Kiku ran after his older brother, Yao. "Wait up brother!" he called, looking up at the older as he approached the now immobile man. Of course Yao was much taller than him, Kiku standing right at the other's chest, and he hated having to look up at the other most of the time. In fact, he was almost certain he was getting a permanent bend in his neck, if that was possible. He had no idea where Yao was taking him, just that he had been woken up earlier than usual to go somewhere. The streets of China weren't very busy, as it wasn't even noon yet, and most weren't even up for breakfast.
Then Kiku saw it; the cliff that dropped straight into the ocean, the one he'd always feared. Yao led him to almost the edge of it, and not being able to restrain himself, Kiku looked over the edge, immediately nestling into Yao for safety. "Brother, why have you brought me here?" Kiku asked, looking up at the other once more, trembling. The other looked at him reassuringly. "Don't be afraid Kiku, it's just a cliff, it can't hurt you at all," Yao started, pulling back a bit so they weren't touching, and looked at him. starting again, "but I certainly hope the water doesn't..." Kiku barely had time to register what had been said, before he was pushed off the edge, and was flying downwards in what seemed to be slow motion. He looked up at his older brother who stood at the top, smiling down at him. Brother.. why? He thought, too young to understand the elder's motives. He blinked, tears in his eyes, before he hit the water hard, and slipped away from the conscious world.
Arthur cried over the grave of his younger brother, Alfred, he had been attacked, and was so small at the time that he didn't survive. So many emotions bubbled, he felt dizzy after a while, and thought he'd black out. Standing, he went for a walk, all the while looking at his brother's home, which could have been so much, rich soil, tall trees, lots of space... Thinking about this brought more tears to his eyes, making him wonder if he hadn't left Alfred alone so much, that maybe he'd still be alive. This realization caused him to cry until his anger took over, and he reached the harbor.
He would get his vengeance, no matter what. This meant only one thing; he would resort to his old life of piracy once more. The salty smelling air threw his hair back, and brought a small smile to his face. This was the chance he had to take. The sea and himself belonged. Arthur had been born to sail every sea, every water for miles, and now, he would once more. Despite how much that side of him had scared Alfred, he looked behind him and smiled softly. "I will avenge you.." Arthur murmured.
Kiku awoke, adrift at sea, the saltwater from the fall stinging his eyes. He swam for what seemed miles, toward the speck of land he saw not too far away from his position. The sunset shone bright crimson, and by that time, Kiku felt about to black out again when he felt himself brush the shore, sore, tired and heartbroken, his damp clothing sticking to his scrawny figure. The shore felt warm, welcoming, a woman's voice called out, followed by the sound of running feet. A few whispers broke the long silence after that, of at least three people."He doesn't look like he's from here.." a woman said softly, "Probably an orphan." another, this time a man's voice murmured. "We should take him to the sensei, he usually takes in orphans like this and trains them.." the last said before he finally fell unconscious once more.
Kiku opened his eyes, pain shooting through his entire body. He looked around after recovering his sight, which had been blurry when he opened his eyes to see, and found himself in a room much like one would be back home. He started to cry, when a man slid open the door, and looked him in the eye, making Kiku dry his tears. Kiku felt uneasy, and the most he could do was just stare and then look at his lap out of embarrassment. Kiku looked back up and saw the man had closed the door, and walked forward. He straightened to face the other. "I am Akira Hiroki, I am in charge of the training of certain military branches around here. I have also been put in charge of your welfare, given that obviously no one wants you, or am I wrong?" Hiroki asked, crossing his arms and staring at Kiku, eyebrows raised.
The other had short black hair, and wore a white uniform. He also looked like the impatient sort of man, and even though he wanted to shout a bitter retort so he didn't have to face the truth, he didn't and responded immediately.
"No sir.. it's true." he whispered, biting his bottom lip. "I thought as much," Hiroki started, "you aren't going to live here for free, you'll have to contribute, so that means you'll be trained, whether you agree or not. It's a hard life of willpower, lack of emotion, intense training, and you'll have to fit chores in somewhere." The words hit Kiku like a bullet, but he said nothing. Is this my life? Is this what I'm condemned to? Then fine... At least I'll try my best.. in hopes I can rid myself of being an inconvenience. He thought, looking up, furious determination in his eyes. "Yes Sir! I agree to it! I'll endure it all until the end!" he said, even more motivated by the mocking look in Hiroki's eyes. "We'll see about that. Now rest up, training starts tomorrow." he said.
