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Jake Kiszka X Reader - Blog Posts
Roving Blade
Pirate Captain!Jake X Siren!Reader
Warnings: Slight violence, minor swearing, the usual piratey nonsense, minor sexual implications, will add more tags for future chapters
CHAPTER 2
These pirates were a lot nicer than the ones you had seen and heard of before, you had to admit. They made a large tank for you, big enough for you to fully stretch out in, and made sure to keep you well fed once they realized you could eat meat and fish. Jake kept you in his cabin, away from the prying eyes of any he didn’t trust with the knowledge of your existence.
You still would rather NOT be on this ship at all, but it could’ve been worse, you supposed.
Captain Kiszka, or Jake, as you soon heard him be called, was fascinated with you, even more so than the rest of the crew. He’d spend hours trying to communicate with you, despite the warnings from (who you assumed were) his brothers. Especially the one who shared his face; he seemed especially wary of you.
You weren’t intentionally dangerous, to your defense. It’s just in your nature to go after pirates and sailors, with them being common on the seas and usually causing a ruckus. Again, though, this one was… different. He was still dangerous and proud, as all pirates seemed to be, but he held a certain curiosity and eagerness to learn about the world, not conquer it.
Today was the same as usual, with Jake feeding you and taking notes in his journal about your habits. You’ve grown used to this, having given up on trying to understand his human writing. You may somewhat understand their spoken language, but that didn’t extend to writing.
“Can you eat things other than meat and fish?” Jake asked, tossing another fish into your tank for you to eat. You opened your mouth to show him your teeth, shaking your head. Your teeth were razor sharp, stained pink from years of eating things full of blood and meat. Jake observed your gesture, scribbling furiously in his journal. You had once tried to eat the kelp at the sea floor, curious about it. All it did was make you sick and offer no nutrients to you, so you’ve not tried it again.
“Interesting…” He muttered, tucking the journal away to look at your appearance again. This is also something he does a lot. He’ll simply stare, as if trying to engrave every detail of you into his mind. Part of you was annoyed that he wouldn’t let you go, and that he seemed so obsessed, but the other part of you was glad he seemingly had no interest in selling or killing you.
You finished off the fish, tossing the bones to the bottom of your tank and laid back on the sand that covered the cold glass at the bottom of it. Your tail shimmered in the sunlight that came in from the small porthole windows in Jake’s cabin. He stared at your scales as you eventually drifted off into a short nap.
——
Jake had been doing research any chance he got. Sometimes that meant asking the old sailors and other pirates he was friendly with about the tales of merfolk and sirens, other times it meant stealing books from homes and libraries in port towns. One thing that continually showed up was that the scales of a mermaid held magic in it that protected its holder from harm.
In some old stories, it mentioned lovestruck mermaids offering them to sailors they fancied, other times it told of sailors stealing them from the mermaids and wearing them as a trophy. He considered himself better than a common thief, but knew that there’d be no way he’d get a scale willingly from the one he captured and imprisoned.
When talking about the much more aggressive version of mermaids, aka Sirens, there wasn’t much in the way of positives about them. They were said to be bloodthirsty tricksters, using their voice to lure sailors to jump ship into their waters, where they stood no chance against the razor sharp teeth and quick reflexes of the creature. Some say sirens are the spirits of women thrown overboard, causing them to be vengeful to any sailor man they see. Others claim they’re like animals, seeking out their preferred prey, humans.
He thought back to the night he first heard it sing, remembering how close he was to doing just that. Did this creature simply want to eat him? Did it only see him as food, or a threat that needed to be taken out? Jake shook his head. It didn’t matter; it’s not like it could attack him now, being stuck aboard his ship in a tank. He eyed the scales again before turning away and heading out to the deck of the ship.
He couldn’t think about that now, he had a ship to run and a crew to manage.
——
You couldn’t figure out what this pirate wanted with you. A trophy? Research? It’s been three months, and he’s not done anything like selling you or try to even harm you. Neither did the few others he let come in to feed you or talk to him as you watched. He’s stopped scribbling in that journal so much, you noticed. Maybe it was full? Or maybe he couldn’t learn anything else about you?
