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monstergoblin · 1 year

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The Owl Pirates Chapter Twelve

First Chapter Tumblr Link HERE Previous Chapter Tumblr Link HERE Posted First On A03 Here It’ll be updated on A03 first and might take me a bit to get to updating it here as I always seem to forget about my tumblr. <3

Trigger Warnings Always Read Safe: Depression, Suicidal thoughts, Pushing down feelings, Overworking self to ignore feelings, Child Abuse (Belos is a bitch okay), Gaslighting, Self Gaslighting, Manipulation, Injuries

Chapter 12: Fun

The third day on Bumps island would be that last and if Hunter had a say in it he would be staying on the ship.

However, Hunter was not in charge of anything and was dealing with pirates after all,

Luz insisted on staying with King on the ship today. Leaving an odd number of children, which should be a great excuse to stay on the ship and not go about exploring this disaster of an island held together by the rules of an ex-captain.

Except Eda told Amity to watch Hunter. Instead of allowing the girl to pair off with Willow for the day. Willow in turn took to hanging with Gus and Matt instead. Amity was not about to miss out on the last day of Bumps island.

So Hunter was practically dragged back off the ship. Despite his protest of danger and ‘Luz can watch me”

“Well Eda put me in charge of you today.” Amity declared. “It would be another story if you hadn’t fucked it up the first night. “

He obeyed, following the purple haired girl around. She took off much earlier than Willow at dawn, and probably would have been on her way much earlier if Eda hadn’t stopped her to wait for Hunter.

“Dad said repairs should be done at noon, but we’ll probably stay one more night.” Amity stated as she gave a wave to Alador as they passed. “Lucky you might actually get to enjoy a night at Hexside.”

“I don’t want to go tonight.” Hunter stated crossing his arms.

“We’ll sit in the back tonight.” Amity declared. “I’ll sit next to you and defend your ass.”

“I can defend myself.” Hunter muttered,

“I do have to hand it to you.” Amity was eyeing a few places as they passed, It seemed the girl had finished her shopping and was actually looking for someplace to have fun. “You kept King safe, he wouldn’t shut up about it last night. How you protected him. Good job.” The last part was said so quietly Hunter almost missed it.

Amity stopped by a few places, a fortune teller which she asked Hunter to wait outside for- which was probably against the rules but Hunter didn’t mind the moment of quiet. Even with the eyes of pirates on him making it uneasy. Then she stopped by a jewelry place, a place she probably didn’t need to be in with the amount she wore already. Then she stopped by a gambling place where she played cards for a bit with strangers. She offered to pay for Hunter to join a round but he wanted nothing to do with it.

Belos always said gambling was a waste of time and effort.

Even if the kids made it seem fun back on the ship with their laughing and smirks.

Gambling was below him.

After gambling Amity took Hunter back to the fighting ring, where a few were in the rink fighting.

“Do we really have to be here?” Hunter complained as Amity found a spot on one of the stone benches and gave it a little pat for him to sit next to her.

“As much as I hate Boscha, this is a fun event. I wish it had been brought back sooner.” Amity shrugged watching those who were fighting with careful eyes.

Hunter hated that he also found these things fascinating. Watching the strange things that pirates allowed as ‘fair play’ in a fight. Like how the man used his peg leg to stop an attack from a sword.

Everything went in pirate duels it seemed.

Hunter winced as one of the swords stuck the man's arm. A wound Hunter knew hurt. The other man defended his friend letting the injured one recover before reentering the fight with the same fire the other held.

Belos would not approve of any of this back home.

Hunter shouldn’t either.

“And we have a winner!” The girl with red hair entered the ring- she seemed to be in charge of it. She handed the winnings to the victors. “Who else dares enter the ring and see if you have enough bite where your bark is.”

That was the lamest phrasing Hunter had ever heard.

“You any good with a sword?” Amity's question surprised him.

“I don’t want to-” Hunter stated. He had already told Lilith and Eda so. He did not want to fight here. Amity would not make him fight.

“It’s my gold.” Amity shrugged. “Besides, don't you owe me?”

“You already used that on being partners with Luz.’ Hunter hadn’t meant to sound so whiny.

“Come on, it'll be fun.” Amity grinned standing and dragged Hunter to his feet. She raised her hand entering the ring and pulled the poor boy with her.

