Chapter Text
Part 1: Reunions Can be Hell
The sunset glowed pink and orange on the waves as they gently lapped against the edge of the dock. Stede sat with his feet hanging over the edge, his mind swimming as he stared out at the horizon.
It had been a month since he’d faked his own death and found his crew marooned on a deserted island. Thoughts of Blackbeard consumed him. He left his crew for dead, Lucius was missing, Jim and Frenchie taken prisoner aboard the Revenge, all of his possessions tossed overboard….He knew the man he loved was gone, replaced by the monster. But another part of him knew Ed, he knew there must be a good reason he did those things. He abandoned the crew when he could have simply killed them.
He needed to see him. He needed to find out why.
“Captain,” Black Pete’s voice whispered next to him. They’ve all been so gentle with him since he found them on the island. Like they thought he might break down any moment. “We think we found a ship. Buttons is in the tavern talking to a captain.”
By the time he turned around, Pete was already halfway down the dock. Stede glanced once more at the ocean before rising to follow.
The Republic of Pirates felt different this time. The first time, he’d felt excited, giddy even. Everything was full of wonder and adventure. But now, it just felt like another dirty port, overflowing with pirates and drunks, and wreaking of fish.
The crew and him had jumped from ship to ship over the last few weeks, from merchant vessels to fishing boats; anyone who would take them on. All the while keeping a sharp ear out for word of the Revenge. But so far, nothing…..nothing but tall tales and ghost stories.
The last ship they were on left them here about a week previous, and they had spent that time talking to any pirates they could find, looking for information, or a ride off the island.
The sound of The Swede singing reached him before he turned a corner and the glow from the tavern fell across his face. The Swede had been singing here and there trying to earn them a bit of coin. It worked…most of the time. Other times it just got them thrown out. Some people just couldn’t appreciate culture.
As Stede pushed open the door, he was greeted by a bright room overflowing with pirates in various states of sobriety. He glanced around until he saw Buttons in the far corner of the room, sitting at a table with a pirate with a wide brimmed hat tucked low over their face. As he approached, the pirate looked up at him, and he was met with a pair of striking green eyes that looked up at him with a squint of uncertainly.
“Stede Bonnet, the Gentleman Pirate. Perhaps you’ve heard of me?” Stede put on his most striking smile and held out his hand.
“Anne Bonny, that’s Captain Bonny to you.” She ignored his outstretched hand and gestured for him to sit across from her.
Buttons stood to give Stede his seat before whispering, “She knows Blackbeard.”
Stede gave buttons a sharp look before quickly sitting. His heart was pounding. Were they actually close this time? “So, my first mate tells me you know Blackbeard?”
“Aye, I knew him. But that was a long time ago. I sailed with him and Calico Jack.”
Stede scrunched up his nose at the name. “You’re friends with Calico Jack?”
“Was….was friends with him. I hear your crew killed him.” She paused to take a sip from her tankard. “No need to look like that, I don’t hold it against you. He was an ass, if you ask me.”
“Oh good, he was rather an ass. Pissed on my boots once.” Stede chuckled uncomfortably. “So… how did you end up a Captain?”
Anne grinned up at him, “Who do you think led the mutiny against Jack?” She chuckled at Stede’s shocked face. “Anyway, I hear you’re searching for Blackbeard? Why? He rob you or something. I gotta tell you, mate, I’d let it go. He’s not one you should be trifling with.”
“No, no, it’s not like that. It’s a….personal matter. He did steal my ship, but that’s the least of my concerns.”
Anne sighed while leaning back in her chair. She stared at Stede appraisingly. “I may have heard of the Revenge raiding ships around Nassau. I may be heading that way myself. And I might be willing to take you and your crew with me.”
Stede perked up in his seat. “Really? That’s great. Really great, actually. When are leaving?”
“Hold on there. We never discussed payment.” She leaned forward, her hands folded on the table in front of her.
“Payment? I think you may have misunderstood the stories about me. I may be the gentleman pirate, but I’m also, unfortunately, flat broke. But my crew are hard workers. We can help out-”
“-No no no. It’s not money I want from you…..Let’s just call it…a favor. I need your help with something. And I’ll expect to collect on that debt once I’ve completed my part of the bargain.” She leaned across the table, her hand outstretched. “Do we have a bargain, Mr. Bonnet?”
Stede thought for a moment. A favor…that could mean anything. But then he thought of Ed, and he realized there wasn’t an option. He reached across to shake her hand. “Okay. We have a deal. “
“Great.” Anne grinned, her dark hair framing her face making her look like a jungle cat that’s just caught her prey. “We leave on the morning tide. Have your crew ready.”