Arthur searched through his belongings, bringing out his old clothes, which he had kept, even though he had left his treachery decades ago. He pulled on the undershirt, his coat and trousers, putting on his hat and boots to finish off. He then put his sword in it's sheath, after inspecting it for a while. As he walked outside, he realized how normal it seemed, to get stared at for dressing like someone to be feared, like a pirate, like the master of the waves. He headed to the old tavern down by the docks, and looked around. He needed a crew, if he were to sail again. Of course, that would be easy to find for him. Sitting at the bar, he looked at the woman at the other end, serving another man. "A whiskey for me." he said, not giving her any sort of friendly look, given Arthur was in quite the sour mood, and one who knew him could guess why.
He must have stood out, since his clothing was indeed different than the others', probably because it was much better quality than the rags these bilge rats wore. He was then approached by the man the bar wench was serving before. He was big and bulky, also balding slightly, with beady brown eyes, a curious creature if not hideous he was indeed, he attracted Arthur's interest though.
"You don't look like someone that belongs in a tavern like this. In fact, ye' don't look like someone from here are all, more like one of them pirates that never have to even leave their ship, since they have a top notch crew to do it for 'em." he said. Arthur sighed, amusement twinkling in his eyes. He had indeed been like that once, but sadly, he'd have to work his way back to that steadily and slowly for that luxury. He leaned inward, smirking. "Sadly, no. I'm actually seeking a crew. Any suggestions?" he asked, raising his right eyebrow. The other looked surprised by how smoothly the words escaped his lips. "Aye. I do, in fact, me and a group of others are looking for a cap'n to sail with. We have experience with many, and we may not look the part, but we're more loyal than ye' think, as long as all is worth it in the end." the other whispered
. Arthur blinked, surprised. That was easy... He thought, narrowing his eyes. "It will take a lot to whip a bunch of people like you into shape, but it could happen. You have potential." he said, already able to single out parts of his crew, from the people watching their conversation. "Welcome to the command of Captain Arthur Kirkland. Get ready for it."
Kiku had been cleaning, and preparing dinner for the night, exactly four years after his first day in Japan. Sweat beaded on his brow, and the bags under his eyes grew worse as each day passed. He didn't complain though, in fact, he was under the assumption he had impressed his teacher, who didn't seem to be easily impressed. The man came home just as he served dinner, which was quite the surprise, since it was usually cold by the time he arrived home. But Hiroki was unexpectedly kind, and never yelled unless it was training, or unless Kiku had done something wrong.
Dinner was silent, as usual, until Hiroki spoke up. "You remember that pirate I've occasionally been telling you stories about, right?" he asked, giving Kiku the nonchalant stare he always had. Kiku nodded in response, excited as he felt another story around the bend. "He killed yet another today. One that goes by the name of Yao Wang, I figured you'd like to know. The victim was a citizen of China and..." Hiroki went on, but as soon as the victim's name was said, the teenager's world shattered. Brother? He's dead? But why!? Why would he be wanted dead, especially by a pirate no less?! I was the inconvenience, he didn't do anything wrong! he panicked, biting back tears. Hiroki must have noticed Kiku's devastation, because he then offered to clean up, and sent Kiku to his room, where he let his anger boil, where he planned his vengeance on the infamous Captain Arthur Kirkland. From that moment on, he trained harder, showed no emotion, and always let his wrath drive him. From then on, his childhood meant nothing, only the future.
Arthur had hit the shores of China a week ago, and was targeting his brother's killer- Yao Wang, after finally being certain it had been him. He had asked around, and had found no leads. One day he was walking back to his ship, and made his way down the street, when he heard a voice behind him. "Looking for me?" it asked. Startled, Arthur turned 'round to see Yao Wang himself, a intimidating sword in his hand, it was curved, and had rounded dips in the sides, making him think how much that would hurt. Rumor must spread fast.. he thought. "Yes. I happen to looking for you in particular. I've come to avenge my brother. Of course you know what that means, correct?" the pirate replied, earning a teasing smirk from Yao.