“Amity again?” The red haired girl smirked as the two walked towards her. “I thought you still hated me.” She cooed. “Can’t seem to stop coming to me.”

“It's not about you, Boscha.” Amity scoffed. “This is how I bond with new crewmates.”

“I don’t want to bond with you!” Hunter complained.

“Then fight.” Amity raised a brow at him. “I’ll give you half the winnings.”

“I don’t care about gold.”

“Well now you do.” Amity pulled out her coin purse and handed Boscha a good chunk after counting it out.

“Forty” Boscha counted then shouted. “Sixty to the winner!”

Amity pulled out a sword from one of the bins around the rink and tossed it to Hunter not caring if he caught it or not- which he did- before pulling her own sword out.

“Willow says you’re fast.” Amity stated. “You know the rules?”

“You’re pirates, are there even any rules?” Hunter gawked as two took to entering the ring. A tall woman with short black hair and a man with fiery red.

“No killing blows, no major injuries, and go for their hair.” Amity listed on her fingers.

“Don't leave the ring.” Boscha added as the two other pirates paid their entrance. She skipped out of the ring as she got her payments and started the countdown.

He could do this. He could fight pirates, and even if they lost it was only hair- which would not look fantastic sure but it was better than dying.

“Fight!” Boscha shouted.

The woman seemed to target Hunter right away, he ducked under her blade before dodging behind barrels.

He was tired of all these shenanigans he was getting into on Bumps island. He much preferred it when everyone ignored him and let him do chores and read Rulers Reach.

“Use your sword, navy boy!” Amity called fighting the man with ease as she jumped onto a crate using it as higher ground and defended herself from his blows.

“I’m not even supposed to have one right now!” Hunter complained.

“Just use it!”

As the woman struck down with her blade Hunter brought his up to defend himself. The woman gave a grin as she used her leg to kick Hunter's leg loose.

His training kicked in as he lost his footing. He flipped around using his hand to not land flat and defenseless. He spun himself back up and faced his blade at the pirate.

He was Belos’s nephew after all.

Of course he knew how to fight.

“Cocky little rat aren’t ya.” The woman laughed. “Weren’t you on stage last night?"

Oh right, everyone had eyes on him still.

He met her blade as she slashed from his right and then lept over her leg that tried to sweep under him again. He wasn’t sure how else to go about this fight other than defend himself from her blows that came in one after the other.

There was no way he was going to take her down when his sword was occupied.

Except this was a pirates game right?

Hunter dodged behind a barrel and ducked around it spinning to bring himself behind the woman and kicked her before leaping away. It wasn’t enough to do anything but it was mocking and riling her up was what he was hoping for.

She charged him and Hunter stepped out of the way leading the woman to charging into one of the barrels losing her footing.

Hunter swiped a piece of her hair as she ran past.

That wasn’t so bad.

He held up the hair and looked to Amity.

She was fighting her own battle.

“I’ve got it.” Hunter shouted his smile showing off the gap in his tooth.

“Good now hold onto it.” Amity instructed, dodging a blow from the man.

Hunter turned back to the woman who had gotten up and was charging him once again. He let out an embarrassed squeak in surprise as he leapt out of the way landing on his butt.

He scrambled up as the woman turned back to him with a wicked smile that was sure to haunt at least some of his nightmares.

“I shouldn’t have underestimated one of Edas owls.” The woman cackled. “But we’re not done yet.”

The woman reached for his arm but Hunter ducked underneath her and booked it.

He ran away from the woman, keeping to the edge of the circular ring as she bolted after him. He could see amused looks from some of the people in the crowd as he looked behind him to see the woman not too awfully far away.

He just needed to buy time for Amity.

He circled around the rink keeping out of the reach of the woman and checking to look at Amity every so often.

Finally after he was nearly done circling the ring, when Amity held up a piece of red hair in triumph. Hunter was fast to follow, holding up the black hair and halting his tracks.

“Kid-” The woman panted out. “You- Are- Fast.” She wheezed as she stopped next to him and gave him a half-energized pat on the back.

“Thanks.” Hunter smiled at the woman.

“And we have a winner!” Boscha ran back into the ring darting straight to Amity, saying something Hunter couldn’t make out from his distance. Amity’s face dropped from happy to annoyed before she took the bag of gold and flipped off Boscha.

“That was hilarious.” Amity chuckled as she patted Hunter on the back. “We are so doing that again sometime.”

