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Hugh: The Modern Pirate; By Tashfin Awal
Topic Started: Aug 14 2012, 08:49 PM (116 Views)
tashfin64
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TheBoyWhoLived
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HUGH: THE MODERN PIRATE

Chapter 1: Walking to My Death

The king had called for me.

As I trudged down the hall, I began to appreciate the overall decor. Red and white dominated the walls, divided by slim bars of gold. The ceiling was generously carved with many designs and told stories of centuries past. The floor was decked with magnificent tiles of a creamy white texture, the middle endorsed with mosaics through to the end. A vibrant gold and red arch greeted us at the end, split in half which fared as doors.

The borders of the entire hall seemed to be lined with all sorts of jewels. If I hadn't been flanked by two soldiers on either side, I wouldn't have been able to resist myself from plucking them off the edges and stashing them in my collection.

The entire display was amazing, and if not, a bit old fashioned.

This hall was fit for a king. And I was glad my feet were being treated to such royalty. Because my next few steps might be my last.

Both soldiers grabbed at the doors and pulled, ever so slowly revealing the throne. A red carpet lay in front of me directly to the throne, where a king I had never met before sat cushioned in fine silk. Columns and banners stood on both sides of the room, all the way to the back where coloured glass covered the entire back wall. The room was radiating with power, and deceit.

The two guards ushered, or dragged, me in front of the king. With an airy gesture, he dismissed both of them and took to examining me.

On his left side was the judge, who acclaimed to make the final statement but we all knew who the real judge was. The jury was further to the left, all full of people who despised pirates and were more than delighted to see my demise. To his right was his appropriately placed right-hand man, Joe Slannin. As excellent his swordsmanship was, he was known for notoriety across the land, his deeds obviously overlooked by his majesty. Which seemed to add to my suspicions. But I set those aside as to the far right was bulky man with steely blue eyes. He also happened to have his hand on a lever, which was attached to a guillotine. I hesitated, and considered my options. They weren’t too good.

"Uh, your majesty? Please excuse me when I ask, where is Philip?"

"That be of none your concern, Eugene."

"No please, your majesty. You may call me Hugh."

The king sneered at me. "But of course. The famous Hugh. The one who is said to have robbed Van Peroid himself. I didn't think you would do it, he being a fellow pirate."

"Oh please, you’re too kind. He was getting old anyways, he definitely had it coming."

The king gave a chuckle, but I wasn't too sure if my sarcasm actually made it through. The truth is Peroid looted me, said I was becoming too big for my own good. As honoured as I had been, I was forced to fend off Peroid and even claim an eye and an arm. Oh and a necklace. But I hadn’t been able to sell it because whoever I showed it to, they turned and ran the opposite way screaming for their lives.

"You're an interesting man Hugh. It might even be a shame to kill you, you being wanted by half the world and all. For a pirate, in one ruling you made quite the reputation. But you have become a nuisance in this ruling and most people prefer you dead."

Now I gave a chuckle while he frowned. "You would not believe how often I hear that. And of course, I had been busy under Philip's ruling. You know, we even fought side-by-side once! But it was all once upon a time. Secretly, I think we were best friends 'cause our hatred for each other seemed to keep each other's lives interesting. You know?"

"That does seem a tempting story but-"

"Where is Philip anyways? Is he like on vacation or is he sick-"

"He's dead"

I smiled wickedly, and then tried to clear my ears. "I'm sorry your majesty, I think I'm hearing wrong."

"I said he's dead. Killed in a fort siege."

Darn. I'd miss that barnacle head. I guess life was beginning to lose its edge of danger. The judge spoke this time. "And now Eugene Staliene Phosmorous, the time has come to talk about your death sentence."

I smiled my wicked smile again. "Why are you smiling, foolish pirate?" the king asked baffled. Exactly as I wanted him.

"No-no, don't mind me. Continue with your decision on how to kill me."

Inside, I was panicking but wouldn't let it show on my face. I had to keep the charades up, because there might be the slimmest chance that I might walk out of here alive.

Before the king could react to my further baffling reply, a man who looked a lot like Joe came barging in.

