The Perfect Contract

Captain Black (prologue)

February 2, 1630
Coasts of Angleson City

It was a teeth clattering night of winter when we were asked to toss all the criminals in death penalty into the cold sea in exchange of gold and other precious gems. The high official known as "the good one" didn't want to get his hands dirty so he had no choice but to rely on us, The Black Pirates. Ironic isn't it? A king's official known for his kindness and honesty is doing under the table negotiations. He had no more cards to play when a rival official announced that a death row prisoner has evidence against him to a case he was facing, dishonesty to the king. The said prisoner swore with his life in line that he heard the conversation of the high official and a smuggler talking illegal trade. Not knowing who the prisoner was, the official thought of killing them all together to remove the witness telling the king they drowned in the sea after the ship they used for transport sunk.

To quench the greed of my crew mates, I, as the captain agreed to the request but of course with conditions. To give us aid when necessary. I don't usually ask for money when negotiators present us with gold or something equivalent to money. So if they don't return the favour, I usually kill them by burning them alive. I like fire more than water but there's money in the seas. And I enjoy seeing and hearing people scream as they feel and smell their own burning flesh. That's just brutal right? But I'm actually a kind person though (even if no one believes me). I am kind to people but I can also be bloodthirsty and destructive but that's my outer image. I need it just because. Pirates aren't seen as good and kind people so don't think I'll show my inner personality to everyone. My crew mates knew that. So they kinda talk to me at a chill and close manner but with a great amount of respect. But money is what we need right now. That's why that corrupt official is paying me handsomely.

'Toss them already you useless scums. I's gettin' cold out here. Wanna freeze to death?' I ordered the crew.

'Aye Cap, just tyin' them so they won't swim'

'Hurry up! Or else I'll be havin' all the booze by myself.'

'Ey, no fair cap. You haven't even done a single thing. How bout you come help us.'

I put down my booze and went down to help them.

'Heave ho!'

'Heave ho!'

'That's the last one Cap!'

'Then finish up and sail back!'

'Aye Cap!'

...

We anchored the ship to the west coast and headed to the bar. The 50 members of the crew  immediately drained their share of the money to booze and women. I, in exception drank only one mug, bid them good bye, and took the night off.

'Can't really figure that person out,' one of the crew commented.

'He only drank one shot. Why not enjoy the night before the next voyage?'

'Heard the guy has a wife'

'A cold blooded guy like him? Nah! Not likely.'

'Bet? 50 silver if he has.'

'50 silver? Hah! Do you even have money left? Ey, how do we even--  ow!'

'I'm not a poker game for you to bet on.'

'Sorry cap. Thought you headed home already?'

'Forgot my gun. Ey, I'm not purely cold blooded. I've got kindness in me to. I even helped you earlier.'

'That was just for the gold.'

'Not true! I'm the kindest pirate you'll find.'

'Hard to believe cap. At first we we're all scared of you cuz you burned all the traitors back then.  We were all newbies at that time you know.'

'My way of showing what I'd do if you broke your loyalty to me. Better to know it earlier right?'

'Yeah we learned it gruesomely.'

'Ey, better head back mates. I've got a wife waitn'! Guess John wins.'

'Ha ha! You lose! Good luck cap! Wives tend to be annoying during late nights.'

'Hah! I already knew that.'
...

I walked through the dark streets of the city. Almost everyone is asleep and the shops are closed except for the pubs, saloons and alcoves. As I nearly reached my house, I can see my wife waiting outside with a grumpy face.

'Uhhhh hey. Why aren't you asleep?'

'You piece of shit! How many times do I have to tell you to head home immediately?! Huh?'

If you're thinking why am I  scolded by my wife here's the reason. I headed home late, nearly at dawn and that's a bad thing. And in this world, matriarchal countries are more common than the other world.

'I'm sorry. My bonding time with the crew extended.'

'And that's more important than you almost burning from the light of the sun? What if its just your ashes that's left huh?! You think I won't be worried?' She answers as she cries.

'Hey hey. I know, I'm sorry, I won't repeat it again. And your tears are precious so don't waste it on a man like me.'

Precious in a sense that its rare. A mermaid's tear is like an elixir that can heal any wounds or injuries. Yep, you heard me right! My wife's a mermaid and I'm a cursed man. I lived for decades looking the same as when I was in my mid twenties. I'm immune to any kind of sickness and my injuries heal immediately. The only thing I'm not immune to is sunlight and my wife.

*sniff*

'Okay, what should I do to make up with you?'

'Read me a book'

'What are you? A child?'

'But I don't know much of the world' (insert puppy eyes)

'Uhh... Alright. Which book?'

'You choose!'

'How 'bout this. Hmmm. Myth of the Mermaids? Huh. I didn't know we had this book. Well it might say something about how you came to this world.'

*ahem*

'In the vast seas...

.....

AN:/ Hi guys! It's my first time writing and an original story on top of it!.... Actually, I based this from a post that says that he/she wanted a story about mermaids being the women who were thrown out of the ocean tied up during the 1500s.The prologue's kinda short but I'll try to make the next one longer... :)