Hilarious?

He thought he did good, they won.

“Amity!” Willow called as soon as the two left the ring. She tackled the purple haired girl in a hug. “You two did so good!” She hugged Amity. “You’ve got to enter with me” She added to Amity.

“Sorry I’m done today. That guy took it out of me.” Amity smiled. “What about Gus?” She look over the girls shoulder to Gus and Matt who were making their way over.

“I’ll keep to my art of diversion.” Gus shrugged. “head on is not my style.”

“Fair enough. Maybe later.” Amity patted Willows shoulder.

“And you!” Willow turned to Hunter. “Wouldn’t enter with me but with Amity.” She put her hands on her hips but there was still a wide smile on her face.

“You should have seen that woman's face when you just ran around the ring.” Matt was laughing. “It was of pure shock no one expected it.”

Gus gave Hunter a pat on his shoulder. “You did good. Made me proud.” He acted dramatically holding his hand to his chest.

“Do I still get half the winnings?” Hunter looked to Amity who in turn pulled out the pouch and counted out half that she put in her own bag handing the rest to Hunter.

“Is that all it takes to win you over?” Gus smirked. “Money?”

“I was forced to enter.” Hunter defended.

“You sure were smiling big for someone forced to enter.” Gus raised one of his brows with a grin.

Hunter decided to ignore the comment.

But it was true, he hadn’t smiled in a while like that.

It was fun.

Belos would be so disappointed in him right now.

Who was he to have ‘fun’ with pirates?

“We’ll make you a pirate just yet.” Willow smiled and the words were meant in kindness.

But it filled Hunter with such dread.

“Can we go back to the ship now?” Hunter crossed his arms trying his best to keep a scowl on his face.

The kids all froze as they looked to him. Matt’s mouth fell open as his brows turned down, Gus backed away a bit with a small sheepish smile on his face and his brows furrowed, Willow’s smile dropped.

“Yeah, “ Amity said quietly patting Hunter's shoulder- and he hadn’t meant to flinch- he thought he got better about that. “Yeah, we can go back until tonight.” Amity assured. “And if you don’t want to come tonight, I’ll talk to Eda.”

“Okay-” Willow began. “Its- Okay - Bye guys.” Her smile returned but it wasn’t the same as before. Hunter didn’t know a smile could look sad.

“Bye Hunter. I’m glad you had fun.” Gus waved as Amity started to walk Hunter away.

“That was fucking weird.” Matt's voice carried, “I thought he was happy?”

Amity led Hunter back to the Talon without so much as a word. She glanced back at him a couple times to make sure he was still there. She looked at him like he was injured, but he hadn’t taken a single blow in the fight.

--------

It was a rule to always have at least two people watching the ship in Bumps docks. It was more people if they were outside safe territory, but Bumps was a place of peace- except for the occasional outburst- like yesterday.

Last night had stressed Eda out a lot, but she was still able to keep her cool despite everything. She chugged down drinks last night after the whole ordeal and would be lying if she said she wasn’t feeling the after effects a bit.

She allowed everyone else to run off to enjoy Bumps on the last day in port. It was relaxing with it just being Luz, King and her on the ship. Like old days before the whole crew was formed. If Gus and Willow were the first to return it would add to the nostalgia.

Except they weren't. Instead the ex-merchant led the ex-navy dog up the gangway in the afternoon. Amity looked back at the blond boy as he entered the ship and he made it straight to the stairs he loved to sit under.

“What’s up his ass?” Eda asked as Amity walked by the barrels Eda had arranged to allow herself to lay back on them.

“He was happy.” Amity sighed out- which wasn’t the answer Eda had expected. “Then he wanted to come back to the ship.”

“Huh.” Eda looked to the stairs where Hunter crammed himself. He looked ridiculous folding in on himself to sit in the small storage space gap. “Okay.” She sighed standing up and stretching. “I guess it’s time to be the captain.”

And the mother owl.

The little nickname Camila had given her was starting to stick. Eda couldn’t say she was happy about it but it was true.

Eda stopped on the bottom step of the stairs. Where she could hear Hunter but couldn’t see him. He wanted to hide under the stairs so she was going to allow him the little privacy the ship supplied. Though it made Eda wish he hid in the crows nest like Luz- it was far more private there. She could still hear King's squeals in excitement as he played with Luz from here.

