EP.188|The Power of a Sword
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“I swear if we get out of this alive, Kuno Ababwa, I’ll murder you!” Serenity promised, she clung to the fur of the large black wolf that maneuvered through the trees.
 
“Will you pipe down!” Kuno shushed, he was just as confused as she was. He never knew he could turn into a wolf, let alone have night vision, heightening sight, hearing, taste, smell, everything!
 
As important as it was to get Serenity to the portal, Kuno could help but smile as he felt Serenity latch onto him. He could sense she was nervous but a little relaxed at the same time.
 
Kuno felt her fingers play with this new fur, he ever so desperately wanted to start purring for some reason, but he had to focus on running.
 
“Something wrong?” Serenity asked innocently, Kuno shook his head and stopped in front of the diner. “Why are we here?” Serenity questioned, getting off of Kuno.
 
“Old friend.” Kuno replied, he tried turning back into a human but it felt impossible. Serenity tilted her head, “why can't you turn?”
 
Kuno whimpered, scratching his nose with his paw, “stupid wolf…”
 
Serenity giggled and ruffled her fur, “must be an effect of first time turning.” Serenity opened the door to reveal Levi, Cosmina, and Antonie.
 
“It’s been 4 weeks since we’ve seen the VKs! What if they’re dead Cosmina!” Levi paced back and forth. “I know the VKs, they’re stronger than that,” Cosmina sat on Antoine’s lap, her fingers intertwining with his.
 
“But Araden’s in there!” Levi muttered. “They’re not okay, but we’ve gotta help them!” Serenity said. Levi noticed the wolf standing beside her, Levi shifted into his leopard form, darting towards Kuno.
 
“Get away from her!” Levi lunged at the wolf, pinning him to the ground “where are they?!”
 
“Levi! Calm down!” Kuno tried to reason with the animalistic, but it seemed like there was no getting through to him.
 
“Calm down?!” Levi grew closer, baring his fangs as he snarled at him “I knew you were shady! I knew you were working with Araden!”
 
“Levi, let me explain-” Levi didn't even let him finish before throwing Kuno against one of the diner booths.
 
“I don't want to hear it! I want to know where the VKs are!” Levi demanded, digging his claws into the floor tiles.
 
Levi couldn't control his anger, he leaped for Kuno but was surprised when Levi was caught in a water bubble.
 
“You’re Levi, yes?” Serenity turned the bubble to face her, Levi nodded in response to her question “good, now I need you to calm down, yes, Kuno helped me escape Araden’s torture.”
 
Levi was confused, “he helped you?” Levi’s voice was gurgled under the water.
 
“Yes,” Serenity popped the bubble, “now, which one of you knows how to open a portal?”
 
Antoine raised his hand, “I might be able to do it with the dark shards.” Antoine extended his hand, creating a portal.
 
Levi noticed Cosmina and Antoine didn't approach the portal, “aren’t you coming Cosmina?”
 
Cosmina shook her head, “me and Antoine are going to stay here, hopefully we can find a way to join the two realms.”
 
Levi smiled and gave a mini salute to Cosmina “stay safe princess!” and with that, him, Serenity, and Kuno leaped into the portal.
 
☆️》》》》》◆《《《《《☆️
 
CJ packed back and forth, she couldn't stand that fact she lost her sword. “I know he has it!” CJ was restless, she couldn't stand still.
 
“Princesa,” Carlos was curled up on CJ’s box floor, still in his wolf form, watching as his lover worried, “calm down, we’ll find your sword.”
 
“But what if we don't?” CJ played with the feathers on her hat, “that swords a piece of my families history…” her voice lowered to a mutter.
 
“I know Princesa, and as soon as we’re out of here, finding your sword is a top priority.” Carlos promised her, stretching and walking over to his mate.
 
CJ smiled and petted behind Carlos’ ear, knowing this was his sweet spot. “Thank you, Carlos,” CJ kissed his forehead, “I don't know what I’d do without you.”
 
Carlos shifted back into a human, kissing her lips, “I don't know what I’d do without you either.”
 
CJ giggled softly, wrapping her arms lovingly around the back of his neck, laying down. Carlos made himself comfortable in the comforts of CJ’s chest.
 
“Princesa,” the animalistic muttered softly enough for his mate to hear him, “I know that sword meant so much to you and your family, but in the off chance we can't find it, I’ll make you an even better one!”
 
