Both James and the Sheriff held their guns on Klay, as he held his toward a frightened child. All three of them ready to shoot at the drop of a hat. But as James was a Marshall and prefered to take his men in alive, he tried to reason with the Gambler first. But as tensions were high and all guns cocked and ready, it was the Donner kid that acted first. Like his brother Jeff, Jack began to go through the change as his eyes took on a glazed look, and his skin turned green and pale. At the same time he regurgitated the same green bile as his body began to twitch. Suddenly, and unexpectedly, wasting no time Klay uttered the word “Shame” then proceeded to put one round straight through the kids head. At the exact moment, James was skilled enough to watch the Gambler’s trigger finger and following the assumption that a shoot out was on, grabbed the Sheriff and ducked behind a desk. As the office walls were sprayed red with the kid’s brains, as well as a black and green ooze, James quickly reached for a rifle as he prepared to return fire. With a quick cocking of the weapon, James looked over to Sherrif Redwood who was doing the same, and gave him a quick nod indicating that they were to jump up and return fire on the count of three. But to their surprise, in the most interesting of ways, Klay simply remarked "Don’t take this personally." before shooting the locks on the jail doors, freeing the infected Jeff Donner and the Pinkerton to feast.
Immediately, James and the Sheriff jumped up, just in time to see Klay knock over Deputy Ryan and the Doc, as he bolted out the door. The sheriff even managing to get one shot off after they fell. But instead of wasting time watching the Gambler run free, James turned his attention to the two walking corpses. With a surprising speed, they lunged forward, snapping their jaws as they reached out like wild animals, until they were already on top of James and the Sheriff. But by sheer luck, as the Pinkerton was clamping down on the Marshal, James managed to lodge his rifle in the thing’s mouth and hold it at bay as the two of them continued to fall back upon the sheriff’s desk. In doing so, James could see out of the corner of his eye, that his friend, the Sheriff was losing his fight with the younger Jeff Donner kid. Already the kid’s rotten teeth were inches away from ripping through the sheriff’s neck, and as much as the man tried to fight back, it appeared that the pale walker was about to feast. But in an impressive display of manly-hood, James took to action, and while still holding the Pinkerton at bay, aimed the rifle in his mouth towards the Donner kid, and with the pull of a trigger, sent one shot across the way through Jeff’s head, just in time to save his friends life.
By now both the Deputy and Doc Parsons had rushed into the room, and immediately the Doc was shouting, “What in tarnations is going on?” Clearly confused, he coward into a corner, while the lawmen continued to fight. Coming to the aid of James, the Deputy grabbed the Donner kid by his shoulder, then jerked him back with all his might. Unfortunately in doing so, the pale walker got a hold of his arm and in one ‘chomp’, sunk his teeth deep into flesh, ripping it away to reveal bone. Immediately, he began to panic, waving his exposed arm through the air, while fresh blood sprayed forth. Not done yet, Jeff continued to lunge at the wounded Deputy, this time sinking his teeth into the man’s skull where it let out a gurgling sound of glee as it ripped through the man’s head and reached brain. Unfortunately, as this was going on, while the two of them where flailing around they unintentionally knocked over a kerosene lantern, that fell upon a fresh stack of wanted posters, setting the place ablaze. With no other course of action, James fired his rifle at the two of them, putting one round in each of their heads, hoping to stop the spread of this curse before it could go any further. By now the flames were dancing all around him, and with no means to put out the fire, James quickly escorted the Sheriff and Doc out with no concern for his own well being. But as they all reached outside, instead of noticing all the carnage going on in the town of Creedence Junction, James watched as the sheriff’s office burned down, with almost every gun in town going with it!
Sally the harlot began her evening by spraying her hoo-haw, her dress hanging off her shoulders. This was already her seventh gentleman for the day, with eight more, waiting downstairs. The man laying in her bed was nothing special, just an average working man spending his dollar without even bothering to remove his boots. But the man’s eagerness out weighed his intelligence as something was desperately wrong with Sally. She was clearly running a fever, as her face was gaunt and sweat stains soaked her dress in areas commonly not associated with a lady. Her hands were trembling as her nose was runny and the fact she even managed to pull a loose tooth out before she began her business was definitely not a good sign. Long before she even approached the bed, she was scratching her privates to the point blood and pus were dripping down her legs. But like a professional she spread her legs and laid motionless as her client continued to shout things like, “Hell Yeah!” or “I’m gonna ride you good!” Three minutes later, after the job was done and the client was pulling up his britches, he tossed her a silver dollar and headed down stairs, just as another headed up. Normally they would never make eye contact or speak, but in this rare occasion, the one heading up had to comment to the one heading down, “Hey pal, looks like you got a nose bleed!”