“Bad day?” Eda asked loud enough the boy should hear. She waited a moment but with no response she added. “You know I kinda owe you too. King told me how you piggybacked him around. Kept him safe.”

There was no response. This child.

“I’m still deciding what I should do to make it up to you. Though the life of my son isn’t something easy to repay. Hell knows what they would’ve done to King if they got their hands on him. Greedy Fuckers.” Eda continued on as she laid down on the stairs looking up at the sails above. “Glad no one recognized you either. I didn’t think about it as much at the time but you are Belos nephew. Anyone of those fuckers could’ve wanted revenge.”

Was he even listening to a word she said?

“I could lessen your punishment.” Eda pondered. “Make it two weeks instead of four. Which isn’t nearly enough in my opinion but still need to learn to trust you.”

She allowed it to be silent for a few moments. Sometimes that would encourage Luz to talk. Though Eda would admit she wasn’t a very patient woman. She wished she could read the child's mind, possibly get some answers on how to help him or if they should even bother.

A small hiccup made her sit up and look over to the opening in the stairs she couldn’t see.

Any person with a heart would feel bad in this situation.

“Hey,” Eda rested her arms on her legs. “Camila taught me how to make amazing cookies.” She offered. “It’s not often we get to have them but if you like cookies?”

That was the most old lady line Eda had ever said in her life.

Cookies?

So much for feared Captain Eda, She felt more like a grandma now.

“Oh no.” Hunter's little voice cracked.

“What?” Eda stood prepared in case something was wrong. “Allergic?” She faked the joke as she approached the opening slowly.

Hunter's legs came out of the opening first followed by his panicked self wiggling his way out of the opening. He looked up at Eda with wide eyes that were red from crying, his cheeks were still wet but he had a look of horror on his face.

“I stole a sword!” He whined, said sword in his hands.

“What?” Eda couldn’t help but snort. “Where did you even?” She laughed. “No- I mean- I can’t let you keep it- but good on you. Truly learning from the master.” She couldn’t help cackling at the boy's distressed face- and yes she felt bad- but it could’ve been something far worse than petty thievery.

“Amity and I-” Hunter panicked holding the sword as if it were cursed. “I didn’t mean to- I need to return it-”

Eda put a hand on Hunter's shoulder- she did not miss the way he froze- she had to calm herself down a bit- trying her best not to tease the boy- before saying “Where did you get it?”

“The fighting ring.” Hunter answered looking up as if an obedient soldier- it was sick. “Amity and I entered. I borrowed a sword, but- I forgot to return it” he looked down at the sword in his hands.

“Boschas then?” Eda smirked, grabbing the sword from the boy, if only to just make him stop acting like it was hurting him. “She won't even notice it’s gone. I’ll hang on to it.”

“It’s not right-” Hunter started but stopped himself mid sentence.

“It’s not a big deal.” Eda shrugged. “You didn’t do it on purpose did you?”

Hunter shook his head, not meeting Edas gaze.

“Well, there you have it.” Eda stated. “If it means that much to you I will return it.”

Hunter was quiet for a moment before whispering out a “Please.”

“Okay, “ Eda agreed, she did not want to talk to the arrogant child that was Boscha but she didn’t go against her word- most of the time. “Just know I don’t normally return things. Not really how I work.”

Hunter nodded, as if Eda had meant it as a ‘don't screw up again’. It made sense considering the young boy worked in the navy. Eda had a sneaking suspicion it went deeper than that.

“You going to explain what's got you so upset this time?” Eda sighed looking down at the boy.

Hunter's wide eyes glanced up to Eda for a second before returning back down. “I-”

“It’s not an order.” Eda felt the need to say it. “Your emotions are your own, and while I think you need to talk about it. To ask for help. I don’t want you feeling like it's an order. That’s not right.”

Hunter's mouth closed and he looked back to Eda. The fear in his eyes was still there- but something else was there too. Something new.

“Do you want to tell me?” She asked.

Hunter looked down and shook his head, biting his lip.

“Alright.” Eda huffed wishing the answer hadn’t been that. “Whenever you’re ready.”

Perhaps that was the wrong decision. Eda had never been good at parenting, maybe the boy needed to be forced to talk about his emotions. It still felt wrong, so Eda was going to follow her gut and let the boy approach her when ready. It seemed to help a little- if that look in his eye meant anything.

