CHAPTER TEN!
Henry had gotten to Pirates Bay before the group did, sneaking onto the ship and acting as his part with the crew to not make things suspicious. He found Ben tied up on the post off to the side, and he managed to head over to him without looking suspicious.
Ben lifts his head, squinting his eyes as he stared at him. "Who are you?" He asked, sounding tired and confused.
Henry looks at him apologetically. "Sorry, dude. My name's Henry, son of Hans. I'm Elisa's friend." He explained, and he could tell Ben recognized the name.
"Ah, right. I've heard of you. Elisa talked a lot about you." Ben said softly, smiling a little. "It's great to finally meet you...Just wish it wasn't under these circumstances."
Henry chuckles and nods in agreement. "Yeah, totally. Don't worry, Elisa and the others have a plan to save you. Things will work out, trust me." He pauses before adding. "You know, I really resented you for taking Elisa away from me...She was the only family I had."
Ben looks at him with sympathy, understanding and guilt washing over him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to take her away from you. She told me how much she cares about you, and I can tell you guys have a strong bond. It was never my intention to separate the two of you. I-I didn't know until she had told me about you."
Henry nods, his expression softening. "I know, and I appreciate that. It's just...A tough situation. But I'm glad Elisa has someone like you by her side." He glances around the ship, making sure no one was overhearing their conversation. "She deserves happiness, and she seems happy with you."
Ben smiles at him. "I hope so, I really care about her. She's special to me." He said sincerely, and Henry could tell he was genuine.
Henry smiles back at him, nodding. "She's special to me too."
"Henry, where have you been?" Uma's voice boomed through the ship and Henry jumped, startled by her sudden appearance. He turned to her, smiling innocently.
"Sorry, Captain. I had some stuff to do." Henry tells her, shrugging. "What's going on? Do you need me to do anything?"
Uma narrowed her eyes at him, her gaze piercing and suspicious. Henry kept his cool, not showing how nervous and scared he felt. He had been around Uma and the others to know how to hide his true feelings. He knew how to play it off and make it look like he wasn't hiding anything. He crossed his arms, raising his eyebrows back at Uma, trying to look casual and bored.
Uma hums, studying him for a moment. She didn't fully believe him, but she seemed to brush it off and accept his answer. "Just make yourself useful. And not chat with our hostage. We will have company soon. Be ready to fight."
"Aye aye, Captain." Henry gave a mock salute, earning an annoyed huff from Uma as she rolled her eyes and walked away. Henry watches Uma leave before turning his attention back to Ben. "I'm going to do what I can to help," He said quietly. "Just hang tight. Elisa and the others are on their way, and they've got a plan."
Ben nods, his expression one of weary hope. "Thank you, Henry. I appreciate it."
Henry gave him a reassuring smile and moved away, blending back into his role among Uma's crew. As he went about his tasks, he kept an eye out for any sign of Elisa and her friends.
****
As Elisa walked back to meet up with her friends at Pirates Bay, suddenly an arm was around her waist and pulling her back and before she could scream a hand was over her mouth. She tried struggling as much as she could, but then a bag was over her head and she was thrown over someone's shoulder and she could feel herself being carried. Her heart was pounding and her blood was rushing as she tried to figure out what was going on and where she was being taken. But the bag was too thick and she couldn't see anything, and she had no idea who had grabbed her or what their intentions were. She didn't recognize the muffled voices surrounding her, but she could tell they were speaking in low, hurried tones. The fear and confusion were overwhelming, making it hard for Elisa to think clearly.
After what felt like an eternity of being carried, the movement finally stopped. She felt herself being set down gently, and the bag was lifted from her head. Blinking against the sudden light, Elisa tried to take in her surroundings. She found herself in a dimly lit room, with a few figures standing around her. The air smelled stale and damp, and she could hear water dripping in the distance. Her hands and legs were tied, but other than that, she seemed unharmed.
"Where am I? Who are you?" Elisa asked, her voice shaking with fear and anger. Her eyes darted around the room, taking in the strange surroundings and trying to figure out where she was.
The room looked abandoned and forgotten, with broken pieces of furniture and old boxes strewn about. There was a door on the far wall, and a single window letting in a sliver of light. It looked like a hallway, but Elisa couldn't be sure. as her eyes adjusted to the dim light. The figures surrounding her seemed to blend into the shadows, making it difficult to make out their faces. Her heart raced as she struggled to free herself from the ropes binding her hands and legs. One of the figures stepped forward, revealing a face she recognized. CJ Hook. Harry's younger sister. She grimaced, looking at her with an unreadable expression.
"Sorry 'bout this, mate. But orders are orders." CJ said, not sounding particularly remorseful. She gave Elisa a smirk, and Elisa glared at her. "You've caused quite a stir here on the Isle, and our captain wants to see you." The blonde walks over to Elisa, continuing to smirk at her. "Been awhile since we've talked. How's your perfect life in Auradon as soon to be Queen?" She sneers, her eyes narrowing. "I never understood what Harry saw in you. You're nothing but a spoiled princess who thinks she's better than the rest of us." CJ's voice drips with disdain as she leaned closer to Elisa. "If it was up to me, I would've thrown you overboard and let the sharks have you."
