The Sin of Innocence 5

The crew gathered in a circle at the main deck, discussing. Everyone was present, including Axel, who arrived late because of Durxante. The captain showed them the map and pointed at the island they're in.

"If I am not mistaken," the captain said. "They call this island Naxos Island..."

"What are we goin' to do here?" Fleton asked.

"Let's try to find a loose bounty h're," he replied as he dug his pockets with his hands, searching for something. "We have taken no jobs fo' days"

He searched for a minute before realizing that there's nothing inside his pocket, except for alcohol bottle caps.

"Wait, where's za damned bounty list?" he asked.

"Umm… Captain? You threw the list away when you were three sheets to the wind," Fleton replied.

"Blimey! How come?!" he said in surprise.

The captain took a deep breath and shook his head.

"*Ahem!* Anyway, let's go," he commanded his men as he moved forward closer to the edge, "We shall ask for the bounty list at the nearest tavern."

"Wait, captain. What do we bring with us? Flintlocks? Cutlasses? Torches—?" a crew asked.

"Are ya nuts?!" the captain scolded the crew aloud, "We aren't here to raid! We are here to dine and capture an easy bounty! Just bring a cutlass for each of you and never forget: Our spending coins!"

There weren't many ships docked at the harbor at the moment. Only small fisherman ships and merchant boats lined at the harbor. The water was calm and the sounds of seagulls filled the silence.

The street was quiet with only a few people there. The people looked distressed about something as they kept glancing around in a visible fear. There were two men in their early 20s carrying a big chest with them.

"H-How many left?" the first man asked.

"Just... One more—!" the second replied.

When the crew got down, the people ran away, hiding. They were afraid of them because of their intimidating and pirate-esque apparel.

The lads were also afraid that they scurried away, leaving their items behind when they saw the crew. One of them jumped and fell in shock while screaming out loud. The captain walked to them.

"God have mercy upon us!" the first shouted. "Pirates!"

"Run for your life!" the second man screamed as he helped his friend to stand and run.

Before they got away, the captain held both of their shoulders, preventing them from moving.

"Hold up!" he said.

They tried to struggle, but the captain's grips were stronger.

"Please release me!" the fist begged, "I have a sick mother! If something happens to me, then who will take care of her—?"

"Blimey! Chill! We aren't goin' to h'rt anyone!" the captain ensured.

"L-Liar! Why are your men preparing their cutlasses then?!" the second man said, doubting the captain as he pointed to the crew.

"What?" the captain said as he looked back.

The crew were all ready and armed with their weapons except for Axel. The captain frowned at them in silence. He took a deep breath before he scolded them as loud as his lungs allowed.

"You all fool son of a cow milker!" he bellowed as his face turned red from anger, "What kind of bloody act were ye all thinkin', ya son of biscuit eat'r?! Sheathe yer weapons at once ya all son of a steam-blower before I sink ye all myself!"

The crew sheathed their weapons and Captain Goldteeth let the lads go.

"See? We do no harm," the captain said.

"Who are you," the first asked.

"*Ahem!* We are what we are," he replied. "The one and only Abyss Walker—"

Both of the lads opened their eyes wide as they couldn't believe what they just heard.

"Wait, you are THAT Abyss Walker?!" the first asked.

"Does my face look like a liar's?" the captain asked back.

Hopes filled their eyes, and joy overflowed in their heart as they started jumping and dancing like a person who just won a lottery.

"Finally, Naxos Island will be safe!" they both shouted in joy.

Captain Goldteeth watched them in silence.

"Can ye both shut up?!" he said.

The men stopped dancing as their faces turned red from embarrassment.

"Sorry for that," the second said.

"Anyway, where's the best place to eat steak and drink rum here?" Captain Goldteeth asked.

"We're bar workers," the first said. "We can take you there."

The lads carried their belongings, two enormous chests, and two barrels containing rum. They lead the way for the crew to the bar.

As the crew walked, they scared the townspeople. The townspeople prepared their weapons and others hid their children out of fear. The crew ignored them and continued their walk to the bar.

They reached the bar close to the harbor. It's a plain medium-sized bar, enough to fit over 20 people. The bar was noisy because of the customers, but when the crew arrived, they all went silent. The crew's arrival at the bar scared them.

"It's okay. They are not pirates!" the lads informed aloud to calm the situation.

It was not enough to convince them as the customers still stood with their weapons ready. The captain cleared his throat and moved forward.

"Ya all heard him loud and clear, don't ya?!" the captain shouted, "*AHEM!* We just want some rum not raiding yer coins so chill out!"

