AN: I think I’m officially addicted to pirates. *puts on patch eye and fake parrot* Argh, mateys! Read me story and I won’t cut out your scully throats!

*ahem*  This story is a result from watching Pirates of the Carry-bean five times in a row and drinking one too many cans of Cherry 7up. Again. *hic* *hic*

This chapter focuses on introducing you to six of the female/male pirates that will join Yuki on his ship. *MAJOR CHARACTERS* Please be patient, this chapter is very long (I must be a crazy fool!) but I think it gives you a pretty good idea of each of the character’s quirky physical and personality traits.

Erm…everything takes place on the same day in this chapter—and if you’re still confused, tell me so I can fix it in the next chapter!

Lastly, I must warn you that this is my first attempt at a shounen-ai/ slash/boy-boy/yaoi/whatever you folks call it. Please be nice! And flame me only when it’s absolutely necessary! ^ ^;;;

Please and Thank yous!

Captain Yuki Ikeru

By: Midori Kenshin

Chapter One: A Coincidental Tale of 6 Souls

‡ Virgin Lights Tavern, ReseigaPort‡

“Dirty bastard, did you read the new sign on the Wanted wall?” whistled a man with only three yellow teeth, whilst pointing a grimy thumb at the wall.

The Spaniard with the patch eye and gold fillings replied, “The one that crazy ass put up for new drafts? The fool must be off his bloody rocker or worse—a eunuch!”

“Eh? You think he’s a friggin eunuch? Good one!” the man whistled excitedly, his face reddening from the eight swigs of rum. “Who’d wanna have female dogs for a bloody crew—on a pirate ship!”

The two drunken men sloshed their intoxicating rum into their greedy mouths, chuckling at the mere thought: women on a pirate ship.

The well-to-do Prince of Pirates, Yuki Ikeru, had arrived at Reseiga Port just 1200 [AN: Two] hours ago, and he was already the tip of every scallywag’s tongue. He posted a recruiting sign on every door of every tavern, bar, and whorehouse.

It read:

Ladies of Fancy Titles:

I, Yuki Ikeru, invite you to become a member of my ship, Snow Dryad. I don’t want a pretty bonnie lass, I merely inquire your services that are needed for a fine crew—a fine mission.

Plunder and spoils beyond your wildest dreams! Bring your husband’s pistols and cutlasses, your feline wits, and lastly, loose clothing worthy of sea travel.

§ Code of Conduct §

[No. 1]  Except for myself, all men are prohibited from boarding the Snow Dryad.

[No. 2]  Important decisions are decided by share of hands. Democracy is exercised.

[No. 3]  All crew members must cut their hair shoulder-length or shorter. Punishment: Personal haircut from yours truly.

[No. 4]  Captain and First Mate get two shares of plunder and each Crew member gets one share of plunder. Injuries are compensated with extra share of booty.

[No. 5]  No stealing, lying, killing, or backstabbing aboard the Snow Dryad. Punishments shall be given as I see fit.

[No. 6]  Always have pistols, cutlasses, spears, etc. cleaned and ready for action. Punishment:  24 whips and 24 hours in chains

[No. 7]  I am the ultimate judge of your actions.

Crew selection of 12 members at 12’o clock sharp, on the 12th day of July in the Year 1712, in front of Ruckus Bar, Port Reseiga.

≈≈ Come aboard Snow Dryad, the ship of your dreams! ≈≈

The tavern master of Virgin Lights, Roger Strutus, was a hard, old fellow considerably softened by years of rough sailing. His skin was as tough as leather, his lips blackened by tobacco’s kiss, and his bristly gray whiskers covering his face and mouth.

His senses were so razor-sharp, he was known to throw a knife 60 yards away and hit the bull’s eye. Any man could see why his fellow pirates gave him the sea name, Tomahawk Roger.

He watched the two drunken men criticizing young Yuki with his cold, black eyes. He inwardly said to himself, “The fools…They have no idea how cunning that young wolf is. He could trick even the heathen Gods and Goddesses if he wished. Yuki, what are you planning to do with 12 women alone on a pirate ship? How much can Lady Luck bless upon your blackened soul?”

Just then, a pair of lasses, one white and the other bronze, strutted in through the front door. The white woman was as pale as the baby moon, her curly golden hair flying everywhere, her peach corset dress exposing her round bosoms. Around her trim waist was a cutlass and whip, both shined and finely made.

The Egyptian woman was a golden bronze, with large doe eyes and long eyelashes, her glossy raven hair braided into hundreds of tiny braids, each ending with a sparkling trinket. Effortlessly slung behind her back was a superior bow and arrows, and around her swan neck was an Injun rock knife that was polished to perfection.