Elisa flinched slightly, the harsh words cutting deep. Once upon a time, she had tried to be friends with CJ. And Harriett too, CJ's and Harry's older sister. But the two girls had always been bitter and hostile towards her. They made it clear they didn't trust her or want her around. But Elisa had never given up, and had tried her best to reach out to them. It was hard, knowing they didn't like her and were only tolerating her because of Harry. Even so, Elisa had always wanted to have a relationship with them, especially since she was close to Harry. But their relationship had never blossomed into a real friendship.
Elisa grits her teeth, glaring at CJ. She didn't want to show how much CJ's words had affected her. "And you're nothing but a bully who thinks she's tough and scary. But we both know the truth. You're just a pathetic coward who hides behind her sister and her brother. You wouldn't be half the pirate you are without them." Elisa shot back, her tone dripping with venom.
CJ's eyes flash with anger and Elisa heard her pull something out of her pocket. Metal glinted in the light, and she felt a sharp blade pressed against her neck. "Watch your tongue, Princess. Or I'll cut it out." CJ growls, her expression cold and dangerous. The word 'Princess' was usually used as respect, but it was said in a way that made it sound like an insult. "I'm only keeping you alive for Harry's sake. But if you keep talking, I'll end you right now. Then I won't have to listen to your annoying voice anymore." CJ hissed, the knife pressing harder against Elisa's neck.
Elisa felt her throat close up, fear coursing through her. She swallowed, the blade digging into her skin. She could feel blood trickling down her neck, and her breath was shaky. She stared at CJ defiantly, refusing to show how terrified she was. "Do it. Kill me. Prove how tough you are. Prove you aren't just a pathetic bully hiding behind your family." Elisa dared, her voice trembling but defiant.
CJ's eyes burned with hatred and had pressed the knife into her skin more, causing more blood to pour out. It was clear the blonde was thinking about killing her. Or at least hurting her, badly. But then a voice cut through the tension, causing CJ to jump back.
"What's going on here?" The voice demands, and Elisa's gaze went towards the voice. It was Harriet, CJ's and Harry's older sister. She looks at her younger sister with a disappointed expression, though it was also hard to read. "Let her go. Uma needs her." She said sternly, and CJ grumbled, backing away.
"Whatever. I don't get why we need her." CJ grumbles, putting the knife away and shoving her hands in her pockets. "She's worthless. If it was up to me, we would've just tossed her into the ocean."
Harriet rolls her eyes, giving her younger sister an unimpressed look. "Well, it isn't up to you. And if Uma wants her alive, we will keep her alive."
CJ just scoffs, looking annoyed. She glances at Elisa, her expression filled with hatred. "If I see you again, Princess, I'll slit your throat and let you bleed out. I won't let you off the hook next time." She threatened, her voice low and menacing.
Elisa didn't respond, only glaring back at her. The fear and anxiety were still running high, and she could feel her heartbeat racing. She was grateful for Harriet's interruption, and for keeping her sister from going further. CJ was known to have a violent temper, and it was clear the blonde wanted to hurt her. "CJ." Harriet said, her tone warning. CJ sighed and grumbled something under her breath before stomping away, slamming the door shut.
Harriet watches her sister leave, before turning her attention back to Elisa. She crouches down beside her, her expression a bit softer. "Don't worry, Elisa. Uma won't hurt you. She just wants to talk. You have no reason to fear."
Elisa rolls her eyes. "Even though I got kidnapped and I'm tied up now? And she has kidnapped my boyfriend too?"
"We had to kidnap you." Harriet tells her with a sigh. "We knew you probably wouldn't want to talk willingly. Uma's got her own plans, and you're a part of them now."
Elisa's eyes narrows, her expression a mix of anger and frustration. "And what exactly does Uma want from me? She already knows I'm not going to help her with her plans."
Harriet shakes her head, her gaze flickering with a mix of resignation and sympathy. "Uma's plans aren't just about you, Elisa. It's bigger than that. She believes that by talking to you, she might find a way to get what she wants. And, truthfully, we need to make sure things go smoothly. We can't afford any more chaos."
Elisa glares at her, the ropes digging into her wrists as she struggled against them. "So, I'm just a pawn in your game, then? You all really don't care about what happens to me?"
Harriet frowns, looking genuinely conflicted. "It's not like that. Look, I don't agree with everything Uma does, but I've got my own reasons for being here. I just want to make sure that everyone stays safe."
"Safe? Like how you almost let CJ kill me?" Elisa retorts, her voice sharp. "How am I supposed to trust any of you?"
Harriet's face hardens slightly, but she kept her voice calm. "Trust isn't something that comes easily, especially not in a place like this. Just remember, Uma needs you for now. That means she won't do anything to seriously hurt you unless you push her too far. I'd advise you to keep a low profile and not give her any reason to turn on you."
Elisa's shoulders slumps slightly, the fight in her eyes dimming a little as the weight of her situation settled back in. "So, what happens now?"
"Now," Harriet says, standing up and putting her hands on her hips. "You wait. Uma will be here soon to talk to you. Until then, try to stay calm. It's not going to help you to be angry or scared."
Elisa watched as Harriett turned to leave, the door creaking open and then shutting behind her. She was left alone in the dimly lit room, the dripping of water and the echoes of distant footsteps the only sounds accompanying her. As she waited, her mind raced, trying to piece together what was happening and what could be coming next.
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