Inside the local Stable
Zeke was the local stable boy, not to smart and not to clean. His only job was to shovel the horse crap up and make sure the animals were fed. On most occasions he would do so without question as he feels he could bond with the animals on a spiritual connection, and on one occasion a physical one. But something was off today. Long before he arrived at work he was visibly sick, even vomiting along away. But for ten cents an hour nothing was gonna stop him. Unfortunately for now the sickness had over taken him, after continually throwing up in the corner, he rose as one of the 'pale walkers.’ Like the others his skin was now pale green and his teeth were rotten. Already the horses were visibly shaken as they could sense the evil in their presence. Together they violently bucked around while “Neighing,” even kicking against their wooded stable, but to no avail. In the end it was Zeke that went wild, as his blood lust and hunger took over, and in one mad rush he sunk his teeth deep into their flesh. Spraying the walls with their blood, he continued to feast upon them one by one until there was no more flesh or brains, just piles of mutilated steeds with Zeke in the middle, horse meat hanging from between his teeth.
The young Jeff Donner now looked like a walking corpse, with a green bile dripping form his hands and mouth. Although walking with a predominant limp he continued to run head on in to the steel bars, while occasionally clawing his arms though the open bit. But without fail, every time he slammed his forehead against the bars, he would get back up leaving a smaller pile of green goo dripping from his exposed skull. The worst part of it all was the god awful smell from his spew that began in the corner and spread out through the cell as he continued to thrash around. By now the sheriff had drawn his gun shouting, “What the Hell happened to him?” as he covered his mouth with a handkerchief, while cowering back to the farthest wall. James of course was running several hypnosis through his head, but no matter how far fetched they were, none of them seemed to match the living hell he saw before him. In the end even he had to concede to the notion, “We won’t be sure until the Doc gets here!” But just as they thought things could not get any worse, the Pinkerton in the other the cell, began showing the same early signs as the Donner kid. Without any rhyme or reason, he too began to heave up the same green contents as Jeff, but this time with more and more. Then within seconds afterwards, he too ran at the bars with glossy eyes and green skin, while letting out the same eerie tone that would strike fear in any lesser man.
Unfortunately, as all eyes were focused on the carnage before them, both James and Sheriff Redwood failed to keep an eye on Powers. Before they knew it, the gambler had not only freed himself, in a miraculous manner, but managed to not only get his revolver but grabbed the kid Jack Donner as a human shield. Immediately James drew his colt, and while he and the sheriff aimed it between the cheats eyes, James was already trying to calm down the situation. “Listen here Klay (or what ever name he gave them) trust me, you don’t want to do this.” By nowhe and the sheriff were spreading out, each one slowly moving to opposite side of the room in order to get a clearer shot, while James continued to speak. “As of now you are only suspected of card sharking, you do this and it’s kidnapping and running from justice.” He then grips his piece tighter, as he squints his eyes for better aim. “That could get you either two years behind bars, or even the rope.” Then in a calm and convincing voice he finishes, “And none of us here wants that!” The truth was at this point James didn’t care. He did care if the gambler took Jack as a hostage, but as of right now there were more important things to deal with. Specifically the two green skinned prisoners thrashing around in the cells. So if the coward choose to run, let him, for James had the name he gave them and a good description, and he could easily hunt him down later with a posse.
Surprisingly enough, as the gambler was staring down the barrels of two guns, his main concern was over the two sick individuals as well. While still holding the kid as human shield, he began to tell a story of the time he spent with the Painted Riders of the Red Dawn Nation and the curse they told of the 'pale walkers.’ It was the story of a sickness they brought over from the old lands, about a sorta spiritual evil that once you catch it, your spirit gets trapped between life and death. Despite the sheriff’s lack of faith, James could not dismiss the theory so easily, and even as he kept his gun aimed upon him, he had to inquire, “what else do you know about..” and for the first time he appeared flustered, he shook his head back and forth between Klay and the two pale walkers, yelling “..all this!!”Unfortunately now was the worst time to ask as from behind Klay, Deputy Ryan and Doc Parsons, came bursting in though the doors asking a hundred different questions all at the same time. Meanwhile the young Jack Donner still cowering in Klay’s arms, began letting out a death cry as he immediately began to spew forth the same green slime as his brother and the Pinkerton. From that point on anything could happen from a full on gun fight to a feeding smorgasbord for the pale walkers. James biggest concern would be for the well-being of the uninfected and more importantly any information that Klay or the Doctor could provided. But for now all eyes were on Jack Donner as he began to go through the change!