"If only you knew how many men have come to me saying that. Now this is the part where you try, but fail to kill me, right? Only this will be fun. I remember your's, the squealing, blond haired kid in a dress? He fought until his last breath.. can't believe he beat me.." he answered, a cocky tone to his voice. This won't be easy.. Arthur realized, unsheathing his sword. Yao smirked, stepping forward. "So I take it you want a duel?" the Chinese man asked, rolling his shoulders. "Ah, you aren't anything special, as I thought. After all, you needn't been a psychic to see that." Arthur replied. Yao struck first, swinging the sword and barely missing the Brit's head. For the first few minutes, Arthur dodged easily, until he began to tire. He's able to stay calm...and time his moves flawlessly.. at this pace he'll beat me for sure! He thought, taking a deep breath and trying to concentrate.
After a while, he was able able to slice a wound through Yao's side. He grunted, his legs faltering, and fell to the ground, blood rushing out of the wound. Arthur chuckled, approaching him, the loser, the pathetic man forcing himself to his feet, alas, he always collasped in the end. Arthur sheathed his own sword, picked up Yao's and looked it over it until Yao was lying there, having frequent spasms, pale, and short of breath. At seeing this, he smiled contently and turned to go back, knowing Yao would be dead very soon if he didn't get help. "Rest in peace, Alfred.." he murmured, heading back to the ship, back to his crew to celebrate, after long last, Alfred was avenged.
Six years later, Kiku stood in front of Hiroki, as he handed over his sword to the junior, making him commander. He wore the white uniform that matched the hue of his cheeks, and even if he should be grateful, his eyes portrayed no emotion, not even when he said his thanks, and bowed. He had been like that since that day when he received the terrible news.
Kiku was walking home, when a military officer called his name "Ca-... erm..Commander Honda Sir! Arthur Kirkland has been spotted!" he said, looking as if he had run all the way to give the news. Kiku's eyes widened, but soon narrowed with satisfaction. This was oppourtunity; Kirkland was wanted everywhere, if it were Japan that killed him, that would show power. "Is that so?" Kiku smiled. "Good, keep an eye out, you are dismissed." he said, continuing to walk. He's here? What a great day! Kiku thought, hoping he wouldn't start grinning with excitement. He turned to go to the harbor, deciding to patrol a little at this news. He passed a group of training Military officers, who were ordered to stand in attention as he passed. Walking by the group, he approached a wanted sign that was pinned to a wall. He put his hand to the poster, narrowing his eyes at the face sketched onto the paper. The man who murdered his brother smirking right back at him. He tore the paper off, crumpling it and continuing to walk. Kiku then ventured on, reaching the harbor, totally empty and paused, a chill creeping up his spine when he saw the man, practicing his shooting on wine bottles. He turned to leave, having second thoughts, since it was so easy and sudden. He was starting to think he'd got away unnoticed when he heard boots on wood, and turned, as he saw Captain Arthur Kirkland himself jump down from a large wood crate, onto a smaller one, sitting on one knee.
"Well hello there. May I ask why you were spying on me?" he asked. Kiku examined him, and found himself staring for a second, although his expression didn't change. "You're an outlaw. I have rights to kill you." Kiku replied. The blonde sighed and looked at him irritably. "Well I'm afraid that's not much of an answer.. because if you'd never run off like frightened rabbit, I would have never noticed you, and you could have killed me right there." he shot back, raising his eyebrows. Kiku sighed angrily, and watched him jump off the crate and onto the dock,"Oh well. I don't mind a good fight, unless you'd rather let me go.. I'm only here for supplies really.." he said.
Kiku's anger took over as the man's cocky first impression, and Kiku pulled out his sword, swung at him and missed. This is the man that killed Yao! he told himself, no mercy in his eyes, Arthur dodged easily, and pulled out his sword, reflecting the next swing, whipping out his gun in a flash and shot. Kiku, alarmed, jumped as high as he could as a reflex, somewhat clearing the other's head, landing on his feet. Arthur turned and their swords collided, grinding together as they each tried to push the other away. Kiku's heart raced, distracted by the criminal's deep green eyes. Kiku, on the losing end, thought that he might actually lose to his only enemy. Arthur's sword flew off somewhere, and the man fell to his knees, looking up to see the commander's sword pointed at him. "Time to go." Kiku snarled, calling two of his men to haul the loser of the fight away to prison, smirking delightfully.
