Volume 2 Honoring Robin Chapter 5: The Guest of the Great Pirate Barbossa
The Caribbean Sea was a "hot land" during the Age of Discovery. The pursuit of interests, wealth and hegemony by all parties has made this rich sea a place of competition among various forces.
Colonists, navy, pirates, natives and even the last remnants of supernatural powers in this world have taken turns to appear in this sea. This chaos has lasted for hundreds of years, and it is foreseeable that it will continue until this barbaric and mysterious era comes to an end.
This is how the times should have progressed.
However, a sudden doomsday changed everything.
When the gentle land began to curse humanity, the cradle of the ocean once again opened its arms to the last survivors.
It's like the last drama before the end of civilization. It may be ugly and desperate, but it's definitely wonderful.
Turtle Island is where the curtain falls on this closing drama.
The first important character to appear is Barbossa, the former pirate king of the Caspian Sea and now the legendary pirate who roams the Caribbean.
Mason and Constantine stood on the dock after the fire raged last night. They and other islanders who came to watch the excitement looked out at the burning sea with the pirates and survivors.
The all-black Queen Anne's Revenge was heading towards Turtle Island in a "crushing everything" attitude.
The ships that were blocking the port were dodging in a hurry, and with thousands of sails competing, it seemed as if the entire ocean was making way for this sinister black ship.
It is not a solitary ship.
Barbossa apparently had his own fleet, with the flagship, the Vengeance, followed by four smaller ships.
But they followed their leader with the same skull and crossbones flag, and the cannons reflecting the cold light in the sun and the howling pirates seemed to declare the madmen's right to rule the sea.
Among the crowd around Mason, there were drunkards cheering loudly and pirates cursing fiercely. The number was about half and half. It seemed that Barbossa had a good reputation here.
It cannot be said that it is highly anticipated, but it has not fallen to the point of being despised by everyone.
"That ship is haunted by magic, dark magic, perhaps a voodoo spell that enhances it."
Behind Mason who was looking through the telescope, Zha Kang, who was smoking a pipe, had his hands in his trouser pockets. His playboy eyes had a slight green tint as he used magician's methods to examine the majestic warship.
But he also complained:
"This is not a ship at all, it is like a coffin floating on the sea, full of the smell of death. At least 300 people died tragically on it, and their souls were bound and became part of this coffin.
And the most amazing thing is that this sailing coffin is now in a ‘out of control’ state.”
"Out of control? Tell me more."
Mason put down the telescope, looked back at Zha Kang, and under the latter's surprised gaze, he took out a pack of unopened Silka cigarettes from his bag and handed it to him.
This action made the disgruntled Constantine snort.
But he did not reject Mason's kindness. After all, the pipe looked cool, but it was inferior to the silk cigarettes that had become a part of his life.
"Huh, baby, the soul is back."
Zha Kang unpacked the cigarette and put it in his mouth, then tilted his head and let Mason light it for him with his burning fingers. When he took a deep breath and used the filter to filter out the pure smoke that had tar, the black magician let out an exaggerated and comfortable moan.
Then, he slowly explained:
"I have not heard the story of this 'Barboza', but I am certain that this new captain does not know voodoo spells, and he cannot control the dark magic of this ship to his advantage.
To put it simply, he and his pirates just lived on it, but they were not the full owners of the ship. "
"The former captain of the Queen Anne's Revenge, 'Blackbeard' Teach, was a voodoo believer."
Mason picked up Old K's voodoo doll and waved it in front of Zha Kang's eyes, explaining:
“This thing was made by Teach for Old K. I suspect that Old K’s identity in this world is a crew member of that ship, or even one of the leaders on the ship.
But this doll became ineffective after Old K died."
"No, it lost its effect when that Teach died."
Zha Kang shook his head and corrected:
"Voodoo spells are very low-level in the magic circle. They are 'stitched' things based on shamanism, tribal witchcraft, human sacrifice and other outdated and backward things.
Although it looks sinister and evil, it actually means more of a threat.
Most voodoo items created by a spellcaster will immediately become ineffective after the spellcaster dies, unless another spellcaster 'awakens' them again."
"Then let me ask you a question, John."
Mason touched the voodoo doll and whispered:
"If we go on that ship, can you mobilize the dark magic that is uncontrolled?"
"I could, but why would I?"
Zha Kang threw the burnt cigarette butt on the ground and stomped on it. He stared at Mason and said:
"Look, Mason, we are incompatible in everything from our attitudes to our ways. You want to help these people, but I don't care whether they live or die.
