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The sea crashed against the side of the Hellfire as a heavy downpour flooded the deck. As if the storm wasn't enough, Lucas called down from the mast.
“It's the Navy! They're closing in!” Captain Munson turned toward the bow and groaned. It wasn't just any ship, it was the USS Hawkins. General Carver captained that vessel and he’s been out for Eddie’s blood since Steve Harrington, the governor’s son he was in charge of protecting, turned coat and joined the pirates.
As if he’d summoned him, Steve came up behind the Captain and wrapped his arms around his waist.
“Do you think we should tell him the truth?” Steve asked as he pressed a kiss to Eddie’s temple. With a snort, Eddie turned his back on the Navy and gave his husband a proper kiss.
“What, that when you captured me at sword point, I charmed you so thoroughly you abandoned your post? He’ll just say I brainwashed you with a devil’s spell.” Rumors like that followed behind the Hellfire like a stiff breeze. Every member of Eddie’s crew was once considered an upstanding citizen, until they ran into the Freak King of the Seven Seas.
Chrissy appeared by their side, a determined set to her brow. This would be the first time they’ve encountered Carver since the woman ended their engagement by joining the crew.
“If he tries to take me back on board, put an arrow in my heart before he can.” She requested. It’s only been a few months, but already Eddie knew he’d protect her with his life.
“I’d sooner put one through his.” The Captain snarled. “Gareth, head for the eye of the storm!” He called to the helmsman.
“Aye, aye!” He called back as he turned the wheel. Poseidon must have been angry with them because they couldn't outrun the storm or the Navy. The ship pulled up next to their own with General Carver standing triumphantly on the edge.
“This is Captain Carver of the USS Hawkins. I’m placing this vessel and it's occupants under arrest.” The man shouted over the high winds.
“Not on your life Carver!” Eddie screamed back and flashed a pair of devil horns, sticking his tongue out for flair.
Suddenly, a body grabbed the rope from the sail and swung over the edge of both ships, slamming into Chrissy, knocking them both to the deck. Eddie drew his sword but Steve’s hand pressed into his chest in reassurance.
“Robbie?” He asked with a cute tilt to his head. A woman scrambled to her feet, apologizing profusely to Chrissy before launching herself into Steve’s embrace.
“Dingus! Don't ever run off and join a pirate crew without me again!” She cried. Steve laughed joyously and swung the woman around by her waist.
With a pointed clearing of his throat, Eddie glared at the newcomer.
“You may know my husband, but that doesn't make you welcome on my ship.” The tip of his sword rose to Robin’s neck.
“She's my sister.” Steve snorted. “Trust me, captain she’s fine.” Eddie eyed the pair for a moment longer before nodding his head and turning back to the Navy.
“Anyone else want to defect from your shackles of conformity?” Eddie called. The only answer he received was a cannon ball slamming into the side of the ship. “Guess not,” he mumbled. “Return fire!”
Dustin and Max loaded the nearby cannon and aimed straight for the Navy’s mast. Though it missed, it put a sizable dent into their deck. Nancy, Jonathan, and Argyle took a stand at the other two cannons, aiming and firing them at the Navy in rapid succession, giving them little time to react. Shot after shot rang out over the tremulous waves; until, the Dragon figurehead crashed into the sea. Eddie's eyes narrowed.
“Jeff the shell!” The man in question brought Eddie a large white conch shell. A tiny tremor of fear shook his hands. The Navy-men were setting planks, ready to board the Hellfire. Mike, Will, and Bear drew their swords in preparation.
“I met your family, you ready to meet mine, sweetheart?” Eddie grinned at Steve as he lifted the shell to his lips. A deep blare burst from the shell and at first there was no change. Then, the sea waves thrashed and the boat rocked harder than before.
“You think I’m the Freak King of the Seven Seas? You’re about to find out why they call me that.” Eddie shouted across the water.
“Get ready.” Eddie grinned at Steve. Eight long tentacles burst from the sea, each longer than the parallel ships and nearly as wide. With a feral snarl, Eddie turned back to face Carver.
“I’d like you to meet the Cecelia who raised me.” A giant torso broke free of the water’s surface as the tentacles wrapped around the Hawkins.
“This guy bothering you, Ed?” The deep voice of the Cecelia called. It was obvious he tried to keep his volume low but with as big of a creature as he was, his breath nearly knocked the men on to their asses.
“Just a little Uncle Wayne. You hungry?”
Wayne nodded, picked the ship up in his big hands, and swallowed the ship whole, like a pill. The screams of the men on board were lost to the wind as Wayne smacked his lips, with a hearty burp, the ship hit the creature’s stomach.
“Thanks for calling me, son.” Wayne poked him as gently as he was able, given his finger was the size of Eddie’s whole body.
“Thanks for coming, Pops.” Eddie replied with a maniac cackle. Wayne stretched his arms above his head before he carried the Hellfire to the nearest island.
“Y’all get some rest here so you can fix your ship in the morning. I’ll keep an eye out for any more of those pesky patrols.” He lowered his elbows down to the beach, leaning back as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
“This guy raised you?” Steve exclaimed.
“Yeah, my birth parents decided I wasn’t worth the effort and threw me overboard; Wayne found me floating on a piece of drift wood. He took me to a hidden cave and protected me from predators. He made sure I was fed and loved and he put his life on hold for me. It was dangerous for him to stay in one spot but he wouldn't leave me even after I was old enough to take care of myself. I became a pirate to travel with him and take in lost strays like he took me in.” Eddie hugged Wayne's pinky finger in thanks.
“Hello, Mr. Munson.” Steve said, his voice strong even as his shoulders trembled a bit.
“Name’s Wayne kid. Nice to meet ya. Treat my boy right or else.” The creature glared at him. Steve gulped with wide eyes but Eddie only slapped his uncle’s hand in admonishment. A big bellowing laugh that blew sand into the air made Wayne’s mirth known. “Sorry, couldn't help myself. You keep my boy safe and we won’t have any problems.”
“I’ll protect him sir, I promise.” Steve said with a small smile. He kissed his husband softly on the cheek and dashed away to go find Robin.
“He’s a real keeper. Do right by him, alright.” Wayne said Eddie as quietly as he was able.
“I will.” Eddie’s whispered words were a prayer as well as a promise. The ocean crashed on the shore, Eddie’s gaze locked on to the horizon. The seas could be unforgiving; but sitting here at his uncle’s side as his crew set up camp for the night, Eddie knew it was a promise he’d keep until he joined Davy Jones.
The wind finally died down and the storm headed away from them. The stars began to shine brightly, the moon was high in the sky. It was a beautiful night, one of celebration. With a pat to Wayne’s arm, Eddie went to find his love.
The crew sat around a fire with Jeff playing an upbeat tune on his lute as Nancy sang along. Mike, Will, Jonathon, and Argyle cooked the fish Wayne snagged when he carried the ship over. Everyone else talked in pairs or small groups; everyone except Steve, Robin, and Chrissy. Those three danced barefoot in the sand near the fire and Eddie joined them. He pulled Steve into his arms and began swaying back and forth to the music.
“Thank you for saving me.” Steve whispered into his ear. With a flourish, Eddie dipped Steve in the sand and sighed.
“You saved me too, darling. You saved me too.”