Across the Galaxy: A Pirate's Path to Glory

Bounty hunters

The blue scythe was in a position it could slice through both Valerie and Tristen if done right. Despite being four, these two bounty hunters have them cornered. Even if Zayn was able to shoot the woman, the other guy could just kill Valerie and Tristen. A sacrifice none of us wanted to make.

“s**t…” I couldn’t help but feel helpless. A feeling I hated the most in the world. My whole life I have felt like this. Not be able to do anything. Not having a choice. And this seemed to only amuse the female bounty hunter. I could see how her lips curled into a smirk as she kept moving closer to me, despite Zayn being able to pull the trigger any second. But it’s like she knew he wouldn’t. 

“You know Jorah. I did not expect to have a reunion like this.” Valerie broke the intimidating silence. Her tone was incredibly carefree. The guy just rolled his eye and moved his weapon closer to their heads. But something about his movement gave off insecurity and guilt. 

“I thought you were still in prison after what happened.” 

“And I thought you became a doctor.” The guy, Jorah seemed speechless at first before shrugging it off and sighed.  

“Things don’t always go as planned.” For a split second both of them seemed hurt as they spoke about their past. So they knew each other. Seemingly well as well. Tristen didn’t really seem worried and was beginning to pick off small metal pieces from his shirt. 

I turned back at the lady whose expression was changed into annoyance. But she still looked extremely gorgeous. I was embarrassed to even think like that. Our lives are at stake but somehow, they didn’t seem to want to kill. Observing her eyes I could see worry and fear. And relief.  If they didn’t want to kill us that’s an advantage for us. Taking a deep breath I collected courage as I began to speak.

“What was it that you said? Right…” I noticed how her eyes darted at me. She seemed confused over what I was about to say and I took that confusion as a chance. She would take her time to think, to understand and to remember what she said. 

It was enough time for me to pick up my whip and swing it towards her. By the time her eyes had widened and she was about to act it was too late. The heart-shaped rope wrapped around the edge of her sword, creating a light glow and I pulled it out from her grasp. 

I grabbed the swords handle and then pointed it towards her, she raised her arms as she backed into Zayn who pointed his gun towards Jorah instead. Now we had the upper hand. I felt how the corner of my mouth rose into a smirk. It felt good to be in control. 

“When things don’t go as planned, be spontaneous,” I revealed the answer to her after. At first, she didn’t react. Her face showed no expression. But few seconds after she began chuckling and her eyes were filling up with hunger and rage. 

“Oh, you will regret that sweetheart.” Suddenly the handle of the sword began to burn in my hand. By reflex I dropped it which was a huge mistake… it quickly flew back into her hand. She smiled, her elbow flying into Zayn’s stomach making him wince in pain, dropping the gun and crouching forward. That’s when she danced behind him and placed the edge of her blade in front of his throat. 

“Oh and… Not to pressure you or anything… But we also planted a bomb on this ship. We just want Dahlia though. The rest of you filthy criminals can return to the ship and do whatever you pirates scum do.” I felt how my body froze. The smartest choice would be just to abandon me. Which they most likely will. I haven’t been with them for long… Why would they even risk their lives for me? When I just-

“We leave no one behind.” Tristen’s voice broke my thoughts. He showed no regrets and he didn’t even hesitate. When I turned to look at him I could see his charming smile and confident eyes. I felt how I let out a sigh of relief and my body began to relax. When I looked at Valerie she nodded in agreement. Despite her usual cold attitude towards me, she still wants me around. I felt wanted. Not for what I could be. But for what I am. 

The woman chuckled once more. I turned my head back towards her and she hadn’t moved from her spot. 

“I see, then you can all explode together.” She pushed Zayn down on the floor, her foot placed down on his back before she aimed and was about thurst the sword into his back. I quickly closed my eyes waiting for the painful scream from Zayn but nothing. The sound of the sword hitting against the flesh wasn’t heard either. 

Opening my eyes again I saw the sword floating above him. I didn’t understand. Why? How? But of course… She didn’t have the guts to kill. No matter how much she threatened. But I believed that she would, I believed that she could. The woman then slowly walked towards me then grabbed my arm and pulled me closer. 

She made me feel extremely small and helpless, her smirk only added to that as she was pulling me away from the crew. She played me just like I played her. I didn’t have the strength to fight back. If it would have been anyone else but her, Zayn would have been probably dead. And I couldn’t do anything about it. 

Suddenly a loud bang was heard then the sound of the scythe dropping to the floor. I felt her hand around me get lighter and I quickly took my chance to pull away from her then push her towards the wall. Her back hit it but not her head, she was still standing firmly on the ground. Her eyes were filled with anger as she looked at me. 

“Verdict” Her voice was filled with determination and her eyes were focusing on me. Her sword came flying towards her and she reached out for it still not looking away from me. It was intimidating and I never saw anyone calling out to a weapon like that. 