Their facial expressions were the only thing that resembled. Both had proud faces, their beautiful eyes bright and alert, their mouths pursed in careless frowns, their confidence radiating from their bodies.

These women were pirates that were joining the Snow Dryad, without a doubt.

Furthermore, Mr. Strutus knew them well.

“Ah, Miss Abigail and Miss Faye, welcome to my humble tavern. May I offer a drink?” Mr. Strutus bellowed with a smile, motioning the two lasses to take a seat at the bar.

“We be certainly thankful for some rum!” the Egyptian woman cried, her strong, melodious voice filling the room. She expertly approached the stool, sitting with one knee pulled up and the other leg dangling.

“Aye, we certainly would.” Echoed the second bonnie, gathering her pink dress frills in one hand, crossing her slender legs to the left, and dropping the heaps of silk without a thought to the lust-filled glances from the drunken men.

Strutus filled two jugs to the brim with sweet rum, handed each woman one, and continued rubbing his jugs with a cloth. “So,” he ventured bravely, “I take it that you two shall board the Snow Dryad in hence two days time?”

Both women glanced cautiously around the bar, before Miss Faye, the bronze lassie, replied, “Aye, old chum, we’re a going to join young Yuki Ikeru on his quests of treasure.” She paused, took another swig of rum, and continued, “But we finds it rather….interesting that except for his truly, no other man is allowed to enter the ship.”

Miss Abigail voiced her thoughts as well, “Yes sir, it seems mighty peculiar that all of a sudden, a young pirate that was known for despising and loathing women, would want a crew…..like so.”

“Do you think he’s up to something?” Strutus’s eyes bulging out, lowering his voice to a coarse whisper, “You lassies don’t suppose that he’s after the treasure of who-know-who at the who-know-where? Do ye?”

The two women shared a dark, lingering glance before Miss Faye inquired, “Strutus, does that treasure really have a curse against men? A curse that will only lift when a woman of noble heart and mind opens it? May—“

“May this kindred soul buy you two another jug of rum?” a soft, cheerful voice resounded behind the two women.

The three people turned to see a stunning young man wearing a blue tunic and khakis that hung loosely on his hips.

He wore a flowing, teal cape over his clothes, which was stitched in fine gold and embossed with intricate dragons, and on his left ear hung a single earring; it was long and a silver moon charm ended the earring at his shoulder.

Miss Abigail, her cheeks already flushed, exclaimed, “Why, handsome, were you the one offering us drinks?”

“Indeed, sister.” The young man replied, yet it was still the feathery voice, as though a young schoolgirl was speaking through his mouth.

Miss Faye found it somewhat….disturbing. “Boy, do you have problems talking normally? You’re not a eunuch, are ye?”

The boy, who seemed to be barely 15 or 16-years of age, only smiled warmly and said, “No, ma’am, to both questions. This is how I always talk. You see, despite what people believe, I was born with a woman’s heart.”

The Egyptian lass narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “Your name?”

The young boy continued smiling as he replied, “Nanashi. And if you both are not familiar with Japanese names, my name means—“

“No name.” Faye cut in sharply, releasing her knee and clutching her rock knife, her position more wary and vigilant. She hissed sharply, “Boy, I best warn you that angering me will not do you any good! Any good at all!”

The lad merely waved his hands in innocent implication, as he replied, “I’m sorry for angering you, sister. I was only trying to make new friends in this town. It gets very lonely traveling by my lonesome.”

He sighed and repeated sadly, “Very lonesome, indeed.”

Abigail sighed at her partner’s hotheadedness. “Dear boy, do not heed my friend’s words….she does not like meeting new people. I’m afraid that you should leave this tavern at once, before you get hurt. Oh, I’d hate to see your pretty face get scarred!”

Strutus puckered his lips in deep thought. It was not like his character to interfere in his customers’ brawls, but Faye and Abigail were not dealing with your average little samurai.

Though this young boy had seemingly innocent charms, lovely brown locks, and sea-green pearls for eyes, even Strutus heard of Nanashi’s ungodly speed in battle. With the Tenshi de Azerailles, his kantana, even unsheathed, could defeat forty men easily. Forty! Such a boy would prove useful to any pirate Captain, even notorious Yuki Ikeru…

Before Faye had all her blood rushing to her head and Abigail telling another string of sympathetic whims, Strutus implied, “Faye! Abigail! Welcome this fine lad to a seat. No one is turned down at Virgin Lights Tavern! And Mr. Nanashi is no different from any other fine lass!”