The questioning just now was just the first disagreement between the two of us, and I think there will be many similar disagreements in the future."
"As long as the harvest is enough, all differences can be eliminated. Besides, isn't a pack of treasured cigarettes enough to heal the rift between us?"
Mason squinted his eyes and said:
"You can play cards on the same table with those hell demons who want to kill you, and chat and laugh with them, so why can't you forget the little unpleasantness we just had?"
"If you don't play with the creatures of Hell who have bad intentions towards you, you won't make a single friend in Hell."
Zha Kang curled his lips and waved his finger:
"But you are not a creature of Hell, Mason. You are a human being. You should hold yourself to a higher moral standard than the demons of Hell. To be honest, you are very dissatisfied with Old K forcing you to join the Star Society.
me too.
After you joined the team, you wanted to get rid of Lao K, and I do the same now.
You have placed a troublesome curse upon me without my having any part in it."
This guy finally spoke out what was hidden deep in his heart beneath his nonchalant appearance.
This is good.
Opening your heart is the first step to making friends.
Facing his accusation, Mason blinked and asked back:
"So if I asked you in advance, would you be willing to join my team with a peaceful smile, John?"
"Of course not! I will give you a middle finger and then walk away to hide in the dark, laughing at your naivety and stupidity, and looking forward to watching you being tortured to death by that curse."
The black magician snorted, picked up his second cigarette, and smoothed his messy hair. He said:
"But now that things have come to this, there is nothing more to say. You have successfully turned your trouble into our trouble. It is not as easy as you think to solve it.
Mason, it's easy for me to pretend that our little rift never happened.
But forget about making friends.
I don't have a single friend in my life.
All the people I call "friends" are guys who can be used by me. Of course, Xiao Zha doesn't count, that woman is a mystery..."
"I understand what you mean. We cooperate to survive based on common interests. The identities of team members are the boundaries of our relationship."
Mason nodded.
Seeing the huge wall-like shadow of the Queen Anne's Revenge slowly approaching the shore, he adjusted his gray windbreaker, unbuttoned the first button of his shirt, and hung out the Cat School badge hanging around his neck.
He said:
"Come on, let's go meet Barbossa."
Zha Kang had no objection to this, still holding a cigarette with his hands in his pockets. When the two of them walked out of the crowd, Mason suddenly whispered:
"I have a friend in London who I know but who doesn't know me yet..."
"Then what?"
Zha Kang asked casually, and Mason shrugged and said:
"Nothing, I'll just tell you something. I have a friend in London, he's a taxi driver, his real name is Chas Chandler."
"boom"
Zha Kang's hands clenched into fists in an instant. He bit the cigarette, and sparks flew out of his nostrils. He said to Mason:
"Stay away from Chase! This is between the two of us, don't involve him!"
"For a loner who claims to have no friends, your reaction is beyond imagination."
Mason looked at the magician with anger in his eyes and explained:
"I don't mean to threaten you, I just want to tell you the truth, John. I know you better than you think. I can use Chase to force you to join us from the beginning. I know this is the most effective way.
But I didn't do that.
I kept this secret for you."
"Then I really want to thank you."
Zha Kang watched Mason walk towards the Queen Anne's Revenge moored at the pier under the gaze of the crowd, and heard this young man, who was becoming more and more mysterious in his eyes, say:
"After this is over, we have to go to Hogwarts. There is an ancient magic called 'Blood Contract', and all members of Team K must complete this magic.
I believe that our blood connection will prevent us from having such disagreements that are detrimental to everyone.
As for your dissatisfaction, John, I will try to make up for it.
give me sometime."
"You! Don't come near! The great Captain Barbossa is about to disembark! He has no interest in talking to third-rate pirates, so get out of here!"
As the two men walked onto the dock, the pirates from Barbossa's faction jumped down the gangway, brandishing their swords and guns and shouting loudly.
There were also a few tall and strong black guys wearing only the simplest tribal war skirts and holding huge weapons, who walked out with stiff steps and stood in front of Mason and Zha Kang.
"Voodoo corpse."
Looking at those black guys with pale eyes and stiff movements, Zha Kang put his hands in his pockets and said coldly:
"The most famous thing of Voodoo, the real living dead. These ones look very advanced, but your bullets may not be able to penetrate their skin strengthened by voodoo."
"But you can control them, right?"
Mason coughed, raised the voodoo doll in his hand, and said to Zha Kang:
"Don't be so cross, John, I promise to get you something to please you later, come and show them your skill.