So then why did he keep you around?
——
The seas were rough one morning as they sailed from the shores out to the wider parts of the sea. They kept watch, knowing these parts held far more enemies for them; other pirates, the navy, large whales and squid, and who knows what else. If Merfolk were real, who knows what else was real?
Jake was itching for something to happen, having gotten too settled down during the three months they stayed close to the shores. They had waited out some of the rougher months, but the seas still had their fair share of rough days. Today was no exception, rain pouring down and a heavy fog settling over the water. Sam was on lookout above, his eyes much better than anyone else’s.
“Captain! There’s a ship out on the starboard side, about 3 knots away I’d say. It’s flying a red flag, so I, uh, don’t think they’re friendly. Should we ready the canons and guns?” Sam shouted down to Jake, looking concerned. They had a formidable crew, but they still preferred not to fight other pirates if they had to.
Jake made a quick decision. “Ready the canons, raise the flag! If they attack, we attack ten-fold! Ready men?” His voice was loud and proud over the sound of the rain and waves, commanding his crew like he had for years.
Jake grinned as he unsheathed his sword and stood on deck, finally seeing the ship appear from the fog. It’s been too long since he’s had a good fight…
——
The sound of fighting soon appeared over the noise of the waves and weather, the booms of the canons and guns alongside the clang of swords and the shouts of both crews. You curled up at the bottom of your tank, frightened of what might happen if the other crew were to find you. You didn’t really care if the one you were on sank; you could get out of the tank rather easily and you’d be home free. But this crew had been nicer to you than most probably would be.
It felt like hours until you heard cheers of success, followed by boots approaching Jake’s cabin. You were sort of relieved it was actually Jake who walked through the door, drenched and spattered with blood, but looking victorious. He held a worn map within his grasp, grinning as he set it on his desk. He tore off his jacket, hanging it over the chair at the desk before stripping his other clothes.
You had to admit, he was handsome for a human. He was soft in some places, and muscled in others. One long scar stretched across his chest, from his shoulder to just below his ribs. You wish you could ask about it, curious of what battle that must have come from. He had a nice amount of body hair, without being too hairy like so many pirates and sailors were. You had seen him use something to trim up the hair on his face, so maybe he did the same for his body? Speaking of his body…
He was strong and sturdy, no doubt about that. But there was some softness to him too. His hips were rounder, along with his chest. Looking lower, his thighs were thick and powerful, and what hung between them seemed the same. You had seen him undress before, but usually in the dim candlelight at night, not midday.
Jake redressed, now wearing dry and (somewhat) cleaner clothes than before. Finally, he sat at his desk, opening the map. He seemed confused after a moment, looking at it from multiple angles. After but a few minutes, he stood and retrieved a book from across the room, setting it down on the desk and flipping through the pages. With each page, Jake looked more and more annoyed, as if he wasn’t finding what he wanted to.
You craned your neck, looking at the map from your tank, and were surprised to recognize the writing on the edge of it as one you could read. It seemed to be written in a language only spoken in Europe, one being forgotten with each day that passes. Despite the distance, you squinted and read the words before tapping on the glass of your tank. Jake whirled around, confused. You never try to communicate with him; it’s always the other way around.
“You… You want to tell me something?” He asks. You nod and gesture over to the map, his eyes following the movement. “The map?”
Slowly, he grabbed it off the desk, eager to be finally having a sort-of conversation with you. You tapped the glass again, asking him to hold it up. He did so, and you finally got a good look at the words. For the first time since you had enchanted him that night months ago, you breached the water of your tank and spoke to him.
“ ‘Near Santa Cruz, nestled amongst its fellow islands, lies a cavern that leads to a treasure beyond any that’s ever been found. Know that if you wish to find this treasure, you must be willing to take the risk of the curse that lies with it. No other has found this treasure and lived to tell of it besides I, Captain Christopher Turpin. May you be luckier than the others who followed my path.’ That’s what it says,” You say, looking over the edge of your tank into his eyes.