For the first time Joe looked something other than the wall, and spoke "Now-"

"But you must understand! I believe it's been found!"

Joe got up and said “The king is in a meeting now and how many times have I told you, it does not exist.”

“But brother,” so that’s who he was, “Pinco has returned from sea. He claims that all 34 men on his ship had died in the attempt on getting back. He’s badly wounded, and some claim he’s even been driven mad. They say he wouldn’t go there, even if it meant his own life.”

Joe hesitated for a moment. He was about to speak when the king interrupted him. “Then is it true? Does the place really, you know, exist?”

“Um, pardon me your Majesty, but exactly what are you talking about?”

“That also be of none your concern.”

For the first time, Joe actually looked me straight in the eye, as if trying to comprehend how much I knew. “No, I think it is of his business.” He was now staring hard at me. I looked back at his brother, trying to understand what was going on. But then I realised he was staring at me too.

“No, he can’t know the way. No man has ever come out of there alive, let alone found it in the first place.” His brother said at last.

“But he’s our best chance. Pinco is mad, and wouldn’t dream of going there.”

“We can take the directions from him!”

“But what if we got lost; the map wouldn’t be of any help. The mist is said to be so thick, that even the greatest explorer could lose North.”

“We will leave tracks, and have several of the greatest trackers. We’ll set sail ourselves!”

“Nonsense!” The king exclaimed. He seemed intrigued and wary of whatever the Slannin brothers were talking about. “I won’t allow my best explorers to venture out into the unknown, with a great chance that they may not return. Joe and Aidan, you both know we cannot afford that now.” Then he regarded me with a questioning look. “I doubt the lad even knows what we’re talking about.” He looked up, trying to decide his next words carefully. “Do you know the way to Ultimania?”

The name did ring a bell, but as far as I could tell, it was an urban myth; a folktale. After a second, Aidan sadly looked away from me and said “He doesn’t know.”

My heart was beating fast, and time seemed to speed up. I was weighing my options, and it was this critical moment that may change my life forever. Sweat trickled down my forehead and my eyes darted around the room; there was the sadness of their last hope diminished in the air. An idea struck me, so suddenly that even I was fazed after announcing it.

“But of course I know where Ultimania is!”

I took all three of them by surprise; Aidan was the first to recover.

“But that’s…that’s impossible. No man has ever known…how?”

All I eyes were on me, and the foolishness of the entire decision started setting in. “Van Peroid of course. You see, after I had looted him, I took his most valued possession; his blade. He said that the blade was made from the same metals as found on Ultimania, and would act as a magnet. Having defeated him, this sword would only work for me. But he also warned me, if I dared set foot on Ultimania, the sword’s curse would only lead to my death.”
An eerie silence followed, as everybody was still digesting this. And then Aidan asked, “Why did Peroid tell you all this?”

Now an awkward silence followed.

“Do you want me to lead you to Ultimania or not?”

That seemed to be enough for the king. “Eugene Staliene Phosmorous, I hereby grant you the quest of leading 10 of my best explorers, Joe, Aidan, and I, King Darien the 21st, to the land of Ultimania”

It then occurred to me, that I had gotten back my life’s edge of danger.

Thanks for reading, I made a few changes to the story so it didn't seem copied out of a movie and added a few things that I would've added but missed. I also changed Blackbeard to Peroid and a bit of the situation because I hadn't realized how much it resembled POTC.
Edited by tashfin64, Aug 23 2012, 01:45 PM.
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tashfin64
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Background info: If you haven't been able to tell already, Hugh is a pirate (and one of the best there is). He is witty and knows how to work around tight situations. The time frame and setting are still coming underway (if I bring myself to write another chapter). There are a couple of typos, but I hope you like it.
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cmarrin1
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I'm actually having a hard time believing you wrote this. This is pretty good, and it has a lot of potential. Although, I'm noticing it's pretty similar to Pirates of The Caribbean. But I'm sure you can get around that. Overall, 8/10.

P.S, I'm not turning this into a film with you.
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tashfin64
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Thanks for the feedback, and I'd thought the same too. In fact, Pirates of the Caribbean had been part of my inspiration, but mainly Jack Sparrow. I'm working on Chapter 2 and will make sure it's not a remake.