Carlos smiled brightly up at her, CJ chuckled and ran her fingers through his hair, “you do to much for me.”
 
“I’m sorry,” he sat up, “am I not supposed to spoil my mate?”
 
CJ blushed a little, rolling her eyes, “shut up,”
 
“Tunsande.” Carlos stuck out his tongue before kissing her softly. The taste of cherries and vanilla flooding his senses, he didn't care if he was stuck in a box, as long as the smell and taste of his mate was here, he was gonna be okay.
 
He separated the kissing, giving his Princesa a moment to breathe. “Carlos...I-I love yo-you.” her cheeks flushed red.
 
Carlos chuckled and smiled, he knew how hard it was for CJ to convey emotions like that. She told her she was never really open with anyone except her parents or the crew.
 
But now, since Carlos was with her, she couldn't help but say it.
 
“I love you too, my beloved Pirate Princesa.”
 
Before their lips could touch again, the sound of a bullhorn rang through their ears. Carlos and Ben whimpered, animalistic had sensitive hearing.
 
“Good morning, maggots!” Araden greeted, all the VKs groaned. Araden’s eyes narrowed in displeasement, sending the magic that the VKs were weak to onto them.
 
“Now,” Araden sighed, “let’s try again,” Araden stood up straight, “good morning, maggots.”

“Goods morning, Araden,” the VKs hissed at the words that spoke, saying good morning to this jerk was the equivalent to drinking poison.
 
Araden smiled, happy that he was this close to whipping the VKs into submission. His smile soon faded when her heard CJ mutter, “selfish jerk,”
 
“I’m sorry,” the demon spun on his heels to face CJ, “did the blonde bimbo say something?”
 
CJ growled, digging her nails into her palm, “don't call me bimbo.”
 
“You did lose the Hook Family’s priceless artifact, that your father entrusted onto you, sounds like a bimbo move to me.” Araden chuckled, seeing how mad the pirate got amused him.
 
“People lose things all the time,” CJ grimaced, her knuckles turning white.
 
“Not family heirlooms.” Araden shot back, CJ pounded on the box. “Keep talking Araden, enjoy your tongue while you have it.” CJ threatened.
 
“What are you gonna do? Cut it off?” Araden laughed, “with what sword?”
 
CJ back off the wall, looking down and sighed, “shit…”
 
“Don't look so glum,” Araden smirked, going behind his back, “I have something that’ll cheer you up.”

CJ looked up at Araden to see him holding the one object she strived for.
 
Her sword.
 
CJ darted for the wall, “where was it?!” light returned to her eyes.
 
“With me,” Araden replied smugly, watching as that light was replaced with anger, “I knew taking you sword was the only way to get you to the Mirror Realm.”
 
“You bitch,” CJ pounded her fist on the wall, “give me back my sword!”
 
“Sure,” Araden shrugged, flashing the sword into the box. CJ ran towards the sword, her fingers ever so close to touching the metal before Araden flashed it back to him.
 
“You’ll get your sword,” Araden twirled it in his hand, “if leave dog boy and the VKs and join me.”
 
For a second, CJ thought about actually joining the demon. She loved Carlos and the VKs with all her heart, but it was her sword!
 
“No! CJ! What is wrong with you?!” CJ couldn't put her finger on who the voice was coming from, but it sounded so familiar.
 
CJ shook her head, agreeing with the mysterious voice, “no! I would rather have no sword than side with you.”
 
“Big mistake,” Araden scowled, soon turning into a smirk. “You know CJ, the other day I was cutting fruit with this thing.”
 
“How dare you use my sword for such useless thing!” CJ scolded. “Fine, then why don't we test out what else this can cut,” Araden snapped his fingers, flashing CJ’s hat into his hands.
 
“Hey!”
 
“I wonder, if this can cute fruit, then it must be able to cut this stupid hat,” Araden smirked and with a simple flick of his wrist, the sword began to slice CJ’s beloved had into smitherines.
 
The VKs watched at CJ stood there frozen, she was in such a state of shock, she didn't know what to do.
 
“CJ? Baby, say something, you’re scaring me,” Carlos rested her hand on CJ’s shoulder, CJ dropped to her knees.
 
“NOO!!!!”
 
