Starsea - Part VII - Through The Mirror Darkly

Hey everyone and welcome back to the Realm! I know you're all dying to know what happens next considering I kind of left the last article as a cliffhanger and for good reason. Up until now, Killian has believed that Hook was a monster and should he ever rise again, then the Star Child would pay the price. He has spent all of his time with Artz trying to shield her from Hook which was a very bad thing to do. Why because there is nothing she would not do for her Captain.

The man known as Killian Jones could only stare at the sight before him, a horrified expression on his face. He had rushed at the Dark Captain, hoping to save the Star Child he loved so much, but she jumped in the way. His sword was now about two thirds through her chest, blood dripping off the blade. Why...why would she protect a monster? Had Hook truly broken her? He was taken by surprise by the Dark Captain's next words.

'Damn it, wench, not for me! The brat was supposed to protect you from me, from yourself and now you're dying...again! You're dying again...for me, but this time is different...this time you will not embark on this journey alone.'

The former lieutenant gasped in shock as the Scourge of the Sea reached around her and wrenched the hilt from his hand, making him stagger back a few steps to regain his balance. His eyes were wide and unblinking as the man he had once viewed as a monster drove the sword completely through her while simultaneously plunging the sword into himself until there was no room between them. Why...why would he do that? Killian was extremely confused, both his mind and heart in chaos.

'Wherever you go, I will always follow.'

'My Captain.'

'My Wench.'

In that moment, the younger Jones had a revelation. Hook didn't hate her...he loved her. That's why he couldn't remember a good chunk of their time together because the Scourge of the Sea had been falling in love just as he had, but why make himself out to be a monster? There was so many contradictions and empty spaces...too many unanswered questions.

He was broken out of his thoughts as the Captain and his wench fell to the floor, the ginger letting a quiet cry of pain. He moved forward to try to help, only to be stopped by Mister Silver.

'Stay back. If you come into physical contact with him, he'll be absorbed back into your body and the two of you will trapped inside the same body together for a very long time before another opportunity arises to separate you. *to Mister Smee* William, attend to my mother while I try to save the idiot I view as my dad.'

The ocean eyed man could only watch, feeling absolutely helpless with the guilt burning and churning inside his stomach. He caused this. If he hadn't been so focused on trying to be her shield and instead embracing her as he wanted to, he would have learned the truth about the Scourge of the Sea and this entire thing could have been avoided.

The golden light emanating from his first mate's hands gradually healed the wound and she let out a relieved sigh before falling unconscious. He looked over at the Dark Captain to see him standing on his feet, his left hand pressing against the wound. He noticed the brand on said hand which proved that the so called monster had been radically altered by the Star Child, resulting in his recruitment and it proved that he was completely wrong about Hook.

'Come here, brat.'

'I was told to stay away or we'll get stuck together again.'

'My wench is no longer dying but I am and I won't let her lose me because of your stupidity. You have two choices, brat; willingly or forcefully. Either way, it's gonna happen because I am a selfish bastard that will never that woman go.'

'Dad, just give me some time. I might be able...'

'I'm sorry, son. Truly I am, but I can't and won't take that chance. I can already feel my heartbeat slowing down, it's getting harder to breathe, my internal organs are starting to shut down and I can barely see. *sees the tears in the man's eyes* 

I know that you hate me and you think I'm a monster. *tears slipped down Hook's face* Yes, I altered my memories so that you wouldn't associate yourself with my actions, so you could be your own person and not a reflection of me. *more tears and is being supported by both Smee and Silver*

So much of what you remember about me is a lie, but you need to understand why. She died for me. It was her love for me that got her killed. Every day she drank my evening wine...slowly being poisoned by diluted Dreamshade. I never saw the effects because she had altered my perception. All I ever saw was the feisty wench that refused to yield yet obeyed every order I had given her.

*coughs up some blood, his body sagging and he was forced onto his knees* Every time she called me Her Captain, she was saying I love you. All that time and when I finally worked it out...she died...she died in my arms in the middle of the night...less than ten minutes after I told the bloody wench that I loved her. She was already unconscious by then.

I made you hate me so that you would protect her, not just from me but from herself. I pushed you forward, fully intent on never breaching the surface again, but when I no longer felt the constant warmth of her pendant, I began reaching out. It took some time but...*coughs up more blood, gasping for air*'

He didn't get the chance to continue because he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up, his eyes coming back into focus and mirrored obsidian met ocean blue...an ocean blue that shimmered with unshed tears.

'Shut up, idiot and get back in here before you keel over. We'll sort this out later.'

Both Silver and Smee assisted in reintegrating the two pirates back together and Killian lost consciousness but not before hearing the Scourge of the Sea say Thank you, Killian.

When the younger Jones awoke, he found himself floating underwater...the seascape again but why was it so dark? He couldn't see anything. Hell he couldn't even see himself. He shifted slightly, only to become aware of another body behind and a pair of arms wrapped around him.

'I wouldn't suggest moving, brat. I'm still trying to rebalance our body's life force. My brief stint outside caused me to have the majority of our physical energy. Now it's just a matter of finding the right amounts for everything.'

'Why's it so dark?'

'This is where you put me. Your anger and hatred shoved me to deepest recesses of your mind, but it's your fear and uncertainty that causes the darkness. I've actually gotten used to it. If you wish for it to be brighter than your feelings towards me would have to change and as of right now, I have done nothing to warrant your favor.'