She was absolutely going to hold the ‘stolen’ sword over the boys head once he got more comfortable here. 13TH Chapter Tumblr Link

#Mine #My writing #TOH #The owl house #TOH AU #the owl house au #TOH pirate Au #The owl house pirate au #pirate au #toh fic #the owl house fic #TOH a03 #a03 fic #a03 writer #a03 #fanfic #fic writer

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monstergoblin · 1 year

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The Owl Pirates Chapter Seven

Notes: Heyo as of posting this there are nine chapters up on A03. In case you didn't want to wait for the tumblr post <3 Chapter 7: A Welcoming Present

This place was crawling with pirates. The amount of stolen goods in this dock was insane and no one seemed to care about the amount of pirate ships in these docks. Hunter only spotted a navy ship and it was a small one that didn’t attempt any sort of law enforcement. The only sort of “law keepers” were criminals.

How has this place not been reported yet?

Hunter could only hope no one recognized him.

He couldn’t even use this opportunity to win Luz over because that stupid purple bitch used her favor to let her have Luz today. Of course Luz was happy to go with her, her little crush was obvious.

Now Hunter was stuck with Gus. Who was one of the best options out of his choices sure, but it felt like wasted time. Gus who was showing him around after insisting Hunter buy his own clothes, but Hunter was fine using Edrics hand-me downs.

All the clothes were probably stolen goods anyway.

“Now give me a twirl.” Gus insisted after practically forcing a shirt over Hunters head to try on.

“This is stupid.” Hunter complained but obeyed anyway.

“Well if I could trust you to try things on so we don’t waste Edas money.” Gus shrugged. “Then you can pick some out and use a changing room, like a normal human being, but I can't trust you. can I? ”

“Just hand me some clothes and I promise I'll try them on.” Hunter sighed.

Gus gave a smug smile before starting to pile a handful of shirts into Hunter's arms. “Don’t feel bad if it doesn't fit or you just don’t like it.” He added as he put a few pants on the pile as well. “Now you try them on.” He pushed Hunter towards a changing room.

“No one needs this many clothes.” Hunter stated.

“Of course not, you're just trying them.”

After trying on what had to be a good dozen outfits Hunter did end up with a few he was content with. It was odd to know he was spending Edas money on them, but she had insisted he earned it after this week and to treat himself. Gus took the liberty of making him a list of things he ‘needed’.

“Wow there’s actually a few in the keep pile.” Gus commented as Hunter came out of the room and hung the clothes he despised.

“Are we done then?” Hunter huffed.

“Sure, with clothes.” Gus chuckled. “We’ve barely started getting you all that you need.”

This day was going to last forever .

Hunter wanted nothing more than to be done so he could hide from the criminals of the criminal island.

Hunter was absolutely going to report this place once he got home.

It might take longer than he wanted.

“We can get you a chest first or we can get you a pillow.” Gus offered as he used Edas gold to pay for the clothing Hunter had picked out.

“I have a chest.”

“You have Edrics second chest.” Gus chuckled. “He’s gonna want it back, it's Edric.”

“Why does he need two chests?”

“Probably because Emira needed two chests.” Gus shrugged. “If it gets too crammed in the quarters we’ll make them both downsize.”

Gus led Hunter out carrying half of the clothes he bought. Gus didn’t buy himself any clothes and Hunter felt annoyed that the boy was bothering to waste his time shopping just for Hunter. At least get himself something too.

He could do this alone if he wasn’t supposed to have a babysitter.

But everyone was in pairs now, so he shouldn’t be complaining.

“I am now realizing we should have bought the clothes after the chest.” Gus chuckled. “We could've used it to carry them around.”

“You should've thought ahead.” Hunter responded.

“And why didn’t you point out my mistake then, Mr. Know-It-All.” Gus smirked.

“Well I- I” Hunter stuttered. “It’s not my job to plan things. I’m just the cabin boy!”

“That’s not really how our ship works. If someone makes a mistake you notice you should point it out. Especially if it means we’re going to end up getting all these clothes dirty if we’re not careful.” Gus held the pile closer to himself

“I can take more.” Hunter went to reach but Gus slapped his hand away.

“No this isn’t your job so I get to help with this.” Gus declared.

Hunter accepted defeat not wanting Gus to make a scene- because he has witnessed Gus and Matt do it on multiple occasions. They walked in silence for a bit as Gus struggled to hold his share of clothes, he had taken more than Hunter and was being stubborn at this point.

