(Normal pov— On board the Chimera)

Sinbad was steering his ship out in the North Pacific Ocean, he had ensured his ship was carrying enough provisions, water and supplies to last for quite some time, because China was a long journey from Dragon's Edge and it was imperative that they reach Ching Shih at the soonest opportunity. The captain of the Chimera smirked slightly at the sight of his dog Spike chasing one of his crew members because he was munching down on several strips of jerky strips.

"Captain?"

Turning to his left, Sinbad smiled lightly at the sight of his African quarter master— Kale. Like many of his people, Kale too was a former slave, but Sinbad and Marina freed him and handfuls of slaves that worked a sugar plantation at the Boston colonies.

"Kale. How can I be of service?" Sinbad asked as he continued steering his ship, the Chimera's quarter master then spoke what was on his mind. "Do actually think Harper has a chance at swaying Darius to join this war? No disrespect, since you and Marina practically raised him, but... Darius isn't exactly an easy one to do business with, considering his animalistic reputation." Humming in agreement at Kale's words, Sinbad then looked into his quarter masters eyes and smirked. "Rest your mind my friend, Harper's mind is sharper than any sword, and when that lad sets his mind onto something? There's nothing that'll stand in his way."

"Aye, I'll not disagree with you on that point." Kale said, he then licked his lips and shook his head slightly. "But what if Darius turns down this call to war? His support is critical to our cause, we all know this. So I ask again, what is Darius turns down this call to war?" Sighing heavily, Sinbad pursed his lips in thought, they all know of Darius's reputation for being... unreasonable at times, but to reject a war that threatens to tear down everything he has built— the wealth he has gathered, the men and women who've joined him or under his command and the fleet he has amassed.

Thats just insanity.

"Well... if Darius does in fact run away from a fight like this? Then I'd wager he and his warlords would engage in a civil war with each other; lines will be drawn, blood would spilled and crews would go their separate ways, eventually getting killed by the British forces en route the Bahamas or because of their own stupidity." Sinbad said, he then turned to Kale and looked his quarter master in the eyes and concluded. "Our survival rests on Harper's shoulders. And I have absolute faith in the lad. Like I said earlier, when he sets his mind to something? There's nothing that'll stand in his way to seeing that desire or goal come to pass."

(Harper's pov)

As we stood on the beach, I was preparing myself for this duel against Darius, those who sailed beneath Bludvist's command and that of his warlords had all gathered to bare witness to this fight, all of them were placing wagers on how long I'd last in this fight for control over Darius's pirate regime. Looking to the hulking pirate himself, I saw him remove a prosthetic arm where his left arm ought to be, the prosthetic arm itself is as big as his right arm, but even though he only had one good arm? I'd be a fool to underestimate him.

Sighing heavily, I removed my black leather jacket and handed it over to Flint as I took one of my flintlock pistols that was tucked behind my back and ensured it was loaded, it was. I then pulled out Inferno that was strapped to my belt, this weapon belonged to a Viking ancestor of mine called Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, my Norwegian ancestor claims that actually fire breathing dragons existed during his time and that Inferno wasn't just a weapon, but it was a tool to make aggressive dragons docile and calm.

"You can't win."

Turning around, I laid eyes on a legendary pirate war chief from Africa, who goes by the name of Black Caesar. Not only did he supposedly possess the strength of ten men, but he once serve beneath the legendary Edward Teach, he's also intelligent and he stood as a son to Darius, his supposed heir to this entire pirate regime.

"I admire your opinion Caesar." I say sarcastically, the ferocious pirate approached me and then crossed his arms across his chest and nodded at me. "Still, no man has openly challenged Darius like this before, so whatever the circumstances this day? You have earned my respect." I look into Caesar's brown eyes and nod at him in thanks. Licking his lips, Caesar turns to Darius to see his captain take hold of a bull hook that once belonged to his ancestors, Bludvist twirled the weapon in his hand expertly and then proceeded to stab the bull hook in the sand and continued his preparation.

Turning back to me, Caesar nudged me and then raised an eyebrow. "Are you certain this course of action is what you want? All to engage in a war that will almost certainly end piracy forever?" I release a heavy sigh and finish my preparations, turning back to Caesar, I look into his eyes and nod firmly. "England took everything from me. And I will see to it that return the favor, even if I have to die trying." stroking his chin, Caesar then nodded lightly and then completely surprised me. "If you lose and Darius lets you leave here with your life? Me and my crew will sail with you." Surprise and shock rose within me and I turned to the pirate war chief and cocked my head slightly. "You stand as Darius's heir to this regime, you do not wish to claim it?" Snickering lightly, Caesar shrugged and answered. "We've been on Haiti for quite some time now and Darius has forbid us from setting sail and claiming a prize of any kind. My place is at sea, many of my men feel this way as well and wish to leave Haiti."

Stepping closer to Caesar, I murmur to him. "I don't imagine Darius will take that well." Barking out a laugh, the African war chief nodded in agreement. "No doubt. However, I am a free man and I can go wherever I please. If I want to leave Haiti? Who will stand in my way?" Caesar leaned close to me and murmured. "Your fire, your lust to see England and Spain burn and what you do for my people? They are all traits and reasons why I respect you so much Harper Haddock. And as I said earlier, should you lose and Darius lets leave here alive? Me and my crew will leave Haiti and take part of the fight you wish to engage in." He then extended his arm out towards me, looking down at his arm, I then look into Caesar's brown eyes and grasp his forearm, both of us gripping each others forearms firmly. The African war chief then went his separate way and left me to finish preparing for this duel.