“Treasure? A cave out by Santa Cruz? This is all so much to take in… And you can speak my language? I, well, I had assumed you couldn’t since you hadn’t until now,” Jake paced back and forth, so many questions in his mind. “I’ve heard of Captain Turpin. They said he disappeared somewhere in South America with his fortune and retired years ago. If true, he should still be alive, and not too old to answer my questions…”
Jake suddenly pulled out his own map, charting out a course to South America. You tilted your head to the side, watching him curiously. Maybe if you work with this pirate, you could barter your freedom with him… It was worth a try.
Roving Blade
Pirate Captain!Jake X Siren!Reader
Warnings: Slight violence, minor swearing, the usual piratey nonsense, more tags will be added for later chapters
Captain Jacob Kiszka stood at the helm of his ship, The Mirador, the salty breeze tousling his long brown hair as he gazed out over the vast expanse of the shimmering sea. His amber eyes, usually sharp and focused, softened as he watched the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the restless waves.
The crew of the ship, a formidable bunch that Jake personally handpicked to travel with him, moved about with purpose. He gave quick glances to the three most important members of his crew.
There was Daniel Wagner, his best friend and honorary brother. Danny moved with practiced ease as he checked the cannons and gear over once more, his dark, curly hair catching the last rays of sunlight like a halo.
Then there was Samuel Kiszka, the youngest of the Kiszka brothers. His long brown hair trailing behind him in the wind and a smile playing on his lips as he effortlessly climbed up the intricate rigging of the ship to check the sails.
Most important to Jake, there was Josh, Jake's twin and his right-hand man. No one besides Sam and Danny knew much about them. One day, two teenagers just appeared with a ship, their kid brother, and another young boy who they dubbed their honorary brother, wreaking havoc on the seas.
Captain Jake was well known for his conquests, his reputation as a fearless and cunning pirate preceeding him. Tales of his daring escapades and his uncanny ability to outwit even the most formidable foes made their way through the taverns of every port town they passed through.
But amidst the whispers of his legendary exploits, there was a softer side to Jake that few were privy to. It was a deep longing within his soul that even the most precious treasures of the world could not quell.
He had everything he could ever want, except the one thing money couldn't buy.
It was that same longing that brought him to stand alone on the deck most nights while his crew slumbered below.
The night enveloped the ship like a velvet cloak, the only illumination coming from the moon's silvery glow dancing on the restless waves. He had a bottle of whiskey in one hand, the other keeping him upright as he leaned against the railing, looking out over the dark waters.
Feeling rather melancholic, he softly sang into the vast expanse of the ocean, letting the melody carry his emotions out into the night air, "I dreamed a dream, the other night... Lowlands, lowlands away me John... My love she came, dressed all in white..."
It wasn't often he sang, even when the crew would break into various shanties during the day. He'd let them have their fun, only joining in for a line or two. But when it was just him, the sea, and a bottle of booze, he let himself relax fully.
"I dreamed my love came in my sleep... Lowlands, lowlands away me John... Her cheeks were wet, her eyes did weep... Lowlands away..."
Far below where Jake stood, something stirred, roused awake by his singing. They swam up from the depths, and a ripple broke the surface of the water as they peeked above with a curious tilt to their head.
Their wide eyes held a mix of wonder and wariness as they regarded the figure of the pirate standing on the deck above. They couldn't help but sing along with Jake, completing the melody.
Their voice was like liquid silver, weaving through the night air with a hypnotic quality. The soft, melodic tones wrapped around Jake like a gentle embrace, harmonizing in a way that felt almost otherworldly.
Jake turned, drawn by a sensation he couldn't quite explain, to see the source of the enchanting hum. He felt almost sleepy as he took a step forward, then another, before climbing up on the railing, desperate to get to the source of the voice.
"Jake!"
Before Jake could tumble over the ledge, he was yanked back on deck by his twin, Josh. The sudden jolt of being pulled back from the edge of the ship brought Jake back to his senses, his heart pounding in his chest as he stumbled backward.