Everyone sat down, continuing their own business while still suspicious of the crew, while the scared customers left their bills on the table and left the bar. The crew filled all the empty seats. Captain Goldteeth sat between Fleton and Axel.

"Bring us some grilled chickens and steaks! Don't forget the rums too!" the captain ordered.

Axel seemed concerned about something. He's been silent when he got down from the street.

"Why do they fear us?" he thought.

"Um, Captain?" Axel called.

"What is it, Lil Axey?" he replied. "Ye want to drink?"

Axel squinted his eyes with a tired expression, traumatized by the damned liquid.

"No, not that!"

"Then?"

"Those people... Why are they afraid of us?"

"Who knows?" he replied as he shook his head. "Maybe they're traumatized."

"And... One more thing."

"'Es?"

"Should we... Let our prisoner out?"

The captain thought for a moment; He shook his head, disagreeing with Axel.

"Nah, there's no need!" he replied. "That son of a bottom feeder is good for nothin' here!"

Axel understood as he nodded and kept silent. Captain Goldteeth looked at Fleton and patted his back.

"Fleton!" he called, "Bring me the bounty list, the newest one!"

"Oh. Okay. As you wish, Captain."

Fleton stood and went to the bulletin board near the entrance. The bulletin boards had popular news, work requests, and bounty papers.

"What is he doing right now?" Axel thought.

Meanwhile, inside the ship, on the lower deck where Durxante was in. Five minutes after the crew got down to Naxos Island.

Durxante sat in silence in his cell, waiting. He later noticed the ship stopped somewhere, probably on an island, on a harbor, judging by the sound of seagulls. He heard nothing on the main deck either.

"Looks like there's no one here," he thought as he stood.

He opened his cell and sneaked around like a thief, trying to make little to no noise. He opened the door and checked the mess hall; no one was there. He sneaked to the main deck and looked through the keyhole; the main deck was empty. He opened the door and fresh air blew into his face.

"Fresh air at last!" he thought as he smiled out of relief. "I have enough smelling that stench of Sheol down there!"

He paced and laid on the ground, staring at the cloudy sky.

"I haven't seen the sun for days!" he thought as he looked at birds passing by.

"What a beautiful—! *Ahem!"

Durxante felt his throat dry; He was thirsty.

"I want to drink something good!" Durxante thought as he scratched his neck.

He stood and went to the captain's quarter to find a drink.

"Is there anything good?"

He opened a cabinet and saw an unopened bottle of wine.

"Wine? I never thought he has such a drink. I thought he only loves rum."

He drank the wine and went back to the main deck to gaze at the scenery with his throat refreshed.

"This tastes fantastic! What brand is this?"

He checked the brand of the wine.

"Rose Bailee? I should have this wine after I'm done with you, Titus!"

Durxante went to the edge of the ship to see what happened below.

"Hmm... what a small island. There is a vast forest area here. If I can recall correctly, isn't this place called Naxos? Then, Xionian Sea is close..."

Durxante stared at the sky and thought to himself once again.

"If Xionian is close, then so is Laspreyes or worse... Vargxirus..."

Durxante stared at the sea behind him as he closed his eyes for a while.

"What day is it? Does he still remember that?"

Durxante returned to the captain's quarter and returned now the empty bottle of wine inside the cabinet. He sat on the captain's chair and read all the papers there.

"Lots of boring things here. My, my Goldman! You are still reading this outdated letters?"

He saw a small map that caught his attention. The map showed Captain Goldteeth's traveling plans. He realized that he changed his route recently.

"It's strange. Goldman's initial direction changed. Wasn't he tried to avoid Xionian?" Durxante thought, concerned, "But why so sudden? Why did you change your mind? You were avoiding Laspreyes for your bitter past, weren't you?"

Durxante returned the small map and prepared to leave. He stood and accidentally knocked a small portrait with his left hand. He subsequently knelt and picked it up.

"Ah! My bad, Titus!"

He took and saw the portrait. He later smirked, recognizing the persons in the portrait. Durxante then placed the portrait back.

"I see. He reminds both of us about Dave, doesn't he, Goldman? After all, I always hope that you forget about it all, about that sad past of yours! But, Alas! You met Axel... He does remind you of him. You realize you can't escape the past, however drunk you are."

Back to Naxos island, at the bar.

Fleton returned with bounty lists with him. He sat and passed the papers to the captain. Captain Goldteeth snatched the list and read it all.

"Umbreal Mortem Group. 30 gold coins for their leader. Alive or dead."

The first lad brought the crew's orders and served them.