The boy smiled brightly and bowed. “Thank you, Sir Strutus. I am deeply moved by your generosity.” He easily threw his cape to the side, sat himself between Faye and Abigail, and placed his right elbow on the surface; resting his head on his hand. His gaze was firmly placed on Faye’s frowning bronze face, and he still did not stop smiling.

“What in hell’s name are you grinning about?” she growled, before downing the rest of her rum, wiping the foam with the back of her hand.

“You.”

Meanwhile, Abigail perked up at her golden opportunity, her button nose wiggling in mischief, as she quietly placed a sneaky hand closer and closer to Nanashi’s……

….closer

…..and closer

….oh-so closer

…..ooohh…real close….

“YOWCH!” Abigail shrieked, cradling her bruised wrist tearfully. At the last second, before Abigail got the pleasure of feeling up (pinching) Nanashi’s butt, he pulled her wrist forward and deftly twisted it.

Faye placed a hand to her mouth, unable to stifle her ill-hidden chuckles. Even Strutus had to let out a few giggles….no man had ever escaped Abigail’s curious, touchy fingers— until today. History must be marking this moment in their books. Abigail had been thwarted!

Nanashi briefly winced at Abigail’s wailing, before soothing her injured wrist by caressing it with gentle fingers. The young woman sniffled and held back fake tears, as she marveled at the boy’s long, perfect fingers and the tenderness that they held.

Faye observed closely how the light made his brown tresses shine angelically, his sea-green pearls sparkling, and his cheeks faintly rosy from the summer’s heat.

She thought to herself, “Maybe this boy ain’t so bad after all….I thought he would be different, a boy without emotion or tenderness. Nanashi, the wandering legend, who supposedly can defeat whole armies with his holy sword. Well, I suppose having him on my side wouldn’t hurt. Hm…..no, it definitely wouldn’t hurt at all.”

Faye slung a friendly arm around Nanashi’s small shoulders, pulled him close to her, until their cheeks slightly brushed, and whispered in his ear, “So Nanashi, you gonna draft to be a crew member on Snow Dryad, the bloody fastest ship on the seven seas?”

He turned his gaze to her expectant, chocolate brown eyes, seemingly entranced by them. Nanashi chewed on his lips, by habit, and muttered, “I-I don’t know. I just came by this town an hour ago; I have never laid eyes on Snow Dryad, nor do I know a single thing about it! I’ve never even sailed on a big ship before!”

Faye smiled playfully, the light dancing brightly in her brown orbs, as she said, “Nanashi, there’s two days before Captain Yuki Ikeru takes recruits. By then, Abigail and I will teach you everything your pretty head needs to know about….the art of sailing! Savvy?”

Abigail squealed in delight when Nanashi shook hands with Faye. She squeezed his petite frame into her peachy embrace. “Now you’re one of us, lassie!”

Faye and Strutus cheered Nanashi with raised jugs of rum, “Hear, hear, hurray for Nanashi, the new pirate aboard Snow Dryad! Hurray!”

AN: Before you go on, take note that these three bonnie lasses (well, two lasses and one-half lassie) will board Snow Dryad! ^____^ *Yay, 3 main characters already introduced!*

‡ Midori Market, ReseigaPort ‡

Midori Market was the home of Reseiga’s bustling trade. It was a long cobblestone street that stretched approximately 4 miles, with hundreds of shops, venders, beggars, apartments, slave auctions, and other fine assortment of things, along it. The street itself was as crooked as can be, and as a shopper, you had to be especially aware of not stepping into four crooked things.

One, animal dung, it litters Midori Market and causes a rather revolting stench.

Two, a beggar or thief/thieves, they’re ruthless when stealing money or goods from you.

Third, stay away from prophet houses and psychics, they do strange things to your mind….strange things, indeed.

Finally, fourth, whatever you do, please don’t get in the way of the Reseiga Port Officers, no matter what. They are the reason why people get lynched and hanged all the time in the Reseiga Square.

Now you must be wondering who owns grand ole Reseiga Port, and all its fine glory.

The answer is simple-- a greedy and shrewd governor by the name of Mr. Gregory Norway, who is as long as a rail, with a black mustache curled upwards, and always fitted in fine garments—even on his afternoon walks. Mr. Smith regularly takes a walk around Reseiga Port with a procession of 30-some troops decked with four cavalrymen and the finest horses.

Such a modest soul, ain’t he?

On one too many occasions have pirates and money-loving men laid their eyes on this rich piece of land, worth thousands and thousands of gold and silver. Funny thing is, no one has ever been able to defeat Mr. Smith’s growing army, or more importantly, his sweet son, Demetrius Norway, a professor at Reseiga’s naval academy.