Josh's grip on Jake's arm was firm, his expression a mixture of concern and exasperation. "What the hell are you doing, Jake? Are you trying to take a dive into the ocean in the dead of night?"
Shaken from the trance-like state that the mesmerizing voice had cast upon him, Jake blinked rapidly, his mind struggling to catch up with the abrupt return to reality, "I... I heard something, Josh. A voice, singing. It was... enchanting," he stammered.
Josh arched an eyebrow, casting a wary glance over the empty, dark waters that surrounded the ship. "Enchanting, you say? Are you sure that bottle of whiskey hasn't played tricks on your ears, brother?" His tone was laced with slight amusement, though beneath it lay heavy concern for his twin's well-being.
"I'm telling you, Josh, I know I heard something," Jake repeated. His amber eyes searched the darkness beyond the ship, as if hoping to catch a glimpse of the source of the ethereal voice that had captivated him moments ago.
Josh knew Jake to be a man with an open mind, but the notion of a mystical encounter with a creature of legend seemed too fantastical even for Jake's vivid imagination. Yet, the intensity in Jake's gaze concerned Josh.
"Jake, you've been drinking too long. Your mind is playing tricks on you," Josh remarked, "We should get you to bed."
Jake didn't oppose him this time, choosing to let Josh lead him back to his quarters. Despite Josh's attempts to reassure him that it was just the alcohol playing tricks on his senses, Jake couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to that voice that had reached out to him in the night.
He knew something was out there, and he knew he would find it.
--
The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the small porthole in Jake's cabin, casting a warm golden glow over the rumpled sheets of his bed. As he slowly stirred from his slumber, a dull ache reverberated through his skull. With a groan, he raised a hand to his temple, trying to ease the throbbing sensation.
Blinking his eyes open, Jake's gaze fell upon the scene before him. He was still mostly dressed, the fabric rumpled from a restless night's sleep. A heavy sense of unease settled in his chest as he took in the sight of the empty whiskey bottle lying on its side, its contents drained to the last drop.
With a determined shake of his head, Jake pushed himself up from the bed, his bare feet meeting the cool wooden floorboards of his cabin. He pulled his boots back on, lazily fixing his clothes and running his fingers through his hair to untangle any knots.
As he made his way above deck, the salty tang of the sea air greeted him, mingling with the crisp morning breeze that tousled his long brown locks. His crew was already up and about, milling about purposefully as they prepared to get moving once more.
"Captain! How are you this morning?" Josh jogged up to Jake, lowering his voice once he was close enough, "You all good after last night, Jake? Ya had me a bit worried with all your talk of "enchanting voices" calling you out to sea."
"Don't worry, Josh, I'm fine," Jake replied, giving him a reassuring grin.
Josh nodded, though unconvinced. Still, he didn't press the issue further; once they were out of these waters, they'd be far enough away from whatever had caused Jake to nearly go overboard.
The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a brilliant shine over the endless expanse of the sea. The ship cut through the waves with a rhythmic cadence, the creaking of the timbers, and the flapping of sails providing a backdrop to the bustling activity of the crew.
As the day wore on, Jake found himself drawn back to the railing, the memory of the voice from the night before lingering in his mind like a half-remembered dream. He scanned the horizon, his gaze searching for any sign of the mysterious singer who had captivated him.
But the vast ocean offered no clues, no hints as to the identity of the voice that had reached out to him in the darkness. Disheartened yet determined, Jake turned his attention to his duties as a captain, barking orders and overseeing the crew as they worked tirelessly to navigate the ship through the unpredictable waters.
It took them only a day to land in the next port town. It was little more than a speck on the map, and the locals were (rightfully) unsure how much they liked the presence of Jake and his crew. But once Jake provided them with a hefty pouch of coins in return for their stay, they seemed to relax around the visitors.
While the rest of his crew made the most of their short time on land, Jake stayed by the beach, lost in thought. He didn't hear someone approach from behind him until a hand landed upon his shoulder.
Startled at the unexpected touch, Jake jumped, whipping around with his hand on the hilt of his sword. He relaxed once he realized it was only Danny.
