Raephier couldn't believe how quickly his life had turned around. Although he had to acknowledge that he should be getting used to it by now. He tried to persuade himself that things weren't that bad. Afterall, Jacob's men may have put him back in the cage, but they were not hurting him in any way. They didn't even say cruel things. They just left him alone, feeding him three times a day, and allowing him out of his cage for an hour just after sundown. But despite the fact he'd been in far worse places, he couldn't help but feel wretched.

The last time he had found himself enslaved, he had nothing to think about but himself, and after what he had done, he honestly felt that he deserved what he got. But this time he had something else to think and worry about. He had Jacob. And not knowing what had happened to him was a far worse torture than anything he had gone through before.

Raephier had been on enough ships to know how things worked. And he knew that Jacob was no longer Captain of this ship. He'd never been onboard a ship where the Captain had been torn off his post, but he'd heard enough stories to know that sometimes a previous Captain was left stranded on a desert island, or even worse, just tossed out to sea.

For the first two days, everytime someone had come into the hold where Raephier was being kept, he would ask them about Jacob and whether he was ok, but he never got an answer. It was usually Pete or James who gave him his food. Pete would remain stoney faced and not give anything away. James looked more torn, and Raephier was sure he was close to cracking and telling him something.

Worrying about Jacob only had one benefit to it. It meant that he didn't focus on the apology that Jacob gave just before they were parted. At the time Raephier had felt the bottom drop out of his stomach at the idea that Jacob thought kissing him was a mistake. He suddenly got an insight into how Chloe had felt after his rejection and it hurt more than he would have thought possible.

But after the fall out from the kiss, Raephier began to wonder whether Jacob's apology was simply for the aftermath he knew they both would face after being caught in the act. It ultimately still meant that Jacob regretted the kiss, but at least it was only due to circumstance rather than his feelings for Raephier.

That had led to Raephier pondering over whether he regretted the kiss. Even though he was now cold, alone and mostly kept in the dark, he still couldn't bring himself to regret it. The only thing that would make him regret it is if something happened to Jacob because of it.

The days and nights should have been unbearable to Raephier after being used to company, but he found himself using the memory of that kiss to pull him through the dark moments and give him something positive to focus on.

It was on his third day in the hold that he was woken to the sound of shouting, followed by the now unmistakable sound of cannon fire. Raephier cowered in his cage throwing his blanket over his head as if it would protect him.

A loud shout of "Fire in the hole," came from somewhere above him and then there was the loudest BOOM that Raephier had ever heard. He clutched his hands tightly over his ears, but it was too little too late as his ears were already screaming at him.

Raephier could do nothing but wait. The tension was unbearable. He was sure that he'd heard some cannon balls wizz past, narrowly missing the ship, and several more shots had also been fired from their cannon, which Raephier deduced must have been on the next deck up, right above where he was. At least he understood the shouted warning now so was able to protect his ears a little.

It was several hours later that the door to the hold finally opened and he peeped out of his blanket to see Pete and James coming down towards him.

"Raephier!" James shouted urgently.

It was the first time that he'd been addressed by his name since he'd been down here and he couldn't help but peer out of his blanket in curiosity.

"Raephier," James repeated again, coming right up to the cage and gripping onto the bars. "You need to help us! We're surrounded."

Raephier blinked at them, still trying to become accustomed to the light that was streaming in through the door.

"Surrounded by what?" Raephier asked.

"Pirates," Pete replied.

Raephier remained silent, so James continued.

"We've had to surrender or we'd lose the ship and we can't afford that. But they'll take everything! They always do this! We can't start again, we haven't time. Our people will die!"

Raephier still remained silent, his mind racing.

"I haven't time for this," Pete grumbled before heading back out. "Hide what you can!" he shouted as he stepped back onto the deck.

"Please Raephier!" James pleaded, bringing Raephier's attention back to the man in front of him.

"I can't," Raephier said quietly, and for the first time in his life there was slight regret at those words.

"Why not?" James asked. "Is it because you don't like the idea of killing anyone? I get that, I really do, but if you don't do this, loads more people will die. Please Raephier, please?"

Raephier really wanted to help, he did, but he also made a promise.

"I made a promise that I would never use my abilities again, and I intend to keep that promise," he said looking everywhere but at James.

Raephier was waiting for the inevitable anger that would come, followed by insults and belittling that he was so used to.

