Right! So, as I mentioned in an end note for one of my other fics I'm currently working on, I've started preparing a few of my other works for posting, and this is the first I decided to release. I'm particularly found of this piece and hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I am enjoying writing it, even if it does give me troubles at times.
Anywho, its rated M. I'm sure most of you know what that might possibly entitle. Oh yeah, I don't own. So really there's no need to sue.
So, enjoy. And please, review. It does encourage me and helps me decide to update faster. If you post I'm sure you understand the thrill of hearing someone's thought about your work.
The deck was deserted, with the exception of the man on watch and one small boy. A song filled the air, too soft to be heard by the guard at the back of the ship, joining the soft lapping of sea water and creaking of straining wood.
My heart is pierced by cupid
I disdain all glittering gold
There is nothing can console me
But my jolly sailor bold
"Those are siren calls, lad." A soft voice broke through the melody. Startled the small child jumped, turning around hurriedly. Innocent, lavender eyes collided with startling wine red. The elder chuckled softly, petting soft silver strands before facing the sea again. Slowly the boy followed suit. "And lyrics fit more for young lasses."
"Sir?" the boy asked the fear of being berated for his nightly wanderings clear in his young voice.
"Your mama would be worried if she woke to find your bed unoccupied." The brunette continued, watching the dark skies begin to lighten. The boy fidgeted besides him. "I shall not speak of your adventure lad, fear not."
After youthful consideration the boy nodded and resumed his place at the ship's railing, standing on the tips of his toes to gain a clearer view. "You promises, right sir?" the youth asked with boyish charm only a child of his age could manage. The elder chuckled.
"I promise." he smiled, watching the boy stare in fascination at the waters below them. "Might I inquire as to your reason for being out of bed so late, or should I say so early?"
The boy pointed over the railing to the waves. "I wanted to watch." He explained. "Mama will not allow me near, and papa warned me to stay clear of the sailors way, so I can't watch during the day."
"Ah, you are right." The man smiled. "Are the waves so fascinating?"
The boy nodded, eyes never leaving the water below. "What is mister doing up?" he asked a few minutes later, casting the brunette a glance before returning to his previous ministrations.
"Ah, I love the calming of the sea. Watching the sun rise over the waves." He watched the boy curiously. "The sea has always called to me."
"Will the sea call to me too?" the boy asked. The elder laughed softly, smiling at the naïve child.
"I believe she already has. If you listen hard enough, one day you'll understand." The child frowned, but did not complain with the vague answer. "What is your name, child?"
"Zero." The child answered.
"A very unique name, as unique as you are I'll wager." When the boy looked at him curiously he fingered a lock of the child's hair. "Your hair and eyes, I've never seen them before."
"They are not so unique." The boy frowned. "Ichi-Chan has them too."
"Ichi-Chan?" the man asked.
"My Otouto. I'm older." He affirmed. "What's your name?"
"Kuran. Kaname Kuran."
"Kaname," the boy murmured, testing the name out for himself. "You're Japanese?" Kaname nodded.
"Papa's Japanese." The boy said, watching the waves again. "Mama's French." They fell into silence, Kaname watching the boy watching the water. As the skies continued to lighten the child stared in awe of the sunrise.
"Zero! Zero, oh lord where are you!" a frightened female voice called, breaking the silence. Kuran turned around, catching the maiden's frantic eye. He motioned to the boy besides him and her face was flooded with relief as she hurried over.
"No harm came to him, misses." The brunette assured her in a low voice. "I kept an eye on the lad. Don't be to hash on him, the sea's call is a hard thing to ignore." Sighing the proud woman nodded, keeping an eye on the eldest of her twins.
"Oh Zero, you know better than to wander off." She said, catching the boy's attention for the first time.
"Mama!" It took every ounce of control for Kuran not to laugh at the boy's contrite tone though he managed with only the barest hint of a smile.
"Come, you must stay where I might keep an eye on you. Your father has business with the captain today and your brother is not well enough to come out. You can play in the cabin."
The boy nodded, too respectful to argue over a fate he most obviously was not thrilled over. "If I may be so bold, madam," Kaname started, bowing his head a bit. "I have no business to attend to this day. The lad is welcome to stay under my watch." The blond noble lady looked hesitant so he smiled softly. "I can promise no harm will come to the boy, and it would be less for yourself to worry over while attending to your other son."
"Well, if you are certain. I do not wish my Zero to burden such a kind young man."
"It is no burden at all, madam."
"Alright then." She relented and the boy's face lit up with joy. "You listen to this young man now, you hear?" she said sternly. The child nodded in excitement. "If he's any trouble at all, just send him to the cabin."
"I'm sure he'll be perfectly well behaved." Kaname smiled, watching the boy trying to contain his excitement. "I'll keep him out of trouble."
Nodding the woman turned and walked swiftly back to the cabins, deftly dodging the crew which had begun to surface on deck as the sun crested the horizon. "Thank you Mister." Zero said softly, turning to look at him with bright eyes.
"Think nothing of it lad. I could use the company." The brunette smiled. "Come, there is much more to see. I happen to have befriended the helms master. Perhaps he may allow you to help steer the ship."
Nodding the boy followed. His excitement still showed, but was carefully hidden behind a fine mask all the nobility wore. Even at such a young age the child managed to appear poised and contained. He would grow into a fine young man.
Kuran found himself guarding over the boy for the next several days, teaching him of the sea and the ship they sailed upon. The child was a quick learner with an inquisitive mind. It felt a shame when they reached the first port to depart from such a mind.
"Thank you, Sir." The boy whispered, watching as the guards unloaded and loaded cargo. Kaname smiled at the boy gently.
"It was my pleasure. You'll grow into a fine man one day." he knelt in front of the boy, taking what appeared to be a trinket from his pocket. "I've something for you, if it is too your liking."
The boy watched him curiously as he opened his hand, revealing a medium-sized medallion hanging from a chain. Intricate lines and words of a language the boy could not understand covered the lacquered front, looking like a cut out from a map.
"This medallion is very important to me." Kaname continued, unclasping the chain and holding it up. "Will you promise to keep it safe and never allow it to leave your sight?"
"I cannot sir. It is too precious for a child." Zero protested.
"Nonsense. It is perfect for a young lad such as you." Carefully he clasped the chain around the boy's neck, laying the pendant on his chest. "We will meet again young Zero. Of that I am sure. Promise me you'll take care."
The boy nodded, trying and failing to keep the sadness from his eyes. Kaname stood, petting the soft silver locks one last time. "I must go child, they will be leaving soon, and I can go no further."
The boy nodded softly, gently holding the pendant between his hands. Kaname could feel large lavender eyes following him as he crossed the deck and descended to the docks bellow. He turned as the ship pulled away, meeting lavender eyes one last time. Smiling he tilted his hat to the boy and turned away. The eyes never left him, continuing to watch long after he and the land had disappeared from view.
So I hope you enjoyed this first chapter. Don't forget to review! and keep an eye open for more updates!