"Sorry, Jake, didn't mean to scare 'ya there," Danny chuckled, raising his hands in surrender, "I just came to see if you were alright. Josh was tellin' us that you had quite the experience last night."
"I already told him I was fine. Nothin' I can't handle," Jake scoffed, "I just drank a bit too much is all."
The sun hung low on the horizon now, casting a warm golden hue over the sandy shores. Seagulls wheeled overhead, their raucous cries mingling with the distant sounds of the bustling port town.
"I know you, Jake. You don't really think that," Danny's voice cut through the other sounds, matter-of-factly challenging Jake's earlier dismissal.
Jake's amber brown eyes flickered with frustration as he turned to face Danny, a hint of vulnerability creeping into his expression, "No, I don't. I know I heard something out there, and as much as I want to believe it was anything else, a part of me knows what it was."
In all honesty, Jake knew what it was from the moment he was pulled back from nearly jumping overboard.
Sirens, mermaids, water nymphs – the names swirled like a tempest in his thoughts, each one carrying with it a weight of ancient legends and cautionary tales.
He knew the stories, the warnings whispered by seasoned sailors and woven into the very fabric of maritime lore. The enchanting melodies that lured unsuspecting souls to their watery graves, the haunting beauty that masked a deadly intent. The descriptions varied, but the outcome was always the same – a fate sealed by the irresistible call of the sea.
Danny's voice carried a note of urgency, a sailor's instinct honed by years spent navigating treacherous waters, "If we're on the same page, then I reckon we should probably leave these waters sooner rather than later. The longer we stay, the more likely we'll lose someone-"
Jake, his jaw set in a firm line, cut him off before he could finish, "No. I'm not running away with my tail between my legs like a scared mutt."
"But Jake-"
"If you all want to stay ashore, then go ahead. I'll go on my own if I have to."
Realizing he was getting nowhere with this, Danny sighed and stood up, "I'm with you if this is something you need to do, Jake. I trust you." And with that, he turned and headed back up towards the town, presumably to tell the others what Jake had decided.
Call it bravery, call it greed, Jake didn't care. If it really was a creature of myth that tried to call him to the sea, he had to see it for himself.
Upon returning to his crew, Jake said only one thing.
"Lads, it's time to go fishing."
-----
Jake knew it wouldn't be easy to catch a Siren; as far as he knew, it's never been done. The moon hung low in the sky, its silvery light dancing on the gentle waves that lapped against the sides of the ship.
The air was heavy with anticipation, a palpable energy that crackled in the salty breeze. Jake stood at the helm, his eyes fixed ahead and his heart pounding with excitement. The familiar weight of his sword at his side was a gounding presence, a reminder of the danger he was putting himself and the rest of his crew in.
The crew worked swiftly and silently, their movements guided by the rhythm of the ocean. The sails billowed overhead, and lanterns cast a warm glow on the deck, creating long shadows that danced with the gentle sway of the ship.
As they sailed further into the darkness, the stars above seemed to multiply, sprinkling the sky like scattered diamonds. The night was alive with the symphony of the sea – the creaking of the ship, the soft lapping of the waves, the distant cries of seabirds.
He had told them all his plan to catch this mystical creature earlier in the day.
First, they would head out to the approximate location they had been at the first time Jake heard the singing. Once there, the rest of the crew would turn out the lights and stay silent while Jake lured it out. And finally, if that worked, they had just the thing to capture it.
Months before, Danny and Sam had come to Jake with an idea of theirs - a smaller sized cannon that could launch a net much farther than the crew could throw it. At first, Jake had dismissed the idea as nothing more than a fanciful whim, a contraption that seemed more suited for a circus act than a pirate ship.
But now, he found himself reconsidering their proposal. After employing the help of a blacksmith in town and testing it out many times, their net contraption was ready for use.
When they dropped anchor, the ship rocking gently against the current was the only sound breaking the silence of the night. Jake stood at the edge of the deck, rough rope tied securely around his waist, a lifeline in case the plan went awry. Josh had insisted upon everyone being tethered down, unwilling to go through with the plan without it.