P.S. Wasn't planning on it.
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maha123
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Tash, this is actually almost exactly the same POTC On Stranger Tides... the fountain and everything...
But good job, nice detail, keep writing. :)
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tashfin64
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Chapter 2 – We Set Sail Aboard the Diarrhea’s Flight

Now that I looked back in my life, I don’t think I’d ever lost that edge of danger.

I’d always end up in tight situations where all I had was my two bare hands, my wits, and some gunpowder for a quick getaway. In fact, nothing seemed to work for me. Ships, oh how many times I would’ve sunk in one of those. Sharks, they tend to look at me like the tastiest of all. Guns, never worked out too well (always clogged the barrel with water). Treasure, on too many occasions mutiny had risen just because of it. Ay, the pirate’s life for me.

But it all started when I was little. No older than 8 or 9, when I’d run away from my home. My father was drunk all the time and my mother cared more about the house plants than me. When I was 5, I was forced to accept that I was a mistake and they didn’t want me. I did what had made sense to me then and ran away to the shipyard, where a pirate had found me. Davis, he called himself and took me aboard, changing my life forever.

We would roam the oceans in search of treasures, food, supplies and of course, beer. The crew treated me like a smaller brother, giving me tips and teaching me the pirate way. They would teach me how to use a gun and wield a knife, to mop the deck and adjust the ropes, to lookout for ships and loot others, to become a pirate. In fact, I would still be there, had it not been the death of Davis.

Van Peroid, in his much younger ages, had attempted a robbery of our ship. Ours; brown and scrawny, was no match for his; black and humongous. Many had dived off the ship right there, but Davis had stood his ground. He had fought valiantly, and I still had dreams about it, but Van Peroid had bested him. Peroid had kept me alive, just to taunt me. Told me to get older, and challenge him if I had the guts. So I was left in the wreckage, alone, to loathe the pirate that had taken everything away from me.

But that was 15 years ago, and back when Peroid was king. Now, some people still claim Peroid as king, but everybody knows that I have a bigger name and more influence. I’m going to drive Van to the ground, if I get another chance. Too long has this man affected my life, far too long.


The same two soldiers that had walked me to the Throne Room now marched me to Dock. I realised that the townsfolk were gawking at me, so I decided to hold my head up high, with a bit of dignity. I was leading the King after all. They left me at the dock, and then marched away. Not even a simple “Good-Bye” or “Good luck.” or even a simple “Don’t die.” Humph.

The Dock was a fancy place full of the latest boat models, and other stuff. But what really caught the attention of all the morning commuters was a gigantic steam boat with a shiny black polish. The engine must have been huge because the smokestacks were billowing smoke relentlessly. The red and yellow stream lines really gave the boat an impressive finishing. It gave a satisfying horn, as if agreeing with my statement.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Joe said from behind me.

“It sure is. How fast can it go?”

“How fast do you want it to go?”

I gave a chuckle. “Is this our ride?”

There was a moment’s hesitation. “No.” I looked at him, puzzled. “But, I thought…”

“No, that’s a shipment to U.S.A.; the king has finally made a deal with a rich client and is beginning the shipment of supplies.”

I was a bit disappointed, and baffled. “Well, what are we going on then?”

Joe pointed and I was immediately greeted by a navy blue hull. It was beautifully carved, but looked ancient. The mast creaked with the slightest wind and the mainsail had definitely seen better days. On a wooden plaque, written in gold was the name Darien’s Flight. A prankster at taken the liberty of painting out Darien’s and replacing it with Diarrhea’s. Diarrhea’s Flight was now proudly displayed on the King’s sailboat to Ultimania, led with dignity by me.

“That’s not our ride is it?”

“Afraid so.”

I pointed to the plaque. “Um…”

“We’re low on boats at the moment. The economy here is doing really well, so you must understand. Besides, a King’s boat calls for attention right?”