Tears flowed down her eyes, she lost her families sword and now her hat was torn in pieces. She couldn't face her family now.
 
“I’m sorry dad, mom, Smee...I’m so sorry!” she cried into her hands, hoping that she would wake up from this nightmare.
 
CJ’s mind was racing, she wanted to run away and never face anyone ever again. She couldn't stop remembering the day she got the two items from her father.
 
“Happy birthday dear CJ, happy birthday to you!” The crew sang as the now 7 year old CJ, blew out her candles. The crew cheered in celebration for CJ.
 
“Happy birthday honey,” Hook smiled, kissing CJ’s forehead. “Thanks daddy! This is the best birthday ever!” CJ smiled brightly.
 
“She’s so much like Nakita!” Smee smiled, cutting a piece of cake and passing it to Hook. “Captain, what’s wrong? It’s your daughter 7th birthday, be happy!”
 
“I am, it’s just...you’re right, she looks so much like Nakita.” Hook agreed, sighing deeply. “Isn't that a good thing?” Smee tilted his head. “Yes and no, it’s nice to know that Nakita might be back one day, but when I see CJ I miss Nakita more and more.”
 
“Captain, we all know losing Nakita has been hard on you, but don't you think it’s better if maybe if you fine another woman? For CJ’s sake, she needs a mother figure.” Smee suggested, Hook turned towards him quickly.
 
“Wanna say that again Smee?” Hook had a dark aura surrounding him. “N-No sir!” Smee squeaked, “That’s what I thought.” Hook smirked.
 
“Daddy! Stop scaring Smee!” CJ puffed up his cheeks. Hook laughed and placed CJ on his lap. “CJ, do you have any memories of your mom?” Smee asked, Hook glared at him, warning him to choose his next words wisely.
 
“A little,” CJ scratched her head, “I remember her singing me a lullaby…”
 
“You remember the lullaby?” Hook looked at his daughter, CJ nodded. “Sometimes I can hear it, when the oceans are quiet, it’s almost like she’s here singing it to me.”
 
Hook felt a familiar shiver go down his spine, he looked around, almost like he was looking for someone. He could have sworn he saw blonde hair through the crowds of his crew members.
 
He sighed and shook his head. It can't be her… Hook looked back at his daughter to see she was winning an arm wrestle with Smee.
 
“That’s another win for me!” CJ flipped her hair boastfully.
 
Smee chuckled and served CJ another piece of cake, “Hook, I think it’s time you give CJ her presents.”
 
CJ looked up at her dad, “you got me presents daddy? I told you the party was enough.” CJ smiled.

Hook sighed delightfully, taking off his hat, “CJ,” he slid it towards his daughter, “this is for you.”
 
“Dad...this is your hat…” CJ muttered, “I can't…”
 
“CJ,” Hook put the hat on his daughter’s head, it flopped down, shielding her eyes “my father gave this to me when I was seven, and his father him, and so on and so on,”
 
“But I’m not a boy,” CJ lifted up the tip of the hat. “Who cares, CJ you’re my only child, you deserve this hat.” Hook smiled, fixing it so it won't be too big.
 
“But there’s more,” Hook reached under the bar, pulling out a long box, “this is the big one.”
 
The crew grew silent, not wanting to interrupt the touching moment between father and daughter.
 
“Castlia Jane,” Hook stood up, “this item was first forged from the metal from the scales of an iron dragon, the strongest metal out there, the jewels were hand picked by the finest members of the Castea Clan, it can pierce through the toughest of objects.”
 
“CJ, I present to you,” Hook opened the book, the sword glowed radiantly in front of CJ, “the Hook Family Sword.”
 
“Dad...no way...this is your baby! The crew said you let mom and me touch it, not even Smee touches it!” CJ stated, Hook laughed and handed her the sword.
 
CJ held it at the handle, ultimately falling to the floor by the weight of it. “Okay,” Hook helped her up, “it might be heavy at first.”
 
Once CJ finally got her balance, the sword began to move on it’s one, pulling CJ with it “DAD!!!”
 
Hook whistled, stooping the sword in its tracks, “it only does that as a safety precaution, you need to connect with the sword. It needs to know you’re the new owner now.”
 
“I’m the new owner?” CJ was shocked, she knew her father could never give up something like this so easily. “CJ,” Hook began, “I know the sword is fun to play with but you must protect this with your life.”
 
