The captain's face lit up at Frankie's words, his smile widening. He wasn't one to pass up a good celebration, especially since they had a long journey ahead.
"That's the spirit! Nothing like a bit of libation to get the team bonded."
He smacked his hands together with a laugh. "Now, let's crack that crate open! Been saving something special for a moment like this."
Tory let out a hearty laugh as he popped open the crate, fully expecting to hear the satisfying thud of a few clinking beer bottles.
The captain's face dropped with genuine shock and confusion as he pried open the top of the crate, expecting a crate of ale but instead finding teenagers within.
As Franky glanced over, his stoic expression instantly shifted to one of bewilderment. He recognized the teens immediately and a mix of emotions crossed his face – disbelief, fury, and perhaps even a touch of worry.
"What the hell are you two doin'?!"
The sight of his siblings hiding in the crate left Frankie momentarily at a loss for words.
Rowan, the taller of the two, sported a disheveled look, with unkempt black hair cut into a longer mullet, a single white streak standing out against the dark mass. His pale complexion mirrored his brother's, and a deep scowl seemed to be permanently etched on his features, making him almost unapproachable.
Beside him, Belle, a head shorter with a more rounded build, had short and choppy black hair adorned with faint white streaks. Her eyes, deep blue-ish gray, were framed by beauty marks, giving her a striking and almost soft-like appearance. Like her brother, her pale complexion made her features more pronounced, and her serious expression added to the overall effect.
They both stared back at Franky, defiant and resolute, their presence unexpected yet seemingly determined.
Seeing the two siblings, Franky's shock quickly gave way to a mixture of anger and concern. The last time he had seen them... It had not ended well.
A flood of memories surged through his mind, replaying the fight and harsh words they had exchanged. He had been ruthless, all in the name of keeping them safe, distancing himself from them to protect them. And yet, here they were, having stowed away on his ship. His initial surprise was quickly replaced by a deep-seated irritation and anger.
Franky stepped forward, his gaze hardening as he glowered at Rowan and Belle. "What the hell are you two doin' here?! I thought I made it clear I ain't want you two near my life anymore!"
Rowan, ever the defiant one, stood his ground, his eyes meeting Franky's glare with a challenging expression. "We're tired of you pushing us away! We have every right to be here, same as you!"
Belle chimed in, her voice softer but tinged with a hint of irritation. "You can't keep us at arm's length forever, even if you want to."
"We ain't just gonna sit around and let you go chase some sea monster without us!" Rowan retorted, his voice loud and filled with defiance.
"I'm not lettin' either'a you two stay on this boat!" Franky yelled, stepping forward on the rickety floorboards. His face was as red as a rooster's waddle.
With two wobbly legs, needing to get used to the constant rocks and tips from the uneven waves guiding this out-of-shape schooner, matching gray eyes met his own, fear and determination etched on her features. "But we'll be good, honest!"
"As if, now run along." The white haired man ordered, his glare ever so sharp.
"Frank, you don't understand! We're stronger now!" Rowan interjected, nearly tripping on a loosened and crooked nail, rusted from sea water seeping through the wood.