Zha Kang snorted and took off the "casting tool" from the corner of his mouth.
As his fingers flicked, the scattered ashes turned into flying sparks, and the hideous and gloomy voodoo corpses dropped their weapons, holding their heads and letting out shrill screams that no living person could ever make.
The noise startled the pirates under Barbossa.
This was the first time they had seen such a strong reaction from the voodoo corpse, their "secret weapon," since they had occupied the legendary battleship.
"Shame on Barbossa for robbing Teach's ship and shamelessly claiming it as his own, like a thief taking something without warning! The old sea dog thought that no one could punish him now that Teach was dead.
But he doesn't know that Blackbeard has many friends!"
Mason held up the voodoo doll and said coldly to the panicked pirates:
"I'll give you ten seconds. Get out of here, you bastards! This is between me and Barbossa. Are you sure you want to get involved?"
The superstitious pirates were immediately stunned by the scene before them.
But before they could think about it, Zha Kang, who had already seized control of the voodoo corpse, snapped his fingers lightly.
The roaring voodoo corpses calmed down again, picked up heavy and hideous weapons from the ground, but no longer aimed them at Mason. Instead, they turned around and swung them to knock the pirates to the ground without warning.
A few unlucky ones were even hit by the rusty anchor and thrown into the sea.
This sudden change caused the islanders and pirates who were watching the excitement on the dock at the rear to exclaim in unison, and those who were watching for fun immediately began to brag to their companions about the identities of the two "wizard masters" over a glass of cheap rum.
This group of the most boastful guys made up all kinds of fantasies.
Soon the grapevine spread around the docks that Blackbeard's good friends had come to seek justice for the dead and recapture the Queen Anne's Revenge.
Everyone knew that something big was going to happen today, so no one would leave at this time.
The fun is right in front of you, it would be a shame not to take a look!
"enough!"
Just as the voodoo corpses on the ship began to lose control one after another and marched stiffly on the deck to chase the terrified pirates, the door of the captain's room, which had been locked, was kicked open.
An old man wearing a gorgeous naval commander's uniform, a black pirate tricorn hat, a funny curly wig and sprayed a lot of perfume in an attempt to create a "noble and upper-class persona" angrily drew out the strange sword at his waist.
He dragged his wooden leg and looked at the chaotic deck in front of him, then swung the sword in his hand fiercely.
The next moment, all the cables on the black ship began to move as if they were given life. The thick ropes snaked across the deck like poisonous snakes, quickly grabbing the legs of everyone on the ship and lifting them into the air.
In just a few seconds, the chaotic deck returned to calm as the old man swung his sword.
Several guys who looked like pirate commanders came over and told the big pirate Barbossa what happened at the dock.
The latter's face turned ugly the moment he heard the visitor claiming to be "Blackbeard's close friend". But this cunning guy would not admit defeat, nor would he give away his ship casually.
He thought for nearly half a minute with a gloomy face, and shouted to the lackeys beside him:
"What are you standing there for? Let's lower the planks and welcome our distinguished guests aboard! Go get the best rum from the cellar and ask the chef to prepare a decent lunch.
correct.
Then go and release the musicians imprisoned in the bottom cabin, change them into nice clothes and let them perform!
And where is my most caring first mate?"
"Well, Captain, you locked her up in the hold a few days ago because the first mate tried to poison you. She has been starving for several days and is about to die.
Fortunately you didn't allow the brothers to touch her, otherwise she would have been finished by now."
A lackey whispered something, which embarrassed Barbossa, who was old and had a bad memory, but the guy quickly kicked the lackey and cursed:
"Then why don't you quickly release my first mate and let the maid change her into nice clothes..."
Barbossa smiled strangely, with a few large golden teeth flashing from under his messy golden beard. He sheathed the black sword, flicked his fingers and said:
"Her father's friends are here, maybe she can help me entertain these 'distinguished guests'. By the way, haven't the damn Jack and his Black Pearl shown up yet?
What about the fleets of other pirate kings?
Where are they?"
On the other side, under the awe-struck gaze of a group of terrified pirates, Mason, escorted by several mutinous voodoo corpses, strode onto the shaky deck.
Constantine behind him looked around at the voodoo warship and whispered:
"I know a guy who's got a lot of power in New York. He'll do whatever it takes to get this ship. It's a complete voodoo curse."
"Patience, John."
Mason looked at the open captain's cabin in front of him and responded in a low voice:
“There will always be a chance.”
