Heart of the Sun

Chapter 26: The Final Dance

Arthur's point of view:
The heat today was harsh and heavy. There was clear skies and no wind. It was calm, too calm, too still. Though there was no apparent threat, the tension in the air was thick. Everyone moved it a hurry, no whistled as they work.

Allister watched from above like a hawk. He was now clad in his old captain's jacket. The royal blue coat with gold trims that displayed authority and demanded respect. I held his gaze defiantly as we temporarily locked eyes. Losing my status has put my plans to a sudden halt.
I have managed to get away once to meet with Francis, and I know my goals are still within my grasp. But until I can re-earn my commanding position, it's unlikely that I can achieve those goals.

Wiping off yet another layer of sweat, I can help but recognize the presence of the Sun. From there, I find myself caught up in thoughts of her.
Tanned skin. Bight eyes. Emotions so fierce and hot that her words are like fire.

I want so badly to know her, to be close. I want to hold her in my arms and she feels safe.
I want her to want me.

So I begin thinking of every possible situation in which we would meet again. How I could possibly win favor in her.

Then my wandering eyes saw a scarlet flag that bleed into the sky. The great ship was approaching swiftly, cannons ready, the deck fill with an armed crew.

A grin couldn't help but twist onto my face. There were orders being barked in the background, I cared not. I simply loaded my gun and held aloft my sword.

Time seemed to freeze as the storm brewed under the blue sky. Only when the first cannon fired did time start again. But now it was at a supernatural speed. People were blurs, there was no time to think. I waited on the deck of the Black Baron, ready.

Before I ever saw caught sight of the blood red coat, I knew he was there.

Third person point of view:
It wasn't before long the men of the Santa Maria were invading the deck of the smaller ship. The slaughter spread everywhere, taking from both sides greedily.

Then it stopped as the crews looked to the eye of the storm Antonio and Arthur faced off, sick grins twisted on, blood-lust burning in their green eyes.

"It's about time you show your face, Spanish dog. I've grown tired of your sorry excuse for underlinings."
"Same goes for you devil-child. You ran off with my sister, and thought you could hide away. But now I'm here to deliver justice and more."

Everyone stood by, doing nothing. None dared to come between them knowing they would only but cut down.

Then the two snapped, clashing blades in a thunderous bang. The attracts rained endlessly.
Arthur moved his sword in rapid swings. He covered Antonio in thin cuts, making every moment sting.
But Antonio's powerful swings were brutal on Arthur, he couldn't dodge them all. The cuts were deep and blood was gushing out.
Then Arthur was hit in a lightning attack. Sunlight suddenly was thrown from the Spanish blade into his eyes. In his brief moment of weakness, he was struck in the chest. Falling with a thud, tears forced their way into his eyes.

"That's enough, Spaniard. Leave now with your life before I end yours and your whole crews."

Antonio glared at Allister, murder in his eyes.

"Lets go Antonio, you got your revenge and we don't need to lose anyone else."

He did not turn to Alfonso, knowing his temper may get the better of him.

"No, that would be a betrayal to her. I can see it in his eyes! There's nothing but guilt. He's tortured her, caused her pain that people as callous as us will never comprehend."

For once, Arthur had nothing to say. He felt the fight in him starting to decay. A numb feeling replaced his adrenaline. "It always comes back to her." He thought bitterly.

Antonio ripped his sword out harshly.

"His silence rings it true.-"
Then Antonio voice lowered, deep and dripping with venom.
"-And now you and those who aline with you will pay for your unforgivable sin."

Just as Antonio swung up for the finishing blow, a single shot rang out.
Arthur's pistol then fell from his gasp, and Hell broke loose. Everyone was released from the tension that had settled over them. People ran everywhere. It was kill or be killed.

More shots fired and then an explosion from the lower deck. Flames now took over, eating everything. The Spanish crew retreated, victory cries sung with the roar of the fire.

Anotonio joined in, but refused to still his blade while the defeated lived. His rage had at last fully emerged and would not stop. That was until one last shot rang out.

"You are mad."

Antonio's bulky body was being dragged to the edge of the ship.

"And I can't risk you hurting the best thing in my life. I know if I don't stop you now, it will be too late. Because you won't listen. And I'm done standing in your shadow, following your rules. I'm taking command."

Then he tossed his captain overboard into the waves below. Alfonso made a sign of the cross in one quick move.

"May God have mercy on your soul."