Pirates: Legacy of Winds and Waves (Featuring Friends' OCs)

      Jake, despite Elise in his arms, deftly dodged the clutching hands of the officers and the whistling bullets, leaping over obstacles like birds soaring in the sky. And then, another spark of amusement flashed in his golden eyes, bringing something else with it. His eyes reflected a beautiful golden-fire sunset illuminating the sea horizon, and on the shore stood the pier with many ships, but one Galleon clearly stood out from the rest.       The girl frowned as she saw the “Black Pearl,” which seemed very familiar to her, yet entirely alien.       Finally having shaken off the pursuit, the pirate set his companion on the ground.       — Well now, haven’t changed your mind about coming with me yet? — He asked with a hint of mockery.       — Not a chance! — Elise replied instantly, without a second thought.       — Oh, alright, — the captain said with a smirk, — then run after me!       And Jake immediately ran toward the pier, almost flying as he leaped over several stone steps at once.       The girl, shouting “Hey, wait for me!”, dashed after him in pursuit. It seemed as though nothing foreshadowed trouble when they finally reached the harbor. People were going about their business, not noticing the pirates. The guy, with a light gait and back held straight, boldly headed toward his black ship, gesturing for Elise to follow. He helped her climb aboard, and at the moment they stepped onto the deck, Jake solemnly pronounced:       — Welcome aboard! — And, perhaps having heard his words or sensed a presence, two animals headed toward them.       A black parrot with golden eyes, just like Jake’s, with long, soft, silky plumage resembling a mythical phoenix, perched on the captain’s arm, letting out a welcoming chirp. The second was an incredibly fluffy cat with piercing crimson eyes, who calmly approached them, sniffed the new crew member, and rubbed against his owner’s leg.       — These are my pets, — the pirate began, — this spirited and headstrong parrot is named Frow, and the fluffy black ember is Phil.       — Oh, so that’s what you meant back then, — Elise said, looking at Phil and remembering that the captain had mentioned earlier that a “woman on a ship” wasn’t the only superstition he had broken.       — Yes, exactly, — Jake nodded. — A black cat. Although I don’t understand why everyone is so afraid of black cats.       — Can I pet him? — The girl asked.       — If Phil doesn’t mind, then of course, you can, — the pirate said, heading toward the masts to hoist the sails.       He did it quite quickly, and the fabric instantly strained under a sudden gust of wind, moving the ship from its place just as the guards reached the pier, intending to step aboard.       — This time you missed your chance to get your hands on a jewel, but do not despair, for there will be plenty of other opportunities! — the captain smirked, waving his hand to the guards in farewell.