"What was that?"

Turning around, I laid eyes on Madison, she was dressed in a simple black tunic, black leather pants and boots. She wore a golden arm ring that glistened in the morning sun as did the gold engraved in her sheeted katana. Clicking my tongue, I reply to my ally. "Black Caesar said that he's willing to pledge himself and his crew to our war against England, that is if Darius defeats me and allows me to leave this place with my life." Quickly closing the distance between us, Madison grasped both my hands in hers and gave me a pleading look. "Please, don't do this." Turning around fully to her, I gently squeeze her hands and shrug. "We need the manpower and firepower Darius possess. He's letting an army of hardened and strong pirates rot away here! He's wasting away their lives on land when we should all be gathering together and uniting to defeat those who wish to see us eradicated!"

Casting her eyes down at our intertwined hands, Madison lifts both our hands up and kisses my knuckles, causing me to flush lightly and calm my rapidly beating heart that thunders in excitement. Looking back into my eyes, Madison purses her lips before speaking once more. "These last few days... getting to know you? Becoming your friend? Th-They've been some of the best days of my life Harper." Her tone was dripping with emotion, squeezing my hands a little tighter, she continues. "Just being with you? Its been of great comfort to me; helping me forget about awful memories from my past and the horrors I faced in England. When I look at you Harper? I... I see myself— a survivor."

"Madison—"

"Let me finish please." She said firmly, causing me to shut my mouth and return my attention to her heart felt confession. "I know that I'm ten years older than you, but... I am madly and pathetically attracted you." My heart leapt with joy, because I felt the some way towards her as well, but I could tell her that later. "Your compassion towards the African people to see them free and far away from the darkness of slavery, your determination to see two great empires burn for taking so much away from us and those who sail beneath the black, your humor and... your devilishly good looks make my knees weak." I could see her cheeks were beat red and I smiled at the sight, she thought she sounded utterly ridiculous.

Far from it to me.

"I'd understand if you don't feel the same way about me. Just some woman you've met days ago who is already utterly attracted to you. I simply wanted to inform you of my fe—"

Before Madison could utter another word, I grabbed her curvy hips and pulled her into a deep kiss, causing her to gasp against my lips, however she soon relaxed and kissed me back. She wrapped her arms around my neck and I pulled her closer to me, unfortunately the lack of air became urgent and we withdrew from our kiss. Looking into Madison's eyes, I could see her pupils were dilated and a smile forming across her lips, leaning close to her ear, I then murmur. "I'm utterly attracted to you as well." Withdrawing from where I whispered in her ear, she smiles at me and licks her lips before looking down, but I gently cup her cheek and speak reassuring words. "Hey, I don't care if you're ten years older than me. I find your capability to lead your men, your strength, your personality and your courage very attractive and I feel the same way you feel towards me."

Before Madison could speak, my vanguard approached and Sean cleared his throat. "Captain, this fight is about to begin. Are you ready?" I then squeeze Madison's hands in reassurance that I don't care about our age gap and that I feel the same way towards her, I smiled when her response was a warm smile and nod. Turning to Sean and my men, I nod at the stocky Jorgenson. "Aye Snotlout, I'm ready. Ready as I'll ever be." I murmured the last bit to myself, Flint cast a look at Darius to see the hulking pirate warlord drawing out his sword, twirling in his hand expertly and then sheathed it.

"He's not going to be screwing around here Harper." Flint stated, he then approached me and raised his eyebrows in question. "How do you plan on defeating a legend to take control of his regime?" I smirk at Flint's question and shrug. "I guess you'll just have to wait and see, now won't you?" Eli then stepped up and cleared his throat. "I agree with Flint captain, this isn't something to be taken lightly. We cannot afford to lose one of the most notorious pirates in the West Indies. You're not only a bloody smart, but if all pirates do decide to rally to you? You will need to be the head of the pirate forces in the Bahamas. Without you? Our defeat is sure. We cannot fight this war if you're dead!"

"Yeah... not only that but you make us laugh during some difficult times." Timothy added, the male twin smiled at me and nodded. "You're not only vital to this fight ahead of us captain, but you've been a great friend."

"Absolutely!" Rachel added. "You've been there for all of us and... it would feel as if the world lost its color if we lost you Harper."

Turning to Madison, she too speaks her mind. "Now that we've confessed how we feel about each other? I fear for your life, more than ever." Before I can reassure my friends and Madison's fears, Krogan approached us. "When you are ready Captain Harper, we may begin this fight." Nodding at Darius's right hand man, I turn back to my friends and Madison and shrug at them.

"Wish me luck."

A/N: Alright, the fight is going to be the next chapter, I just need time to write it That and I've been crazy busy with work and Christmas shopping and all that real life stuff. How're you guys enjoying the story so far? Please be sure to leave some feedback, I feel like this story is dead and y'all aren't into it, but I know better. Anyway, I'll catch y'all in the next chapter.