As soon as she had grabbed the sword she pushed herself away from the wall and prepared to swing the blade towards me. I didn’t have the time to think and quickly pulled out my whip, stretching out the rope and hoped it was enough to stop the blade from hitting me. My eyes were close as she got closer. Even if I wanted to keep my eyes open I couldn’t. But at least I didn’t feel pain. When I opened my eyes again I saw her blade being stopped a few inches away from my actual whip. It was like an invisible wall was around me, stopping her. I let out a sigh of relief while she chuckled and kept pushing forward but the blade did not move. 

“A barrier huh?” Her tone was not amused and she pulled back the sword readying another attack. But I wasn’t going to take my chances and quickly avoided it by running away towards my crew. 

When I arrived I saw Sylas was there too and the other bounty hunter was passed out on the floor. Sylas and Tristen seemed to argue over something while Valerie gave looks of concern towards the bounty hunter. But he didn’t seem injured. 

I was distracted, just for a second and the female bounty hunter had already caught up to me, her sword in full swing. It was too late to shield myself now but just when I closed my eyes, Zayn was in front of me, using the scythe which was on the floor earlier. Her eyes widened as she looked for her partner, finding him passed out on the floor. 

“Dammit…” She said under her breath as she backed away. She moved her wrist close to her mouth, whispering something. 

“Back up won’t arrive. I already took care of them.” Sylas moved closer once he noticed she was calling for backup. That’s when I could take a closer look at his gauntlets. They were metallic with angelic blue details. It was clear as day it was from Peclite. They were extremely well crafted too and had an ancient feel to them. It wasn’t like any of their modern weapons. 

“Let’s get going before the ship explodes.” Valerie quickly suggested already making her way towards the exit. The rest of us completely forgot about the bomb and we quickly followed after her except Tristen who pointed towards the supplies. 

“But the rest of the-” 

“We don’t have time. By the time we get to the bomb to disable it, we’ll be too late.” Sylas warned and glared at Tristen who seemed to take a lot of effort to let go of the rest of the cargo. Sylas was on his way to drag Tristen inside but he did so by himself. 

My eyes lingered at the female bounty hunter just a little longer as she was desperately trying to pick up her partner. It ached to see. She knew how much time was left, she could probably see the seconds go one by one as she was struggling to pick him up. Worst of all he was a gaedian who are probably the heaviest race because of their muscle mass. Biting my lip I stayed in front of our ship, not entering yet. I couldn’t stop watching her and my heart was beating faster and faster with each second I was wasting. 

“Hurry up Dahlia!” I heard Sylas call out for me. Panic. I felt how my body was about to turn off and not being able to move. But as I watched the bounty hunter, taking a deep breath I decided. My head got clearer and I let go of our ship. I could hear the others yell after me but I couldn’t make out what they said. But I knew I wanted to save them. I could see the sadness and guilt in Valerie’s eyes as well. I don’t want to live in regret. 

“What do you want? Go away!” She yelled at me but I ignored her and helped her pick up Jorah. 

“Do you want to live or what? Hurry up!” I screamed at her. She picked up as well and we started running towards her ship. Inside the ship we noticed two guys being passed out and tied together. Sylas sure did take care of them. 

When both of them were inside the ship I quickly ran back. I didn’t wait for a thank you nor did I want to give her a chance to catch me and ram me into her ship, even if it would save me from the explosions. Which I already heard starting to go off. 

“HURRY!” Zayn yelled out for me. I used the whip to attach towards one of the hooks in the ceiling and swung myself towards the exit. As soon as most of my body was inside the ship, the door began to close. As I landed I lost my balance and fell across the floor. Sylas didn’t waste any time moving the ship away either and the rest almost dropped their balance as well. I quickly crawled against the window, seeing the smaller ship speeding away as the large Vabone ship exploded. I took a few deep breaths to calm down but the adrenaline was still pumping through my body. 

“That was close!” I laughed, not knowing if I should do that or cry. My body wouldn’t stop shaking. Tristen laughed as well and patted me on the back. 

“Sure was! Don’t do that ever again!” He said with a huge smile but his eyes were intense. He was serious. I shook my head and looked down. I tried to keep breathing deeply and to stop shake but it was a challenge. After a bit of silence, Tristen spoke up again. 

“Not all was lost at least… We’ll still get a penalty but… You finally got your weapon Zayn. And we survived!” He gave a tired smile as he ran his hand through his hair, messing it up even more. Then he stood up and walked away from the back of the ship, towards the cockpit probably. 

“I need a drink.” Valerie sighed and left as well. Zayn stayed, however, observing his now new weapon. If it weren’t for Zayn, I would have probably be killed as well. 

“Thank you, Zayn… For saving me.” He looked at me a bit surprised at first but then smiled warmly. 

“Of course. But what you did back there… That was very kind and brave of you. We would have just left and let them be… You know that they will still come for you?” Biting my lip I slowly nodded and sighed. 

“I know…” 

“Come, let’s go take a drink as well. We’ve earned it.” He nudged my shoulder before making his way to the kitchen and I followed after him.