Extremely educated, respected, and born with his mother’s beauty, Demetrius was one of the most sought-out bachelors on this side of the eastern hemisphere. One teensy problem: He has growing feelings for a certain Pirate Prince. And they’re not completely friendly.

Too bad his father has a slight dislike for the certain Pirate Prince…..

Mr. Smith has a bounty on Captain’s Yuki Ikeru’s head—two million kais. A hefty amount of money that would make anyone drool….. and drown in their own saliva.

~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~

Demetrius sighed deeply into his tea, listening to the endless prattling of the girl before him. Another suitor….another dame that his father was trying to force him to marry.

He risked glancing upwards, watching the girl delicately take a bite out of her salad, and then daintily wiping the corners of her mouth with the white napkin—all the while smiling at him.

Demetri returned her smile with an awkward nod.

“She’s wiped her mouth 59 times in the last hour.” He thought boringly, randomly sifting through his salad, which was sprinkled with sliced pecans and almonds. “I hate nuts….they make me barf.”

Suddenly, a change occurred on Demetri’s face, as an eerie smile tugged at his lips. The girl smiled like a Cheshire Cat, thinking that her girlish charms had finally broken the impenetrable mask of Demetrius Norway. She had been warned by her father that Demetri was a crafty fellow who hated even the smallest mistakes or improper gestures.

Her father had selected the most expensive gown, jewels, and hair designers, to prepare her for this meeting. Poor soul. She had no idea that placed in Demetri’s deepest thoughts was a young man with snow-white hair…

*Demetri’s Flashback*

His essence was taken back into the past, where he was just a young lad, beginning to grow fuzz on his chin and brimming with curiosity of the world. The setting was another one of his father’s grand balls, hosting the promotion of another stupid Commodore.

Once again, Demetri’s handsome, dark-brown hair was slicked back, fitted in tailored blue garments and polished black shoes, a feathery mask placed carefully on his face. This celebration was also a masquerade ball, and young Demetri settled in one of the corners, leaning against the marble wall with a cup of grape juice in hand.

Though he hated taking part in the mass dances and ceremonies, he loved watching the beautifully-dressed men and women, who seemed to be entranced in the sweet melodies and slow beats, dancing in perfect rhythm. They were like spinning toys, endlessly twirling and bowing-- and all for his enjoyment.

Then the heartrending moment arrived, when a single masked figure outshined the rest of the pretty toys. His shoulder-length silvery hair streaked with black highlights, cascading down his face, his lean frame dressed in an ivory jacket and matching pants, blue and gold stitching intricately woven. And his eyes….his captivating eyes….they were hypnotizing electric blue, speckled in yellow, the perfect match.

Demetri smiled as he recalled the very same thoughts as the boy, “What a handsome toy… I must be imagining him, he’s too perfect. Hm, I wonder what would happen if he were real.”

Once again, Demetri’s heart raced nervously when the masked figure came towards him, his face blinded by the chandelier lights, his gloved hand offered to him.  

Demetri accepted the young man’s hand, dazed, his thoughts preoccupied with the words, “He’s real…. My god, this toy is real….”

He was most certainly surprised to find that he had accepted his hand……to a slow dance.

They shared a slow dance, despite the odd and questioning looks from the other dancing men and women. Demetri recalled his anxiety of having his father, the host of the ball, seeing him dance with a handsome stranger. A young man, to make it worse.

But ever so slowly, Demetri found that the young man’s grasp on his hip, the young man’s laid-back smile, and his dazzling blue eyes, were all that really mattered at that moment. He could always face his father’s startled wrath, the guests’ heated rumors, and the disturbed suitors, and the rest of the damned people.

Right now, dancing to the strings’ lulling music and gazing at the breathtaking view of the handsome boy’s face, it was all like a fairy-tale dream.

The young man inquired, “Does it bother you that you’re dancing with a boy?” His voice neither demanding or cool, but gentle and smooth, wholly capturing the image of an angel that dropped from heaven.

Demetri smiled, remembering his hesitant, past words, “No, it doesn’t bother me at all, sir.”

“Please, Demetri Norway, call me Yuki.”

“You know my name? How is that?”

“That is a secret. Don’t forget to turn.” Demetri quickly turned, in perfect unison with the other dancers.

“Yuki…that is a beautiful name. And you even dance beautifully.”

The silver-haired boy smiled, and replied, “Thank you, I must say the same thing to you as well. Now listen to me closely. After this dance is over, go into the garden, by the fountain with the fish spouting water, and wait for me there.” The dance ended with a deafening crescendo of the strings.