James hung his head in defeat. And to Raephier's surprise he muttered, "Ok, I understand," and then stood up and began to walk away.

James's hunched shoulders and general defeated manner made something break inside Raephier. Was he wrong to refuse to help? Was there ever an acceptable time to kill someone?

For the first time since he'd made the promise to his King years ago, he began to question the logic of his promise. He'd initially promised his King that he would never use his ability again in an attempt to be spared from punishment. But that hadn't worked. And his King was not his King anymore. He hadn't been since the day he banished him. But that promise wasn't the only reason why he never sang. The other reason was because he'd made another promise, to someone who meant everything to him. He made a promise to Jas that he would never do to someone what he did to him. Jas may have already been gone when he made the promise, but his soul was still inside Raephier, reminding him everyday of what he did.

But he'd never really considered the idea that he might have been able to use his power in a positive way. To save lives rather than take them. Was he now just using the promise as an excuse? He had the ability to wipe out all the pirates and let Pete take the much needed supplies to their home. A home that just a few days ago Raephier had been desperate to see.

And what about Jacob? If Raephier used his powers would he get his Captaincy back?

The noises seemed to be getting more frantic above and Raephier couldn't help but wonder what was going on.

A short while later, Pete appeared again. This time to Raephier's shock, he unlocked his cage.

"What's happening?" Raephier asked.

Pete had hold of his cutlass in one hand, but he didn't seem to be using it in a threatening manner.

"We're about to be boarded by the pirates. Every other time they've done this, they've more or less left us alone, but they took all our cargo. If I leave you down here in this cage, it's not going to take long for them to figure out what you are and take you too."

"So where are you taking me?" Raephier asked.

"I guess that's up to you," Pete replied. "Pirates are unpredictable and just because they haven't attacked us before, doesn't mean they won't this time. I've heard enough stories where Pirates kill every sailor who refuses to sail under the Jolly Roger. Here," Pete said, producing a dagger from his belt and holding it out for Raephier.

"W-What?" Raephier asked, almost recoiling away from the blade.

"I know you don't want to use your powers, but are you willing to use a blade? I'm not saying you'll have to use it. Hell, I hope you don't. But none of my men will be left with no protection just incase. Same goes for you."

Raephier shakily took hold of the dagger.

"Follow me," Pete said, leading Raephier out of the hold and up onto the main deck.

The first thing that Raephier noticed was the giant Galleon ship, not more than 100 yards from their own. His gaze was torn away when he felt someone nudging his arm.

"Here, take these," Tyler said beside him, thrusting a coat and hat into his hands.

"Try to blend in," were Pete's parting words before he disappeared.

Raephier put on the coat and hat, all the while looking round to see if he could see Jacob. There was a flurry of activity all around him, and he felt a need to move about just to look busy.

He spotted young Gabriel and grabbed hold of his arm.

"Gabriel do you know where Jacob is?" he asked.

Gabriel stared wide eyed at Raephier, then glance around nervously before dragging Raephier behind some rigging.

"What are you doing out?" he asked in a loud whisper.

"Pete let me out," Raephier said hesitantly. He'd assumed up to that point that everyone had agreed to let him out, but he was now beginning to wonder if that was actually true.

"Jacob's fine," Gabriel replied. "They locked him in his room, but I think Pete is in with him now."

"Is he ok? Did they hurt him?" Raephier asked.

Gabriel chuckled.

"Hurt the Capt...I mean Jacob? Not a chance. Pete's like his brother."

"EVERYONE ON DECK NOW" came Pete's booming voice, and Gabriel scrambled away to join the rest of the men who were lining up in front of Pete.

Raephier could see that every one of them had a sword tucked into their belt and realised that he was the only one actually holding his weapon so he quickly tucked it into the top of his trousers and went to join the men.

Having now realised that his freedom might not have been agreed by everyone, he kept his hat low and his eyes down so as to try not to draw attention. He had a feeling it wasn't working though as he felt eyes upon him.

Within seconds Raephier heard the sound of heavy boots thudding onto the deck and looked up briefly to see Pirates swinging across from their ship and landing in front of them. Raephier quickly averted his eyes again, not wanting to get their notice.

"CHECK THE HOLD," came the barked order from one Pirate to another. There was the scuffling of feet as several pirates ran off to where Raephier had been for the last few days. He was suddenly immensely glad that Pete had let him out.

Just a minute later they were back, giving a run down of all the cargo in the hold.

