Becoming Peter

Chapter 7

Two days later, the wind howled eerily and brought along grey clouds. The moment anyone stepped on deck, the smell of salt became overwhelming. Water sloshed up on the sides here and there.

All but one pirate was sleeping, hiding in their beds from the cold. The one left on deck wandered aimlessly, trying to stay awake as best he could. No one was particularly worried about the storm just yet. It was still two hours out. In sixty minutes, James explained that the Captain would wake and ring a bell. The rest of the crew would wake and prepare for the oncoming weather. He went into detail about what they would be doing, but I didn't understand a word. His eyes glowed with passion as he spoke about the methods of sailing.

James mapped out his plan the night before. An hour before the crew woke, James would play 'buddies' with the man on deck, Jeff, and hand off some drink that will "loosen his joints". I wasn't sure what he meant, but James said that if anyone offered some to me that I have to say no. At that hour, Jeff would be the most susceptible to falling asleep because his shift would be nearly over. James seemed to know what he was talking about, so I let him take the reins.

It was time and my nerves wouldn't settle. It was as thrilling as the first time I crawled out the window at the orphanage. Constant threats had kept me inside for years, but it got to a point where I couldn't handle it anymore. All of the boys waited nervously at the steps.

"You okay, Peter?" Sully said quietly.

"I will be. Once we're free."

Four short taps sounded in quick succession on the door. James opened it and motioned us up. I took a deep breath of crisp air that chilled my lungs. Jeff was slumped against the steering wheel, asleep and hiccuping soundly. The rowboat bounced slightly against the side of the ship.

James pulled me aside. "Look, kid-"

"P-" I started.

"-The storm is getting really serious. It will start to-" As if on que, a loud crack of lightning erupted and filled the light with momentary heaven. Jeff suddenly sat up, frantic. "I'm sorry!" James now had to shout over the storm. "I have to save my own skin first!"

"James!" I shouted after him as he ducked down below deck. Looking back, the boys were uneasy and confused. They huddled in a group, waiting for something to happen.

"Hey!" Jeff shouted. He ran and hit a bell. A calling card for the end of our chance.

"Go, go!" I screamed, pushing them towards the raft.

Max yelped as hands grabbed him and threw him away from us. Two more men grabbed the boys. Delvin sobbed hysterically. I reached the edge of the raft and suddenly couldn't swallow.

Boys were being snatched left and right then hurled back. Four men had sprinted and tried to wrestle anything that moves. Spencer shouted for Archer, who had been thrown against the mast. Before Spencer could get to him, a hand yanked him down by the shoulder. It was all falling apart.

"Don't damage the cargo!" The Captain shouted over the chaos. "At least not permanently." His hat sagged slightly from the sea water, covering his face. I thought he was a coward for always hiding himself with that stupid-looking hat.

"Max!" Sully called as the young boy was being dragged down the steps.

"We have to go!" My body went numb. I wouldn't survive at Tortuga. A weak little redhead wouldn't last a week. I'd have to grow up real fast if I was going to survive a day there. I knew when the time came, someone would rat me out as the one behind our troublesome mutiny.

So I made a decision.

Before I could react, Spencer managed to pull a sword out of someone's belt. He held it out in front of him, shaking from the sea water blowing on deck. One man, Alexander, faced Spencer. Alexander only laughed and pulled out his sword.

"No!" Sully exclaimed, moments before Alexander lunged, aiming to injure. Sully stepped in front of Spencer. Alexander's sword pierced his thigh. Sully screamed and collapsed. Alexander grunted and went after Spencer who was in shock but his mind and body still told him to run. My mind shut off as my body went to work. Grabbing Sully's shoulders and the sword, I dragged him towards the raft. Oliver raced over, desperate to escape.

"Help me!" I shouted. He nodded and we lifted Sully into the raft. Blood stained my fingers and I eerily thought of when I used to watch children finger paint in the park. Their parents talked mindlessly while their children spread their artistic mess over their expensive clothes and stacks of paper.

Once Sully was safely on the raft, I hobbled in after him. I turned around to help Oliver but I was too late. Brewster hauled him away, Oliver kicking and screaming. I watched everyone I grew up with get beaten and thrown around like ragdolls.

I raised the sword. It gleamed in the moonlight.

"Stop them!" Screeched the captain.

Sully groaned. "Peter..."

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That's it for this update! More next Tuesday friends :) Don't forget to vote and comment your favorite fairy tale. I personally love Peter Pan (obviously) and Rapunzel.