Legends of the Treasure Child : Demon Spawn

Captain Turner strode outside with a bucket of dirty water. He tossed its content overboard, and as he swung it back, he jumped, meeting the grave and concerned faces of the crewmen of The Black Pearl. It was the hard core members of the Pearl as always, and Will simply sighed at them, arching an eyebrow before he started back to the captain’s cabin. They had questions, he knew it, but didn’t want to have to answer to anything. He glanced upwards for a moment, seeing the Thyrion squabbling with an angelspawn, pushing the agent of Heaven around like they were schoolboys. He did on no way envy Jack his fate, often catching himself thinking that his fate as the captain of the Dutchman was by far a better way to suffer, than being in Jack’s shoes. Spending eternity giving birth to demon children fathered by an unholy creature? Will shuddered and went inside, ignoring the requests from the crew.

Entering the captain’s cabin was like treading inside gates of bliss. John was a sight to behold. He was wearing a bloodied apron, and he wore his long black hair tied back in a knot over his crimson bandana. His hair had grown longer since last Will saw John. John had, in all, grown into more of a man, adding English customs to his repertoire, like taking tea at tea-time, with a dash of rum on the side, incorporating the etiquette of a British gentleman with the few manners Jack had taught him to begin with. The long months in London, and his encounters there with British authorities and society in general, had obviously done him good. When in public, John toned down his pirate features, donning clothes suitable for a British aristocrat, hiding his golden eyes behind black or purple glasses, smiling politely without displaying his fangs. A solid businessman with charm on all the right places, using everything he was for what it was worth. When he couldn’t find an opportunity to be introduced to the potential business partners directly, the ladies would often help him, as they found his appearance and smooth talk intriguing, introducing him to their husbands. And all being unaware that they were inviting a demon into their midst. Thus, he connected with wealthy clients, got them talking about lost heirlooms, making deals and signing contracts, slowly and steady building the credibility of the Sparrow Salvage Company. And Jack?

Will glanced over to Jack, who had been moved to his bed. Jack had a large, open wound inside now, and he was keeping his legs together, shivering from cold and exhaustion. John was tucking his father in with several blankets, feeding him carefully, giving Jack whatever he asked for. Except rum. Jack was drowsy, falling in and out of sleep. He had a content yet worried smile on his face, and he looked up as Will entered the room. He motioned for Will to come close. Will understood that the old pirate was happy, glad to see the birth over, happy to see the results. Two results. Jack drew him closer, and Will sat down next to his bed, their lips mere inches from each other.

“Don’t let him take them from me. I couldn’t bear it” Jack whispered, swallowing hard. There was genuine fear in his voice as he continued: “we’re sittin’ ducks here with two small infants. I don’t see how John can protect the lads from the Thyrion and at the same time fight off those bastard angels!”

“Come off it now, Dad, he’s not going to try anything. I’ll kick his bony white arse if he does, don’t you worry” John interrupted sternly.

“I’m tryin’ tha’ have a private conversation here, John” Jack sighed.

“I’ll do whatever I can, Jack, I promise you that. But tell me. The crew wonders if these little rascals of your have names yet?” Will smiled encouragingly, glancing over to the newborns who were sound asleep.

“Names? Aye, they have names. But don’t tell the crew yet. It’s not their business anyway” Jack mused, “they got their names just after they were created, actually” he smiled. Talking about something else had the desired effect, prompting Jack to think of something else besides his worries.

“Really. And what be those names, tell me?” Will smiled.

“The one closest to us, is Daniel. And the other one is Nathaniel. Good strong names, savvy?!” Jack said, showing off all of his golden teeth.

“Better than ‘John’ anyway”, John muttered, rubbing his face in his palms, sighing, rolling his eyes, “it’s exactly as they say, you know” he continued.

“Say wha’?” Jack replied.

“Pirates. They got no imagination when it comes to naming their children. They use it all up when they plan how they’re going to become Ruler of the Sea” John said, scratching his neck and then yawning, flexing his arms. It had been a long, long day.

“Actually, it’s ‘King of the Sea’, or ‘Pirate Lord’ like meself, savvy? You got it all wrong, boy” Jack yawned too.

“Whatever. I need some air. I’ll be outside”.