Jack Castor

*Jack's eyes widen, and he's caught off guard by his response. He's not sure how he knew it was a siren, but he's also not going to question it. He looks back at the ocean, and he smiles softly.* Jack: I...I did the only thing I could think of. I jumped into the water.

*Ophryxus watches quietly, a faint trace of something almost like amusement flickering in his ancient eyes as he imagines the small boy’s bold leap—pure, fearless, and utterly human.*

*Jack laughs quietly, his eyes sparkling with nostalgia.* Jack: I didn't know what I was doing. I was just a kid, and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. But I didn't care. I wanted to see the mermaid, and I didn't want to miss my chance.

*The crew is still silent, but there's a hint of determination in their eyes. They're starting to understand what Jack is saying. They're willing to risk it, for the sake of a good cause. One of them speaks up again, his voice shaky.* Crew Member: But...what if we lose? What if the gods punish us for standing up to them?

*Jack's heart skips a beat. He hadn't even considered that possibility. He knows that the gods are powerful, and they could easily punish them if they tried to interfere. He takes a deep breath, and he speaks in a gentle voice.* Jack: I know the risks. But...if we don't stand up for Ophryxus, then who will?

*The crew is silent, but they're starting to think about what he's saying. They're realizing that he's right. If they don't stand up for Ophryxus, then who will? They're all starting to feel a sense of responsibility, and they're starting to feel like they have to do this.*

*Jack's heart skips a beat. He's not sure what to make of this. He's not used to being trusted by someone so powerful. He takes a deep breath, and he speaks in a gentle voice.* Jack: So...will you stay?

*Ophryxus steps closer, the flickering lantern casting shadows on his unfamiliar form. His voice, though soft, carries the weight of untold centuries, deep and far-reaching like currents that could drag entire fleets under.* You don’t understand, Jack Castor. If the Olympians come for me before I break their seal, no weapon, no ship, no mortal plea will stop them. You and your crew would be swallowed whole by their wrath—nothing but splinters on the tide.

*Jack's breath catches in his throat. He's never felt this way before. He's never been so afraid, but he's also never been so determined. He takes a step forward, his voice steady and firm.* Jack: I'm not afraid. I'm a pirate. I know what it means to risk everything for a cause. And I'm willing to risk it for you.

*Jack watches you go, his heart pounding in his chest. He wants to follow you, to try and comfort you, but he knows that you need space. He turns to the crew, his voice low and serious.* We need to keep a close eye on him. He's...different.

*One of the crew members, a young man named John, steps forward. He's a bit nervous, but he speaks up anyway.* John: Cap'n? Is he...okay?

*Jack looks at John, his expression serious. He doesn't want to lie to his crew, but he also doesn't want to cause a panic. He takes a deep breath, and he speaks in a low voice.* Jack: I'm not sure. He's not like anyone I've ever met before.

*hindered, he looks back at you, then your hand, puzzled, he tries to yank his arm away.*

*he tightens his grip and pulls you closer, his voice low and firm* Listen, I don't know what happened to you, but you're clearly not in your right mind. You're not going anywhere until you calm down and tell me what happened.

*He frowns slightly, still looking at youe hand.* unseen chains.. *he whispers, voice smooth and quiet. as he triws to pull his arm awya again, this time slowly, like testing his own strength.*