Killian didn't respond right away, simply stayed still and silent. After several minutes, the water directly surrounding them became a little brighter, the darkness being pushed back enough so that they could at least see each other.

'How about we finish that conversation we were having before...that is if you can call it a conversation. I stood there, you rambled, and now is as good a time as any to continue.'

The Scourge of the Sea started laughing, true and genuine laughter. The younger Jones couldn't help but smile because it wasn't the laugh of a tyrannical monster rather the laugh of a good natured man. Hook managed to calm himself then cleared his throat.

'Right then, where was I? Ah yes, it took me some time to breach the surface considering you were actively trying to keep me inside, but I had to keep trying. I may not have been able to feel her emotions but I sure as hell felt yours and I knew that it was only a matter of time before you would try to send her away.

My wench...I knew she would never leave you. She's extremely stubborn when it comes to the people she cares for. Good ol' William can recount many a tale to you about that bloody minded wench. The problem lies within her loyalty to me and her feelings for you. She could not in good conscience allow you to keep suppressing me, but at the same time, she didn't want to hurt you.

Every tear that she shed was like a beacon, so I followed them and then I saw it...her pendant, shining like a star and I heard her crying out to me. To hear her screaming like that, so much anguish and grief, I finally just said to hell with this shit. The wench wanted her Captain and I promised Yuel that wouldn't hesitate, that I would go to my wench. I didn't actually expect us to split apart like that. Came as a bit of a shock.'

'That's putting mildly. I bloody panicked. The Scourge of the Sea was free and heading straight towards the very woman I had been fighting so hard to protect...only to end up running her through with my sword.'

The Captain of the Jolly Roger told the former lieutenant that the moment he had seen him draw his sword...he knew his wench would undoubtedly do something insanely reckless that would more than likely get her killed. Had he known that their first mate had the ability to heal, he wouldn't have acted so foolishly though he didn't regret his decision. He had spoken honestly and passionately, making it perfectly clear to his wench that he meant every word of his vow, that he would always follow her wherever she went.

The longer they conversed, the brighter their mental seascape became. It was still murky beyond the reefs but there was an entire patch of beautiful light colored sand and there was a light projecting through the surface of the water which just added a prismatic effect to the sand. All-in-all, it was utterly gorgeous and the ambience really helped to calm Killian's heart and mind. 

There was still a lot that they had to overcome because questions needed answering, memories needed revealing, and there was a crimson haired goddess waiting for them to wake up...to which they had spent a great deal of time debating. Killian wanted Hook to take control so that he could once again be with the woman he loved, but the Dark Captain refused on the grounds of the wench's actions towards the brat.

'You need to go back. *cuts off the brat before he could start arguing again* You're not a member of the Guard so you can't hear it, but the wench is begging you to come back. You, not me. She didn't mean for things to end up like this and right now she is scared out of her mind because she can barely sense you at all. She is terrified of losing you. 

That's why you need to go back. You take care of the wench while I focus on our body. Lord knows how much time has passed but I do know that she has cried herself to sleep many times then called out to you in her dreams. There'll be plenty of time for me to be with my wench later but for some inexplicable reason, I have this feeling...like I know that you need to be in control. Most likely Yuel's doing, she was the one to put me asleep after all.

The point, Killian, is that your feelings for the wench are not your own. They're mine. I may have made your mind forget but I couldn't contain my heart. Even now it's still effecting you...you need to go back, sort yourself out, spend some time with her, and don't be surprised when you wake up one day and realize that she's stolen your heart. She makes it so easy...to fall in love with her. Don't be afraid to love her, brat.

One final thing before I punt your sorry ass out of this little piece of aquatic paradise...don't make her cry. I will know if you do and I won't hesitate to take control. She's gone through enough, damn it! She deserves some bloody happiness already! Now get OUT!!!'

The younger Jones awoke with a gasp, his eyes flying open. He let out a low groan of pain because it was rather difficult to breathe, but he soon understood why. The ginger haired woman that had come crashing into his life was currently asleep on his chest. He sighed quietly, knowing it was no use to move nor was it any use to argue with the Dark Captain.

Artz: Hmm...that's a first. I blanked mid thought. I was going somewhere with this but now I can't rightly recall exactly where. Oh well, it's a good place to stop anyways because the next segment of Starsea takes on an entirely different tone. Just a forewarning...the exact timeline of Killian's origin story has yet to be fully ironed out so if you get a little lost, its okay because I'll post a revamped version later.

Poseidon: Now she just has to find some images or gifs for this thing and she'll be able to post it...hopefully.

Hook: Oh yes, by all means, brat, go ahead and jinx the bloody woman.

Poseidon: And you might want to rephrase that. *pointing to the first image*

Hook: *rolls his eyes* Come on, brat. *kicks his legs out from under him, grabs the right ankle and proceeds to drag him away*

Poseidon: Seriously?! Let me go, you bastard! *is ignored and dragged down a different hallway and out of sight*

Hope: *pops up* That's what he gets for making his cameo too long. *shakes her head but then waves at everyone before slipping out of frame*

Ren: *drags herself into frame, waves lazily, then promptly falls asleep*

Anna: *sighs* And as always, I'm on clean up duty. *drags the out cold Ren towards the opposite frame*

Artz: Hey don't look a gift horse in the mouth. She's out cold so no social interaction.