Still picking up cards from the floor, James kept a clear account of every cent on the table including how much was in the pot at the time of the scandal. The patrons around still screaming for a hanging. As for the two other players, James took down a complete confession of all that went on, while looking them in the eye, for any sign of dishonesty. Although not the town’s sheriff, James and the town folks take a dim view on cheating at cards, to the point it’s even worse than coveting your neighbors wife. But through it all, it was old crazy eyes Joe, the bar owner that kept vocalizing his opinion. “I run a clean saloon Marshal,” he said while still holding his shot gun, “I don’t allow no cheats to ruin my reputation!” In agreement James gave him a respectful ”We know Joe, we all know,” followed with a polite “and we will need you to testify to that when the judge arrives.” As for the two other gamblers James ordered them both to go back to their rooms where they were to stay until called for, but made it a stern point for them not to talk to anyone else until the whole matter was solved. After that he and the deputy slung the saddle bags over their shoulders and prepared to leave, but not before giving Joe his approval to clean up the crime scene and go back to business as usual.
Minutes later, James and Deputy Ryan, walked through the creaky doors of the sheriff's office just in time to hear someone yell, “TOOK A WHOLE JUNK OUTTA MY COTTONPICKIN ARM!!!" Immediately, James noticed a river of blood pouring from Milestone’s arm, while the Pinkerton flailed around the cell in agony. “What the Hell happened?” James asked as he stood back, with one hand already reaching for his gun by instinct. But even as the sheriff was trying to explain, all hell broke loose. As for the two Donner brothers locked in the middle cell, Jeff being the older brother to Jack, was now bent over in the corner puking his guts out. But instead of a normal regurgitation, Jeff was spewing out a vile green excrement with what looked like parts of his own human anatomy. Surprisingly enough through it all Klay kept the calmest of composure, almost as if he didn’t care, leaving James to wonder if there was any good in the man, or did he just have one of the greatest poker-faces in the county. Either way something needed to be done soon as now Jack Donner began rattling on the bars pleading, “Please! Please! For the love of God do something, my brother is dying!”
Immediately, James grabbed the jail keys, then after ordering Deputy Ryan to go fetch the Doc, he proceeded to unlock the cell holding the Donner Brothers. With the older brother still cowering in the corner, James pulled the younger one out by his arm, then told him to sit in a chair and not move. Then slowly, step by step, James approached Jeff with one hand on his gun and the other in front of him to kind of guide the way. But it wasn’t until he was inches away from placing his hand on Jeff’s shoulder, the kid abruptly turned around with what could only be called the face of a demon. His eyes were now covered with a vacant gaze and his flesh was a pale green. His teeth were now rotten and his skin hung off his bones, and the only sound he made was a God awful grown that no man had ever heard before. Immediately, he lunged at James, leading with both hands while snapping his jaws with every second. Without hesitation, James swung a right cross, hard enough to not only knock the kid back, but down to the floor where he laid there seemingly unconscious. By now both the Pinkerton and Jack Donner were freaking out, but James remained calm, then proceeded to exit the cell only to ask Jack more questions. It was then Jeff jumped up again, this time with his jaw clearly broken and hanging off his chin, and in a fit of rage and fury, lunged at James again. But as James did not want to kill a kid, even in that condition, he quickly kicked the cell door with his right boot and slammed it shut just as Jeff met it, then watched as the kid slammed his head first into the steel bars, over and over again!.
The two kids in the cell kept quiet, except for the occasional creaking of the bed they sat on. Their main priority was tending to the older kids wound. In the mean time James and the Sheriff continued to shoot the breeze and play cards. They were not the closest of friends but two men familiar with the others reputation, and a huge amount of respect. In the mean time the sheriff’s two deputies were out on business, somewhere in the town doing god knows what, or perhaps even getting a few drinks at the local bar. But just as James was about to lay down another full house on the sheriff’s table, a loud ruckus bellowed from outside. Immediately, the two of them jumped up and raced to the door where half the town was outside with rage in there eyes. “We got cheaters!” one cried, “Hang ‘em” shouted another. Their cries were so loud and deafening it was hard to make out what it was all about, until the sheriff raised his hand and shouted, “One at a time!” to gain their attention. As it was the sheriff’s town and James was just visiting, it was customary to let him handle the business. So as Bill spoke James leaned against the door, letting his cold stare speak for him.