"Here you go," the first said as he served the food.

"Thanks," Fleton replied while the captain gave no attention.

When the lad put a mug of rum next to the captain, he saw the bounty the captain was reading. He pointed at the paper as he explained.

"I-It is they!" he said. "They're the damned ones terrorizing this island for weeks! If you capture or kill them, Naxos Island will be safe once more!"

"I see..." the captain muttered as he put the paper down. "Let us enjoy our meal first here and we capture that stinkin' son of a rock eat'r."

Everyone in the crew had their meal and start drinking some rum. After Axel finished his meal, three loaves of bread, he hurried to go outside the bar as Axel couldn't stand the smell. He closed his nose and stood.

"Where are ye goin' lad?" the captain asked. "Are ye not goin' to finish the drink?"

"I-I'm going out to get some fresh air," Axel replied as he hurried to go outside.

"Fine, just don't ya dare to get lost on this island."

Axel was outside the bar. The smell of fresh air filled his nose, calming his head. Axel ambled along the distressed street, seeing lots of closed and boarded houses.

"Seems like a ghost town for me," he thought.

He saw crowds of people gathered in front of a house. Curious, Axel joined the distressed crowd, trying to see why they gathered there. At the front, he saw blood and flies surrounding the house. The stench of death was strong there.

On the ground, a corpse of a family composing of a father, a mother, and a 9 years old adolescent girl laid. The wounds the family received were far too brutal. It was like the killer wasn't even human at all.

"What a poor family..." a man muttered with sadness and rage, "I can't believe they dared to do such a thing! What a monster! She was still too young to suffer such a cruel death!"

A lady stepped forward among the crowd and placed a bouquet of Chrysanthemums on the girls' corpse.

"Lord have mercy of these poor souls," she said as she clasped her hands, praying.

"W-What do we do now?!" a man asked aloud.

The woman stopped praying and returned to the crowd.

"Let's just believe that God shall help us..." she replied.

The townspeople began praying as the woman said. Axel didn't join them as he hurried, leaving. He couldn't bear standing there for long. He stopped at the harbor, staring at the open sea as he sunk into his thoughts.

"Why... Why are they praying to God." Axel thought. "If God is that powerful... Why didn't He save the family? Why believing in something that does nothing against such cruelty?!"

Axel closed his eyes for a moment before going back to the bar. In Axel's direction, a man carrying two sling bags and a large backpack (not as big as Axel's backpack, though), was running in panic.

Axel looked at the street while the man looked on his right, not noticing each other, causing both of them to collide and fell. Axel fell on his back while the man fell on Axel's body.

"Agh!!!" Axel shouted in pain as the weight of the bags and the man fell on Axel's body like being stomped by a hippopotamus. His eyes went white as his soul left him for a second before reentering his body.

"Ouch, ow!" the man moaned in pain. He looked at Axel and shock etched on his face. "Oh no! I-I'm so sorry!"

The man stood and helped Axel to stand up. Axel felt his bones cracking as he tried to readjust his back.

It was a 5.9 feet tall man in his late 30s. He had jet-black feathered hair with no facial hair. He had pale-ivory skin, droopy nose, and black eyes. He wore a short dusty coat, a leather shirt, and brown breeches.

"A-Are you okay?!" the man asked, nervous and anxious.

"I'm... I'm okay," Axel replied.

"Please forgive me for that!" the man apologized as he bowed. "I have to get to my shop and start packing because I have to leave this island before I'm done for!"

"With such a cruel murderer going rampage around, this man would be an easy target..." Axel thought. Without a second thought, he thought of helping the man.

"Let me help you. Where's your shop?"

"Ah-! T-Thank you. It's deep inside the forest."

There was a closed tropical forest far from the harbor. It took around 10-15 minutes of walking to reach the forest entrance. Axel carried the two sling bags and accompanied him to the forest.

"My! It's heavier than I thought!" Axel thought as he lifted the bags.

They moved, but as they walked, six mysterious persons followed them from afar. They all wore normal tunics, making them easy to blend in with the townspeople.

Inside the bar, the captain bought a barrel of rum and started drinking it directly. As he gulped his first, his eyes opened wide in shock. He blurted and slammed the barrel on the ground, startling everyone, including the crew.

"Son of a bastard!!!" he bellowed in rage. "How dare you!" He kicked his table and pulled the second lad who gave him the barrel. "I asked for a barrel of rum, and what did ye give me?! It's the damned salt wat'r!"

The lad was shaking from his head to toe from the pressure.

"W-What? I swear I brought rum, not salt-water! We serve no salt-water!"