The rest of the crew got into position, staying silent and hidden so as not to alert their target of any danger. Sam and Danny waited for the perfect moment to launch the net, while Josh kneeled beside the rope keeping his twin tethered to the ship, just in case anything went wrong.
With everything ready and in place, Jake began to hum a tune, hoping it would draw the siren, or whatever it was, to him once more.
An hour passed with no sign of any response, and Jake began to grow doubtful of his plan working. The night seemed to stretch on endlessly, the only sounds the gentle lapping of the waves against the hull, the creaking of the ship as it swayed with the current, and the occasional distant cry of a seabird
The moon hung like a silver coin in the sky, casting a ghostly light over the dark waters. Jake stood at the edge of the ship, his heart heavy with uncertainty. His amber brown eyes scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of movement, any glimmer in the darkness that would signify the presence of the elusive creature he sought.
The crew, hidden in the shadows, watched with bated breath, their anticipation palpable in the still night air. Danny's brow furrowed, his trust in the plan wavering as the minutes passed. Sam shifted from one foot to the other, anxiously tapping his fingers against his thigh as he waited. Josh remained close to the tether, his hands gripping the rope tightly as he kept a vigilant watch over his twin brother.
As the minutes ticked by, doubts crept into Jake's mind. What if there was nothing here? What if this was all a wild goose chase, brought on by wild maritime tales? Had he really been so foolish?
Just as he was about to call it all off, a soft melody began to weave through the stillness of the night.
"My heart is pierced by cupid, I disdain all glittering gold... There is nothing can console me but my jolly sailor bold..."
A dim light could be seen just a few meters from the side of the ship, ripples disturbing the water as something poked its head above the waves. And this time, Jake kept his eyes on it.
Even in the dim moonlight, he could see the way the its skin seemed to have an unearthy shimmer to it, like the surface of a pearl. Wide, large eyes stared back at him, and he yearned to get just a little closer to them.
"His hair it hangs in dark waves, his eyes like amber coals... my happiness is with him, wherever he may go..."
Just as Jake leaned closer, half his body over the railing, Josh held the rope tight and shouted, "Now!"
The command pierced through the night like a cannon blast, igniting a flurry of movement on the deck. Sam and Danny sprang into action, their trained muscles working in perfect synchrony as they released the tension on the contraption. The makeshift cannon roared to life, propelling the net with incredible force towards the shimmering figure in the water.
There was no time for them to dive back below the waves. The net soared through the air, a tangled mass of ropes and weights hurtling towards the mysterious creature that had entranced Jake with its haunting melody. The impact was like a thunderclap in the silent night, the net enveloping the creature in a cacophony of splashes and thrashes. The water frothed and churned as the siren fought against its restraints, desperate cries echoing across the dark expanse of the sea.
Jake, his heart pounding in his chest, felt a surge of adrenaline as he regained his awareness. His eyes blazed with determination as he took control of the situation, his voice cutting through the chaos with authority, "Pull, boys! Bring it up on deck!"
It was clear that after only a few minutes, their target was tired out, the thrashing and fighting much weaker than before. With one last pull, they were dragged from the water and up to the deck of the ship.
They were more beautiful than Jake ever expected. Those wide eyes seemed to look through Jake, as if seeing something in him that he could not. The iridescent sheen of their skin was mesmerizing, akin to the lustrous glow of a priceless pearl. The scales adorning their tail shimmered in the moonlight, each scale glinting like a precious stone.
Jake kneeled down, tilting his head to the side as he stared deep into the eyes of something he'd never seen before. It blinked once, and then...
You blinked again, staring into the deep amber eyes of Captain Jacob Kiszka.
Chapter 2:
When the luxury passenger ship you were on wrecked and pirates came to scavenge it, you thought you would be left for dead, or worse.
Instead, Captain Jake Kiszka himself took you aboard his ship, rescuing you from what would've been a watery grave.
"Well, Darling, what kind of gentleman would I be if I didn't rescue a pretty thing like you?"