Cleanse Your Hands, You Sinners

While Calico Jack had expected to be called out, it does not stop the hurt that flashes across his face as each word seems to impact his very soul. They tear out what little self-confidence the man once had and he feels himself pulling inward. He had never been congratulated or even acknowledged when he would win his fights and the last raid he had led was successful but again there had been no recognition of him. The only time someone has said his name at a meeting was here and now and it is in anger.

Suddenly, the man understands that he is not enough and he never will be.

Shoulders slump inward as his head lowers to hide the tears that prick painfully at the back of his eyes and the rest of the meeting passes by in a haze. Rivin reads his distress and gets up, stalking off in anger and Jack’s head snaps up to follow her form as Modesty yells hurtful words after her. In one fell swoop everything that the man has ever known is being taken from him. He had been born as a Pirate, lived the life of a Raider and now he has nothing left… except for Rivin.

Others speak, their words smacking into him as if they were knives, sharpened with hate, and he releases a soft whine as he continues to watch his girlfriend’s form until it disappears. Shakily, Calico Jack stands every inch of him screaming defeat as he moves his shimmering gaze up to meet Modesty’s hard eyes. Head low, tail tucked, he says, “I’m sorry I wasn’t good Raider. I wish you all the best that life has to offer.” His words are heartfelt but filled with sorrow because he is about to walk away from everyone and everything he has ever known.

Turning to follow after Rivin, Jack pauses to scan the faces of everyone gathered as he remembers happier times. Tears finally slip free and he is unable to look back at the alphas as he pleads, “Can I… come back to visit sometime?” Waiting for the answer, he then slowly and brokenly leaves the only life he knows behind.


"Calico Jack"