At the front of the crowd stood the sheriff’s two deputies, doing their best to forcefully manhandle the two men accused of cheating, almost to the point of beating them to the ground. The first question out of Sheriff Redwood’s mouth was, “All right someone tell me what’s going on?” when once again the crowd roared with “We got cheaters, Kill them!” Soon enough the crowd quieted down and one of the deputies began to fill him in. Clearly the town was outraged as even the sheriff looked ready to hang a man that would cheat at cards, but as the law says every man is innocent until proven guilty, he began by waving the deputies to bring the cheats inside. From that point on there would be a brutal series of questioning followed by placing the two cheats in separate cells, one on each side of the two boys being held until their pa would arrive. In the mean time, the crowd slowly dispersed, heading back to their mundane lives, except for the local news man who hung around just for a story. But just before the two cheats were about to be placed behind bars, James got a good look at the one name Klay Powers, almost as if he recognized him. Not making a big deal of it, James couldn’t help but inquire, “You look familiar,” tipping his hat back to get a better view, “aren’t you Jay or Ray Powers? I heard you once won something like eight hundred dollars in one hand due to a bluff?” Clearly there was a modicum of respect in that moment, until either another ace fell from under his sleeve or more details of cheating became clear.
old crazy eyes joe
As it was clear the sheriff was handling his business James and one of the deputies made it a point to check out the crime scene and confiscate the winnings until the local judge arrives and gives an official ruling. Inside the bar, the patrons stood around the table in question, with old crazy eyes Joe the bartender guarding it with his shot gun. At the table sat the other two players involved, motionless with their hands clearly resting in front of them on the table. One of them was a wealthy man dressed in tailored clothes and derby hat, while the other was a local man in taters with very few winnings in front of him. The pot was substantial with close to four hundred and change, but by law it all needed to be collected until the judge arrived. “Hey Joe,” James inquired, “You got a couple of saddle bags back there? We’re gonna need at least five of them.” Immediately, James and the deputy carefully began collecting the money, counting every cent down to the last penny, while keeping an official list of how much each man had before the encounter. During all this the crowd remained silent except for some quiet speculations over the outcome, as well as some side bets the patrons made before this all happened. Joe however was very vocal, yammering on about every last detail leading up to the incident as well as every detail afterwards. But the most damaging piece of evidence was the five aces laying on the floor while there was clearly two of them on the table!
Marshal James Connery was a ladies man first and law man second. He took the job in honor of his father who was a law man and his father’s father who was a law man as well. Sadly his great grandfather was a notorious stagecoach robber, but James had clearly overcome that blotch on his record. As of now he was leaning back in a chair in the sheriff’s office, a man of some age but still quick on the draw. His name was Sheriff Bill Redwood and despite the wrinkles around his eyes and the expanding waistline, for seven years he was the law there. One of the rules he enforced to keep Creedence Junction safe was that it was a ‘No Carry Town’ meaning anyone that walked down the streets had to turn over all fire arms to him. It was a law that the town objected to at first, but over the years grew accustom to. The only exceptions to the rule was the double barrel shotgun hidden behind the bar in the local saloon, as well as for him and his two deputies. James was in town for three reasons, one was to hand out the new wanted posters and two he was on the trail of a gang that held up a bank two towns away. The third was to pick up a few dollars at the poker table as well as chat up some of the dance hall ladies.
Still sipping on some black coffee, James hands over one of the wanted sheets with the name Felix Santana on it, as he asks his old friend about the two frail young boys sitting in his cell. With the quick reshuffling of his gut, Redwood replied, “I caught these two fighting out behind old Doc Jesse shop with some other kid. But by the time I stopped them the other kid managed to get away.” Immediately, the older of the two brothers speaks up while raising his right hand wrapped in a blood soaked handkerchief “I tell ya Sheriff I was just trying to protect my little brother when that other fellow dun bit me!” Naturally the younger brother collaborated with the story, but despite their guilt or innocence the Sheriff was going to hold them until their paw came to collect. Out of concern, James couldn’t help but notice the fresh blood still dripping from the older brothers hand, and as he refilled his cup of coffee he whispers to Bill, “You sure that kid was bit, cause it’s bleeding like a gun shot?” Still trying to win his money back, Bill replied, “Don’t worry about it, I wrapped the bandage tight, besides I seen more blood when I shaved this morning!” followed by a few low toned chuckles. Together the two of them sat back swapping stories as Bill kept dealing cards, unaware of the horror that was about to sweep their town!