After the clapping and loud babbling calmed down, the boy placed a gentle finger on Demetri’s cheek. He whispered,  “Agreed?”

“A-agreed.” was Demetri’s single reply.

Then the perfect dream shattered….. Demetri waited faithfully at the promised fountain, somewhat apprehensive of Yuki’s strange request. Suddenly, a loud explosion boomed behind him, and his eyes widened as a chain of bombs detonated inside the party house.

People screaming bloody murder, glasses crashing, the strings silenced, and rubble and debris flying everywhere, like an April shower. As if the wonderful dream was being twisted into a bloody nightmare, men covered in soot, mud, blood, and an array of cutlasses, pistols, and maces stalked towards the house, yelling coarse threats and screaming at the top of their lungs.

Once they entered the building, more screams and shrieks ensued into one haunting arpeggio.

Demetri froze on the spot, completely unable to comprehend what the hell was going on. Pirates? Why? Who—who would make them attack innocent people? His widened eyes looked everywhere, high and low, they’re must be a captain, a leader of these ruthless scamps!

Then his eyes centered on a single figure silhouetted in the moonlight, standing calmly on the 30-feet exterior wall, its gaze and body directed on the house. He had shocking, silvery hair streaked with black…. Oh no……

Then the pirates came out, having looted the house, yelling and howling triumphantly at their captain, shaking the jewels and coins they had stolen. The lone figure made a sharp motion with his left hand, and the pirates disappeared into the foliage, altogether disappearing like a mirage. Before jumping down into the dark night, the figure turned to Demetri—his bewitching blue eyes burning into his own.

Yuki…….

The past memory faded away and Demetri opened his eyes, and gasped to see that the napkin-obsessed maiden was gone and it was dark outside the window, stars twinkling and the lonely moon shining.

“Oops… I must’ve zoned out again.” He sighed, shrugged his shoulders, and left a tip for the waiter. It had been six long years since he had danced with the mysterious Pirate Prince Yuki, though it wasn’t the last he heard of him. The citizens, his father, and the oafish officers often spoke of his name; they all talked about his recent daring feats, vast plunders, and dark past.

No one knew what he really looked like, since he always hid behind a mask or a crafty costume—they just knew he had shoulder-length white hair with black streaks, lean build, and somewhere around 5’10. Nothing more, nothing less.

Demetri whistled for a carriage, and settled himself in the dark red satin cushions. He wistfully thought, “If only I could become a pirate aboard his ship….Maybe I could perchance befriend his black soul. And maybe much more.”

Suddenly, a small, white flier caught his attention as they were passing a boisterous saloon. He abruptly tugged on the service rope, and jumped off the carriage before it fully halted. Quickly, Demetri tore the sign off and read it hungrily.

“Come aboard the Snow Dryad.” He read the last part softly, a smile tugging at his rosy lips. “Yuki……must I dress like a girl to be with you? You cease to amuse me.”

He boarded the carriage again, ignoring the carriage owner’s disapproving grunts, and once again positioned himself comfortably in the plushy red cushions. He was headed for his father’s mansion, which had been rebuilt after Yuki’s treasure exploit. Oh, how his father was going to hate him for this. He hummed to the song Yuki and he danced to, as he started forming a plan inside his head.

~~La, la, la---La, la, la, la---La, la~~

In two days, he was going to meet Yuki, his first love.....

‡ In Prince Akito’s Perspecitve ‡

Curses.... Tamahome has figured out my next plan for total, utter domination of the world. By controlling the rabid raccoon and opossum population! MWUHAAAAAAAAA!

“Prince Akito, please refrain from saying your inner thoughts aloud.”

= blink = blink =  Did I just say that aloud? Did I……….hm, I guess I did.

Oh well, I can’t tell the difference, I’m either talking to him or myself. And who do I prefer? Oohh….tough question.

If I say Tamahome— I would by lying and committing a horrible sin. *flash evil grin* Aw….but I do love him, in a non-icky way, of course.

Tamahome is my  *snicker*  faithful gent-in-waiting, loyal man-servant, boot licker, eternal slave, nanny, and least importantly and lastly, bodyguard. He’s been with me since I was a wee thing, probably 10 or 11-years old. So, for the past six years, I’ve been mentally torturing him and mind controlling him….

Eheheheheheh...

Oooohhh….how I do love driving people to their very, very, very last nerve. If that’s even remotely possible. It’s one of my few weaknesses— put on a cringed, pained expression and I’ll laugh like a little, gay (literal terms) kid.