The crew looked at the water from the barrel; it's seawater.

"No... How-?!" the lad said in shock as he looked it himself.

Captain Goldteeth kicked the lad down while pointing his cutlass to his neck. He was ready to send one to one's death.

"Don't play stupid with me or I'll send ya to meet Davy Jones!"

"Please spare me!" the lad cried, begging for his life.

Fleton stood in front of the captain, defending the lad.

"Calm down, Captain!" Fleton said. "Let him speak!"

Captain Goldteeth brushed him off out of rage. He couldn't clear his mind, even just for a second.

"Does a bastard need to—?!"

Fleton punched the captain's face hard enough to make him bleed. If words were not enough to make Captain Goldteeth back to his sense, then Fleton's fist would. Captain Goldteeth held his bleeding nose with his left hand as he calmed down.

"Remember, we aren't here to cause chaos," Fleton asserted as he wagged his right hand out of pain.

"Right," the captain said as he sheathed the cutlass and lifted the lad up by his tunic collars. "Tell me who made me drink this stuff!"

"W-We bought it from a merchant!" the lad replied. "He's in a forest!"

"Are ye sure?!" Captain Goldteeth asked as he stared deep into the lad's eyes like a hungry beast ready to devour its prey.

"In The Name of Lord, I swear!" he replied.

Captain Goldteeth released his grips, and the lad fell sitting down. He unsheathed his cutlass, pointing at the lad's face, threatening him. The lad closed his eyes in fear as he raised and crossed his arms in front of his face.

"I'll check that damned place!" the captain said. "If I find nothin' there, I swear I shall drown you at the sea!" He walked over and stood before his crew. "We're to the forest! Let's kill a damned bastard who offended me like this!"

The crew hurried outside while Fleton gave the lad the payment for the crew.

"Pardon us," Fleton said as he bowed and left, joining the crew to the forest.

Meanwhile. Deep inside the forest, Axel and The Man were still walking to the shop.

The forest was giving Axel refreshing and calming feel. The trees there were tall and narrow, blocking most of the sunlight.

"My! Being in that stinky and ugly ship in one day made me long for this scene already! I love the smell of the grass; the sound of the leaves; and the beautiful scenery of nature!" Axel as thought he inhaled the fresh air.

"Say, are you all alone?" Axel asked.

"Yes, I am. I'm all by myself."

"How about your family?"

"Ah! Yes, I have a family. I only have a daughter now and she is turning thirteenth this month,"

The man smiled as he talked about his daughter. He sounded happy and passionate when he talked about her.

"Does she live with you?"

"No, she lives with somebody else. I'm earning our living far from her."

"That's must be rough. Do you feel lonely without your daughter?"

"I do! If I could, I want to stay with her-! But... I have to work."

"I see... It's nice to have a family member."

Axel remembered about his grandfather and smiled.

"There's nothing better than having a family," he thought.

They continued walking in silent before the man broke the silence.

"Ah! Did you see what happened around the town?" he asked.

"Y-Yes. There's a group of bandits on the loose—"

"Do you know anything about The Umbreal Mortem?"

"Umbreal Mortem?"

"They're the ruthless bandit group on this island." The man took a deep breath as he looked at the ground. "I'm afraid that they are going to my place next. If anything ever happens to me, who will take care of her?"

They saw a small hut from afar.

"There! That's my shop—!" The man shouted as he pointed at the hut. He ran to the shop, leaving Axel.

"Wait up!" Axel said as he followed the man. As the man was about to reach the shop, the group of bandits from earlier ambushed the man from the front.

“No—!” Axel thought as he stood in front of the man, trying to defend him.

One fired a shot to the sky, threatening and scaring the man as he fell down. The man fell, sitting on the ground. His eyes opened wide and his body trembled in fear.

Axel drew his cutlass and glanced at his surroundings. He was surrounded with no hope of escaping.

"Stay behind me!" Axel said to the man.

The bandits drew their knives and cutlasses, preparing to fight.

"I've never faced against six men before!" Axel thought, pressured. His legs trembled as his hands went cold. "I have to escape and regroup!"

Axel could abandon the man to save himself, but Axel couldn't do such a selfish decision. He glanced at the man, the merchant who was shaking in fear. Axel knew that he couldn't just leave him alone against these cutthroats.

The bandits moved a single step, causing Axel to move a step back.

"I can't leave him alone!" Axel thought. "If anything happened to him, then his daughter will—!"

As Axel was thinking, someone hit Axel's nape with a hammer, causing him to fall on the ground.