Arthur was being led down a long stone corridor, lined with holding cells after being searched for weapons and being stripped down to his white dress shirt and pants, nothing more. His arms were then cuffed to the wall, where since the cuffs were so high up, he had to stand. Soon, the victor of the fight came in. Arthur was already scratched from the fight, but the whipping that followed was merciless. It stung, and then all that followed was blood. He was feeling ill by the time it ended, and he wanted to slap that smirk off of his face. "You got what you were asking for in my opinion." Kiku said, using the handle of the whip to lift Arthur's chin. "Well, it's enough for today." he observed, looking his victim over like a wild cat examining her prey and left.
He was stopped by the warden, that looked him in the eye. "He's going to be executed, we all know it.. Why not soon?" he said, looking uncertain. "Fine, but I'm letting him sit in misery for a while. Mercy isn't meant for the wicked." he replied. By the time Kiku had reached his home, he was laughing, finally able to get his revenge. "About time too!" he laughed hysterically,going to sleep happily that night. He couldn't cease the tears, and the laughter, thinking he'd go insane. Are you proud of me brother? Look what I've done! I've avenged you! he thought, laying in bed and looking at the ceiling before drifting off.
Arthur had been taken to a different cell, since blood was all over the other one, and had started to stink, making him sick. Sadly, it didn't make much of a difference, since the new one was dirtier, covered in dry blood, dust and even the skeleton of some poor man who had probably gotten on the wrong side of the crown, and the only benefit was that the cuffs were lower, and there was only one. Weeks passed, and day after day he was tortured by Kiku, each day different, more intense.
One evening he was sleeping, when a scuffle outside his cell woke him. He looked around, until his green eyes focused on Commander Honda's. He had what looked like a rosary or a locket in his hand, but what shocked Arthur was the tears streaming down his cheeks, the pirate almost felt bad for Kiku.. almost, living a life where your status meant the only place you could let out emotion was around criminals, he knew the feeling. "What's the matter?" he asked, startling the other.
"Nothing. Why do you ask?" Kiku replied, blinking away the evidence as if nothing had happened, a slender hand gloved in white wiping tears off his face as if he didn't even know he had been crying. "Be honest, don't think I didn't see your tears." Arthur mused gently. Kiku unlocked the door, and stepped inside, sitting in the far corner. "Why did you do it? Become an outlaw.. I mean." Kiku whispered, avoiding the question. Arthur raised an eyebrow and looked at him steadily, watching him tuck the object into his pocket.
"I was raised into the life. I had quit, for a while... but my kid brother was killed. Revenge was a part of what followed, and I was alone. My anger fueled me, and now that I think about it; if it weren't as intense I would have gotten revenge in another manner, and I probably wouldn't have felt I had to go back to piracy to release all the anger." he said. Kiku simply nodded. "What about you? You don't seem to belong here. Not at all." Arthur asked timidly, hoping he wouldn't set Kiku off.
"My older brother, our parents died and I became such an inconvenience to him, so much that he went as far to push me into the ocean to get rid of me.. I never forgave myself for the burden I was." he whispered, standing and walking closer, kneeling in front of him. "Why do you seem to enjoy what you do? Killing people and then taking their possessions?" he asked, although it was more of a repeated question. Arthur sighed, trying to come up with an explanation. "I like the feeling I get. From adventure, from the release of the anger I have pent up. I think most people in my place would agree. Your brother shouldn't have done that. He was supposed to take care of you. You're upset about him, aren't you?" he replied, after asking, he was struck across the face, so hard he had trouble opening his eye afterwards. He looked up to see Kiku's sword against the side of his neck. "You have no right to ask, or to judge! You killed him! It's your fault for my suffering, you killed Yao Wang, you killed my big brother!" he snarled, and instantly, Arthur knew his weak spot. He looked at the man, and found himself lost in the features, the intense emotion just accentuating them. The pain in his eyes sank his heart all the way to the frozen corner of the world.
Kiku's black hair fell over his face perfectly, and his brown eyes blazed with fire, his pale skin making them seem even more bold, just as the painful emotion had. He wrapped his free arm around Kiku's waist, and pulled him into an embrace, not caring if Kiku got angry, there was a death sentence on his head anyway. "I'm sorry...I didn't know, I didn't know how much it would hurt someone..I didn't think that killing him would been a bad thing." he whispered, eyes wide. I ruined someone else's life, just to make mine easier.. he thought guiltily, feeling him tense, hearing him gasp. At first, he thought he was done for, until he felt Kiku relax, and start to sob gently, the Asian putting a hand under Arthur's shoulder and resting it on his back to hold him in return, to show him he was forgiven.
