Edward Teach Died on a Beach (OFMD)

Chapter 12

Blackbeard stood completely still, like he'd fall apart if he even moved a little. His dark eyes were full of confusion.

When Stede had spoken, it'd drawn him to a full stop.

Mary helped me realize that I love you.

Blackbeard started at him in confusion.

...that I love you...

Something seemed to snap in him, then. His eyes darkened until Stede could read absolutely nothing from his face.

"Ed?" Stede asked quietly, because Ed was scaring him a little.

Blackbeard snapped forward. He strode over, quickly closing the distance between them. Stede felt his heart racing in his chest.

"Ed, please. I'm so sorry," Stede said, his voice cracking.

"Don't call me that!" Blackbeard bellowed, only about a foot away from Stede. He raised his sword.

Stede flinched as tears began to leak from his eyes. He had to blink so he could see Ed again. He'd never seen Ed so angry. Ed's face was smeared with black kohl. His eyes swirled with something that Stede had never seen. It was dark. It made the hairs on Stede's neck stand on end.

He was facing down the Kraken.

Stede was at the end of the sword where countless men had been before. Stede had seen Ed put on the mask of Blackbeard to kill the men who'd wronged him. This was different. This time, Stede was standing in the shoes of all the men who'd told stories to how terrible and awful Blackbeard was. Stede could see the rage and darkness that clouded over the eyes of the man he loved.

It suddenly hit Stede that maybe he should be moving backwards and away from the man coming at him with a sword. Jim grabbed Blackbeard by the wrist. Blackbeard, in a swift, fluid movement, hit Jim right on the temple with the hilt of his sword. Jim fell to the ground.

Stede leapt backwards, eyes darting to Jim. Oh God, please be alive. Oluwande leaned down and quickly dragged Jim backwards, out of the brewing fight.

Izzy had followed Blackbeard, pausing by the staircase to watch Blackbeard face off against Stede.

"Fight me," Blackbeard snapped. "Duel. Now."

Stede raised his sword with a shaky hand. Blackbeard's sword hit his with incredible fury. Stede used his other hand to stabilize his grip, eyes wide.

They'd done this before. In fact, Stede had stabbed Ed before. This was another example of the circumstances between the two situations being infinitely different. Previously, their swordfighting had been rather calm and rational.

This time, though, Blackbeard's sword was trying to break his stance. Stede couldn't tell what Blackbeard was going to do if he was able to get through his block, but Stede had a feeling that it wouldn't be kind.

"We can talk this through," Stede said, already panting.

"As a crew!" Buttons shouted, glancing around when none of the others spoke. The others glanced at him nervously.

Stede beamed despite the circumstances, despite the fact that the man he loved was attempting to duel him.

Blackbeard glanced over at Buttons with his eyes narrowed. Stede began to quickly step backwards.

"I love you, Ed," Stede said quietly.

Blackbeard's eyes seemed to light on fire. He began to furiously swipe at Stede with more fury than Stede had seen him attack anyone else. Stede was barely able to block it. He was already panting.