“So, are you staying?” Gus said it was if it wasn’t a question. As if the boy didn’t suspect a no.

Hunter shrugged.

“You have to make a decision. I’m loading you up with the essentials but I can’t get you a welcoming present if you’re not staying.” Gus smiled.

“Welcoming present?” Hunter scoffed.

“You know for official joining the crew.” Gus shrugged. “No pressure if you don’t want to. I’m struggling coming up with an idea anyway.” After a few moments he added.” Eda gave you more than enough money to buy your trip back to the mainland.”

“Eda wants me to leave?” Hunter could understand that. No one seemed to want him around. Not even Belos.

“Edas giving you options.” Gus explained. “It’s truly your decision.”

Never expected that from a pirate.

“I don’t have anywhere else to go.” Hunter answered, and it was true. For now .

Gus smiled at Hunter. “Well, then. I’ll have to figure out something for your present.”

“I don’t need-”

“It’ll be good I promise.”

-------------------

Gus would be lying if he said he wasn’t tempted.

Something was off with the boy. Even after he decided to stay. He didn’t view himself as worthy of basic things. He would live out of a box if the crew allowed him to.

Gus was tempted to pry, to snoop, to view.

But that’s not what Hunter needed right now.

“You sure you like that one?” Gus questioned the basic chest Hunter had chosen. It was reasonably sized but it was so boring compared to everyone else’s on the ship. “Don’t you want one with more character?”

“It does it’s job.” Hunter stated, already putting his share of clothes in it and then snatching the stack Gus held to put inside as well. “There’s even extra room.”

He seemed happy with his choice, so who was Gus to stop him?

“Alright if you’re sure.” Gus counted out the gold from the pouch Eda had gifted Hunter. He didn’t fully trust Hunter not to get scammed out here.

“I’m sure.” Hunter decided, attempting to pick up the chest alone.

“Here.” Gus grabbed half of it and walked it and Hunter to the counter.

The pout Hunter had on his face said he wanted to complain but the boy didn’t aloud. He just watched as Gus talked to the merchant- who tried to pull a fast one because they’re children- and Gus had to pull the ‘Do you know whose ship I'm on? If you’re gonna scam me you gotta be better at it than my captain.’

It bugged Gus that Hunter didn’t have anything of his own that wasn’t important. The only thing he had that wasn’t necessary was Rulers Reach and he was borrowing that. He had to come up with something that the boy would actually care about.

But what would an ex-navy care about?

“What sort of hobbies did you have in the navy?” Gus asked.

“Reading.” Came the short answer.

Well Gus already knew that.

“Anything else?”

Hunter didn’t respond, only continued onward. Clearly he wasn’t going to talk. No, he only wanted to talk to Luz. Which was funny considering how annoyed he seemed to get with her.

“Oookay.” Gus dragged the word. “You’re not going to make this easy.”

Something was so clearly wrong with Hunter. Everyone on the ship was talking about it. When he had been brought on board a week ago everyone thought he wasn’t going to stop crying, now he didn’t cry, didn’t complain, obeyed like his life was on the line, but instead of leaving was deciding to stay.

Gus was tempted but he pushed down the thought.

Perhaps Gus needed a different approach.

“You know before we get your pillow- which we are getting don’t fight me on that.” Gus started. “How about we stop by a few places so I can get some things as well?”

“Okay.” Hunter didn’t argue, but did he ever?

It was a strange idea but Gus wanted something unique. Something Hunter would actually value. As much as he hated this shop he knew that there would be something good for Hunter here.

The Mud and Sundry was just around the corner anyway. A small stall set up in the mix of the marketplace. Gus didn’t need anything from the shop itself but it always had something fun in it. The only reason he didn’t shop here more was because of the owner Tibblet-Tibblie Grimm Hammer III. Who was just an overall asshole.

“Hello Tibbles.” Gus greeted as he rested the chest down near the stall. He of course was going to keep an eye on it. After all this was Tibbles stand.

The short man wearing a pig mask held a smile for a short bit before recognizing the boy. “Oh one of Clawthornes.” He scoffed. “I thought we agreed you’d not be shopping here.”

“Well I won't be, but my friend here-” Gus patted Hunter's back and he almost wanted to laugh at the angry scowl Hunter shot him. Oh the boy did not like being used. “So what’s new in shop?”

