Endless

A Beginning

The blood streamed from Blackbeard's throat as the life flickered out of his eyes. The dictator was finally gone.
The crew cried out in joy as I held the dead monster's head, separating it from his body with one quick movement from his own sword.
The crew danced on the deck, some crying with relief.
Dorian ran up to me and kicked the lifeless, headless body away. He then proceeded to hug me so tightly I could barely breathe. "You did it!" He exclaimed, breathless, cheeks flushed, "You've actually killed him! You've killed the invincible, terror-wreaking Captain Blackbeard!"
I was in shock at what I had just done. I didn't know what to say. I was elated, for sure, but I had never seen red as much as I had just then. I'd never been so violent before.
"He was the devil." I said quietly, every little ounce of pain he had ever inflicted on me pulsing through my skin. I laughed quietly. "Y'know- he used to refer to women as the blood of the devil as Devil's blood . Like we were the horrible hellish demons. He called us that, as he chucked them off board, sending them to drown in the dark waters." I looked off into the dawn. "People are afraid of going to hell, and meeting the devil." I said to Dorian, "but we've already been there." I cast a glance at the severed head I clutched. "And we've already met him."
He nodded too. We stood still in that moment, before I became aware that we were holding hands. I blushed and let go. He did the same.
"So..." he said, rubbing the back of his neck and watching the crew beneath us partying. "Wh-what're you going to do with that thing?" He pointed at Blackbeard's beheaded corpse.
I shrugged. "Kick it into the ocean for all I care. But rob him first." Dorian nodded. I sighed and looked down at my bloody accessory. "As for this..." I thought for a moment. Then I smiled. "I know what to do."
I ran down to the deck. The crew stopped momentarily, intrigued, and parted for me. I grabbed hold of the rigging and began my ascent to the crow's nest. The crew watched me, entranced, Dorian looking puzzled.
I made it to the crow's nest and stood on the edge of it. I held on to the mainmast as I looked down at the crew, as small as ants from the height I was standing at.
"To a new beginning!" I called out, and, as the sun's light came over the top of the mast, I shoved the head on to it. Beneath me the crew whooped and shouted.
I began to head down the rigging, when another thought came over me. I climbed swiftly back up and from his head I took the large feathered hat, and placed it on my own head, wiping the blood from the rim. I smiled to myself.
When I reached the bottom, the whole crew congratulated me and offered me some of their rum and other drinks. Back at the steering wheel, Dorian was waiting for me, grinning from ear to ear. "M'lady."
I grinned back at him. "Actually, it's Captain now."
His smile grew further. "Then what be your name, Captain?"
I stood silent for a moment. Then, taking my hand to the steering wheel and standing upright and confident, I spoke clearly. "My name is Captain Aviva Devilsblood."
Dorian smiled. "Then lead us onward Captain Devilsblood. Your journey begins."