"Run away with me Kiku.. You don't want this life, do you? We can run away together, you can be happy and we can be there for each other. We're both alone, I'll be there, I promise to protect you and you don't have to be angry anymore." he said quietly, knowing this was a big request, hearing Kiku fall silent. "What if we get caught? I know we'd get caught." he asked, pulling away, not quite ready to agree. Arthur simply smirked. "We won't, that's the trick." he said softly.
Kiku met the outlaw's gaze, glaring. He pulled away from the embrace, "No. Besides, what would I have to gain! Running off with a criminal, how foolish do I look?" he growled. Arthur couldn't believe what he was hearing at this. "You're carrying the expectations of others, you don't deserve this! You've been abhorred as much as I have!" he shot back and grabbed him by the collar, bringing Kiku to his knees again. "Yao Wang murdered my baby brother in cold blood, he wasn't even ten years old yet! Alfred had no reason to be attacked, but when I found him he was butchered like a pig! I think it's fair exchange. If anything, you're in debt to me now! You nearly killed me to add on to all my agony! To add on to my lonliness, that I've felt for almost a decade!" Arthur rambled, enraged. Kiku pulled away, and as he did, Arthur snatched the spare key from Kiku's pocket. I'll get out myself, and when I do, I'll drag you home with me. he thought, waiting until the next night, of course after the further torture, Kiku didn't come back, making Arthur feel cold, alone. If Kiku had visited him once more, he probably wouldn't have even attempted to break out, he probably would have waited for his execution in the morning.
He unlocked his shackle, and the cell, breaking the neck of the guard, stopping to think of a less deadly way he could have gotten out of that situation. He somehow managed to sneak out of the heavily guarded prison, grabbing his gun, sword, coat, hat and gloves. He pulled the gloves on as he exited, almost running into Kiku leaving the military base, probably going home.
Arthur followed, pausing as Kiku did. The black-haired man looked out at the sea longingly, before he started on again. At this Arthur knew Kiku regretted leaving him alone in the prison to die after such a gracious invitation. As they approached Kiku's home, Arthur unsheathed his sword, and hooked it around his throat, smirking. "You're coming with me." he whispered, hearing a small grunt, and then feeling the other tremble against him as Kiku realized he had no way out of this. Of course he struggled, but after a while, Arthur managed to snag the other's sword, pull out a length of twine and a handkerchief he kept.
Binding his hands together, Arthur gagged him and draped the other over his shoulder, carrying him to the ship that was docked in the cove at the far part of the island. Kiku had fallen asleep sometime around there, probably exhausted from working so hard, so he dropped him off in the Captain's quarters. "Where are we?" Kiku whispered drowsily, curling up into a small ball, tears in his eyes again, praying for this to end. "On my ship." Arthur whispered, sitting next to him and played with his hair caringly, pulling him onto his lap, holding him close "I love you." he whispered into Kiku's ear. Kiku listened to his heartbeat, having to shamefully admit he found it soothing, his warmth lulling him to sleep.
Arthur felt Kiku's breathing slow, putting him back down on the bed and putting a blanket over him. He went up to the upper deck, before being welcomed back by the crew, and explained they were to treat the newcomer with just as much kindness as they did him since he certainly didn't want Kiku to be antagonized, then entertained them by explaining the setback. By dawn, they were off again with no real heading. However, Arthur did have a feeling that he wanted to go to France, in order to collect some gambling debts, so he changed the course, and watched the sun rise, rejecting his medic's offer to tend to the wounds from his torture. He wanted to remember them until they healed, so he could make sure Kiku was happy, so Arthur wouldn't break his heart again.
Kiku awoke in a strange room, waking up instantly as he turned his head frantically, trying to figure out what had happened. He then remembered the night before. This must be his quarters... he thought, seeing Arthur sleeping on the faded sofa, which was surrounded by books on almost every side. He must not get much sleep.. He realized as he saw the pained expression on the other's face when he dreamed, trying to figure out what he was dreaming about. Standing, he walked over to the other quietly, looking at him. His blonde hair fell over his face messily, and he wore the same thing he wore when imprisoned, his hat and coat hanging on the rack next to the door, and his gloves on the desk in the far end of the room. He knelt down, brushing a stand of hair out of his eyes. He then realized his uniform shirt was gone, and all that remained was his dress shirt covering his torso and his bright white pants, stained with dirt, which wasn't surprising for him, Kiku couldn't keep clean if he tried.