Gus could see the gears turning in Tibbles head. They both knew he did not want to deal with any more of Edas crew, if he could have his way he’d keep them all away from his shop, possibly kill them and sell their things. However, He was in Bump's territory and Bump would not allow him to keep his precious stand in the popular area if Tibbles stepped out of line. So he was forced to do what he didn’t want to.

“Well that depends on what you’re looking for, valued customer.” The fake smile returned as Tibbles focused on Hunter. “From cursed items, to strange treasures I’ve got so many things you might not have realized you needed.”

Hunter looked unimpressed, only glaring at Gus in a way that showed his annoyance.

“My friend here needs something exciting.” Gus shrugged. “Something useful but also fun.”

Gus could tell Tibbles was narrowing his eyes behind mask of his. It was probably the reason the man kept the mask on, because he simply couldn’t get along with anyone decent.

“Exciting, Useful, and fun.” Tibbles repeated with disgust hanging on every word. “Right.” He resumed his chipper appearance. “Well I have a few ideas wait right here.” And he disappeared behind his little door.

“Did you really only bring me here because you’re banned?” Hunter scolded.

Gus gave a wide grin. “I mean Tibbles can’t say no to you. You didn’t sign a contract.”

Hunter crossed his arms and his mouth was locked in a mix of a pout and a frown. Gus felt a little bad making Hunter even come here. Though it was kinda fun seeing him pout.

Tibbles returned with a small crate of things. He placed it up on the counter and started pulling out things.

“This dagger is from the old stash of captain Goldtooh.” Tibbles held up a dagger with gold and red edging. “It’s said to gain more power from the blood of its victims.”

“That’s probably a bit extreme.” Gus took a look at Hunter who did not seem to care about the thing. “Got anything less violent.” He would not hear the end of it from Eda if he gave the ex-navy a weapon.

“A pirate wants non-violent.” Tibbles snorted. “Well pigs must be flying somewhere.” He dug through the crate a bit before pulling out two objects. “This one.” He held up a bracelet with green gemstones. “is said to grant the wearer speedful healing.” He smirked. “Looks like the boy could use it.”

Gus would punch Tibbles for being so insensitive if he didn’t get a warning last time they made port here by Bump.

“And this one.” Tibbles held up a simple necklace with a circle pendant on the end. “ Has the ability to transform into a grande beast to protect it’s wearer from harm. Said to be the size of ships.”

Gus thought about the two options. Healing was absolutly something he could see Hunter using, but as Gus eyed the necklace and the pendent swung around to show a little imprint of a bird, he had a feeling.

He grabbed the pendant carefully inspecting it. Flashes of Hunter playing with a little red cardinal clouded his sight. He could see the ex-navy talking to the bird, reading his book to the bird, laughing with the bird, crying with the bird and then Gus’s sight returned to normal.

It made sense that this would be more valuable to Hunter.

Hunter needed a friend he trusted.

Mostly because he was still to stupid to trust pirates.

“How much?” Gus asked.

“Three hundred.” Tibbles' evil smile showed his teeth. Of course the pig of a man would try to get more out of this.

“Oh guards!” Gus called looking around to see if any of Bumps men were on duty around here. “Tibbles is threatening me! A poor innocent child.” He dramatically put his arm over his head.

“No! I mean- Everything's fine here!” Tibbles waved his hands to the two men eyeing his stand. “Fine, I’ll give it to you for a hundred.”

“Pleasure doing business with you.” Gus pulled out his own coin purse, He wasn’t about to make Hunter pay for his own present. “And next time, don’t exaggerate the properties, a small pet is well worth that price.”

Tibbles stuttered a moment but it was too late to get a reply in as Gus had already taken half the chest and led Hunter away.

“Did you just use your youth as leverage?” Hunter almost seemed amused.

“When you’ve been around as long as I have, you learn to use your abilities to your advantage.” Gus held out the necklace to Hunter. “For you, my good crewmate.” He gave a cheesy smile.

“How do you figure it’s not a big guardian?” Hunter asked, finding it difficult to slide the necklace over his head with one hand, so he opted to holding it.

“I know a great many things, angsty blond kid.” Gus smirked as Hunter's face twisted in annoyance at the nickname Hooty picked. “it’s best not to question my intelligence.”