“Of course dad!” CJ held up her sword high, “I’ll be just like you! This sword will never leave my sight.”
 
CJ come out of her flashback, gasping for air, “awe, look at that, the pirate princess is broken.” Araden chuckled.
 
Carlos tried to soothe his pirate princess but she wasn’t calming down, “please, baby, just breathe.”
 
“N-No...I-I-I...I can fac-face my fam-family again.” CJ held the side of her head, clutching her blonde locks.
 
“It’s okay, we’ll explain what happened to them.” Carlos kissed her cheeks. “Don't freak out.”
 
“So, I wonder if this can cut human skin?” Araden smirked, turning her sword black “wonderful.”
 
He flashed the sword into CJ’s box, Carlos growled and stood in front of his mate “mine…”
 
Araden laughed, “move, Dog Boy!” Araden flashed Carlos into Freddie’s box. “Now, my little Princesa,” Carlos growled deeper, “that’s my name for her!”
 
“If I won't be interrupted,” the sword began scrap and cut CJ, some deep, some barely hitting the surface. “Wow! This thing is sharp!” Araden was shocked to see the least.
 
The pain went on for almost half an hour, CJ felt tears stream down her eyes, she wanted all of this to end. She wanted to leave this place, wake up from this nightmare, she wanted to go home.
 
“Princesa!” Carlos called out for her to be strong, CJ watched trough lidded eyes as her beloved cried over her.
 
Carlos...I’m so sorry…
 
“Please! CJ! You gotta keep fighting.” Carlos pleaded, quickly wiping his tears before new ones began to flow down his cheeks.
 
I wish I had more time….
 
Her eyes slowly closed, hoping it she went limp the pain would recede.
 
“CJ…” the mysterious voice from before called out softly, CJ tried to look around but all she could see was darkness for miles upon miles.
 
She lightly walked on the floor, seeing the water beneath her not only ripple with every step, but turn pink as well. As confused as CJ was, she wasn’t scared, the water was warm and calming.
 
“CJ…”
 
CJ ran faster, trying to follow the voice into the darkness unknown, leaving a trail of pink ripples behind her “wait! Don't leave! Who are you?!”
 
“Just remember, CJ,” the voice vaguely answered, “remember the times we shared…”
 
Disregarding the voice’s vague answer, CJ squinted, she could faintly make out a long sharp metal spear. Her speed quickened as she got a better view of the spear. She didn't know why but she felt she’s seen this weapon before.
 
Just before her fingers could graze the base of the weapon, CJ woke up, breathing heavily. Everything was silent, the only sound was Araden fumbling for words as he looked at the scene before him.
 
CJ blinked a few times, her eyes focusing directly in front of her to see she halted her swords movements. “Wha…?!” Araden gasped, his eyes practically bugged out of his head when the black melted off the sword, transforming it into something new.
 
What used to be a sword was now a long, sliverly gold spear, broad spear with two out-turned lugs at the base of the head, that forms a guard similar to that of a boar spear.
 
“Woah…” CJ eyes widened, “when did you learn this?!”
 
She reached out for it but quickly jerked her hand back when the spear began shaking, flying frantically around the box, trying to find an escape.
 
She extended her hand, standing up straight and at attention “stop!”
 
To say CJ was shocked would be an understatement. “This always worked when I used it on my sword…”
 
“This ain't your average sword, princess,” Araden growled, clearly annoyed, “you VKs ruin everything!”
 
Araden was surrounded by a dark aura as he glared at Ben, “you’re the last one, Benny Boy,” he extends his hand, pulling Ben to the wall of his box, smushing the king’s face against it, “and if you thought your friends torture was worse.”
 
Ben felt Araden’s hands around his throat, “when I’m finished with you, you’re friends won't even recognize you.”

~A/N~

And so! I know today is super bowl Sunday! Sorry spoilers! Cheifs won! Woop! Woop!

Alright guys! Ben's next! Our final box episode. You thought i was gonna say final episode!? Please! We almost there. Don't worry.

Anyway! Ben's chapter will be a 2 part episode. Yeah, that long!

Will it be out tomorrow? I don't think so, but if i can type hella fast and nobody interrupt me then maybe....?

Stay Sweet,
Sugar_And_Spice125 💕