Despite the fact Mr. Jest was in dire need of medical attention, James turned to take care of the fallen natives. Although he had the utmost care and concern for Oliver, there was not a thing he could do for him. It was best to leave him in the hands of the Grimm Gold Brothers, for if anyone knew how to heal the man of many mysteries, it would be them. Instead, James took on the back breaking task of giving the dead their last rites, so they could receive some peace in the after world. Looking out across the bodies he started with the heaviest, grabbing them by their feet and dragging their carcases to an open field. Despite being hacked to pieces, the overweight torsos still had some meat on them, so he chose them to be the base of the funeral pier. Next came the older members, covered in red from their own blood, he tossed them upon the pile, one by one. By now he was covered in a layer of sweat, and had a bad case of dry throat, but only the children of the party were left to attend to. But despite all the horrors James had seen over his life span, and more importantly the last few months, the sight of hacked up children caused him to weep. Determined to fulfill his goal, he wiped away the tears, as he picked up the kids and carefully place them on top of the pier. In the distance James could overhear the others talking about ships, treasures and Barbossa, but choose to ignore it for personal reasons. Instead he looked up to the sky and whispered a sweet, “I’m sorryyoung Po’Yen,” as he lit a single match and within seconds the bodies were baptized in fire, as James quoted a few Psalms from memory, that he no doubt got wrong. He ended with a few kind words, followed with the Lords prayer, after which he turned away, never to look back!
By now The Grimm Gold Brothers had Mr. Jest up on his feet, although still leaning on them for balance. Overwhelmed with joy, James was seconds away from running up and hugging the bastard, when both Grey and Bourbon were shouting, “Now, ye expect we carry this chest all the way to Jestor City!?” In response, Mr Jest straightened his torn clothings as best he could, and in a thick British accent answered, “...she informed me of ye prior predicament,” in reference to a previous conversation between he and his wife. Together the four men slowly made their way towards the shore with James carrying the chest over his shoulder, and Oliver leading the way. Although he still had not given his employees an honest answer, they followed him blindly through the scorched sand and Spanish bodies rotting along the shore. Suddenly a blast of smoke flushed into the air followed by a bone chilling breeze. To the Grimm Gold Brothers it was a welcoming sign as from the shadows of the trees the sight of their small gallon floated in, with their crescent Awekian flag blowing in the breeze. But to James it was nothing more than a floating coffin, full with torn black sheets for sails and dead wood for a mast. James felt an off cold feeling, just being in its presence. But just as his eyes made their way up to the main deck, he beheld the beauty of one Tabitha Jest behind the wheel, waving them aboard with Bourbon's bird resting on her shoulder. Immediately that euphoric feeling swept over James as all his doubts and desires to question the unnatural washed away. All that was left was a boy in a mans body, ready to board the ship to wherever it went.
With a bit of a cocky attitude, Oliver smirked, “…as mi said, laddies, we’ll just sail to St. Jestor…..” even after being abandoned by Bourbon who was already immersed in water, swimming as fast as he could to his lovely, lovely, ship. But as Grey disparagingly remarked, “Fine, Jest…let’s get ye treasure t’ the museum and finish this..,” James was already trotting to the shoreline waiting for his chance to board. After spending a few minutes to load the horses, James stepped aboard and was immediately swept away with an eerie feeling, as if being watched by thousands of unseen eyes. But just as it came over him, it wisped away, leaving him back to his simplistic self stumbling around the ship like a lost child. Despite it all James still felt a deep emotional need to protect the treasure as well as a deep emotional attraction to Mrs. Jest. Feeling the need to know her better, he came up with an idea to get her alone, and while everyone else was tending to the vessel he suggested, “Why Mrs. Jest, why don’t you help me store the treasure some place safe..” he smiles with his boyish charm, “...perhaps in the captains chamber?” With that said, he escorted her down to the lower decks, oblivious to the fact everyone knew what he was up to.
