 

Ever heard of Blackbeard, Starkey? 

For a moment, James froze, but then recomposed himself. He stared into Blackbeard’s eyes, unconvinced until the pirate’s eyes momentarily shifted from an icy blue to an empty, soulless black. When they returned to normal, Blackbeard smirked dangerously as James gulped. His father had indeed told him stories about the dreaded pirate, but the man had looked like any other pirate up until that moment.  

As I said: I am Blackbeard and these are a few members of my crew. Tell me, is your captain here? I would like to speak with him. 

James thought for a moment. He didn’t like the thought of betraying his captain, but then he’d heard tales of Blackbeard’s nature from the gossip among the crew as well as his captain’s own stories, which were rarely shared. he didn’t like the thought of deceiving Blackbeard then being on the receiving end of his wrath either. So, as expected, James obeyed his pirate nature and nodded. 

I will...tell capt’n you’d like te see ‘him...

With that, James turned on his heels and scurried away. 

Not even a minute later, James came scurrying back and told Blackbeard and his crewmen that the captain was ready to see them. Blackbeard didn’t even nod as James, although young, was a pirate. He knew that Blackbeard was expecting to be shown the way without having to ask, so the pirate turned on his heels once more and led the way to his captain’s cabin. 

Inside the ship, not surprisingly to Blackbeard as they walked down the small creaky wooden corridor, there were two cabins. One must be for the little whelp who ruined everything, he thought bitterly.  Finally, James brought the pirates outside the cabin furthest away from the door they’d walked through and knocked on the door. Upon hearing a rather cool and commanding “Enter”, James nodded (more or less to himself than anyone else) and opened the door. He walked through and the pirates behind him followed. 

Once James closed the door behind the last of Blackbeard’s crewmen, the pirates turned their attention to the one-handed pirate sitting behind a desk, a bottle of rum beside the remaining hand. 

You wanted to see me...Blackbeard, Killian began in an uninviting, biting tone. 

Aye...Killian. I hear tell after Mary died, you continued to raise your daughter. 

How do you know? Killian asked sharply. 

Oh...rumours. Either way, that’s not why I’m here. I’m here because of something else. 

With that, Blackbeard looked around the room that looked to be a combination of the captain’s room and his study. Then, he returned his attention to the pirate, watching him carefully. 

Speaking of your daughter, I don’t see her around...

At that, Killian’s hand clenched into a tight fist, causing Blackbeard to smirk triumphantly. Just that small act confirmed the other rumours he’d heard.   

Oh...she really isn’t on the ship, Blackbeard noted, feigning innocence. Where is she then? I hear she left some time ago to roam free on some island with a boy. Oh, what was his name? Pietro...Patrick...Piper...

Peter Pan, Killian hissed. 

The smirk stretched further across Blackbeard’s weatherbeaten face. 

Ah...that’s it! Although, I must admit I’m surprised. I always thought a father would be reluctant to let his daughter go with a boy, let alone with his personal enemy. I wouldn’t know, of course, Blackbeard chuckled, although nothing about it was humorous. It didn’t even sound malicious. It sounded more...bitter, resentful. 

What do you want, Blackbeard? Killian asked with a hiss, sounding pained. 

Oh, nothing. Just wanted to see how my old bosun was doing after betraying me. I was wondering if you knew about your daughter. How she and that boy got married. 

I was the one that married them off. 

Yes, but do you know what comes after the wedding day? 

Killian narrowed his eyes. If looks could kill, Blackbeard would have been dead on the spot. 

The wedding night, Killian. The wedding night follows. And do you know what that results in? 

Blackbeard didn’t even need to answer this time. 

Impossible! Killian answered almost immediately, slamming his hook down on the table. No child can be conceived in this cursed realm! 

Ah, so you haven’t heard...

Heard what? 

You mean you really don’t know? Blackbeard asked, maliciously enjoying the torture his former bosun was enduring because of him. 

Know what? Killian demanded impatiently.

Of the new lost boy on the island. Olive skin...dark hair...dark eyes...almost level with that second-incommand in favouritism...

Rufio. 

Aye...Rufio. Did you know your daughter and her...husband, Blackbeard watched, grinning sadistically as Killian’s fist unclenched then clenched again upon the term ‘husband, treat that boy as if he were their own? 

They treat all of those boys as their own, Killian said dismissively, although his voice dripped with disapproval and hatred. 

What if I told you this one was different? Blackbeard asked, moving forward to press his hands against the edge of the wooden surface of the desk. 

How so? 

What if I told you they raised him from a baby? 

Killian froze and his eyes flashed red. There was no way...it was impossible. It couldn’t happen. There was no way to conceive a child in a land where time was frozen. Besides, he couldn’t imagine that demon raising a baby. The boy was far too unruly, a child himself. He was too cruel and he couldn’t imagine his daughter letting him anywhere near a baby. Let alone one of her own. 

You’re lying, Killian declared. 

Am I? Then why did I see this with my own eyes and hear the truth from a Neverlander, whom I’ll not mention?

It’s impossible. 

Blackbeard shrugged. 

Think what you want, Killian. I merely came to make small talk. I just thought you deserved to know what your precious daughter got up to, what she created with that demonic boy. Still, I’m pressed for time so I’ll be on my way. 

With that, Blackbeard turned his back on Killian and gestured for his crewmen to follow him out. 

You’re lying, Blackbeard. I don’t believe you! It’s impossible! It can’t happen! That demon can defile my daughter no more than he already has! 

Ignoring him, with a look towards James, the young pirate took the hint and opened the door for the pirates. 

Once they’d all left, James shut the door again and eyed his captain with worry. Killian’s eyes still gave off a red-hot angry aura and he was heaving. Despite the tension he felt within himself upon hearing Blackbeard’s claims about his sister, James asked:  

Cap’n? 

When he received no response, James tried again. 

Father?

Back to work, lad, Killian ordered. 

Aye, Capt’n, James answered before making his leave also, leaving the captain to his thoughts.   

Lifting the bottle to his lips and taking another gulp of rum, Killian drowned himself in his thoughts. No, that boy didn’t get his daughter pregnant. It simply wasn’t possible on Neverland...was it? Killian shook himself. No! He refused to believe it! It couldn’t happen, it wouldn’t happen. 

Meanwhile, as the crewmen rowed back to the ship, one of Blackbeard’s hands rested on the side of the dingy. He couldn’t help the smirk that hadn’t left his face since leaving the Jolly Roger. His work was done with that pirate. Blackbeard knew how to manipulate well enough by now to know not to try too hard, and to know when he’d hit just the right mark to ensure those doubts never left the man’s head. 

All that was left to do now was prepare himself and his crew for the battle ahead. 

Did Blackbeard regret this? Not one bit. He hadn’t felt remorse for a long time and he wasn’t going to start anytime soon. No, he would make all those who dared cross him and survive pay. He would make that wretched boy suffer for that time when he took away his land. He would make that blasted pirate regret ever betraying him. He would make that whelp wish she was never born. And how would he do it all? By dealing with that one boy in such a way, it would affect everyone he intended it to.  He just had to be patient. But he could wait. The taste of victory and sweet revenge would be worth it. 

Author’s Note:  Well, here is part 6 of ‘Ruthless’, guys! Did you like my surprise of letting you see a glimmer of what Blackbeard’s up to - as well as introducing a new, highly important, character? I sure enjoyed writing it and Wendy’s brother. I’m sorry this took so long to post but I had one real exam and three mocks all through June. Don’t worry, those were the only exams so you shouldn’t have to wait long for any future posts.