“Well this is begging for attention.” It hadn’t occurred how social Joe could be. I’d always thought that whenever Joe opened his mouth a threat would come out. He must’ve read my thoughts because he said “Most people assume I’m the big unfriendly assassin who goes about doing the King’s bidding. But I’m not, I just serve loyal to the King.” A part of me was warning me not to get too friendly with this man, but the curiosity was compelling.

“Is it true? The murder accounts? The tax enforcements?” I asked.

Joe’s face turned grim. “Those men were guilty and had charges impressed on them by the King himself. I only do as I’m told.” He looked at me, exasperated. “It’s what they say, isn’t it? I’m a ruthless killer.” No, you just coldly murdered some of my best friends and men who were innocent and had families, I wanted to say. But another question formed in my mind.

“King Philip, do you know anything about him?”

Joe didn’t seem to expect the sudden turn of subject, but winced as if he saw it coming. “Lord Philip, eh? Ultimania is decisive place, Hugh. Many men have gone there and turned on their comrades. This journey promises many misadventures; the most widely known as The Shaping Mist. Ships attempt to sail through it, but only those lucky enough turn right there and then. Some even claim there are monsters. If we make it, who knows what we’ll find? Going to Ultimania is a one way trip.”

I stared at the Diarrhea’s Flight, and then looked back at Joe. “But what does this have to do with Philip? And why are you telling me this? If it is as you say, why are you going in the first place?”

Joe was about to answer when an annoying bellow sounded from afar. “Hugh!” I turned to find King Darien striding towards me in brown overalls with hiking boots and a caramel hat that matched his skin; it all would have been fitting if it didn’t make him look stupid. “I see you’ve already had a good look at the boat. Isn’t it a beauty?”

“Ah, why yes it is King Diarrhe-*cough*-Darien.”

“Well, are the supplies ready Joe? Ultimania isn’t going to find itself you know!”

Joe flinched, deciding what to make of the horrible joke, and decided to ignore it. “We are set for go, we’re just waiting for your Majesty to board the boat.”

“Very well then. C’mon men, to Ultimania!” With that, he marched off towards the boat. Me and Joe glanced at each other and then boarded the Diarrhea’s Flight.

On the deck, I saw 10 men hustling about making last minute adjustment. At the stern I saw Aidan consulting a map, and glancing every once in a while at his men to make sure everything was going as planned. The stern was amazing, with an open view of the ocean. I realised this boat was a lost more advanced than I had realised. There was a faint hum in the background; the sound of an engine. The sides were arrayed with supplies: guns, food, water, cannons, swords, etc. It was like a flip between the 1800’s and Modern Day, definitely my chose of style.

“Since you’ll be leading this expedition, I suggest you go talk to Aidan about the handling of the ship.” said Darien. I remembered I was here on terms of compromise, and walked over to Aidan. “Useless maps, all of different places.” he muttered. “Um, the King had told me to talk to you.” Aidan looked up and then glared at me. “Do you really know how to get to Ultimania? Or was it a rouse to escape death?” I stole a glance at the several maps that lay on the navigation table, and something clicked inside my head.

“31:11 North and 28:43 West”

“What?”

“31:11 North and 28:43 West!” I repeated. I ripped off my necklace, and studied it carefully. Sure enough, there in tiny letters were scrawled 31:11N/28:43W/IOU. 31 Degrees: 11 minutes North, 28 Degrees: 43 minutes West, Island Of Ultimania. My mind started racing, but all Aidan could make out was that I had blurted random coordinates and was now looking at the sky like an idiot. But I felt like an idiot. It was right there around my neck, and I hadn’t understood it, all these years! 31N and 28W was one of the highest peaks of the Atlantic, Davis had told me. By now, it probably was a massive island itself! But I had to slow down, just until I could get time to sort my thoughts.

I grabbed the World Map and placed it in front of Aidan. “Aidan, what country is this?”

“Azores of Portugal. Why? Planning on calling your buds to pick you up?”

“Portugal, eh? Let’s just say I’m not here by purpose, Azores definitely isn’t a welcoming place for me. Anyways, that would me we are right here.” Unfortunately I was pointing in the Northeastern Atlantic, surrounded by nothing for hundreds of kilometers. I let that sink in, pondering how I ever ended up here in the first place.