Within mere minutes the two reached the cabin where James politely held the door open for her. With her aide, together they placed the chest softly upon the Captain’s bed with James strategically placed just over her left shoulder. With a soft and gentle touch he placed his hand over hers, caressing her fingers as he slid his up and down. At the same time he leaned in close enough to whisper in her ear, “Has anyone told you how utterlymesmerizingyou are?” To his surprise she did not pull away, but instead encouraged his advances with a flattering wink, then playfully teased, “and just whatbe you meaning by that dear sir,” She then slowly lowered her body to the bed, moving in an alluring way with her hips swaying back and forth. She then invited James to sit down next to her as she signaled a come forth wave with her left hand, as her right tapped the bed next to her. Instinctively James sat down, hot and heavy, with one hand already placed on her inner thigh. With his two bright blue eyes he gazed deeply into hers, while at the same time moving in ever so closer for a kiss. Holding nothing back he hit her with his best line, a line that had worked around the world over.“Ipromise you a night you won’t forget,followed by a life time ofromance and love.” Suddenly James was metaphorically hit with a wave of cold water, as Tabitha jumped from the bed laughing. “Really,..” she continues laughing uncontrollably, “...a night I would never forget? My husband and I have seen joys your feeble mind could not comprehend and had sexual contact that would kill you a hundred times over!” Immediately James leap to his feet trying to defuse the situation with several , “Whoa Whoa Whoas,” but it was too late. “Still I must give you points on your bravery, for if Oliverever found out..” Mrs. Jest says as she shivers, “..lets just say he wouldn’t find it as humorous as I do!”
While never once apologizing for his actions, James was slightly embarrassed. Not sure what to do next he carefully inquired, “So can I assume you will keep this just to ourselves?” as he lowered his head in respect. To his surprise she smiled back, and in a sexy tone replied, “of course sweetie” after which she brazenly slapped his backside and walked away. But just as the door swung shut behind her, James couldn’t help but smile and laugh, “God that’s a woman!” as he plopped down on the bed next to the treasure chest.But as he sat there thinking of anything to cool himself down, once again the treasure chest began to call him. Beginning with an eerie thumping sound resonating from the chest, James found he could not turn away. His only desire was to open the chest and look inside. Despite the fact he knew better, it consumed him, to the point he was already leaning in just to take a peak, and as the Grimm Venturer sailed down calm waters, James was trapped in a deadly compromise with his life and soul on the line. Suddenly James was tossed aside, as outside the Grimm Venturer hit rocky waters. Immediately, he made his way to the main deck, running up a small set of stairs, only to find the ship caught in a violent storm. With darks skies above and waves of water crashing against them, Mr. Jest gave the crew their orders, “…Man the stations; prepare the cannon…Grey! Bourbon!! Ready ye arms. Tabi, I smell Imperial honey!!!”
Unaware of his surroundings, James went to work trying to tie down anything of importance. But with his every move, he still felt as if being watched by thousands of unseen eyes. It was then as he was rolling one of the cannons in place, he caught a glimpse of something in the corner of his eye. At first glance it was nothing more than a trick of the light, but in time the visions became clearer. Soon he was catching brief appearances of shadowy forms resembling a human shape, but lacking the definition. As time went on, and as James felt more a kin to his surroundings, the shadow images grew clearer. They were now clearly humanoid in appearance, walking upright but with a heavy burden on their soul, as a makeshift crew of the damned, working for the soul purpose to obey the Grimm Gold Brothers no matter what. Odd as it sounds James felt at home with the crew and worked along with them to ready the ship as one of them, and as he did, he soon learned he could hear them. Although the crew could not speak a word, James could clearly hear an understanding of their thoughts through their eternal grunts and moans. Suddenly a genuine jolt of fear struck him as he was in the middle of battening down the hatches, when he looked down upon his left hand! Lit only by the moon light above, his flesh was transparent revealing the complete bone structure for all to see. There was no pain, nor odd feeling, just the ill fated knowledge that whatever was happening to his friends and the crew, was slowly happening to him.