"START UNLOADING" came the barked reply, and Raephier felt the collective sigh of defeat come from the crew around him.

He risked a quick glance at the crew and saw Gabriel staring at the pirates with wide eyed fear, he saw James trying to discreetly wipe away a tear that was rolling down his cheek, and he saw Pete glaring, his jaw clenched tight.

They stood there watching as box after box of cargo was brought out of the hold and winched across to the neighbouring galleon. Raephier wasn't sure what was in the boxes, but he felt the shoulder of the sailors at his side slump further with each box that left their ship. It was heartbreaking.

"That's everything Bones," came a call from the hold.

The name Bones jolted something inside Raephier. He'd heard that name before. For the first time since he'd been stood on deck, he took a proper look at the Galleon next to Jacob's. His breath caught in his throat as he took in the oak wood design, the missing piece of rail on the stern, the sail with a rip in the bottom corner, and the name of the ship carved into a plaque on the hull - DEVIL'S DESPAIR. The only thing that was missing was....

"Well what do we have here?" came a gravelly voice that literally took Raephier's breath away.

"Jinx," Pete said firmly, totally unaware of the effect just the utterance of that name had upon the Siren. "I hope you honour our agreement."

"Hmmm," Jinx hummed, walking up and down the line of sailors. Raephier quickly dropped his gaze wishing with all his might that he would turn invisible.

"You see the thing is," Jinx began, his tone goading, "I think this is the poorest haul yet and so I feel as though I should take something else for compensation, don't you think?"

Raephier's heart was thumping so hard he could barely hear what was being said, but he didn't miss the way the men tensed up as though they were getting ready for something.

"We had an agreement," Pete growled.

"I seem to remember making an agreement with the last Captain, and seen as he's no longer here, I think that deal is dead and buried, just like you'll be if you don't give me what I want."

Raephier knew Jinx well enough to know that this was not going to end well. Jinx always got his way. And he wasn't opposed to using violence to get it. In fact Raephier would say the more violent, the better as far as Jinx was concerned.

"BONES!" Jinx shouted. "Remember I said I'd get you a present? Well come and take your pick!"

Bones walked over while Jinx cackled with laughter.

"No! You're not having any of my crew!" Pete barked and he drew out his cutlass from his belt.

Within seconds everyone's swords were drawn but also more pirates poured onto the ship, surrounding the men, some were holding swords, some had pistols.

"I wouldn't if I were you," Jinx said in a sing song voice. "I don't mind a fight. In fact, my men have been desperate for the taste of blood, but you do realise that you're going to come off a lot worse than us. Is it really worth all that bloodshed just for one member of your crew?"

Raephier took a glimpse at Pete and could tell he was torn. How were you supposed to make that decision?

In the end, he nodded, and put his cutlass back in his belt. The other men followed suit.

Bones made his way forward scanning the men as he passed. Bones was a brute of a man and Raephier remembered him well. He would often stare at Raephier's body with a kind of hunger in his eyes that made him feel incredibly uncomfortable. Thankfully he feared Raephier's powers enough that he never touched him. Others were less fortunate. He knew Bones well enough to know what he liked. He liked them young and fresh looking.

Raephier kept his head bent low then slowly shape-shifted to make himself look much older and more haggard. He also changed his eye colour from piercing blue to a deep brown.

He felt himself hold his breath as Bones walked past, and as he had hoped, he didn't even spare him a second glance. The relief was immense.

But it was only short lived as he stopped further down the line, reached put his hand and grabbed hold of young Gabriel.

"Get off me!" Gabriel spat as he was wrestled into the much larger man's grip.

"Good choice," Jinx shouted.

"I'm going to be having myself a good night tonight!" Bones said back.

"NO!!!" came a loud shout from somewhere near Raephier.

It was only when everyone turned to look at him that Raephier realised that it was him who had shouted. He'd also taken a step forward drawing attention to himself so there was no going back.

"You can't let him take him!" Raephier shouted. "Do you know what he'll do to him? I do! And you can't let him take him, you can't!"

In the seconds that everyone's eyes were on Raephier, James whipped out his sword and thrust it into the ribs of the pirate behind him.

Then all hell broke loose.



A/N I apologise for the delay in publishing this week. My laptop died and I've had to send it away for servicing. Thankfully this chapter was nearly completed so I managed to finish it on a tablet. However I will be without it for another week, so there may be no update next week. Sorry!!!