Silence

Chapter 18

Capsize

Jordan hesitates despite the fact he's in no danger. I can understand why since those gathered are my crew, they should be intimidating even if none of them would dare to harm Jordan. I'm a little worried about the other champions, particularly Tom though I know some people blame Mianite just as much as Dianite for this situation. They'll listen to me though so if nothing else I'll prevent them from attacking any of the champions even if it's just to avoid the gods' wrath on them.

"Hell- Hello, my name is Jordan," He starts, much more nervous than I've ever seen him. That isn't surprising though, he's never been in a situation like this. From what they've described, the champions haven't out of their own part of the realm since they got there and now they're standing in front of a crowd of strangers. The fact Jordan's saying anything is impressive. Of course, I shouldn't doubt his ability to impress though, Ianite knew how to chose a champion. "I'm erm... I'm Ianite's champion."

Murmuring goes through the crowd, all talking about him. I don't think he's comfortable with all the attention from them but I can't make them go away. I squeeze his hand, trying to comfort him in some way while staying subtle. Hopefully, Jordan doesn't mind that I'm not as comfortable being showy in front of the crew as I am in front of the champions. They're my employees and I need to keep a certain image of myself. I know that some of them already don't respect me like they do the other captains, the ones that can speak.

"And who are they?" I scowl as Dogged points to the other champions. I don't mean to because, unlike if certain people had done it, I know he's just being curious. He comes off as a little rude sometimes but I don't think he's against the other champions, rather just wondering if they're safe which shouldn't be something I judge him for. This doesn't mean the champions feel the same way though, of course they don't, Sonja, Tucker, and Tom (especially Tom) look scared while Jordan just seems confused.

"They're my friends," He says as if it's the most obvious thing in the world and to be fair, it is to him. He doesn't even seem intimidated by the crowd anymore, I'm not sure why but I can imagine it's the need to defend his friends, Red has a similar sort of confidence. That and he doesn't know about the war really, none of them do, as far as he's concerned this is just about saving Ianite. "Tom, Tucker, and Sonja. Dianite's and Mianite's champions."

Ripples go through the crowd of murmuring, people trying to figure which champion belongs to which god. The idea of them actually figuring out isn't something I think should happen, not when they seem to be wanting blood. I'm sure it has something to do with what's gone one with Andrew, whatever happened it must have been more than people looking for me and finding him, even if that's what he said happened. He's got far too many injuries for people who were looking to take someone alive, especially when, in all logic, they could've taken him for an exchange. Something's wrong with the whole situation even if I don't know what yet.

Like I said, the champions are all here to help. All of them. I insist, knowing that only my crew (and maybe Jordan) will understand me and feeling better about insisting because of that fact. I'd honestly prefer to keep the fact that most of the champions aren't exactly trusted from them as best as possible, them knowing will just end with trouble. The crew respond, a wave of 'Yes Captain' happening because their murmuring stops, even if I'm sure they're still trying to figure it out. If they do figure it out, they can take it up with me. A silence falls for a few moments, no one daring to say anything. Of course, they don't, just in case. Eventually, Red shakes his head, sighing and coming over to me.

"I left the heart on board the ship and the ship still needs to be docked properly. Leave a few of the crew with me and go home with Andrew and the champions. I'll meet you as soon as I'm done, promise," I hesitate. I know Red is trying to end this situation as quickly as possible which is something I want to do anyway but I don't feel right leaving him when I'm the captain. I mull the idea of trying to persuade him to leave over in my head but I know he'll want me to go because I've been doing nights. I'm pretty sure he's really just doing this for Andrew too. Injured as the man is, I can't make him stay out here longer because of my own pride. So I nod to Red, assigning a few of the crew to stay with him and dismissing the rest. After a short goodbye, I turn to start leading the champions towards my home, helping Andrew walk whenever he asks for the help.

Going inside and looking around is surprising because, despite some obvious effort being made it hide it, the place has clearly been trashed while we were away. I didn't think it was possible for someone to actually get in with all the guard duties that have been taken up by the crew, especially since I know they've still been doing it while Red and I have been away, but clearly I was wrong. Andrew sits himself down, putting his crutch on his legs, while the champiosn look around. I don't mind them doing so as long as they don't break into anything that's locked so I sit down next to Andrew.

I run a few options through my head of how to start this conversation with Andrew. I know something happened when Red and I weren't here but I have no idea what. No ransom hunters would've done the injuries he has (honestly I don't know who would) and, while they were trying to make sure I didn't, I know at least some of my crew weren't on that dock. Lotus was the most obvious absence as being my first mate she should've been there but a few of the... let's say trouble makers weren't there either. I'm sure they must've done something but I don't want to assume it was anything to do with Andrew and even if I was to do with him, I can't think of how I'd approach the subject without Red being here. Waiting too long to ask something however means that Andrew is the one to start the conversation.

"So, which one is Tom and which is Tucker?"

A/N:

So I'm not really sure what to say about this part other than I hope you enjoyed it. It took a little but longer than I expected to write it but that was mostly due to having a lot of ideas for Mianite Aladdin but that did end up refreshing my mind in order to finish writing this.