Suddenly Mrs. Jest shouted out loud enough for all to hear , “They’re here!” as she pointed off deck to another ghost ship closing in off the bow. Covered in a hellish red and gold the ship was captained by none other than the accursed Barbossa, and manned by the assistance of the fish men and monsters of the nether realm. Before the Outlaws knew it, ‘The Soul Crusher’ as Barbossa called it, pulled along side the Grimm Venturer and in true pirate fashion, open fired. In seconds the thunderous roars echoed as cannonballs fired from both ships, filling the sea in a cloud of smoke and gun powder. But as James was reaching for his revolver, something in his blood boiled as Mrs. Jest began chanting Awekian psalms.In doing so she created a thin wall of mist that formed between the two ships, deflecting the incoming fire as if it was nothing. Immediately James thought to himself, “What a woman” as he took the brief moment to check out her backside. But one never to give up, Barbossa ordered his men to attack and together they aggressively swung across from one ship to another. With a quick . “…They be aboard us soon!!!” Tabitha alerted the Outlaws, and at the moment a fish man touched the Grimm Venturer,.....it was on!
“Find the treasure!!!”, Lord Barbossa ordered, as he landed on board with his crew, “Kill them all, except for ‘NoName’, I want him for myself!” With his eerie battle cry the Fish men attacked slashing away with their teeth and claws. In response the crew of the Grimm Venturer fought back, matching the sea creature with the same voracity they had, but with their accursed rapiers. But just as James was moving into fight, with his colt in one hand and his bowie knife in the other, he was ordered, “James, protect the treasure…” Reluctantly, he holstered his weapon and after a low level grunt, he raced back to the Captain’s Quarters. Along the way he wished his partners a kind, “Good Luck Guys!” as he burst through the doors. Realizing the best way to protect the treasure was to hide it, he snatched the chest up and looked under the bed. To his surprise there was already four chests resting there, each one overflowing with a kings ransom. Again he tries to hide the loot in the Captain’s closet, but as he opened the door he once again found two more resting there, right below Grey’s hanging clothes. It was then in the midst of all the chaos going on around him, James came up with a plan!?!
With a treasure chest firmly placed under his arm, he made his way back to the main deck, slightly winded from all the running. But at the moment he reached the stairs, the ship took a massive forty foot drop. Immediately he lost his footing as his body was tossed around like a rag doll. Tumbling over himself he rolled down the upstairs, bumping his head and elbows against everything in his way. At one point he was even convinced the ship was submerged under water, but even that would not be enough to stop him. Fighting his way forwards he eventually made it to the main deck, just in time to see the clouds parting. Once again the skies grew clearer giving off a more peaceful tone. To his delight there were no signs of the Soul Crusher, putting an end to his ill conceived plan, when suddenly he heard the sound of rustling on the side of the ship. Unrelenting, Lord Barbossa and his men were still alive, clinging onto the vessel clawing their way up. Waiting until the last moment, just when Barbossa set foot on the deck again, James raced to the side of the deck taking charge. Holding the treasure chest over his head ,for all to see, he locked eyes with the vile Barbossa and shouted, “You want the treasure so bad? THEN TAKE IT!!” With a hefty heave he tossed the chest overboard so that all eyes, human, fish, dead or cursed, could watch it sink fast, straight down to Davy Jones’s Locker. Immediately Barbossa let out a deep roar, more beast than human, and ordered everyone of his men to dive in after it.
Now vastly out numbered, Lord Barbossa stood on the deck looking back and forth between his sworn enemy and the treasure he so desperately needed, truly complexed over which he wanted more. Standing in a more human form representing a Spaniard in his prime, he cursed Grey with his final words before swimming after the treasure, “I swear on everything dark and demented, I will get you one day‘No Name’ !Know that! No matter where you go or what you do, It will be at my hands you will die!” With that said he dove over the mast, head first into the water and disappeared under the still softly rippling water. But at the moment all signs of him were gone, James turned to explain to his brother Outlaws what really happened. Expecting to see either shocked or angry eyes, he quickly puts all doubts to rest. “Don’t worry guys, that wasn’t the cursed treasure, I threw over, it’s still safe back in Grey’s chamber.” Bragging over his cleverness, he proudly goes on , “The one I threw over was one of Grey’s other chest.” Still patting himself on the back he continues, “But don’t worry I didn’t throw the treasure along with it, I left that spread out on top of your bed. I’m not an idiot!” But before he could either be praised or shouted at, he quickly informed whomever was at the wheel, “We should catch the wind and move fast now, for it won’t take long till Barbossadiscovers my little ruse.And between you and me, …..I don’t wont to be here when he does!”
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