Early morning, Oblitesco Port
~Alex’s Perspective~
“What do you mean the plan’s changed?” asks Castor.
“I told you,” Arianna responds. “Cassius said the Shining Pirates have been compromised. And he has a mission from Averill. You’re in command now.”
Castor looks around and sighs. The rest of the crew is off the boat to practice on the training yard, per Castor’s orders.
“Alright then. What’s the new plan?”
“Simple. Kill the traitor and convince Averill to commence the attack right away.”
The atmosphere becomes heavier.
“Arianna,” I begin. “You do realize that we don’t have any proof, right?”
“Actually, we do,” she says. She pulls out a thick envelope along with some other papers.
“Cassius found this when he was talking to Captain Evergarde. He said that it looked suspicious. You know how we are with information, we never leave it lying around, even out in the open. He took it and lo and behold, there were plans, locations, and mobilizations, things that no normal captain should have. Not even Cassius knew where the dead scouts were until we were sent to Kronos Island. So why does Captain Evergarde, who just joined the shining pirates, have information not even our captain had access to until Averill sent us? And you know how much Averill trusts Cassius.”
“Alright then,” Castor says. “Let’s go get the crew. We leave at noon.”
Avery walks in holding 2 kids by the neck.
“Look who I found eavesdropping outside,” he says.
“Pax?” Castor begins, dumbfounded. “William? What the fuck? Why are you two eavesdropping on us?”
William looks at us sheepishly.
“Because Landon’s Altavistan,” begins Pax. “And we wanted to know where the Altavistans are hiding.”
“You could’ve just asked us yesterday!” I yell.
“Would you have told us?” asks William.
“…”
“Y’know what, you’re right,” I concede.
“Wow,” begins Pollux. “Congradulations. You two have just gotten Alex to back down. Believe me, that’s hard to do, especially since they always-”
“Just because your twin brother’s my boyfriend doesn’t mean you get to make jokes at my expense and get away unscathed,” I interrupt dryly.
Pollux grins before backing away with his hands in the air.
“My bad, my bad,” he apologizes, backing away.
Castor looks at the 2 kids.
“How about we make a deal?” he says. “You help us with our mission, and we’ll take you and your friends to where the Altavistans are hiding.”
“Castor,” warns Pollux. “They’re just kids. It’s too dangerous for them.”
“We’re 18!” William interjects. “Not kids!”
“You’re seven years younger than us,” Avery replies dryly. He looks at Castor. “And Pollux’s right. They’re too young. They’re arguably still teenagers.”
Just then, the black-haired kid from yesterday, Landon, bursts through the door.
“Pax, William!” he gasps. “What in the actual fuck were you thinking, talking to pirates?”
“Oi, we’re right here,” Arianna grumbles.
“We’re the ones who told you that your people are in hiding,” I mumble quietly.
Castor sighs.
“Hey kid-” he begins.
“We’re not kids!” Pax and William protest.
“Shut up,” Arianna retorts.
Castor looks at Landon closely.
“I just proposed something to your friends,” he says. “Do you want to hear it?”
Landon glares at the two kids as if he’s blaming them for the situation. He looks back at Castor.
“Fine,” he spits. He’s angry. Whether it’s at us or the two kids I don’t know.
“You help us kick Sage out of Altavista,” begins Castor. “In exchange, we’ll tell you where your people are hiding. Of course, wait until after you’ve talked with Theos to give us your answer, but think about my proposal.”
He looks at the rest of us before sighing.
“And please note this. It is an extremely dangerous request. Your lives will be in danger the moment you agree. Think about this very carefully.”
“The only reason they would accept your offer is if they have a death wish,” Alex says dryly.
“10 lamina says they accept,” Arianna shoots back.
“50.”
“Deal.”
“What in the actual fuck?” Castor swears.
End of Chapter XXVI