-----------------

They spent the rest of the day shopping. Gus had wanted to stay out as the sun started to go down but Hunter did not want to be on a pirate island at night- he couldn’t imagine how bad these criminals were at night he saw enough in the daylight- besides he wanted to read more. Gus agreed to call it early without much of a fight- it was strange but Hunter felt like the boy knew when he was serious about something and when he was just being stubborn.

Perry and Steve had stayed behind on the ship today. It was stupid to only have two people guarding this ship when they were docked in a pirate island- but Hunter knew better than to question the captain's orders. Besides Hunter and Gus it seemed only Camila and Lilith returned.

Gus left Hunter alone after they put his stuff into the crew's quarters and returned Edrics second chest to its rightful place. Hunter had to admit he was a little jealous the twins were allowed to pull such a thing. Back home Hunter was barely allowed the things in his room and then essentials on the ships. He had to wonder if the twins pulled off something special to be permitted two chests while everyone else had one.

Hunter didn’t know where Gus went truthfully, he didn’t care either he was happy for the free time. He originally was going to just break out Rulers Reach and enjoy the setting of night, but he couldn’t waste an opportunity such as this. Only five crewmembers on the ship. He had to see if there was anything he could exploit.

Which is how he ended up sneaking around the deck in the cover of night. Only a few lanterns lit the ship and only two figures were on deck. Perry and Gus, who were on the upper level of the ship seemingly talking about something- or playing a game? Hunter couldn’t tell from this distance nor was it important.

His goal was Edas quarters. Which he made it too quite easily, it was simple work for the right hand of Belos himself. Even if he had screwed up a few to many times .

Hunter slid into the room without trouble and only froze when he spotted King who was sitting on the bed facing away from Hunter.

“The human girl screamed!” King was reading from a book on the bed to the little octopus doll. “ I didn’t mean to scare you .” His attempt at making his voice deeper was actually adorable.

There were six crewmembers on deck. Hunter had forgotten about the strange child.

He could lie to the kid and still go through Edas desk unbothered, but he had a feeling King would simply tell Eda whatever Hunter said. He needed a way to get the kid out of here without talking to him.

He slowly crept back out of the room, and knocked on the door from the outside.

A little Heh came from King. Hunter slunk into the shadows waiting for King to open it and once he did he tossed a piece of wood onto the opposite stairwell.

“W-Whose there?” King’s eyes shot open as he turned to the stairs.

Poor kid was almost cute when he was scared.

“E-E-Edas out.” King told whatever imagined monster he was talking to. “You can come back later.” He reasoned.

Hunter had never been so thankful for a gust of wind whooshing around making a sort of eerie creak.

“Aaaa!” King ran away for Edas quarters and up to where Gus and Perry were. “There’s a monster!” He screamed. “Protect your king!”

Hunter probably only had a couple seconds.

He dashed into the room pulling open drawers and scanning everything in the desk. Nothing seemed important and he just needed to find something.

Footsteps made him push the drawers close and bolt out of Edas quarters.

Right into Lilith.

“What were you doing in there?” She scolded looking down at the boy.

Fuck

“I-I-I” He cleared his throat. “I heard King yell about a monster.” He knew he was a terrible liar- this wasn’t a good plan.

Lilith's glare was exactly how Hunter remembered it. “Funny, Hooty said he saw you slithering around.”

He forgot about the damn owl.

There was seven crewmembers aboard tonight.

Perry, Steve, Gus, Camila, Lilith, King and Hooty were all on board tonight.

“I-” His voice was catching in his throat. He didn’t have any more chances. He had to have Lilith believe him now- but she wouldn’t believe him. She always disapproved of Hunter's very existence.

“You’re lucky I’m not captain.” Lilith snapped. “When Eda gets back she’ll decide what to do with you. Until then I’m having Hooty watch you and you are not to leave the deck. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” Hunter nodded.

Lilith pulled Hunter by his arm- not as harshly as Belos gripped him- just enough to lead him away from Edas quarters. She looked up to the ropes where the brown owl perched cocking his head to look at them.

“Hootsifer, You are once again the only one I can trust to do your job.” She started releasing Hunter and crossing her arms. “Watch him, don’t let him leave or get into anything.”

“Aye Aye Lily!” Hooty flew down and landed on Hunter's head. “Guess you can say we’re friends now.” He smiled at Hunter.

Hunter could only stare back.

This was it then. He was going to die.

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