The Damned: Part 1~ Innocence

Chapter 16

THE LOCKER APRIL1698

Flying Dutchman paced back and forth outside Britannia's berth with increasing worry.

Britannia had gotten much worse these past few weeks.

Her fever soared and she could barely breathe at all.

Her coughing was probably the worst thing though.

As hard as she tried, Britannia just couldn't seem to clear her airways of the gunk that clogged them. The virus, whatever it was, prevented that.

It got so bad at times, Flying Dutchman had to smack her side repeatedly to prevent asphyxiation and lately, even that wasn't having as much of an affect as it used to.

Flying Dutchman had to face the real possibility that Britannia might not make it this time around.

The old ship was literally drowning in her own fluids.

Flying Dutchman visibly winced as she heard the awful hacking sound that she'd come to recognize as Britannia's cough nowadays.

It was followed a second later by a mental shriek. A cry for help.

Flying Dutchman whirled around and raced into the berth to Britannia's side.

Her mentor couldn't find the breath to speak her words so she resorted to using the bond.

It came in handy at times like these but Flying Dutchman knew, as surely did Britannia that it also caused pain.

By keeping the bond open between them, Britannia inadvertently insured that whatever she felt, Flying Dutchman would feel too.

The young fluyt could feel every harsh breath Britannia took, every pain filled cough. Every breath that felt as though she was breathing in fire, she could feel all of it.

And the more she felt, the more worried she got.

Britannia was very, very sick. There was no question about that.

A sense of loving concern washed over Flying Dutchman and she blinked, gazing down to meet Britannia's gentle gaze.

Despite her agony, Britannia's only thoughts were for her. She was worried for her.

"You're too selfless for your own good." Flying Dutchman scolded, rubbing her bow against hers gently and lovingly.

Britannia purred weakly, breaking into another coughing fit soon after.

As she spluttered and hacked, trying desperately to clear her lungs, Flying Dutchman rubbed her side, hoping to ease it for the time being.

When through, Britannia wheezed her thanks.

Flying Dutchman sighed. "Aren't you in the least bit concerned about your own well-being?" She asked.

Britannia's head flopped to one side as she tried to answer in gesture's rather than words.

"Carefully now." Flying Dutchman chided her as the effort sapped most of her strength.

Britannia's eyes flickered up to meet Flying Dutchman's.

Between gasps of breath she managed to say "I'm-only-concerned-for-you-Shadow."

"Shh, don't talk. Don't waste your energy." Flying Dutchman said sternly.

"Well-you-asked-so-I'm-answering." Britannia gasped.

"Go on then." Flying Dutchman said gently.