The Ruby Hunt

Between gold and blood

After two weeks at sea, they finally spotted Tahiti on the horizon. They figured it was smart to head there first, just in case pirates were keeping an eye on them. Now, all that was left was to reach the island and figure out the next steps. Hopefully, it wouldn’t take more than a day.
They were enjoying their last meal before reaching Tahiti. Everything seemed peaceful—no pirates were trying to kill them, Fletcher knew the full story so they didn’t have to awkwardly dodge questions, and most importantly, they were so close to their destination. All they had to do was finish their meal, open the journal again, and check for directions. Or at least, that’s what they hoped.
“Delicious food, Edna, as usual,” Fletcher probably lied. “Now, kids, let’s get to business.”
“Nay, matey! Not so fast,” came a familiar strong accent. It was Captain Godfrey’s! They turned around, horrified—their worst fear had materialized in the form they dreaded most.
The rest of the pirates jumped onto the ship, joining their captain, and of course, their logo—the crow—landed on Godfrey’s shoulder. “Ya been a good boy, haven’t ya?” Godfrey cooed, patting the black bird. “Now, me little birdie told me there’s somethin’ ‘ere that’s mine. Do ya have it?” he asked, smiling.
“No! We don’t have anything. We even told you where we were going. Isn’t that enough?” Fletcher shouted, trying to scare them, but the pirates only looked amused.
“It was, if it were true!” Godfrey bellowed, his anger rising as he snapped his fingers. He pointed at the kids.
In an instant, all the pirates drew their daggers and swords, rushing toward the kids and pressing their weapons against their necks. Last time, it had been playful, but now it felt deadly serious. Unfortunately for Jade, the pirate threatening her was the same girl from before—Aradia Hill, as they’d learned from Fletcher.
“We meet again, pink-’air!” she hissed, licking her teeth, which Jade noticed were half gold.
“So, Cap’n, what’ll it be? The kids or the book?” Godfrey taunted.
“I told you, we don’t have anything!” Fletcher yelled furiously. “Take your pirate crew and get off my ship!”
“Aye, is that the truth, then?” Godfrey sneered, scanning the kids. His gaze settled on Oliver, and he gave a nod to the pirate threatening him.
Without hesitation, the pirate started pressing his dagger deeper into Oliver’s neck, making him groan in pain. He tried to push the pirate away but failed as another pirate restrained him. His friends struggled to help, but they too were held down.
“So? What’ll it be then?” Godfrey sneered, his smirk growing wider.
Fletcher was stuck—either sacrifice the boy he had promised to keep safe for a treasure that could solve all his problems, or play the hero and risk losing the treasure of a lifetime. Finally, after a painful minute of indecision, Fletcher made up his mind.
“Leave the boy!” he ordered, his voice steady. Godfrey signaled the pirate to stop, and the blade was pulled away from Oliver’s neck.
“So, Cap’n, ya gonna give me me book?” Godfrey repeated, his patience thinning.
From sheer hopelessness, Fletcher nodded weakly. He turned and headed below deck to retrieve the journal. Not trusting him, Godfrey sent two pirates to follow. Five minutes later, Fletcher re-emerged, holding the journal in his hand, his eyes downcast.
Godfrey approached, snatching the journal eagerly. He flipped it open, his eyes lighting up with excitement. “Good lad,” he sneered, while Aradia burst into hysterical laughter again.
“Now, boys, we’ve got what we need. Let’s leave ‘em.”
The pirates gave a mock salute, jumping back off the ship, laughing and dancing. “Oh, and—” Godfrey began, but something from behind caught his attention. Eddie looked behind him but saw only Mrs. Wilson, frozen in place, her face pale.
As the pirates made their exit, Peter noticed the pirate who had threatened Oliver didn’t have his dagger with him. He likely lost it overboard while jumping.
As soon as the pirates were gone, they rushed to Oliver’s side.
“Oh my God, are you okay?” Rose asked, her voice full of genuine worry.
“Yeah... I’m fine,” Oliver replied, his voice strained. “Just hurts when I talk.”
“I’m so sorry, mate. That must’ve hurt,” Peter muttered, guilt in his voice.
Fletcher slowly approached with Mrs. Wilson trailing behind.
“Are you okay?” Fletcher mumbled, looking at Oliver.
“Why did you do this?” Oliver asked, hurt clear in his tone.
“Are. You. Okay?” Fletcher repeated firmly.
“Yes,” Oliver finally replied, making Fletcher nod in relief.
“But—” Oliver started, but Fletcher cut him off.
“Don’t.”
Oliver nodded in understanding. “Thanks, Fletcher.”
“Call me Atlas,” Fletcher said, giving a small smile. Oliver returned the smile, and soon, the others followed suit, a brief moment of relief after a tense encounter.
“Thanks, Atlas.”