Point and laugh, point and laugh, that’s my motto for life.

My father dispatched Tamahome and me to Reseiga in hopes of gaining more friendship and brownie points for the Versualle Kingdom, my lovely home. Not to be boastful, *hehehe* but the Versualle Kingdom is the ultimate green paradise. It’s either warm sunshine or baby sprinkles of water, and the sandy, glittering beaches and palm trees provide that tropical-in-your-face feel.

It’s a large island in the middle of nowhere, like a great big oasis in the sparkling ocean. He, he, he, a steel oasis loaded with tons of bombs and weapons of mass destruction…. Like I said, I love my home.

Of course, my mother wanted me to have extra protection along this journey…you know, traveling 3,000 miles across the big blue ocean and lots of land, there’s bound to be some problems. My father on the other hand, thought it’d be a bloody brilliant idea to have this trip toughen me up and give me a first-hand experience of the real world.

I remember his exact words when I protested, “Son, it’s just an exciting escapade for you! No biggie~”

My father only allowed Tamahome to accompany me on this long, boring expedition. I don’t have the slightest clue why. He may be the best fighter and swords master in the Royal Court, but that doesn’t mean a lot. Does it? Well, it’s not listed in the Book of Akito.

Yep, I have a book that’s as thick as an elephant’s waist, called the Book of Akito, and nowhere in it does it say Tamahome is important on this journey. NOWHERE, DAMMIT!

And no biggie?

Hm…let’s see, sleeping on cold grass, steaming sand, or a wooden boat; eating bat dung, red beetles, cockroaches, and fire scorpions for lunch; battling blood-thirsty, tattooed mercenaries and camel-riding freaks that shoot poison darts at you.

No biggie~ he says,

Load of camel bullshit~ is what I say.

Back to the imminent matter at hand. We are now in sight of Reseiga, one of the most bustling ports and learning centers I’ve ever heard about. Tamahome told me a few stories about its famous governor, Mr. Something Norwagy, whose as cunning as they come, and the town’s natural magnetism for pirates and scallywags.

He says that Captain Yuki Ikeru sometimes visits the town for stock, careening [cleaning] his ship, and whatnot. Hm…the infamous Pirate Prince of the Snow Dryad, coming to a law-stricken area like this?

Preposterous! That’s like a cat and a dog mating.

Ew…I just realized what I just thought. Ew, ew…..

But I’d love to see that bad-ass Pirate Prince up close! I’ve always wondered how a snarling pirate attire would look on me. Menacing? Ferocious? Fearsome to all who gaze upon me! Hm….I like the idea. It would be a fitting image for the future ruler of the world! 

Anyhoo, from what I can see from a distance, the place is absolutely….clean. Hm…I don’t like saying that word too often, it sounds too nice for my comfort. But frankly, there’s not a dirty cloud of smoke overhead, there’s no graffiti, there’s no cries of blood murder, and—

o.O Whoa, look at all those uniformed peeps! And their uniformed horses! I must be imagining things—how can a port of such a mediocre size have that many guards and steeds? Look at them, walking around in step, bright green and white flashing me! And I’m a freakin half a mile away!

They’re not preparing for war…. Are they? Don’t suppose they’re holding a grand ceremony? Or maybe a colorful funeral? *hopeful thoughts*

I glance at Tammy, (my little pet name) and his eyes are glued to the scene that I have just described to you, his lips set in a firm line. Well, while he wastes his time ogling the little green and white people, I’ll tell you about Tammy.

He’s quite good-looking, with his long, red hair held in place in a single braid, which goes all the way down to his rear end. How I do envy it— it’s like a bright flame, especially when you look at it under the bright sun.

When I was younger, I always wondered if Tammy ignited his hair into flames to make it so red….I even tried setting his hair on fire while he was sleeping to see if it would grow redder.

He should feel honored that I, the Great One, experimented on his hair. Instead, he went berserk—for about 20 seconds, before chasing me with a wooden paddle. That is the thanks I get for helping him change his fashion statement.

But…. I still got one hell of a long lecture from Pops, and all I got from it was this: Don’t touch. Don’t burn. Don’t even think about Tamahome’s hair. Yeah~ easy for you to say, Pops.

His hair calls to me! I swear, it wants me to touch it and yes, burn it! Can’t you hear it sing?

No?

Shut up!

*Ahem* Back to describing Tammy. He acts very….

……mature, yeah that seems to be the word I’m looking for. But he’s only four years older than me. Whereas I’m 16, he’s 20-years old. See the connection?