After a while, he realized how odd it felt without the uniform shirt, more comfortable without it he dared to say, and now that he actually had time to care. Kiku walked over to the window next to Arthur's desk, looking out at the expansive sea. He might as well enjoy this until they could get to the next port, since killing Arthur was out of the question, and by estimation, there was no way he could make it home if he jumped out the window and swam, he wasn't that crazy either. Footsteps sounded behind him, making Kiku turn to see Arthur cornering him against the windowsill. "You're awake early.." he murmured smugly at Kiku's surprised expression, his face uncomfortably close to Kiku's.
"And this is worth saying in what way?" Kiku shot back, trying to act intimidating out of fear. It didn't work, at least not for long, because soon Kiku found his lips in contact with Arthur's, and was blushing madly. He wanted to pull away, but he was trapped, with no way out at all. He backed up, sitting down onto the windowsill, leaning against the window that curved gently outward. Arthur's hands gently traced the arch of his back through his flimsy undershirt, cold fingers slipping off the buttons of his collar. Gooseflesh formed on Kiku's entire body, forcing Kiku to finally kiss back to avoid losing whatever feeling of control he had left. His shirt hung off of one shoulder, exposing most of his delicate torso.
Light fingers ran themselves over his hips, followed by Arthur kissing down his neck. A hot tongue ran over his nipples which hardened at the slightest touch. Arthur brought his mouth back up to Kiku's lips for another kiss, this time deeper, causing Kiku to break the kiss for a long breath, and a gentle moan, tears starting to form in his eyes. "You're disgusting.. you can't simply use me as a toy.. I'm not an object for your amusement.." Kiku whimpered, panting gently as Arthur withdrew, the Asian slumping against the window. Arthur sighed disappointedly. "I'm sorry.." he murmured and left the room, leaving Kiku to tremble where he was.
Kiku pulled on his shoes and followed when he recovered, his expression blank as he began walking by Arthur's side, since he had no idea what else to do. They climbed stairs, and reached the deck, salty smelling air filling Kiku's senses and making him more alert. The view was breathtaking, the deep blue waves surrounding them on every side, blending in with the indigo sky that went on for miles and miles.
"Hey, you." a young blonde man at the wheel called to Kiku, a happy smile on his face. "Ye have any experience in steerin' a ship?" he asked, Kiku walking over to the other. "Not at all.." Kiku replied, wishing he had taken the time to learn. "Well I suppose we have time, not that hard, wanna learn?" the stranger asked, his tone almost challenging, as if he thought this would be amusing.
Kiku smiled back and nodded in return, stepping forward and putting his hands on the wheel, awaiting instruction, however, the man got behind him and guided his hands gently, his touch firm and strong, but a touch you could rely on. The Asian blushed, but didn't object, since he was having a lot of fun at the moment when he explained what to do in little words, occasionally telling him what they were doing and what for. Kiku watched the wheel spin, figuring he would learn much less if he were to be told what to do.
The wheel turned in their hands, the other giving his hands a small squeeze to signal him to let go so the wheel could turn by itself. They reached out and caught it again, Kiku relaxing a little, the lesson having a soothing effect on him. "And that's all you need to know really. To be honest, you learn more by watching than anyone can teach ya." the blonde man said, adjusting his glasses.
"I'm Jeremiah." he said after a while, holding out a hand. Kiku shook it and smiled back. "Kiku, pleasure to meet you. Thanks for showing me." the Asian said, before running over to Arthur, who had spent the last hour or so repeatedly watching them, growing even more jealous.
The ship was approaching land by nightfall, Kiku had no idea where we were going until he felt Arthur tense as they spotted the blonde man on the shore. He looked surprised at seeing us, and put on a false smile. "Hello Arthur, what brings you here?" he called out uneasily. His accent was odd, and Kiku could tell he hadn't shaved in a few days. "Where's my money Francis?" Arthur snarled impatiently. "It's long overdue." he added. Francis looked at him, confused. "But that-" he started, but stopped at seeing Kiku.