“You’re looking for the Island of Ultimania, which happens to be sitting on coordinates 31 North and 28 West.” I moved my finger downwards until I met three areas in the oceans that seemed to be higher than the others. In reality, these three areas had risen with the Earth’s crust and had become islands themselves.

I didn’t have a proper education but I prided myself in my expertise on the Ocean, sailing and such.

“I’d say if we head Southwest at about 12-14 knots, we should be able to cover all 1000 kilometers in 5 to 6 days. Since it is a trio, the first island might give us a few problems, but that should only be a set back of a day. On the island itself, our goals are aimless, but let’s suppose it takes 2-3 days there. The trip back should take another 7 days. So altogether it will probably be an 18 day expedition, if all goes well.” The truth is, nothing ever goes well on an expedition.

I’d probably blown a fuse in his brain or something because Aidan was just standing there, gawking at me with an awed expression. “Um…” Suddenly he busied himself in gazing over the maps one more time, and then headed towards the railing.

“Everybody listen up!” An immediate hush fell over the sailors. “We will be setting sail for Ultimania!” The sailors cheered, and Aidan held up a hand to restore peace. “The route to Ultimania is an 18 day expedition, so steel yourselves as we’ll be sailing at 13 knots per hour. We should have enough provisions to cover 2000 kilometers, and we will not come back empty handed! Who’s with me?” The sailors cheered again, and then went back to work with a motive, determination filling the air.

By midday the Diarrhea’s Flight was ready to set sail.

I’d left Aidan at the wheel, where he happily studied his maps, and I made my way to the Bow. Joe was doing some rope work, several men were organizing last minute improvising and Darien was on the Port acting all kingly and regal at the pointing townsfolk that had gathered. Probably making fun of his hat or something.

The ship was buzzing with anticipation which helped me rest a bit. Aidan came to the railing and announced that in 2 minutes we set sail.

Unlike Joe, Aidan wasn’t the casual type. He was always hungry for the thrill of adventure and was a bit impatient whereas Joe was easy-going and humble. They turned out to be the exact opposites of what I would have thought. But their features were the same. Both were the same height, but Joe was much more muscular. Aidan had unkempt brown hair while Joe had short, straight-razor blonde hair. They were both fair, and they both had the same blue eyes. Aidan’s face was one that always seemed determined and Joe’s was relaxed, calm face. I wouldn’t have known they were brothers if it hadn’t been made obvious.

A horn broke out across the boat and suddenly the light hum of the engine turned into a distant thudding. “All aboard!” Aidan called. “To Ultimania!” The crowd cheered and waved as we passed by and King Darien gave one last bow before marching off to his quarters, where he’s most likely going to nap and do no work whatsoever. Joe was at the top of the mast, on lookout duty and Aidan was handling the steering wheel with such expertise it may come slightly close to challenging my own (but just slightly).

I looked up to find the bright blue sky that I seemed to have ignored before. There was a perfect breeze that caused ripples over the shimmering ocean water. I was looked off into the horizon, and started to smile. I found myself secretly hoping that Ultimania existed, and wherever it happened to be, it was waiting for us to find it.

Hey guys! This is a pretty boring chapter, but I thought it was a necessary one. It shone a light on a lot of dark places, but I don't think I fully explained where he is or much of the setting (in terms of an international scale and oceans). It all exists; I did my homework and you can check it too, but I think in the end chapters [if I make it there] I'll fully explain what's going on in Hugh's predicament (i.e. why he's there, his infamy, etc.) I hope you like it. The next chapter is bound to be better.
Edited by tashfin64, Sep 12 2012, 06:04 PM.
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tashfin64
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Oi Maha! I changed it up a bit, no fountain, but there will be some deadly stuff going on in Ultimania.
In Stranger Tides, the predicament is different in the sense that:

For those who haven't watched the movie
Spoiler: click to toggle


So yeah, it's not a remake, just clearing things up :)
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cmarrin1
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A part of me still doubts you wrote this, but the others are starting to think you're a genius. Still, amazingly written, and you've done pretty well. Keep it up.
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