If you don't like swords or slight angst, I don't think you'll like this chapter 👀
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Carrying so many things was tough, definitely made me tired.
But as the salty air of the ocean filled my lungs and the sound of waves crashing against boats surrounded me, I was glad I came here. My favorite thing about this city was that it was built just outside of a forest, but right against the ocean. The large docks held houses, shops, and ships alike. Children ran past me, chasing each other with sticks they found.
All and all, this side of town was more peaceful.
And also had more of what I needed. I had already gotten the coat for Ranboo, meats, potion ingredients, and a scarf for Solar. There was a specific tailor down here that sold coats in Solar's size, which was surprising. Solar was very skinny, and I mean very. I was surprised I didn't have to make a custom coat for him every other winter.
As I wondered, I noticed a ship I hadn't seen before. Canons adorning the sides, a common thing around here. Pirates roamed these waters.
The crew among it all wore similar clothes. Dirty, kind of torn shirts, mostly in cream or what used to be white, and brown trousers. Some of them wore vests, but the one thing they all had was what worried me.
They all had swords on their hips, all sheathed of course, but they had swords. And judging by their attire, they weren't sent by the king to collect taxes.
As if on cue, a shout of words I couldn't make out sent them all into a fury of work. Doing god-knows what with the ropes and running about the deck.
I didn't want to stay for long, any moment now they could decide to rob the entire city and I did not want to be there for it.
I continued down the docks, quickly entering the tailors with a sigh. The man who ran the shop, Eret, always dressed as a king. Claiming he was a king at some point, but left his position to live a simple life.
He could sense my presence from a mile away.
"Afternoon, Y/N. I've been expecting you around this time, why so tense? Almost get caught by the guards?" His tone was comforting, but playful. He knew about Solar and I, we had helped steal something for him. Didn't know what it was or why he wanted it, seeming as it was in a silk bag the entire time, but he was very grateful and paid us 30 silver coins. Quite worth it, if you ask me.
"Eret, have you gone outside today?" I asked, fear and worry laced in my tone. Looking at his sunglasses from across the room, I could practically see his aura change.
"what do you mean, 'have I gone outside today'? of course, but only for a brief moment. Why, is there something out there that spooked you?" His voice was one of concern as he made his way towards me
"Eret.. There are pirates docked outside." I said, my voice just barely above a whisper as I spoke.. His whole body froze, slowly turning towards me. The entire town knew what happened when pirates arrived. It was either hide or appease them. Especially with the new rumors of the man known as the 'pirate king' roaming about in the nearby waters.
"Y/N, you're here for a new coat for Solar, correct?" Before I could even reply, Eret spoke once more
"Take it and be on your way, your safety is more important than pay. You need to protect Ranboo, if these are the pirates I think they are, they'll know about it." if what he's saying is true... I don't know what would happen. Ranboo would most likely be taken and sold off as merchandise. Solar and I would be turned in to the king and beheaded for our crimes. I couldn't let that happen.
I didn't even bother to argue, doing as Eret said. Taking the coat he handed me and leaving, exchanging worried glances before we left.
I was so busy thinking about getting home and protecting Ranboo and Solar, I didn't even notice someone was in front of me until I bumped into them.
I didn't even bother looking up at them, I just pulled Phil's hat over my head more and stepped back. My gaze on the ground.
"Im sorry, sir. I should've been paying more attention, please forgive me. I'm in a rush." I spoke. Before I could even get a reply, I took off. Quickly heading into the crowds of the market place. Stopping when I saw the nice lady with white hair, I had to warn her.
I approached her stall once more, her smile grew when she saw me. As she opened her mouth to speak, I stopped her with my own voice.
"pack up your merchandise and go inside, there are pirates docked outside of town and I wanted to warn you." My voice was barely above a whisper as I spoke, locking eyes with her afterwards. Her face contorted into one of terror as she knew what this meant, she only nodded and began to do what I said. Packing up her things and heading into her shop, Earning weird looks at her rushed movements.
I didn't stay to see if the pirates would suddenly come in, swords drawn and ready to terrorize the city. I quickly made my way through the crowed before a strong hand grabbed me, freezing completely as the person it belonged to spoke.
"Phil, there you are. I've been looking all over the city you, you wanted to talk to me about something? Why did we have to meet all the way here? And have you shrunk?" The mans voice sounded friendly, but something about him struck fear into me. I slowly turned my head, stopping completely when my eyes laid on a sword on his hip. Its golden hilt shining in the sun. I quickly snapped my gaze up to meet the mans, his eyes widening behind the mask he wore.
"You're not Phil, why are you wearing his hat" his hand gripped my arm tighter and his other one laid on the hilt of his sword.
Stammering over my words, I finally spoke.
"Phil.. Phil is dead, he died in the nether years ago." My voice was quiet as I spoke. The man scoffed, clearly thinking it was a lie.
"dead? nonsense. I spoke to him last month, now where is he." His words made me freeze, my entire body growing cold and pale at his words. Last month? But how, Phil has been dead for years.. This had to be some sort of sick joke, right? This has to be fake. My change in atmosphere didn't go unnoticed by the man, he quickly realized I really did think J was speaking the truth.
"you.. what is your name?" His voice was quiet as I slowly looked up at him once again. This time stopping when I saw his vest. Familiar red embroidery caught my attention. Could this be? No, no way..
"Y/N" I quickly replied to him, fear still striking my very core as I spoke. This man was a pirate, no doubt about it. But how did he know Phil, and if he really did talk to Phil... How is Phil alive?
I looked up at him, taking in his features as he tried to rack his brain for something. He had sharp looking tusks pointing out from his bottom lip, his pinkish skin was familiar, and so was his long pink braid.. This was the man in the portrait.. But older and somehow being able to fit in the same outfit?? He had slight stubble on his chin and there was a crack in the mask.
"you're the man from the portrait.. the one in Phil's room.." I whispered, mostly to myself, but he heard it. A smile grew on his face.
"wait, what- what portrait?" He spoke, sounding highly confused. This was one of Phil's sons. and he spoke to Phil.. he said Phil and him where going to meet here? why? and why didn't Phil ever come home?
"nothing, sorry. you just remind me of someone, I have to go." In his confused state, I managed to slip out of his grip, the running through the crowd. Shouting sorries as I knocked into people, the man following close behind me.
I ducked into an alley, assuming I lost him. Catching my breath, I turned and started walking through the dark, damp area I found myself in.
A hand slapped over my mouth, followed by a sword being pushed against my throat. Keeping me in place and nearly making me shit myself in fear. I could practically feel death creeping up my spine.
"did you really think you could get away just by running? or do you really not know who I am?" the voice invaded my ears, I was practically petrified.
I stayed quiet, praying to whatever god there was that this man would leave me be.
"I, am Technoblade. the man village folk refer to as King of the sea." His voice was dark, menacing as he spoke. There was no way on hell Phil raised this man.. this was no son of Phil, was it?
"Techno, mate, Is that you?" A familiar voice rang through the alley. I looked up, a man in a green kimono and a hat matching my own stood at the other end of the alley. His blue eyes widening when they laid upon my figure.
"Phil.."
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MUAHAHAH, CLIFFHANGER BOISSSSS.
I see too many people portray our anarchist pig as a king, so I decided to make him a pirate.
Pirateblade is best blade, in my opinion, but I also like Kingblade.