"Ah.. I see what you're trying to do. You lie, but the impression you leave tells me otherwise. Trying to turn him into one of us, like you were? I see, quite the interesting goal little brother.. So you're looking for a fight?" he paused, and waited for a reply. the Asian looked at Arthur to see him tense more, and now he was the one uneasy. "No reply? Well, it's extremly foolish to do this, but I challenge you to a duel. If you win, you get the money, and you can kill me... maybe. If I win... You leave, and never come back. he said, "That's not much of a bet on your part." Arthur replied, oblivious to the rest of the deal.
"But that's not all. I also get your little friend up there. Be glad I'm allowing you to get away with your life, you see, I've gotten better." Francis purred, only putting more stress on Arthur. "We shall see... Challenge accepted." he said to Kiku's dismay.
"Arthur no!" he heard Kiku say as the ship was being docked, and started to head toward the ramp down to his enemy, one hand on the hilt of his sword. Arthur turned and pointed a finger at him, stunning the Japanese into silence. "You. Be quiet and watch me, you're tagging along with us now, and this will be good experience for you to learn the real events in a duel. I promise it will be okay, I've never lost a duel, and I rather doubt I'll lose this time, especially to Francis Bonnefoy." he said, a hint of reassurance in his voice as he walked over, pulling him into an embrace, just in case he didn't make it at all. "I love you." he murmured, turning and starting back down the ramp, his boot hitting the stone pavement. he didn't trust that Francis would spare him his life if Arthur lost, and the look on Kiku's face told him that the other didn't either, not that he blamed him.
"Well. I should have known you'd be far too stubborn to refuse a duel with me. No problem then, But isn't it a bit too late in the day? I like my opponents fresh. Tomorrow at dawn, same place." Francis said before heading off into town, his odd little laugh following in pace. Arthur grunted, turned and headed up to the ship again, grabbing Kiku's hand and leading him inside, hearing his protests and his complaints about the Brit hurting him. "Shut up! You're not the only one here!" he growled when they got into the captain's quarters where he pressed Kiku to a wall tightly so he was pinned to the point where he could barely breathe.
"Arthur.." Kiku murmured, blushing as he squirmed. He hated being defenseless like this, he couldn't hurt Arthur, he wouldn't. Arthur knew he wanted to say more, but couldn't force the words out. That or was too afraid of him to do so, he got the message from the look his eyes portrayed, and pulled away, telling him to stay in the quarters while he went and took care of business. "I love you Kiku.. I love you so much.." he whispered soothingly before walking away. He had nothing to do at the moment, but the deep affection he felt for Kiku made him want to keep his fears away, even if... no, especially if Kiku's biggest fear was himself.
He headed for the door, and opened it, pausing before he stepped out and locked it behind him. He began to tread down the hallway when he heard Kiku pound against the door. "I lied Arthur! I lied about not wanting to come with you! But I can't let you do this! I can't lose the only one who's ever promised to not abandon me! You're the only one I've ever begun to trust!" he shouted. Arthur ignored it though, and continued walking down the corridor.
Kiku fell to his knees and leaned against the door, crying again. "I'll have to run away.. I'm an inconvienience to Arthur too, that's why he bet me.." he murmured, standing and was able to find a slim piece of metal that helped him pick the lock. He stepped out of the room and locked it behind him, running to the storage deck to grab his sword, which he found easily. Now the only challenge was to get to the top deck and off of the ship without being noticed.
He stealthily darted upstairs and hid behind some crates, thinking about if he could find a foothold on the side of the ship, or better yet, get off the ramp without being caught, but it was too late. "Kiku!" he heard from behind him and turned to see Arthur. The pirate grabbed him by the forearm, but Kiku wasn't planning on being taken away again, so he jabbed Arthur in the gut with his elbow, and sprinted past the crates, running to the edge of the ship. He paused, hearing the footsteps behind him. Without even thinking, he jumped over the side, despite Arthur's hostile commands not to. Once he hit the water, he knew it was a stupid idea, given how he felt and heard a sickening 'crack' in his shoulder as he hit the water full speed. Arthur came in after him, and landed far more graceful than Kiku had. Kiku wasn't going to give up, so despite the pain he paddled for dear life towards the shore, hoisting himself up and running, ignoring Arthur's choked pleas.