He also has emerald-green eyes and lightly tanned skin, which is very dark compared to my pale skin. You see, he’s also my second cousin. [son of an uncle once removed]

I am constantly finding myself comparing myself to him. He’s tanned and I’m pale. He’s shorter and brawnier, and I’m taller and lankier. He’s a good fighter and I’m a good hider. He’s obsessed with strawberries dipped in dark chocolate, and I love pretzels covered in melted white chocolate. Yummies!

Ooh, important detail: I’m always right and he’s always wrong. See, we’re total opposites.

“Akito, we’re almost at the inn, why don’t you stop daydreaming and come back to reality?” Hm….how about you stop being an ass and lick my boots? I like that one much better.

“AKITO!” Fine, fine, I’ll honor you with my essence for a little bit. But only a little!

“What~ what do you want?” I can’t help but adding a hint of whininess, it’s an instinctive royal characteristic of mine. ^___^

He gives me his if-you-don’t-cooperate-I’m-gonna-eat-you glare. He’s quite good at it, I wonder if he’ll teach me how to do that.

He then sighs and slides off the smelly beast he calls a camel, and says with his deep, God-I-know-everything voice, “Wait here for a second. I’m gonna go see if there’s any vacant inns in this area. Alright?”

Psh. It’s not like I have a choice here. I ran away ONCE and caused some minor oopsies, and now he straps me to a stupid beast’s backside with a leather belt.

I. hate. Camels! I swear they have minds of their own! When Tamahome doesn’t look, the rabid monster bites my fingers and flicks me with its dratted tail! That’s not the worst part—it snorts and drools all giddy-like after it’s done degrading me!

Gr...where’s a handy pistol when you need one? Oh right, Tammy, that greedy bastard, hides them all under his pillows. Yes, Akito knows everything! Mwuhaaaaaaaaa!

Hm…maybe I can make an alliance with their Camel Queen and force them to help me take over the world.

Oh, the possibilities~ 

Soon my eyes began to wander and roam from my strategic position. Thus, I began my search of some brainless twit to torture— my favorite past-time. My little aqua eyes soon spotted an unsuspecting, drunkard taking a leak on the wall.

Hm….I have a preference for harder….more intelligent prey, but I guess now’s not the time to be picky. I rummage through my vast hunting supplies:  blankets, robes, clothes, writing utensils, maps, gold and silver coins, comb, toiletries, more stuff, and more stuff—Ah ha! My slingshot!

The predator stalks its prey silently, taking in the surroundings of the naive prey. Taking into account air resistance, velocity of the bullet, and the distance. He then adroitly aims his weapon at the prey’s big ass, I mean heart, and pulls the trigger on the count of three.

One…

Two…

Thr— “OWCH!” I glared down to the person who inflicted the damage. Tamahome, if I didn’t have this leather belt on, you’d be lovely shreds of human flesh!!! LOVELY SHREDS!

Humph, if you’re suggesting mental help, too late, I am beyond a psychiatrist’s abilities. Just ask Pops and the 23 psychiatrists that have tried to brainwash me. eheheheheheheh…

“Prince Akito, we’re in luck! I just got a letter from Governor Norway! We’ve been invited to stay at his house for the time being! C’mon, let’s get over there!”

Oh lucky-lucky joy-joy! We’re going to the weirdo Governor’s house! Yay, why don’t we go choke on some figs while we’re on it?

= blink =blink = I said that aloud, didn’t I? Oopsie.

Tamahome rolled his eyes and giddy-upped his camel and whistled for my filthy beast to follow him. We followed a cobblestone road, along its winded paths, until we reached rather foreboding iron gates.

“This places looks scary.” I remarked, as we entered the creaky place. Did I mention I don’t do too well in cemetery-like locations—you know, dark, spooky, bloodcurdling,  Governor Norway’s estate?

For the first time since I’ve arrived at Reseiga, I’m actually interested. I mean look at those marble sculptures, fishy fountains, tree designs, flowers, ACHOO!  *Sniff*  Itchy, disgusting pollen, sandy beaches, and swing benches. Not bad for a creepy estate.

And it’s not as warm and inviting as the Versualle Kingdom, but heck, I can’t have everything in life. Can I? ….Well, maybe after I rule the world.  

 And whoa—Didn’t expect that! After endless trees and blasted pollinated flowers, a huge, gray mansion stood silently before us. As if daring us to throw eggs at it— yeah, it was that freaky. Huge, arced stained glass windows and thick, forest ivy covered the mansion. All it needed was an old man playing the organ and some spider webs, and it would have been da perfect haunted house. (Notice the almighty word “da.”)

