The Legacy of the Uncharted

~ Chapter 9 ~ The Weight of Guilt

**Theo's POV**

The moment they realized Sophie was missing, Theo's world seemed to stop. Panic seized him, and an overwhelming wave of guilt crashed over him. He couldn't shake the feeling that this was all his fault—if he had been more attentive, if he hadn't let his feelings for Keoni cloud his judgment, Sophie wouldn't be in danger now.

He stormed into his cabin, slamming the door behind him. His heart pounded in his chest, and his mind raced with thoughts of Sophie—what she might be going through, the fear she must be feeling.

- Theo ( thinking): "It's all my fault. She wasn't herself because of me. I neglected her, and now... now she's gone. But I will bring her back. I have to."

His anger and frustration boiled over, and he began throwing his belongings around the room—his clothes, his gear, anything he could get his hands on. It was as if destroying the things around him would somehow ease the pain in his heart. But it didn't help. Nothing could lessen the guilt he felt for failing Sophie.

As he threw a chair against the wall, it splintered into pieces, and he sank to the floor, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The image of Sophie, scared and alone, was burned into his mind, and it tore him apart.

Just then, the door to his cabin swung open, and Eli stepped in, his expression calm but concerned.

- Eli : Theo, stop. This isn't going to help Sophie."

Theo looked up, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and despair.

- Theo : I failed her, Eli. I should have been there for her. If something happens to her... I'll never forgive myself."

Eli knelt down beside Theo, placing a hand on his shoulder.

- Eli : We're going to get her back. But you need to stay focused. She needs you to be strong right now, not to lose your head. We all care about Sophie, and we're all going to do whatever it takes to bring her home. But you can't do that if you're falling apart."

Theo took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, but the fear in his chest wouldn't let go.

- Theo : You're right... but I can't shake this feeling, Eli. I let her down. I should have been there."

Eli squeezed his shoulder, his voice firm yet understanding.

- Eli : Blaming yourself won't bring her back. What will bring her back is staying focused and being ready for whatever comes next. Sophie's strong, and so are we. We'll get her back, Theo. But you need to keep it together."

Theo nodded slowly, knowing Eli was right but still feeling the weight of his guilt pressing down on him. He had to be strong—for Sophie's sake.

**Pirate HQ**

Meanwhile, at the pirate HQ, a large and dilapidated fortress perched on a remote island, the pirate captain sat in his grand, makeshift throne room. The walls were lined with tattered maps, stolen goods, and plundered treasures. The room reeked of saltwater, sweat, and the lingering stench of old battles. The pirate crew moved about, tending to their duties with a mixture of fear and respect for their leader.

The pirate captain, known far and wide as "Captain Ragetooth" for his odd collection of jagged, broken teeth that jutted out from his grin, was a man of towering height and a barrel-like chest. His laugh was notorious for sending chills down the spines of those who heard it, a deep, booming cackle that resonated through the walls of the fortress.

By his side stood his first-in-command, "One-Eyed Willy," a wiry man with a patch over one eye and a habit of twirling a thin, menacing dagger in his hand. Despite his slight frame, Willy was feared for his quick reflexes and his cunning mind, always ready to carry out Ragetooth's ruthless orders.