The cell was dark and damp, the distance sound of hearty laughter echoing off the barren walls. The constant rocking was beginning to make him sick, and his head was spinning.
He cursed softly, shifting to try and give himself better comfort, but to no avail. He grimaced at the light clacking of the shackles around his ankle. He closed his eyes, ignoring the nausea that washed over him as he did. He let out a long sigh, trying to count how many hours he'd been there.
His stomach made a growl of discontentment, and he sighed louder. He bit his lip, wondering briefly if this was where he was fated to die. But he quickly shook his head, and though he regretted the vigorous movement, he had to think positively. He would make it, his brother would come and save him.
Right?
A sudden opening of the door roused him from his thoughts, and he opened his eyes to gain a better look at the person who'd entered. He mustered a brave face, ready to look death in the eye if he had to.
The man looked down at him with kind, almond colored eyes and gave him a sweet smile. He was rather short, with sleek, black hair. He opened the cell door with a loud creak, and stepped inside, bending down with a different key in hand. He unlocked the shackles around his ankles.
"Captain wishes to see you... he said a heavy foreign accent dotting his tongue.
His eyes flashed then, a bit fearfully. "Do not go against him. Do not speak unless he permits you to do so. Do not fight him and you'll live through the night."
The man ushered him to follow as he walked out. Upon leaving, the moonlit deck was almost peaceful, yet his heart pounded wildly, and he still felt as if he were going to vomit.
Their feet clattered along the deck, but they soon entered the main cabin. They made a turn to the left, and at the end of the hall, he knocked on the door.
"Captain...I've brought him."
For a moment, no response was received, but shortly thereafter, another heavily accented voice answered.
"Send him in."
The man turned back to him, and mumbled softly. "Please, take my advice."
He walked away quickly, and taking a deep breath, he entered.
At first, no one actually seemed present in the room. But upon entering fully, a figure stood up, turning to him.
He was tall, but not overly so, with tangled, choppy blond hair. His emerald eyes were fierce, twinkling with mischief and confidence. He wore a long, ruby colored coat that swayed majestically with his step. His hat was ornate, feathers and beads spewing off the top. His smirk practically gleamed with pride. His laced up boots patted lightly on the wooden floor as he approached him.
"So...this is the spoils of last night's raid...tell me, what's your name?"
No response was given, and in turn was answered with a hard glare that clearly said, "I'm not telling you anything."
The captain scoffed lightly, and cupped the boy's chin between his pointer finger and thumb, forcing him to meet his eyes.
"I don't fancy repeating myself, but I ask again, what's your name, love?"
"Matthew..." he replied quietly, disdain still in his voice, even at the low volume.
The emerald orbs analyzed him for a moment, until he finally said, "Matthew, aye? Well Matthew, you do know why you're aboard my ship, correct?"
Matthew didn't answer. He honestly didn't know.
"Not sure? Oh come now. You must have at least an idea, hm?" he purred, tracing a finger along his cheek. He almost pulled away, but remembered the warning of the man before, and held his ground.
"I...haven't a clue..." he muttered, averting his eyes.
The captain clicked his tongue, and turned around, folding his arms behind his back and gazing out the window.
"You're here because I believe you're kin to a certain Alfred F. Jones, am I correct?"
Matthew swallowed heavily. So that's why. He wanted Alfred. He cursed silently, he knew that the pirate hunting business would get them in trouble someday.
"I asked a question, and I expect an answer."
"What are you going to do to Alfred?" he demanded suddenly, but he regretted it instantly.
The pirate turned on him sharply, his gaze narrowing dangerously as he walked back over to him. He emitted an aura that nearly suffocated him. Matthew began to back away, but he was yanked forward.
"Excuse me, you little brat? Are you demanding something of me? Just what position are you in to be making demands, boy?" he snarled, grabbing his collar and squeezing tight.
"I...I...desole..." Matthew gasped, trying his best to pardon himself.
To his relief, he was released, but it was short lived. Only seconds later, he was struck hard across the face. Not expecting the impact, Matthew stumbled backwards, touching his stinging cheek.
"Don't you dare speak that...filthy language in my presence, do you understand me?" he growled, and Matthew nodded.
The captain turned again, and spoke more commandingly. "You will address me as Captain Kirkland, now, get out of my sight before I decide to punish you."
Matthew scurried out, and let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.
"Maple..." he murmured.
"I'm glad to see you are well..."
He turned, and saw the man from before. He titled his head as if asking him to follow, which Matthew did.
Inevitably, he was brought back to the cell.
"What's going to happen to me? Am I going to die?" Matthew asked gently, almost as if he knew the answer already.
"Perhaps...but don't dread it. He may spare you...but I fear that if that were the case...then you'd likely wish you were dead."
He didn't like the sound of that at all. But the man offered no elaboration and instead said, "My name is Kiku Honda."
Matthew nodded, and mustered a small smile. Kiku bowed his head before leaving.
Here he was, along again.
Questions swirled around his head. Questions he knew not the answers to. But only one stuck out as the rocking of the ship continued, and his eyelids began to droop.
Alfred, where are you?
SO. Since there really isn't enough Maple Tea fanfictions, I've decided to write my own, LEGIT one for them, and not an RP XD
This story is actually completed, and if all goes well, I shall post the rest here ^^
Read and review~?
-IchigoMelon
