Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Vad’s Point of View

When we were sailing using my million dollar yacht, it relieved me. I was glad that we made it alive. The assassins were a bunch of skilled chickens and they outnumbered us. Kylo was severely wounded.

To be honest, I didn’t know what to do. All I know was to defend ourselves, no matter what happens. It was fun and games for me, not until I saw her on the floor covered with blood.

I thought it was the end. My world stopped, and for the first time, I thought I failed a mission which rarely happens.

My knees fell on the floor, trying not to break down. I pulled myself together amidst the smoke brought by the explosion. I did surgery and carefully plucked the bullet out of her body.

Fortunately, all the medicines and types of equipment were still intact. It was my last resort to save her life.

Kylo was like a book that I could read effortlessly, but she can’t see through me. She can’t see that I’m struggling too. I just don’t want to deal with the uncertainty because it might drown me.

Between the two of us, I must remain strong because without me she’ll never make it.

I woke up after a deep sleep. My face hurts a bit. It confused me when I saw everything has changed. I was not familiar with the place we were in.

“Kylo?”

I called her name to make sure that I wasn’t dreaming.

“You’re sober now. Good for me.”

I was trying to remember what happened, but my head hurt.

“Where are we?” I asked.

“Inside a ship.”

“Why are we here? Did something bad happen?”

“I don’t know if our situation is good or another trouble.”

When I heard her response, I knew at that moment that we’re in a mess again.

I went out and stood at the deck to check if my suspicion was accurate.

My eyes darted at the flag, which was gracefully dancing with the wind. Instantly, terror crept in me. My instincts never fail.

“What the hell… Are you crazy?”

I looked at her with wrath.

“What’s wrong?”

She looked innocent, wondering what she did that frustrated me.

“Don’t you know where we are? We are inside a pirate ship. Can’t you recognize that flag?”

I pointed at the flag, which was always been a sign of danger.

“You are leading us to death!”

I walked back and forth while brooding. I was calculating our chances of leaving the ship without being caught.

“Who’s dead?”

We looked at the person who was approaching us. He was tall, and a really buffed man. He tattooed a red skull on his left arm.

I stepped back and composed myself.

“Did I say it out loud? I’m ashamed to admit that I am afraid of sharks, Sir,” I politely said while I bowed my head in courtesy.

“My sister is blabbering about her fear of sharks not knowing that my face can scare them away,” Kylo said as she wrapped her left arm around me.

She tried to laugh but failed to make it genuine.

“Watch over your sister carefully. You can’t identify real danger, especially if it’s near you,” the man said before walking past us.

I sighed in relief and faced her.

“You heard what he said? It’s an understatement. It means that if we make one mistake here, we’re dead,” I whispered urgently.

“You’re exaggerating. They’re not bad people. They welcomed us with hospitality and we are their guests. Don’t be stuck with the idea that we are surrounded with danger,” she said.

I looked straight into her eyes to deliver my serious message that she made another mistake of trusting armed strangers.

“You’re one naïve girl. I thought you’ve learned from the past, and now you’re trusting men with red flags. For once, try to eliminate your belief that there’s goodness in all of us. Think the other way. Focus on the unpleasant side for you to be aware and cautious.”

“I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t know what to do, and you were drunk. You know that I’m stupid, yet you let me decide on my own,” she firmly said with teary eyes.

It was when the fact that I have to be beside her all the time hit me. I can’t afford to get drunk again because I can’t tolerate her impaired judgment.

I felt like I have become a babysitter. Well, I thought that that was what it felt like to be a father. Once you lost your eyes with the kids, they’re going to ruin their life in a snap.

The captain called us for breakfast. They gathered us at the terrace where they set a lot of food in front of us. It was like a feast.

The various foods looked good.

“Before we devour the food that nature brought to us, let me propose a toast for our guest as a symbol of our allegiance. Cheers!” the man with a red beard said.

We raised our glasses for a toast. They were cheering in triumph, welcoming us as new members of their crew. But I’m not sure if it was a trap.

“Ugh… what’s your name again, captain?” I asked.

He looked at me, and everyone’s eyes were fixed on us. He was an old man, but I could assess that his body was well built. I guess he has been into a lot of battles and he delivers an aura of a genuine leader.

His veins were visible in his hands like the roots of a tree nurtured on good soil, enough sunlight, and has survived amidst all the catastrophes.

“I’m Captain Orley Nebuchister El Katanaga De Casteganio Ellisto Puedonito Bastamtike.”

I tried not to laugh after hearing his short name.

“Your name sounds honorable, Sir. But it’s lengthy and easy to forget. I would suggest you change it into a cooler one like… red beard. Captain Red Beard of the West.”

The Captain looked puzzled as he stared at me for a minute.

Kylo, who was beside me, pokes my side as a warning that I went too far.

“My apologies, captain. My sister meant no disrespect,” Kylo interrupted.

“I think your sister is right. My red beard is my asset and the color red is my favorite color,” the captain said with a cunning smile.

“Cheers to our captain’s new name!” I said joyfully.

“Hail Captain Red Beard!”

The men repeatedly cheered their captain’s new name. The ship was merrymaking as a few men played musical instruments and others were dancing.

Their variety of foods includes turtle eggs, vegetables, meat, bone soup, and fish. It looks fresh. The saddest part of being a pirate is not being able to keep their food fresh because it would rot in due time.

I learned that most of them frequently suffered from malnutrition because they lack vitamin C. They mainly eat dried food such as sea biscuits, beans, and preserved food.

Their voyages might be fun and exciting, but it takes a lot of courage to survive in the middle of tides and storms.

“I think he loves the color red because it’s a symbol of love. I told you, they seem good people,” Kylo whispered.

“Contrary to the popular belief, I must tell you that pirates are pure evil,” I replied.

I heartily enjoyed what they served on the table. I consumed a lot of food to supply my body with enough energy to fight because I know what’s coming.

All the acts of kindness shown by the pirates blinded Kylo to see that it was part of their plan before the ship becomes a slaughterhouse.

It astonished me that they didn’t destroy my yacht, but I’m sure that they stole our things and supplies. There’s a reason they kept us alive. It must be one good reason that will benefit them.

After our delicious breakfast, most of the pirates were already drunk. It was the perfect time for me to break my silence. Before putting up a show, I warned Kylo.

“Do you watch pirate movies?” I asked.

“I’m not a fan, but I have watched a few,” she replied.

“I see. Listen carefully, kid. Do you know how to swim?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Great. That’s good news,” I smirked.

“What’s with that face? You’re planning something.”

She narrowed her eyes with suspicion.

“Don’t you know? I always have a plan in mind, except for our destination,” I said.

“Don’t start it, Wagner,” she warned.

“It’s called attacking them before they attack us. If this is a chess game, we are the white pieces. We must control our opponent’s moves. Got that?”

“We will die as fast as lightning. Don’t forget that this is their territory.”

“If that’s the problem, then I’ll make it our own.”

What I’m about to do is like what pirates usually do, stealing. But I won’t steal gold or supplies. I will steal someone’s honor.