Bound by Fate | Eustass Kid X OC

Ch 3 • Captured & Conflicted

•• Hanmee's P.O.V ••

The second day on the Victoria Punk began with the gentle sway of the ship, a rhythmic reminder of my precarious situation. Hidden among the crates, I listened intently to the crew’s chatter, each word a potential clue.

If I keep waiting here then I'll definitely die. 

I thought to myself.  My stomach growled, urging me to find food and water. I waited for the right moment, then slipped out of my hiding spot, moving stealthily towards the galley.

As I reached for a loaf of bread, I felt a presence behind me. Spinning around, I came face to face with a tall guy consisting of blond hair- a blue dotted mask on his face, I instantly recognised him. Killer, his masked visage imposing. "What do you think you're doing?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

I squared my shoulders, meeting his gaze with defiance. "Getting breakfast," I snapped. "What does it look like?"

I tried to act casual but he seemed to notice I wasn't on the ship before, in fact I never belonged there.

Killer's eyes narrowed. "You’re not one of us. Who are you?"

"Wouldn’t you like to know?" I retorted, trying to pull away. His grip tightened, and he began dragging me through the ship.

Shit. I'm done.

•• Kid's P.O.V ••

The morning sun bathed the deck in a warm glow as I stood at the helm, my thoughts on the journey ahead. Phoenix Isle was a gamble, but one worth taking. The crew moved with practiced efficiency, their camaraderie a testament to our shared struggles.

Killer approached, a figure in tow. "Captain, found this one sneaking around the galley," he said, shoving the person forward.

I turned to face the intruder, my eyes narrowing as I took in the sight of the young man? woman? before me.

I cleared my throat causing her to face me. I studied her freckles thoroughly. A woman, maybe at her 20's? Her deep black eyes looked majestic I must say. She met my gaze with a mixture of defiance and anger.

Playing it cool, are we?

"Who are you?" I demanded, my voice cold.

She tilted her chin up, her eyes flashing. "None of your damn business."

I smirked at her audacity. "Oh, but it is my business. You’re on my ship. What’s your name?"

"Hana," she replied, her tone sharp. "Before you ask me further questions, I'd like you to know that I'm not thief, I bring no harm, not a spy, I don't know how I ended up here."

Her expression flat.

I obviously knew she was lying.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her boldness. "You’ve got guts, kitten. But stowing away on my ship? That’s a dangerous game."

"Life’s dangerous," she shot back. "I didn’t have a choice."

•• Hanmee's P.O.V ••

Facing Eustass Kid, I felt a surge of adrenaline. His crimson eyes bore into mine, a mixture of curiosity and amusement. I knew revealing too much would be a mistake. So I lied about my name, I decided to lie.

"Why are you here?" he pressed.

"I told you already. It just happened?" I retorted, keeping my tone defiant. "Maybe I just wanted to hitch a ride."

Shut up, Hanmee! Shut up! You are dying to die, I can see! I thought to myself.

As a former marine, I definitely wasn't enjoying this conversation. I despised pirates, I despised him.