Welcome to the Deep End [An AU BillDip]

Chapter 34

(A/N Heyo, kids. Another update, enjoy! I think chapter updates will be on Friday/Saturday from now on. Sunday if I'm lazy. Monday if I'm realllly lazy. This was three days early, too! I'm on a roll today.)

I huffed at the unconscious man on the ground, watching his stomach rise up and down. His breathing was steady, and he looked much more relaxed than before. The hooting and hollering from
the rest of the crew had calmed down by now and I hadn't noticed Bill had made his way to stand between him and I.

He cleared his throat, addressing the crowd, "Aye, mates. Was this an official fight?" he asked the mass of people.

It took a while for anyone to speak up, "Aye Cap'n. Official as daylight." one replied quite sadly.

Official fight? What did they mean by that?

Bill smiled knowingly, "Well then! Rules are rules." he said, striding over to me, "Finish 'im off, Pine Tree." he said simply, handing my his sword..

I must've choked on air, because I backed away nervously, pushing the blade away.

"No, I uh..." I mumbled, trying to think of something to say.

"Aww, don't be shy, kid!" he laughed, grabbing me by the shoulder and pushing me closer to the mans body. I don't know when Bill did it, but the hilt of the sword was now in my hands.

Dropping the blade with a clatter, I retorted, "I can't do that..!" I shouted, staring at the unconscious crew mate nervously.

I wouldn't kill my own ally! Official or not!

Bill clicked his tongue in annoyance, tired of my heroic persona, "Oh c'mon. Do it, kid." he whispered, almost threateningly.

I looked to the crowd for backup, but they just stared at me fearfully. Some of them were signalling me to follow Bill's orders.

What were they so afraid of?

I looked up at Bill's friends, expecting actual advice, but they looked concerned too. Pyronica was making hand gestures, dragging her finger across her neck. I could tell what she was trying to relay.

I shouldn't make Bill angry.

Despite that, I decided to do it anyways.

"...I won't kill him." I said bravely, stepping closer to stand inches away from Bill.

His eyes darkened, "You're disobeying me for a mere human?" he asked slowly, confirming my absolute denial.

The intimidation Bill gave off was making my hairs stand on end, "T-that's right." I replied finally, trying my best not to stutter— to no avail. He was much scarier than the drunk man sleeping obliviously on the ground. He just had to pick a fight with me!

The captain rose his hand to strike, and I closed my eyes waiting for impact, but instead he clapped his hands together in joy.

"...Ha-ha-ha-ha! O-okay! W-whatever, Pine Tree!" he said, his tone was so fake I almost cringed.

He sounded like he was battling himself, trying to stay optimistic and it caught everyone off guard.