So…we’re spending our time in Reseiga in a haunted gray mansion overlooking the Reseiga Port and the sea…. Wow, I’m already getting a clear picture of what I’m gonna do once we get inside. I’ve got two words to say— mass obliteration.

Before we went any closer to the mansion, Tamahome glanced at me and I responded with an innocent smile. He seemed utterly surprised at my response, since he let a tree branch sneak up on him and wallop him in the cheek.

CRACK! 

Hehehehe… Look at that red whelp, that’s definitely going in the Book of Akito.

I did not do that on purpose! For once! Ye people of little faith!

He seemed rather pissed when he shoved my things into my arms, nearly sending me flying, and walked to the front door without waiting for me. He’s such a Royal Pain in the Tush, you know what I mean?

Ok, lemme summarize everything that happened once we entered the gray mansion.

 Boring old butler introduces himself, blah, blah, Governor Norwagy introduces himself, blah, blah, says his son will come back later, maid with owl glasses escorts us to our room—ooh, ooh, stop there!

I have to tell you about our suite.

It’s humongously insane! There’s a door that divides the large suite into two bedrooms—one distinctly smaller than the other side. There’s a seating area with a table and two chairs, a bathroom for each bedroom, a veranda overlooking the Reseiga Sea, and dammit, only ONE walk-in dressing closet.

Tamahome and I’ve compromised on the dividing of the suite. As follows: Big bedroom and seating area belongs to Tammy. Walk-in closet, veranda, and smaller bedroom belong to me.

This compromising took about two hours…and 47 minutes. Tammy can be so stubborn sometimes. Humph! As stubborn as an old, stinking camel! *^ ^ My new insult of the day*

‡ Aboard Snow Dryad ‡

A young man in his twenties with snow-white hair and black streaks, sat on the railing of his beautiful, white ship. He had his long, bare legs dangling carelessly, not minding the treacherous 50 ft. drop to the deep waters below.

He had marooned his entire crew on a godforsaken island with little bread, water, and three pistols with three flares. Hopefully, they wouldn’t turn into carnivores.

 They all turned mutinous against him, just because he had mentioned the cursed Treasure of Baberoo. The blighted treasure of a 1,000 Kings, who all perished before they could eternally seal the treasure forever. The Goddess of Whirlpools, Calypso, deadly rocks, stormy waves, and dozens of sirens supposedly guarded the Treasure of Baberoo.  

A ghostly smile spread across his lips— they were all afraid. Afraid of what they could have achieved with him as their captain. They didn’t want to die so fast and easily.

“So I left them to die on a little island all by their lonesome!” He laughed at his own joke. “I showed them what happens when you double-cross the Pirate Prince!”

But soon, the joke was part of the forgotten past, and he was still alone.

Something was beating in his cold heart, as he gazed around his empty ship, polished and devoid of life and chatter. Whether he liked it or not, he missed every one of those pirates who sailed with him. They were like brothers to him, the only thing even close to a broken family.

However, the thing he longed for the most, and hated himself for wanting, was a mother. More than anything, he wanted to know what it meant to be loved by a dear old ma. He despised the pirates that scoffed and ridiculed their mothers and other peoples’ mothers because they were nagging them for money or other typical mother-son things.

But he would never show it.

So…he came up with a clever plan. What if he recruited a crew strictly of women? And they would all learn to care for him, as he would undoubtedly learn to care for them. Who knows? Maybe he too, would learn what it means to have a dear bonnie lass.

But with every sign he sneakily tacked up, he grew worrisome.

His thoughts troubled him to no extent, “What would happen if male pirates stowed away in my ship and later threatened the life of a lassie pirate? What if I become too attached to one of the women? What if the women become too attached to me? Why the hell am I doing this?”

However, it all boiled down to one important thing: He wanted the cursed Treasure of Baberoo, and he needed a woman to open it.

§ the End of Chp. One §

AN: Yes, it took a long time to write, if you were by chance wondering. This has got to be my most ambitious story ever! So much time, soul, and blood went into this chapter! Hm…..not a lot of blood, but enough to write it here.

And there wasn’t as much shounen-ai/ yaoi as I predicted there’d be in this chapter. Sorry, I am so new at this. ___ Gomen ne!

Okay….

Brief Summary of this Chapter:

You’ve now met the notorious Miss Faye and Miss Abigail, charming Nanashi, eccentric Demetrius Norway, *cough* modest Prince Akito, and fiery Tamahome. (A little bit of Yuki too) But will these pirates be able to survive on the Snow Dryad….together?

::::Thanks for reading!::::