After hiding and running for at least three hours, Kiku was certain he had outrun Arthur and his men. The Asian was tired, knowing he had broken his shoulder mostly because of the intense throbbing and the fact that he couldn't even move it. "At this rate, I'll be dead by morning.." he shivered. Kiku curled up in the corner of the alleyway he was in while putting pressure to his shoulder to stay conscious, wincing at the pain. He was brought out of his blank state by the figure that appeared at the end of the alleyway. "Well look who's been whimpering like a lost dog." the figure said. Suddenly Kiku realized the yelps he had been making, drawing his sword, he simply growled defensively. "Get away." he snarled. The figure backed away and simply disappeared around the corner, allowing Kiku to return to his painful process.
Morning light reached Kiku, who had made a temporary sling out of his shirt, roaming the city streets to avoid the men Arthur had scattered to find him. He was walking down the streets, the hot Summer sun burning him terribly. Thankfully he seemed to blend right in, with the ill and wounded peasents who roamed the streets.
Two young men such as himself ran down the street, purposely knocking him over when they passed, Kiku getting splashed with dust. He simply sighed, using his good arm to prop himself up. "Need a hand?" a calm voice said behind him. Kiku knew it was of no used looking, since dust clouded his vision, burning his eyes. "Yes please.." he said wearily, a hand grabbing him by the wrist and pulling him to his feet.
"There you go!" he said cheerfully, beginning to walk away until he turned, Kiku feeling a sort of studied gaze on him. "Do I know you?" he asked. "I don't think so, thank you for helping me though..." Kiku replied, finally able to get the dirt out of his eyes to see a young man looking much like Jeremiah, without the freckles and unlike Jeremiah, this one was relaxed, almost lazy looking. A long blonde piece of hair stuck up at the front of his wavy blonde locks, making his smile even more ditzy looking than it would without it. "No problem." he said before leaving.
Kiku continued, finding shelter in an old, abandon house, wheezing with fever as he lay there. I survived longer than I have intended to. he thought, trembling softly as he felt tears come. The salty liquid cooled his cherry red cheeks, making him wonder why he was crying, he was trained to hold out longer. Maybe it was because he had let his guard down for one day, in order to let Arthur in. Whatever the reason, it didn't occupy his mind long, because barely five seconds passed before he was asleep, trying to rest so he could guard himself in the night.
That night, Kiku did the same as before. This time he muffled his whimpers by removing his makeshift sling and biting on it. A shadow appeared in the doorway, the same figure who came to him the night before. He simply didn't have the strength this time to threaten, he just lay there.
The figure drew closer, Kiku whining to himself when he realized even if he wanted to defend himself, that he couldn't. The figure stepped into the light to reveal none other than Francis Bonnefoy. "Are you hurt? You shouldn't just run away, you can easily get lost, or mugged here." he said, looking over at a stunned Kiku with honest eyes. "You broke your shoulder?" he murmured, shaking his head disapprovingly. "I jumped from the side of the ship, they would have caught me and locked me up again.." Kiku argued with a distrusting glance, making Francis give him a small smile. "I will say, in your defense that being locked up with Arthur puts a damper on anyone's mood. Now if you come with me, I can get your shoulder wrapped up." he offered. Kiku shook his head, not failling for any tricks, if it was a trick.
"I'm too smart for that." he growled, beginning to raise his blade and stand, but Francis was quicker, and was able to slice a deep wound into Kiku's side before Kiku could move. "I should've known you weren't going to fall for that.." he sighed, shaking his head. " A pity, truly. I suppose I'll just take you by force." the Frenchman said. "You have a dead or alive bounty on your head, I plan to collect. I was going to harbor you, of course.. not for free." the Frenchman chuckled gently, a sly look in his eyes, "But I'd rather get my reward in terms of money now that I think about it.." he mused, shrugging.
Kiku could only dodge his attacks, struggling for an opening in order to attack. He grew exhausted again quickly, the blood oozing down his side distracting him with it's rancid smell. Kiku thought he had finally gotten the blonde where he wanted, when all of a sudden Francis lunged forward, dodging Kiku's blad and slammed him against the wall of the alleyway, sword flying just barely out of reach. Kiku almost yelped in alarm but Francis muffled it with his hand, feeling his shoulder shatter into a million more pieces.